Saad heard this speech of Saadi’s with impatience, not to say indignation, which he shewed by casting down his eyes and shaking his head:  he did not, however, interrupt him.  When he had done, he said to him, “Forgive me, Saadi, if I anticipate Khaujeh Hassan, before he answers you, to tell you, that I am vexed at your prepossession against his sincerity, and that you still persist in not believing the assurances he has already given you.  I have told you before, and I repeat it once more, that I believe those two accidents which befell him, upon his bare assertion; and whatever you may say, I am persuaded they are true; but let him speak himself, and say which of us does him justice.”

After this discourse of the two friends, I said, addressing myself to them both, “Gentlemen, I should condemn myself to perpetual silence, on the explanation you ask of me, if I were not certain the dispute you have had on my account cannot break that friendship which subsists between you; therefore I will declare to you the truth, since you require it; and with the same sincerity as before.”  I then told them every circumstance your majesty has heard, without forgetting the least.

All my protestations had no effect on Saadi, to cure him of his prejudice.  “Khaujeh Hassan,” replied he, “the adventure of the fish, and diamond found in his belly, appears to me as incredible as the vulture’s flying away with your turban, and the exchange of the scouring earth.  Be it as it may, I am equally convinced that you are no longer poor, but rich as I intended you should be, by my means; and I rejoice sincerely.”

As it grew late, they arose up to depart; when I stopped them, and said, “Gentlemen, there is one favour I have to ask; I beg of you not to refuse to do me the honour to stay and take a slight supper with me, also a bed to-night, and to-morrow I will carry you by water to a small country-house, which I bought for the sake of the air, and we will return the same day on my horses.”

“If Saad has no business that calls him elsewhere,” said Saadi, “I consent.”  Saad told him that nothing should prevent his enjoying his company.  We have only to send a slave to my house, that we may not be waited for.  I provided a slave; and while they were giving him their orders, I went and ordered supper.

While it was getting ready, I shewed my benefactors my house, and all my offices, which they thought very extensive considering my fortune:  I call them both benefactors without distinction, because without Saadi, Saad would never have given me the piece of lead; and without Saad, Saadi would not have given me the four hundred pieces of gold.  Then I brought them back again into the hall, where they asked me several questions about my concerns; and I gave them such answers as satisfied them.

During this conversation, my servants came to tell me that supper was served up.  I led them into another hall, where they admired the manner in which it was lighted, the furniture, and the entertainment I had provided.  I regaled them also with a concert of vocal and instrumental music during the repast, and afterwards with a company of dancers, and other entertainments, endeavouring as much as possible to shew them my gratitude.