that they will take our daughter, being satisfied with what I say.' Quoth
the Cogia Efendi, 'No, no, wife, do not open your mouth. I have now
learnt various praises fitted for her. I will go and tell them. Do you
see how they will be pleased with them.' So he went to the inspecting
matrons, who, as soon as they saw him, said, 'O Cogia Efendi, what have
you to do with us matrons? Get you gone, and let the girl's mother
come.' Said the Cogia Efendi, 'It is not the duty of the girl's mother
to give information with respect to any talents which the girl may
possess. Whatever questions you may have to ask with respect to the
talents we may have observed, do you ask of me.' Quoth the matrons, 'Let
us hear you dilate a little on her talents.' 'Ladies,' said the Cogia,
'if the girl is not six months gone with child, she is my property.' The
ladies on hearing this looked at each other, and getting up went away.
Said the Cogia's wife, 'O Cogia, why did you drive the matrons away by
using such words to them?' 'Don't you fear, wife,' said the Cogia, 'if
they go through the whole country they will not find a girl of this
description; so let them go and come back. But to tell you the truth, if
I had not praised the cow in this manner, I should have found no
purchaser for her.'

One day Cogia Nasr Eddin Efendi, as he was winding the muslin of his
turban, perceived that it was not long enough; he again tried all he
could to bring it to a point, but in vain. The Cogia in great distress
took the muslin, and going to the public mart, put it up to auction.
Whilst it was being bid for, a person came and bought it. Whereupon the
Cogia going softly up to him, said, 'Brother, don't take that thick
thing; it is too short for a turban; you can't bring it to a point.'

One day an individual coming to the Cogia said, 'Something for my good
news, Cogia Efendi. You have a son born to you.' 'If I have a son born