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willing, my son’s present shall be greater than this.” The King, for all he knew that this was a thing whereto the Vizier might not avail, no, nor the greatest King,[1] nevertheless exercised his clemency[2] and granted him the delay he sought; then, turning to the old woman, he said to her, “Go to thy son and tell him I give him [my] word that my daughter shall be in his name;[3] but needs must I take order for her equipment;[4] wherefore it behoveth him grant us a delay of three months.”
Alaeddin’s mother took the answer and thanked the Sultan and prayed for him, then went forth and fared homeward in haste, flying of her joy, till she came to the house and entered. Her son saw her laughing-faced and foreboded good news; more by token that she returned forthright and tarried not, as on each day past, neither brought back the dish. Accordingly he asked her and said to her, “God willing, O my mother, thou bringest me good news; the jewels and their value have wrought their work and thou wilt have found acceptance with the Sultan; yea, he will have shown thee favour and
