Nothing remarkable befell him by the way, but arriving at Cairo, he inquired for Mobarec.  The people told him he was one of the wealthiest inhabitants of the city; that he lived like a great lord, and that his house was open, especially for strangers.  Zeyn was conducted thither, knocked at the gate, which a slave opened, and demanded, “What is it you want, and who are you?” “I am a stranger,” answered the prince, “and having heard much of the lord Mobarec’s generosity, am come to take up my lodging with him.”  The slave desired Zeyn to wait while he went to acquaint his master, who ordered him to request the stranger to walk in.  The slave returned to the gate, and told the prince he was welcome.

Zeyn went in, crossed a large court, and entered a hall magnificently furnished, where Mobarec expected him, and received him very courteously, returning thanks for the honour he did him in accepting a lodging in his house.  The prince, having answered his compliment, said to Mobarec, “I am the son of the late sultan of Bussorah, and my name is Zeyn Alasnam.”  “That sovereign,” said Mobarec, “was formerly my master; but, my lord, I never knew of any children he had:  what is your age?” “I am twenty years old,” answered the sultan.  “How long is it since you left my father’s court?” “Almost two-and-twenty years,” replied Mobarec; “but how can you convince me that you are his son?” “My father,” rejoined Zeyn, “had a subterraneous place under his closet, in which I have found forty porphyry urns full of gold.”  “And what more is there?” said Mobarec.  “There are,” answered the prince, “nine pedestals of massive gold:  on eight whereof are as many diamond statues; and on the ninth a piece of white satin, on which my father has written what I am to do to procure another statue, more valuable than all those together.  You know where that statue is; for it is mentioned on the satin, that you will conduct me to it.”

As soon as he had spoke these words, Mobarec fell down at his feet, and kissing one of his hands several times, said, “I bless God for having brought you hither:  I know you to be the sultan of Bussorah’s son.  If you will go to the place where the wonderful statue is, I will conduct you; but you must first rest here a few days.  This day I treat the great men of the court; we were at table when word was brought me of your being at the door.  Will you vouchsafe to come and be merry with us?” “I shall be very glad,” replied Zeyn, “to be admitted to your feast.”  Mobarec immediately led him under a dome where the company was, seated him at the table, and served him on the knee.  The nobles of Cairo were surprised, and whispered to one another, “Who is this stranger, to whom Mobarec pays so much respect?”