' 'Ah, my good man,' said the Cogia, 'I wish that
every day was Beiram.'
One day Cogia Efendi led a cow to the market for sale; backwards and
forwards he led it, but was unable to sell it; presently a man advancing
to the Cogia, said, 'Why do you hold this cow in your hand without
selling it?' Said the Cogia, 'I have led it about since the morning, and
notwithstanding all the fine things that I have said about it I have been
unable to sell it.' The individual taking the cow from the Cogia's hand,
began to walk it about, exclaiming, 'Who will buy a young girl six months
gone with child?' Forthwith buyers followed at his heels, and a very
considerable sum was offered. The Cogia, very much surprised, took the
money for the cow, and went running to his house. The inspectors,
however, coming, took away the Cogia's daughter, whereupon his wife said,
'O Cogia, do you stay a little. The inspecting matrons have been for the
girl. I will now go to them, and will give the necessary character, so
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.
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