$

THE PIED PIPER OF HAMELIN.

OME five hundred years ago there existed in the principality of Kalenburg a large city called Hamelin. Built on a tongue of land at the confluence of the rivers Weser and Hamel, it enjoyed great facilities for commerce, and ships of all nations, laden with valuable merchandise, frequented its harbour, whence their cargoes were distributed throughout all Germany. Hamelin became renowned for its commerce, wealth, and power, 19 was sure and the man who could say "I am a citizen of Hamelin of meeting with hospitality, friends, and patrons wherever he went. But, as too frequently happens with those who have everything they can wish for, the people of Hamelin became proud, selfish,

unjust, and cruel.

Now it happened one day that a very strange-looking ship arrived at the port. Its construction and rig were so singular that the oldest sailors could not remember to have seen any ship at all like it. It had neither sails nor oars, yet moved through the water as fast as any other ship; it had no sailors on board, either-no one but an old man with a white beard, wearing a robe of yellow velvet, with a silk sash round his loins. Suspended from his neck by a silver chain hung two flageolets or musical pipes, one of ivory, the other of ebony.

All the inhabitants of Hamelin went down to the water-side to view the strange ship and its still stranger captain. He received his troublesome visitors very graciously; but to all their impertinent questions he only replied that he came to trade with them, not to relate his history, and he pointed to the bales of merchandise with which his ship was laden.

But everybody looked with suspicion upon the Ancient Mariner, and went away without buying anything. Some said he was the Wandering Jew; others thought he had found his way from India

PRICE ONE PENNY.

by the North-West Passage; and there were some who darkly hinted that he was a pirate who had enriched himself by making away with all his crew. As this last opinion was the most unfavourable to the strange captain it soon became general, and spread all over the city, causing great excitement. It was generally believed that the old sailor with the two flutes was a sea-rover, who had come to the city of Hamelin to tempt honest citizens to buy his booty. Some of the citizens suggested that it would be prudent to question the old man, and endeavour to ascertain the truth; others ventured to hint that they had no right to interfere with him so long as he conducted himself peaceably. But there was one merchant who looked upon the old man as a rival, who might, perhaps, dispose of the goods too cheaply, and thus damage his interests. This merchant said that the wisest and safest plan would be to seize the old man's goods on suspicion of their being stolen; and this piece of advice was at once adopted by all the citizens. Thereupon they addressed themselves to the City Council, and some officers were sent to make a seizure of all the goods contained in the ship.

The old man made some resistance to this oppression, but all in vain. He remonstrated that they had no right to deprive him of his property, it being contrary to all principles of justice. The only reply he could get was that, when he could prove he had honestly come by the goods, then they should be restored to him; and they threatened to cast him into prison if he made any further complaint.

The old man being convinced that he could obtain no redress said not another word, but went and scated himself out of the way in a corner near the helm of the ship, looking calmly at the men carrying off his property. When they had completely stripped the ship of everything valuable, and had all gone on shore, the old man rose up and unfastened the rope by which the ship was moored to the quay, and floated down the river with the tide.

2,

Seeing the old man was about to sail away, the crowd assembled on the wharf shouted and jeered at him. The magistrates also joined them in their sport. The old man, perceiving them among the crowd, stood up on the poop of his ship, and in threatening voice cried out

"Unjust men, you have robbed me and driven me away from your inhospitable city. I go, but I will leave that behind which shall avenge me and punish you."

With these words he opened a red leathern pouch which hung from his girdle, and out jumped three rats of different kinds. All three leaped into the river, and quickly swam ashore; while the ship continued on its course.

The citizens laughed heartily at this singular way the old man took of avenging himself; but they soon found out, to their cost, that the old man was terribly in earnest, and had uttered no idle threat. The rats multiplied so prodigiously fast that, in a short time, they seemed to have actually taken entire possession of the city. They mastered the cats and dogs, and drove them out of the houses, and even built their nests in the window corners where the swallows previously built theirs. No sooner was the table spread with dinner than out swarmed the rats from their holes, and devoured it all before the master of the feast could say grace. They invaded the granaries in countless numbers, and in a few days consumed as much grain as would have fed the whole of the inhabitants for a year. The consequence was that there soon arose a scarcity of food; and when famine set in, the rats became more ravenous and dangerous than ever. They devoured everything they could get their teeth into, even to the ropes and sails of the ships in the harbour. They then attacked the timber and woodwork of the houses, rendering them ruinous and liable to tumble down. At last, when nothing else was left for them to devour they attacked men while asleep in their beds, and infants in their cradles.

