Page:Sinbad the sailor & other stories from the Arabian nights.djvu/301

 chamberlain craves speech with thee." "Bid him enter! replied Abu-I-Hasan, rousing himself. And presently the chamberlain was kissing the ground before him and saying, "Peace be unto thee, O Prince of the Faithful!" Then Abu-I-Hassan descended from the couch and stood before the chamberlain. "Allah! Allah!" cried that worthy servitor in astonishment. "O our Lord! forget not that all men are thy slaves and it is not fitting that the Prince of the Faithful should rise to anyone." But Abu-I-Hasan bade him proceed with his business.

The chamberlain then informed Abu-I-Hasan that certain high officials and the chief memluks were without, awaiting his commands. "Let them enter!" said Abu-I-Hasan with growing authority. So they were summoned, and each as he advanced kissed the ground before him, saluting him as the Prince of the Faithful. Abu-I-Hasan was greatly pleased with this crowning proof of his position, and gave his commands forthwith. To the Wali he said: "Go at once to the mother of Abu-I-Hasan and give her a hundred gold pieces, with my blessing." And he named the street where he would find her. "When you have done this," he continued in tones of severity, "repair to the mosque and bestow upon the Imam and the four Sheiks, each a thousand lashes. Then thou shalt bind them upon camels, with their faces to the beasts' tails, and make a public show of them in the ways of the city, proclaiming to all, 'Behold the reward of fools who trouble their neighbours!' When this is done thou shalt execute a sworn bond expelling them from the mosque. And see to it that thou carry this out to the very letter."

And the Wali did as he was commanded. And Abu-I-Hasan continued issuing his commands in like fashion until 209