ARAB HUMOUR.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4058, 31 December 1881, Page 4

ARAB HUMOUR.

,:: Abu Nuwaa had once so much amused the Caliph with his merry jests andclever sayings, that Haroun bade him ask what boon he chose. Abu Nuwas begged for an order empowering him to go about the country and take an ass from every man wbotn he Slight find afraid of bis wife. The order was given, and after a short 'absence the Commissioner returned with quite a large drove of asses, and was at once conducted into the Caliph's presence. *• Now," said the latter, "tell me what adventures you have met .during your travels." }<i Prince of the; Faithful," was the reply, "Ifound many men who feared their wives, and took an ass from each in accordance with your order But in a certain tribe I saw a woman so lovely that words fail to describe her:—•

.■ The gentle gazelle she'resembles ;-'' In grace, and in coming not nigh : In the soft neck tbat quivers and trembles,

In the lustrous dark gaze of her eye. Her stature erect is as handsome And. slim as the branch of a treeAll the branches that are bo a ransom For one such as she : A lovely and lovable maiden, ..: „ Soft-bodied and luscious of mouth, Who sways like a tree that is laden With fruits of the south! Who^—- : : ■ •■ :" ■=' :-; '; ;'

11 Stay!". said thei Caliph; " for Heaven's sake speak lower, or the Queen will hear you." "Your Majesty should give me two asses," said Abu Nuwas sententiously, '„' for yoa cannot disobey your own order, and you ought to give something more than your subjects."—Temple Bar.