Noureddin, Or, the Talisman of Futurity; An Eastern Tale (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1836. Excerpt: ... away. He offered to go to some of Noureddin's friends and make known his intention of admitting them, and reminded his master that he had so long been in the habit of refusing to see them, on the plea of the interruption they caused to his studies, that it was scarcely probable they should come without knowing the alteration. Alteration Noureddin was displeased with Hamet for thinking there was an alteration, when his whole aim was to be thought unaltered; he said impatiently, that "he desired no alteration, and would have none." Hamet did not understand, and asked if his master, then, meant him to give the customary denial? Noureddin was vexed; no; he desired Hamet to admit his friends, on the present occasion, "coming under such peculiar circumstances," he said, "and with such kind intentions, it would be ungrateful not to receive them, though he greatly lamented the loss of time their visits would occasion; he, therefore, desired Hamet to admit them to him at once, even though he should be engaged in study." Hamet left his master's presence very much surprised at the orders he had received, for Noureddin had, for a long while past, suffered no person whatever to intrude into his private apartment, nor would he allow himself to be interrupted, however urgent the occasion. Hamet did not understand the difference between studying for pleasure and improvement, and studying for effect--the latter was now Noureddin's object. At length his wishes were gratified, and one morning two visitors were announced. They proved to be amongst those whom Noureddin least regarded; still, they were welcome, and he received them in his most condescending manner; for they were, or had been, in a rank a little below his own. Coffee and pipes being handed to them, the usual g...