“But thy business!—thy house!—thy woman!”
“Those are always with me. They await my return. But as for thee, thou passest. It is an occasion to be seized.”
“But—Merciful Allah!—I travel not for pastime, O my son.”
“I know, O my lord. Thy companions have already told me; and I sorrow with thee. How is the health of the lady, thy daughter, this morning?”
“In sh’ Allah, it is no worse. She yet lives,” said Shems-ud-dìn sadly.
“May Allah heal her quickly! Deign now to give me the saddlebags. I will make ready the horse for thy Grace.”
He would not be gainsaid.