Quoth Abou Hassan ez Ziyadi 'I was once in very needy caseand the baker and grocer and other purveyors importuned meso that I was in sore straits and knew of no resource nor what to do. Things being thusthere came in to me one day one of my servants and said to me'There is a mana pilgrimat the doorwho seeks admission to thee.' Quoth I'Admit him.'
So he came in and beholdhe was a native of Khorassan. We exchanged salutations and he said to me'Art thou Abou Hassan ez Ziyadi？'Yes，' answered I. 'What is thy business？' Quoth he'I am a stranger and am minded to make the pilgrimage；but I have with me a great sum of moneywhich is burdensome to me.
So I wish to deposit with thee these ten thousand dirhems，whilst I make the pilgrimage and return. If the caravan return and thou see me notknow that I am deadin which case the money is a gift from me to thee；but if I come backit shall be mine.'Be it as thou wilt，' answered I'so it please God the Most High.' So he brought out a leather bag and I said to the servant'Fetch the scales.' He brought them and the man weighed out the money and handed it to meafter which he went his way. Then I called the tradesmen and paid them what I owed and spent freelysaying in myself'By the time he returns，God will have succoured me with one or another of His bounties.'
Howevernext daythe servant came in to me and said'Thy friend the man from Khorassan is at the door.'
'Admit him，' answered I. So he came in and said to me'I had thought to make the pilgrimage；but news hath reached me of the death of my fatherand I have resolved to return；so give me the money I deposited with thee yesterday.' When I heard this，I was troubled and perplexed beyond measure and knew not what reply to make him；forif I denied ithe would put me to my oathand I should be shamed in the world to come；whilstif I told him that I had spent the moneyhe would make an outcry and disgrace me. So I said to him'God give thee health！ This my house is no stronghold nor place of safe custody for this money. When I received thy leather bagI sent it to one with whom it now is；so do thou return to us to-morrow and take thy moneyif it be the will of God.'