The citizens, after employing traps, poison, dogs, and every means they could think of to free themselves from this calamitous plague, gave up the attempt in despair. The more rats they killed

the more there seemed to be. Their stores and warehouses stood empty, and foreign ships no longer ventured to come into their harbour for fear of being destroyed by the rats. Hamelin city appeared likely to become deserted, and, as a last resource, the Corporation decided to offer a reward of one hundred thousand golden crowns to whoever would rid the city of the great plague of rats.

A long time passed by, yet no one came forward to undertake the task and earn the liberal reward offered. At length, one day the strange ship, without sails or oars, was again seen coming up the river towards the city, steered as before, by the old man with the two flageolets. He did not approach the wharf this time, but laid off in the stream while he despatched a letter to the City Council in which he offered to deliver Hamelin City from the plague of rats which he had inflicted upon it, on condition of being paid the hundred thousand golden crowns named as the reward.

As soon as they had read this letter, the magistrates hastened down to the water-side and entreated the old man to come on shore immediately and set about performing the task, and they took a solemn oath that they would pay him the reward if he did the work faithfully.

The old man, who could not have taken their word or promises, believed that they would not break an oath; so he quitted his ship and came on shore. Walking up the principal street he put the ivory flageolet to his lips and played a most remarkable tune, the like of which had never been heard before. No sooner were the first notes of this wonderful tune heard than the rats rushed out of every house as he passed, and followed in procession like an army of soldiers. When the old man thought he had got every rat into his train he bent his steps to the river side, and when he arrived there the rats leaped into the water and swam to the ship, which, as soon as all were on board sailed away of its own accord, and stood out to sea. Then turning to the magistrates, who were intently watching the proceedings, the old man said to them :

"You see that I have kept my word, now fulfil your promise." But the magistrates, seeing that they had now nothing more to fear from the rats, began to hum and to ha! and objected that a job so easily performed could not be worth so much money.

"The labourer is worthy of his hire, I admit," said the Mayor, "but you cannot persuade me that a tune on a flageolet can be worth one hundred thousand crowns. That would be very dear piping, to say the least."

"Give him a couple of hundred," said the Town Clerk, "that's as much as my salary for a whole year, just think! and he ought to give his pipe into the bargain, and then if the rats come back, why we can pipe them out again ourselves."

"Two hundred, did you say?" cried the same merchant who advised the seizure of the old man's merchandise, "two hundred! and for what, I pray? Have you forgot that this is the same fellow that brought the rats here, and is the cause of all we have suffered by them."

"Right, right! we don't forget that," cried several voices. "So far from giving him anything, I thing we ought to punish him severely for the mischief and ruin he has brought upon our city; let him consider himself lucky if we overlook that offence. Our pardon ought to be sufficient reward."

The old man reminded them that they were the first aggressors, and that the plague of rats he had inflicted upon them was only a just punishment for their violation of the principles of justice and the rights of hospitality in plundering his ship. Besides, they had given their promise, sealed with a solemn oath, to pay him the reward of one hundred thousand crowns, and he now demanded it as his just recompense for the great service he had rendered. One of the Council, a great hypocrite, putting on a long face said, that God had sent the plague, and had removed it, and to Him alone their gratitude was due. Every one applauded this sentiment, and with one accord they proceeded to the cathedral to offer up prayers and thanksgiving, impiously presuming that perjury and injustice could be acceptable to the Almighty!

The old man stood silently on the same spot until the last of the citizens had crossed the threshold of the church. He then took out his ebony flageolet, and cried out with a loud voice:"Let them be recompensed according to their deeds." Then he walked through all the streets of Hamelin playing a marvellous tune on his black flageolet. This time, it was all the children, great and small, who came running out of the houses and followed him through the streets, irresistibly drawn by an invisible power. As he marched along, passing the door of every house, his troop of children grew bigger and bigger, until, at last, when every child in the city that could walk had joined the throng, he turned his steps toward the river.

