The executioner, on beholding the change of appearance in his prisoner, was confounded.  He returned to the palace with the old man upon the camel, and followed by the crowd.  He hastened or contrive my death.” to the sultan, and said, “My lord, the young man is vanished, and in his room became seated upon the camel this venerable shekh, well known to the whole city.”  On hearing this, the sultan was alarmed, and said to himself, “Whoever has been able to perform this, can do things much more surprising He may depose me from my kingdom,

The sultan’s fears increased so much, that he was at a loss how to act.  He summoned his vizier, and said, “Advise me what to do in the affair of this strange youth, for I am utterly confounded.”  The vizier for some time inclined his head towards the ground in profound thought, then addressing the sultan, said, “My lord, no one could have done this but by the help of genii, or by a power which we cannot comprehend, and he may possibly, if irritated, do you in future a greater injury respecting your daughter.  I advise, therefore, that you cause it to be proclaimed throughout the city, that whoever has done this, if he will appear before you shall have pardon on the word of a sultan, which can never be broken.  Should he then surrender himself, espouse him to your daughter, when perhaps his mind may be reconciled by her love.  He has already beheld her, and seen the ladies of the haram, so that nothing can save your honour but his union with the princess.”

The sultan approved the advice of his vizer, the proclamation was issued, and the crier proceeded through several streets, till at length he reached the square of the great mosque.  The pupil hearing the proclamation, was enraptured, and running to his patron, declared his intention of surrendering himself to the sultan.  “My son,” said the sage, “why shouldst thou do so?  Hast thou not already suffered sufficiently?” The youth replied, “Nothing shall prevent me.”  Upon which the sage exclaimed, “Go then, my son, and my midnight prayers shall attend thee.”

The youth now repaired to the hummaum, and having bathed, dressed himself in his richest habit; after which he discovered himself to the crier, who conducted him to the palace.  He made a profound obeisance to the sultan, at the same time uttering an eloquent prayer for his long life and prosperity.  The sultan was struck with his manly beauty, the gracefulness of his demeanour, and the propriety of his delivery, and said, “Young stranger, who art thou, and from whence dost thou come?” “I am,” replied the youth, “the half man whom you saw, and have done what you are already acquainted with.”