211
was covered with a mattress of green satin, embroidered with red gold, and surmounted by a canopy adorned with pearls and jewels, and on it sat King Zehr Shah, whilst his officers of state stood in attendance on him. When the Vizier stood before him, he composed himself and loosing his tongue, displayed such skill of speech as befits viziers Night cviii.and saluted the King in eloquent and complimentary language, reciting the following verses in his honour:
He cometh, bending gracefully in his robes and shedding dew Of bounty over the thirsting land and the folk to him that sue.
Indeed, he charmeth; nor amulets nor spells nor magic may Avail to ward off the faithful glance of those his eyes from you.
Say to the censurers, “Blame me not: whilst life abide in me, I’ll never swerve from the love of him nor turn to love anew.”
Lo, slumber surely is tired of me and fallen in love with him, And even my heart hath played me false and but to him is true!
O heart, thou art not the only one that loves and tenders him, So get thee gone and bide with him and leave me here to rue!
Except the praise of the King Zehr Shah it be that folk acclaim, There’s nought rejoices mine ears, in sooth, to hearken thereunto.
A King, the sight of whose glorious face would well thy pains repay; Though thou shouldst lavish thy heart’s best blood, so great a grace to woo.
If thou be minded to offer up a pious prayer for him, Thou’lt find but true believer, and sharers the whole world through.
O folk of this realm, if any forswear his governance And look for another, I hold him none of the faithful few!
When the Vizier had made an end of his speech, the King bade him draw near and showed him the utmost honour then seating him by his own side, he smiled in his face and made him a gracious reply. They conversed till the time of the morning-meal, when the attendants brought in the tables of food and they all ate till they were satisfied, after which the tables were removed and all who were present withdrew, with the exception of the chief officers; which when the Vizier saw, he rose to his feet, and after complimenting the King a second time and
