Publisher's Synopsis
Sire, there was once upon a time a merchant who possessed great wealth, in land andmerchandise, as well as in ready money. He was obliged from time to time to take journeys toarrange his affairs. One day, having to go a long way from home, he mounted his horse, takingwith him a small wallet in which he had put a few biscuits and dates, because he had to passthrough the desert where no food was to be got. He arrived without any mishap, and, havingfinished his business, set out on his return. On the fourth day of his journey, the heat of the sunbeing very great, he turned out of his road to rest under some trees. He found at the foot of alarge walnut-tree a fountain of clear and running water. He dismounted, fastened his horse to abranch of the tree, and sat by the fountain, after having taken from his wallet some of his datesand biscuits. When he had finished this frugal meal he washed his face and hands in the fountain.