Now, during all the time the old man was piping and leading the children away, the unjust people of Hamelin were offering up prayers and thanksgiving in the cathedral, ignorant of what was happening. Suddenly they were startled by a loud voice, which they recognised as that of the terrible old man, crying—

"The sins of the fathers are visited upon their children.” Starting to their feet in great terror, they rushed headlong into the street, but only just in time to behold the last troop of their children turning the corner of the street that led to the river. But when they reached the water-side the piper and children were all gone, and were never seen again. To commemorate this terrible calamity, the citizens of Hamelin built a chapel, and put into it a stained glass window representing the mothers of the lost children kneeling and weeping by the river side, while amid the waves little hands and faces were seen floating, and in the distance the old man playing on his ebony pipe. Under the window they put up the following inscription:

:

"In memory of our dear children, who perished through the malice of Satan."

But next morning they were astonished to find that an unknown hand had altered the inscription, so that it read thus :iniquity of their fathers." "In memory of our dear children, who perished because of the

THE CANARY BIRD.

A LITTLE girl named Caroline had a charming canary bird. The little creature was very pretty-bright yellow feathers with a black crest-and sang from morning to night. Caroline gave it seeds to eat, and nice green food; sometimes also a piece of sugar, and fresh clear water every day.

But suddenly the little bird began to pine away, and one morning, when Caroline was going to give it water, it lay dead at the bottom of the cage.

Then the little girl raised a loud lamentation for her darling bird, and wept bitterly. Her mother, to console her, bought her another bird, one more beautiful than the first, that could sing just as sweetly, and she put it into the cage.

But the little girl wept still more when she saw the new bird.

Then her mother was surprised, and said, "My dear child, why do you still cry and moan? Your tears will not recall the dead bird to life; and here is another for you, which is just as pretty."

Then the child said, "Oh, my dear mamma, I have acted wrong to the little creature. I have not done everything for it that I ought to have done."

"My dear Caroline," answered the mother, "you always took great care of the bird."

"Ah, no," replied the child, "a short time before its death I, myself, ate the piece of sugar which you gave me for the bird.” Thus said the little girl, with sorrowful voice.

CAROL FOR MAY-DAY.

BY BISHOP HEBER.

QUEEN of fresh flowers,

Whom vernal stars obey, Bring thy warm showers, Bring thy genial ray.

In Nature's greenest livery drest,
Descend on Earth's expectant breast:
To Earth and Heaven a welcome guest,
Thou merry month of May!

Mark how we meet thee
At dawn of dewy day!
Hark how we greet thee

With our roundelay!

While all the goodly things that be
In earth, and air, and ample sea,
Are waking up to welcome thee,
Thou merry month of May !

Flocks on the mountains,

And birds upon their spray,

Tree, turf, and fountains,

All hold holiday;

And Love, the life of living things,

Love waves his torch, Love claps his wings,

And loud and wide thy praises sings,
Thou merry month of May!

IN THE NAME of god thE MERCIFUL, THE GRACIOUS. EVERLASTING PRAISE BE TO OUR CREATOR, WHOSE MAJESTY IS EXALTED, AND THOUSANDS OF BLESSINGS BE ON THAT CHIEF OF MORTAL BEINGS, AHMED MUSTAFA MUHAMMED, THE CHOSEN. MAY THE FAVOUR AND THE PEACE OF GOD BE UPON HIS RACE.

HISTORIANS relate that Hud was a man who attained to kingly power in the territory of Yemen, called also Arabia Felix. His father was chief of a village, and when, in the fulness of time, he died, then Hud became chief. After a time it came into his mind "that to remain always at home like the mouse, or to live in obscurity like the spider, is unbecoming a youth of spirit." Then he assembled his clansmen and friends in council, and thus addressed them:

“My dear friends, it is my intention to free my neck from the yoke of servitude to our prince, and to measure my strength with his; and should God the Supreme vouchsafe to aid me, I will possess myself of the tyrant's throne, and then bestow such happiness on this country that my conduct will be approved by every nation on earth,"

The whole assembly, delighted at his words, expressed their approval of his design, but suggested that, to carry out his enterprise, much money would be necessary to purchase stores, arms, &c., and to pay his troops. Hud therefore occupied himself during seven years in collecting stores and munitions of war, and at the end of that time he began to enlist his soldiers. Meanwhile, intelligence reached the ears of the king of Yemen that Hud was employed in raising an army, but that no one could tell what object he had in view. Upon hearing this news, the king of Yemen got ready his troops, and then Hud began to distribute the wealth he had amassed with a liberal hand, and thus made many friends. The strong men of the different districts flocked round his standard, and he received them into his service, paying them liberally, so that he was enabled to march against the king with an army of fifty thousand men, cavalry and infantry.

