I had told the old woman to see that the children got to me before their mother, which she did, and then I sent for the man who claimed to be her husband. When he came and saw the children, he recognized them and they recognized him, as a result of which I was sure that they were his, that she must be his wife and that, as what he said was true, he could not be blamed. I realized that the shame and disgrace belongs to Manar Al-Sana and I was afraid that islanders would think of us as being dishonored. when treacherous harlot came to me, I vented my anger on her and gave her a painful beating, hanging her up by her hair. I have now told you about her; it is for you to decide, and I shall do what you tell me, as you will see that this is a matter which brings disgrace both on us and on you. If the islanders hear of it, they will take it as an example of our degeneracy, and so you should send me a reply quickly.’ Nur al-Huda gave this letter to a courier, who took it to the king. When he read it, his anger with Manar Al-Sana boiled over and he sent a reply to Nur al-Huda telling her that he entrusted the matter to her, giving her power of life or death over her sister. ‘If things are as you say,’ he wrote, ‘then put her to death and do not consult me again about her.’ When the letter reached Nur al-Huda and she had read it, she sent for Manar al-Sana, who was brought before her, bloodstained, tied with her own hair, loaded with heavy shackles of iron and clothed in a hair shirt. She stood there in this ignominious plight and when she saw herself disgraced and humiliated, she thought of her past glory and recited these lines with bitter tears: Lord, my enemies are trying to destroy me, Thinking that I shall not escape them. My hope is in You, that You may confound their plots; Lord, You are the refuge of all those in fear