The Hundred and Seventy Third Night.
SIR, the Barber without breaking off, told the Story of his third Brother, in the following Manner.
A Story of the Barber’s Third Brother.
COmmander of the Faithful, ſays he to the Calif, my third Brother, whoſe Name was
Backback, was blind, and his ill Deſtiny reduc’d him to beg from Door to Door. He had been ſo long accuſtomed to walk through the Street alone, that he had no need of one to lead him: He had a Cuſtom to knock at Peoples Doors, and not to anſwer till they opened to him. One Day he knock’d thus at a Door, and the Maſter of the Houſe, who was alone, cry’d, Who is there? my Brother gave no Anſwer; and knock’d a ſecond Time: The Maſter of the Houſe asked again, Who is there? But to no Purpoſe. My Brother did not anſwer, upon which the Man of the Houſe came down, open’d the Door, and asked my Brother what he wanted? That you will give me ſomething for Heaven’s Sake, ſays
Backback. You ſeem to be blind, reply’d the Maſter of the Houſe: Yes, to my Sorrow, ſay my Brother: Give_me your Hand, ſays the Maſter of the Houſe: My Brother did ſo, thinking he was going to give him Alms; bur he only took him by the Hand to lead him up to his Chamber;
Backback thought he had been carrying him to Dinner with him, as ſeveral other People had done. When they came up to the Chamber, the Man looſed his Hand out of my Brothers, and ſitting down, asked him, again, what he wanted? I have already told you, ſays
Backback, that I want ſomething for God’s Sake. Good blind Man, reply’d the Maſter of the Houle all that I can do for you is, to wiſh that God may reſtore you your Sight. You might have told me that at the Door, ſays my Brother, and not have given me the Trou-