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Story XXIV

had a Khâjah of noble sentiments and of good aspect, who served his companions when they were present, and spoke well of them when they were absent. He happened to do something whereby he incurred the displeasure of the King, who inflicted a fine on him, and also otherwise punished him. The officials of the King, mindful of the benefits they had formerly received from him, and being by them pledged to gratitude, treated him kindly whist in their custody, and allowed no one to insult him. If thou desirest peace from the foe, whenever he finds fault behind they back, praise him to his face. A vicious fellow's mouth must utter words; if thou desirest not bitter words, sweeten his mouth.

He was absolved of some accusations brought by the King against him, but retained in prison for some. Another King in those regions secretly despatched a message to him, to the purport that the sovereigns of that country, not knowing his excellent qualities, had dishounoured him, but that if his precious mind (may Allah prosper the end of his affairs!) were to look in this direction, the utmost efforts would be made to please him, because the nobles of this realm would consider it an honour to see him, and are waiting for a reply to this letter.

The Khâjah, who received this information, being apprehensive of danger, forthwith wrote a brief and suitable answer on the back of the sheet of paper, and sent it back; one, however, of the King's courtiers, who noticed what had taken place, reported to him that the imprisoned Khâjah was in correspondence with the princes of the adjacent country. The King became angry and desired this affair to be investigated; the