Page 751 of 1116

We alighted at one of the Khans, where my uncles tarried awhile

selling and buying; and they bought and sold also on my account,

each dirham turning a profit of five on prime cost, which pleased

me mightily. After this they left me alone and set their faces

Egyptwards; whilst I abode at Damascus, where I had hired from a

jeweller, for two dinars a month, a mansion[FN#585] whose

beauties would beggar the tongue. Here I remained, eating and

drinking and spending what monies I had in hand till, one day, as

I was sitting at the door of my house be hold, there came up a

young lady clad in costliest raiment never saw my eyes richer. I

winked[FN#5886 at her and she stepped inside without hesitation

and stood within. I entered with her and shut the door upon

myself and her; whereupon she raised her face veil and threw off

her mantilla, when I found her like a pictured moon of rare and

marvellous loveliness; and love of her gat hold of my heart.