The commencement of the story of Saif Zul Yezn (ZU’L
YAZAN) according to Habicht’s german version.

In very ancient times, long before the age of Mohammed, there lived a King of Yemen, named Zul Yezn.  He was a Himyarite of the race of Fubbaa (Tabba’) and had large armies and a great capital.  His Minister was named Yottreb (Yathrab == Medinat), and was well skilled in the knowledge of the ancients.  He once had a vision in which the name of the Prophet was revealed to him, with the announcement of his mission in later times; and he was also informed that he would be the last of the Prophets.  In consequence of this vision he believed in the Prophet before his advent; but he concealed his faith.  One day the King held a review of his troops, and was delighted with their number and handsome appearance.  He said to the Wazir, “Is there any person on earth whose power can compare with mine?” “O yes,” answered the Wazir, “there is King Baal-Beg, whose troops fill the deserts and the cultivated lands, the plains and the valleys.”  “I must make war upon him, then,” exclaimed the King, “and destroy his power.”  He immediately ordered the army to prepare to march, and after a few days the drums and trumpets were heard.  The King and his Wazir set forth in magnificent array, and after a rapid march, they arrived before the holy city Medina, which may God keep in high renown!  The Wazir then said to the King, “Here is the holy house of God, and the place of great ceremonies.  No one should enter here who is not perfectly pure, and with head and feet bare.  Pass around it with your companions, according to the custom of the Arabs.”  The King was so pleased with the place that he determined to destroy it, to carry the stones to his own country, and to rebuild it there, that the Arabs might come to him on pilgrimage, a nd that he might thus exalt himself above all Kings.  He pondered over this plan all night, but next morning he found his body fearfully swollen.  He immediately sent for his Wazir, and lamented over his misfortune.  “This is a judgment sent upon you,” replied the Wazir, “by the Lord of this house.  If you alter your intention of destroying the temple, you will be healed at once.”  The King gave up his project, and soon found himself cured.  Soon afterwards he said to himself, “This misfortune happened to me at night, and left me next day of its own accord; but I will certainly destroy the house.”  But next morning his face was so covered with open ulcers that he could no longer be recognised.  The Wazir then approached him and said, “O King, renounce your intention, for it would be rebellion against the Lord of Heaven and Earth, who can destroy every one who opposes him.”  When the King heard this, he reflected awhile and said, “What would you wish me to do?” The Wazir replied, “Cover the house with carpets from Yemen.”  The King resolved to do this, and when night came