That young man proceeded towards the royal garden, and when we entered it, I perceived a marble platform of eight sides, in an open space of the garden, on which was spread an awning of silver tissue with pearl fringe, and erected on poles set with diamonds; a rich brocade masnad, with pillows, was spread under the awning.  The bier was placed there, and we were both ordered to go and sit under a tree [which he pointed out].

In a short time, the lights of flambeaux appeared, and the princess herself arrived, accompanied by some female attendants before and behind her; melancholy and anger were visible in her looks; she mounted the platform and sat down [on the masnad].  The foster-brother stood before her with folded arms, then sat down at a respectable distance on a corner of the farsh.  The prayer for the dead was read; then the foster-brother said something; I having applied my ear, was listening with attention.  At last, he said, “O princess of the world, peace be upon you!  The prince of the kingdom of Persia, hearing, in your absence, of your beauty and excellence, has abandoned his throne, and becoming a pilgrim like Ibrahim Adham; [376] he is arrived here, after overcoming many difficulties and undergoing great fatigue.  The pilgrim hath quitted Balkh [377] for thee; he hath wandered for some time through this city in distress and misery; at last, forming the resolution to die, he joined me; I attempted to alarm him with my sword; he presented his neck, and conjured me to strike without delay, adding, that was his wish.  In short, he is firmly in love with you; I have proved him well, and have found him perfect in every way.  For this reason I have mentioned him to you; if you take pity on his case and be kind to him, as he is a stranger, it would not be doing too much [on the part] of one who fears God and loves justice.”

On hearing this speech, the princess said, “Where is he? if he is really a prince, then it does not signify, let him come before us.”  The foster-brother got up and came [to where I was] and took me with him.  I, on seeing the princess, became exceedingly overjoyed, but my reason and my senses departed.  I became dumb; I had not power to speak.  The princess shortly after returned [to her palace], and the foster-brother came to his own residence.  When we reached his house, he said, “I have related all the circumstances [you mentioned] to the princess from beginning to end, and have likewise interceded for you; now do you go there every night without fail and indulge in pleasure and joy.”  I fell at his feet; [he lifted me up and] clasped me to his bosom.  All the day, I continued counting the hours until the evening came, that I might go and see the princess.  When the night arrived, I took leave of that young man, and went to the princess’s lower garden; I sat down on the marble platform, reclining on my pillow.