have no share of this world other than visiting my brothers and looking at them. So, entrust your testament to someone else, for I cannot stay.' I pleaded with him, but he refused. I offered him some money, but he refused to take a single grain. He stood up, bid me farewell, and walked away without a servant, provisions, or mount. I rose immediately, packed, and traveled after entrusting my testament to one of my brothers, delivering my money to him, and seeking safety until I reached Talqan. I asked for the man's house and was guided to it. I came to the house, and when the gatekeeper saw me, he stood up for me, took my hand, kissed it, and said to me: 'O my master, enter.' I said: 'Seek permission for me.' He said: 'If you are one of his brothers, what is the point of seeking permission?'

While I was speaking with him, three youths came out of the gate. I had never seen more beautiful faces, nor more noble appearance, nor finer scent. I dismounted and they received me, each one pressing me to his chest. I asked about them, and they said: 'We are the children of the man you came to visit.' They took my hand and I entered the house. When he saw me, he stood up, received me, pressed me to his chest, and began to kiss me, kissing my hand and my eyes, thanking Allah and praising Him for easing the affairs and our meeting. Then he took my hand and seated me in his place. I observed the man, and behold, he was the one who used to visit me every year!

I said to him: 'O my master, are you Abu al-Tahir Sabur ibn al-Qasim?' He said: 'I am he.' I said: 'O my master, why did you not make yourself known to me at the time of your visits while you knew I was thirsty for you?' He said to me: 'What would you have done regarding my matter if I had told you my name?' I said to him: 'I would have served you the service that is due to the likes of you from the likes of me.' He said: 'The way you treated me, and what I saw of your elation, joy, and love for me without your knowing me, was more pleasing to my heart and dearer to me than any other state.'