The king, of crown resplendent as the sun, having (accompanied by his courtiers) proceeded to the palace appointed for the entertainment, when he ascended the throne of state, made it the envy of the heavens by his august presence. Jehaundar signified by a nod to attendants well skilled in the customs of royal feasts, that they should spread an adeem of crimson leather perfumed with musk, on which the servants of the kitchen placed all varieties of dishes, in such profusion as astonished the guests. These were succeeded by confections and fruits, more numerous and variegated than can be described.

When the repast was ended, the cloak and wallet being brought out, heart-pleasing rarities, as pieces of silk and velvet, the finest cloths, and precious stones of inestimable value, were pro­duced from them in such numbers, as to calculate, would foil the skill of the most profound accomptants. These being placed as a peshcush before the sultaun, the prince observed, that though such trifles were not worthy acceptance by so illustrious a personage, yet as the limb of a locust could only be offered by the humble ant, if he condescended to take them, it would be conferring upon him the highest honour. The beholders were astonished at this miracle; and the rumour of it pervading the city, all ranks of people were loud in the praise of Jehaundar, whose slanderers bowed their heads in confusion.

The prince now again requested leave to depart for his own dominions; and the sultaun, though unwilling to submit to the pain of separation from his daughter, yet from necessity consented, and began to prepare a marriage portion becoming his imperial dignity, of rich manufactures, (perfumes, gold and silver ingots, diamonds, rubies, pearls, the choicest furs, horses, elephants, male and female slaves) which might prove accept­able to the most exalted princes; but Jehaundar being informed of his inten­tion, under pretence of the difficulties of the road which required light baggage, in a manner that did not offend, declined the gift.

Having taken leave at a fortunate instant, he repaired to the palace vener­able as the Kaaba, to receive the dismis­sion of the head of the virtuous and chief of the pure, the mother of Bherawir Banou. The queen, shedding torrents of moist pearls from the caskets of her eyes, took hold of the vest of Jehaun­dar in the manner of petitioners, and said, “My daughter, though cherished on the couch of royalty and indul­gence, is now exalted by being thy handmaid. I do not say she is worthy to share thy bed, but she may be one of the humblest of thy domestics. Act thou as becomes the mind of a great king.” Jehaundar having made the most consoling reply, took leave; and beginning his march, departed towards his own country.

When the prince dismounted at his first encampment, the parrot, who well deserved the title of wise bird, having congratulated him in the manner of a faithful slave, after proper prayers and praises, said, “God be praised, that from the period of my first admission to the honour of servitude to the present moment, from me (who am at best but an handful of feathers) nought but the most resigned fidelity and exact submission, becoming the duty of faithful domestics and assistants, has occurred. From the influence of my wakeful stars and assistance of kindly fortune, having obtained the grace of dutiful service, I have been the medium of important affairs, and, not­withstanding my diminutive size, have performed great actions.

“Since, through the bounty of the Almighty, they have at length obtained the object of their desires, agreeably to the usage of indulgent masters, who give liberty to ancient slaves, I trust they will now manumit this old servant, that he may return to his own country. Having, through the kindness of his master, rejoined after so long an absence the com­panions of his childhood, with whom he shared the fruits of the groves of repose, he will resound the strains of your highness’s liberality to all quar­ters of the earth, and all the birds of my country shall warble in your praise.” Jehaundar, though unwilling to lose the society of the faithful parrot, yet moved by his earnest and importunate entreaties, complied with his request, and dismissed him.