Eight days after this occurrence, the beloved fair one thus addressed me:—­“God has bestowed on man the robe of humanity which may not be torn or soiled; and although tattered clothes are no disparagement to his manhood, yet in public, in the eyes of the world he has no respect paid to him [if shabbily clothed].  So take two bags of gold with thee, and go to the chauk, [132] to the shop of Yusuf the merchant, and buy there some sets of jewels of high value, and two rich suits of clothes, and bring them with thee.”  I instantly mounted my horse, and went to the shop described.  I saw there a handsome young man, clothed in a saffron-coloured dress, seated on a cushion; his beauty [133] was such, that a whole multitude stopped in the street from his shop as far as the bazar to gaze at him.  I approached him with perfect pleasure, having made my “salam ’alaika.”  I sat down, and mentioned the articles required.  My pronunciation was not like that of the inhabitants of that city.  The young merchant replied with great kindness, “Whatever you require is ready, but tell me, sir, from what country are you come, and what are the motives of your stay in this foreign city?  If you will condescend to inform me on these points, it will not be remote from kindness.”  It was not agreeable to me to divulge my circumstances, so I made up some story, took the jewels and the clothes, paid their price, and begged to take my leave.  The young man seemed displeased and said, “O sir, if you wished to be so reserved, it was not necessary to show such warmth of friendly greeting in your first approach.  Amongst well-bred people these [134] amicable greetings are of much consideration.”  He pronounced this speech with such elegance and propriety, that it quite delighted my heart, and I did not think it courteous to be unkind and leave [135] him so hastily; therefore, to please him, I sat down again and said, I agree to your request with all my heart, [136] and am ready [to obey your commands.]

He was greatly pleased with my compliance, and smiling he said, “If you will honour my poor mansion [with your company] to-day, then having a party of pleasure, we shall regale our hearts for some hours [in good cheer and hilarity.”] I had never left the fair lady alone [since we first met,] and recollecting her solitary situation, I made many excuses, but that young man would not accept any; at last, having extorted from me a promise to return as soon as I had carried home the articles I had purchased, and having made me swear [to that effect,] he gave me leave to depart.  I, having left the shop, carried the jewels and the clothes to the presence of the fair lady.  She asked the price of the different articles, and what passed at the merchant’s.  I related all the particulars of the purchase, and the teasing invitation I had received from him.  She replied, “It is incumbent on man to fulfil whatever promise he may make; leave me under the protection of God, and fulfil