Pagina 520 di 1116

In course of time their father, the Wazir, died and was deeply

regretted and mourned by the Sultan, who sent for his two sons

and, investing them with dresses of honour, [FN#363] said to

them, "Let not your hearts be troubled, for ye shall stand in

your father's stead and be joint Ministers of Egypt." At this

they rejoiced and kissed the ground before him and performed the

ceremonial mourning [FN#364] for their father during a full

month; after which time they entered upon the Wazirate, and the

power passed into their hands as it had been in the hands of

their father, each doing duty for a week at a time. They lived

under the same roof and their word was one; and whenever the

Sultan desired to travel they took it by turns to be in

attendance on him.