172
drunken and the tables were removed, the Sultan bade fetch the Cadis and the witnesses; so they came and knotted the knot and wrote the writ [of marriage] between Alaeddin and the Lady Bedrulbudour. Therewith Alaeddin arose and would have taken leave; but the Sultan laid hold on him and said to him, “Whither away, O my son? The bride-feast is toward and the bride present; the knot is knotted and the writ written.” “O my lord the king,” answered Alaeddin, “I would fain build the Lady Bedrulbudour a palace, besorting her rank and station, and it may not be that I should go in to her without this; but, God willing, the building shall, by the diligent endeavour of thy slave and by Thy Grace’s auspice,[1] be right speedily despatched. Indeed, I long for present enjoyment of the Lady Bedrulbudour; but it behoveth me [first] apply myself to that which is incumbent on me for her service.”[2] Quoth the Sultan, “O my son, look thyself out the ground which thou deemest apt to thine end and take it. All is in thy hand;[3] but here before my palace is a spacious piece of ground, which meseemeth were best; so, if it please thee, build thou the
