384 THE ARABIAN NIGHTS.

that it would be impossible for me to particularise them. But
as I was obliged to keep my right eye shut with my hand, this
fatigued me, and I begged the dervise to apply some ointment ;
also round that eye. “Iam ready to do so,” said the dervise ;
“but you must remember that I told you, if you put any upon
the right eye you would instantly become blind.”

Far from being satisfied that the dervise had told me the
truth, I imagined that there was some new mystery which he
wished to conceal from me. “ Brother,” said I, smiling, “1 well
know you mean to impose upon me; it is unnatural to suppose
that the same ointment should have two such opposite effects.”
Thus I persevered in entreating the dervise to apply it himselt
round my right eye, but he constantly refused to do it. “After
I have conferred on you so great a kindness,” said he, “I can-
not resolve to do you so great a mischief.”

I carried my obstinacy to the extreme. And at last the der-
vise consented. “Since you are absolutely determined upon
the matter,” said he, “I shall proceed to satisfy you.” He then
took a little of this fatal ointment, and applied it upon my right
eye, which I held closed. But, alas! when I came to open it,
I perceived nothing with both my eyes but intense darkness,
and I continued blind as you now see me.

“Unhappy wretch!” returned the dervise, “had you taken
my advice thou wouldst have avoided this misfortune ; thou
hast thy deserts ; and the blindness of thy heart has brought
upon thee the blindness of thy eyes.”

The dervise said no more but left me alone, covered with con-
fusion, and overwhelmed with grief; after having collected my
fourscore camels he led them away, and pursued his journey to
Balsora. Thus, I found myself at once reduced to beggary, and
without resources. I could do nothing but ask alms; but to
expiate my crime, I have imposed upon myself the punishment
of a blow from every charitable person who shall have compas-
sion on my misery.

When the blind man had finished his history, the caliph said
to him, “Baba Abdalla, your sin is great; but Heaven be
praised that you are sensible of its enormity. You must for the
future continue to ask pardon in those prayers which your re
ligion obliges you daily to offer; and that you may not be