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Rh sovereign's decease, had abstained from coming to court; he lived retired, was seldom seen abroad, and then only for the purpose of paying a visit to some man renowned for his piety or his learning. Unluckily one day, as he was passing along with his retinue, he was met by that woman Zahra's equipage, whose followers were full as numerous, but much more insolent. In conformity with the complexion of the times, the general made a sign to his people to step aside, and leave the street free, so that the lady might not be stopped. But her people threw out a number of sarcasms at the general's servants, whom their master was at the pains of keeping under control. When Zahra came up, she asked whose retinue it was, and what was their master's name? On being answered, she put her head out from behind the curtain, and called out, "Thou, Chin-khalich-khan, must surely be the son of some blind father, not to move out of the road." These words unhinged the general's temper, who made a sign to his people, which they interpreted to be an order to chastise that insolent woman's servants. Hardly was the signal given, when those old soldiers fell upon Zahra's retinue, and after having handled them severely, they dragged Zahra herself from her elephant to the ground, and gave her several cuffs and kicks. This was over in an instant; but it was enough to VOL. I.