human
Shookr, Shookr, Habeeb! (Thanks, thanks!), said the Kótwal at length.
gpt
Hast thou any news, friend?
human
There was a grand entertainment at the Nawab Alla-ool-Moolk's last night, and some new singers from the Carnatic were there. My lord should hear one of them. She is very lovely,
gpt
Except the blessed Mary, and Fáthma, and Ayésha--on whose names be peace!--I wish all women were in the burning pit,
human
Khóda na khasta bashud! (God forbid!), exclaimed Habeeb, staying it.
gpt
God forbid my lord should touch what has been done! Even in that exclamation a hundred hairs have started up. May his slave ask what has discomposed the fountain of justice this morning?
human
There was some one ill in the palace last night, and a Fakeer was sent for, who shouted 'Ulla dilâyâ to léonga,' Who was that man? and who was ill?
gpt
My lord, no one was ill that I know of. About the Fakeer I will ascertain, if possible, replied the barber.
human
I can tell my lord one thing, however: the Shah--may his splendour increase--went out, even as the Khaleefa, of honoured memory, of whom we read--Haroun bin-al Rasheed--was in the habit of doing, to see after his subjects for himself, to hear with his own ears; and, if people say the truth, there is enough for him to hear, if he chose to inquire.
gpt
People will talk, friend, said the Kótwal;
human
Nay, that is more than your poor slave knows. They say he took the young Fazil Khan with him, or else the Wuzeer's son. Sure he went? yes, my lord, quite sure, said the man, emphatically.
gpt
I was in the citadel, and saw him go out.
human
Ay, indeed! Boy's tricks, boy's tricks, Habeeb; yet that Fazil Khan was accounted a steady youth: but he is in trouble about last night.
gpt
Ah, master! we have all been like him once, said the barber, chuckling.
human
I suppose it was one of the new dancers----
gpt
Except that we did no murder, friend,
human
Is my lord _very_ particular about a noble slaying a thief, or a night brawler?
gpt
O no! and it will be settled. And now you may go, Habeeb--find out who was visited last night; perhaps ... no matter ... and thou shalt have thy mouth filled, after our Persian fashion, with gold zecchins and sugar-candy. There are a couple in earnest of more.
human
May the sun of your splendour increase in brightness, master! returned the man, taking the money, and retreating backwards till he gained the door.
gpt
I will inquire----
human
And now for this boy and his rough father, said Jehándar Beg, speaking to himself, as the door closed on the barber;
gpt
And no one has passed here, Jaffur?
human
No one, my lord, except the servants with their meal.
gpt
Did they speak to him?
human
Not a word, my lord; I listened carefully.
gpt
Have the Khan and his son been speaking to each other?
human
Yes, frequently; but as they have moved to the other side of the court, which is now in shadow, I cannot hear them. My lord is going in? Should we not attend? They are armed.
gpt
I am not afraid, Jaffur; put up thy weapon. Keep the door ajar, but do not enter, and, on your life, let no one listen. Do ye hear, all of ye?
human
Jo hookum!