“The princess, after making her obeisance, replied, ’This slave is that offender who in consequence of the royal anger was sent to this wilderness, and all these things which your majesty sees are the wonderful works of God.’  On hearing these words, the king’s blood glowed (with paternal warmth), and rising up, he pressed the princess fondly to his bosom, and seizing her hand, he ordered her to be seated on a chair that he had placed near the throne; but still the king was astonished and surprised [at all he saw], and ordered that the queen, along with the princesses, should come thither with all speed.  When they arrived, the mother and sisters recognised [the princess], and, embracing her with fondness, wept over her, and praised God.  The princess presented her mother and sisters with such heaps of gold and jewels, that the treasures of the world could not equal them in the balance.  Then the king, having made them all sit in his company, partook of the feast [which had been prepared].

“As long as the king lived, the time passed in this manner; sometimes the king came [to visit the princess], and sometimes carried the princess with him to his own palaces.  When the king died, the government of the kingdom descended to this princess; for, except herself, no other person [of her family] was fit for this office.  O, youth, the history [of the princess] is what you have heard.  Finally, heaven-bestowed wealth never fails, but the intentions of the possessor must [at the same time] be just; moreover, how much soever is spent [out of this providential wealth] so much also is the increase:  to be astonished at the power of God, is not right in any religion.”  The female servant, after finishing this narrative, said, “Now if you still intend to proceed to the country of Nimroz, and if you are determined in your mind to bring the requisite intelligence, then depart soon.”  I replied, I am going this moment, and if God pleases I shall be back very soon.  At last, taking leave [of the princess] and relying on the protection of God, I set out for that quarter.

In about a year’s time, after encountering many difficulties, I arrived at the city of Nimroz.  All the inhabitants of that place that I saw, noble or common, were dressed in black, and whatever I had heard, that I fully perceived.  After some days the evening [232] of the new moon occurred.  On the first day of the month, all the inhabitants of the city, little and great, children, nobles, prince, women and men, assembled on a large plain.  I also, bewildered and distracted in my condition, went along with the vast concourse; separated from my country and possessions, in the garb of a pilgrim, I was standing to behold the strange sight, and to see what might result from the mysterious scene.  In the meantime, a young man advanced from the woods, mounted on a bull, foaming at the mouth, and roaring and shouting [in a frightful manner].  I, miserable, who had