One day, in the midst of a drinking feat, the young merchant began to weep.  On seeing it, the khwaja comforted her, and began to wipe away his tears with his handkerchief, and asked him the cause of his weeping.  He answered, “O, father, what shall I say? would to God that I had never attained access to your presence, and that your worship had never shown me that kindness which you are shewing.  I am now distressed between two difficulties; I have no heart to be separated from your presence, nor is there a possibility of my staying here.  Now, it is necessary for me to go; but in separating from you, I do not perceive hopes of life.”

On hearing these words, the khwaja involuntarily wept so loudly, that he was nearly choked, and exclaimed, “O, light of my eyes! are you so soon tired of your old friend, that you think of going away and leaving him in such affliction? banish from your heart the idea of departing; as long as I have to live, remain here; I shall not live a day in your absence, and must [in such case] die before my appointed hour.  The climate of this kingdom of Persia is very fine and congenial [to your health], you had best despatch a confidential servant, and send for your parents and property here; I will furnish whatever equipages and conveyances you require; when your parents and all their household come here, you can pursue your commercial concerns at your ease.  I also have in my life gone through many hardships, and have wandered many countries.  I am now old and have no issue; I love you dearer than a son, and make you my heir and head manager.  Be you, on the other hand, careful and attentive to my concerns.  Give me a bit of bread to eat whilst I live; when I die, be pleased to bury me, and then take [possession of] all my wealth and effects.”

To this the young merchant replied, “It is true, you have, more than a father, shewn to me kindness and affection, so that I have forgotten my parents; but this humble culprit’s father only allowed a year’s leave; if I exceed it, then he in his extreme old age will weep himself to death; finally, a father’s approbation is meritorious before God, and if mine should be displeased with me, then I fear he may curse me, and I shall be an outcast from God’s grace in this world and the next.  Now such is your worship’s kindness, that you will give me leave to obey my father’s commands, and fulfil the duties [of a son] towards a parent; I shall, while life lasts, bear on my neck the gratitude I owe for your kindness.  If I am ever [so fortunate as] to reach my native country, I will still ever think of your goodness with my heart and soul.  God is the Causer of causes; perhaps some such cause may again occur, that I may have occasion to pay you my respects.  In short, the young merchant urged such persuasive and feeling arguments to the khwaja, that he, poor man, being helpless, yielded to their force. [280] Inasmuch as he was now completely fascinated,