Section 1
Several years in the past, during a beautiful afternoon, Caliph Casid of Bagdad was comfortably reclined on a luxurious couch. The weather was exceedingly hot, and after a refreshing nap, he had woken up feeling extremely content.With a sense of great contentment, Caliph Casid of Bagdad took a few drags from his rosewood-stemmed pipe, sipped on the coffee offered by a subservient slave, and stroked his long beard.It was clear that the Caliph was experiencing a sense of tranquility with the world around him. As such, he was approachable at that time, and therefore, every day his Grand Vizier, Mansor, paid him a visit.
However, on this specific afternoon, the Grand Vizier appeared to be contemplative and uninterested in conversation. Thus, noticing this, the Caliph removed his pipe from his mouth and spoke up:
"What seems to be troubling you today, Mansor?" inquired the Caliph.
The Grand Vizier crossed his arms over his chest and, bowing deeply, replied:
"Your Majesty, there isn't anything particularly troubling me. However, there's a merchant standing outside the castle with such exquisite merchandise that it's making me feel unhappy that I don't have any extra money to spend," explained the Grand Vizier.
The Caliph had always held a certain fondness for the Grand Vizier and, without hesitation, he ordered a black slave to escort the merchant to his presence.After a brief wait, a portly man with a sun-tanned face and tattered clothing arrived. This was the merchant, carrying a pack filled with an array of treasures such as pearls, rings, intricately decorated pistols, golden cups, and combs.As the Caliph and the Vizier inspected the items, they examined them closely. The Caliph ended up purchasing some exquisite pistols for himself and Mansor, as well as a comb for the Vizier's wife. As the merchant began packing up his goods in his box, the Caliph noticed a small drawer within and inquired about its contents.The merchant opened the drawer to reveal a snuff-box containing black powder and a small piece of paper with some writing on it that neither the Caliph nor the Vizier could decipher.
The peddler explained, "I acquired these items from a merchant in Mecca, but I'm unsure about the writing. If you're interested, you can purchase them for a small amount."
The Caliph, who possessed numerous rare manuscripts in his library that he couldn't decipher, but was proud to own, decided to purchase both the snuff-box and the paper. He then sent the peddler away.
The Caliph, being very curious about the writing's meaning, asked the Vizier if he knew anyone who could translate it.
"Your Highness," replied Mansor, "there is a man called Selim the Scholar who lives near the great Mosque and is well-versed in all languages. You can ask him to come here, and perhaps he can decipher these secret instructions."
The learned man, Selim the Scholar, was immediately summoned.
The Caliph addressed Selim, saying, "You are reputed to be knowledgeable. Take a look at this writing: if you can decipher it, I shall reward you with a new coat. If you cannot, you will be beaten on your back and feet with a stick, and everyone will know that Selim the Scholar lacks the wisdom he claims to possess."
Selim respectfully bowed and replied, "As you command, my lord." He examined the writing for a few minutes and then exclaimed, "This is Latin, Your Highness. If it isn't, may I be hanged!"
"If that is the case," replied the Caliph, "please tell us what it says."
