Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-12-01
AN EASTERN Legend

Who, in Bsgdad, does not know the
great Djsffar, the sun of the universe
Once upon time, many years ago, while
Diafar was still youth, he was walking
in the neighborhood Of Bagdad.
Suddenly hoarse cry fell upon his ear
some one was calling for help.
Djaffar was known among his acquaint-
ances by his lofty mind and wise reflection
he had also compassionate heart, and
could rely upon his strength.
He FASTENED in the direction of the cry,
and discovered feeble old man, who was
being forced toward the city walls by two
robbers, who intended plundering him.
Djaffar drew his saber and attacked the
miscreants one he slew and the other
fed.
The old man fell at his deliverer's feet,
kissed the hem of his garment, and ex-
claimed Brave youth, your generosity
shall not remain unrewarded. Apparently,
l am only miserable beggar but that is
delusion l am no ordinary man. At
daybreak tomorrow come to the market.
place. will await you by the fountain,
and you shall be assured of the truth Of
my words"
Diaffar hesitated. "Tnis man certainly
appears to be nothing but beggar how
ever, who can tell? Why should | not
make the experiment 2 and be answered
and said, cit is well, my father 1 will
come.
The old man gszed at him and went
away.
At daybreak the next morning Djaffar
repaired to the market-place. The old man
was already awaiting him, leaning agsins.
the marble basin of the fountain.
He took Djaffar's hand in silence and led
him into little garden which was sur
rounded by high wall.
In the center of the garden tree of IN
known species sprung from the green turf
1t had the appearance of a cypress, but
it's leaves were of an azure tint.
Three fruits, three apples, hung from
the straight and slender twigs one apple,
OF medium size, was rather long and milk
white another was large, round, and
bright red the third was small, shriveled
and yellowish.
The tree rustled softly, although no
breeze stirred. It sounded soft and sad,
as if it were made of glass it appeared to
be conscious of Djaffar's presence.
Youth y said the old man, "pluck
one OF these fruits and take heed if you
pluck and eat the white apple you will be
wiser than all mankind if you pluck the
red apple and eat it you will become rich
as the Jew Rothschild but if you pluck
and eat the yellow apple then you will be
agreeable to the old women. Make your
mind without delay in an hour the fruit
will decay and the tree will sink deep into
the EARTH
Djaffar bowed his head and considered.
"What shall l decide upon?" asked he of
himself, half aloud. "Were | too wise,
life perhaps might disgust me; we're 1
richer than all other men, they would envy
me; sooner, therefore, will pluck and eat
the third, withered apple"
He did 80. and the old man aughed with
his toothless mouth, and said i: "Oh,
wisest of all youths You have chosen
Alright Wherefore do you need the white
apple? You are already wiser than Sol.
onion Neither do you want the red apple /;
you will be rich without it, and no one will
envy you your wealth."
d" Then tell me, venerable father" said
Djaffar. trembling with joy, where the
most honored mother of our Cbalise-the
beloved of the gods-lives."
The sage bowed to the very earth, and
pointed out the way to the youth. :
VINO in Bagdad does not know the sun
OF the universe, the great and illustrious
Djaffar II Turgeneff.