Page:Swahili tales.djvu/341

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SELL DEAR.
321

you are called for at the Sultan's." And Ali said, "All right, I am like a Sultan, Sultan of myself."

And Ali arose, and went up-stairs and called, "Mrashi, look out for me from among the good clothes that are in the chests, for you are the one that knows them best." And Mrashi went and opened the chest, and she took out a fine joho, and she took out a fine turban, and she took out a shawl for the waist, and she took out a dagger with gold filigree work, and she took out a curved sword of Arab albunsayidi, and she took out a phial of otto of roses of Stamboul, and took them to her master.

When Ali saw those clothes, he rejoiced, and took and put them on, and went down with the Arab, and they went till they came to the Sultan's door. And they told him, "Pass on into the reception-room." And he passed on and sat down.

When the Sultan came down to hold the audience, there came down also he that was before the Sultan, that was now the Vizir. And he spoke to the Vizir, and he answered, "Yes." And he asked him, "Was not our agreement in force? I told you that my agreement was that you should know by your own understanding, without going to ask Ali." And he said, "Yes." "And you turned round, and went to ask Ali." And he said to the Sultan, "I did not ask Ali." And the Sultan said, "Ah! Is not this Ali here?" And he said, "Let us call him, that he may come before you, that we may believe that you knew these words by your own understanding, without Ali's telling you." And he said, "Yes, call Ali, let him come."

And the Sultan arose and called Ali. And he answered, "Here, sir." And he said, "Come." And he said, "How is it that you, Ali, should go to live in the Vizir's house? What is your reason?" And he said,