Pagina 318 van 1116

Know, O my lady, that I was not born one eyed and mine is a

strange story; an it were graven with needle graver on the eye

corners, it were a warner to whoso would be warned. I am a King,

son of a King, and was brought up like a Prince. I learned

intoning the Koran according the seven schools;[FN#202] and I

read all manner books, and held disputations on their contents

with the doctors and men of science; moreover I studied star lore

and the fair sayings of poets and I exercised myself in all

branches of learning until I surpassed the people of my time; my

skill in calligraphy exceeded that of all the scribes; and my

fame was bruited abroad over all climes and cities, and all the

kings learned to know my name. Amongst others the King of Hind

heard of me and sent to my father to invite me to his court, with

offerings and presents and rarities such as befit royalties.