y, _The Ass_: an
appellation which, in the East, is considered highly honourable, from
the singular regard there entertained for that patient and
indefatigable animal. Ariosto derived his touching episode of Isabella
of Gallicia from the history of this prince. Mervan, being at one time
in Egypt, became enamoured of a religious recluse whom he chanced to
see there, and endeavoured to persuade her to break her monastic vows.
Effectually to relieve herself from his persecutions, the young devotee
promised him an ointment which would render him invulnerable, and
volunteered to prove its efficacy on her own person. After having
anointed her neck with the mixture, she requested the caliph to test
the keenness of his cimeter on it, which the barbarian did; and the
result may be easily imagined.

C, page 48.

_The names of Haroun al Raschid, &c._

Haroun al Raschid (which signifies Haroun the Just) was {210} greatly
renowned in the East. He undoubtedly, in part, owed his fame, as well
as his surname, to the protection he afforded to men of letters. His
military exploits and his love of science prove this caliph to have
been no ordinary man; but then the glory of his achievements was
tarnished by his cruelty to the Barmacides. These were a distinguished
tribe or family, descended from the ancient kings of Persia. They had
rendered the most signal services to the successive caliphs, and won
the respect and affection of the whole empire. Giaffar Barmacide, who
was considered the most virtuous of Mussulmans and the most eminent
author of the age, was the vizier of Haroun. He entertained a
passionate regard for Abassa, the beautiful and accomplished sister of
the caliph, and the princess reciprocated his affection; but the
sovereign made the most unreasonable opposition to the celebration of
their nuptials. This they effected, however, without his knowledge;
and for some time Haroun remained ignorant of the union of the lovers.
But, at the end of some years, the caliph made a pilgrimage to Mecca,
to which city, the more effectually to secure the inviolability of his
secret, the Bermacide had sent his infant son to be reared. There the
representative of the Prophet, through the instrumentality of a
perfidious slave, became acquainted with all the circumstances of the
deception that had been practised on him. It would be difficult to
believe the account of what followed, but that the facts were so well
authenticated