ting loose the hawks [of various sorts] on ducks and
partridges, we followed [them] to a great distance. A very beautiful
piece of land appeared in sight; as far as the view extended, for
miles around, what with the verdure and the red flowers, the plain
seemed like a ruby. Beholding this delightful scene, we dropped the
bridles of our horses and moved on at a slow pace [admiring the
charming prospect]. Suddenly, we saw a black deer on the plain,
covered with brocade, and a collar set with precious stones, and
a bell inlaid with gold attached to its neck; fearless it grazed,
and moved about the plain, where man never entered, and where bird
had never flapped a wing. Hearing the sound of our horses' hoofs, it
started, and lifting up its head, looked at us, and moved slowly away.

On perceiving it, such became my eagerness that I said to my
companions, remain where you are, I will catch it alive, take care
you do not advance a step, and do not follow me. I was mounted on
such a swift horse, that I had often gallopped him after deer,
and confounding their bounds, had seized them one after another
with my hand. I pushed after it; on seeing me, it began to bound,
and swiftly fled away; my horse also kept pace with the wind, but
could not overtake the very dust it raised. The horse streamed with
sweat, and my tongue also began to crack from thirst; but there was
no alternative. The evening was approaching, and I did not know how
far I had come, or where I was. Having no other chance [of getting
the animal], I employed stratagem towards it, and having taken out
an arrow from the quiver, I adjusted my bow, drew the arrow to its
full length, aimed it at its thigh, and pronouncing the name of God,
I let it fly. The very first arrow entered its leg, and, limping away,
it went towards the foot of the mountain. I dismounted from my horse,
and followed it on foot; it took to the mountain, and I at the same
time gave it chase. After many ascents and descents, a dome appeared;
when I got near it, I perceived a garden and a fountain; but the deer
disappeared from my sight. I was greatly fatigued, and began to wash
my hands and feet [in the fountain].

All at once the noise of weeping struck my ears, as issuing from the
dome, and as if some one was exclaiming, "O, child, may the arrow of
my grief stick in the heart of him who hath struck thee; may he derive
no fruit from his youth, and may God make him a mourner like me." On
hearing th