molest these evil-fated persons; to say nothing to them,
to hear nothing from them, but to let them remain in their house,
and that no one should injure or oppress them.' From that day, the
magicians, conceiving this mysterious event to be witchcraft, have
used all their exorcising arts and spells to destroy its effects;
and all the inhabitants of this city read [prayers] from the glorious
_Kur,an_, and pronounced the great name of God. It is a long while
since this awful scene took place, but to this day the mysterious
secret has not been developed, nor do I know anything about it; I
once asked the girl what she had seen with her own eyes; she replied,
I know nothing more than that when my husband wished to consummate
our marriage, I saw the roof instantly open, and a throne set with
precious stones descended through the aperture, on which was seated
a handsome young man dressed in princely robes, and many persons
in attendance upon him, came into that apartment; and were ready
to put the prince to death. That young man came up to me and said,
"Well, my love, where to will you now escape from me?" They had the
appearance of men, but with feet like goats; my heart palpitated,
and I fainted through fear; I do not know what afterwards happened.'

"From that period we have both thus lived in this ruined place; and
from the fear of offending the king, all our friends have forsaken us;
when I go out to beg, no one gives me a _kauri_; moreover, it is not
allowed me even to stand before their shops; this unfortunate girl has
not a rag to cover her nakedness, nor sufficient food to satisfy her
hunger. From God I only pray for this, that our deaths should ensue,
or that the earth may open out and swallow this ill-fated girl:
death is better than such existence; God has perhaps sent thee here
for our good; so that thou tookest pity on us, and gave us a piece
of gold, which has enabled us to have good food and clothes for my
daughter. God be praised, and blessed be thou; if she was not under
the influence of some _jinn_ or fairy, then I would give her for thy
service like a slave, and think myself happy. This is my wretched
story; do not think of her, but abandon all thoughts on that head."

After hearing this sad narrative, I entreated the old man to accept me
as his son-in-law, and if evil be my future doom, then let it come; but
the old man would on no account agree to my request. When the evening
came, I took my leave of him