Ibrahim, the most learned and pious man of the city, whom everybody held in esteem, fell on troubled days. To none did he speak of his sufferings, for he was proud and would have been compelled to refuse the help which he knew would have been offered to him. His noble wife and five faithful sons suffered in silence.
"My dear husband," she said to him gently, "we are starving. You must go forth to seek work for the sake of our five little sons."
"I will ask our kind neighbors to lend you some raiment," said his wife, and she was successful in obtaining the loan of a cloak which completely covered Ibrahim and restored to him his dignified appearance.
Beyond the city gates, he was suddenly accosted by a stranger. "O learned and holy man of the city," he said, "command me, for I am thy slave."
"Sell not thyself," said the stranger. "Offer me for sale instead. I am a marvelous builder. Behold these plans and models." From beneath the folds of his ample robes, the stranger produced a scroll and a box. Within the box was an exquisite model of a palace, a marvelous piece of work, perfect in detail and workmanship.
Ibrahim made inquiries and soon learned of a rich dealer in precious stones, a man of a multitude of charitable deeds, who was anxious to erect an imposing residence. "I have brought thee an architect and builder of genius. Purchase the man from me, for he is my slave."
The jeweler feasted his eyes on the model for several minutes in speechless amazement. "I will give thee eighty thousand gold pieces for thy slave, who must build for me just such a palace." Ibrahim hastened home to his wife and children with the good news and the money, which made him rich for the rest of his days.
"I need no workmen," was the stranger's singular reply. "Take me to the land whereon I must build, and to-morrow thy palace shall be complete."
The sun was setting in golden glory when they reached the ground. "Tomorrow, when the great orb of light rises above the distant hills, its rays will strike the towers of thy palace, noble sir. Leave me now. I must pray."
The merchant had made up his mind to watch all the night; but when the moon rose, deep sleep overcame him and he dreamed. He dreamed that he saw myriads of men swarming about strange machines and scaffolding which grew higher and higher, hiding a vast structure.
Ibrahim dreamed, too, but in his vision one figure, that of the stranger, stood out above all other things. He noticed how all the workmen and particularly the supervisors did the stranger great honor, showing him the deference due to one of the highest position. From the heavens a bright light shone upon the scene, the radiance being softest wherever the stranger stood. One of the chief workmen approached and addressed the stranger--by name! Then it was Ibrahim understood--and he awoke.
The sun was streaming in through the lattice of his bedroom. He sprang from his bed and looked out upon a magnificent spectacle. Beyond the city the sun's rays were reflected by a dazzling array of gilded cupolas and glittering spires, the towers of the palace of marble that he had seen builded in his dream.
The gates, ornamented with beaten gold, opened from within and the stranger stood before them. "Have I fulfilled my promise and earned my freedom?" he asked. "Verily thou hast," answered the merchant. "Then farewell, and may blessings rest on thee and the good Ibrahim and on all your works." Then he disappeared within the golden doors.
The jeweler and Ibrahim followed quickly, but though they hastened through the halls and corridors of many colored marbles, they could find no one.
"Tell me," said the jeweler, "who was the builder of this magic palace." "Elijah, the Prophet," said Ibrahim, "the benefactor of mankind, who revisits the earth to assist in their distress those deemed worthy. Blessed am I, and blessed art thou for thy good deeds, for we have been truly honored."
To show his gratitude, the merchant gave a banquet in his palace to all the people in the city and scattered gold and silver pieces among the crowds that thronged the streets.