Meanwhile, King Suleiman's Vizier abode in his stead, till the night was half spent, when he set out for the city; but hardly had the day appeared and the sun risen upon the hills and plains, when he saw King Zehr Shah's Vizier approaching with his retinue and the two parties joined company at some parasangs' distance from the city. At this the Vizier made sure of the success of his errand and saluted the new-comers, who escorted him to the King's palace and forewent him to the seventh vestibule, where none might enter on horseback, for it was near the presence chamber of the King. So the Vizier alighted and walked on till he came to a lofty hall, at the upper end whereof stood a couch of alabaster, set with pearls end jewels and having four elephants' tusks for feet. It was covered with a mattress of green satin, embroidered with red gold, and surmounted by a canopy adorned with pearls and jewels, and on it sat King Zehr Shah, whilst his officers of state stood in attendance on him. When the Vizier stood before him, he composed himself and loosing his tongue, displayed such skill of speech as befits viziers and saluted the King in eloquent and complimentary language, reciting the following verses in his honour:
He cometh, bending gracefully in his robes and shedding dew Of bounty over the thirsting land and the folk to him that sue. Indeed, he charmeth; nor amulets nor spells nor magic may Avail to ward off the faithful glance of those his eyes from you. Say to the censurers, "Blame me not: whilst life abide in me, I'll never swerve from the love of him nor turn to love anew." Lo, slumber surely is tired of me and fallen in love with him, And even my heart hath played me false and but to him is true! O heart, thou art not the only one that loves and tenders him, So get thee gone and bide with him and leave me here to rue! Except the praise of the King Zehr Shah it be that folk acclaim, There's nought rejoices mine ears, in sooth, to hearken thereunto. A King, the sight of whose glorious face would well thy pains repay; Though thou shouldst lavish thy heart's best blood, so great a grace to woo. If thou be minded to offer up a pious prayer for him, Thou'lt find but true believer, and sharers the whole world through. O folk of this realm, if any forswear his governance And look for another, I hold him none of the faithful few