Although this discourse created great joy in the vizier, he nevertheless felt pity for a youth, whose countenance, far from expressing guilt, had something engaging in it; he was going to reply, when a tall man, of an advanced age, having also pushed through the crowd, came up, and said to the vizier, “My lord, do not believe what this young man says to you. I was the only person that killed the lady who was found in the case; I only am to be punished. In the name of God, I conjure you not to confuse the innocent with the guilty.”--“My lord,” interrupted the young man, addressing himself to the vizier, “I assure you, that it was I who committed this wicked action, and that no person in the world is my accomplice.”--“Alas! my son,” replied the old man, “despair has led you hither, and you wish to anticipate your destiny; as for me, it is a long time that I have lived in this world, I ought to quit it without regret; let me sacrifice my life to save yours. My lord,” continued he, addressing the vizier, “I repeat it, I am the assassin; sentence me to death, and do not defer it.” The contest between the old man and the youth obliged the vizier Giafar to conduct them before the caliph, with the permission of the attending officer of justice, who was happy in an opportunity of obliging him. When he was arrived in the presence of the sovereign, he kissed the ground seven times, and then spoke in these terms: Commander of the Faithful, I bring to you this old man, and this youth, who each avers himself to be the murderer of the lady.” The caliph then asked the accused, which of the two had murdered the lady in so cruel a manner, and then thrown her into the Tigris. The youth assured him, that he had committed the deed; the old man sustained the contrary. “Go,” said the caliph to the vizier, “give orders for them both to be hanged.”--“But, sire,” replied the vizier, “if one only is criminal, it would be unjust to execute the other.” At these words the young man replied, “I swear by the great God, who has elevated the heavens to where they now are, that it is I who killed the lady, who cut her in pieces, and then threw her into the Tigris four days since. I do not hope for mercy on the day of judgment, if what I say be not true; therefore, I am the person who is to be punished.” The caliph was surprised at this solemn oath, which he was inclined to believe, as the old man made no reply. Therefore, turning to the youth, “Unhappy wretch,” cried he, “for what reason hast thou committed this detestable crime? and what motive canst thou have for coming to offer thyself for execution!” “Commander of the Faithful,” returned he, “if all that has passed between this lady and myself could be written, it would form a history, which might be serviceable to mankind.” --“Relate it then,” replied the caliph, “I command you to do it.” The young man obeyed, and began in these words. THE HISTORY OF THE LADY WHO WAS MURDERED, AND OF THE YOUNG MAN, HER HUSBAND.