Alaeddin's answers and the sweetness of his speech. Then, when
they had eaten and drunken and the tables were removed, the
Sultan bade fetch the Cadis and the witnesses; so they came and
knotted the knot and wrote the writ [of marriage] between
Alaeddin and the Lady Bedrulbudour. Therewith Alaeddin arose and
would have taken leave; but the Sultan laid hold on him and said
to him, "Whither away, O my son? The bride-feast is toward and
the bride present; the knot is knotted and the writ written." "O
my lord the king," answered Alaeddin, "I would fain build the
Lady Bedrulbudour a palace, besorting her rank and station, and
it may not be that I should go in to her without this; but, God
willing, the building shall, by the diligent endeavour of thy
slave and by Thy Grace's auspice, [FN#472] be right speedily
despatched. Indeed, I long for present enjoyment of the Lady
Bedrulbudour; but it behoveth me [first] apply myself to that
which is incumbent on me for her service." [FN#473] Quoth the
Sultan, "O my son, look thyself out the ground which thou deemest
apt to thine end and take it. All is in thy hand; [FN#474], but
here before my palace is a spacious piece of ground, which
meseemeth were best; so, if it please thee, build thou the palace
thereon." And Alaeddin answered him, saying, "Indeed, it is my
utmost desire to be near Thy Grace."

Then he took leave of the Sultan and going forth, mounted and
rode, with his mamelukes before him and behind him, whilst the
folk all prayed for him and said, "By Allah, he is deserving!"
till he came to his house and alighting from his stallion,
entered his chamber and rubbed the lamp; whereupon the genie
stood before him and said to him, "Seek what thou wilt, O my
lord" Quoth Alaeddin, "I desire of thee an important service, to