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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1882 edition. Excerpt:...reverend Father," thus the chief began, "Thy thoughts are just; thy spoken words are true; To hide from thee surpasses mortal man; Our evil works henceforward we eschew, For now we know that sinning never thrives; Here, take the jewels, but O, spare our lives!" xxIII. "The law enjoins," the joyful sheik replied, "That bloody Death shall end the robber's days; But, that your sudden virtue may be tried, Swear on the Koran you will mend your ways. And then depart." The robbers roundly swore, In Allah's name, that they would rob no more. xxIV. "Allah is Allah!" cried the grateful sheik, Holding the jewels in the vizier's face. The vizier answered, "Sir, be pleased to take The casket to the Sultan. "No, your Grace," The sheik replied, "the gems are here, you see; Pray tell the Sultan he may come to me!" xxV. The Sultan came, and, ravished to behold The precious jewels to his hand restored, He made the finder rich in thanks and gold, And on the instant pledged his royal word, And straight confirmed it in the Prophet's name, To grant whatever he might choose to claim. 131 THE KING AND THE COTTAGER. xxvi. "Sire of the Faithful! publish a decree" (The sheik made answer; "and proclaim to all That none henceforth shall ever question me Of any matter either great or small; I ask no more. So shall my labors cease; My waning life I fain would spend in peace." xxvn. The Sultan answered: "Be it even so; And may your beard increase a thousand-fold; And may your house with children overflow!" And so the sheik,overwhelmed with praise and gold, Returned unto the city whence he came, Blessing Mohammed's and Fati ma's name! THE KING AND THE COT-TAGER. A PERSIAN LEGEND....