When the morning dawned I awoke, dressed, and having performed my ablutions and prayers, said to the young man, who had already risen, “Brother Arab, if in addition to thy hospitalities already shewn thou wilt put me in my way, my obligations will be complete.  “He looked kindly, and said, “If convenient, my brother, let me entertain thee as my guest for three days.”  I could not refuse his hospitable request, and abode with him.  On the third day I ventured to inquire his name and family, when he replied, “I am of the noble tribe of Azzra,” and I discovered that he was the son of my father’s brother.  “Son of my uncle,” exclaimed I, “what can have induced thee to court the seclusion of this desert spot, and to quit thy kinsmen, neighbours, and dependents?”

Upon hearing these words, the eyes of the youth became suffused with tears, he sighed, and said, “Ah! my cousin, I passionately admired the daughter of my uncle, and was so devoted to her love that I asked her in marriage; but he refused me, and wedded her to another of our tribe richer than myself, who carried her to his abode.  When she was thus torn from me, despair agitated my soul, I quitted my relations, friends, and companions, became enamoured of solitude, and retired to this lonely spot.”

When he had finished his communication, I said, “But where is the abode of thy beloved and thy successful rival?” He replied, “Near the summit of yonder mountain, from whence, as frequently as opportunity will allow, in the stillness of night, when sleep hath overpowered the eyes of the village, she ventures to my tent, and we enjoy the company of each other; but believe me, my brother, our passion is innocent as devotional love.  Hence I dwell here in the manner you have witnessed, and while she visits me delightful will pass the hours, until Allah shall execute his appointed decrees, and reward our constancy in this world, or consign us to the grave together.”

When the unfortunate youth had concluded his narration, at which I was affected with sincere compassion for his circumstances, an eager desire to relieve the lovers from their oppressors occupied my mind, and after much consideration I addressed him thus:  “If thou choosest, I think I can point out a plan which, under the blessing of Allah, may end the sufferings of thyself and thy beloved.”  He replied, “O son of my uncle, reveal it to me!” and I continued, saying, “When night shall arrive, and the damsel cometh, let us seat her upon my camel; for she is sure-footed and swift of pace; do thou then mount thy steed, and I will accompany you upon one of your camels.  We will travel all night, and ere morning shall have passed the forest, when you will be safe, and thy heart will be rendered happy with thy beloved.  The land of God is wide enough to afford us an asylum; and by Heaven I swear, that while life remains I will be thy friend.”  The youth replied, “Son of my uncle, I will consult upon thy plan with my beloved, for she is prudent and well-informed.”