In the first battle the king of Yemen's troops were defeated and dispersed. When the king was informed of the disaster, he put himself at the head of the rest of his army, and marched against Hud, but as fortune had withdrawn her favours from the king's house he also was vanquished, and taken prisoner by Hud. The king died soon after of a broken heart; then Hud succeeded him, and occupied his throne.

For many years Hud reigned over the kingdom of Yemen with equity and moderation; and when he died his son Kahtan ascended the throne. He also promoted the prosperity and happiness of the nation. He had a son named Nazrab, whom he nursed with great care, but when the boy grew up he rebelled against his father, and spread sedition throughout the kingdom, thus setting his heart on disobedience.

After a time Kahtan died, and then his son Nazrab succeeded to his throne, and became king of Yemen. To Nazrab a son was born, whom they named Rasn; when he grew up he coveted his father's power as Sovereign, and his mother kept him out of his father's way. Nazrab, ignorant of the cause of his son's absence, became anxious about him, and desired that Rasn should be brought into his presence; but the object of his desire could not be found.

Soon afterwards Nazrab learned that his son Rasn was bent on bringing

ruin on his country, and the intelligence so affected him that he lost his reason. Then Rasn's son Kahlan caused his father to be seized and put into confinement, nor would he ever release him, lest by doing so the kingdom should fall a prey to calamity. At length Rasn died, and then his son Kahlan became King. To him was born a son, whose name was Taï, who, upon his father's death, became sovereign of Yemen.

So strictly did Taï promote equity and administer justice throughout his dominions, that he gained the approbation and received the gratitude of all his subjects. To such an extent did he increase his numerous troops, that he soon reduced the whole of Arabia to his sway.

Some among his courtiers happened, one day, to speak of the amiable qualities of Husn Banu, one of the daughters of Aden, by which the admiration of Taï, the king, for her was greatly increased. This lady, his cousin, he took in marriage, and she brought him a son, who was named Haitim. The wise men who were in attendance at his birth prophesied that he would become sovereign of the seven regions, and that he would gird his loins in the service of God the Supreme, so that for his virtues his name should endure for ever. Upon hearing this Tai was greatly delighted; he bestowed gifts upon the wise men, and proclaimed public rejoicings.

Now it happened that on Haitim's birthday six thousand male children were also born in Yemen. Tai issued a proclamation, ordering that all these children should be brought to his palace. His servants accordingly gathered together the six thousand infants, and having procured nurses for them, he took upon him the whole charge of bringing them up. He also selected four youthful nurses, fair of countenance, to wait upon his infant son Haitim, who, it was remarked, would not suck milk.

The father of Haitim being informed of this circumstance, summoned the wise men, and said to them, "What is the reason that Haitim will not suck milk from his nurse's breast?"

The wise men answered, "This child, thy son, is destined to become famous in the world for his generosity, and unless he be suckled along with other children, so that he can share his milk with them, he will not accept of any for himself."

Haitim was then placed in company with other children, and thereupon he suckled as they did.

He never used to cry, nor indulge too much in sleep, nor suck milk when alone. After he had been weaned, and began to live on solid food, if at any time he was taken out, and saw a poor person, he would make signs with his hands imploringly for his attendants to bestow alms. When he took his meals it was always in company with the six thousand boys who were brought up with him. All his occupations and amusements, until he was twelve years of age, consisted in giving, and his generosity was unbounded. His father had amassed immense wealth, which the son bestowed with liberal hand on the helpless, poor, and needy; and to the stranger he was a sure friend.

When he enjoyed the sports of the field, he never wounded a living creature with arrow or other deadly weapon. On the contrary, he caught the game in nets, and when he had caressed the animals he set them at liberty again. He never uttered coarse or violent language, but expressed his sentiments in the mildest and choicest language. Beauty he possessed in the highest degree, so that he was admired by both men and women. When any person had a complaint to make, and laid hold of his horse's bridle, he listened to the statement of their grievances, examined into them, replied in soothing and consoling language, and granted his protection to the weak, for oppression and tyranny found no favour in his eyes.

Thus years passed away, and the flowers of youth began to blossom like roses on his cheeks, and his beauty increased day by day. And although multitudes of men and women flocked to his court for the purpose of gazing on his face, yet Haitim never withdrew his person from their sight, but would say to them,

"My good people and faithful subjects, why gaze thus on a fellowcreature? You ought rather to contemplate and praise Him who has created both me and you, and occupy yourselves in acts of bravery and mercy."

