They stopped astounded, then approached the place. When they were near the lovely garden close, They said: "There was no garden here before. To whom does this belong? Perchance it is A spirit's bower. No human voice is heard But just the cry of 'minahs' and 'bajans.' Whom shall we call, lest spectres should appear?" They wandered round the ramparts, and a gate Discovered, shut with heavy iron bar, And vainly tried to open it. Then one Of them went back, and found the King, and said: "Hail, sovereign lord, we have no water found, But a _campong_ here in the desert lone, As splendid as a sultan's, with all sorts Of trees and flow'rs, and not a mortal there. 'Tis girt about with double ramparts strong. No name is seen, and all the gates are shut, So that we could not enter." Scarce the King Had heard the _mantri's_ word when off he rushed To see the fair domain. Before the gate He stood astonished. "Truly, _mantris_ mine, It is as you have said. I once was here And then the wood was filled with thorns and briers." "'Tis not a nobleman's _campong_. It must Have recently been made. Now summon all The _mantris_ here and see what they will say." They called aloud, "Oh, hasten, friends, and bring The water here." Seven times they called, but none Responded. Said the King, "It is enough. 'Tis like as if one called unto the dead." "We'd best not enter," said the _mantris_ then, "It may be the abode of demons fell. We are afraid. Why should we linger here? Return, O King, for should the spirits come It might to us bring evil. Thou shouldst not Expose thyself to danger." But the King Upon the _mantris_ smiled. "Ye are afraid Of demons, spectres, spirits? I've no fear. Break down the barriers. I'll go alone Within the precincts." When the gates were forced, He entered all alone. The _mantris_ all Were terrified lest harm should come to him. They sought with him to go. He lightly said: "No, _mantris_ mine, whatever God hath willed, Must happen. If in flames I were to burn, In God I still should trust. 'Tis only He That evil can avert. We mortal men No power possess. With my own eyes I wish To see this apparition. Should it be The will of God, I'll come forth safe and sound. Be not disturbed. In case of urgent need I'll call upon ye. All await me here." The _mantris_ made obeisance and replied, "Go, then, alone, since thou hast willed it so." Into the plaisance strode the King. He saw That all was like a temple richly decked, With rugs of silk and colored tapestries Of pictured clouds and wheels all radiant, And lamps and candelabra hung about, And lanterns bright. 'Twas like a palace rich. The eyes were dazzled with magnificence. And seats there were, and dainty tables rare. As through the palace went the King, the more Astonished he became at all he saw, But nowhere found a trace of human soul.