consent that for
five thousand pieces of silver he should withdraw his charge of
murder. I counted out the money, and got his written engagement
[not to prosecute them again], and had them released from their
dire calamity. O protector of the world! ask them if I tell truth
or falsehood." Here the two brothers stood in silence, and hung down
their heads like those who are ashamed. "Well, [to proceed], I got them
released, and brought them to my house, had them bathed and dressed,
and gave them apartments for their residence in the _diwan-khana_. I
did not at that time introduce my wife to them; I myself attended
to all their wants, and ate [and drank] with them, and at the hour
of sleep returned to my apartment. For the space of three years [the
time] thus passed in my kind treatment of them, and on their part, no
evil action took place, so as to be the cause of my displeasure. When
I used to go out riding any where, they remained at home.

"It happened, that my good wife went one day to the bath; when she
came to the _diwan-khana,_ seeing no male person there, she took off
her veil; perhaps my second brother was lying down there awake, and
immediately on seeing her, he became enamoured of her. He imparted [the
circumstance] to our eldest brother, and they formed a plan together
for murdering me. I had no knowledge whatever of this circumstance;
on the contrary, I used to say to myself, 'God be praised, that this
time, as yet, they have done nothing such [as they formerly did];
their conduct is now correct; perhaps they have felt the effects of
shame.' One day, after dinner, my eldest brother began to weep, and
to praise our native country, and to describe the delights of _Iran._
[314] On hearing this, the other brother began to sigh. I said, 'If
you wish to return to] our native land; then it is well; I am devoted
to your pleasure, and it is also my own wish. Now, if it please God,
I will go along with you.' I mentioned the circumstance of my brothers'
afflictions to my wife, and also my own intentions. That sensible woman
replied, 'You may think so; but they again design to perpetrate some
villany [towards you]; they are the enemies of your life; you have
fostered [a brace of] serpents in your sleeve, and you still place
reliance on their regard. Act as you please, but beware of those
who are noxious.' At all events, the preparations for the journey
were completed in a short time, and the tents pitched on the plain.