Thus the fame of Haitim's beauty, and bravery, and generosity, and affability reached the extremities of the earth, and all the world admired him, and came to see him.

One day Haitim went to the desert, when suddenly he met a lion. He said in his heart, "If I attack this lion it will be remote from humanity; and if I smite him not the lion may devour me: perhaps by the Divine favour I may subdue the lion's heart." In mild speech he addressed the lion, saying, "Creature of God, if thou hungerest for my flesh it is at thy service; if thy desire be for flesh wherewith to fill thy belly, here is my horse, eat and appease thy hunger; but if thou preferrest my flesh, for the sake of God I will give it to thee: devour me, and be not sad-hearted." At these mild expressions the lion crouched, and Haitim removed his armour from his person, and took the saddle from off his horse, and with clasped hands stood before the lion, saying, "of the two, whichsoever be thy choice, eat, and depart not sad of heart.

At these words the lion bowed his head, and fell at the feet of Haitim, who said, "Creature of God, far be it from me that thou shouldst depart hungry, for God the Supreme has created the horse for the benefit of his creatures, therefore eat; and if thou hast a desire for my flesh, as a sacred duty I will freely give it to thee; but go not away hungry and distressed in heart. Of my own free will I give myself up, and if thou eat me not thou wilt distress me."

The lion laid his head in the dust, and then departed to his haunt. Thus did Haitim practice beneficence and kindness, which he extended to all his fellow-creatures. He never gave way to selfish repining or vain regrets, and in the way most pleasing to God he devoted his life and person to the cause of humanity.

THE ADVENTURES OF HAITIM TAI.*

A PERSIAN TALE.

The Story of Shahzada Munir, the Assyrian Prince-His Love for Husn Banu-His Despair - Haitim, hearing of his grief, visits Husn Banu, and undertakes to answer her Seven Questions.

HERE was a certain King of Kharzim, who had a son accomplished in mind. By means of several men of intelligence the fame of Husn Banu came to the hearing of this prince: thereupon an eager desire arose in the heart of this youth to see Husn Banu; he, therefore, sent his own painter to obtain sight of her, so as to enable him to take her portrait and bring it to him.

The painter departed, and after several days arrived at Shahabad, where Husn Banu's people, according to their usual custom, waited upon him, and presented him with food, showing him every attention. When about to depart, after he had stayed some time, they led him into Husn Banu's presence. She kindly inquired into his condition, and offered him money for his journey.

The painter said, "My wish is to enter your service, and spend the remainder of my days on your threshold."

Husn Banu inquired, "What is your profession ?"

"I am," said he, "a painter, who can delineate the moon from behind a curtain."

In Muhammadan countries painters draw ladies' portraits from behind a curtain or thin veil, as it would be considered a breach of delicacy in a female to show her face to a stranger.

Husn Banu then said, "Well, you may delay your departure for a little." Some short time afterwards she began to consider in her mind, "How can I get a portrait of myself, for the painter is a stranger? However, there can be no harm in his delineating my features from behind the curtain."

The painter said, "Most bountiful lady, take your stand on the roof of the house (which was flat), and cause a vessel full of water to be placed below, then look down into that vessel."

Husn Banu did so, and the painter, viewing her image in the water, Imade a sketch of it, and carried it to his own house, where he delineated every line and feature of Husn Banu's face. He also made two copies of the portrait, one of which he presented to Husn Banu and the other he kept for himself.

Shortly after he solicited permission of Husn Banu to return to his family, if agreeable to her; upon which she granted him permission, and furnished him with money for the journey.

The painter then conveyed the portrait of Husn Banu to his own prince, who, the instant he saw the picture, became quite frantic. When he recovered his senses he determined, in his own mind, to set off without asking his father's permission, and without money or necessaries for the journey, or without informing any one of his intention. Taking no one with him, he put his trust in God, and at the dead of night departed for Shahabad, where, in due time, he arrived, after encountering much fatigue on the road. Husn Banu's people brought him food, as was their wont with regard to others, and showed him all possible attention. Next morning they offered the Prince coins of yellow gold, saying, "Accept this to spend on your journey."

The Prince replied, "To me gold is of no use."

