In the year A.H. 547 (= A.D. 1152-3),*

when a battle took place at Daráward*

between the King of the World Sanjar b. Maliksháh and my master 'Alá'u'd - Dawla al - Ḥusayn (may God immortalize their reigns!), and the Ghúrid army was so grievously smitten by the evil eye,*

and I wandered about Herát in hiding, because I was connected with the House of Ghúr, and their enemies uttered all manner of accusations against them, and rejoiced malignantly over their reverse; in the midst of this state of things, I say, I chanced one night to be in the house of a certain noble man. When he had eaten bread, I went out to satisfy a need. That noble man, by reason of whom I came to be there, was praising me, saying: “Men know him as a poet, but, apart from his skill in poetry, he is a man of great attainments, well skilled in astrology, medicine, polite letter-writing, and other accomplishments.”

When I returned to the company, the master of the house showed me much respect, as do those who are in need of some favour, and sat by me for a while. “O so-and-so,” said he, “I have one only daughter, and, save her, no other near relative, and she is my treasure. Lately she has fallen a victim to a malady such that during the days of her monthly courses ten or fifteen sírs*

of sanguineous matter come from her, and she is greatly weakened. We have consulted the physicians, several of whom have treated her, but it has availed nothing, for if this issue be stopped, she is attacked with pain and swelling in the stomach, and if it be renewed, it is increased in amount,*

and she is much weakened, so that I fear its cessation, lest her strength should wholly decline.” “Send me word,” said I, “when next this state occurs.”

When ten days had passed, the patient's mother came to fetch me, and brought her daughter to me. I saw a girl very comely, but despairing of life, and stricken with terror. She at once fell at my feet, saying: “O my father! For God's sake help me, for I am young, and have not yet seen the world.” The tears sprang to my eyes, and I said, “Be of good cheer, this is an easy matter.” Then I placed my fingers on her pulse. I found the artery strong, and her colour and complexion normal. It was at this time the season of summer, and most of the conditions of an enjoyable life*

were present, such as a robust habit of body, a strong constitution, a healthy complexion, age, season, country,*

and occupation. Then I summoned a phlebotomist and bade him open the basilic vein in both her arms; and I sent away all the women. The bad blood continued to flow, and, by pressure and manipulation, I took from her a thousand dirhams' weight of blood, so that she fell down in a swoon. Then I bade them bring fire, and prepare roasted meat beside her, until the house was filled with the smoke of the roasting meat, and it entered her nostrils. Then she came to her senses, moved, groaned, and asked for a drink. Then I prepared for her a gentle stimulant, and treated her for a week, and she recovered, and that illness passed away, and her monthly courses resumed their normal condition. And I called her my daughter, and to-day she is to me as my other children.