“ ‘You are mistaken, for in an instant I will rob you of your strength, and you shall become like as a little child.’ {151}
“The Arab smiled disdainfully, as a sign of his incredulity.
“ ‘Stay,’ I continued; ‘lift up this box.’
“The Arab stooped, lifted up the box, and said to me, ‘Is this all?’
“ ‘Wait
!’ I replied.
“Then with all possible gravity, I made an imposing gesture and solemnly pronounced the words:
“ ‘Behold! you are weaker than a woman; now, try to lift the box.’
“The Hercules, quite cool as to my conjuration, seized the box once again by the handle, and gave it a violent tug, but this time the box resisted, and spite of his most vigorous attacks, would not budge an inch.