I said to myself, “This edifice is fit for princes; what an agreeable place it will be when in repair? and now, through desolation, what an appearance it has! but I cannot conceive why it is fallen into ruin, and why this blind man lives in it.”  The blind man was going on feeling his way with his stick, when I heard a voice, as if some one was saying, “O father, I hope all is well; why have you returned so early to-day?” The old man, on hearing this question, replied, “Daughter, God made a youthful traveller have pity on my condition; he gave me a piece of gold; it is many a-day since I have had a bellyful of good food.  So I have purchased meat, spices, butter, oil, flour, and salt; and I have also procured such clothes for you as were necessary; cut them out, sew them and wear them; and cook the dinner, that we may partake of it, and then offer up our prayers for the generous man [who has been kind to us]; although I do not know the desires of his heart, yet God knows and sees all; and will grant the prayers of us destitute ones.”  When I heard the circumstance of his severe fasting, I wished much to give him twenty pieces of gold more; but looking towards the quarter from whence the sounds came, I saw a woman who resembled exactly the portrait I had.  I drew it out and compared it, and perceived that there was not a hairbreadth of difference.  A deep sigh escaped from my bosom, and I became senseless. Mubarak took me in his arms and sat down, and began to fan me; I recovered a little sensation, and was gazing at her, when Mubarak asked, “What is the matter with you?” I had not yet answered him, when the beautiful female said, “O young man, fear God, and do not look at a strange female; [393] shame and modesty are necessary to every one.”

She spoke with such propriety that I became enchanted with her beauty and manners. Mubarak comforted me greatly, but he did not know the state of my heart; having no alternative, I called out and said, “O you creatures of God, and inhabitants of this place!  I am a poor traveller; if you call me near you, and give me some place to put up in, it will be an important matter [for me].”  The old man called me to him, and recognising my voice, he embraced me, and conducted me to where the lovely woman was seated; she went and hid herself in a corner.  The old man asked me thus:  “Tell thy story; why hast thou left thy home, and wandered about alone, and of whom are you in search?” I did not mention Maliki Sadik’s name, nor did I say anything about him; but thus told [my supposed tale].  “This wretch is the prince of China and Machin; so that my father is still king; he purchased from a merchant this picture for four lakhs of rupees; from the moment when I beheld it, my peace of mind fled, and I put on the dress of a pilgrim; I have searched the whole world, and have now found the object here; the same is in your power.”