and the outskirts beyond the walls, in conversation with his Minister and favourites, when the Durweish was espied at no great distance standing on the broadway; which, when the King knew, he desired messengers might be dispatched to convey the holy man to his presence.  “Your royal will shall be obeyed”, replied the Minister; “but your Majesty must be aware that the extent of the circuit from the palace to the outer gate is so great that long before a slave can get to that road, Shah ood Dowlah will be beyond the reach of our summons.  With all due submission to your Majesty’s better judgement, would it not be more prudent to call him from hence, and persuade him to ascend the wall in a basket suspended to a rope.”  The King agreed, and the Durweish was hailed.  “Our King, the Protector of the World, commands Shah ood Dowlah’s attendance?”—­The Durweish, looking up at the summoner, inquired, “Where is the King?”—­“In this apartment,” he was answered.—­“How am I to get near him? he is too far off:  an old man does not well to climb.”—­“Wait a minute”, replied the servant, “your conveyance shall be prepared.”

’In a few minutes the basket descended from the upper story, by a strong rope, well secured against the probability of accident.  The Durweish,—­who was covered with a chudha[12], or sheet, to keep him from giddiness in the ascent,—­seated himself firmly in the basket, and the servants drew him up in safety.  He was immediately conveyed to the King’s apartment; who, contrary to precedent, rose at his entrance to receive this respected and much-desired guest.

’"Pray be seated, my friend”, said the King, leading him to the most honoured part of the royal carpet.  The Durweish obeyed without a moment’s hesitation, to the astonishment of the Vizier, nobles, courtiers, &c., who had never before seen a human being seated in the King’s presence, not even one of the most exalted of the nobles.  “I have long desired this happiness,” said the King to the Durweish, “that I might converse with you. “—­“Your Majesty is very gracious to the poor Durweish”, was responded.  “I hear much of your great virtue and good life,” said the King, “from the world, my subjects.”—­“They do but flatter the poor Durweish,” was his reply; adding, “none can tell what passes in my heart, when they view only my face.  I am but a poor Durweish.”

’"I have many questions to ask you,” said the King, “which I hope to have resolved from your own mouth; but, first, I beg to be informed, what methods you have used in order to acquire that command over selfish feelings, which is displayed in your intercourse with the world? and by what means you have become so enlightened in the ways pleasing to God?”