THE STORY OF ABOULCASEM
to a minister such as Giafar. I will do more ; as the person entrusted with this errand might, from aversion to my vizir, bring me an unfaithful report, I shall go to Bassora and myself discover the truth. I shall make the acquaintance of this young man whose generosity is praised to me. If I have been told the truth I shall load Giafar with favours and bear him no grudge because of his frankness, but I swear it will cost him his life if he has told me a falsehood.’
As soon as Haroun had taken this resolution he thought only of carrying it out He left his palace secretly one night, mounted his horse, and set out on his way without allowing anyone to accompany him, in spite of all Zobeide could say to prevent his departing alone.
Having arrived at Bassora he alighted at the first caravanserai that he found on entering the town, the landlord of which was a worthy old man.
‘ My father,’ said Haroun to him, ‘ is it true that there is in this town a young man called Aboul- casem who surpasses kings in magnificence and generosity ? ’
‘Yes, my lord,’ replied the landlord, ‘ had I a hundred mouths and in each a hundred tongues I
