 and to make fair thy reward whenas thou
meetest Him.” The King rejoiced in this, whereupon Shimas arose and went
out from before him. In due time the King’s wife bare a male child, and
the messengers hastened to bear the glad tidings and to congratulate the
Sovran, who rejoiced therein with joy exceeding and thanked all with
abundant thanks, saying, “Alhamdolillah—laud to the Lord—who hath
vouchsafed me a son, after I had despaired, for He is pitiful and
ruthful to His servants.” Then he wrote to all the lieges of his land,
acquainting them with the good news and bidding them to his capital; and
great were the rejoicings and festivities in all the realm. Accordingly
there came Emirs and Captains, Grandees and Sages, Olema and literati,
scientists and philosophers from every quarter to the palace and all
presenting themselves before the King, company after company, according
to their different degrees, gave him joy, and he bestowed largesse upon
them. Then he signed to the seven chief Wazirs, whose head was Shimas,
to speak, each after the measure of his wisdom, upon the matter which
concerned him the most. So the Grand Wazir Shimas began and sought leave
of the King to speak, which being granted, he spake as follows.[72]
“Praised be Allah who brought us into existence from non-existence and
who favoureth His servants with Kings that observe justice and equity in
that wherewith He hath invested them of rule and dominion, and who act
righteously with that which he appointeth at their hands of provision
for their lieges; and most especially our Sovereign by whom He hath
quickened the deadness of our land, with that which He hath conferred
upon us of bounties, and hath blessed us of His protection with ease of
life and tranquillity and fair dealing! What King did ever with his folk
that which this King hath done with us in fulfilling our needs and
giving us our dues and doing us justice, one of other, and in abundant
carefulness over us and redress of our wrongs? Indeed, it is of the
favour of Allah to