1826. ] The Moth with the Golden Wings. 503 
iristantly sent forth a shriek, which instantly drew the attendants about 
the sufferer.“ Beber is directly produced before the vengeful’ Giaffar, 
hio'in two words’ gives ‘out the culprit’s fate. The sound of the ‘sylla- 
bles; bow-stiing,” still 'tingled in Beber’s ears, as he thréw himself 
before Giaffar, imploring his most gracious consideration. ‘The appeal 
was in vain ; ‘and’ Beber was being hurried away from the presence of 
Giaffar to the first convenient corner for execution, when in the struggle 
—or Béber; albeit supple and obliging, dared to struggle for his neck— 
thé huge silken bag of jewels fell from the captive, and was speedily 
éxposed to thé rejoicing eyes of Giaffar. “ How is this, slave ?” said 
he, evidently pleased, as though his inward man had been tickled by a 
libation of the pearls dissolved ; “ how is this, and wherefore these 
inestimablé riches?” Beber, feeling that his windpipe was as yet unob- 
structed by a cord, thought it bchoved him, if possible, to work its ever- 
lasting ‘liberty; and therefore, rallying the little valour which had 
rétreatéd he scarcely knew where, he determined upon acting the great 
man, and erideavouring to put death aside with a big word. “ Glory to 
thé Prophet !” commenced Beber ; “ his ways are wonderful; and no 
man knoweth but a narrow and a winding lane, with foul serpents in the 
- path’and'thorns at the side, may lead to a field of melons. Surely, good 
sir, if merchants trading to Bassora are to have their necks fitted with 
bow-strings, the winds and waters will soon bring you nothing but grass- 
seed and sponge. When I quitted my good father, who, Allah rest 
him, is now beholding his beard in the black eyes of immortal houris ; 
when he gave into my keeping these jewels wherewith I was to trade, 
and to’ make me lift up my head with any merchant in the bazaar, little 
did I think that I should have to plead for the holding of my patrimony, 
like a felon against the bastinado. But there is but one God,” added 
Beber, and he placed his hands across his breast. «‘ Indeed! is this so ?” 
replied Giaffar, who began 'to think he had gone too far; whereupon, 
motioning to his slaves, they respectfully seated Beber upon a cushion, 
and served him with coffee. After a short pause, Giaffar recommenced 
his interrogatories. '|'** How is it, my friend, that a man possessing the 
immense wealth contained in these jewels should make so bad an appear- 
ance? By my beard, I took you for some runaway slave! How is 
this, I say ?”—« Most wise brother,” replied Beber, gaining courage as 
he proceeded, “ you must know the vanity of embroidered garments: 
gravity of dress delights the wise. He who hath not sense sufficient to 
prefer the sweet sobriety of the cinnamon-bark to the nauseating odour 
of its flowers, deserves not the fragrance of the wood, but the effluvia of 
the blossom.”—“ Brother,” replied Giaffar—for he had now an artful 
sl to play—* it is a wise defence of a worthy custom. You will par- 
on ‘the choleric reception I gave you; and so, now for business. You, 
it’ Seerns; are a jewel-merchant. I can tell you, good fortune has directed 
your footsteps hither. There is not one, in the whole city of Bassora, 
who°can do you so good a turn as myself. 1 am, at the present 
time) (conimissidned to buy some valuable gems: these appear of extra- 
ordinary beatity'; although, perhaps, I am wrong to say as much—for a 
good trader will not praise the foot of a camel he is bargaining for. How- 
ever; this night we will give to harmless pleasure, and to-morrow we 
will talk of trade.” | By these fair words did Giaffar wholly gain over to 
his confidence the unsuspecting Beber. “ Bacroc!” said Giaffar—and 
an ugly, foul-visaged stave approached him— bring hither that peculiar 