Husn Banu's people observed, "You seem penniless; pray accept this yellow gold, for our lady bestows it in the service of God." As he persisted in saying that it was of no use to him, they informed Husn Banu that "a traveller arrived yesterday, who will neither eat sufficient food nor accept yellow gold."

Husn Banu having summoned him to her presence, said, "Well, stranger, why do you refuse gold? Gold is a thing which, in times of adversity, most people find useful."

The Prince replied," When I came hither I left great treasure of gold behind me. I am prince of Kharzim. Thy portrait has driven ine mad, and my ardent desire to see thy face has brought me hither. Husn Banu held down her head, and, after some time, said, "Young man, abandon such vain ideas; if you were the zephyr itself you should not waft your breath over my ringlets."

The Prince replied, "Then I will sacrifice this my miserable life at thy gates."

"To give away your life," said Husn Banu, "is easy, but to see my face is impossible. However, if this idea has taken possession of your heart, then you must submit to my_commands."

The Prince said, "Command me, and I shall from my soul consider it as a favour."

Husn Banu said, "The first thing I have to propose is this saying, What I once saw I long to see again,' and you must travel till you find an explanation of it. Inform me where the man is who utters these words, and also what it is he has seen.

After you

have brought me a solution of this first enigma I shall tell you the

second."

replied, "If I knew that myself I should have sent my own people to investigate the matter."

The Prince held down his head for some time, and then said, "I am ignorant in what direction I ought to go."

"Then," replied Husn Banu, "banish from your mind the idea of seeing my face."

I

have, at least, one resource left, and that is, to die in thy city." Then the Prince observed, "Thus bewildered, whither can I go?

"In my city," said Husn Banu, "there is no room for such as speak thus foolishly. My people would neither permit it nor suffer you to remain; nay, they would speedily disgracefully expel you." Thereupon the Prince said, “I suppose I must direct my steps towards the Desert, in order to ascertain the way and explore the intricacies leading to the abode of the man who exclaims in the words you have mentioned. If fortune proves kind, it will be well, but if otherwise I will sacrifice my life for thee."

Husn Banu then said, "It will be requisite to enter into an agreeHow long must I wait?" ment as to the length of time for which I am to await your return.

To this the Prince replied, "For the space of one year."

Husn Banu then ordered her attendants to present the Prince with food, and water to wash his hands; and, having furnished him with necessaries for his journey, she requested to know his name. taking leave of Husn Banu, like one deprived of sight and hearing, The Prince replied that his name was Munir Shami; and then he shaped his course to the wilderness, and with tears in his eyes began to traverse the mountains and the deserts. In short, the Prince wandered towards the borders of Yemen, and sitting down underneath a tree in the Desert, he gave vent to his grief in tears as copious as the showers of early spring.

hunting excursion, and came near to the Prince Munir. Haitim, Now it happened that Haitim Taï was passing that way on a seeing a handsome youth, with elegant apparel, thus weeping, his said, "What calamity can have befallen this stranger? I must go heart melted in sympathy, and his eyes were filled with tears, as he and inquire."

He went up to the Prince, and in condoling language asked him, “Oh, brother! what distress has happened to thee, and what accident has occurred that thou weepest so?"

The Prince raised his head, and was surprised at seeing a youth standing by him and interesting himself in his condition-one of pleasant countenance, and air and gait as noble as the sun, clothed in elegant attire, and accoutred in armour, the bloom of whose cheeks was like the full-blown rose.

to me repeating the story of my sorrows, which can be alleviated He replied, "Oh, youth of benignant countenance, what avails neither by my telling nor by your hearing?"

Haitim said to him, "Let your mind be at ease; communicate to me the secrets of your heart, and whatsoever lies in my power, as my trust is in God, I will not fail to perform. I will supply you with money, if it be of use to you; and my frail life is constantly the distresses of my fellow creatures." devoted to the service of the Almighty, which consists in relieving

Then Prince Munir, in rapture, exclaimed, "Oh, brother! may portrait, which he kept in his bosom, he handed it to Haitim, and God preserve your life," and instantly taking out Husn Banu's said, "Judge for yourself what must be my condition."

Haitim looked at the portrait, and remained for some time lost in thought. At length he said, "With regard to those questions which she every exertion in its accomplishment." In short, Haitim carried proposes, if you can suggest to me any plan, I will use the Prince along with him into Yemen, and there hospitably enter

tained him.

he had any plan to point out by which he could serve him. After they had rested three days, Haitim asked the prince whether

resign the affair and its accomplishment, and will remain grateful The Prince replied, "Alas! I can propose nothing; to you I for your kindness while I have the breath of life."

