THE MERCHANT SULAIMA′N
his “Meadows of Gold,”[1] as a comparison of the following extracts will show. On the other hand, Abú Zaid was indebted to Mas’údí for some of his statements. He never mentions him by name, but refers to him as a “trustworthy person.” The two works have much in common, but Mas’údí is generally more detailed. Abú Zaid finishes his work with these words: “Such is the most interesting matter that I have heard, among the many accounts to which maritime adventure has given birth. I have refrained from recording the false stories which sailors tell, and which the narrators themselves do not believe. A faithful account although short, is preferable to all. It is God who guides us in the right way.”
EXTRACTS.
Observations on the Countries of India and China, and their Sovereigns.
The inhabitants of India and China agree that there are four great or principal kings in the world. They place the king of the Arabs (Khalif of Baghdád) at the head of these, for it is admitted without dispute that he is the greatest of kings. First in wealth, and in the splendour of his Court; but above all, as chief of that sublime religion which nothing excels. The king of China reckons himself next after the king of the Arabs. After him comes the king of the Greeks,[2] and lastly the Balhará, prince of the men who have their ears pierced.
The Balhará[3] is the most eminent of the princes of India, and the Indians acknowledge his superiority. Every prince in India is master in his own state, but all pay homage to the supremacy of the Balhará. The representatives sent by the Balhará to other princes are received with most profound respect in order to show him honour. He gives regular pay to his troops, as the practice is among the Arabs. He has many horses and elephants, and immense wealth. The coins which pass in his country are the Tátariya dirhams,[4] each
