THE TALE OF TWO MERCHANTS OF EGYPT AND BAGDAD
Once upon a time there were two wealthy merchants, one of whom lived in Egypt and the other in Bagdad. Although they had never yet seen one another they had transacted much business together by means of messengers, who passed frequently between them. Both were men of honor and good repute, and each came to think of the other as a real friend. If anything unusual should happen in the land of Egypt, the merchant of that country would send word of it to the other in Bagdad, who, in like manner, would in turn send news of events in his own land. So, without either of them having seen the other, much kindness was shown on both sides.
One night, as the merchant of Bagdad lay upon his bed, he said to himself: “My correspondent in Egypt has shown much friendship toward me, and as I have never seen him I will pay him a visit.” So he hired a ship and went to Egypt, where his friend met him, and received him with great pleasure.
At the house of the Egyptian the merchant of Bagdad met a girl of wondrous beauty, and so smitten was he with her charms that he fell sick and pined away.
“My friend,” said the other, “What is the matter with you that you neither eat nor drink?”
“There is a woman of your household upon whom my heart has fixed itself,” returned his comrade, “and unless I may marry her, I shall die.” Thereupon the Egyptian summoned all the household before him, save only the girl in question, but the man from Bagdad said: “I care little for any of these; she whom I love is not among them.” Then this girl was brought before him, and he said that to her alone must he owe his life.
“My friend,” said the other, “I brought up this girl with the intention of making her my wife, and through her I shall obtain much wealth. But, so great is my friendship for you that I give her to you with all the riches which would have fallen to my share.”
So the sick merchant, overjoyed at his good fortune, received both the lady and her wealth, and returned with her to Bagdad.
After a while ill-fortune came to the merchant of Egypt, and he was without home or money. Then said he: “I will go to my friend of Bagdad, from whom I am sure to receive aid.”