In the night I could apply no remedy; I brought the chest near me, and began to count the gharis [115] of the remaining night.  I determined, when the morning came, to go into the city and do all in my power for the cure [of this beautiful woman].  The short, remaining night became so heavy [116] a load, that my heart was quite restless.  At last, after suffering much uneasiness, the morning approached—­the cock crowed, and the voices of men were heard.  After performing the morning prayer, I inclosed the chest in a coarse canvas sack, and just as the gates opened, I entered the city.  I began to inquire of every man and shop-keeper where I could find a mansion for hire; and after much search, I found a convenient, handsome house, which I rented.  The first thing I did, was to take that beautiful woman out of the chest, and lay her on a soft bed made up of flocks of cotton, which I had removed to a corner.  I then placed a trusty person near her, and went in search of a surgeon.  I wandered about, asking of every one I met who was the cleverest surgeon in the city, and where he lived.  One person said, “There is a certain barber who is unique in the practice of surgery, and the science of physic; and in these arts is quite perfect.  If you carry a dead person to him, by the help of God, he will apply such remedies as will bring him to life.  He dwells in this quarter [of the city,] and his name is ’Isa.” [117]

On hearing this agreeable intelligence, I went in search of him, and after several inquiries, I found out his abode from the directions I had received.  I saw a man with a white beard sitting under the portico of his door, and several men were grinding materials for plasters beside him.  For the sake of complimenting him, I made him a respectful salam, [118] and said,—­“having heard of your name and excellent qualities, I am come [to solicit your assistance.] The case is this:  I set out from my country for the purpose of trade, and took my wife with me, from the great affection I had for her; when I arrived near this city, I halted at a little distance, as the evening had set in.  I did not think it safe to travel at night in an unseen country; I therefore rested under a tree on the plains.  At the last quarter of the night, I was attacked by robbers; they plundered me of all the money and the property they could find, and wounded my wife, from avidity for her jewels.  I could make no resistance, and passed the remainder of the night as well as I could.  Early in the morning I came into this city, and rented a house; leaving her there, I am come to you with all speed.  God has given you this perfection in your profession; favour this [unfortunate] traveller, and come to his humble dwelling; see my wife, and if her life should be saved, then you will acquire great fame, and I will be your slave as long as I live.” ’Isa, the surgeon, was very humane and devout; he took pity on my misfortune, and accompanied me to my house.  On examining the wounds, he gave me hopes, and said, “By the blessing of God, this lady’s wounds will be cured in forty days; and I will then cause to be administered to her the ablution of cure.”