in speech thereof to any one, lest we lose it and lose this our
present prosperity, for that it is from it." [FN#346] "Have no
fear for that, O my son," answered she and rising, took the dish
wherein were the jewels and wrapping it in a fine handkerchief,
went forth betimes, so she might reach the Divan and enter, ere
it became crowded. When she came to the palace, the Divan was not
yet assembled [FN#347] and she saw the Vizier and certain of the
chiefs of the state entering the presence-chamber. After a while,
the Divan being complete with the Viziers and the chiefs of the
state and officers and Amirs and grandees, the Sultan appeared
and the Viziers and other the officials and notables ranged
themselves before him, whilst he sat down on the throne of his
kingship and all who were present in the Divan stood before him,
with hands clasped behind them, [FN#348] awaiting his commandment
to sit. So he bade them be seated and they all sat down, each in
his several room; then the petitioners [FN#349] presented
themselves before the Sultan and each affair was decided in its
course, [FN#350] till the Divan came to an end, when the King rose
and entered the palace and each went his way.

As [FN#351] for Alaeddin's mother, having come before all, she
found room to enter, but withal none bespoke her, so he should
bring her in before the Sultan; wherefore she ceased not standing
till the Divan broke up and the Sultan rose and entered the
palace and all went their ways. When she saw the Sultan rise from
his throne and enter the harem, she took her way homeward and
returning on her steps, entered her house. Alaeddin, seeing her
with the dish in her hand, knew that most like some mischance had
betided her, but cared not to question her till she entered and
setting down the dish, told him what had passed and finally said