d Jussuf, "shall I be offered to a snake--to a stupid,
superstitious fancy?" He wept, and begged and prayed the slave to let
him escape.

"How will you escape?" asked the slave. "It is not possible through
the palace--guards are at every entrance; and you would also fall into
the hands of the watchmen in the city. You cannot fly over the garden
wall, for on the other side is a deep ditch, full of mud and water. If
you jumped over, you would be embedded in the mud."

Jussuf exhausted himself in prayers and entreaties to persuade the
slave to help him in his flight.

"Only one means is possible," he replied. "To-morrow is the day on
which a messenger is usually sent to the Princess's palace, to
inquire, in the King's name, after her health and wishes. I have many
times had this commission, and will offer again. If I go, I am sure
she will have me brought before her, as she knows I belong to the
Faithful, and speak many languages which she learned from her mother.
I will relate to her your imprisonment, and ask her assistance or
counsel. She is as clever as good and innocent, and can give excellent
advice."

Although Jussuf placed little reliance on this plan, still there was
some hope of success, and the only hope that he could find. He
therefore agreed to it, and returned to his cage, in which the slave
fastened him, having told him that if he did not return at noon, he
was to take it as a sign that he was sent on the embassy to the
Princess.

On the morrow a slave brought him some food, and curious people came
with the King's servants to see him; but the day passed without Jussuf
being able to observe his countryman among the remaining slaves in the
court below. Full of hope, he watched the approach of night, when he
hoped to receive counsel and help. The slave came at midnight and
called him by his name.

"Now," said Jussuf, "what news do you bring?"

"Alas! my lord," answered the slave, "I know not what to think.
Although the Princess is a faithful follower of the Prophet, she was
very quiet when I related your history: I expected she would have
concerned herself about your being offered to a snake; but she heard
me tranquilly."

Jussuf asked if she had not sent him any counsel.

"No; she said no other word," answered the slave, "than, 'Tell your
countryman that everybody must be obedient, and resigned to the will
of Heaven. Heathenish prophecies are often the consequence of godly
truth and wisdom.'"

"