the earth, he rejoiced exceedingly, but marvelled to find himself
overagainst the entrance of the treasure, whereby he went down,
whenas the Maugrabin enchanter opened it; and now the stone was
shut down and the earth levelled, nor was there any sign therein
of a door. So he redoubled in wonderment and thought himself
otherwhere; nor was he assured that he was in the very place,
till he saw whereas they had kindled the fire of sticks and
brushwood and whereas the Maugrabin enchanter had made his
fumigations and conjurations. Then he turned right and left and
saw the gardens afar off and looked at the way and knew it for
that by which they had come. So he gave thanks to God the Most
High, who had brought him out on the earth's face and had
delivered him from death, after he had given up hope of life.
Then he arose and fared homeward, by the way which he knew, till
he came to the city and entering, betook himself to their house
and went in to his mother. When he saw her, he fell down before
her, of the greatness of the joy which possessed him for his
deliverance, and swooned away for the affright and the weariness
which he had suffered, more by token that he was weak with
hunger.

Now his mother had been woebegone since he left her and sat
wailing and weeping for him; so, when she saw him come in to her,
she rejoiced in him with an exceeding joy, but grief overwhelmed
her, whenas she saw him fall aswoon upon the earth. However, she
wasted no time in vain lamentation, but hastened to sprinkle
water on his face and sought of her neighbours somewhat of
perfumes, to which she made him smell. When he was a little
recovered, he prayed her bring him somewhat to eat, saying to
her, "O my mother, these three days past I have eaten nothing."