Страница 710 из 1116

I take thee to witness against me and also Allah be my witness

that I will never part with thee, but will die under thy feet;

and soon thou shalt see that my words are true." Then she sent

for the Kazi and witnesses and said to them, "Write my contract

of marriage with this young man, and bear ye witness that I have

received the marriage settlement."[FN#551] When they had drawn up

the document she said, "Be witness that all my monies which are

in this chest and all I have in slaves and handmaidens and other

property is given in free gift to this young man." So they took

act of this statement enabling me to assume possession in right

of marriage; and then withdrew, after receiving their fees.

Thereupon she took me by the hand and, leading me to a closet,

opened a large chest and said to me, "See what is herein;" and I

looked and behold, it was full of kerchiefs.