“I am ready to do it,” said the dervish; “but you must remember what I told you, that if you put any of it upon your right eye, you will go blind; such is the virtue of the ointment.”
Far from being persuaded of the truth of what the dervish said, I imagined, on the contrary, that there was some new mystery, which he meant to hide from me. “Brother,” replied I, smiling, “I see plainly you wish to mislead me; it is not natural that this ointment should have two such contrary effects.”
“The matter is as I tell you,” replied the dervish. “You ought to believe me, for I tell the truth.”
The dervish made all the resistance possible; but seeing that I would take no refusal, he took a little of the ointment, and applied it to my right eyelid. Alas! I ceased at once to distinguish anything with either eye, and became blind as you see me now.
“Ah, dervish!” I exclaimed, in agony, “what you forewarned has proved true. I am now sensible what a misfortune I have brought upon myself by my insatiable desire of riches; but you, dear brother,” cried I, addressing myself to the dervish, “who are so charitable and good, among the many wonderful secrets you are acquainted with, have you not one to restore to me my sight again?”
“Miserable man!” answered the dervish, “you might have avoided this misfortune, but you have your deserts. The
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