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particularly distrustful visitor?
Then the religious dignitaries came, awaited with curiosity but also with
apprehension. There were more than a score of them. Abu Taher had had no
difficulty convincing them to come. Since they had shown their feelings to
ample extent, to persevere in that path would be to ask for martyrdom which
none of them desired.
Now they too presented themselves in front of the throne, each bending as
low as his age and joints would allow him, awaiting the sign from the prince to
rise. But the sign did not come. Ten minutes went by and even the youngest of
them could not remain in such an uncomfortable pose indefinitely. What could
they do? To rise without having been authorised would be to expose themselves
to condemnation by the monarch. One after another they fell on their knees, a
pose which was just as respectful but less exhausting. Only when the last
kneecap had touched the ground did the sovereign make the sign that they might
get up and leave with no further ado. No one was surprised by the turn of events.
That was the price to pay. Such is the order of affairs of the kingdom.
Turkish officers and groups of notables then approached, as well as some
dihkans
, headmen from neighbouring villages. According to his rank, each
kissed the foot or shoulder of the sovereign. Then a poet came forward to recite a
pompous eulogy to the glory of the monarch who very quickly looked ostensibly
bored. With a gesture he interrupted the poet, made a sign to the chamberlain to
lean over and gave the order which he was to transmit. ‘Our master wishes the
poets assembled here to know that he is tired of hearing the same themes
repeated, he wishes to be compared neither to a lion nor an eagle, and even less

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to the sun. Let those who have nothing else to say depart.’

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