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So I hid it from him and I abode on this wise for a term of days

when the old woman died, and the people of the city redoubled in

their impiety[FN#321] and arrogance and the error of their ways.

One day, while they were as wont, behold, they heard a loud and

terrible sound and a crier crying out with a voice like roaring

thunder so every ear could hear, far and near, "O folk of this

city, leave ye your fire worshipping and adore Allah the

All-compassionate King!" At this, fear and terror fell upon the

citizens and they crowded to my father (he being King of the

city) and asked him, "What is this awesome voice we have heard,

for it hath confounded us with the excess of its terror?" and he

answered, "Let not a voice fright you nor shake your steadfast

sprite nor turn you back from the faith which is right." Their

hearts inclined to his words and they ceased not to worship the

fire and they persisted in rebellion for a full year from the

time they heard the first voice; and on the anniversary came a

second cry, and a third at the head of the third year, each year

once Still they persisted in their malpractises till one day at

break of dawn, judgment and the wrath of Heaven descended upon

them with all suddenness, and by the visitation of Allah all were

metamorphosed into black stones,[FN#322] they and their beasts

and their cattle; and none was saved save myself who at the time

was engaged in my devotions.