The village people settled within earshot, some below and some above us.

Presently an old man said: 'Thou speakest well, O sage! It is a sin for them to cry such things behind a guest of quality.

Their misbehaviour calls for strong correction.

But I truly think that no child who has heard your Honour's sayings will ever be so impudent again.' 'Aman!'[3] cried one of the delinquents.

'Allah knows that our intention was not very evil.' I hastened to declare that the offence was nothing.