it the same offence. The poor slave fell at
Umraw-layas's feet, and said: "Whatever may befall me, if thou approve
of it, it is so far proper. What plea can a vassal offer against his
lord and master's decree?--Nevertheless, inasmuch as I am the nurtured
gift of this house, I could not wish that on the last day's reckoning my
blood should stand charged to your account. If, at all events, you are
resolved to put this your slave to death, let it be done with a plea of
legality, that you may not be censured at the day of resurrection." The
king asked, "How can I set up a legal plea?" He replied, "Issue your
command that I may kill the vizir, then give an order to put me to death
in retaliation for him, that you may kill me according to law!" The king
smiled and asked the vizir, "What is your advice in this case?" The
vizir said, "O sovereign of the world! I beg, for the sake of God, that
you will manumit this audacious fellow as a propitiation at the tomb of
your forefathers, lest he also involve me in calamity. The fault was on
my side, in not doing justice to the saying of the wise, who have warned
us:--'When thou didst enter the lists with a practised slinger, in thy
want of skill thou exposest thine own head to be broken. When thou didst
discharge thine arrow at thy antagonist's face thou shouldst have been
upon thy guard, for thou hadst become his butt.'"

XXIV

King Zuzan had a minister of a generous spirit and kindly disposition,
who was polite to all persons while present, and spoke well of them when
absent. One of his acts happened to displease the king, who put him
under stoppages, and in rigorous confinement. The officers of the crown
were sensible of his former benefits, and pledged to show their
gratitude of them. Accordingly, whilst under their charge, they treated
him with courtesy and benevolence, and would not use any coercion or
violence:--"If thou desirest to remain at peace with a rival, whenever
he slanders thee behind thy back speak well of him to his face. The
perverse man cavils for the last word; unless thou preferest his bitter
remarks, make his mouth sweet."

Of the charge against him at the king's exchequer, part had been
adjusted according to its settlement, and he remained in durance for the
balance. A bordering prince sent him underhand a letter, stating, "The
sovereign of that quarter has not appreciated such worth, nay, has
dishonored it, and with us it bore a heavy price. If the precio