of the construction and
architecture of the city. They stopped before it, and endeavored to
discover one of its gates; but they could not; and the Emeer Moosa said
to the sheykh 'Abd-Es-Samad, O sheykh, I see not to this city any gate.
The sheykh replied, O Emeer, thus do I find it described in the Book of
Hidden Treasures; that it hath five and twenty gates, and that none of
its gates may be opened but from within the city. And how, said the
Emeer, can we contrive to enter it, and divert ourselves with a view of
its wonders?

Then the Emeer Moosa ordered one of his young men to mount a camel, and
ride round the city, in the hope that he might discover a trace of a
gate, or a place lower than that to which they were opposite. So one of
his young men mounted, and proceeded around it for two days with their
nights, prosecuting his journey with diligence, and not resting; and
when the third day arrived, he came in sight of his companions, and he
was astounded at that which he beheld of the extent of the city, and its
height. Then he said, O Emeer, the easiest place in it is this place at
which ye have alighted. And thereupon the Emeer Moosa took Talib the son
of Sahl, and the sheykh 'Abd-Es-Samad, and they ascended a mountain
opposite the city, and overlooking it; and when they had ascended that
mountain, they saw a city than which eyes had not beheld any greater.
Its pavilions were lofty, and its domes were shining; its mansions were
in good condition, and its rivers were running; its trees were fruitful,
and its gardens bore ripe produce. It was a city with impenetrable
gates, empty, still, without a voice or a cheering inhabitant, but
the owl hooting in its quarters, and birds skimming in circles in
its areas, and the raven croaking in its districts and its great
thoroughfare-streets, and bewailing those who had been in it. The Emeer
Moosa paused, sorrowing for its being devoid of inhabitants, and its
being despoiled of people and dwellers; and he said, Extolled be the
perfection of Him whom ages and times change not, the Creator of the
creation by his power! And while he was extolling the perfection of God,
(to whom be ascribed might and glory!) he happened to look aside, and
lo, there were seven tablets of white marble, appearing from a distance.
So he approached them, and behold, they were sculptured and inscribed;
and he ordered that their writing should be read: therefore the sheykh
Abd-Es-Samad advanced and exami