Suleiman the eunuch stroked his many chins and his eyes were like slits as he surveyed the weeping dervish. Then a smile overspread his moonlike face, as he said, “Ah, Michael el-Hakim! Strange indeed are the shapes into which Allah molds his clay! Sometimes he fashions men of such honesty as to bring about their own downfall, and with the same earth he makes such cunning liars that even the wise man’s head is turned by them and his reason fails. Of his grace Allah has favored me with a long life, and the profound knowledge of human nature that I have gathered in the course of it tells me that you are the greatest and most loquacious liar I have ever met. Nevertheless I must believe in your sincerity as a man, and by diverting me during many a heavy morning you have deserved the diamonds that you stole.
I will keep only two for myself-one in memory of you and the other as a reward for my patience in listening. You may now return to the world a free man, Michael el-Hakim, and begin life anew if such a task be in your power. But should you weary of it, return to me, for while Allah leaves me life and health you may count on my favor. Go therefore, Michael el-Hakim, and peace be with you!”
Mika Waltari
