Page:The Thousand And One Days - 1892 - Volume 1.djvu/28

 the former thank Heaven that they were born in your dominions, and that the latter congratulate themselves upon having left their native country to come and live here under your jurisdiction.'

Haroun was hurt at these words. He gazed proudly upon his vizir, and asked him whether he knew anyone to be compared to him in generosity. 'Yes, my lord,' replied Giafar; 'there lives in the town of Bassora a young man called Aboulcasem. Although a private person, he lives with more than royal magnificence; and, not excepting your majesty, no prince in the world is more generous than he.'

The caliph flushed at this speech, his eyes sparkled with rage. 'Do you know,' he said, 'that a subject who has the audacity to lie to his master deserves death?'

'I advance nothing but what is true,' replied the vizir. 'On the last journey I made to Bassora, I saw this Aboulcasem. I went to his house. My eyes, although accustomed to your treasures, were surprised at his riches, and I was charmed with his generous ways.'

At these words the impetuous Haroun could