Storia do Mogor 294.3.2

294.3.2

The trick he played upon his wife, wishing to test her, forms a most remarkable anecdote. One night he was coming back from the court and was about to enter his house, when near his door he met a poor Persian, who asked alms of him in humble tones. 'Draw nearer to the door,' replied he, 'and wait a moment for me; I will be sure and come back to you at once.' Then he entered and went straight to his wife's room, and asked her to be good enough to lend him ten thousand rupees. The lady answered somewhat coldly that she had no money by her. He said nothing. She was already in bed, so he thrust his foot quietly under the bedstead without being perceived by her or any of those present in the room, and got hold of one of her slippers, which he carried off and sent out to the beggar. This was a most extraordinary piece of almsgiving, for it was worth more than fifty thousand rupees. However, the princess, on awaking, wanted to get up but could not find her slipper. She began an unheard-of outcry, scolded one woman and had another beaten, but without finding what she was searching for.