In short, Hatim’s manly mind would not allow him to remain concealed, after what he had with his own ears heard [from the woodman]; he instantly came out, and said to the old man, ’O friend, I myself am Hatim, lead me to Naufal; on seeing me, he will give thee whatever amount of money he has promised.’ [198] The old woodman replied, ’It is true that my welfare and advantage certainly consist in doing so, but who knows how he will treat thee; if he should put thee to death, then what shall I do?  This, on my part, can never be done—­that I should deliver over thee to thine enemy for the sake of my own avarice.  In a few days I shall spend the [promised] wealth, and how long shall I live?  I must die at last; then what answer shall I give to God?’ Hatim implored him greatly, and said, ’Take me along with thee—­I say so of my own pleasure; I have ever desired that, should my wealth and life be of use to some one or other [of my fellow creatures], then so much the better.’  But the old man could not in any way be persuaded to carry Hatim along with him, and receive the [proclaimed reward.  At last, becoming hopeless, Hatim said, ’If you do not carry me in the way I wish, then I will go of myself to the king, and say, this old man concealed me in a cave in the mountains,’ The old man smiled and said, ’If I am to receive evil for good, then hard will be my fate.’  During this conversation, other men arrived, and a crowd assembled [around them]; perceiving the person they saw to be Hatim, they instantly seized him and carried him along; the old man also, a little in the rear, followed them in silent grief.  When they brought Hatim before Naufal, he asked, ‘Who has seized and brought him here?’ A worthless, hard-hearted [boaster] answered, ’Who could have performed such a deed except myself?  This achievement belongs to my name, and I have planted the standard [of glory] in the sky.’  Another vaunting fellow clamoured, ’I searched for him many days in the woods, and caught him at last, and have brought him here; have some consideration for my labour, and give me what has been promised.’  In this manner, from avidity for the [promised] pieces of gold, every one said he had done the deed.  The old man, in silence, sat apart in a corner, and heard all their boastings, and wept for Hatim.  When each had recounted his act of bravery and enterprise, then Hatim said to the king, ’If you ask for the truth, then it is this; that old man, who stands aloof from all, has brought me here; if you can judge from appearances, then ascertain the fact, and give him for my seizure what you have promised; for in the whole body the tongue [199] is a most sacred [member].  It is incumbent upon a man to perform what he has promised; for in other respects God has given tongues to brutes likewise; then what would have been the difference between a man and other animals?’