Khiradmand could no longer restrain himself, but without choice, ran and threw himself at [the king’s] feet.  His majesty lifted up the Wazir’s head with his hands, and said, “There, thou hast at last seen me; art thou satisfied?  Now go away, and do not disturb me more—­do thou govern the empire.” Khiradmand, on hearing this, gnashing his teeth, wept said, “This slave, by your favour and welfare, can always possess a kingdom; but ruin is spread over the empire from your majesty’s such sudden seclusion, and the end of it will not be prosperous.  What strange fancy has possessed the royal mind!  If to this hereditary vassal your majesty will condescend to explain yourself, it will be for the best—­that I may unfold whatever occurs to my imperfect judgment on the occasion.  If you have bestowed honours on your slaves, it is for this exigency, that your majesty may enjoy yourself at your ease, and your slaves regulate the affairs of the state; for if your imperial highness is to bear this trouble, which God forbid! of what utility are the servants of the state?” The king replied, “Thou sayest true; but the sorrow which preys on my mind is beyond cure.

“Hear, O Khiradmand! my whole age has been passed in this vexatious career of conquest, and I am now arrived at these years; there is only death before me; I have even received a message from him, for my hairs are turned white.  There is a saying; ’We have slept all night, and shall we not awake in the morning?’ Until now I have not had a son, that I might be easy in mind; for which reason my heart is very sorrowful, and I have utterly abandoned everything.  Whoever wishes, may take the country and my riches.  I have no use for them.  Moreover, I intend some day or other, to quit everything, retire to the woods and mountains, and not show my face to any one.  In this manner I will pass this life of [at best but] a few days’ duration.  If some spot pleases me, I shall sit down on it; and by devoting my time in prayers to God, perhaps my future state will be happy; this world I have seen well, and have found no felicity in it.”  After pronouncing these words, the king heaved a deep sigh, and became silent.

Khiradmand had been the Wazir of his majesty’s father, and when the king was heir-apparent he had loved him; moreover, he was wise and zealous.  He said (to Azad Bakht,) “It is ever wrong to despair of God’s grace; He who has created the eighteen thousand species of living beings [64] by one fiat, can give you children without any difficulty.  Mighty sire, banish these fanciful notions from your mind, or else all your subjects will be thrown into confusion, and this empire,—­with what trouble and pains your royal forefathers and yourself have erected it!—­will be lost in a moment, and, from want of care, the whole country will be ruined; God forbid that you should incur evil fame!  Moreover, you will have to answer to God, in the day of judgment,