a brass plate, it would have skimmed over the heads of the
people. The multitude were so close to each other, that one could
with difficulty make his way through. When the concourse became less,
I, pushing and jostling, advanced forward. I saw at last the person
[described], seated on a chair, and a _chummak_ [349] set with precious
stones lay before him. I approached him, made him my _salam_, and
gave him the ring; he looked at me with a look of anger, and said,
"Why hast thou come here, and plunged thyself in calamity? Did not
my foolish brother forbid thee?"

"'I replied, "he did forbid me, but I did not mind him." I then
related to him all my adventures from beginning to end. That person
got up, and taking me with him, he went towards his own house; his
residence appeared like the abode of a king, and he had many servants
and attendants. When he had retired to his private apartment and sat
down, he said with mildness, "O son! what folly hast thou committed,
that on thine own feet thou hast walked to thy grave? What unfortunate
blockhead ever comes to this enchanted city?" I answered, I have
already fully related to you my history; now indeed fate has brought
me here; but do me the kindness to enlighten me on the customs and
ways of this place, then shall I know for what reasons you and your
brother have dissuaded me from staying here." The good man answered,
"The king and all the nobles of this city have been excommunicated;
strange are their manners and religion! In an idol temple here there is
an idol, from whose belly the devil tells the name, sect, and faith of
every individual; so, whatever poor traveller arrives here, the king
has information of it; and he conveys the stranger to the pagoda,
and makes him prostrate himself before the idol. If he prostrates
himself, it is well; otherwise, they cause the poor wretch to be
immersed in the river; and if he attempts to escape from the river,
his private parts [350] become elongated to such a degree that he has
to drag them along the ground. Such enchantment [has God] ordained in
this city. I feel pity for thee on account of thy youth; but for thy
sake I am going to execute a scheme I have formed that thou mayest
be able to live at least a few days, and be saved from this calamity."

"'I asked, "What is the nature of the project [you have formed]? impart
it to me." He replied, "I mean to have thee married; and to get thee
the _wazir's_ daughter for thy wife." I gav