While Abu-Zeid remained intent on the business in hand.

But as soon as he desired the removal of what was before him,

I said to him, "Entertain us with one of thy strange anecdotes,

Or with an account of one of thy wonderful journeys."

And he said:--"The result of long journeys brought me to this land,

Myself being in a state of hunger and distress,

And my wallet light as the heart of the mother of Moses;

So I arose, when dark night had settled on the world,

Though with weary feet, to seek a lodging, or obtain a loaf;

Till, being driven on by the instigation of hunger,