Fairy tales -- Germany -- Translations into English
Then in firm, hard tones the Caliph asked: “Magistrate, here is Said,
now will you affirm that he confessed his crime?”
“No, no,” howled the magistrate, “I only listened to Kalum’s evidence,
because he is looked upon as a respectable man.”
[Illustration: _Benezar fell into the arms of his lost son._
(P. 325.)]
“Did I appoint you judge that you should only listen to rich people?”
cried Harun with contempt and anger. “I will banish you to a desert
island for ten years, so that you may have time to think on justice.
And you, miserable man, who restored the dying, not for the sake of
saving him, but to make him your slave, you shall pay the thousand
gold pieces.”
Kalum rejoiced to be let off so cheaply and was about to thank the
Caliph, when he went on: “For swearing falsely about the money you
will receive a hundred strokes on the soles of your feet. Further, it
is for Said to decide whether he shall take the whole of your shop and
possessions with you as his slave, or whether he will be satisfied
with ten pieces of gold for every day he served you.”
“Let the miserable old wretch go,” cried the youth, “I wish for
nothing that was his.”
“No,” replied Harun. “I intend you to be compensated. I will choose
for you the ten pieces of gold for every day, and you must reckon how
many days you were in his clutches. And now away with the miserable
creatures!”
When they had been taken away the Caliph led Benezar and Said into
another room; there he told the father of the brave manner in which
his son had saved his life, his recital being interrupted by the yells
of Kalum, whose hundred gold pieces were being counted out on the
soles of his feet.
The Caliph invited Benezar, together with Said, to live with him in
Bagdad. He agreed, but made one journey home in order that he might
fetch his large fortune. Said took up his residence at once in the
palace built for him by the grateful Caliph, and lived there like a
prince. The Caliph’s brother and the Grand Vizier’s son were his
constant companions, and it became a password in Bagdad: “I wish I
were as good and happy as Said, the son of Benezar.”
THE CAVERN OF STEENFOLL.
A SCOTTISH LEGEND.
Many years ago two fishermen lived happily together upon one of the
rocky islands off the Scottish coast. They were both unmarried and had
no near relations, and their united efforts, although they were of
very different dispositions, sufficed to provide them with all they
needed. They were much of an age, but in appearance and character they
resembled each other about as much as an eagle resembles a calf.
[Illustration: _One big wave washed up a ball of pure gold._
(P. 329.)]
Caspar Stump was a short fat man with a broad fat face like a full
moon, and good-tempered twinkling eyes, which seemed as though they
were strangers to trouble and care.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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