As he was about to go away, the cook said to him, ’O youth, doubtless thou art a stranger?’ And he answered, ‘Yes.’  Quoth the cook, ’It is reported in one of the Traditions [of the Prophet that he said,] “Loyal admonition is [a part] of religion;” and the understanding say, “Admonition is of the characteristics of the true believers.”  And indeed that which I have seen of thy fashions pleaseth me and I would fain give thee a warning.’  ‘Speak out thy warning,’ rejoined Selim, ’and may God strengthen thine affair!’ Then said the cook, ’Know, O my son, that in this our country, whenas a stranger entereth therein and eateth of flesh-meat and drinketh not old wine thereon, this is harmful unto him and engendereth in him dangerous disorders.  Wherefore, if thou have provided thee somewhat thereof,[FN#71] [it is well;] but, if not, look thou procure it, ere thou take the meat and carry it away.’  ‘May God requite thee with good!’ rejoined Selim.  ‘Canst thou direct me where it is sold?’ And the cook said, ’With me is all that thou seekest thereof.’  ’Is there a way for me to see it?’ asked the young man; and the cook sprang up and said, ‘Pass on.’  So he entered and the cook showed him somewhat of wine; but he said, ‘I desire better than this.’  Whereupon he opened a door and entering, said to Selim, ‘Enter and follow me.’

Selim followed him till he brought him to an underground chamber and showed him somewhat of wine that was to his mind.  So he occupied him with looking upon it and taking him at unawares, sprang upon him from behind and cast him to the earth and sat upon his breast.  Then he drew a knife and set it to his jugular; whereupon there betided Selim [that wherewithal] God made him forget all that He had decreed [unto him],[FN#72] and he said to the cook, ’Why dost thou this thing, O man?  Be mindful of God the Most High and fear Him.  Seest thou not that I am a stranger?  And indeed [I have left] behind me a defenceless woman.  Why wilt thou slay me?’ Quoth the cook, ’Needs must I slay thee, so I may take thy good.’  And Selim said, ’Take my good, but slay me not, neither enter into sin against me; and do with me kindness, for that the taking of my money is lighter[FN#73] than the taking of my life.’

‘This is idle talk,’ answered the cook.  ’Thou canst not deliver thyself with this, O youth, for that in thy deliverance is my destruction.’  Quoth Selim, ’I swear to thee and give thee the covenant of God (to whom belong might and majesty) and His bond, that He took of His prophets, that I will not discover thy secret ever.’  But the cook answered, saying, ’Away!  Away!  This may no wise be.’  However, Selim ceased not to conjure him and make supplication to him and weep, while the cook persisted in his intent to slaughter him.  Then he wept and recited the following verses: 

Haste not to that thou dost desire, for haste is still unblest;
     Be merciful to men, as thou on mercy reckonest;
For no hand is there but the hand of God is over it And no
     oppressor but shall be with worse than he opprest.