“The counsel which the talisman gave was attended to by the neighbour of Baizeed, and by following which, he got well through his difficulty.
“Numerous were the applications Baizeed received from different persons to lend them the black pebble; and all his friends were so kind, and appeared so grateful, that he could not find it in his heart to refuse them; but what was the most extraordinary was, that although Baizeed was thoroughly sensible of the virtues of the pebble, he scarcely ever made use of it himself, but it was always at the service of others, without any return or recompence.
“In about three or four years after Baizeed had come into possession of the pebble, what with neglecting his own affairs, and attending to the frequent solicitations of others about theirs, Baizeed began to find himself very much reduced in circumstances; and in addition to this folly of attempting to oblige every body, he was naturally of a gay and cheerful disposition, and was constantly giving entertainments, for the sake of having the society of his friends.
“Among others who had the free use of the talisman, was a neighbour of Baizeed’s, named Daoud, who had always been welcome to his house, and who he had done every thing to serve; in short, Daoud had as much use of the pebble as himself; he had it upon every occasion he wished, and always smiled so graciously, and professed so much friendship to Baizeed, that it was impossible to refuse him.
“Baizeed’s wife Aseecha loved her husband very much, and frequently entreated him to be more careful of the valuable treasure he had, and to turn the magic pebble to advantage; but unhappily he neglected her counsel; and at length, what with the waste of time, and seeing company to show off the talisman, his situation became desperate; when he thought it best to call on his friend Daoud, to explain to him his circumstances, and to consult what was best to be done, as he was afraid his creditors would take the pebble from him. Daoud begged him not to despond, and assured him that he would take care of the talisman, if he was afraid of any mischief happening to him. Baizeed put the stone in his hands, requiring him, in the most solemn manner, to make use of it for his wife and family; offering him, at the same time, a reasonable share of that valuable treasure for his trouble.
“Daoud promised to do according to the wishes of Baizeed, who retired to a small village near the fountain of Shookroach, whose waters bestow peace, leaving Daoud in possession of the talisman.
“Baizeed waited many days patiently, in hopes of seeing his friend Daoud with a supply of money, for his wife Aseecha was very distressed, and his children had had nothing to live upon but a small bag of rice and a few dried fishes, which were almost gone. Daoud, however, never came near Baizeed; and presently he was informed that he had got into his house, and had made himself acquainted with all his friends and creditors, and that he was turning the talisman to his own advantage solely. Baizeed began now to blame his folly, for having intrusted the only valuable he had left to so sordid a wretch.
“Baizeed went to Daoud, to complain of his ill treatment; but that wicked wretch insisted he owed him more money than the pebble was worth; and Baizeed was too poor to get redress.
“At length, when Baizeed had given himself up to despair, and was sitting at his door in a pensive attitude, he saw the old diamond merchant who sold him the pebble approach. Baizeed was quite distressed what he should say to him; but thought, very properly, that the truth was the best; he therefore told him the whole story of his imprudence; ‘Well,’ cried the old man, ‘you have suffered sufficiently for your good-nature; though you have lost the talisman by your folly, the good [A]Bramah will not punish you too severely. Come with me, and we will go disguised as two [B]Calenders to the house of Daoud.’
“Baizeed prepared to follow the old man; and at length having procured the dresses of Calenders, they set out on their journey, and arrived at the house of Daoud, as he was seated at the head of his table, feasting with the great men of Peristan. The Calenders, according to the custom in the East, were invited to take refreshment; and Baizeed seated himself at the lower end of the table of his perfidious friend.