Then she sealed the letter and gave it to me. I took it and carried it to the house of Jubeir ben Umeirwhom I found absent hunting. So I sat downto wait for himand presently he returned；and when I saw him come riding upmy wit was confounded by his beauty ands grace. As soon as he saw me sitting at the doorhe dismounted and coming up to mesaluted and embraced me；and meseemed I embraced the world and all that therein is. Then he carried me into his house and seating me on his own couchcalled for food. So they brought a table of khelenj wood of Khorassanwith feet of goldwhereon were all manner of meatsfried and roasted and the like. So I seated myself at the table and examining itfound the following verses engraved upon it：
Weep for the cranes that erst within the porringers did lie And for the stews and partridges evanished heave a sigh！
Mourn for the younglings of the grouse；lament unceasinglyAs，for the omelettes and the fowls browned in the pando I.
How my heart yearneth for the fish thatin its different kindsUpon a paste of wheaten flourlay hidden in the pie！
Praised be God for the roast meatas in the dish it layWith pot-herbssoaked in vinegarin porringers hard by，And eke the rice with buffaloes'milk dressed and made savoury，Wherein the hands were plunged and arms were buried bracelet high！
O soulI rede thee patient befor God is bountiful： What though thy fortunes straitened beHis succour's ever nigh.
Then said Jubeir'Put thy hand to our food and ease our heart by eating of our victual.'By Allah，'answered I'I will not eat a mouthfultill thou grant me my desire.'What is thy desire？'asked he. So I brought out the letter and gave it to him；butwhen he had read ithe tore it into pieces and throwing it on the floorsaid to me'O Ibn MensourI will grant thee whatever thou askestsave this that concerns the writer of this letterfor I have no answer to make to her.'At thisI rose in anger；but he caught hold of my skirtssaying，'O Ibn MensourI will tell thee what she said to theefor all I was not present with you.'And what did she say to me？'