Page:Alaeddin and the Enchanted Lamp.djvu/215

171 O my son, that I have not known thee before to-day.” So, when he saw Alaeddin on this fashion, he rejoiced in him with an exceeding joy and at once bade the music and the drums strike up; then, rising, he took him by the hand and carried him into the palace, where the evening-meal had been made ready and the servants set the tables. There he sat down and seated Alaeddin on his right hand; whereupon the viziers and chiefs of the state and the grandees of the realm sat also, each in his several room, whilst the drums beat and they held high festival in the palace.

The Sultan proceeded to make familiar with Alaeddin and to talk with him, and Alaeddin answered him with all courtliness and fluency, as he had been bred in kings’ palaces or as he were their constant associate; and the more the talk was prolonged between them, the more gladness and joy redoubled on the Sultan for that which he heard of the goodliness of Alaeddin’s answers and the sweetness of his speech. Then, when they had eaten and