When the Cadi heard what I and the Kurd avouched, he was confounded and said, "I see ye are none other than two pestilent atheistical fellows, who make sport of Cadis and magistrates and stand not in fear of reproach. Never did any tell or hear tell of aught more extraordinary than that which ye pretend. By Allah, from China to Shejreh umm Ghailan[FN#158] nor from Fars to the Soudan, nor from Wadi Numan to Khorassan, ever was heard or credited the like of what ye avouch! Is this bag a bottomless sea or the Day of Resurrection, that shall gather together the just and unjust?" Then he bade open the bag; so I opened it and behold, there was in it bread and a lemon and cheese and olives. So I threw it down before the Kurd and went away.'
When the Khalif heard Ali's story, he laughed till he fell backward and made him a handsome present.
End of Vol. III.
Notes to Volume 3
[FN#1] It need hardly be remarked that Eastern stirrups are made so to do duty as spurs.
[FN#2] i.e. The Seven Sleepers.
[FN#3] i.e. The birds of prey.
[FN#4] "O thou of the little stronghold." A sobriquet popularly bestowed on the fox, even as we call him "Reynard."
[FN#5] These verses are full of plays upon words, which it is impossible to render in a translation.
[FN#6] i.e. blood, like wine in colour.