The King of Roum then spoke in these terms: "In conformity with the law of the
most high God, I ask this question of the King of Bagdad: Have you a
daughter?"
The King of Bagdad replied: "Yes, king of the world, I have a daughter and a
son."
"And have you at present these two children?"
The King of Bagdad answered: "I have my son, but my daughter—I lost her."
The King of Roum, continuing, said: "What is the cause of the loss of your
daughter?" The King of Bagdad answered: "O king of the world, hear my story.
While I was gone on a pilgrimage with my wife and my son, whose name is
Minbah-Chahaz, I left my daughter to watch over my palace. Arriving at the end
of my pilgrimage, I sent home a letter to the cadi, conceived as follows: 'May
peace be with the cadi: I shall wait still for the grand pilgrimage about a year
longer. As for all that concerns my kingdom, my palace, and my daughter, the
princess Djouher-Manikam, watch with greatest care, and beware of any
negligence in the protection of my kingdom and my child.' Some time later the
cadi sent me a letter at Mecca, couched in these words: 'O king of the world,
your servant has received the command to watch over the palace and the
princess. But the princess now desires to marry me.' After I had read the letter
from the cadi I called my son Minbah-Chahaz, and said to him: 'Start at once for
Bagdad, and slay your sister.' My son Minbah-Chahaz started immediately for
Bagdad, and killed his sister. Then he returned and found me at Mecca. His
cutlass was still blood- stained. Then I cried: 'Praise be to God the Lord of the
universe, our shame is effaced.' Such is my story, O king of the world."
The King of Roum said: "It is well. Now I shall pronounce judgment." And
addressing the minister of Damas he said to him: "O minister of Damas, tell me
the truth if you wish that at the day of judgment the prophet should intercede for
you (may the peace and blessings of God be upon him!). Speak and tell the truth.
Say whence come these riches, in order that I may pronounce my judgment
between you."
The minister of the King of Damas said: "O my lord, king of the world, I will lay
at the foot of your Majesty's throne the completed story from the beginning. I
received a mission from the King Chah Djouhou: 'O my minister,' he said, 'start,