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of work; everyone to whom I showed it marvelled (and) said it was a divine miracle; neither was the basis of the tissue like that of brocade nor carpet,[1] its strength was as if it had been wrought like iron—I might say tempered in fire.
447. "I put them aside as a present for her whose ray enlightened me; I chose as a gift for the king whatever was best: a thousand mules and camels, all strong-limbed, I sent them loaded; he also learned the good news.
XI
LETTER OF TARIEL TO THE KING OF THE INDIANS WHEN HE TRIUMPHED OVER THE KHATAVIANS
448. "I wrote a letter: 'O king, great is your good fortune! The Khatavians plotted treachery to me, though it fell on them to their hurt; therefore am I tardy in telling you my true tidings. I have captured the king; I come to thee with spoil and prisoners.'
449. "When I had put everything in order I set out from Khataet'hi. I took the treasures, I despoiled the kingdom, I could not get enough camels, I loaded bullocks with the burdens; I had found glory and honour, for what I had desired that had I obtained.
450. "I led away captive the King of Khataet'hi. I came to India, sweet was the meeting with my fosterfather; what eulogy[2] he uttered to me cannot be repeated, for me to tell it were unseemly; he undid mine arm, he bound it with a soft bandage.
451. "Fair tents stood pitched in the public square (maidan) for him who desired to speak with and gaze upon me. That day he (the king) who rested there spread a banquet, he caressed me, sitting near me he gazed at me.
452. "That night we spent in feasting; pleasantly we made merry there. In the morning we left the maidan;
