"Use him as thy bond-slave, to be disposed of as thou wilt--only, let him beware how he comes before the eyes of Richard.

Hark thee--thou art wise--he hath been over-bold among those in whose fair looks and weak judgments we trust our honour, as you of the East lodge your treasures in caskets of silver wire, as fine and as frail as the web of a gossamer." "Thy servant understands the words of the King," said the sage, at once resuming the reverent style of address in which he had commenced.

"When the rich carpet is soiled, the fool pointeth to the stain--the wise man covers it with his mantle.

I have heard my lord's pleasure, and to hear is to obey." "It is well," said the King; "let him consult his own safety, and never appear in my presence more.

Is there aught else in which I may do thee pleasure ?" "The bounty of the King hath filled my cup to the brim," said the sage--"yea, it hath been abundant as the fountain which sprung up amid the camp of the descendants of Israel when the rock was stricken by the rod of Moussa Ben Amram." "Ay, but," said the King, smiling, "it required, as in the desert, a hard blow on the rock ere it yielded its treasures.