AZAMET THE HERMIT AND HIS DUMB FRIENDS. 
ZAMET the vizier had been 
/ 1 1 raised by Sultan Mahmoud 
j7\\ to the highest office in the 
•J ® empire. As soon as he 
was established in his 
position, he tried to reform many 
abuses ; but the nobles and imaums 
plotted against him. 
Deprived of his property, and 
deserted by his friends, Azamet with- 
drew to the wilderness of Khorasan, 
where he lived alone in a hut of his 
own building, and planted a little 
garden by the side of a brook. 
He had lived a hermit's life for two 
years, when Usbeck, one of his old 
friends, found his dwelling place. 
The sage met the vizier about a 
mile from his hut ; the two friends 
recognized each other and embraced, 
while Usbeck shed tears ; Azamet, on 
the contrary, smiled, and his eyes 
beamed with joy. "Thanks be to 
God, who gives strength to the un- 
fortunate," said Usbeck. " The man 
who had a gorgeous palace in the rich 
plains of Ghilem is contented with a 
hut in the wildest part of Khorasan ! " 
Presently, when they drew near 
Azamet's hut they heard a young 
horse neigh, and saw him come gallop- 
ing to meet them. When he came 
near Azamet, he caressed him, and ran 
home before him. 
Usbeck saw two fine heifers come 
from a pasture near by, and run back 
and forth near Azamet, as if offering 
him their milk ; they began to follow 
him. Soon after, two goats, with their 
kids, ran down from a steep rock, 
showing, by their gambols, their 
delight at seeing their master, and 
began to frolic around him. 
Then four or five sheep came out ot 
a little orchard, bleating and bounding, 
to lick Azamet's hand as he patted 
them, smiling. At the same moment, 
a few pigeons and a multitude of other 
birds which were chirping on the 
trees in the orchard flew upon his 
head and shoulders. He went into the 
little yard near his cabin, and a cock 
saw him and crowed for joy ; at this 
noise several hens ran, cackling, to 
greet their master. 
But the signs of joy and love which all 
these animals showed were as nothing 
compared to those of two white dogs 
that were waiting for Azamet at the 
door. They did not run to meet him, 
but seemed to show him that they had 
been faithful sentinels over the house 
which their master had placed in their 
care. As soon, however, as he entered, 
they caressed him lovingly, fawning 
upon him, throwing themselves at his 
feet, and only leaping up to lick his 
hands. When he gave them caresses 
they seemed beside themselves with 
delight, and stretched themselves at 
their master's feet. 
Usbeck smiled at this sight. 
"Well!" said the vizier, "you see 
that I am now as I have been from 
childhood, the friend of all created 
things. / tried to make men happy, but 
they could not let me. I made these 
animals happy, and I take pleasure in 
their affection and gratitude. You see 
that even though I am in the wilder- 
ness of Khorasan, I have companions, 
and love and am beloved." 
Listen ! what a sudden rustle Such a ceaseless croon and twitter 
Fills the air. Over-head ! 
All the birds are in a bustle Such a flash of wings that glitter 
Everywhere. Wide outspread ! 
33 
