Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-09-29

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not given me all the wood yet" said the
barber" | must have the pack-sad,fe,
(Which is chiefly made Of wood INTO
the bargain that was our bargain"
How" said the other in amazement,
who ever heard of such a bargain
it is impossible" In short, after maoy
words and much alteration, the over
bearing barber seized the pack-saddle,
wood and all, and sent away the poor
peasant in great distress. He immedi-
ately ran TO the Cadi and stated his
griefs; the Cadi was one of the BARRIERS
customers, and refused to hear the case.
The wood-cutter applied TO a higher
Judge; he also patronized Ali Sakal,
and made light of the complaint. The
poor man then appealed to the Mufti
himself, who, having pondered over the
question, whilst he slipped half dozen
cups of coffee, and smoked as many
pipes, at length settled that. it was too
difficult case for him to decide, no
provision being made for it in the Ko-
ran, and therefore he must put up with
his loss. The wood-cutter was not dis
heartened, but forthwith got scribe to
write petition TO the Caliph in person,
which ne duly presented on Friday,
when he went in state to mosque. The
Cahph's punctuaiity in reading petitions
is well known, and it was not long be-
fore the wOod-cutter was called into his
presence. When he had approached
the Caliph, he kneeled and kissed the
fground, and then placing his arms
straight before him, his hands covered
with his cloak, and his feet close togeth-
er, he awaited the decision Of his case.
Friend," said the Caliph, g the barber
has words on his side-you have equity
on yours. The law must be made by
words-the former must have its course,
or it is nothing and agreements must
be kept, or there would be no faith be-
tween man and man therefore the
barber must keep all his wood; but,"--
then calling the wood.cutter close 10
him, the Caliph whispered something iu
bis ear, which none but he could hear,
and then sent him away quite satisfies.
A few days after, he applied to the bar
Der, as if nothing had happened between
them, requesting that he and compan-
ion of his from the country might en-
JOY the dexterity of his hand--and the
price at Which both operations were to
be performed was settled. When the
wood-cutter's crown had been properly
shorG, Ali Sakal asked where his COM
panion was. sic is just standing with
out here" said the other, "and he shall
come in presently" Accordingly he
went out and returned leading his ass
after him by the halter. "This is my
companion" said he, "and you must
shave him." "Shave him - exclaimed
the barber in the greatest surprise, 4" it
is enough that | have consented to de-
mean myself by touching you, and do
you insult me by asking me to do as
much TO your ass Away with you, OF
pll send you both TO Jehanuna''
forthwith drove them out of the shop.
The wood-cutter Immediately went
to the Caliph and related his case. "'Tis
WELL" said the commander Of the faith
full" bring Ali Sakal and his razors to
me this instant" he exclaimed to one
of his officers; and the barber soon
stood before him. "Why do you re-
fuse to shave this mans companion 2"
said the CaliPh TO the barber; ''was
not that your agreement" Ali, kissing
the ground, answered-"'Tis true, o
Caliph, that such was our agreement;
but who ever made a companion of an
ass before For who ever thought before
of treating it like true believer?"
" You may say right" said the CaIiph,
=" but at the same time, whoever thought
of insisting upon pack-saddle being
included in load of wood? No, no, it is
the wood-cutter's turn now. To the
ass Immediately, or you know the con-
sequences. The barber was then o.
bliged TO prepare large quantity Of
soap, to lather the beast from head to
foot, and to shave him in the presence
Of the Calipb and of the whole court,
while he was jeered and Knocked by the
taunts and laughing of the by-stauders.
The poor wood-cutter was then dis
missed with an appropriate present of
money, and all Bagdad resounded with
the story, and celebrated the Justice Of
the Commander of the Faithful.
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