ddin
on his right hand; whereupon the viziers and chiefs of the state and
the grandees of the realm sat also, each in his several room, whilst the
drums beat and they held high festival in the palace. [470]

The Sultan proceeded to make familiar with Alaeddin and to talk with
him, and Alaeddin answered him with all courtliness and fluency, as he
had been bred in kings' palaces or as he were their constant associate;
[471] and the more the talk was prolonged between them, the more
gladness and joy redoubled on the Sultan for that which he heard of the
goodliness of Alaeddin's answers and the sweetness of his speech. Then,
when they had eaten and drunken and the tables were removed, the Sultan
bade fetch the Cadis and the witnesses; so they came and knotted the
knot and wrote the writ [of marriage] between Alaeddin and the Lady
Bedrulbudour. Therewith Alaeddin arose and would have taken leave; but
the Sultan laid hold on him and said to him, "Whither away, O my son?
The bride-feast is toward and the bride present; the knot is knotted
and the writ written." "O my lord the king," answered Alaeddin, "I
would fain build the Lady Bedrulbudour a palace, besorting her rank and
station, and it may not be that I should go in to her without this; but,
God willing, the building shall, by the diligent endeavour of thy slave
and by Thy Grace's auspice, [472] be right speedily despatched. Indeed,
I long for present enjoyment of the Lady Bedrulbudour; but it behoveth
me [first] apply myself to that which is incumbent on me for her
service." [473] Quoth the Sultan, "O my son, look thyself out the ground
which thou deemest apt to thine end and take it. All is in thy hand;
[474], but here before my palace is a spacious piece of ground, which
meseemeth were best; so, if it please thee, build thou the palace
thereon." And Alaeddin answered him, saying, "Indeed, it is my utmost
desire to be near Thy Grace."

Then he took leave of the Sultan and going forth, mounted and rode, with
his mamelukes before him and behind him, whilst the folk all prayed for
him and said, "By Allah, he is deserving!" till he came to his house and
alighting from his stallion, entered his chamber and rubbed the lamp;
whereupon the genie stood before him and said to him, "Seek what thou
wilt, O my lord" Quoth Alaeddin, "I desire of thee an important service,
to wit, that thou build me with all speed a palace before that of the
Sultan, which shall be marvellous in its b