carried on a large foreign commerce, and spoke much of the fortune
he had made in Egypt. Upon this pretext--for there must be one for
becoming so suddenly rich--he built a magnificent palace: that of the
thousand columns erected by Melik Jouna, the ancient King of the
Indies, was nothing in comparison to it. Such great magnificence soon
made him considered and respected by the world, and the pains he had
given himself to preserve his riches not only flattered his self-love,
but easily persuaded him that he had acquired them, and might enjoy
them without remorse, the old man being totally forgotten.

It was easy for him to bring out the treasures from his vault, the
secret of which was not trusted to any person. He sent caravans to all
parts of the Indies to authorize the expenses he bestowed in slaves,
in building, in women, and in horses, and fortune also favoured a
commerce which was of little consequence to him. His heart, fully
satisfied as to riches, was not long insensible to ambition. The Court
has strong attractions for the rich; they are received so graciously,
they are praised in so delicate and so insinuating a manner, that they
are generally seduced by it. And Dakianos, who now joined to his
opulence an immeasurable ambition, neglected nothing to introduce
himself at the Court of the King of Persia; but made presents to the
viziers to obtain their protection, and, by gaining it, rendered
himself their slave. His magnificence and his generosity, as he
foresaw and wished, soon reached the ears of the King, who desired to
see him.

Dakianos had an audience as soon as he appeared at Court, and to give
a favourable impression of himself, and to deserve the favour of the
King, he brought him presents which the greatest Kings upon earth
could not, perhaps, have collected together. It is generally by nines
that Eastern presents are given, when their magnificence is extended
to the last degree. He therefore caused himself to be preceded by nine
superb camels. The first was loaded with nine suits and ornaments of
gold, adorned with the most beautiful jewels, of which the girdles
were of the greatest lustre. The second bore nine sabres, the hilts
and scabbards of which were of gold adorned with diamonds. Upon the
third were seen nine suits of armour of equal magnificence. The fourth
had for its load nine suits of horse furniture, suitable to the other
presents. Nine cases full of sapphires were upon the fifth. Nine ot