His Majesty the Padishah happened to be at Adrianople, and on the second day after my return I traveled thither, to pay him homage. I had the good fortune to be most graciously received by his Imperial Majesty. The high Viziers, and especially Vizier Rustem Pasha, loaded me with kindnesses. I was appointed to join the Corps of the _Muteferrika_ (officers in attendance on the Sultan) with a daily income of sixty _aktche_. And the _Kethhuda_ (intendant), who had accompanied me on my travels, had his salary increased with eight _aktche_, and was appointed Muteferrika for Egypt. One of the Boluk-Bashi (_Chef d'Escadron_) received eight _aktche_ and my other traveling companions each six _aktche_ above their ordinary pay. One of these latter was nominated to the post of Egyptian _Tchaush_, and the others joined the volunteers. They received their pay for the four years they had been away, payment being made out of the Egyptian treasury. Toward the end of Rajab his Majesty the Sultan returned to Constantinople, and on the day that he entered the Konak of Tchataldja I was appointed Defterdar of Diarbekir.[220] Thus in his gracious kindness his Majesty had pleased and satisfied us all. He who wishes to profit by this narrative let him remember that not in vain aspirations after greatness, but in a quiet and contented mind lieth the secret of the true strength which perisheth not. But if in God's providence he should be driven from home, and forced to wander forth in the unknown, and perchance be caught in the turbulent waves of the sea of adversity, let him still always keep in mind that love for one's native land is next to one's faith. Let him never cease to long for the day that he shall see his native shores again, and always cling loyally to his Padishah. He who doeth this shall not perish abroad; God will grant him his desire both in this world and in the next, and he shall rejoice in the esteem and affection of his fellow-countrymen. * * * * * I completed this narrative in Galata in the month Shaaban of the year 964 (1556), and the transcript of it was accomplished in the month Safar of the year 965 (1557). BIBLIOGRAPHIES MEDIEVAL ARABIC Some of the general works recommended for the early Arabic history and literature are also of value for this volume. The general theme is covered by: R. A. NICHOLSON, "A Literary History of the Arabs" (New York, Scribners, 1907). F. F. ARBUTHNOT, "Arabic Authors" (London, 1890). For the legends of Mohammed, read: WILLIAM MUIR, "Life of Mahomet" (new edition, Edinburgh, 1912). D. S. MARGOLIOUTH, "Mohammed and the Rise of Islam" (London, 1905). STANLEY LANE-POOLE, "Speeches and Table-Talk of the Prophet Mohammed" (London, 1882). A. N. MATTHEWS (translator), "Mishcat ul-Masabih, a Collection of Traditions Regarding Muhammed" (Calcutta, 1810). WM. MURRAY, "Abulfeda's Life of Mohammed" (Elgin). For history and biography, consult: