AZAMET the vizier had been raised by Sultan Mahmoud to the highest office in the empire. As soon as he was established in his position, he tried to reform many abuses; but the nobles and imaums plotted against him.

Deprived of his property, and deserted by his friends, Azamet withdrew to the wilderness of Khorasan, where he lived alone in a hut of his own building, and planted a little garden by the side of a brook.

He had lived a hermit's life for two years, when Usbeck, one of his old friends, found his dwelling place.

The sage met the vizier about a mile from his hut; the two friends recognized each other and embraced, while Usbeck shed tears; Azamet, on the contrary, smiled, and his eyes beamed with joy. "Thanks be to God, who gives strength to the unfortunate," said Usbeck. "The man who had a gorgeous palace in the rich plains of Ghilem is contented with a hut in the wildest part of Khorasan!"

Presently, when they drew near Azamet's hut they heard a young horse neigh, and saw him come galloping to meet them. When he came near Azamet, he caressed him, and ran home before him.

Usbeck saw two fine heifers come from a pasture near by, and run back and forth near Azamet, as if offering him their milk; they began to follow him. Soon after, two goats, with their kids, ran down from a steep rock, showing, by their gambols, their delight at seeing their master, and began to frolic around him.

Then four or five sheep came out of a little orchard, bleating and bounding, to lick Azamet's hand as he patted them, smiling. At the same moment, a few pigeons and a multitude of other birds which were chirping on the trees in the orchard flew upon his head and shoulders. He went into the little yard near his cabin, and a cock saw him and crowed for joy; at this noise several hens ran, cackling, to greet their master.

But the signs of joy and love which all these animals showed were as nothing compared to those of two white dogs that were waiting for Azamet at the door. They did not run to meet him, but seemed to show him that they had been faithful sentinels over the house which their master had placed in their care. As soon, however, as he entered, they caressed him lovingly, fawning upon him, throwing themselves at his feet, and only leaping up to lick his hands. When he gave them caresses they seemed, beside themselves with delight, and stretched themselves at their master's feet.

Usbeck smiled at this sight. "Well!" said the vizier, "you see that I am now as I have been from childhood, the friend of all created things. I tried to make men happy, but they could not let me. I made these animals happy, and I take pleasure in their affection and gratitude. You see that even though I am in the wilderness of Khorasan, I have companions, and love and am beloved."