who, assuming the appearance of men, are sitting together?  In every way, to be in haste, and go amongst them and disturb them, is improper.  At present, hide thyself in some corner, and learn the story of these Darweshes.”  At last the king did so, and hid himself in a corner with such silence, that no one heard the sound of his approach; he directed his attention towards them to hear what they were saying amongst themselves.  By chance one of the Fakirs sneezed, and said, “God be praised.” [80] The other three Kalandars, [81] awakened by the noise he made, trimmed the lamp; the flame was burning bright, and each of them sitting on his mattrass, lighted their hukkas, [82] and began to smoke.  One of these Azads [83] said, “O friends in mutual pain, and faithful wanderers over the world! we four persons, by the revolution of the heavens, and changes of day and night, with dust on our heads, have wandered for some time, from door to door.  God be praised, that by the aid of our good fortune, and the decree of fate, we have to-day met each other on this spot.  The events of to-morrow are not in the least known, nor what will happen; whether we remain together, or become totally separated; the night is a heavy load, [84] and to retire to sleep so early is not salutary.  It is far better that we relate, each on his own part, the events which have passed over our heads in this world, without admitting a particle of untruth [in our narrations;] then the night will pass away in words, and when little of it remains, let us retire to rest.”  They all replied, “O leader, we agree to whatever you command.  First you begin your own history, and relate what you have seen; then shall we be edified.”

ADVENTURES OF THE FIRST DARWESH

The first Darwesh, sitting at his ease, [85] began thus to relate the events of his travels: 

    “Beloved of God, turn towards me, and hear this helpless one’s
        narrative. 
    Hear what has passed over my head with attentive ears,
    Hear how Providence has raised and depressed me. 
    I am going to relate whatever misfortunes I have suffered; hear
        the whole narrative.”

O my friends, the place of my birth, and the country of my forefathers, is the land of Yaman; [86] the father of this wretch was Maliku-t-Tujjar, [87] a great merchant, named Khwaja Ahmad.  At that time no merchant or banker was equal to him.  In most cities he had established factories and agents, for the purchase and sale (of goods); and in his warehouses were lakhs of rupis in cash, and merchandise of different countries.  He had two children born to him; one was this pilgrim, who, clad in the kafni [88] and saili, [89] is now in your presence, and addressing you, holy guides; the other was a sister, whom my father, during his life time, had married to a merchant’s son of another city; she lived