Grand Vizier, said:

"I appoint Kaseem to be the Court Barber; see that he has robes and
utensils given him suited to his office, and pay him every month a fee
of one hundred dinars."

The Caliph, having ordered further an immediate present of a thousand
dinars to be given to Kaseem, sent him away very well satisfied.

Haroun next commanded Giafer to prepare in the splendid house and
garden which had belonged to Abou Hassan, the Fortunate Merchant, a
great banquet and entertainment to be given that evening, and to which
Sidi ibn Thalabi and his brother-in-law, Abraha, were to be invited by
Hamad and Yussuf, the names assumed by himself and Giafer. All those
who were invited to meet Sidi ibn Thalabi were informed that it was
Haroun's pleasure to give this entertainment in the assumed character
of a merchant, and that he would be known and was to be addressed as
Hamad, and Giafer as Yussuf.

Among the guests were Murad Essed, the Unfortunate Merchant whom Haroun
had met, and whose story he had heard in this very house.

Murad Essed, like Sidi ibn Thalabi and Abraha, knew Haroun only in his
assumed character as a merchant. There were, however, other guests who
were very well acquainted with both the Caliph and the Grand Vizier.
There was, for instance, the singer and composer, Ishak ibn Ibrahim el
Mosili, a great favourite of Haroun's; and the blind poet, Abu
'Atahiyeh, with several others.

The splendid saloon, with its open arcade on one side, looking out over
the charming central garden, held on this evening a very merry party.
Never since the time of its late owner, Abou Hassan, the Fortunate
Merchant, had it beheld a scene so gay.

The banquet was varied and well served, the wines of the rarest
vintages, and the hours passed speedily and pleasantly enough,
enlivened by a constant succession of tales and songs.

Murad Essed was the first that was called upon by Haroun as the host to
relate a story to the company.

"Murad Essed," said Haroun, "there are, I think, none here present
beside you, myself, and my friend Yussuf, who are acquainted with the
story of Abou Hassan, the Fortunate Merchant, the former owner of this
house. Will you, therefore, oblige us by relating it to us?"

When Murad Essed had, in response to this invitation, related the story
of the Fortunate Merchant and his tragical fate, Haroun addressed
himself to Abu 'Atahiyeh, and said: "Abu 'Atahiyeh, do you now compose
a few verses, and I