p the saddle. Then he took it
and drove me away with blows.

CALIPH: A strange story, truly. The barber has law on his side, and yet
you have right on yours. The law must be obeyed, but--come here and let
me whisper something to you.

(The woodcutter listens smilingly and bowing low, leaves the room.)

ACT III

PLACE: The barber's shop.

TIME: A few days later.

ALI: Ah! here comes my stupid friend the woodcutter. I suppose he has
come to quarrel about the wood. No, he is smiling.

WOODCUTTER: Good day to you, friend Ali. I have come to ask if you will
be so kind as to shave me and a companion from the country.

ALI: Oh, yes, I suppose so.

WOODCUTTER: How much will you charge?

ALI: A shekel for the two.

(To himself.)

The poor fool cannot pay that sum.

WOODCUTTER. Very good. Shave me first.

(Ali shaves him.)

ALI: Now you are shaved. Where is your companion?

WOODCUTTER: He is standing outside. He will come in at once.

(He goes out and returns leading his donkey.)

This is my companion. Shave him.

ALI (_in a rage_): Shave him! Shave a donkey, indeed! Is it not enough
that I should lower myself by touching you? And then you insult me by
asking me to shave your donkey! Away with you!

ACT IV

PLACE: Caliph's Palace.

TIME: Half-hour later.

CALIPH: Well, my friend, did you do as I told you?

WOODCUTTER: Yes, and Ali refused to shave my donkey.

CALIPH (_to Courtier_): Bid Ali come to me at once and bring his razors
with him.

(Courtier leaves and returns with Ali.)

CALIPH: Why did you refuse to shave this man's companion? Was not that
your agreement?

ALI (_kissing the ground_): It is true, O caliph, such was the
agreement, but who ever made a companion of a donkey before?

CALIPH: True enough, but who ever thought of saying that a pack saddle
is a part of a load of wood? No, no, it is the woodcutter's turn now.
Shave his donkey instantly.

(Ali lathers the beast and shaves him in the presence of the whole
court, and then slips away amid the laughter of the bystanders.)

CALIPH: Now, my honest woodcutter, here is a purse of gold for you.
Always remember that the caliph gladly listens to the complaints of his
people, poor and rich, and will right their wrongs if he can.

WOODCUTTER: Long live the Caliph!

COURTIERS: Long live the Caliph!

--EASTERN TALE.

WINTER NIGHT

Blow, wind, blow!
Drift the flying snow!
Send it twirling, twirling ov