It was with difficulty the astrologer could stay the hand of the
most pacific of monarchs, and prevent him from absolutely
exterminating his foes; at length he prevailed upon him to leave the
tower, and to send out scouts to the mountains by the Pass of Lope.
They returned with the intelligence, that a Christian army had
advanced through the heart of the Sierra, almost within sight of
Granada, where a dissension had broken out among them; they had turned
their weapons against each other, and after much slaughter had
retreated over the border.
Aben Habuz was transported with joy on thus proving the efficacy
of the talisman. "At length," said he, "I shall lead a life of
tranquillity, and have all my enemies in my power. O wise son of Abu
Ayub, what can I bestow on thee in reward for such a blessing?"
"The wants of an old man and a philosopher, O king, are few and
simple; grant me but the means of fitting up my cave as a suitable
hermitage, and I am content."
"How noble is the moderation of the truly wise!" exclaimed Aben
Habuz, secretly pleased at the cheapness of the recompense. He
summoned his treasurer, and bade him dispense whatever sums might be
required by Ibrahim to complete and furnish his hermitage.
The astrologer now gave orders to have various chambers hewn out
of the solid rock, so as to form ranges of apartments connected with
his astrological hall; these he caused to be furnished with
luxurious ottomans and divans, and the walls to be hung with the
richest silks of Damascus.
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