"
"Explain thy words," said Richard; "but think not to impose upon
me by false pretexts."
"Be it far from thy servant!" said Adonbec. "Know, then, that
the medicine to which thou, Sir King, and many one besides, owe
their recovery, is a talisman, composed under certain aspects of
the heavens, when the Divine Intelligences are most propitious.
I am but the poor administrator of its virtues. I dip it in a
cup of water, observe the fitting hour to administer it to the
patient, and the potency of the draught works the cure."
"A most rare medicine," said the King, "and a commodious! and,
as it may be carried in the leech's purse, would save the whole
caravan of camels which they require to convey drugs and physic
stuff; I marvel there is any other in use."
"It is written," answered the Hakim, with imperturbable gravity,
"'Abuse not the steed which hath borne thee from the battle.'
Know that such talismans might indeed be framed, but rare has
been the number of adepts who have dared to undertake the
application of their virtue.
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