This is my story and this is my tale. I went out to my brother and informed him of the news; he was greatly affected. After that, whenever he sees me becoming intimate with one of his brothers, my brother says to him: 'If you want your tongue to be cut out and your molars and teeth to be thrown out, then become intimate with him and address him.' So they refrain from my charity, my connection, and intimacy with me."

"My master then sent all the wealth to the one who had sold him the jewel and wrote to him mentioning what the Merchant had offered him. We took the jewel from him and departed. My master said to me: 'We are not safe regarding our jewel nor ourselves except in the lands of India, for the King of India is a noble man who does not desire to oppress anyone, nor does his soul call him to do anything ugly. Travel with us so that we may be safe for ourselves and our wealth.'

We traveled until we reached the lands of India. My master manifested the jewel to his brothers and friends. News of that reached the King. He sent his Minister, who had traveled to the lands of Islam—he was of fine discipline, understanding, and good religion—and said to him: 'Go to such-and-law a place and ask for the owner of the jewel. When you see him, do not startle him or terrify him; be humble toward him and be subtle in taking the jewel from him. Make him desire the price and give him all that he requests and chooses. Do not compel him to give it up unless he chooses to sell it.'

We were not aware until the Minister came to us alone. When we saw him, we honored him and raised his station. He said to us: 'The King, may Allah prolong his life, has received news of the jewel that has come to you both. He has ordered me to buy it from you for any price you request.' My master said to him: 'I am not one who chooses to sell it.'

The Minister said to him: 'I make you desire it with a great amount of wealth.' He said: 'I am not desirous of great wealth.' The Minister said to him: 'And why is that? Through wealth, the worldly life and the Hereafter are completed, the state is improved, and helpers increase. Through it, ranks and pleasure are attained, life becomes serene, and