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But the old woman said to me, "Thou hast time and to spare: so

thou wouldst do well to go to the Hammam and have thy hair shaven

off (especially after thy ailment), so as not to show traces of

sickness." "This were the best way," answered I, "I have just now

bathed in hot water, but I will have my head shaved." Then I said

to my page, "Go to the bazar and bring me a barber, a discreet

fellow and one not inclined to meddling or impertinent curiosity

or likely to split my head with his excessive talk."[FN#609] The

boy went out at once and brought back with him this wretched old

man, this Shaykh of ill omen. When he came in he saluted me and I

returned his salutation; then quoth he, "Of a truth I see thee

thin of body;" and quoth I, "I have been ailing." He continued,

"Allah drive far away from thee thy woe and thy sorrow and thy

trouble and thy distress." "Allah grant thy prayer!" said I. He

pursued, "All gladness to thee, O my master, for indeed recovery

is come to thee.