Mura’ash went up to the palace of Japhet son of Noah and sat down on the throne of his kingship, which was of alabaster, ten stages high and latticed with wands of gold wherefrom hung all manner coloured silks. The people of the city stood before him and he said to them, “O seed of Yafis bin Nuh, what did your fathers and grandfathers worship?” They replied, “We found them worshipping Fire and followed their example, as thou well knowest.” “O folk,” rejoined Mura’ash, “we have been shown that the fire is but one of the creatures of Almighty Allah, Creator of all things; and when we knew this, we submitted ourselves to God, the One, the All-powerful, Maker of night and day and the sphere revolving alway, Whom comprehendeth no sight, but Who comprehendeth all sights, for He is the Subtle, the All-wise. So seek ye Salvation and ye shall be saved from the wrath of the Almighty One and from the fiery doom in the world to come.” And they embraced Al-Islam with heart and tongue. Then Mura’ash took Gharib by the hand and showed him the palace and its ordinance and all the marvels it contained, till they came to the armoury, wherein were the arms of Japhet son of Noah. Here Gharib saw a sword hanging to a pin of gold and asked, “O King, whose is that?” Mura’ash answered, “’Tis the sword of Yafis bin Nuh, wherewith he was wont to do battle against men and Jinn. The sage Jardúm forged it and graved on its back names of might.[FN#33] It is named Al-Máhík the Annihilator for that it never descendeth upon a man, but it annihilateth him, nor upon a Jinni, but it crusheth him; and if one smote therewith a mountain ’twould overthrow it.” When Gharib heard tell of the virtues of the sword, he said, “I desire to look on this blade;” and Mura’ash said, “Do as thou wilt.” So Gharib put out his hand, and, hending the sword, drew it from its sheath; whereupon it flashed and Death crept on its edge and glittered; and it was twelve spans long and three broad. Now Gharib wished to become owner of it, and King Mura’ash said, “An thou canst smite with it, take it.” “’Tis well,” Gharib replied, and took it up, and it was in his hand as a staff; wherefore all who were present, men and Jinn, marvelled and said, “Well done, O Prince of Knights!” Then said Mura’ash “Lay thy hand on this hoard for which the Kings of the earth sigh in vain, and mount, that I may show thee the city.” Then they took horse and rode forth the palace, with men and Jinns attending them on foot,——And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the Six Hundred and Fifty-fourth Night,