stand before him. Now he was riding a stallion whose like is not
among the horses of the Arabs of the Arabs [FN#490] and his bride
the Lady Bedrulbudour was looking upon him from the window of her
pavilion, and when she saw his grace and goodliness and knightly
prowess, she was overcome with his love and was like to fly for
joy in him. Then, after they had played [some] bouts [FN#491] in
the plain and each had shown what was in him of horsemanship,
(but Alaeddin overpassed them all,) the Sultan went to his palace
and Alaeddin on like wise returned home.

When it was eventide, the chiefs of the state and the Viziers
went and taking Alaeddin, carried him in procession to the Royal
Bath, the Renowned ; [FN#492] so he entered and bathed and
perfumed himself, then, coming forth, he donned a suit yet richer
than the first and mounted, whilst the troops rode before him and
the Amirs and Viziers. So they fared on with him in great state,
with four of the Viziers for his sword-bearers, whilst all the
troops and people of the city, both townsfolk and strangers,
walked in procession before him, carrying flambeaux and drums and
flutes and instruments of mirth and music, till they brought him
to his palace, when he alighted and entering, sat down, as did
also the Viziers and Amirs who were in his company, whilst the
mamelukes brought sherbets and sweetmeats [FN#493] and gave all
who were with him in the procession to drink, albeit they were a
multitude of folk whose number might not be told. Moreover, he
gave commandment unto his mamelukes, and they went out to the
door of the palace and fell to showering gold upon the folk.

Meanwhile, [FN#494] when the Sultan returned from the horse-course
and entered his palace, he bade forthright carry his daughter the