Jawamiʿ al-hikayat wa lawamiʿ al-riwayat 21.1

21.1

[II. xxi. 8.] It is said that Sultan Yaminu-d daula Mahmud Subuktigin had been long enamoured of the sister of Ayaz — he was sincerely attached to her, and anxious to espouse her. But it occurred to him that he might by this act incur the reproaches of the neighbouring kings and princes, and forfeit the respect and esteem of his own servants. This apprehension he entertained for a long time. Abu Nasr Mishkani says — " I was one night in attendance on the king, and when all the assembly was gone, he stretched out his legs and ordered me to 'shampoo' them. I knew that he certainly intended to tell me some secret. At last he said, 'It is a maxim with wise men that there are three people from whom a secret should not be concealed, viz. : a skilful physician, a kind preceptor, and a wise servant. I have been long greatly perplexed, but I will this night unburden my mind and learn your opinion on the matter.' I observed, 'I am not worthy of the high honour done me by the king, but as he, in his high wisdom has determined it, I will to the best of my ability represent what may appear to me as good or evil in the matter.' The king said, 'It has long been a secret within me, that I am desirous of espousing the sister of Ayaz. But will not the neighbouring kings call me a fool and low-minded, and will not you also, my servants and slaves, speak ill of me in respectable society. I ask your advice in this matter;