When a very young man I was deeply in love with a beautiful Arab maiden, adorned by every elegance and grace, who resided with her parents; and I used frequently to visit their camp, for her family was one of the desert tribes.  One day my mind felt uncommonly anxious concerning her, and I resolved to seek relief by a visit; but when I reached the spot found neither my beloved nor any of her kindred.  I questioned some passengers, who informed me that the family had removed their encampment from scarcity of forage for their herds and camels.  I remained for some time on the ground; but observing no signs of their return, my impatience of absence became intolerable, and my love compelled me to travel in search of my charmer.  Though the shades of evening were falling, I replaced the saddle upon my camel, put on my vestments, and girding on my sabre proceeded.  I had advanced some distance, when the night became dismally black, and from the darkness I now sunk into sands and hollows, and now ascended declivities, while the yells of wild beasts resounded on every quarter.  My heart beat with apprehension, and my tongue did not cease to repeat the attributes of the Almighty, our only defender in time of need.  At length stupor overcame my senses, and I slept; while my camel quitted the track, and wandered from the route I had meant to pursue all night.  Suddenly my head was violently intercepted by the branch of a tree, and I was awakened by the blow, which gave me infinite pain.  As I recovered myself I beheld trees, verdure sprinkled with flowers, and a clear rivulet; also a variety of birds, whose notes were melodiously sweet.  I alighted from my camel, and laid the bridle on my arm, as the underwood of the thicket was closely entwined.

I did not cease leading my camel till I was out of the thicket, when I remounted; but at a loss which way to go, and unknowing where Providence might direct me, I reached the desert, and cast my eyes over the expanse; when, lo! at length a smoke appeared in the midst of it.  I whipped my camel, and at length reached a fire, and near it observed a handsome tent, before which was a standard planted, surrounded by spears, horses picketted, and camels grazing.  I said to myself, “What can mean this tent, which has a grand appearance, in so solitary a plain?” I then went to the rear of the tent, and exclaimed, “Health to you, O inhabitants of this tent, and may the Almighty to you be merciful!” Upon this there advanced from it a youth, seemingly about nineteen, who appeared graceful as the rising moon, and valour and benevolence gleamed upon his aspect.  He returned my salutation, and said, “Brother Arab, perchance thou hast missed thy way.”  I answered, “Yes, shew it, and may God requite thee!” upon which he replied, “My dwelling, brother Arab, is at present in this wild spot; but the night is dreary, and shouldst thou proceed there is no surety against wild beasts tearing thee in pieces.  Lodge, then, at present with me in safety, and repose,