Haitim called his domestics, and strictly charged them, saying, "You will continue to supply travellers with food, and the poor with money, the same as if I were here present myself, so that it may not be known that I have gone from home, and let cach one of be diligently occupied in his own department."

you

Having issued these orders, he took the Prince by the hand, and set out from the capital of Yemen, on the road that leads to Shahabad, where, in the course of time, after encountering the toils of the journey, they both arrived.

them with food, and offered them gold. Husn Banu's people conveyed them to the caravanserai, presented

hither for food or gold; I will neither taste of the one nor accept of Haitim rejected both, saying, "Worthy people, I have not come

the other."

Of this the people informed Husn Banu, who having summoned them both to her presence, said to them, Why do you refuse

66

gold, a thing which may one day be of service to you? Wise men have remarked, a thing laid by for seven years will be found useful, even though it be the head of a serpent.'

Haitim, remarking that the amassing of gold was proper only for the purpose of distributing it, said "Lady, the fame of your beauty and perfections has reached my ears; now if you will agree to one request of mine I will accept of your gold and eat of your food, but otherwise I will depart hungry and thirsty from your city."

Husn Banu asked him, "Stranger, what is the request with which you wish me to comply?"

Haitim answered, saying, "For one instant unveil your face, and afterwards I shall do whatsoever you command."

Husn Banu said, "Till you have brought a solution to my seven questions it will be impossible for you to see me unveiled."

Haitim asked what the seven questions were; and without waiting for the reply, added, "You must promise me further that, if I should answer them, you will become mine, and that on whomsoever I may bestow you, you shall not dispute my commands."

Husn Banu assented, saying, "When I shall have become yours, you can dispose of me as you think proper; you can either bestow me on any other person, or let me remain in your own house.

Haitim then observed that it would be requisite to call some witnesses, in whose presence this agreement might be ratified. This was accordingly done, and Haitim had the agreement confirmed by several persons.

After this, food was presented, of which they partook, and Haitim, addressing Husn Banu, said, "This prince is my brother, who is to remain in your city till my return, and to him I expect you will pay some attention."

To this Husn Banu assented, and Haitim then requested to know her first question.

"My first question," replied Husn Banu, "is this: There is a certain man who exclaims, What I once saw I long to see again.' Where is that man? What has he seen? and why does he long for the same a second time? When you have brought me all this information I shall then tell you my second question."

Upon hearing this, Haitim took leave of Husn Banu, and, having conducted the Prince Munir to the Mihman-serai (the house appointed for guests or strangers), he set out on his journey.

Haitim began to consider in his mind, "Now, where am I to go, of whom can I ask my way, and what plan ought I to adopt ?" But, on further reflection, he said to himself, "I have, by the aid of God, devoted my whole exertions to the service of my fellow creatures without any selfish consideration; assuredly, then, my Creator will direct me to the proper place." With this reflection he placed his reliance on God, and proceeded to the wilderness.

After a few days he arrived at a desert where not a bird was seen to flap its wings. Two or three days afterwards he was startled at seeing a wolf in pursuit of a milch doe, and so near that he was on the point of seizing her.

Haitim shouted aloud to the wolf, "Ravenous monster, desist! she has a young one; see, the milk flows from her udder."

The wolf stood still, and said, "There can be no doubt that you are Haitim, since your heart is endowed with such compassion." Haitim asked, "How do you know that I am Haitim ?” The wolf replied, "There is none other than Haitim who evinces compassion and kindness to this extent towards living creatures, rational and irrational, and the name of Haitim is renowned in every quarter. But as you have this day withheld me from my prey, let me now have something to eat."

"What do you eat ?" said Haitim.

The wolf answered, "Flesh is my food."

Haitim said, "If the small quantity of flesh which is on my body be acceptable to you, say the word and I will give it to you." "Nothing can be nicer," replied the wolf, "than a piece of flesh from your thigh."

Haitim then unsheathed his knife, and having cut away the flesh from his own thigh he threw it to the wolf, who ate and was satisfied. It then said, "Oh, Haitim! why have you left your own capital of Yemen, and for what purpose do you wander in this desert ?"

