12 illustration(s) from this book












It is related (but God alone is all-knowing,[i_3] as well as
all-wise, and almighty, and all-bountiful,) that there was, in ancient
times, a King[i_4] of the countries of India and China, possessing
numerous troops, and guards, and servants, and domestic dependents: and
he had two sons; one of whom was a man of mature age; and the other, a
youth. Both of these princes were brave horsemen; but especially the
elder, who inherited the kingdom of his father; and governed his
subjects with such justice that the inhabitants of his country and whole
empire loved him. He was called King Shahriyár:[i_5] his younger
brother was named Sháh-Zemán,[i_6] and was King of Samarḳand.[i_7]
The administration of their governments was conducted with rectitude,
each of them ruling over his subjects with justice during a period of
twenty years with the utmost enjoyment and happiness. After this period,
the elder King felt a strong desire to see his brother, and ordered his
Wezeer[i_8] to repair to him and bring him.
[Illustration]