fraternity, whose manners were correct
from piety, and minds disciplined from probity. An eminent prince
entertained a high and respectful opinion of the worth of this
brotherhood, and had assigned it an endowment. Perhaps one of them
committed an act unworthy of the character of dervishes; for the good
opinion of that personage was forfeited, and the market of their support
shut. I wished that I could by any means re-establish the maintenance of
my friends, and attempted to wait on the great man; but his porter
opposed my entrance, and turned me away with rudeness. I excused him
conformably with what the witty have said:--"Till thou canst take an
introduction along with thee approach not the gate of a prince, vizir,
or lord; for the dog and the doorkeeper, on espying a beggar, will the
one seize his skirt and the other his collar."

When the favorite attendants of that great man were aware of my
situation, they ushered me into his presence with respect, and offered
me the highest seat; but in humility I took the lowest, and said:
"Permit that I, the slave of the abject, should seat myself on a level
with servants."--The great man answered, "My God, my God! what room is
there for this speech? Wert thou to seat thyself upon the pupil of mine
eye, I would court thy dalliance, for thou art lovely."

In short, I took my seat, and entered upon a variety of topics, till the
indiscretion of my friends was brought upon the carpet, when I said:
"What fault did the lord of past munificence remark, that his servant
should seem so contemptible in his sight? Individually with God is the
perfection of majesty and goodness, who can discern our failings and
continue to us his support." When the prince heard this sentiment he
subscribed to its omnipotence; and, with regard to the stipendiary
allowance of my friends, he ordered its continuance as heretofore, and a
faithful discharge of all arrears. I thanked him for his generosity,
kissed the dust of obeisance, apologized for my boldness, and at the
moment of taking my leave, added: "When the fane of the Caabah, at
Mecca, became their object from a far distant land, pilgrims would hurry
on to visit it for many farsangs. It behooves thee to put up with such
as we are, for nobody will throw a stone at a tree that bears no
fruit."

XVIII

A prince inherited immense riches by succeeding to his father. He opened
the hand of liberality, displayed his munificence, and bestowed
innumerab