in twain. [320] Before I could call out, O
savage! why dost thou murder me; my eldest brother gave me [a blow]
on the shoulder. Both wounds were severe, and I staggered and fell;
then these two pitiless ones mutilated me at their ease, and left me
weltering in my blood. This dog, on seeing my condition, flew at them,
and they wounded him likewise. After this, they gave themselves some
slight wounds, and ran back to the encampment with naked feet and
heads, and gave out, that 'some robbers have murdered our brother on
that plain, and we ourselves also in a close encounter with them,
have been wounded. Move off quickly, or else they will immediately
fall on the caravan, and utterly plunder us all.' When the people
of the _kafila_ heard the name of robbers, they immediately became
alarmed, and marched off and made their escape.

"My wife had [already] heard of the [former] conduct and precious
qualities of these [brothers of mine,] and of all the treachery they
had practised towards me; hearing now from these liars the events
[that had occurred], she instantly stabbed herself to death with
her dagger, and restored her soul to her Maker." O _darweshes!_
[321] when the dog-worshipping _khwaja_ had thus far told us of the
adventures and misfortunes, I wept involuntarily on hearing them. The
merchant having perceived [my grief,] said, "Lord of the world! if
it were not a want of respect, I would strip myself naked, and show
the whole of my body." Even on this, to [prove] the truth [of what he
had related,] he tore his dress off his shoulders, and showed to us
[his person]. In truth, there was not the space of four fingers on it
free from wounds; and he took off his turban before me from his head,
and there was such a great dint in his skull, that a whole pomegranate
might be put into it. All the officers of state who were present shut
their eyes, they had not the power of beholding [the shocking sight].

The _khwaja_ then continued his narrative, saying, "O blessed
majesty! when these brothers, as they thought, had finished their work
and went away; on the one side, I lay wounded, and on the other side,
this dog lay wounded near me. I lost so much blood from my body,
that I had not the least strength or sensation left, and I cannot
conceive how life remained. The spot where I lay was on the boundary
of the kingdom of _Sarandip_, and a very populous city was situated
near the place; in that city there was a great pagoda, and