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 decrepit. The Emeer Moosa saluted him, and said to him: “O Sheikh Abd-Es-Samad, our lord, the Prince of the Faithful, hath commanded us thus and thus, and I possess little knowledge of that land, and it hath been told me that thou art acquainted with that country and the routes. Hast thou then a wish to accomplish the affair of the Prince of the Faithful?’’ The sheikh replied: “Know, O Emeer, that this route is difficult, far extending, with few tracks.” The emeer said to him: “How long a period doth it require?’’ He answered: “It is a journey of two years and some months going, and the like returning; and on the way are difficulties and horrors, and extraordinary and wonderful things. But,” he said, “God will assuredly make this affair easy to us through the blessing attendant upon thee, O Viceroy of the Prince of the Faithful.”

After this they departed, and they continued their journey until they arrived at a palace; whereupon the sheikh said: “Advance with us to this palace, which presenteth a lesson to him who will be admonished.” So the Emeer Moosa advanced thither, together with the Sheikh Abd-Es-Samad and his chief companions, till they came to its entrance. And they found it open, and having lofty angles, and steps, among which were two wide steps of coloured marbles, the like of which hath not been seen: the ceilings and walls were decorated with gold and silver and minerals, and over the entrance was a slab, whereon was an inscription in ancient Greek; and the Sheikh Abd-Es-Samad said: “Shall I read it, O Emeer?’’ The emeer answered: “Advance and read.” So he read it; and, lo, it was poetry; and it was this: