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Moreover I made him a Mankalah-cloth;[FN#270] and we played and

ate sweetmeats and we played again and took our pleasure till

nightfall, when I rose and lighted the lamps, and set before him

somewhat to eat, and sat telling him stories till the hours of

darkness were far spent. Then he lay down to rest and I covered

him up and rested also. And thus I continued to do, O my lady,

for days and nights and affection for him took root in my heart

and my sorrow was eased, and I said to myself, "The astrologers

lied[FN#271] when they predicted that he should be slain by Ajib

bin Khazib: by Allah, I will not slay him." I ceased not

ministering to him and conversing and carousing with him and

telling him all manner tales for thirty nine days.