تحفة النظار في غرايب الامصار وعجايب الاسفار 6.6.9

6.6.9

Some time later I withdrew from the sultan’s service and attached myself to the learned and pious imam Kamal ad-Din “The Cave Man,” as I have already related. The sultan was in Sind at the time, and at hearing of my retreat from the world summoned me. I entered his presence dressed as a mendicant, and he spoke to me very kindly, desiring me to return to his service. I refused and asked him for permission to travel to Mecca, which he granted. This was at the end of second Jumada 742 [early December 1341]. Forty days later the sultan sent me saddled horses, slave girls and boys, robes and a sum of money, so I put on the robes and went to him. I had a tunic of blue cotton which I wore during my retreat, and as I put it off and dressed in the sultan’s robes I upbraided myself. Ever after when I looked at that tunic I felt a light within me, and it remained in my possession until the infidels despoiled me of it on the sea. When I presented myself before the sultan, he showed me greater favour than before, and said to me “ I have sent for you to go as my ambassador to the king of China, for I know your love of travel.” He then provided me with everything I required and appointed certain other persons to accompany me, as I shall relate presently.