"When the rich carpet is soiled, the fool pointeth to
the stain--the wise man covers it with his mantle. I have heard
my lord's pleasure, and to hear is to obey."
"It is well," said the King; "let him consult his own safety, and
never appear in my presence more. Is there aught else in which I
may do thee pleasure?"
"The bounty of the King hath filled my cup to the brim," said the
sage--" yea, it hath been abundant as the fountain which sprung
up amid the camp of the descendants of Israel when the rock was
stricken by the rod of Moussa Ben Amram."
"Ay, but," said the King, smiling, "it required, as in the
desert, a hard blow on the rock ere it yielded its treasures. I
would that I knew something to pleasure thee, which I might yield
as freely as the natural fountain sends forth its waters."
"Let me touch that victorious hand," said the sage, "in token
that if Adonbec el Hakim should hereafter demand a boon of
Richard of England, he may do so, yet plead his command."
"Thou hast hand and glove upon it, man," replied Richard; "only,
if thou couldst consistently make up thy tale of patients without
craving me to deliver from punishment those who have deserved it,
I would more willingly discharge my debt in some other form.
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