The Rashīdī History 175.4

175.4

The Khan having knelt again, stood with his arms respectfully crossed on his breast. Mansur Khan then invited him to come and sit at his side, saying: "I know I am your elder brother, but why should you, with your high rank, be so modest before me, who am in the place of a father to you?" The Khdn, having once more made obeisance, expressed his profound respect for Mansur Khan, and returned to his seat. Mansur Khan called him forward again and repeated what he had said before, but with greater emphasis. He, moreover, took the Khdn by the hand and drew him towards himself, when the Khan, having knelt again, took a seat beside him. [Couplet] .... Mansur Khan began by asking: "How did you fare in those disturbed times?" To which the Khdn, with every token of respect, replied: "Misfortunes that end in success — separations that terminate in union — are not remembered. The sweetness of the end causes the bitterness of the beginning to be forgotten. [Two couplets] .... Thanks be to God, that in one moment reparation can be made for what has happened during long years." They went on, then, to discuss policy, military tactics, and justice; they also swore a solemn oath to remain at peace, and to strengthen the bonds of friendship. By the time they had finished all their business, the day was also ended. Mansur Khan next gave the Khan rich presents in the shape of horses and silver, brocades and embroidered robes.