city,[FN#73] which is one of the world-wonders, till at last I
fared to the regions of the Setting Sun and abode for a space of
thirty years in the Maroccan interior. Now one day of the days, O
wife of my brother, as I was sitting alone at home, I fell to
thinking of mine own country and of my birth place and of my
brother (who hath found mercy); and my yearning to see him waxed
excessive and I bewept and bewailed my strangerhood and distance
from him. And at last my longings drave me home-wards until I
resolved upon travelling to the region which was the falling-
place of my head[FN#74] and my homestead, to the end that I might
again see my brother. Then Quoth I to myself, 'O man,[FN#75] how
long wilt thou wander like a wild Arab from thy place of birth
and native stead? Moreover, thou hast one brother and no more; so
up with thee and travel and look upon him[FN#76] ere thou die;
for who wotteth the woes of the world and the changes of the
days? 'Twould be saddest regret an thou lie down to die without
beholding thy brother and Allah (laud be to the Lord!) hath
vouchsafed thee ample wealth; and belike he may be straitened and
in poor case, when thou wilt aid thy brother as well as see him.'
So I arose at once and equipped me for wayfare and recited the
Fatihah; then, whenas Friday prayers ended, I mounted and
travelled to this town, after suffering manifold toils and
travails which I patiently endured whilst the Lord (to whom be
honour and glory!) veiled me with the veil of His protection. So
I entered and whilst wandering about the streets, the day before
yesterday, I beheld my brother's son Alaeddin disporting himself
with the boys and, by God the Great, O wife of my brother, the
moment I saw him this heart of mine went forth to him (for blood
yearneth unto blood!), and my soul felt and informed me that he
was my very nephew. So I forgot all my travails and troubles at