from Basra in order to
speak to the caliph on matters of consequence. Unfortunately we
arrived here too late. He celebrates a festival for a new slave whom
he has received into his harem: and we were obliged to quit the palace
without succeeding in our object. We had hoped to be allowed to sleep
quietly in the outer court of the palace until to-morrow; but this
hospitality is no longer permitted, as they fear the safety of the
caliph might be endangered. We have already been walking about for
more than an hour to find accommodation in an inn. I am the oldest,
and am most weary,--permit me, therefore, to rest myself at your side;
my companions will perhaps be more successful in their search."

"I regret," said Ali, "that this evening I am disposed to any thing
rather than to entertaining people by my conversation. But if you will
go to my father's house (telling him at the same time where he resided)
he will receive you hospitably, and will feel pleasure in entertaining
you during your stay in Bagdad. Come with me and I will show you the
way. It is, moreover, not safe for us to loiter any longer about the
streets, for the constables of the cadi have orders to arrest every one
whom they meet after a certain hour."

"Why, we have nothing to fear from them to night," replied the dervish,
"as they are making merry at the cadi's expense, in consequence of the
great fortune which his daughter has met."

"What do you mean by that?" asked Ali.

"Why," replied he, "have you not heard that she has been given to the
caliph, and that the festival is celebrated on her account? If the
love she has kindled in the caliph, when he saw her for the first time,
is of lasting duration, she may entertain the hope of becoming one of
his most favourite wives."

"Impossible!" cried Ali.

"It is quite true," said the dervish.

"Then," exclaimed Ali, "I must speak to the caliph. He must restore
her to me! I will strike down the guards if they offer to prevent my
entrance. I will murder the caliph, and then her and myself----"

"Young man, you are mad! Would you murder the Commander of the
Faithful? The mere utterance of such a design is high treason."

"I go," cried Ali, half frantic, "I can die with Gulhyndi, but not
survive her dishonour and my own."

"What dishonour?" asked the dervish. "Can it be any thing but the
highest honour for her to rest in the arms of Haroun al Raschid?"

"Heaven and earth!" said Ali, as he