Pagina 400 di 1116

Ten days ago news came to him that the horseman had fallen into

the sea and he who shot him down was named Ajib son of King

Khazib. My father thereupon wept bitter tears at the need of

parting with me and became like one possessed of a Jinni.

However, being in mortal fear for me, he built me this place

under the earth; and, stocking it with all required for the few

days still remaining, he brought me hither in a ship and left me

here. Ten are already past and, when the forty shall have gone by

without danger to me, he will come and take me away; for he hath

done all this only in fear of Prince Ajib.