Page 744 sur 1116

The young man looked at me and, comprehending the matter, said,

"O Physician of the age, marvel not at my case; I will tell thee

my story as soon as we quit the baths." Then we washed and,

returning to his house, ate somewhat of food and took rest

awhile; after which he asked me, "What sayest thou to solacing

thee by inspecting the supper hall?"; and I answered "So let it

be." Thereupon he ordered the slaves to carry out the carpets and

cushions required and roast a lamb and bring us some fruit. They

did his bidding and we ate together, he using the left hand for

the purpose. After a while I said to him, "Now tell me thy tale."

"O Physician of the age," replied he, "hear what befell me. Know

that I am of the sons of Mosul, where my grandfather died leaving

nine children of whom my father was the eldest. All grew up and

took to them wives, but none of them was blessed with offspring

except my father, to whom Providence vouchsafed me.