Arabs -- Folklore; Fairy tales -- Arab countries; Tales -- Arab countries
This king, after a reign as glorious as it was long, sunk into the
tomb of his ancestors, and Schahriar ascended the throne. Although
his brother was excluded by the laws of the empire from all power,
and became nothing more than a subject, yet the exalted and
magnificent situation of Schahriar gave rise to no envious or
discontented thoughts: his whole endeavor was to please and make
Schahriar happy. This was by no means difficult. The sultan, who was
always fond of his brother, was delighted with his attention; and
wishing that he should partake of his own power and wealth, he
bestowed on him the kingdom of Great Tartary. Schahzenan went
immediately and took possession of his empire, and fixed his
residence at Samarcand, the chief city.
These two kings had been separated about ten years, when Schahriar,
ardently wishing to see his brother, determined to send an
ambassador to him, with an invitation to his court. For this purpose
he fixed on his first vizier, who went with a splendid and
appropriate retinue. When he approached Samarcand, Schahzenan, being
acquainted with his arrival, immediately went out to meet him, with
all his court most magnificently dressed for the occasion; so great
was the honor paid to the minister of the sultan. The king of
Tartary received him with signs of great joy; and instantly inquired
after the sultan, his brother. Having satisfied his curiosity, the
vizier unfolded the purpose of his embassy. Schahzenan, who was much
affected at the kindness and recollection of his brother, then
addressed the vizier in these words:
“Sage vizier, the sultan, my brother, does me too much honor; he
could not propose any thing more agreeable to me. It is impossible
that his wish to see me can exceed my anxious desire of again
beholding him; time has not weakened my regard any more than his. My
kingdom is tranquil, and I require only ten days to prepare for my
departure: for this short time you need not have the trouble of
entering the city: pitch your tents, and remain in this place: I
will take care and order every refreshment and accommodation for you
and your whole train,” This was immediately done; and the king had
scarcely returned to his palace, when the vizier saw an immense
quantity of all sorts of provisions arrive, accompanied with rare
and valuable presents.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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