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The next day the merchant began to settle his
affairs, and first of all to pay his debts. He gave presents to his
friends, and large alms to the poor. He set his slaves at liberty,
and provided for his wife and children. The year soon passed away,
and he was obliged to depart. When he tried to say good-bye he was
quite overcome with grief, and with difficulty tore himself away. At
length he reached the place where he had first seen the genius, on
the very day that he had appointed. He dismounted, and sat down at
the edge of the fountain, where he awaited the genius in terrible
suspense.Links
Whilst he was thus waiting an old man leading a hind came towards him. They greeted one another, and then the old man said to him, "May I ask, brother, what brought you to this desert place, where there are so many evil genii about? To see these beautiful tress one would imagine it was inhabited, but it is a dangerous place to stop long in." The merchant told the old man why he was obliged to come there. He listened in astonishment. "This is a most marvellous affair. I should like to be a witness of your interview with the genius." So saying he sat down by the merchant |
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