التاريخ اليميني 19.39

19.39

Khalaf ibn Aḥmad set about offering his gift until permission was sought for him to come before the Sultan. He entered and bowed to the ground with his white beard, finding honour in the humility of service. He covered the carpet with strings of jewels and unique pearls such as eclipsed the day and dazzled the eyes, a scattering-offering to stand in for him in giving thanks for the coolness of pardon and mercy he had been given to taste, and for the protection of his life and soul. The Sultan graciously raised his rank and, on drawing him near, pressed his hand to his breast, deliberately forgetting his past misdeeds and overlooking the blood-feuds and wrongs he had committed. He gave him authority to carry off whatever he wished of the cream of his wealth and the treasures of his fortress, and gave him the choice to reside wherever he wished among the lands and cities of his realms. He chose the land of al-Jūzjān, finding refreshment in the breeze of its air, delight in the sweetness of its water, and ample room in the hunting-grounds around its regions. The Sultan ordered that he be sent there in the state of persons of dignity, preserved by the garment of protection from the shame of humiliation. He stayed there nearly four years in the shade of comfort, and contentment with his condition stood by him.