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life with thee, I would do so, without the horse! For I am of those that love to do good and succour the afflicted. So make ready to set out and put thy trust in the Subtle, the All-Wise.” And he would have lifted him on to the horse and set forward, trusting in God the Succourable. But the robber said, “Wait for me a little.” Then he closed his eyes and opening his hands, said, “I testify that there is no god but God and that Mohammed is the Apostle of God! O Glorious One, pardon me my mortal sin, for none can pardon mortal sins save Thou!” And he made ready for death and recited the following verses:
I’ve ranged through all countries, oppressing mankind, And in drinking of wine I have wasted my days.
I’ve waded through torrents, the horses to steal And I’ve used with my guile the high places to raze.
My case is right grievous and great is my guilt, And Catoul, alas! is the end of my ways.
I hoped of this horse I should get my desire; But vain was my journey and vain my essays.
All my life I have stolen the steeds, and my death Was decreed of the Lord of all power and all praise.
So, in fine, for the good of the stranger, the poor, The orphan, I’ve wearied in toils and affrays.
When he had finished, he closed his eyes and opened his mouth; then giving one sob, he departed this life. Kanmakan rose and dug a grave and laid him in the earth. Then he went up to the stallion and kissed it and wiped its face and rejoiced with an exceeding joy, saying, “None has the like of this horse, no, not even King Sasan.” So much for Kanmakan.
Meanwhile, news came to King Sasan that the Vizier Dendan and half the army had thrown off their allegiance to him and sworn that they would have no king but Kanmakan and the Vizier had bound the troops by a solemn covenant and had gone with them to the islands of India and Ethiopia, where he had gathered together a host like
