nd
a thousand toils, having traversed the few [intervening] stages, I
arrived at the city where my sister lived, and reached her house. My
sister, seeing my wretched state, invoked a blessing upon me, embraced
me with affection, and wept bitterly; she distributed [the customary
offerings to the poor] on the occasion of my safe arrival, such as
oil, vegetables, and small coins, [102] and said to me, "Though my
heart is greatly rejoiced at this meeting, yet, brother, in what sad
plight do I see you?" I could make her no reply, but shedding tears,
I remained silent. My sister sent me quickly to the bath, after
having ordered a splendid dress to be sewn for me. I having bathed
and washed, put on these clothes. She fixed on an elegant apartment,
near her own, for my residence. I had in the morning _sharbat_, [103]
and various kinds of sweetmeats for my breakfast; in the afternoon,
fresh and dried fruits for my luncheon; and at dinner and supper she
having procured for me _pulaos_, [104] _kababs_, [105] and bread of the
most exquisite flavour and delicious cookery; she saw me eat them in
her own presence; and in every manner she took care of me. I offered
thousands upon thousands of thanksgivings to God for enjoying such
comfort, after such affliction [as I had suffered.] Several months
passed in this tranquillity, during which I never put my foot out of
my apartment.

One day, my sister, who treated me like a mother, said to me, "O
brother, you are the delight of my eyes, and the living emblem of the
dead dust of our parents; by your arrival the longing of my heart is
satisfied; whenever I see you, I am infinitely rejoiced; you have made
me completely happy; but God has created men to work for their living,
and they ought not to sit idle at home. If a man becomes idle and stays
at home, the people of the world cast unfavourable reflections on him;
more especially the people of this city, both great and little, though
it concerns them not, will say, on your remaining [with me and doing
nothing,] 'That having lavished and spent his father's worldly wealth,
he is now living on the scraps from his brother-in-law's board.' This
is an excessive want of proper pride, and will be our ridicule, and
the subject of shame to the memory of our parents; otherwise I would
keep you near my heart, and make you shoes of my own skin, and have
you wear them. Now, my advice is that you should make an effort at
travelling; please God the times w