King of Damas to a fine house, furnished and equipped according to the needs of
kings.
The minister took all the riches which had been intended as presents for the King
Haroun-er-Raschid. The ingots of gold and of silver, the rich garments in fine
stuffs of the country of Rouzoungga, as well as the vestments of the princess
Djouher-Manikam and of her three children, were transported and sold in the
city of Bagdad. But the King Haroun-er-Raschid, seeing that his name and that
of his daughter, the princess Djouher-Manikam, were graven on these ingots of
gold and silver, seized all these riches.
The minister of the country of Damas said, "These riches are mine."
On his side the King Haroun-er-Raschid said: "These riches are mine, for my
name and that of my child are engraved on these ingots of gold and silver."
The minister said, "Since your Majesty declares that these treasures are yours,
we must try this case in a court of justice."
The King of Bagdad answered: "It is well. We will go wherever youwish."
"Very well," said the minister; "let us go then before the King of the country of
Roum. That prince has the reputation of being extremely just. Each of us shall
plead his cause."
The prince answered: "It is well." The minister replied: "O king of the world, let
us start without delay."
So the King Haroun-er-Raschid set out with his son Min-bah-Chahaz, his chief
warrior, and his soldiers. The cadi accompanied the prince. On his side, the
minister of the country of Damas started, accompanied by his three sons and
forty soldiers of the country of Damas. After proceeding some time, they arrived
at the city of Roum and entered the fortifications. Each one of them presented
himself before the King and pleaded his cause.
The King Haroun-er-Raschid expressed himself as follows: "O king of the
world! I present myself before your Majesty to ask your impartial judgment. The
minister of the country of Damas brought to Bagdad, among other precious
objects, ingots of gold and ingots of silver, on which are engraved my name and