Storia do Mogor 65.2.8

65.2.8

He replied that he had promised to the gate-keepers all that he should acquire, or his majesty should make a gift of to him during the day. Thus, since they were rude, not allowing him to enter or go out without his taking out his purse and giving something, he was willing to transfer to them the thousand stripes, or even more if the king so wished. The king laughed heartily, and to satisfy him sent an order to serve out the thousand stripes to the twenty-five gate-keepers then on duty. The gate-keepers complained ; but the poet made his excuses, saying he had only kept his promise. The gate-keepers got the thousand blows, while he carried off the thousand rupees, and, in addition, a horse of which the king made him a gift. The horse they gave him was gone in the loins. He tied a bundle round the neck of this horse, and when the king came out he mounted it, and showed off its paces before him. The king asked him why he had tied on the bundle; it hindered the horse in his paces. He answered that it was there to equalize the weights, thus giving a hint that the horse was gone in the back. Shahjahan was delighted, and ordered them to give him another horse. From that day forth the gate-keepers were very respectful to this musician, so that they might not get any more beatings.