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Alaeddin and the Enchanted Lamp by Unknown
page 30 of 244 (12%)
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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