Storia do Mogor 141.4

141.4

Therefore he caused him to be sent for to audience, and before everybody made a pretence of being provoked, and complained of Malik Khas' pride, who shut his eyes in order not to have to rise and pay his duty to his lord when accompanied by the greatest in the kingdom. The slave asked leave to state his excuses and his reasons. In the hearing of them all he said that, worn out in doing the king service, he was taking a rest, and he quite well saw His Majesty enter into his room. But, ignorant of His Majesty's intention in coming, he shut his eyes, so as to afford him the greatest liberty to do what he wanted. Even were it intended to behead him he was quite prepared for it, being but a slave; and when aware of his kissing him, he did not move for fear of inconveniencing His Majesty. The king was satisfied, finding the reply of his servant in conformity with the conclusion he had come to himself. This did not make the envious cease their efforts; they employed spies to follow Malik Khas and find out everything he did. Then they went to Sultan Mahmud and told him that every day Malik Khas, before he came to audience, went into his garden, where in one corner was a little house, and in it a box. He entered the room alone and closed the door, so that no one could know what he was doing, and it might be that he performed some spell to procure His Majesty's affection, or went there to conceal some treasonable papers. The king told Malik Khas to prepare a banquet;