84 
THE ORIENTAL ANNUAL. 
governor to whom it was addressed, and to return 
speedily with an answer. 
The kalundur,, being ignorant of the purport of 
the letter with which he was entrusted, congratulated 
himself upon so ready an excuse for quitting his 
monarch’s presence, without the necessity of opening 
his lips ; and, making a humble salaam to the 
khalif, he withdrew. While he yet stood at the 
gate of the palace, preparing to mount his elephant, 
the vizier chanced to pass that way on horse- 
back, and betrayed in his countenance no little 
astonishment on seeing the kalundur with his head 
still upon his shoulders. With affected concern, 
however, he inquired how that wise man had 
fortunately managed to escape the vengeance of 
the khalif. 
The kalundur innocently replied, — “ Alla and the 
Prophet befriended me ; for although the khalif was 
evidently annoyed by the scent of the garlic, his 
great forbearance induced him to overlook my fault ; 
probably in consideration of my careful delicacy in 
covering my mouth when I approached the royal 
presence. Nay, I have good cause to know that I 
have experienced no disfavour with my prince, inas- 
much as he has entrusted me with an errand which 
will doubtless have its reward. One thing only 
perplexes me. I know not if the evil be attributable 
to the richness of your hospitality ; but certain it is, 
that since I left the khalif, I have suffered so much 
