'
"This story, O king, and the wonders I had seen, ever dwelt in my
mind; and in after years, when I had been in Egypt, and was
possessed of the book of knowledge of Solomon the wise, I determined
to return and revisit the garden of Irem. I did so, and found it
revealed to my instructed sight. I took possession of the palace of
Sheddad, and passed several days in his mock paradise. The genii who
watch over the place, were obedient to my magic power, and revealed to
me the spells by which the whole garden had been, as it were, conjured
into existence, and by which it was rendered invisible. Such a
palace and garden, O king, can I make for thee, even here, on the
mountain above thy city. Do I not know all the secret spells? and am I
not in possession of the book of knowledge of Solomon the wise?"
"O wise son of Abu Ayub!" exclaimed Aben Habuz, trembling with
eagerness, "thou art a traveller indeed, and hast seen and learned
marvellous things! Contrive me such a paradise, and ask any reward,
even to the half of my kingdom."
"Alas!" replied the other, "thou knowest I am an old man, and a
philosopher, and easily satisfied; all the reward I ask is the first
beast of burden, with its load, which shall enter the magic portal
of the palace."
The monarch gladly agreed to so moderate a stipulation, and the
astrologer began his work. On the summit of the hill, immediately
above his subterranean hermitage, he caused a great gateway or
barbican to be erected, opening through the centre of a strong tower.
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