Page:Alaeddin and the Enchanted Lamp.djvu/224

180 he passed, so that they were fulfilled with the love of him and the greatness of his munificence. When he came to the palace and the Amirs and eunuchs and soldiers, who were standing awaiting him, saw him, they hastened forthright to the Sultan and told him; whereupon he arose and coming to meet him, embraced him and kissed him; then he took him by the hand and carried him into the palace, where he sat down and seated him on his right hand.

Now the city was all adorned and the instruments [of music] were smiting in the palace and the singing-women singing. Then the Sultan bade serve the morning-meal; so the slaves and mamelukes hastened to spread the table and it was such as kings might take example by. The Sultan sat with Alaeddin and the officers of state and the chiefs of the realm and they ate and drank till they were satisfied; and great was the rejoicing in the palace and the city. Glad were all the chiefs of the state and the folk rejoiced in all the realm, whilst there came from far regions the notables of the provinces and the governors of the cities, so they might see Alaeddin’s wedding and his bride-feast. The Sultan still marvelled in himself at