“One day [when we arrived] at our stage, my second brother said that, ’one farsakh [316] from this place is a running fountain like salsabil [317] and in the [circumjacent] plain, for miles around, lilies, and tulips, and narcissuses, and roses, grow spontaneously.  In truth, it is a delightful spot to walk in; if we had our will, we would go there to-morrow, and enliven our hearts [with the sight], and recover from our fatigues.’  I said, ’you are masters here; if you command it, we will halt to-morrow, and having gone to that spot, we will stroll about [and amuse ourselves].’  They replied, ’what can we do better?’ I gave orders, saying, ’advertise the whole kafila that to-morrow there will be a halt,’ and I told my cook to prepare breakfast, of every variety [of dishes] for next day, as we should go on an excursion [of pleasure].  When the morning came, these two brothers put on their clothes, and having armed themselves, they reminded me to make haste, that we might arrive there in the cool [of the morning] and enjoy our walk.  I ordered my horse, but they observed thus, ’The pleasure which results by viewing [the place] on foot, can the same be felt in riding? [318] Give orders to the grooms that they may lead the horses after us.’

Two slaves carried the kaliyan [319] and coffee-pot, and went along with us.  On the road, as we proceeded, we amused ourselves by shooting arrows, and when we had gone some distance from the kafila, they sent one of the slaves on some errand.  Advancing a little farther, they sent the other slave also to call back [the former].  My unfortunate fate would have it [that I remained silent] as if some one had put a seal on my lips, and they did what they wished, and having occupied my attention in talk, they continued to lead me on; this dog, however, remained with me.  When we had advanced a considerable distance, I saw neither fountains nor gardens, but a plain covered with thorns.  There I had a call for making water, and sat me down to perform it.  I saw behind me a flash like that of a sword; and, on looking back, my second brother struck me such a sword-cut, that my skull was cleft in twain. [320] Before I could call out, O savage! why dost thou murder me; my eldest brother gave me [a blow] on the shoulder.  Both wounds were severe, and I staggered and fell; then these two pitiless ones mutilated me at their ease, and left me weltering in my blood.  This dog, on seeing my condition, flew at them, and they wounded him likewise.  After this, they gave themselves some slight wounds, and ran back to the encampment with naked feet and heads, and gave out, that ’some robbers have murdered our brother on that plain, and we ourselves also in a close encounter with them, have been wounded.  Move off quickly, or else they will immediately fall on the caravan, and utterly plunder us all.’  When the people of the kafila heard the name of robbers, they immediately became alarmed, and marched off and made their escape.