the idea
of departing; as long as I have to live, remain here; I shall not
live a day in your absence, and must [in such case] die before my
appointed hour. The climate of this kingdom of Persia is very fine
and congenial [to your health], you had best despatch a confidential
servant, and send for your parents and property here; I will furnish
whatever equipages and conveyances you require; when your parents and
all their household come here, you can pursue your commercial concerns
at your ease. I also have in my life gone through many hardships, and
have wandered many countries. I am now old and have no issue; I love
you dearer than a son, and make you my heir and head manager. Be you,
on the other hand, careful and attentive to my concerns. Give me a
bit of bread to eat whilst I live; when I die, be pleased to bury me,
and then take [possession of] all my wealth and effects."

To this the young merchant replied, "It is true, you have, more than a
father, shewn to me kindness and affection, so that I have forgotten my
parents; but this humble culprit's father only allowed a year's leave;
if I exceed it, then he in his extreme old age will weep himself to
death; finally, a father's approbation is meritorious before God, and
if mine should be displeased with me, then I fear he may curse me, and
I shall be an outcast from God's grace in this world and the next. Now
such is your worship's kindness, that you will give me leave to obey my
father's commands, and fulfil the duties [of a son] towards a parent;
I shall, while life lasts, bear on my neck the gratitude I owe for your
kindness. If I am ever [so fortunate as] to reach my native country,
I will still ever think of your goodness with my heart and soul. God is
the Causer of causes; perhaps some such cause may again occur, that I
may have occasion to pay you my respects. In short, the young merchant
urged such persuasive and feeling arguments to the _khwaja_, that he,
poor man, being helpless, yielded to their force. [280] Inasmuch as
he was now completely fascinated, he began to say in reply, "Well,
if you will not stay here, I will myself go with you. I consider you
equivalent to my own life: hence, if my life goes with you, of what
use is a lifeless body? If you are determined to go, then proceed,
and take me with you." Saying this to the young merchant, he began
his preparations likewise for the journey, and gave orders to his
agents to get ready quickly the necessa