Storia do Mogor 281.11.1

281.11.1

At last the king, as a final remedy, said to him he was an impertinent fellow to ask for impossibilities. 'Such, sire,' replied the poet, 'are all infants, and that is why it is so difficult to satisfy them.' 'Ah!' said the king, 'you are too clever for me. However, here is a question; let us see if you can give a good solution. Tell me, if you please, what is the greatest consolation that man has in this world?' 'Ah, sire!' retorted he without a pause, 'it is when a father finds himself embraced by his son.' Here is an adventure which happened to King Akbar. I overlooked it in my former volumes; but as it is so strange, it should not fall into oblivion. After he had defeated Baz Bahadur, sovereign of the forests of Mandu, Akbar caused him to be cruelly decapitated, and forthwith proposed marriage to his widow. The affected princess, who was of surpassing beauty, absolutely refused to consent to such a marriage, in spite of all the promises made to her. However, she sent word to him that if he would order a palace to be built for her, and concede to her a year in which to mourn for her beloved spouse and perform the ceremonies due to his memory, she would consent to the marriage.