Page:The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Vol 7.djvu/41

23 him and receiving him with the utmost honour, bade him be seated. So he sat down and presently the king said to him, ‘A blessed coming, O Salih! Indeed, thou hast desolated us [by thine absence]. But what brings thee to us? Tell me thine errand, that we may fulfil it to thee.’ Whereupon Salih arose and kissing the earth a second time, said, ‘O king of the age, my errand is to God and the magnanimous king and the valiant lion, the report of whose good qualities the caravans have spread far and near and whose renown for goodness and beneficence and clemency and graciousness and liberality is bruited abroad in all climes and countries.’

Then he opened the two bags and displaying their contents before the king, said to him, ‘O king of the age, belike thou wilt show favour to me and heal my heart by accepting my present.’ Quoth the king, ‘With what intent dost thou make me this gift? Tell me thy case and acquaint me with thy need. If it be in my power, I will straightway accomplish it to thee and spare thee toil and trouble; and if I be unable thereunto, God imposeth not upon a soul aught but that whereto it may avail.’ So Salih rose and kissing the earth three times, said, ‘O king of the age, thou art indeed able to that which I desire; it is in thy power and thou art master thereof; and I impose not on the king a dilemma, nor am I mad, that I should ask of the king a thing whereto he availeth not; for the sage saith, “If thou wouldst be obeyed, ask that which is possible.” Wherefore, that of which I am come in quest, the king (whom God preserve!) is able to grant.’ ‘Ask what thou wouldst have,’ replied the king, ‘and expound thy case and seek thy desire.’ Then said Salih, ‘O king of the age, know that I come as a suitor, seeking the unique pearl and the treasured jewel, the princess