Pagina 198 di 1116

Now I knew thee to be an evil doer when thou diddest to me what

thou didst, and know, that when I have cast thee back into the

sea, I will warn whomsoever may fish thee up of what hath

befallen me with thee, and I will advise him to toss thee back

again; so shalt thou abide here under these waters till the End

of Time shall make an end of thee." But the Ifrit cried aloud,

"Set me free; this is a noble occasion for generosity and I make

covenant with thee and vow never to do thee hurt and harm; nay, I

will help thee to what shall put thee out of want." The Fisherman

accepted his promises on both conditions, not to trouble him as

before, but on the contrary to do him service; and, after making

firm the plight and swearing him a solemn oath by Allah Most

Highest he opened the cucurbit.