The Junior Classics, Volume 5: Stories that never grow old
General
The Junior Classics, Volume 5: Stories that never grow old
Children's literature
and a half of the edge, and fastened two hooks in the holes; these
hooks were tied by a long cord to the harness, and thus my hat was
dragged along for above half an English mile; but, the ground in
that country being extremely smooth and level, it received less
damage than I expected.
Two days after this adventure, the emperor having ordered that
part of his army, which quarters in and about his metropolis, to
be in readiness, took a fancy of diverting himself in a very
singular manner; he desired I would stand like a colossus, with my
legs as far asunder as I conveniently could; he then commanded his
general (who was an old experienced leader, and a great patron of
mine) to draw up the troops in close order, and march them under
me; the foot by twenty-four in a-breast, and the horse by sixteen,
with drums beating, colors flying, and pikes advanced. This body
consisted of three thousand foot, and a thousand horse.
I had sent so many memorials and petitions for my liberty, that
his Majesty at length mentioned the matter first in the cabinet,
and then in a full council; where it was opposed by none, except
Skyresh Bolgolam, who was pleased, without any provocation, to be
my mortal enemy. But it was carried against him by the whole
board, and confirmed by the emperor. That minister was _galbet,_
or admiral of the realm, very much in his master's confidence,
and a person well versed in affairs, but of a morose and
sour complexion. However, he was at length persuaded to
comply; but prevailed that the articles and conditions upon which
I should be set free, and to which I must swear, should be drawn
up by himself. These articles were brought to me by Skyresh
Bolgolam in person, attended by two under-secretaries, and several
persons of distinction. After they were read, I was demanded to
swear to the performance of them; first in the manner of my own
country, and afterwards in the method prescribed by their laws,
which was to hold my right foot in my left hand, and to place the
middle finger of my right hand on the crown of my head, and my
thumb on the tip of my right ear.
But, because the reader may be curious to have some idea of the
style and manner of expression peculiar to that people, as well as
to know the articles upon which I recovered my liberty, I have
made a translation of the whole instrument, word for word, as near
as I was able, which I here offer to the public.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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