Page:Three crump twin brothers of Damascus (1).pdf/13

Rh a sabre four fingers broad and threatened to cut off his head it he did not obey that moment, he was forced to take up the load and go in company with the other two, whereof one seemed a slave, and the other a fisherman. They had not walked ten streets when they came to a little door, which was presently opened by an old woman: they passed through a long passage very dark, and arrived at last into a magnificent hall: but what was the porter’s amasement, when by the light of above forty tapers with which it was illuminated, he saw the crooked brothers he had thrown into the Tygris, two of whom were upon the shoulders of the slave and the fisherman, and the third upon his own head; he was seized with such terror, that he began to shake all over his body He was more thoroughly convinced than ever, that so extraordinary a thing could be imputed to nothing but conjuration: but recovering little from his fright.

The Devil take this cursed crump backed, one- eyed son of a whore, cried he in a very comical tone, I believe I shall do nothing all night but throw him into the river, and not get rid of him at last, the rascal was so malicious to come back again twice to hinder me from having the sequins the cutler woman promised me; and here I find him again, with two others besides, not afarthing better than himself. But, sir, continued he addressing himself to him that seemed the master of the house, lend me, I beseech you that sabre of yours but for a moment; I will only cut off their heads, and then go throw them all three into the Tygris, to see if they ill follow me again. I am so horrid unlucky to day, that I am sure the Devil will carry them back either to the cutler’s house or mine, do what I will.

The porter having finished this speech of his,