human
Verily, O Vizier, we should like this fellow's head and all it contains. Nay, O Mesrur, he added, turning to his Executioner,
gpt
I want not his head without the rest of him. He shall be my wag.
human
O King of the Age, answered the Grand Vizier,
gpt
I hear, and obey. Meanwhile, the porter continued to amuse them, but at length he became so intoxicated that his efforts to amuse were unsuccessful, whereat the entertainment flagged.
human
It seems to me, said the Khalifeh,
gpt
Accordingly, the Vizier singled out the eldest and put the question to her. But she liked it not, and, with a clouded brow, led him to the door, on the lintel of which she pointed out an inscription:
human
Ask not what doth not concern thee, lest thou hear what may not please thee. Ja'far returned and informed the Khalifeh of this, which only served to increase his curiosity. While he was planning a way with the Vizier to induce them to tell their history, there came a knock at the door. One of the sisters went to open it, and presently returned, saying,
gpt
There, are three Dervishes without, each of them clean shaven, and each lacking an eye.
human
Ask them if they were born blind of an eye, said one of the sisters,
gpt
So the lady went and asked them these questions, and returned presently with the answer:
human
They were not born blind, but each lost his eye through an adventure; neither are they brothers, having met for the first time in this City, where they have lost their way. They are wandering Mendicants or Calenders.
gpt
Thou didst desire to hear our stories, O my master, but it seemeth that these Dervishes may have stories more interesting to hear. Shall we admit them? The Khalifeh added his approval to that of Ja'far on this point, and the three Calenders were admitted. And strange looking men they were. Differing widely in feature and expression, they were all alike in the manner of their dress and general appearance. Each had lost one eye; and each had long black moustaches, twisted like silk, and drooping over a clean-shaven chin. Being of the order of mendicants, they bowed humbly, and stood silent.
human
Tell us how it is, said the eldest of the sisters,
gpt
human
In that, said one of the Calenders,
gpt
This man's speech and address are not those of a mendicant. If I mistake not he hath moved in Royal Courts.
human
Yet, O my mistress, the First Calender continued,
gpt
If they knew, they would kneel and implore here and now. But they know not.
human
O my mistresses, he said,
gpt
In a mirror,
human
Verily, said one of the sisters, in approval,