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thirsting? We hope of the charity of the Commander of the Faithful that he may have leave to take another paper, so haply he may happen upon somewhat wherewithal he may succour his poverty.’ ‘By Allah, O Jaafer,’ said the Khalif, ‘if he take another paper and “death” be written therein, I will assuredly kill him, and thou wilt be the cause.’ ‘If he die,’ answered Jaafer, ‘he will be at rest.’ But Khelifeh said to him, ‘May God never gladden thee with good news! Have I made Baghdad strait upon you, that you seek to kill me?’ Quoth Jaafer, ‘Take a paper and crave the blessing of God the Most High!’
So he put out his hand and taking a paper, gave it to Jaafer, who read it and was silent. ‘Why art thou silent, O son of Yehya?’ asked the Khalif. And he answered, ‘O Commander of the Faithful, there is written on this paper, “The fisherman shall not be given aught.”’ Then said the Khalif, ‘Bid him depart our presence, for there is no good fortune appointed to him from us.’ ‘By thy pious forefathers,’ quoth Jaafer, ‘let him take a third paper; it may be it will bring him good fortune.’ ‘Let him take one, then, and no more,’ replied the Khalif. So he put out his hand and took a third paper, and behold, therein was written, ‘Let the fisherman receive one dinar.’ Quoth Jaafer to him, ‘I sought good fortune for thee, but God willed to thee nought but this dinar.’ And Khelifeh answered, ‘Verily, a dinar for every hundred stripes were rare good luck, may God not send thy body health!’
The Khalif laughed at him and Jaafer took him by the hand and led him out. When he reached the door, Sendel the eunuch saw him and said to him, ‘Hither, O fisherman! Give us largesse of that which the Commander of the Faithful hath bestowed on thee, whilst jesting with thee.’ ‘By Allah, O Rosy-cheeks,’ replied
