CHAP. XIV.

THE ambassador, being dismissed from the king’s presence, became arduous in the path of travel; and, using expedition in his journey, in a short time obtained the honour of audience. According to the customs of the versed in ceremonial, and the rules of the acquainted with prudence, he presented the royal letter, with a present of valuables and rarities; and, after the proper compliments, delivered his commission. The Sultan, when he was informed of the purport of the request, reddened with anger; his colour changed, and the marks of displeasure appeared upon his countenance. He pushed the hand of refusal against the breast of the envoy, and would not by any means comply with his petition.

VERSE.

The arched bow of his eyebrows was contracted;

From the fierceness of his look, the speaker trembled.

So angrily he darted his eyes at the messenger,

That his brain was confused at their ardent glances.

The attendants on the carpet of prosperity, on observing the change which took place in their sovereign’s manner, were alarmed, and stood mute as painted figures; while the ambassador, turning pale from excess of mortification, bound the burden of hopelessness on the camels of despair. The very day of his arrival, (more uneasy to the unlucky envoy than that of his death) a learned secretary, by order of the king, drew up a reply to his master’s letter; with which returning towards his own country without the object of his wishes, he paced the road of disappointment.