The grand vizier crossed his arms on his breast bowed low before his master, and answered: Sire, it is no wonder I look disturbed, for below the palace wall stands a pedlar, who has such beautiful goods for sale that it angers me to think I have no money to Spare just now. The Caliph, who had long Wished for an Opportunity to confer some gift upon his vizier, sent a black slave to fetch the pedlar. Very soon the slave returned, ushering the pedlar into his master's presence. He was a fat little man, with a sunburnt face and dressed 'in rags. He carried a pack in which all sorts of wares were huddled together, pearls, rings, richly-chased pistols, goblets and combs.
