At last he discovered that he could make nothing of me, and departed with the scowl of Caiaphas, whilst I cried after him, 'The roots of Ararat are _deeper_ than those of Rome.'" The Armenian had occasionally reverted to the subject of the translation of the Haik Esop, which he had still a lurking desire that I should execute; but I had invariably declined the undertaking, without, however, stating my reasons.

On one occasion, when we had been conversing on the subject, the Armenian, who had been observing my countenance for some time with much attention, remarked, "Perhaps, after all, you are right, and you might employ your time to better advantage.

Literature is a fine thing, especially Haik literature, but neither that nor any other would be likely to serve as a foundation to a man's fortune; and to make a fortune should be the principal aim of every one's life; therefore listen to me.

Accept a seat at the desk opposite to my Moldavian clerk, and receive the rudiments of a merchant's education.

You shall be instructed in the Armenian way of doing business--I think you would make an excellent merchant." "Why do you think so ?" "Because you have something of the Armenian look." "I understand you," said I; "you mean to say that I squint ?" "Not exactly," said the Armenian, "but there is certainly a kind of irregularity in your features.