Hasan of Bassorah
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cavern described by Abd al-Kaddus. And on reaching it the steed entered, but Hasan abode without as the old man had bidden him. And when the appointed five days for waiting were expired, out came the Shaykh Abu al-Ruwaysh, a
THE SHAYKH ABU AL-RUWAYSH
blackamoor, clad in black raiment. And Hasan threw himself at his feet, and seizing his skirt, laid it on his head, and wept before him. "What wantest thou, O my son ?" quoth the old man. Whereupon he gave him the letter, which Abu al-Ruwaysh took and reentered the cavern without making answer. So Hasan sat down and waited another five days, weeping and be-
