The Nāṣirī Generations 244.1.4

244.1.4

A number of servants, on becoming aware of the circumstance, liberated the king's son from his bonds, and sought for the preceptor, but could not find him. They made a representation to the king, and he directed them to bring his son before him; and, upon every science wherein they questioned him, they found him so proficient that "there is no exceeding perfection" fitly described his proficiency. The king remarked, saying: “The preceptor, in teaching and instructing, and making his pupil perfect, has, by the grace of Almighty God, not neglected the least thing. It would be well to know the cause of these cuts and hurts, and what was the reason of his flight." He commanded, so that they used their utmost endeavours in seeking the preceptor; and, after a considerable time, and at a distant period, they again found him, and brought him into the monarch's presence. He showed the preceptor great reverence and honour, and inquired of him the motive of the severe flogging, and compelling the young prince to run on foot on the first day, making him stand all the second day, the reason of leaving him bound, and the cause of his own disappearance, on the third. The preceptor, bowing the head of service to the ground of representation, replied : "May the king’s felicity continue!