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F. H. MALYON ON 
The man said to himself, “ If I descend to the bottom of this well, then shall I 
escape from the elephant.” But when he peered below him, he perceived an immense 
python : and half way down the well, was a little plant, whose name was Life. 
Then the man laid hold of the plant, and within reach was a honey-comb, — 
which folk call ‘This World’s Food and Drink’— on which our existence depends. 
When the man saw this honey-comb, he became exceedingly happy, notwith- 
standing the predicament he was in. All fear departed from his heart. He fell to 
eating the honey. 
On one side of the root of the plant whereon the man had laid hold, was a black 
mouse,— who kept gnawing the root,— and on the other side was a white mouse,— who 
kept gnawing likewise. These mice were called Night and Day ; by whose (constant) 
gnawing the plant (of Fife) grows less. And the name of the python below was 
Tomb. 
But the man heeded none of them. He was merrily eating his honey. * * * * * 
For, as says Abdu-r-Rahman : — 
He whose course in this world is run, 
Comes not back to his own again ! ” 
IX. The Labours of a Hercuees. 
Once upon a time, there was a King who had seven sons. These sons grew up. 
One day the King took counsel with his Vizier, saying, If you agree, then I wish 
that arrangements be made for my sons’ betrothal ; and I desire that the betrothals 
be made wheresoever there be a King with seven daughters, so that the betrothals of 
all my seven sons may be within one family. Then will great happiness be mine.” 
The Vizier answered, “ I will obey your commands, even as you have given 
them.” ***** 
So the Vizier set out. He had journeyed on for some time, when he came to 
where a river lay in his road. On the bank was seated a Faqir. “ Whither go you ?” 
said he. 
“ I am on my way to another kingdom,’ ’ said the Vizier. 
f< Good, good,” replied the Faqir. “ Keep on your way; only listen to a word of 
warning, — when you are journeying upon this road from your present direction, do 
not pass the night upon the bank of this river ; and should you be journeying from 
the opposite direction, even then do not spend the night here. This is my warning 
to you.” 
The Vizier pursued his road. He had pushed forward for some days, when (at 
length) he arrived in another kingdom whereof the King had seven daughters ; and 
in the presence of this other King did he speak (liter., do) according to the command 
which his own sovereign had laid upon him. 
This other King was well pleased. For some time he detained the Vizier in his 
own company ; forasmuch as he was then making a tour of his kingdom. He enter- 
