Alaeddin and the Enchanted Lamp by Unknown
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page 30 of 244 (12%)
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well; for indeed the wealth that I have is exceeding abundant
upon me." So Zein ul Asnam abode with Mubarek four days and every day the chief men of Cairo came to salute him, whenas it reached them that this was Mubarek's lord, the Sultan of Bassora; then, after he was rested, he said to his host, "O Mubarek, indeed the time is long upon me;" [FN#71] and Mubarek said to him, ``Thou must know, O my lord, that this whereof thou art come in quest is a hard [FN#72] matter, nay, even unto danger of death, and I know not if thy fortitude may suffice thee for the achievement thereof." [FN#73] "Know, O Mubarek," rejoined Zein ul Asnam, "that wealth [is gotten] by blood [FN#74] and there betideth a man nought except by the will and foreordinance of the Creator (to whom belong might and majesty ); so do thou take heart and concern not thyself on my account." Accordingly Mubarek forthright commended his slaves equip them for travel; so they made all ready and taking horse, journeyed days and nights in the foulest of deserts, [FN#75] witnessing daily things and matters which confounded their wits,--things such as never in their time had they seen,--until they drew near the place [of their destination]; whereupon they lighted down from their steeds and Mubarek bade the slaves and servants abide there, saying to them, "Keep watch over the beasts of burden and the horses till we return to you." Then the twain set out together afoot and Mubarek said to Zein ul Asnam, "O my lord, now behoveth fortitude, for that thou art in the land of the image whereof thou comest in quest." And they gave not over walking till they drew near a great lake and a |
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