When out of Cairo, he rode by way of the desert towards Arabia; but his mule happening to tire, was forced to continue his journey on foot.  A courier who was going to Bussorah, by good fortune overtaking him, took him up behind him.  As soon as the courier reached that city, Noor ad Deen alighted, and returned him thanks for his kindness.  As he went about to seek for a lodging, he saw a person of quality with a numerous retinue, to whom all the people shewed the greatest respect, and stood still till he had passed.  This personage was grand vizier, to the sultan of Bussorah, who was passing through the city to see that the inhabitants kept good order and discipline.

This minister casting his eyes by chance on Noor ad Deen Ali, perceiving something extraordinary in his aspect, looked very attentively upon him, and as he saw him in a traveller’s habit, stopped his train, asked him who he was, and from whence he came?  “Sir,” said Noor ad Deen, “I am an Egyptian, born at Cairo, and have left my country, because of the unkindness of a near relation, resolved to travel through the world, and rather to die than return home.”  The grand vizier, who was a good-natured man, after hearing these words, said to him, “Son, beware; do not pursue your design; you are not sensible of the hardships you must endure.  Follow me; I may perhaps make you forget the misfortunes which have forced you to leave your own country.”

Noor ad Deen followed the grand vizier, who soon discovered his good qualities, and conceived for him so great an affection, that one day he said to him in private, “My son, I am, as you see, so far gone in years, that it is not probable I shall live much longer.  Heaven has bestowed on me only one daughter, who is as beautiful as you are handsome, and now fit for marriage.  Several nobles of the highest rank at this court have sought her for their sons, but I would not grant their request.  I have an affection for you, and think you so worthy to be received into my family, that, preferring you before all those who have demanded her, I am ready to accept you for my son-in-law.  If you like the proposal, I will acquaint the sultan my master that I have adopted you by this marriage, and intreat him to grant you the reversion of my dignity of grand vizier in the kingdom of Bussorah.  In the mean time, nothing being more requisite for me than ease in my old age, I will not only put you in possession of great part of my estate, but leave the administration of public affairs to your management.”

When the grand vizier had concluded this kind and generous proposal, Noor ad Deen fell at his feet, and expressing himself in terms that demonstrated his joy and gratitude, assured him, that he was at his command in every way.  Upon this the vizier sent for his chief domestics, ordered them to adorn the great hall of his palace, and prepare a splendid feast.  He afterwards sent to invite the nobility of the court and city, to honour him with their company;