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THE CALIPH AND THE GARDENER There was once a caliph of Cordova whose name was Al Mansour . One day a strange merchant came to him with some diamonds and pearls which he had brought from beyond the sea . The caliph was so well pleased with these jewels that he bought them and paid the merchant a large sum of money . The merchant put the gold in a bag of purple silk which he tied to his belt underneath his long cloak . Then he set out on foot to walk to another city . It was midsummer , and the day was very hot . As the merchant was walking along , he came to a river that flowed gently between green and shady banks . He was hot and covered with dust . No one was near . Very few people ever came that way . Why should he not cool himself in the refreshing water ? He took off his clothes and laid them on the bank . He put the bag of money on top of them and then leaped into the water . How cool and delicious it was ! Suddenly he heard a rustling noise behind him . He turned quickly and saw an eagle rising into the air with his moneybag in its claws . No doubt the bird had mistaken the purple silk for something good to eat . The merchant shouted . He jumped out of the water and shouted again . But it was no use . The great bird was high in the air and flying towards the far - off mountains with all his money . The poor man could do nothing but dress himself and go sorrowing on his way . A year passed by and then the merchant appeared once more before Al Mansour . " O Caliph , " he said , " here are a few jewels which I had reserved as a present for my wife . But I have met with such bad luck that I am forced to sell them . I pray that you will look at them and take them at your own price . " Al Mansour noticed that the merchant was very sad and downcast . " Why , what has happened to you ? " he asked . " Have you been sick ? " Then the merchant told him how the eagle had flown away with his money . " Why didn't you come to us before ? " he asked . " We might have done something to help you . Toward what place was the eagle flying when you last saw it ? " " It was flying toward the Black Mountains , " answered the merchant . The next morning the caliph called ten of his officers before him . " Ride at once to the Black Mountains , " he said . " Find all the old men that live on the mountains or in the flat country around , and command them to appear before me one week from to - day . " The officers did as they were bidden . On the day appointed , forty gray - bearded , honest old men stood before the caliph . All were asked the same question . " Do you know of any person who was once poor but who has lately and suddenly become well - to - do ? "
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