And all they that sat with them in the room joined with Hassan, saying:
“Thy worthy friend speaks truth. The ways of youth are not as our ways. The wisdom of youth is a bird with no nest. Take comfort, O sheykh! Be assured there is nothing wrong.”
But Shems-ud-dìn derived no comfort from their sagacity.
CHAPTER VII
Next morning, before the start, Shems-ud-dìn offered money to the lord of the house; but the old fellâh thrust back his hand.
“Is the honor nothing in thy sight? Give a little to my neighbors on account of thy companions, and my peace with thee.”
Shouts of good will went after the departing guests. Shems-ud-dìn’s heart was lighter than on the night before. He neared his journey’s end; Alia seemed no worse; and the shortcomings of Abd-ur-Rahman appeared excusable by daylight.
Suddenly, from a hilltop, they beheld the city. Contained in shadowy walls, its roofs clean burnished by the morning sun, it was a sight to catch the breath. The Dome of the Rock, three parts shadowed, bloomed aloof in its noble precinct. Here and there amid the throng of buildings, some little polished surface caught the light and flashed, a diamond. The whole seemed the masterpiece of some worker in silver or ivory, rather than an old city built at divers times by men unknown to one another.