Page:Arabian Nights Entertainments (1728)-Vol. 5.djvu/9

MY Brother, ſaid the Barber, had Work enough for five or fix Days, to make twenty Shirts for the Miller, who afterwards gave him another Piece of Cloath to make him as many Pair of Drawers. When they were finiſh’d, Bacbouc carry’d them to the Miller, who ask’d him what he muſt have for his Pains. My Brother anſwered, he would be content with twenty Drachms of Silver. The Miller immediately call’d the young Slave, and bid her bring him his Weights to ſee if the Money was right. The Slave who had her Leſſon, look’d upon my Brother with an angry Countenance, to ſignify to him, that he would ſpoil all if he took any Money. He knew her Meaning, and refuſed to take any, tho’ he wanted it ſo much that he was forced to borrow Money to buy the Thread that ſow’d the Shirts and Drawers. When he left the Miller, he came to me to borrow Money to live on,and told me they did not pay him. I gave him ſome Copper Money I had in my Pocket, and upon that he ſubſiſted for ſome Days. It’s true, indeed, he liv’d upon nothing but broth, nor had he his Fill of that.

One Day he went to the Miller, who was buſy at his Work, and thinking my Brother came for Money, he offer’d him ſome; but the young Slave being preſent, made him another Sign not to take it, which he comply’d with, and told the Miller he did not come for his Money, but only to know how he did. The Miller thank’d him, and gave him an upper Garment to make; Bacbouc carry’d it him next Day; When the Miller drew out his Purſe, the young Slave gave my Brother the uſual Sign, on which he ſaid to the Miller, Neighbour, there’s no Haſte, we will reckon another Time; ſo that the poor Nynny went to his Shop again, with three terrible Diſtempers upon him, Love, Hunger, and Want of Money. The Miller’s Wife was not only greedy, but ill-natur’d; for not content to cheat my Brother of his Due, ſhe provok’d her Husband to revenge himſelf upon him, for making Love to her, which they accompliſh’d thus. The Miller invited Bacbouc one Night to Supper, and after having given him a very ſorry