In short, in such altercations, in hesitations between refusal and acquiescence, a tedious month passed heavily over my head, accompanied with future hopes and fears; I used every day to devote my services to the old man, and every day, with flattering speeches, I entreated him [to grant my boon].  It came to pass, that the old man fell sick; I attended him during his illness; I used always to relate his case to the physician, and whatever medicine he ordered, I used to get them, and administer them to him; I used to dress with my own hand his rice and pulse and other light diet, and gave it to him to eat.  One day he was [uncommonly] kind, and said, “O young man, thou art very obstinate; I have repeatedly told thee of all the evils which will ensue if thou persistest in thy object, and have often warned thee not to think of it.  Whilst we have life, we have every thing, but thou art determined to jump into the abyss; well, I will to-day mention thee to my daughter; let us hear what she says.”  O holy Darweshes, on hearing these enchanting words, I swelled so with joy, that my clothes could scarce contain me; I fell at the old man’s feet, and exclaimed, “You have now laid the foundation of my [future happiness and] existence.”  I then took my leave and returned to my abode, I passed the whole night in talking of this circumstance with Mubarak; where was sleep, and where was hunger!  Early in the morning I again went and saluted the old man; he said, “Well, I give you my daughter—­God bless you with her—­I have put you both under his protection—­whilst I have life, stay with me; when my eyes are closed, then do what you wish; you will then be master of your own actions.”

A few days after [this conversation], the old man died; we mourned for him and buried him.  After the tija, [395] Mubarak brought this beautiful daughter to the serai in a doli, [396] and said to me, “She belongs, [pure and untouched], to Maliki Sadik; beware you do not play false, and lose the fruits of your labour.”

I replied, “O friend, what has Maliki Sadik to do here? my heart will not mind me, and how can I have patience? let what will happen, whether I live or perish, let me now enjoy her.” Mubarak, having lost all patience, replied, with anger, “Do not act like a boy; now, in an instant, matters will change dreadfully; do you think Maliki Sadik far off, that you disregard his injunctions?  He explained every circumstance to you on taking leave, and warned you of the consequences; if you act according to his directions, and convey her safe and sound to him, he has a royal mind, and may regard the toils you have undergone with a favourable eye, and give her to you; how different will the case be then! you will preserve his unbounded friendship, and gain the sincere affection [of your mistress].”