


          When the merchant returned home, he brought the silks to the hut 
     of Wali Dad. 
          "Oh, no!" said the grass-cutter. "This is worse than before! What 
     am I to do with such finery?" 
          "Perhaps," said the merchant, "you could give it to someone 
     else." 
          Wali Dad thought for a moment. "Tell me," he said, "in all the 
     world, who is the noblest man?" 
          "That is simple," said the merchant. "It is the young King of 
     Nekabad. His palace too I often visit, just three days' journey to the 
     west." 
          "Then do me another kindness," begged Wali Dad. "On your next 
     trip there, give him these silks, with my compliments." 
          The merchant was amused, but he agreed. On his next journey, he 
     presented the silks to the King of Nekabad. 
          "A splendid gift!" said the King, admiring the silks. "In return, 
     your friend must have twelve of my finest horses!" 



