IV. Yoo-ti-hu in Danger. The great rajas, moguls, and lords of Gazaret, belonging to the court of Pokatoka, had sallied out with the king, to take a stroll in the royal gardens. “Ho!” cried Yptaleen, high master of the festivities, “what fantastic clown comes hither?” “An Egyptian dancer,” quoth the king. “A self-punished Musselman,” added a raja. “True,” said a grand mogul, “for behind him walks his koran bearer.” “Rather a shia with his talisman,” observed a lord of Gazaret. “Or a sooni,” whispered a pious Mohammedan. “A blood-stained spirit of Ebris,” remarked a famous Astrologer. “Hush!” exclaimed Yptaleen, “by all that is terrible!—by monkin and nakir! ’tis Tally-yang-sang, grand nazir of the harem!” And Tally-yang-sang it was, whose woeful figure approached the pageant. “Mirror of Piety!” cried the king, “what means this outlandish freak? Methinks it ill becomes thee to tramp about, bare-legged and bloody, after this fashion. Propriety of conduct, and delicacy, should distinguish a master of the harem; and I much regret that thou hast infringed, not only on these, but on the laws of decency.” “Sure, mighty monarch of Gazaret,” replied Tally-yang-sang, wringing his hands and smiting his breast, “thy page deals with the devil; for, verily, he hath a lute of such bewitching tones, that, when the same be played, I could not help skipping and dancing among the bushes till my bones creaked—my head whirled, and I was flayed and excoriated within an inch of my life—as your highness may see.” “Tally-yang-sang,” said the king gravely, “thy character is impeached—thou hast spoken of impossibilities; in fact, thou hast lied.” “By all that is solemn, I have spoken the truth,” cried the grand nazir. “And nothing but the truth?” “As I live!” protested Tally-yang-sang. “Then Yoo-ti-hu shall lose his head.” “Nay,—I have sworn on my beard to save it.” “Generous Tally-yang-sang!” cried Pokatoka, “thou art too lenient of offence. Nevertheless, Yoo-ti-hu shall be punished.” “Certainly,” said Tally-yang-sang, “it was my design to have him decently flayed to death.” “Which shall be done,” quoth the king, “if thou provest the offence.” Without further delay the bare-legged and excoriated Tally-yang-sang led the way to the palace; and caliphs, rajas, moguls and lords of Gazaret, followed admiringly in the rear. V. The Trial and its Effects.