Pagina 402 di 1116

We ate and drank and sat talking over various matters till the

greater part of the night was gone; when he lay down to rest and

I covered him up and went to sleep myself. Next morning I arose

and warmed a little water, then lifted him gently so as to awake

him and brought him the warm water wherewith he washed his

face[FN#269] and said to me, "Heaven requite thee for me with

every blessing, O youth! By Allah, if I get quit of this danger

and am saved from him whose name is Ajib bin Khazib, I will make

my father reward thee and send thee home healthy and wealthy;

and, if I die, then my blessing be upon thee." I answered, "May

the day never dawn on which evil shall betide thee; and may Allah

make my last day before thy last day!" Then I set before him

somewhat of food and we ate; and I got ready perfumes for

fumigating the hall, wherewith he was pleased.