ad taught me to be sincere to
others?"

I answered that I had ever been sincere, even to those who were
undeserving, and that I would rather die than betray my friend.

"If what you say is true," said Bennaskar, "I will try you. Go in, and
my servants shall clothe you, and you shall live with me. I only ask
in return, that you never disclose to any one what you hear or see
transacted in my house."

"Sir," answered I, "your offer is gracious, and bespeaks your generous
intentions; but I do not choose to live on another's bounty unless I
can make myself useful."

"That," answered Bennaskar, "you may do if I find I can trust you. I
have long been in search of one I could trust. I want such an one, but
cannot find him."

The friends of Bennaskar then surrounded their lord, and each
confusedly offered their services to him.

"No," said the young man, "though I appear unthoughtful in your eyes,
O, servile race of flatterers! yet know, to your confusion, that I
have tried you all, and find you trifling and insincere. This man
alone refuses my proffered love unless he can return it, and this man
alone is worthy of my esteem."

The friends of Bennaskar were thunderstruck at his words, and renewed
their protestations; but he commanded his servants to drive them from
his house, and, taking me by the hand, he led me into an inner but
sumptuous apartment.

As soon as we entered, I prostrated myself at his feet, and said, "Let
not my lord be angry with his servant, but thou hast not told me what
service thou wilt expect from me."

"All that I require," answered Bennaskar, "is that you disclose not to
any one what you hear or see transacted in my house."

"My lord," answered I, "of what service can I be to you by such a
compliance? If I am silent thy slaves may speak, and I shall be blamed
for their insincerity. I pray thee, let me return to my rags, and set
me not in a place where thy vassals will be tempted to ruin me in thy
favour."

"Your answer," said Bennaskar, "is the answer of a prudent man. But
fear not: I cannot do without you, and I hope you will not refuse my
proffered love. What you will see, none will see besides you;
therefore none but yourself will be unfaithful to me."

On this assurance, I accepted the offer of Bennaskar. After which the
slaves led me to the bath, where I washed, and was perfumed, and
arrayed in a vestment of my lord's.

Bennaskar was impatient to see me; and, as I was led into his