His Majesty addressed me with a few words which had an agreeable sound. He bestowed on me the name of "King-Magnanimous" with the rank of Mandarin of the First Class. He placed upon my head a chaplet of pearls set with gold and precious stones, and then retired to his Palace.
The multitude, who until now had remained prostrated, now rose up, and with shouts and cries of joy, accompanied me to my own palace, where I was to dwell.
It was in a garden, in the midst of an immense lawn. The walls were of sandal wood, and the great roofs extended far out on all sides; they were lacquered in red and glistened in the sunlight, with here and there globes of copper, and carved likenesses of elephants' heads.
I was taken into an immense Hall, so high that the red rafters which interlaced overhead and supported the roof made me think of the branches of my native Forest, when the sunset reddens them.
An old elephant was walking slowly about the Hall. As soon as he saw me he advanced towards me, flapping his ears in welcome. His tusks were ornamented with rings and golden bells, and he wore on his head a diadem like that which the King had just placed on mine. But all this did not improve his appearance. His skin was mottled with dingy patches, like dried earth, and cracked in spots; his eyes and ears were encircled with rednesses; his tusks were yellow and broken, and he walked with difficulty. But he seemed amiable, and I returned his courtesies.
My conductor descended from my neck, while officers and servants prostrated themselves before me as they had done before the King himself.
Then they led me to a huge table of marble, where in great bowls and vessels of silver and gold were bananas, sugar-canes, all sorts of delicious fruits, and choice grasses—and cakes—and rice—and melted butter.... What a feast!
Ah! how I wished that those of my Herd who had made a mock of me could see how I was treated by Men!
My heart swelled with pride, and I no longer regretted my liberty and my native Forest.