How the vizier instructed the king to plot.

He had a vizier, a miscreant and ogler (deceiver), who by reason of (his exceeding) guile would tie knots on water.

“The Christians,” said he, “seek to save their lives; they hide their religion from the king.

Slay them not, for slaying (them) is useless: religion hath no smell, it is not musk and aloes-wood.

The secret is concealed in a hundred coverings: its outward form is (in agreement) with thee, resembling thee, (but) the inward (reality) is (in) disagreement.”

The king said to him: “Tell (me), then, what is the (best) plan? What is the remedy against that deceit and imposture?—

So that there may not remain a single Christian in the world, neither one whose religion is manifest nor one who is concealed.”

“O king,” said he, “cut off my ears and hands, rip my nose by bitter (cruel) decree;

Then bring me under the gallows, that an intercessor may plead for me.

Do this deed in the place for (public) proclamation, on a highway where roads run in four directions.

Then banish me from thy presence to a distant land, that I may cast mischief and confusion amongst them.