The emperor gave orders to return at once to his palace. He made the
princes ride one on each side of him, an honor which grieved the grand
vizier, who was much mortified to see them preferred before him.
When the emperor entered his capital, the eyes of the people, who
stood in crowds in the streets, were fixed upon the two Princes Bahman
and Perviz; and they were earnest to know who they might be,
whether foreigners or natives, and many wished that the emperor had
been blessed with two such handsome princes.
[Illustration: _He presently discovered a gold box, about a foot
square, which he gave into the princess's hands Page 147_]
The first thing that the emperor did when he arrived at his palace was
to conduct the princes into the principal apartments. With due
discrimination, like persons conversant in such matters, they praised
the beauty and symmetry of the rooms, and the richness of the
furniture and ornaments. Afterward, a magnificent repast was served
up, and the emperor made them sit with him, and was so much pleased
with the wit, judgment, and discernment shown by the two princes that
he said, "Were these my own children, and I had improved their talents
by suitable education, they could not have been more accomplished or
better informed."
When night approached, the two princes prostrated themselves at the
emperor's feet; and having thanked him for the favors he had heaped
upon them, asked his permission to retire, which was granted by the
emperor.
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