Delaware patriot & American watchman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1828-1828, 1828-03-21
From .Haicolm's s.Sisetches of Persia.
AHMED THE COBBLER.
(Continued J

lConuhueo}
About this time it happened that the kings
treasury was robbed OF forty chests of gold and
Jewels, forming the greater part Of the wealth Of
the kingdom. The high treasurer and other otfi-
GERS Of state used all diligence to find the thieves,
but in vain. The king sent for his astroloser.
and declared. that if the robbers were not detect
ed Nv stated time, he as well as the principal
ministers, should be put to death.--Oniy one day
Of the short period given them remained. All their
search had proved fruitess, aud the chief asrolo-
gcr, who had made his calculations and exhausted
his art to no purpose, had resigned himself to his
fate. when one Of his friends advised him to send
fer the wonderful cobbler, who had become so ia
nous for his extraordinary discoveries. Two slaves
were Immediately despatched for Ahmed, whom
they commanded to go with them to their master.
I You see he effects OF your arnbiti1n. said the
poor cobber to his wife; am gong to my death.
The kings astroloeer has heard of my presump.
| ton, and is determined to have me executed as
an lmpostGr.'
| On entering the palace of the chief astrologer,
he was surprised to see that dsn!fed person come
forward to receive him, and lead him to the seat
of honor. and not less to hear himself thus address
sed The ways Of heaven, most learned and ex-
cellent Ahmed, are unsearchable. The high are
often cast down and the low are lifted up The
whole world depends upon fate and fortune 1t is
my turn to be depressed by fate; it is thine to be
exalted by fortune
His speech was here interrupted by messen-
ger from tie king, who, having heard OF the cob
bler's fame, desired his attendance. Poor Ahmed
now concluded that it was all over with him. and
followed the kings messenger, praying to God that
he would deliver him fran his peril v hen he
came into the kings presence, he bent his body to
the ground, and wished his majesty long lie and
prosperity. Tell me, Ahmed' said the king,
who has stolen my treasure
! 1t was not ono man, answered Ahmed. after
some consideration -. there were lortJ thieves
concerned in the robbery
and what have they done with my gold and jew.
clss'
These questions,' said Ahmed, cannot nov
answer. but hope to satisfy your majesty if yot
will grant me forty days TO make my calculations.
8 l grant you forty days. said the king bu
when they are past, if my treasure is not lount
your life shall pay the forfeit
Ahmed returned to his house well pleased; fo
he resolved to take advantage OF the time allowed
him to fly from city where his fame was likely t.
be his ruin. Well Ahmed,' said his wife as III
entered the house, what news at court
mo news at ALL said he, except that am Il
be put to death at the end of forty days, unless
find forty chests Of gold and jewels, which hav'
been stolen from the royal treasury.
But you will discover the thieves.
tHow by what means am to find them ~
sBy the same art which discovered the ruby AM
the lady's necklace.
sThe same art p replied Ahmed. Foolish wo
man! thou knowest that | have no art, and that
have only pretended to it for the sake of pleasin
thee. Rut have had sufficient skill to gain fort