STORY XXXII
An imposter arranged his hair [in a peculiar fashion]. pretended to be a descendant of A'li, and entered the town with a caravan from the Hejâz, saying that he had just arrived from a pilgrimage; he also presented an elegy to the King, alleging that he had himself composed it.
One of the King's courtiers, who had that year returned from a journey, said: "I have seen him at Bosrah on the Azhah festival[1]; then how can he be a Hâji?"
Another said: "His father was a Christian at Melitah[2]; how can he be a descendant of A'li? And his poetry has been found in the Divân of Anvari."[3]
The King ordered him to be beaten and expelled the country for his mendacity.
The man said: "O Lord of the surface of the earth, I shall say something more; and, if it is not true, I shall deserve any punishment which thou mayest decree."
He asked: "What is it?"
"When a stranger brings before thee buttermilk, two measures of it will be water and a spoonful sour milk. If thou hast heard heedless talk from thy slave, be not offended; a man who has seen the world utters much falsehood."
The King laughed, told him that all his life he had not uttered more true words than these, and ordered the represent which the fellow had hoped for to be got ready.
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