Precisely on the night of the fortieth day, he saw Jelāl in a dream,
who addressed him, and said: “To-morrow, to whatever questions these
misbelievers may ask thee, do thou return the answer: ‘I know.’ By that
means shalt thou be released.” He awoke bewildered, returned thanks to
Heaven, and sat down in holy meditation, awaiting the solution of the
dream.
Shortly, he saw a company of Firengī people come to him, with whom was
an interpreter. They asked him: “Knowest thou aught of philosophy, and
canst thou practise therapeutics? Our prince is sick.” His answer was:
“I know.”
They immediately took him out of the pit, led him to a bath, and
dressed him in a handsome vestment of honour. They then conducted him
to the residence of the sick man.
The young merchant, inspired of God, ordered them to bring him seven
fruits. These he prepared with a little scammony, and made the whole
into a draught, which he administered to the patient.
By the grace of God, and the intercession of the saints, his treatment
was crowned with success, after two or three visits. The Firengī prince
recovered; and by reason that the favour of Jelāl was upon that young
merchant, though he was utterly illiterate, he became a philosopher.
Jelāl assisted him.
When the Firengī prince had entirely recovered his health, and had
arisen from his sick-bed, he told the young merchant to ask of him
whatsoever he might wish. He asked for his freedom, and for leave to
return home, that he might rejoin his teacher. He then related all that
had befallen him;--his disobedience, his vision, and the assistance of
Jelāl. The whole audience of Firengīs, without sight of Jelāl, became
believers in him, and wooers of him.
They set the young merchant free, and allowed him to depart, bestowing
on him rich presents and a bountiful outfit.
On his arrival at the metropolis, before going to his own house, he
hastened to pay his respects to Jelāl. On beholding the sacred features
from afar, he threw himself on the earth, embraced Jelāl’s two feet,
kissed them, rubbed his face upon them, and wept. Jelāl raised him,
kissed both his cheeks, and said: “It was a narrow escape through thy
curing the Firengī prince. Thou didst abscond; but henceforward, do
thou remain at home, and occupy thyself in earning what is lawful. Take
contentment as thy exemplar. The sufferings of the sea, the commotion
of the ship, the calamity of captivity, and the darkness of the
dungeon, are so many evils. Contentment is a very blessing from God.”
32.