12 illustration(s) from this book
Having taken the advice of the Wezeer on this subject,[i_9] he
immediately gave orders to prepare handsome presents, such as horses
adorned with gold and costly jewels, and memlooks, and beautiful
virgins, and expensive stuffs.[i_10] He then wrote a letter to his
brother, expressive of his great desire to see him;[i_11] and
having sealed it, and given it to the Wezeer, together with the presents
above mentioned, he ordered the minister to strain his nerves, and tuck
up his skirts, and use all expedition in returning. The Wezeer answered,
without delay, I hear and obey; and forthwith prepared for the journey:
he packed his baggage, removed the burdens, and made ready all his
provisions within three days; and on the fourth day, he took leave of
the King Shahriyár, and went forth towards the deserts and wastes. He
proceeded night and day; and each of the kings under the authority of
King Shahriyár by whose residence he passed came forth to meet
him,[i_12] with costly presents, and gifts of gold and silver, and
entertained him three days;[i_13] after which, on the fourth day,
he accompanied him one day's journey, and took leave of him. Thus he
continued on his way until he drew near to the city of Samarḳand, when
he sent forward a messenger to inform King Sháh-Zemán of his approach.
The messenger entered the city, inquired the way to the palace, and,
introducing himself to the King, kissed the ground before
him,[i_14] and acquainted him with the approach of his brother's
Wezeer; upon which Sháh-Zemán ordered the chief officers of his court,
and the great men of his kingdom, to go forth a day's journey to meet
him; and they did so; and when they met him, they welcomed him, and
walked by his stirrups until they returned to the city. The Wezeer then
presented himself before the King Sháh-Zemán, greeted him with a prayer
for the divine assistance in his favour, kissed the ground before him,
and informed him of his brother's desire to see him; after which he
handed to him the letter. The King took it, read it, and understood its
contents;[i_15] and answered by expressing his readiness to obey
the commands of his brother. But, said he (addressing the Wezeer), I
will not go until I have entertained thee three days. Accordingly, he
lodged him in a palace befitting his rank, accommodated his troops in
tents, and appointed them all things requisite in the way of food and
drink: and so they remained three days. On the fourth day, he equipped
himself for the journey, made ready his baggage, and collected together
costly presents suitable to his brother's dignity.