When these two arrived behind the curtain...

When these two arrived behind the curtain, Masroor started hiccuping and became very frightened. He went and stood in front of the Khalifa. “Haroun asked, 'Masroor, what? What!' “Masroor replied, 'I have brought Jafar. He is here, standing behind the curtain.' 'If you show the least bit of slowness or leniency in obeying my order, I will have you killed first!' “There was no way to linger after these words.

Masroor ran toward Jafar and cut off his head--the head of the handsome militant youth who was famous for being among the most well-mannered, and excelled in virtue and talent; he was a leader of generosity and beneficence. Masroor put Jafar's head on top of his own and presented it to Haroun. The unmerciful Khalifa did not think that this was enough, so he ordered the whole Barmaki family to be destroyed, and their entire wealth to be seized.

Jafar's body was hung on the fort of Baghdad; a few days later it was burned.” Bahlool continued, “Now O Fazl! I fear for your end. I tremble at the thought that your demise may be like Jafar's.” Fazl became very frightened at Bahlool's words. He said, “Pray for my safety.” Previous…