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 household ; as befits a wedding so did they celebrate it; to each of the four they gave presents equally. They gathered together treasure to give to the poor.

1559. All the Indians considered Avt'handil and P'hridon to be helpers (allies). "From you every good happens to us," said they ceaselessly; they looked upon them as lords (suzerains ), whatever they willed that they did, they came before them continually to pay court to them.

1560. The King of the Indians said to Asmat'h, the sharer of his sorrows : "What thou hast done, neither upbringer nor upbrought hath done (for each other). Now I enthrone thee over one seventh part of the kingdom of India, thine let it be, serve us, sweet to the sweet!

1561. "Whomsoever thou desirest as husband wed him, rule the kingdom, henceforth serve us, be subject to us." Asmat'h covered his feet with kisses. "From thee is my power," quoth she; "what can I find, what better service can I have than thine!"

1562. The three sworn brothers tarried together a few days. They sported, they received more incomparable gifts; what rare pearls, what excellent horses! But longing (for T'hinat'hin) made Avt'handil to show lines on his face.

1563. Tariel perceived that longing of the knight for his wife. He said: "Of a truth thy heart is angered against me. Now woe is me! thought hath made of thy seven griefs eight. I shall be separated from thee; Fate grudges me my joy."