Some business had obliged this officer to go abroad, and he was not yet returned.  When he came back, there was just day-light enough for him to discern two persons asleep upon one of the estrades, with their heads under a piece of linen, to defend them from the gnats.  “Very well,” said Scheich Ibrahim to himself; “these people disobey the caliph’s orders:  but I will take care to teach them better manners.”  Upon this he opened the door very softly, and a moment after returned with a cane in his hand, and his sleeve tucked up to the elbow:  he was just going to lay on them both with all his might, but withholding his arm, began to reason with himself after this manner:  “Thou wast going, without reflection, to strike these people, who perhaps are strangers, destitute of a lodging, and utterly ignorant of the caliph’s order; so that it would be advisable to know first who they are.”  Upon this he gently lifted up the linen that covered their heads, and was astonished to see a young man so well shaped, and a young woman so beautiful; he then waked Noor ad Deen, by pulling him softly by the feet.

Noor ad Deen, lifting up his head, and seeing an old man with a long white beard standing at his feet, got up, and throwing himself upon his knees, and taking his hand, kissed it.  “Good father,” said he, “Heaven preserve you!” “What do you want, my son?” replied Scheich Ibrahim; “who are you, and whence came you?” “We are strangers newly arrived,” answered Noor ad Deen, “and would fain tarry here till to-morrow.”  “This is not a proper place for you,” said Scheich Ibrahim; “come in with me, and I will find one fitter for you to sleep in than this; and the sight of the garden, which is very fine, will please you, when you see it to-morrow by day light.”  “Is this garden your own?” asked Noor ad Deen.  “Yes,” replied Scheich Ibrahim, smiling; “it is an inheritance left me by my father:  pray walk in, for I am sure you will not repent seeing it.”

Noor ad Deen rose to thank Scheich Ibrahim for the civility he had strewn, as did afterwards the fair Persian; and they entered the garden.  Scheich Ibrahim locked the door, and going before, led them to a spot from whence, at one view, they might see the disposition, grandeur, and beauty of the whole.

Noor ad Deen had seen very fine gardens, but never any comparable to this.  Having satisfied his curiosity, as he was walking in one of the walks, he turned about to the officer, and asked his name.  As soon as he had told him it was Scheich Ibrahim; “Scheich Ibrahim,” said he to him, “I must confess this is a charming garden indeed.  Heaven send you long to enjoy the pleasures of it; we cannot sufficiently thank you for the favour you have done by shewing us a place so well worth seeing; however, it is but just that we should make you some amends for your kindness; here are two pieces of gold; take them and get us something to eat, that we may be merry together.”