burton--1001-nights--sample

flocked to the presence and with them the sage Duban. Seeing the
leach the King rose to him in honour and seated him by his side; then
the food trays furnished with the daintiest viands were brought and the
physician ate with the King, nor did he cease companying him all that
day. Moreover, at nightfall he gave the physician Duban two thousand
gold pieces, besides the usual dress of honour and other gifts galore,
and sent him home on his own steed.
After the Sage had fared forth King Yunan again expressed his
amazement at the leach’s art, saying, “This man medicined my body
from without nor anointed me with aught of ointments: by Allah,
surely this is none other than consummate skill! I am bound to honour
such a man with rewards and distinction, and take him to my companion
and my friend during the remainder of my days.” So King
Yunan passed the night in joy and gladness for that his body had been
made whole and had thrown off so pernicious a malady.
On the morrow the King went forth from his Serraglio and sat upon
his throne, and the Lords of Estate stood about him, and the Emirs
and Wazirs sat as was their wont on his right hand and on his left.
Then he asked for the Sage Duban, who came in and kissed the
ground before him, when the King rose to greet him and, seating him
by his side, ate with him and wished him long life. Moreover he robed
him and gave him gifts, and ceased not conversing with him until night
approached. Then the King ordered him, by way of salary, five dresses
of honour and a thousand dinars. The physician returned to his own
house full of gratitude to the King. Now when next morning dawned
the King repaired to his audience-hall, and his Lords and Nobles
surrounded him and his Chamberlains and his Ministers, as the white
encloseth the black of the eye.
Now the King had a Wazir among his Wazirs, unsightly to look
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