Page:Arabian Nights Entertainments (1728)-Vol. 2.djvu/7

to no Charge, becauſe they deſire Shelter only for this Night, and reſolve to leave us as ſoon as Day appears.

Zobeide and Amine made ſome Difficulty to grant Safie’s Requeſt, for Reaſons they knew well enough. But ſhe having ſo great a Deſire to obtain this Favour, could not refuſe her: Go then, ſays Zobeide, and bring them in, but don’t forget to acquaint them that they muſt not ſpeak of any thing which does not concern them, and cauſe them to read what is wrote over the Gate. Safie ran out with a great deal of Joy, and in a little while after return’d with the three Callenders in her Company.

At their Entrance they made a profound Bow to the Ladies, who roſe up to receive them, told them moſt obligingly that they were very welcome, that they were glad to have met with an Opportunity to oblige them, and to contribute towards relieving them from the Fatigue of their Journey, and at laſt invited them to fit down with them.

The Magnificence of the Place and the Civility of the Ladies, made the Callenders to conceive a mighty Idea of their fine Landladies: But before they ſat down, having by chance caſt their Eye upon the Porter whom they ſaw clad almoſt like one of thoſe other Callenders, with whom they are in Controverſy about ſeveral Points of Diſcipline, becauſe they neither ſhave their Beards nor Eye-brows; one of them ſaid, Look here, I believe we have got one of our revolted Arabian Brethren.

The Porter being half aſleep, and having his Head pretty warm with Wine, was affronted at theſe Words, and with a fierce Look, without ſtirring from his Place, anſwer’d, Sit you down, and don’t meddle with what does not concern you: Have you not read the Inſcription over the Gate? Do not pretend to make People live after your Faſhion, but follow ours.

Honeſt Man, ſays the Callender, do not put your ſelf in a Paſſion, we ſhould be very ſorry to give you the leaſt Occaſion, but on the contrary, we are ready to receive your Commands. Upon which, to avoid all Quarrels, the Ladies interpos’d, and pacified them. When the Callenders were ſat at Table, the Ladies ſerv’d them with Meat; and