o the
city and the enchanter, going forth the Khan in the morning, saw the
folk crowding together; so he went up, to see what was toward, and found
Fatimeh standing, whilst every one who had a pain or an ache came to
her, seeking her blessing and soliciting her prayers, and whenas she
stroked him, he was made whole of his ailment. The Maugrabin followed
her, till she returned to her cavern, and waited till nightfall, when he
arose and entering a sherbet-sellers [637] shop, drank a cup of liquor,
[638] then went forth the city, intending for the cavern of Fatimeh the
recluse. When he came thither, he entered and saw her sleeping on her
back on a piece of matting; so he went up to her and sitting down [639]
on her breast, [640] drew his dagger and cried out at her; whereupon she
awoke and opening her eyes, saw a man, a Maugrabin, with a drawn dagger,
sitting on her breast [641] and offering to kill her. So she feared and
trembled and he said to her, "Harkye, an thou say aught or cry out, I
will kill thee on the spot. Arise now and do all that I shall bid thee."
And he swore an oath to her that, if she did for him that which he
should bid her, he would not kill her.

Then he rose from her and she rose also, and he said to her, "Give me
thy clothes and take mine." So she gave him her clothes and head-bands
and her kerchief and veil; and he said to her, "Now must thou anoint
me, to boot, with somewhat, so my face may become like unto shine in
colour." Accordingly Fatimeh went within the cavern and bringing out a
vial of ointment, took thereof in her palm and anointed his face withal,
whereupon it became like unto hers in colour. Then she gave him her
staff and taught him how he should walk and how he should do, whenas he
went down into the city; moreover, she put her rosary on his neck and
finally giving him the mirror, said to him, "Look now; thou differest
not from me in aught." So he looked and saw himself as he were Fatimeh
herself. [642] Then, when he had gotten his desire, he broke his oath
and sought of her a rope; so she brought him a rope and he took her and
strangled her therewith in the cavern. When she was dead, he dragged her
forth and cast her into a pit therewithout; then, [643] returning to her
cavern, he slept there till the day broke, when he arose and going down
into the city, came under Alaeddin's pavilion. [644]

The folk gathered about him, believing him to be Fatimeh the Recluse,
and he proceeded to d