It was near sunset when this affair was settled. Yussuf walked home with his hands full of presents, exclaiming as he went, "I am Yussuf, my provision is from God!" He reached his home full of pleasing anticipations, and changing his dress took out his basket and pitcher, returning loaded more than usual, for having gained forty-two dirhems he resolved to indulge himself. "By Allah," cried he, "I will double my allowance, to the confusion of those rascally Moussul merchants, who are such birds of ill omen." He accordingly expended double the money, doubling also his allowance of wax tapers and oil, so that his house was in a blaze of light when he sat down as usual to his feast, more happy than ever, drinking more, and singing twice as loudly as he had ever done before. Leaving him to his solitary revels, we must observe that the caliph had ascertained that Yussuf had received the bastinado; and now making sure that he would be without provisions or wine, he resolved to pay him another visit. "I think, Giaffar, that I have at last sent that rascal to bed supperless in return for his calling me an infidel; and I must go and enjoy his wrath and indignation, increased of course by the pain of the blows he has received by the order of the cadi." In vain did Giaffar represent that it would be attacking an angry and wounded lion in his den; that his wrath would be such, and his strength was so enormous, that they could not expect less than annihilation should they venture to his door. "All that may be true," replied the caliph; "but still I will go and see him at all risk." "I have my dagger, Commander of the Faithful," observed Mesrour, "and I fear him not." "Use it not, Mesrour," replied the caliph. "Get ready the dresses and let us depart." "I venture to promise that we shall see no more lights this time, except it may be a solitary lamp to enable him to bathe his wounded feet." They went forth, and on their arrival were astonished at the blaze of light which proceeded from Yussuf's apartments; his singing also was more clamorous, and he appeared to be much intoxicated, crying out between his staves, "I am Yussuf! confound all Moussul merchants--my trust is in God!" "By the sword of the Prophet!" exclaimed the caliph, "this fellow baffles me in every thing. Have I not made the whole city uncomfortable, and submit to decrees which appeared to be promulgated by a madman, merely to chastise this wine-bibber, and behold he revels as before? I am weary of attempting to baffle him; however, let us find out, if possible, how he has provided for his table. What, ho! friend Yussuf, are you there? Here are your guests come again to rejoice in your good fortune," cried the caliph from the street. "What, again?" roared Yussuf. "Well, now, you must take the consequence. Fly, or you are dead men. I have sworn by Allah, not only that you should not come into my door, but that I would cudgel you whenever we met again."