various sorts] on ducks and partridges, we followed [them] to a great distance.  A very beautiful piece of land appeared in sight; as far as the view extended, for miles around, what with the verdure and the red flowers, the plain seemed like a ruby.  Beholding this delightful scene, we dropped the bridles of our horses and moved on at a slow pace [admiring the charming prospect].  Suddenly, we saw a black deer on the plain, covered with brocade, and a collar set with precious stones, and a bell inlaid with gold attached to its neck; fearless it grazed, and moved about the plain, where man never entered, and where bird had never flapped a wing.  Hearing the sound of our horses’ hoofs, it started, and lifting up its head, looked at us, and moved slowly away.

On perceiving it, such became my eagerness that I said to my companions, remain where you are, I will catch it alive, take care you do not advance a step, and do not follow me.  I was mounted on such a swift horse, that I had often gallopped him after deer, and confounding their bounds, had seized them one after another with my hand.  I pushed after it; on seeing me, it began to bound, and swiftly fled away; my horse also kept pace with the wind, but could not overtake the very dust it raised.  The horse streamed with sweat, and my tongue also began to crack from thirst; but there was no alternative.  The evening was approaching, and I did not know how far I had come, or where I was.  Having no other chance [of getting the animal], I employed stratagem towards it, and having taken out an arrow from the quiver, I adjusted my bow, drew the arrow to its full length, aimed it at its thigh, and pronouncing the name of God, I let it fly.  The very first arrow entered its leg, and, limping away, it went towards the foot of the mountain.  I dismounted from my horse, and followed it on foot; it took to the mountain, and I at the same time gave it chase.  After many ascents and descents, a dome appeared; when I got near it, I perceived a garden and a fountain; but the deer disappeared from my sight.  I was greatly fatigued, and began to wash my hands and feet [in the fountain].

All at once the noise of weeping struck my ears, as issuing from the dome, and as if some one was exclaiming, “O, child, may the arrow of my grief stick in the heart of him who hath struck thee; may he derive no fruit from his youth, and may God make him a mourner like me.”  On hearing these words, I went to the dome, and saw a respectable old man, with a white beard, and well dressed, seated on a masnad, and the deer lying before him; he was drawing the arrow from its thigh, and uttering imprecations [on the shooter].  I made him my salam, and joining my hands together, I said, “Respectable sir, I have unknowingly committed this fault; I did not know it [was your deer]; for God’s sake pardon me.”  He answered, “You have hurt a dumb animal; if you have committed this cruel act through ignorance, God will forgive you.”  I sat down near him, and assisted him in extracting the arrow; we pulled it out with great difficulty; and having put some balsam to the wound, we let [the deer] go.  We then washed our hands, and the old man gave me some food to eat, which was then ready; after satisfying my hunger and thirst, I stretched myself out on a four-footed bedstead.