unning up, I joined him. The young man, from the
noise of my steps, perceived that some body was coming after him. All
at once, turning round the halter of his bull, he gave a loud shout,
and threatened me; then drawing his sword, he advanced towards me,
and was about to strike. I bent down with the utmost respect, and
made him my _salam_, and joining both my hands together, I stood in
silence. That person being a judge of respectful behaviour [restraining
his blow], said to me. "O pilgrim, thou wouldest have been killed for
nothing, but thou hast escaped--thy life is prolonged; get away. Where
art thou going?" He then drew a jewelled dagger, having a tassel set
with pearls, from his waist, and threw it towards me, and added, "At
this moment I have no money about me to give thee; carry this [dagger]
to the king, and thou wilt get whatever thou askest." To such a degree
did my fear and dread of him prevail, that I had not power to speak
or ability to move; my voice was choked, and my feet became heavy.

After saying this, the brave young man, roaring aloud, went on. I said
to myself, "let what will happen, to remain behind now is, in thy case,
folly thou wilt never again get such an opportunity [to execute thy
project]. Regardless, therefore, of my life, [235] I also went on. He
again turned round and forbade me in great wrath [to follow him],
and seemed determined to put me to death. I stretched forth my neck,
and conjuring him [by all that was sacred], I said, "_O Rustam_ [236]
of these days, strike such a blow that I may be cut clean in two;
let not a fibre remain together, and let me be released from this
wandering and wretched state; I pardon you my blood." He replied,
"O demon-faced! why dost thou for nothing bring thy blood on my head,
and makest me criminal; go thy own way; what! is thy life become a
burden to thee?" I did not mind what he said, but advanced; then he
knowingly appeared not to regard me, and I followed him. Proceeding
on about two _kos_, we passed the wood, and came to a square building;
the young man went up to the door and gave a frightful scream; the door
opened of itself; he entered, and I remained altogether outside. O God,
[said I] what shall I now do? I was perplexed; at last, after a short
delay, a slave came out and brought a message, saying, "Come in, he
has called you to his presence; perhaps the angel of death hovers
over your head; what evil fortune has befallen you?" I replied,
"Veri