“What, do you not know him?” answered Faizi; “that is Salim, the Emperor’s son and heir.”
With a silent greeting the Prince was about to ride by, but a sudden thought striking him, he drew in his horse by Faizi, and said, “Sirs, I am glad to meet you here; I expect some friends this evening in my palace to a feast, will you also give me the pleasure of your presence?”
“The invitation,” answered Faizi, “would be to me a command, if a still higher one did not prevent me from obeying: the Emperor has invited me for this evening.”
“And so you will give my father another lesson from your unbelieving philosophers; is it not so?” said Salim, with a half-contemptuous smile, not quite pleased with the refusal.
“What I myself may do,” was the answer, “can depend on the will of your Highness; but what the Emperor may think good to do is, it appears to me, above your opinion and above mine. Also there may be a question as to which evening will be most profitably spent.”
“Now do not be angry, noble Faizi,” said Salim, good-naturedly. “I mean no harm; and if I leave your evening alone, let me have mine. And you, Parviz,” said he, turning to him, “have you also some important business to prevent your enjoying some innocent amusement?”
“Certainly not,” answered Parviz, “and even if I had, I would desire nothing better than to thrust it on one side before the pleasure of a feast in Salim’s palace. But allow me, if it is not indiscreet, to present to your Highness a new friend of mine.” And signing to Siddha to approach, he announced his name and rank.
“Oh yes,” said Salim, “I remember hearing of his arrival; and if you,” he continued, turning to Siddha, “will accompany your friend this evening, it will give me pleasure.”
“It will be both honour and pleasure to me,” said Siddha, bowing respectfully.
“There is not much honour in it,” said Salim, “I am of no consequence at this court; still I hope that our meeting may give you pleasure. Till this evening, then.” And turning his horse the Prince rode off, followed by his retinue.