reatures. Though I
am [ever so much] called a dog-worshipper, and pay double taxes, all
this I submit to; but the secrets of my heart I have not divulged to
any one." On hearing this excuse, my anger became greater, and I said,
thou art beguiling me with words; I will not believe them until thou
explainest clearly the reasons which have made thee deviate from the
right path, that my mind may be convinced of their truth; then thy life
will be saved; or else, as a retribution [for what thou hast done], I
will order thy belly to be ripped up, that the exemplary punishment may
deter others in future from transgressing the religion of _Muhammad_.

The _khwaja_ replied, "O king, do not spill the blood of this
unfortunate wretch, but confiscate all the wealth I have, which
is beyond counting or reckoning, and having made me and my son a
votive offering to your throne, release us, and spare us our lives." I
smiled, and said, O fool! dost thou exhibit to me the temptation of thy
wealth? Thou canst not be released, except thou speakest the truth. On
hearing these words, the tears streamed profusely from the _khwaja's_
eyes; he looked towards his son and heaved a deep sigh, and said
[to him] "I am criminal in the king's eyes; I shall be put to death;
what shall I do now? to whom shall I entrust thee?" I threatened
him, and said, O dissembler! cease; thou hast made too many excuses
[already]; what thou hast to say, say it [quickly].

Then, indeed, that man having advanced forward, came near the throne
and kissed the foot of it, and poured forth my praise and eulogy,
and said, "O king of kings, if the order for execution had not been
issued in my case, I would have borne every torture, and would not
have disclosed my story; but life is dear above every [consideration];
no one of his own accord jumps into a well; to preserve life, then, is
right; and the abandoning of what is right is contrary to the mandates
of God. Well, if such is the royal pleasure, then be pleased to hear
the past events of this feeble old man. First, order the two cages,
in which the two men are confined, to be brought and placed before
your majesty. I am going to relate my adventures; if I falsify any
circumstance, then ask them to convict me, and let justice be done." I
approved of his proposal and sent for the cages, took them both out,
and made them stand near the _khwaja_.

The _khwaja_ said, "O king! this man, who stands on the right hand of
your slave