[with thy presence] thereat." And Zein ul Asnam said, "With all
my heart." [FN#63] So Mubarek arose and foregoing Zein ul Asnam,
brought him into the saloon, which was full of the chief men of
Cairo, assembled therein. There he sat down and seating the
prince in the place of honour, called for the evening-meal. So
they laid the tables and Mubarek stood to serve Zein ul Asnam,
with his hands clasped behind him [FN#64] and whiles seated upon
his knees [and heels]. [FN#65] The notables of Cairo marvelled at
this, how Mubarek, the chiefest of them, should serve the youth,
and [FN#66] were sore amazed thereat, knowing not [who or] whence
he was. But, after they had eaten and drunken and supped and were
of good cheer, Mubarek turned to the company and said to them, "O
folk, marvel not that I serve this youth with all worship and
assiduity, for that he is the son of my lord the Sultan of
Bassora, whose slave I was, for that he bought me with his money
and died without setting me free; wherefore it behoveth me serve
my lord, and all that my hand possesseth of monies and gear is
his, nor is anywhit thereof mine." When the notables of Cairo
heard this speech, they arose to Zein ul Asnam and did him
exceeding great worship and saluted him with all reverence and
prayed for him; [FN#67] and he said, "O company, I am before your
presence and ye are witnesses [of that which I am about to do."
Then, turning to his host,] "O Mubarek, [quoth he,] thou art free
and all that is with thee of monies and gear appertaining unto us
shall henceforth be thine and thou art altogether acquitted
thereof [FN#68] and of every part thereof. Moreover, do thou ask
of me whatsoever thou desirest by way of boon, [FN#69] for that I
will nowise gainsay thee in aught thou mayst seek." [FN#70]
Thereupon Mubarek arose and kissed the prince's hand and thanked
him, saying, "O my lord, I will nought of thee save that thou be