But we have already stated
to you the reasons that render this impossible; depart, therefore, and
proceed to the court of Bagdad,[25] where you will meet with the
person who is to decide your destiny."
[Footnote 25: Bagdad was founded in the 145th year of the Hejira or
flight of Mohammed to Medina, 767. It was destroyed by Hulakoo,
grandson of Gengis Khan, in the 656th of the Hejira, A.D. 1277, when
the dynasty of the Ambassides was terminated.]
After they had explained to me the road I was to travel, I departed.
On the road I caused my beard and eyebrows to be shaven, and assumed a
calender's habit. I have had a long journey, but at last I arrived
this evening, and met these my brother calenders at the gate, being
strangers as well as myself. We were mutually surprised at one
another, to see that we were all blind of the same eye; but we had not
leisure to converse long on the subject of our misfortunes. We have
only had time enough to bring us hither, to implore those favors which
you have been generously pleased to grant us.
* * * * *
The third calender having finished this relation of his adventures,
Zobeide addressed him and his fellow-calenders thus: "Go wherever you
think proper; you are at liberty."
But one of them answered, "Madam, we beg you to pardon our curiosity,
and permit us to hear the stories of your other guests who have not
yet spoken.
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