however, passed and he did not return; nor could I learn any tidings of him.
In order to celebrate the festival of the great Bairam, which was approaching, I ordered my bailiff to bring me the fattest cow I possessed, for a sacrifice. He obeyed my commands. Having bound the cow, I was about to make the sacrifice, when at the very instant she lowed most sorrowfully, and the tears even fell from her eyes. This seemed to me so extraordinary, that I could not but feel compassion for her, and was unable to give the fatal blow. I therefore ordered her to be taken away, and another brought.
My wife, who was present, seemed very angry at my compassion, and opposed my order.
I then said to my steward, “Make the sacrifice yourself; the lamentations and tears of the animal have overcome me.”
The steward was less compassionate, and sacrificed her. On taking the skin off we found hardly anything but bones, though she appeared very fat. “Take her away,” said I to the steward, truly chagrined, “and if you have a fat calf, bring it in her place.” He returned with a remarkably fine calf, who, as soon as he perceived me, made so great an effort to come to me, that he broke his cord. He lay down at my feet, with his head on the ground, as if he endeavored to excite my compassion, and to entreat me not to have the cruelty to take away his life.
“Wife,” said I, “I will not sacrifice this calf, I wish to keep
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