having set my heart at ease from the happy tidings I received from
my spiritual guide _[Murtaza 'Ali_], "the remover of difficulties,"
I formed the design of [proceeding to] Constantinople. On the road I
suffered all those misfortunes which were decreed me by fate; with
the hopes of meeting the princess. Through the assistance of God,
I am come here, and by good fortune I have become honoured by your
presence. The promised meeting has taken place between us, and we have
enjoyed each other's society and conversation; now it only remains
for us to be known to, and acquainted with, the king _Azad Bakht_.

Assuredly after this, we five shall attain the desires of our
hearts. Do you also beseech the blessings of God, and say amen. O
ye holy guides! such have been the adventures which have befallen
this bewildered wanderer, which have been faithfully related in your
presence; now let us look forward [to the time] when my trouble and
sorrows will be changed into joy and gladness by the recovery of the
princess. _Azad Bakht_, concealed in silence in his corner, having
heard with attention the story of the first _Darwesh_, was greatly
pleased; then he betook himself to listen to the adventures of the
next _Darwesh_.



ADVENTURES OF THE SECOND DARWESH

When it came to the turn of the second _Darwesh_ to speak, he placed
himself at his ease, [194] and said--


"O friends, to this _fakir's_ story listen a little;--