Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Basem; Or, The Blacksmith. An Oriental Apologue.
0 large cone of thick paper with a variety of dry sweetmeats , while in another paper he put twenty drachms . Returning tcrBasem he addressed him thus , " My lord , I humbly request that you would deign to accept of this trifling present of sweetmeats now laid before you , and that you would favour me with your protection . For some days : past trade has gone badly , but in a day or two it will mend , and I shall then be able to
bring the whole sum at once ; for you well knowthat if I should offer only part of the amount , the consequence would be imprisonment and the bastinado . I must therefore intreat from your kindness and generosity , that you would dispense with my going with you this blessed day , and carry this paper of sweetmeats to your little childrenand not refuse this containing twenty
, paper , drachms , for the expences of a bagnio . " The moment the sound of twenty drachms struck the ear of Basem ,, he found himself much disposed to serve Otman ; and having sagacity enough to perceive , from what the chief of the bildars had said on giving him the order , that the pretended debt was unfounded , and only a pretence for putting some drachms in his Docket : esneciallv as
the chief of the bildars had told him plainly not to bring the confectioner in case he behaved to him with propriety , he spoke to Otman with great civility , who returned his compliments tenfold " Mallim Otman , " added he , ' " my advice to you is , that you do not go out of your door to-morrow , nor the day after , nor this week , nor in this month , nor in this year ; and when this year shall be finished , there will be for
no necessity your going to the palace . " This affair being settled , Basem , with the sweetmeats in his hand , walked homewards , it being nearly sun-set ( Mugreb ) . " I am Basem , my provision is from God ! What foll y it was to think of leaving Bagdat ! Where could I have been so well ! Tins morning , " saidJie ( conversing with himself ) , " five drachms , in the afternoon twenty , make in all twentfivethen
y ; raising his eyes to heaven , " Oh my God I do , not permit Basem to expire in any profession ^ but that of a bildar I 1 shall every day be employed as God may please to direct . But by the secrecy of Ullah ! I will make no change in that way of life to which I have been uninterruptedfy accustomed for these twenty years ; and why should I , now that I am possessed of twenty-five drachms ' besides a lucrative office ? " *
_ Engaged wholly in these contemplations , Basem walked slowly to his house , and changing his habit for the clothes he usually wore , he went to the bazar , carrying plates and his pitcher along with him . " By Ullah , " said he , " now that I have twenty-five drachms , I willdouble my usual allowance , to the confusion of those impertinent rascals of Mosul , who busy themselves in other people ' s affairs " He accordinglexpended ten drachms
y , increased the number of his candles , and put two wicks to each lamp , so that his house was lighted up more splendidl y than ever . When all was in due order , he sat down exulting , and drank off three large bumpers , not forgetting to carry each glass three times round the candle , and at eaclf round to admire the brightness of his wine . " I am Basem , " said he , " my
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Basem; Or, The Blacksmith. An Oriental Apologue.
0 large cone of thick paper with a variety of dry sweetmeats , while in another paper he put twenty drachms . Returning tcrBasem he addressed him thus , " My lord , I humbly request that you would deign to accept of this trifling present of sweetmeats now laid before you , and that you would favour me with your protection . For some days : past trade has gone badly , but in a day or two it will mend , and I shall then be able to
bring the whole sum at once ; for you well knowthat if I should offer only part of the amount , the consequence would be imprisonment and the bastinado . I must therefore intreat from your kindness and generosity , that you would dispense with my going with you this blessed day , and carry this paper of sweetmeats to your little childrenand not refuse this containing twenty
, paper , drachms , for the expences of a bagnio . " The moment the sound of twenty drachms struck the ear of Basem ,, he found himself much disposed to serve Otman ; and having sagacity enough to perceive , from what the chief of the bildars had said on giving him the order , that the pretended debt was unfounded , and only a pretence for putting some drachms in his Docket : esneciallv as
the chief of the bildars had told him plainly not to bring the confectioner in case he behaved to him with propriety , he spoke to Otman with great civility , who returned his compliments tenfold " Mallim Otman , " added he , ' " my advice to you is , that you do not go out of your door to-morrow , nor the day after , nor this week , nor in this month , nor in this year ; and when this year shall be finished , there will be for
no necessity your going to the palace . " This affair being settled , Basem , with the sweetmeats in his hand , walked homewards , it being nearly sun-set ( Mugreb ) . " I am Basem , my provision is from God ! What foll y it was to think of leaving Bagdat ! Where could I have been so well ! Tins morning , " saidJie ( conversing with himself ) , " five drachms , in the afternoon twenty , make in all twentfivethen
y ; raising his eyes to heaven , " Oh my God I do , not permit Basem to expire in any profession ^ but that of a bildar I 1 shall every day be employed as God may please to direct . But by the secrecy of Ullah ! I will make no change in that way of life to which I have been uninterruptedfy accustomed for these twenty years ; and why should I , now that I am possessed of twenty-five drachms ' besides a lucrative office ? " *
_ Engaged wholly in these contemplations , Basem walked slowly to his house , and changing his habit for the clothes he usually wore , he went to the bazar , carrying plates and his pitcher along with him . " By Ullah , " said he , " now that I have twenty-five drachms , I willdouble my usual allowance , to the confusion of those impertinent rascals of Mosul , who busy themselves in other people ' s affairs " He accordinglexpended ten drachms
y , increased the number of his candles , and put two wicks to each lamp , so that his house was lighted up more splendidl y than ever . When all was in due order , he sat down exulting , and drank off three large bumpers , not forgetting to carry each glass three times round the candle , and at eaclf round to admire the brightness of his wine . " I am Basem , " said he , " my