The dervish pulled it out of his bosom, and presenting it to me, said, “Here, take it, brother, and be content; if I can do more for you, you need but to ask me—I shall be ready to satisfy you.”
When I had the box in my hand, I opened it, and looking at the unguent, said, “Since you are so good, I am sure you will not refuse to tell me the use of this ointment.”
“The use is very surprising and wonderful,” replied the dervish. “If you apply a little of it upon the lid of the left eye, you will see all the treasures contained in the bosom of the earth; but if you apply it to the right eyelid, it will make you blind.”
“Take the box,” said I to the dervish, “and apply some to my left eyelid; you understand how to do it better than I.” The dervish had no sooner done so, than I saw immense treasures and such prodigious riches, that it is impossible for me to give an account of them; but as I was obliged to keep my right eye shut, I desired the dervish to apply some of the pomatum to that eye.
213
