Page:The Garden of Romance - 1897.djvu/22

10 much better, congratulated me on my recovery, and took their leave.

"Friday morning being arrived, the old lady came whilst I was dressing, and making choice of the handsomest dress my wardrobe contained, 'I do not ask you.' said she, 'how you find yourself; the occupation you are engaged in sufficiently convinces me of what I am to think; but will not you bathe before you go to the principal cadi's?' 'That would take up too much time,' replied I; 'I shall content myself with sending for a barber to shave my head and beard.' I then ordered one of my slaves to seek one who was expert in his business, as well as expeditious.

"The slave brought me this unlucky barber, who is here present. After having saluted me, he said, 'Sir, by your countenance you seem to be unwell.' I replied that I was recovering from a very severe illness. 'I wish God may preserve you from all kinds of evils,' continued he, 'and may His grace accompany you everywhere.' 'I hope He will grant this wish,' said I, 'for which I am much obliged to you.' 'As you are now recovering from illness,' resumed he, 'I pray God that He will preserve you in health. Now tell me, what is your pleasure; I have brought my razors and my lancets; do you wish me to shave, or to bleed you?' 'Did I not tell you,' returned I, 'that I am recovering from illness? You may suppose then that I did not send for you to bleed me. Be quick and shave me, and do not lose time in talking, for I am in a hurry, and have an appointment precisely at noon.'

"The barber employed a great deal of time in undoing his apparatus, and preparing his razors; and then,