Tales of the Caliph | Page 4

the sparkling domes and minarets of a majestic
city.
The sun was already low as they drew near to the city, and they were
congratulating themselves on being able to enter the town before the
darkness should be upon them, when suddenly they came to the edge of
a vast and precipitous abyss, which completely severed the country
they had been traversing from the heights on which the city had been
built. The road they could see continued its course on the other side,
but, spanning the dizzy chasm, the only bridge was the trunk of a
gigantic tree, which lay stretched across it. Without hesitation or
difficulty the natives of the country passed over, trusting themselves

without apparent concern to walk at that tremendous height along the
rough surface of the primitive bridge, which afforded so uncertain and
precarious a foothold. The captain, having the nerves and nimbleness of
a sailor, followed them fearlessly and safely. But for the Caliph the
adventure was extremely perilous. However, seeing the others cross,
with his wonted intrepidity and hardihood he ventured to follow them.
But on reaching the middle of the narrow and uneven footway, and
looking down into the tremendous depths below, becoming giddy he
threatened to fall headlong, and only by a strong effort of the resolute
will that distinguished him, and steadying himself by looking earnestly
at a fixed spot in front of him, he succeeded in reaching the other side
in safety.
Shortly after passing over this dangerous bridge they began to find
themselves in the suburbs of the city. On either side the road there were
fine houses situated in beautiful gardens, and they had not proceeded
far before a guard met them, sent by Selim Sadek, the king.
Selim was very desirous to see and speak with the two brave men who
unaided had crossed the tree-bridge in safety--a feat no stranger
previously had succeeded in accomplishing.
When they reached the palace--which was a noble and imposing pile of
buildings, situated on a steep hill, and overlooking not only the city, but
extensive plains and lakes stretching away as far as the eye could
see--they were shown into apartments where baths and food were
prepared for them. After bathing and enjoying an excellent repast, they
retired to rest, being greatly fatigued with their journey.
The Grand Chamberlain, after he had seen that the king's orders had
been duly carried out, and that the strangers had been properly received
and lodged, hastened to report to his master what had been done. Selim,
on receiving his report, inquired what his guests were like. The
Chamberlain replied, "Both of them, your Majesty, are fine, well-built
men; and both are exceptionally brave, as their bearing, when they
came to the bridge, amply proved; but in all other respects they are very
unlike. The one is but a rough fellow, probably a sea captain, who
stared about him in astonishment when he came into the halls of your

palace, although they are by no means the best. We noticed, also, that
he eyed the plate, although it was but silver, not only with admiration,
but somewhat greedily, as though he would, if opportunity had offered,
have gladly seized and gone off with it. The other stranger, on the
contrary, seemed to view the magnificence of the palace with the
greatest indifference, and took everything, even to the attendance of the
attendants and great officers, so much as a matter of course, that I feel
persuaded," said the Chamberlain, "that he must be a very great
personage, perhaps even a king, in his own country."
This account of the strangers given by his Grand Chamberlain inflamed
the curiosity of Selim to the highest degree, and the next morning early
he seated himself on his throne in the great audience-chamber of his
palace, and commanded that the two strangers should be brought before
him.
When they were come he inquired who they were, and where they were
going when they encountered the storm that had wrecked their vessel.
To this the Caliph, who in the new robes that had been supplied them
looked a man of great dignity and good breeding, replied by
announcing that he was the Caliph Haroun Alraschid, and relating all
that had occurred from the time he entered the caravanserai at Bussora
until the time when the pirate ship was wrecked.
When King Selim heard that the man before him was the renowned
Caliph Haroun Alraschid, whose fame had spread throughout all the
world, he, being a good Moslim, came down off his high throne, and,
making obeisance to the Commander of the Faithful--"Sire," said he, "a
happy day is this for your servant that he should be privileged to see
your face or to do aught for your illustrious Majesty.