ministers, named Ibrahim Hadjib, abstained from sending any traitorous letters,
and remained faithful to his master. After a while the city was taken and Sultan
Yakoub ascended the throne. Then all the most important people of the country
came to pay homage to him. The ministers who had betrayed the former Sultan
were conspicuous in their demonstrations of joy. The Sultan Yakoub gave a
pleasant reception to those who came, and made them suitable gifts.
After this he asked, "Who has not come to present himself before me on this day
of rejoicing?"
The ministers immediately answered, "Ibrahim Hadjib is the only one who has
not come to present his congratulations."
Then the Sultan asked, "Why has he not done so? Is he ill?"
"No," they answered, "he is not ill."
The Sultan summoned Ibrahim Hadjib, and the latter came into the royal
presence. The Sultan, observing on his countenance evident marks of care and
sorrow, spoke thus to him: "Ibrahim Hadjib, are you the minister in whom the
Sultan Mahomet placed his confidence?" He replied in the affirmative.
"From what motive, Ibrahim Hadjib, did you keep silence, and send me no word
of advice while the ministers of Sultan Mahomet, now here, sent many letters to
show me how to capture the city? Why did you refrain from appearing before me
at court to-day, at the same time with the ministers and grandees? Why, now that
you are here, are you the only one to wear a sad and mournful appearance and a
long face, while all the others show their joy? To all these questions you must
truthfully respond. And if you speak not the truth you shall be put to death."
"If the Sultan wishes to hear the language of truth and will not be vexed by it, I
will reply to each of his questions. To the first question, why I sent no letter
betraying my King, I will say: Know, Sultan, that the Sultan Mahomet was the
King of this country; that he gave me many presents and had full confidence in
me, thinking that in the moment of danger I would be his companion and his
counsellor. How could I, then, betray him? I knew you not, and had received no
benefits from you. Would it have been just for me to send you letters and cause
the fall of one who had been so bountiful to me?"
"Your words are just and true," said the Sultan Yakoub.