Passage

The king and his army marched onward for a month and were sorely tried by their journey. They came to a mountain, where they saw no sign of either wild or domestic animals. The mountain’s crest was of lapis lazuli, and a palace stood there, made of topazes. It was filled with crystal chandeliers, and in its midst was a fountain of salt water. Next to this fountain was a throne for two people, on which was stretched a wretched corpse. He had a man’s body, but his head was like that of a boar; there was a pillow of camphor beneath his head, and a brocade covering had been drawn up over his body. Instead of a lamp a brilliant red jewel shone there, illuminating the whole area; its rays twinkled like stars in the water, and all the chamber glowed as if in sunlight. Whoever went there to take something, or even simply set foot within the palace, found himself rooted to the spot; his whole body began to tremble, and he started to waste away. 

A cry came from the salt water, saying, “O king, still filled with longing and desire, don’t play the fool much longer! You have seen many things that no man ever saw, but now it’s time to draw rein. Your life has shortened now, and the royal throne is without its king.” Sekandar was afraid and hurried back to his camp as fast as wind-blown smoke. Quickly he led his army away, weeping and calling on God’s name. From that mountain he headed toward the desert, afflicted with sorrow and concerned for his soul. And he went forward, at the head of his troops, weeping and in pain.