“So. And this other elephant, the Hathi-sahib, made a pen for the beasts?”
“Assuredly they found him occupation for a time.”
“’Tis well. I am sorry I did not see him at work. Meanwhile, you shall not lose trade because young blood grows hot. What is the value of your wares?”
“A lakh and a half, your Majesty.”
“Bones of my father! They must have told you that ‘Akbar’ meant ‘a mint’ in your language.”
“The meaning of your Majesty’s name is known far beyond the confines of your kingdom.”
“Ha! Thy tongue is glib! And what is my repute with your King?”
“I have been told that he regards your Majesty with great respect, which is saying much, as he is held by many to be a very Solomon.”
“Aye, the wisest fool in Christendom,” broke in Sainton, in English.