he King. A youth
named Mirza Badi, a native of _Kh_urasan, took the epistle, and hastened
toward the presence of His Majesty the King. The Royal Train had its abode
and station outside Tihran, so he took his stand alone on a rock in a
place far off but opposite to the Royal Pavilion, and awaited day and
night the passing of the Royal escort or the attainment of admission into
the Imperial Presence. Three days did he pass in a state of fasting and
vigilance: an emaciated body and enfeebled spirit remained. On the fourth
day the Royal Personage was examining all quarters and directions with a
telescope when suddenly his glance fell on this man who was seated in the
utmost respectful attitude on a rock. It was inferred from the indications
[perceived] that he must certainly have thanks [to offer], or some
complaint or demand for redress and justice [to prefer]. [The King]
commanded one of those in attendance at the court to inquire into the
circumstances of this youth. On interrogation [it was found that] he
carried a letter which he desired to convey with his own hand into the
Royal Presence. On receiving permission to approach, he cried out before
the pavilion with a dignity, composure, and respectfulness surpassing
description, and in a loud voice, "O King, I have come unto thee from
Sheba with a weighty message!"(27) [The King] commanded to take the letter
and arrest the bearer. His Majesty the King wished to act with
deliberation and desired to discover the truth, but those who were present
before him loosed their tongues in violent reprehension, saying, "This
person has shown great presumption and amazing audacity, for he hath
without fear or dread brought the letter of him against whom all peoples
are angered, of him who is banished to Bulgaria and Sclavonia, into the
presence of the King. If so be that he do not instantly suffer a grievous
punishment there will be an increase of this great presumption." So the
ministers of the court signified [that he should suffer] punishment and
ordered the torture. As the first torment they applied the chain and rack,
saying, "Make known thy other friends that thou mayest be delivered from
excruciating punishment, and make thy comrades captive that thou mayest
escape from the torment of the chain and the keenness of the sword." But,
torture, brand, and torment him as they might, they saw naught but
steadfastness and silence, and found naught but dumb endurance [on his
part]. So, w