d
placed before me alone a great variety of trays and dishes, and large
quantities of fruit and confectionery. [206] On seeing such a grand
treat, my very soul was satiated, and taking a mouthful from each dish,
my stomach was filled; I then drew back my hand from eating. [207]

The young man became very pressing, and said, "Sir, what have you
eaten? all the dinner remains as it were for a deposit; [208] eat
some more without ceremony." I replied, there is no shame in eating;
God prosper your house, I have eaten as much as my stomach can
contain, and I cannot sufficiently praise the relish of your feast,
and even now my tongue smacks with their flavour, and every belch
[209] I make is absolutely perfumed, now pray take them away. "When
the _dastar-khwan_ was removed, they spread a carpet of _kashani_
velvet, and brought to me ewers and basins of gold, with scented soap
and warm water, wherewithal I might wash my hands; then _betel_ was
introduced, in a box set with precious stones, and spices of various
kinds; whenever I called for water to drink, the servants brought
it cooled in ice. When the evening came, camphorated candles were
lighted up in the glass shades; and that friendly young man sat down
near me and entertained me with his conversation. When one watch of
the night had elapsed, he said to me, "be pleased to sleep in this
bed, in front of which are curtains and screens." I said, O, Sir,
for us pilgrims a mat or a deer-skin is sufficient; this [luxury]
God has ordained for you men of the world.

He replied, "All these things are for pilgrims; they do not in the
least belong to me." On his pressing me so urgently, I went and lay
down on the bed which was softer than even a bed of flowers. Pots
of roses and baskets of flowers were placed on both sides of the
bedstead, and aloes and other perfumes were burning; to whichever
side I turned, my senses were intoxicated with fragrance; in this
state I slept. When the morning came, [the attendants] placed before
me for breakfast, almonds, pistachio nuts, grapes, figs, pears,
pomegranates, currants, dates, and _sharbat_ made of fruit. In this
festive manner I passed three days and nights. On the fourth day I
requested leave to depart. The young man said, with joined hands,
"Perhaps I have been deficient in my attentions to you, for which
reason you are displeased." I replied with astonishment, for God's
sake, what a speech is this? the rules of hospitality [require