Page 165 sur 1116

Then he asked for the Sage Duban, who came in and kissed the

ground before him, when the King rose to greet him and, seating

him by his side, ate with him and wished him long life. Moreover

he robed him and gave him gifts, and ceased not conversing with

him until night approached. Then the King ordered him, by way of

salary, five dresses of honour and a thousand dinars.[FN#84] The

physician returned to his own house full of gratitude to the

King. Now when next morning dawned the King repaired to his

audience hall, and his Lords and Nobles surrounded him and his

Chamberlains and his Ministers, as the white encloseth the black

of the eye.[FN#85] Now the King had a Wazir among his Wazirs,

unsightly to look upon, an ill omened spectacle; sordid,

ungenerous, full of envy and evil will.