was nearhand, a place that the heart delighted and the sight
belighted; for that its swift-running rills flowed amidst the
flowers and the waters jetted from the jaws of lions moulded in
yellow brass like unto gold. So they took seat over against a
lakelet and rested a little while, and Alaeddin enjoyed himself
with joy exceeding and fell to jesting with his uncle and making
merry with him as though the Magician were really his father's
brother. Presently the Maghrabi arose and loosing his girdle drew
forth from thereunder a bag full of victual, dried fruits and so
forth, saying to Alaeddin, "O my nephew, haply thou art become
anhungered; so come forward and eat what thou needest."
Accordingly the lad fell upon the food and the Moorman ate with
him and they were gladdened and cheered by rest and good cheer.
Then Quoth the Magician, "Arise, O son of my brother, an thou be
reposed and let us stroll onwards a little and reach the end of
our walk." Thereupon Alaeddin arose and the Maroccan paced with
him from garden to garden until they left all behind them and
reached the base of a high and naked hill; when the lad who,
during all his days, had never issued from the city-gate and
never in his life had walked such a walk as this, said to the
Maghrabi, "O uncle mine, whither are we wending? We have left the
gardens behind us one and all and have reached the barren hill-
country;[FN#84] and, if the way be still long, I have no strength
left for walking: indeed I am ready to fall with fatigue. There
are no gardens before us, so let us hark back and return to
town." Said the Magician, "No, O my son; this is the right road,
nor are the gardens ended for we are going to look at one which
hath ne'er its like amongst those of the Kings and all thou hast
beheld are naught in comparison therewith. Then gird thy courage
to walk; thou art now a man, Alhamdolillah--praise be to Allah!"