o that eye also.

"If you insist upon it I will do it," answered the dervish, "but you
must remember what I told you just now--that if it touches your right
eye you will become blind on the spot."

Unluckily, in spite of my having proved the truth of the dervish's
words in so many instances, I was firmly convinced that he was now
keeping concealed from me some hidden and precious virtue of the
ointment. So I turned a deaf ear to all he said.

"My brother," I replied smiling, "I see you are joking. It is not
natural that the same ointment should have two such exactly opposite
effects."

"It is true all the same," answered the dervish, "and it would be well
for you if you believed my word."

But I would not believe, and, dazzled by the greed of avarice, I
thought that if one eye could show me riches, the other might teach me
how to get possession of them. And I continued to press the dervish to
anoint my right eye, but this he resolutely declined to do.

"After having conferred such benefits on you," said he, "I am loth
indeed to work you such evil. Think what it is to be blind, and do not
force me to do what you will repent as long as you live."

It was of no use. "My brother," I said firmly, "pray say no more, but
do what I ask. You have most generously responded to my wishes up to
this time, do not spoil my recollection of you for a thing of such
little consequence. Let what will happen I take it on my own head, and
will never reproach you."

"Since you are determined upon it," he answered with a sigh, "there is
no use talking," and taking the ointment he laid some on my right eye,
which was tight shut. When I tried to open it heavy clouds of darkness
floated before me. I was as blind as you see me now!

"Miserable dervish!" I shrieked, "so it is true after all! Into what
a bottomless pit has my lust after gold plunged me. Ah, now that my
eyes are closed they are really opened. I know that all my sufferings
are caused by myself alone! But, good brother, you, who are so kind
and charitable, and know the secrets of such vast learning, have you
nothing that will give me back my sight?"

"Unhappy man," replied the dervish, "it is not my fault that this has
befallen you, but it is a just chastisement. The blindness of your
heart has wrought the blindness of your body. Yes, I have secrets;
that you have seen in the short time that we have known each other.
But I have none that will give you back y