the music and of the peals of laughter, had desired his grand vizier to knock at the gate, and to demand admittance for three strangers who knew not where to seek shelter for the night. Safie, who had opened the door, came back and obtained permission of her sisters to admit the newly arrived strangers.
The caliph and his attendants, upon their entrance, most courteously made obeisance to the ladies and to the calenders. All returned their salutations, supposing them to be merchants. Zobeide, as the chief, addressed them with serious countenance, and said, “You are welcome. But while you are here, you must have eyes, but no tongues; you must not ask the reason of anything you may see, nor speak of anything that does not concern you, lest you hear and see what will by no means please you.”
“Madam,” replied the vizier, “you shall be obeyed. It is enough for us to attend to our business, without meddling with what does not concern us.” After this, each seated himself, and the conversation became general.
The caliph ceased not from admiring the beauty, elegance, and lively disposition of the ladies; while the appearance of the three calenders, all blind of the right eye, surprised him very much. He wished to learn the cause of this singularity, but the conditions that had been imposed upon him and his companions prevented any inquiry.
The guests continued their conversation, when, after an
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