Jawamiʿ al-hikayat wa lawamiʿ al-riwayat 22.2

22.2

Abu Nasr Mishkán continues: I read the letter and for a long time I was watching for an opportunity to lay it before the king. I also received constant messages from the minister imploring my support and assistance. I replied that it would not do to be precipitate, but that I must wait till a suitable occasion offered itself. The Sultan Mahmúd also knew that I was watching my opportunity, but he kept strict silence on this matter, till at length it happened one day that the Sultan went out on a hunting excursion, and though it was not customary with me to attend him, yet on this occasion I did so. The Sultan asked me why I, who never went out hunting, had now come with him. I replied that it was always the duty of a servant to attend on his master. The Sultan then said, "I know that you have come in order that you might speak to me about Ahmad, but matters like these ought not to be forced upon me." I replied, "May your Majesty's judgment be always right." He then became silent and spoke not another word. That day and that night passed by. On the next night the Sultan was drinking wine and enjoying himself, when he made me sit down with him, and he talked upon all sorts of topics. At length he asked me if I had ever heard or had ever read in any book that ministers were their king's enemies. I said, "No;