Page:The Perfumed Garden - Burton - 1886.djvu/54

38

The King said to him, "Omar, you have found out who we are; but do not betray our disguise, and you will be absolved from blame."

"To hear is to obey," said Omar.

The King then said to the chaouch, "Rest your hands against the wall so that your back projects."

The chaouch did so.

Then said the King to the commander of the guards, "Mount upon the back of the chaouch." He did so, and stood with his feet on the other men's shoulders. Then the King ordered the Vizir to mount, and he got on the shoulders of the commander of the guards, and put his hands against the wall.

Then said the King, "O Omar, mount upon the highest place!" And Omar, surprised by this expedient, cried, "May God lend you his help, O our master, and assist you in your just enterprise!" He then got on to the shoulders of the chaouch, and from there upon the back of the commander of the guards, and then upon that of the Vizir, and, standing upon the shoulders of the latter, he took the same position as the others. There was now only the King left.

Then the King said, "In the name of God! and his blessing be with the prophet, upon whom the mercy and salutation of God!" and, placing his hand upon the back of the chaouch, he said, "Have a moment's patience; if I succeed you will be compensated!" He then did the same with the others, until he got upon Omar's back, to whom he also said, "O Omar, have a moment's patience with me, and I shall name you my private secretary. And, of all things do not move!" Then, placing his feet upon Omar's shoulders, the King could with his