and beheld his grace and goodliness and the mamelukes standing in
attendance upon him in all their comeliness and fair favour; yea,
and his wonderment redoubled when Alaeddin's mother came up
attired in rich and costly raiment, as she were a queen, and he
saw twelve slave-girls in her service, preceding her, their hands
clasped behind their backs, with all worship and observance.
Moreover, he noted Alaeddin's eloquence and the elegance of his
speech and was amazed thereat, he and all who were present with
him in the Divan, whilst fire was kindled in the Vizier's heart
for envy of Alaeddin, so that he was like to die. Then, after the
Sultan had heard Alaeddin's compliment and had seen the greatness
of his quality and his modesty and eloquence, he strained him to
his bosom and kissed him, saying, "It irketh me, O my son, that I
have not known thee [FN#466] before to-day." So, [FN#467] when he
saw Alaeddin on this fashion, he rejoiced in him with an
exceeding joy and at once bade the music [FN#468] and the
drums [FN#469] strike up; then, rising, he took him by the hand
and carried him into the palace, where the evening-meal had been
made ready and the servants set the tables. There he sat down and
seated Alaeddin on his right hand; whereupon the viziers and
chiefs of the state and the grandees of the realm sat also, each
in his several room, whilst the drums beat and they held high
festival in the palace. [FN#470]

The Sultan proceeded to make familiar with Alaeddin and to talk
with him, and Alaeddin answered him with all courtliness and
fluency, as he had been bred in kings' palaces or as he were
their constant associate; [FN#471] and the more the talk was
prolonged between them, the more gladness and joy redoubled on
the Sultan for that which he heard of the goodliness of