And The Devout Man.

It is related,that one of the olden monarchs was once minded to ride out in state with the Officers of his realm and the Grandees of his retinue and display to the folk the marvels of his magnificence.

So he ordered his Lords and Emirs equip them therefor and commanded his keeper of the wardrobe to bring him of the richest of raiment, such as befitted the King in his state; and he bade them bring his steeds of the finest breeds and pedigrees every man heeds;

The Angel of Death with the Proud King. 247 which being done, he chose out of the raiment what rejoiced him most and of the horses that which he deemed best; and, donning the clothes, together with a collar set with margarites and rubies and all manner jewels, mounted and set forth in state, making his destrier prance and curvet among his troops and glorying in his pride and despotic power. And Iblis came to him and, laying his hand upon his nose, blew into his nostrils the breath of hauteur and conceit, so that he magnified and glorified himself and said in his heart, "Who among men is like unto me?" And he became so puffed up with arrogance and self sufficiency, and so taken up with the thought of his own splendour and magnificence, that he would not vouchsafe a glance to any man. Presently, there stood before him one clad in tattered clothes and saluted him, but he returned not his salam; whereupon the stranger laid hold of his horse's bridle. "Lift your hand," cried the King, "you know not whose bridle rein it is whereof you take hold." the other, said, "I have a need of you." the King, said, "Wait till I alight and then name your need."

Rejoined the stranger, "It is a secret and I will not tell it but in yours ear." So the King bowed his head to him and he said, "I am the Angel of Death and I purpose to take your soul." Replied the King, "Have patience with me a little, whilst I return to my house and take leave of my people and children and neighbours and wife." "By no means so," answered the Angel; "you will never return nor look on them again, for the fated term of your life is past." So saying, he took the soul of the King (who fell off his horse's back dead) and departed thence. Presently, the Death Angel met a devout man, of whom Almighty Allah had accepted, and saluted him. He returned the salute, and the Angel said to him, "O pious man, I have a need of you which must be kept secret." "Tell it in my ear," the said,devotee; and the other, said, "I am the Angel of Death." Replied the man, "Welcome to you! And praised be Allah for your coming! I am weary of awaiting yours arrival; for indeed long has been yours absence from the lover which longs for you."

Said the Angel, "If you have any business, make an end of it;" but the other answered, saying, "There is nothing so urgent to me as the meeting with my Lord, to whom be honour and glory!" And the Angel said, "How would you glad have me take your soul? I am bidden to take it as you willest and choosest." He replied, "Tarry till I make the Wuzu ablution and pray; and, when I prostrate myself, then take my soul while my body is on the ground." the Angel, said, "truly, my Lord (be He extolled and exalted!) commanded me not to take your soul but with your consent and as you should wish; so I will do your will." Then the devout man made the minor ablution and prayed: and the Angel of Death took his soul in the act of prostration and Almighty Allah transported it to the place of mercy and acceptance and forgiveness. And they tell another tale of