66

Haitim told the wolf that the Prince, Munir Shami, had fallen in love with Husn Banu; that she had seven questions to propose, and that she would accept only that man who could answer them. And I," said Haitim, "have undertaken, through the aid of Providence, to accomplish this task. The first question is this: Where is the man who exclaims, What I once saw I long to see again?" In order to be informed of this I sallied forth, recommending myself to God; but not knowing where that man is, I directed my steps to the desert, and thus far I have advanced."

The wolf then replied, "I do not know myself the place where that man is, but I have heard, from the report of others, that his abode is in the desert of Hawaida, and that whosoever goes thither will see him."

Haitim asked the wolf if he knew where the desert of Hawaida lay; to which he answered, "As you go forward from hence the road branches into two; avoid the path to the left, and keep that to the right hand; it will lead you to the desert of Hawaida." Meanwhile the doe, having testified her gratitude to Haitim, departed; and the wolf, likewise, took his leave. Each of these animals looked back to see whether Haitim followed them; but the pain arising from his wound was so severe that he could not proceed, and he fell down beside a tree.

Now it happened a pair of jackals had established their haunt underneath this tree, and were at that moment in search of food.

When the two jackals returned they observed Haitim asleep, and the female said to the male, "Here is one of the human race, what has brought him hither? We must quit this place, for we can have no sympathy towards creatures of a different species."

The male replied, "Probably it is Haitim on his way to explore the desert of Hawaida, and has sunk down exhausted from the pain in his thigh."

Female: "How do you know that this is Haitim ? "

Male: "I have been informed by the wise that on a certain day Haitim would arrive at this tree."

Female: "What sort of a person is Haitim ?"

Male: "He is Prince of Yemen, and one of God's elect, and many trials await him. We must not leave him distressed in heart." Female: "How has he fallen into this state ?"

Male: "A wolf was about to seize a milch doe to devour her, and Haitim cut the flesh from his own thigh, and gave it instead of the doe to the wolf, and thus preserved her by involving himself in calamity."

Female: "Are there really any among the human race thus endowed with humanity? Heaven knows there is little compassion among mankind for each other!"

Male: "The human race are the noblest of God's creatures; and Haitim in particular is extremely generous, endowed with humanity, and highly honourable; he is also one who feareth and adoreth the Creator, for whose sake he tore off his own flesh and gave it to the wolf."

Female: "Thus wounded in the thigh, how can he live? or when will he reach the desert of Hawaida?"

Male: "If the brains of the bird called the Pariru (Angel-faced, or peri-faced) could be applied to his wound a complete cure would take place in the short space of an hour; but this remedy it is almost impossible to procure."

Female: "Where is it to be found ?"

Male: "In the desert of Mazanderan; it is a bird like a peacock, with a head like that of the human race. He allures all those who attempt to seize him, by giving them sherbet to drink, by the gracefulness of his movements and the sweetness of his looks."

Female: "Who is it, then, that can bring this remedy, and by the grace of God restore Haitim to health ?"

Male: "If you will attend to this youth for the space of seven days I will go myself and bring the head of that bird."

Female: " "Nothing can be better, for it will be an instance of humanity on the part of the brute creation towards the human race. Until you return, while life remains in my body, I will not suffer a living creature to come near this youth."

Haitim was listening all the while to the conversation of the jackals, but he was so exhausted that he had not strength to rise up.

Meanwhile the male jackal, leaving the female, set out for Mazanderan; and on his arrival there he saw the bird he was in quest of sleeping underneath a tree.

He approached it, and seizing its head in his mouth, he gave it such a pull that he severed it from the body, and returning with it he arrived within the seven days, agreeably to his promise.

The female during his absence had slept neither night nor day, nor did she suffer any living creature to approach the tree.

Haitim was conscious of all this, and how the jackal having procured the head of the pariru had now placed it before his female companion.

The female jackal then with her mouth forced open the head, and having extracted the brain applied it to Haitim's wound.

The instant it was applied Hatim's pain was removed; he rose up, and looking at the jackals, said, "You, though of the brute creation, have acted most humanely towards me; but you have without cause deprived another animal of life—in this you have not done well."

The male jackal said, "For that crime let me be answerable; and do you rest at ease. What, though I am of the brute creation, still I' acknowledge a merciful God."

About one hour passed in such discourse, during which the flesh closed on Haitim's wound, and he experienced a complete cure. He then addressed the jackals, saying, "You have acted most kindly towards me; command me, then, in any way I can do you a