er's
friendship for him, may give you the one monkey which is wanting [to
complete the number]; then, with their aid, you may get your empire,
and reign peaceably over China and _Machin,_ [388] and your life, at
least, will be secured by this proceeding, if nothing else can be done;
I see no other way to escape from the hands of this tyrant, except
the plan I propose." On hearing all these consoling circumstances
from _Mubarak_, I said to him, "O friend, you are now the disposer
of my life; do whatever is best with regard to me." Giving me every
confidence, he went to the _bazar_ to buy some _'itr_ and _bukhur_,
[389] and whatever he deemed fit to be carried [as a present for
_Maliki Sadik_].

The next day, he went to my impious uncle, who was a second
_Abu-Jahal_, [390] and said, "Protector of the world, I have formed
a plan in my heart for destroying the prince, and if you order me,
I will relate it." That wretch was quite pleased, and said, "What
is the plan?" Then _Mubarak_ said, "By putting him to death [here],
your majesty will be highly censured in every way; but I will take
him out to the woods, finish him, bury him, and return; no one will
be conversant [of the fact]." On hearing this plan of _Mubarak's_, the
king said, "It is an excellent [plan]; I desire this, that he may not
live in safety; I am greatly afraid of him in my heart, and if thou
relievest me from this anxiety, then in return for that service thou
shalt obtain much; take him where thou wilt, and make away with him,
and bring me the welcome tidings."

Being in this manner at ease with regard to the king, _Mubarak_ took
me with him, and having also taken the presents, he set out from
the city at midnight, and proceeded towards the north. For a whole
month he went on without stopping; one night we were trudging along,
when _Mubarak_ observed, "God be praised, we are now arrived at the
end of our journey." On hearing this exclamation, I said, "O friend,
what dost thou say?" He replied, "O prince, do not you see the army
of the _jinns_?" I answered, "I see nothing except you." _Mubarak_
then took out a box containing _surma_, and with a needle applied
to both my eyes the _surma_ of _Sulaiman_. I instantly began to see
the host of the _jinns_ and the tents and encampments of their army;
they were all handsome, and well dressed. Recognising _Mubarak_,
they all embraced him, and spake to him facetiously.

Proceeding onwards, we at length reached the