Pagina 447 van 1116

I marvelled much at all this, especially when seeing in that

place candles ready lighted; and I said in my mind, "Needs must

some one have lighted these candles." Then I went forth and came

to the kitchen and thence to the buttery and the King's treasure

chambers; and continued to explore the palace and to pace from

place to place; I forgot myself in my awe and marvel at these

matters and I was drowned in thought till the night came on. Then

I would have gone forth, but knowing not the gate I lost my way,

so I returned to the alcove whither the lighted candles directed

me and sat down upon the couch; and wrapping myself in a

coverlet, after I had repeated somewhat from the Koran, I would

have slept but could not, for restlessness possessed me. When

night was at its noon I heard a voice chanting the Koran in

sweetest accents; but the tone thereof was weak; so I rose, glad

to hear the silence broken, and followed the sound until I

reached a closet whose door stood ajar.