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125 wrapping it in a fine handkerchief, went forth betimes, so she might reach the Divan and enter, ere it became crowded. When she came to the palace, the Divan was not yet assembled and she saw the Vizier and certain of the chiefs of the state entering the presence-chamber. After a while, the Divan being complete with the Viziers and the chiefs of the state and officers and Amirs and grandees, the Sultan appeared and the Viziers and other the officials and notables ranged themselves before him, whilst he sat down on the throne of his kingship and all who were present in the Divan stood before him, with hands clasped behind them, awaiting his commandment to sit. So he bade them be seated and they all sat down, each in his several room; then the petitioners presented themselves before the Sultan and each affair was decided in its course, till the Divan came to an end, when the King rose and entered the palace and each went his way.

As for Alaeddin’s mother, having come before all, she