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From that day to this I am in the case thou seest, constant in

prayer and fasting and reading and reciting the Koran; but I am

indeed grown weary by reason of my loneliness, having none to

bear me company." Then said I to him (for in very sooth he had

won my heart and was the lord of my life and soul), "O youth,

wilt thou fare with me to Baghdad city and visit the Olema and

men learned in the law and doctors of divinity and get thee

increase of wisdom and understanding and theology? And know that

she who standeth in thy presence will be thy handmaid, albeit she

be head of her family and mistress over men and eunuchs and

servants and slaves Indeed my life was no life before it fell in

with thy youth.