When Zein ul Asnam read this inscription, he said, "O my mother,
it is my wish to journey to Cairo, so I may make search for the
ninth image. Tell me, how deemest thou of my dream? Was it true
or was it not? Wilt thou still say [FN#55] to me, 'These be idle
tales'? But I, O my mother, needs must I journey to Cairo." "O my
son," answered the queen, "since thou art under the safeguard of
the Apostle of God [FN#56] (whom God bless and keep), go thou in
peace, and I [and] thy Vizier, we will govern the realm in thine
absence, against thou shalt return."

So Zein ul Asnam went forth and equipping himself [for travel,
set out] and journeyed till he came to Cairo, where he enquired
for Mubarek's house and the folk said to him, "O my lord, this is
a man than whom there is none richer in [all Cairo]; no, nor is
there a more abounding than he in bounty and beneficence, and his
house is [still] open to the stranger." So they directed him
thither and he went till he came to the house and knocked at the
door; whereupon there came out to him one of Mubarek's slaves
and [FN#57] opening the door, said to him, "Who art thou and what
wiliest thou?" Quoth Zein ul Asnam, "I am a stranger, a man from
a far country, and I heard tell of your lord, Mubarek, and how he
is renowned for hospitality and beneficence; so I came to him,
that I may be a guest with him." The slave entered and told his
lord Mubarek; then returned and said to Zein ul Asnam, " O my
lord, blessing hath descended upon us in thy coming. [FN#58]
Enter, for my lord Mubarek awaiteth thee." So Zein ul Asnam
entered into a courtyard, exceeding spacious and all [full] of
trees and waters, and the slave brought him into the
pavilion [FN#59] where Mubarek sat. When he entered, the latter
arose forthright and coming to meet him, received him with