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The Manners of Kings

STORY XXIX

A vizier paid a visit to Zulnûn Misir and asked for his favour, saying: "I am day and night engaged in the service of the Sultân and hoping to be rewarded, but nevertheless dread to be punished by him."

Zulnûn wept and said: "Had I feared God, the great and glorious, as thou fearest the Sultân, I should be one of the number of the righteous, If there were no hope of rest and trouble,^[1] the foot of the Dervish would be upon the sphere.^[2] And if the vizier feared God like the King he would be king."

↑ The allusion is to the next world; namely, the rewards and punishments meted out there.
↑ To have 'the foot upon the sphere' means to be extremely happy.

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[1] The allusion is to the next world; namely, the rewards and punishments meted out there.

[2] To have 'the foot upon the sphere' means to be extremely happy.

[1]

[2]