piece of meat. Then with my unrolled turband and lying on my
back, I set the bit on my breast so that I was hidden by the
meat, which was thus raised above the ground. Hardly had I
gripped it, when an eagle swooped down upon the flesh and,
seizing it with his talons, flew up with it high in air and me
clinging thereto, and ceased not its flight till it alighted on
the head of one of the mountains where, dropping the carcass he
fell to rending it; but, behold, there arose behind him a great
noise of shouting and clattering of wood, whereat the bird took
fright and flew away. Then I loosed off myself the meat, with
clothes daubed with blood therefrom, and stood up by its side;
whereupon up came the merchant, who had cried out at the eagle,
and seeing me standing there, bespoke me not, but was affrighted
at me and shook with fear. However, he went up to the carcass and
turning it over, found no diamonds sticking to it, whereat he
gave a great cry and exclaimed, "Harrow, my disappointment! There
is no Majesty and there is no Might save in Allah with whom we
seek refuge from Satan the stoned!" And he bemoaned himself and
beat hand upon hand, saying, "Alas, the pity of it! How cometh
this?" Then I went up to him and he said to me, "Who art thou and
what causeth thee to come hither?" And I, "Fear not, I am a man
and a good man and a merchant. My story is a wondrous and my
adventures marvellous and the manner of my coming hither is
prodigious. So be of good cheer, thou shalt receive of me what
shall rejoice thee, for I have with me great plenty of diamonds
and I will give thee thereof what shall suffice thee; for each is
better than aught thou couldst get otherwise. So fear nothing."
The man rejoiced thereat and thanked and blessed me; then we
talked together till the other merchants, hearing me in discourse
with their fellow, came up and saluted me; for each of them had