Pagina 540 van 1116

"Grow thy weal and thy welfare day by day: * And thy luck prevail

o'er the envier's spite; And ne'er cease thy days to be white as

day, * And thy foeman's day to be black as night!"

The Sultan bade him be seated on the Wazir's seat, so he sat down

and applied himself to the business of his office and went into

the cases of the lieges and their suits, as is the wont of

Ministers; while the Sultan watched him and wondered at his wit

and good sense, judgement and insight. Wherefor he loved him and

took him into intimacy. When the Divan was dismissed Nur al-Din

returned to his house and related what had passed to his

father-in-law who rejoiced. And thenceforward Nur al-Din ceased

not so to administer the Wazirate that the Sultan would not be

parted from him night or day; and increased his stipend and

supplies until his means were ample and he became the owner of

ships that made trading voyages at his command, as well as of

Mamelukes and blackamoor slaves; and he laid out many estates and

set up Persian wheels and planted gardens.