ked on board a ship
and set sail. Having favourable winds, we reached the island in
a few months and put up in the city. I saw a magnificent city, to
which no city could be compared for beauty. In all the _bazars_ and
streets the roads were paved and watered; such was the cleanliness
that a bit of straw could not be seen; why then make mention of
dirt? The buildings were of every variety, and at night the streets
were lighted, at intervals, by two rows of lamps; without the city
were delightful gardens, in which rare flowers and shrubs and fruits
were seen [in rich profusion], such as no where else could be [seen]
except in Paradise. In short, whatever I may say in praise of this
[magnificent city] would not exceed [the truth].

"The arrival of our merchants was much talked of. A confidential eunuch
[369] mounted on horseback, and attended by many servants, came to
our _kafila_, and asked the merchants, "Who is your chief?" They all
pointed to me; the eunuch came to my place; I rose up to receive
him with respect, and we saluted each other; I seated him on the
_masnad_, and offered him the pillow; after which I asked him to tell
me what was the occasion which afforded me the honour of his visit;
he replied, 'The princess has heard that some merchants are arrived,
and have brought much merchandise, for which reason she has desired
me to bring them to her presence; so come, and take along with you
whatever merchandise may be fit for the courts of kings, and gain
the happiness of kissing her threshold.'

"I gave for answer, 'To-day, indeed, I am greatly fatigued; to-morrow
I will attend her with my life and property; whatever I have by me,
I will present as a _nazar_ [to the princess], and whatever pleases
her, the same is her majesty's property.' Having made this promise,
I gave him rosewater and _betel_, and dismissed him. I called all
the merchants near me, and whatever rarities each had, we collected
together, and those of my own I took also, and went in the morning
to the door of the royal seraglio. The door-keeper sent word of my
arrival, and orders came to bring me to the presence; the same eunuch
came out, and taking my hand in his, he led me along, whilst we talked
in friendly converse. Having passed the apartments of the female
attendants of the princess, he conducted me into a noble apartment. O
friend, you will not believe it, but so beautiful was the scene, that
you might say the fairies had been let loose t