thee, pray give me an answer;
I am come here by chance, and the pleasing of a guest is a requisite
duty." I talked much to her, but it was of no use; she heard me, and
sat silent like a statue. I then advanced, and laid my hand on her
feet; when I touched them, they felt quite hard; at last, I perceived
that this beautiful object was formed of stone, and that _Azur_ [366]
had formed this statue. I then said to the idol-worshipping old man,
"I struck an arrow in thy deer's leg, but thou hast with the dart of
love pierced my heart through and through; your curse has taken place;
now tell me the full particulars of these [strange circumstances]; why
hast thou made this talisman, and why, having left [human] habitations,
dost thou dwell in woods and mountains? Tell me all that has happened
to thee."

When I pressed him greatly, he said, "This affair has indeed ruined
me; dost thou also wish to perish by hearing it?" I exclaimed, "Hold,
thou hast already made too many evasions; answer to the purpose,
or else I will kill thee." Seeing me very urgent, he said, "O youth,
may God the Almighty keep every person safe from the scorching flame
of love; see what calamities this love hath produced; for love, the
woman burns herself with her husband, and sacrifices her life; [367]
and all know the story of _Farhad_ and _Majnun_; what wilt thou gain
by hearing my story? Wilt thou leave thy home, fortune and country,
and wander for nothing?" I gave for answer, "Cease, keep thy friendship
to thyself; conceive me now thy enemy, and if life is dear to thee,
tell me plainly [thy story]." Perceiving there was no alternative,
his eyes filled with tears, and he began to say, "The following
is this miserable wretch's story:--This humble servant's name is
_Ni'man Saiyah_. I was a great merchant; arrived to these years,
I have traversed all parts of the world for the purpose of trade,
and have been admitted to the presence of all kings.

"Once the fancy came into my mind that I had wandered over the
regions of the four corners [of the world], but never went to the
Island of the Franks, [368] and never saw its king, citizens and
soldiers--I knew nothing of its manners and customs--so that I ought
to go there also for once. I took the advice of my acquaintances and
friends, and resolved [on the voyage]; I took with me some rarities
and presents from various places, such as were fit for that country,
and collecting a _kafila_ of merchants, we embar