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khawajeh
Omar, as far-flung,
as populated or as opulent as an empire may be, there is always a shortage of
men. In appearance what a lot of creatures, how teeming the streets are, what
dense crowds! But when I chance to look upon the deployment of my army, or a
mosque at prayer time, a bazaar or even my
diwan
, I have to ask myself: if I
were to demand some wisdom, knowledge, loyalty or integrity from these men,
would I not, at the mention of each quality, see the throng thin out, then melt and
disappear? I find myself alone,
khawajeh
Omar, desperately alone. My
diwan
is
empty, as is my palace. This town and this empire are empty. I always feel that I
have to clap with one hand behind my back. I am not content with sending for
men like you to come from Samarkand, I myself am ready to go on foot to
Samarkand to fetch them.’
Omar murmured a confused ‘God forbid!’, but the Vizir did not stop.
‘Those are my dreams and my worries. I could speak to you of them for days
and nights, but I want to listen to you. I am impatient to know if this dream
moves you in some way, if you are ready to take your rightful place at my side.’
‘Your projects are exhilarating and I am honoured by your faith in me.’
‘What do you require in order to work with me? Tell me frankly, the way I
have spoken to you. You will obtain everything you desire. Do not be timorous,
and do not let my moment of rash prodigality pass by.’
He laughed. Khayyam managed to cover his utter confusion with a weak
smile.
‘My only desire is to be able to carry on my humble works sheltered from
need. My greed goes no further than having something to drink, clothing on my
back and shelter for the night.’
‘By way of shelter, I offer you one of Isfahan’s most beautiful houses. I
myself resided there while this palace was being built. It will be yours, with its
gardens, orchards, carpets, servants and maidservants. For your expenses, I am
allotting you a pension of ten thousand royal dinars. As long as I am alive it will
be paid to you at the beginning of every year. Is it sufficient?’
‘That is more than I need. I shall not know what to do with such a great sum.’
Khayyam was being sincere, but this irritated Nizam.
‘When you have bought all the books, had all the jars of wine filled and all
your mistresses covered with jewels, you will distribute alms to the poor, finance
the Mecca caravan and build a mosque in your name!’
Realizing that his detachment and the modesty of his demands had displeased
his host, Omar made bold:
‘I have always wanted to construct an observatory with a large stone sextant,
an astrolabe and various instruments. I would like to measure the exact length of
the solar year.’
‘Granted! By next week funds will be allotted to you for that end. You will
choose the site and your observatory will be erected within a few months. But,
tell me, is there nothing else that would give you pleasure?’
‘By God, I want nothing more. Your generosity overwhelms me.’
‘Then perhaps I, in my turn, might formulate a demand for you?’
‘After what you have just granted me, I will be only too glad to be able to
show you a small part of my immense gratitude.’
Nizam did not hesitate.
‘I know that you are discreet and little inclined to gossip. I know that you are
wise, just, impartial and in a position to discern the truth from the false in
everything. I know that you are trustworthy: I would like to charge you with the
most delicate commission of all.’
Omar waited for the worst, and indeed it was the worst which was in store for
him.
‘I name you
sahib-khabar,’
‘Sahib-khabar
, me! The head spy?’
‘Head of the Empire’s information. Do not respond in haste, it is not a
question of spying on good people or infiltrating the homes of believers, but of
looking after the peace for everyone. In a state, the least coercion or injustice
must be brought to the attention of the sovereign and quelled in an exemplary
fashion, whoever the guilty party may be. We can only learn if some
qadi
or
provincial governor is exploiting his office to enrich himself at the expense of
the weak by means of our spies, since the victims do not always dare to
complain!’
‘These spies could still be bought off by the
qadis
, the governors or the
emirs, or become their accomplices!’
‘Your role, the role of the
sahib-khabar
, is precisely to find incorruptible men
for these assignments.’
‘If these incorruptible men exist, would it not be simpler to appoint them
governors or
qadis!’
It was a naïve observation, but to Nizam’s ears it sounded mocking. He
became impatient and arose:
‘I have no wish to debate the issue. I have told you what I am offering you
and what I expect of you. Go and think over my proposal. Weigh up the
arguments on both sides calmly and return tomorrow with your response.’
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