very considerable sum was offered. The Cogia, very much surprised, took the money for the cow, and went running to his house. The inspectors, however, coming, took away the Cogia’s daughter, whereupon his wife said, ‘O Cogia, do you stay a little. The inspecting matrons have been for the girl. I will now go to them, and will give the necessary character, so that they will take our daughter, being satisfied with what I say.’ Quoth the Cogia Efendi, ‘No, no, wife, do not open your mouth. I have now learnt various praises fitted for her. I will go and tell them. Do you see how they will be pleased with them.’ So he went to the inspecting matrons, who, as soon as they saw him, said, ‘O Cogia Efendi, what have you to do with us matrons? Get you gone, and let the girl’s mother come.’ Said the Cogia Efendi, ‘It is not the duty of the girl’s mother to give information with respect to any talents which the girl may possess. Whatever questions you may have to ask with respect to the talents we may have observed, do you ask of me.’ Quoth the matrons, ‘Let us hear you dilate a little on her talents.’ ‘Ladies,’ said the Cogia, ‘if the girl is not six months gone with child, she is my property.’ The ladies on hearing this looked at each other, and getting up went away. Said the Cogia’s

   wife, ‘O Cogia, why did you drive the matrons away by using such words to them?’ ‘Don’t you fear, wife,’ said the Cogia, ‘if they go through the whole country they will not find a girl of this description; so let them go and come back. But to tell you the truth, if I had not praised the cow in this manner, I should have found no purchaser for her.’

   One day Cogia Nasr Eddin Efendi, as he was winding the muslin of his turban, perceived that it was not long enough; he again tried all he could to bring it to a point, but in vain. The Cogia in great distress took the muslin, and going to the public mart, put it up to auction. Whilst it was being bid for, a person came and bought it. Whereupon the Cogia going softly up to him, said, ‘Brother, don’t take that thick thing; it is too short for a turban; you can’t bring it to a point.’

   One day an individual coming to the Cogia said, ‘Something for my good news, Cogia Efendi. You have a son born to you.’ ‘If I have a son born to me,’ said the Cogia, ‘I owe thanks to God, but what do I owe to you?’

   One day a man coming to the Cogia asked him for the loan of his ass. ‘Stay here,’ said the Cogia, ‘whilst I go and consult the animal. If the ass is willing to be lent, I will let you have him.’ Thereupon he went in, and after staying

 Prev. P 12/29 next