Mazin departed from his mother after he had taken leave and entreated her prayers for his success, but the aged matron was so affected that she ordered her tomb to be prepared, and did nothing but weep and lament night and day for her son, who did not halt till he had reached the palace of the seven sisters.  When they saw him they were surprised, and said to one another, “There must be some urgent cause for his returning so speedily.”  They saluted him, and inquired after his affairs:  upon which he informed them of the desertion of his wife, what she had said at going away, and of his resolves to travel to the islands of Waak al Waak.  The seven ladies replied, “This expedition is impossible to be accomplished either by thee or any of thy race; for these islands are distant a hundred and fifty years’ journey, so that thou canst not live to reach them.”  Mazin exclaimed, “My attempting it, however, is incumbent upon me, though I may perish on the road:  if God has decreed my reunion with my wife I shall meet her again; but if not, I shall die and be received into the mercy of the Almighty.”  The sisters did not cease to importune him to lay aside the journey, but it was impossible for him to obey them or remain at ease; upon which their grief for his situation increased.  They knew that the distance was such as he could never overcome by human aid, or rejoin his wife, but they respected his ardent love for her and his children.

On this account they consulted with one another how to assist him on the journey.  He remained with them a month, but unable to repose or enjoy their entertainments.  The sisters had two uncles, one named Abd al Kuddoos, and the other Abd al Sulleeb, who lived at three months distance from them, to whom they wrote in recommendation of Mazin as follows.

“The bearer is our friend Mazin of Bussorah.  If you can direct him how to reach the islands of Waak al Waak, assist him; but if not, prevent him from proceeding, lest he plunge himself into destruction.  At present he will not attend to our advice or reproofs, from excess of love to his wife and children, but through you there may finally occur to him safety and success.”

When they had sealed this letter they gave it to Mazin, and bestowed also upon him, of water and provisions, what would suffice for three months’ consumption, laden upon camels, and a steed for his conveyance, upon which he took leave of them with many thanks, fully resolved to pursue his journey to the islands of Waak al Waak.

With much pain and difficulty he pursued his journey, nor had he any pleasure either in eating or drinking during the three months of his pilgrimage.  At length he reached a verdant pasturage, in which was a variety of flowers, flocks of sheep, and cattle feeding.  It was indeed a paradise upon earth.  In one part of it he perceived a pleasant eminence on which were buildings:  he advanced to them, and entered a court.  Within it he beheld a venerable looking personage, his beard flowing to his middle, whom he saluted; when the sage returned his compliments, welcomed him with respectful demeanour, and congratulated him on his arrival.  He seated him, and laid before him a collation, of which they both ate till they were satisfied.