صفحة 258 من 1116

Whereto the lady portress added, "If thou bring anything thou art

a something; if no thing, be off with thee, thou art a nothing;"

but the procuratrix interposed, saying, "Nay, O my sisters, leave

teasing him for by Allah he hath not failed us this day, and had

he been other he never had kept patience with me, so whatever be

his shot and scot I will take it upon myself." The Porter, over

joyed, kissed the ground before her and thanked her saying, "By

Allah, these monies are the first fruits this day hath given me."

Hearing this they said, "Sit thee down and welcome to thee," and

the eldest lady added, "By Allah, we may not suffer thee to join

us save on one condition, and this it is, that no questions be

asked as to what concerneth thee not, and frowardness shall be

soundly flogged." Answered the Porter, "I agree to this, O my

lady, on my head and my eyes be it! Lookye, I am dumb, I have no

tongue.