performed my devotions, and obeisance, and rendered my thanks.’  On hearing these words she said, ‘You are a Musalman.’  I replied, ‘Thanks be to God, I am,’ ‘My heart,’ said she, ’is delighted with your pious expressions; instruct me also, and teach me to recite your kalima.’  I said in my own heart, ’God be praised that she is inclined to embrace our faith.’  In short, I recited [our creed], viz., ’There is no God but God, and Muhammad is the apostle of God,’ and made her repeat it.  Then mounting our horses, we two set out from thence.  When we halted at night, she talked of [nothing else but] our religion and faith; and she listened and felt delighted [with my words].  In this way we journeyed on incessantly day and night, for two months.

“At last, we arrived in a country which lay between the boundaries of the kingdoms of Zerbad and Sarandip; [312] a city appeared, which was more populous than Constantinople, and the climate very fine and agreeable.  On finding that the king of that country was more renowned for his justice than Naushirwan [313], and also for being the protector of his subjects; my heart was greatly rejoiced.  Having there bought a house, we took up our residence.  After some days, when we had got over the fatigues of the journey, I purchased some necessary articles, and married the young lady according to the law of Muhammad, and lived with her.  In the space of three years, I having freely associated with the great and small of that place, established my credit, and entered into an extensive trade.  At last, I surpassed all the merchants of that place.  One day, I went for the purpose of paying my respects to the first wazir, and saw a great crowd of people assembled on a plain.  I asked some one, ’Why is there such a crowd here?’ I learnt that two persons had been caught in the act of adultery and theft; and perhaps they had even committed murder; they were brought here to be stoned [to death].

“On hearing this [circumstance], I recollected my own case; that once upon a time I had likewise been led in the same manner to be empaled, and that God preserved me.  ‘Who can these be,’ [I said to myself], ’that they should have become involved in such calamity?  I do not even know if they are justly [punished], or, like me, the victims of a false accusation.’  Pressing through the crowd, I reached [the spot where the culprits stood], and perceived they were my brothers, who were led along with their hands tied behind their backs, and with bare heads and feet.  On seeing their sad state, my blood boiled, and my liver was on fire.  I gave the guards a handful of gold pieces, and besought them to delay [the execution] for a moment; and from thence, having put my horse to his utmost speed, I went to the governor’s house.  I presented to him, as a nazar, a ruby of inestimable value, and made intercession for them.  He replied, ’A person has a plaint against them, and their crimes have been fully proved; the king’s mandate has been issued, and I have no alternative.’