leasing
anticipations, and changing his dress took out his basket and pitcher,
returning loaded more than usual, for having gained forty-two dirhems he
resolved to indulge himself. "By Allah," cried he, "I will double my
allowance, to the confusion of those rascally Moussul merchants, who are
such birds of ill omen." He accordingly expended double the money,
doubling also his allowance of wax tapers and oil, so that his house was
in a blaze of light when he sat down as usual to his feast, more happy
than ever, drinking more, and singing twice as loudly as he had ever
done before.

Leaving him to his solitary revels, we must observe that the caliph had
ascertained that Yussuf had received the bastinado; and now making sure
that he would be without provisions or wine, he resolved to pay him
another visit. "I think, Giaffar, that I have at last sent that rascal
to bed supperless in return for his calling me an infidel; and I must go
and enjoy his wrath and indignation, increased of course by the pain of
the blows he has received by the order of the cadi." In vain did
Giaffar represent that it would be attacking an angry and wounded lion
in his den; that his wrath would be such, and his strength was so
enormous, that they could not expect less than annihilation should they
venture to his door. "All that may be true," replied the caliph; "but
still I will go and see him at all risk."

"I have my dagger, Commander of the Faithful," observed Mesrour, "and I
fear him not."

"Use it not, Mesrour," replied the caliph. "Get ready the dresses and
let us depart."

"I venture to promise that we shall see no more lights this time, except
it may be a solitary lamp to enable him to bathe his wounded feet."

They went forth, and on their arrival were astonished at the blaze of
light which proceeded from Yussuf's apartments; his singing also was
more clamorous, and he appeared to be much intoxicated, crying out
between his staves, "I am Yussuf! confound all Moussul merchants--my
trust is in God!"

"By the sword of the Prophet!" exclaimed the caliph, "this fellow
baffles me in every thing. Have I not made the whole city
uncomfortable, and submit to decrees which appeared to be promulgated by
a madman, merely to chastise this wine-bibber, and behold he revels as
before? I am weary of attempting to baffle him; however, let us find
out, if possible, how he has provided for his table. What, ho! friend
Yussuf, are you there? H