39
the ball before him and drove after it with all his might and smote it: and his hand gripped the mall firmly. And he ceased not to drive after the ball and strike it, till his hand and all his body sweated, and Douban knew that the drugs had taken effect upon him and ordered him to return and enter the bath at once. So the King returned immediately and ordered the bath to be emptied for him. They turned the people out of the bath, and his servants and attendants hastened thither and made him ready change of linen and all that was necessary: and he went in and washed himself well and put on his clothes. Then he came out of the bath and went up to his palace and slept there. When he awoke, he looked at his body and found it clean as virgin silver, having no trace left of the leprosy: whereat he rejoiced exceedingly and his breast expanded with gladness. Next morning, he repaired to the Divan and sat down on his chair of estate, and the chamberlains and grandees attended on him. Presently, the physician Douban presented himself and kissed the earth before the king and repeated the following verses:
The virtues all exalted are, when thou art styled their sire: None else the title dares accept, of all that men admire.
Lord of the radiant brow, whose light dispels the mists of doubt From every goal of high emprize whereunto folk aspire,
Ne’er may thy visage cease to shine with glory and with joy, Although the face of Fate should gloom with unremitting ire!
Even as the clouds pour down their dews upon the thirsting hills, Thy grace pours favour on my head, outrunning my desire.
With liberal hand thou casteth forth thy bounties far and nigh, And so hast won those heights of fame thou soughtest to acquire.
The King rose to him in haste and embraced him and made him sit down and clad him in a splendid dress of honour. Then tables of rich food were brought in, and Douban ate with the King and ceased not to bear him company all that day. When it was night, the King gave
