Fairy tales

Transcriber's Note
The cover image was created by the transcriber for the convenience of the reader, and is placed in the public domain.
BY WILHELM HAUFF Translated by L. L. Weedon Illustrated by Arthur A. Dixon
London Ernest Nister New York E. P. Dutton & Co.

THE STORY OF THE FALSE PRINCE. “The tailor’s heart swelled with pride and joy.”

CHASID, Caliph of Bagdad, was taking his ease one beautiful afternoon, stretched out upon his couch. He had just awakened from a little nap and was in a pleasant mood. From time to time he drank from the cup of coffee one of his slaves handed to him, and took long whiffs from a rosewood pipe, stroking his long beard the while, with an air of extreme complacency. In short, it was evident that the Caliph was in a very good humour.
The Pedlar.
It was the best time in the day for any one to approach him on business, for he was usually inclined to grant any request one might ask, and for this reason, his grand vizier Mansor was wont to visit him at that hour. On this particular afternoon he came as usual, but seemed unaccountably quiet and thoughtful. The Caliph removed his pipe from his mouth and said: “Why do you look so serious, Grand Vizier?”
The grand vizier crossed his arms on his breast, bowed low before his master, and answered:
“Sire, it is no wonder I look disturbed, for below the palace wall stands a pedlar, who has such beautiful goods for sale that it angers me to think I have no money to spare just now.”