fondling against him, and caressed him. Then she laid down near to him, and the lion came and did likewise. And having seen this, as soon as day dawned the monk went down to Saʾîd, and questioned him concerning the divine laws of el-Islám, and the traditions of the prophet of Allâh. And Saʾîd explained everything clearly to him, and the monk professed el-Islám, and his practice therein was admirable. And the people assembled before Saʾîd, excusing themselves to him; and they kissed his hands and his feet, and collected the earth that he had trodden upon during the night, and prayed upon it. And they said, "O Saʾîd! we swore to el-Hajjâj, by divorce and enfranchisement,[1] that if we found thee we would not leave thee until we had brought thee unto him. But now order us as thou wilt,"
He said, "Fulfil your task; for there is no way to escape from the return to my Maker, nor any questioning of His decree."
So they journeyed until they reached Wâsit;[2] and
