Pagina 421 di 1116

Praised be Allah who hath sent us one who is worthy of us, even

as we are worthy of him!" Then they made me sit down upon a high

divan and said to me, "This day thou art our lord and master, and

we are thy servants and thy hand-maids, so order us as thou

wilt." And I marvelled at their case. Presently one of them arose

and set meat before me and I ate and they ate with me; whilst

others warmed water and washed my hands and feet and changed my

clothes and others made ready sherbets and gave us to drink; and

all gathered around me being full of joy and gladness at my

coming. Then they sat down and conversed with me till nightfall,

when five of them arose and laid the trays and spread them with

flowers and fragrant herbs and fruits, fresh and dried, and

confections in profusion.