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I conjure you by all that is dearest to you, why stint ye to tell

me your history, and the cause of your losing your eyes and your

blackening your faces with ashes and soot?" Hereupon they turned

to me and said, "O young man, hearken not to thy youthtide's

suggestions and question us no questions." Then they slept and I

with them and when they awoke the old man brought us somewhat of

food; and, after we had eaten and the plates and goblets had been

removed, they sat conversing till night fall when the old man

rose and lit the wax candles and lamps and set meat and drink

before us. After we had eaten and drunken we sat conversing and

carousing in companionage till the noon of night, when they said

to the old man, "Bring us our ordinary, for the hour of sleep is

at hand!" So he rose and brought them the trays of soot and

ashes; and they did as they had done on the preceding night, nor

more, nor less.