Being in this manner at ease with regard to the king, Mubarak took me with him, and having also taken the presents, he set out from the city at midnight, and proceeded towards the north.  For a whole month he went on without stopping; one night we were trudging along, when Mubarak observed, “God be praised, we are now arrived at the end of our journey.”  On hearing this exclamation, I said, “O friend, what dost thou say?” He replied, “O prince, do not you see the army of the jinns?” I answered, “I see nothing except you.” Mubarak then took out a box containing surma, and with a needle applied to both my eyes the surma of Sulaiman.  I instantly began to see the host of the jinns and the tents and encampments of their army; they were all handsome, and well dressed.  Recognising Mubarak, they all embraced him, and spake to him facetiously.

Proceeding onwards, we at length reached the royal tents, and entered the court.  I saw they were well lighted, and stools of various kinds were arranged in double rows, on which were seated men of learning, philosophers, darweshes, nobles, and the officers of state; servants of various grades with their arms across were in waiting, and in the centre was placed a throne set with precious stones, on which was seated with an air of dignity, the king, Maliki Sadik, with a crown of his head, and clothed in a tunic set with pearls.  I approached him and made my salutation; he desired me with kindness to sit down, and then ordered dinner; after having finished [our repast], the dastar-khwan was removed, and he having looked towards Mubarak, asked my story. Mubarak replied, “This prince’s uncle now reigns in the room of his father, and is become the enemy of his life, for which reason I have run off with him from thence, and have conducted him to your majesty; he is an orphan, and the throne is his due; but no one can do anything without a protector; with your majesty’s assistance, this injured [youth] may get his rights; recollect the return due for his father’s services, afford him your assistance, and give him the fortieth monkey, that the number may be completed, and the prince, having gained his rights [with their aid], [391] will pray for your majesty’s long life and prosperity; he has no other visible resource except your majesty’s protection.”

On hearing all these circumstances, Maliki Sadik, after a pause, said, “In truth, the return for the deceased king’s services, and his friendship for me, are great; and, considering that this helpless prince is overwhelmed with misfortunes, that he has quitted his lineal throne to save his life, and is come as far as this, and has taken shelter under the shadow of our protection, I shall in no way be wanting [to afford him my assistance] as far as I am able, nor will I pass him over; but I have an affair in hand; if he can do it and does not deceive me—­if