He told me that the stallion was his own, an uncle's gift, and quite the best in all the mountains; although mine, he added out of mere politeness, was undoubtedly a pearl of breeding and high spirit.

He hoped with such a steed to gain renown in that day's horsemanship, and, if it might be, win the notice of the Consul-General and his lady.
'My father wished me to take out another horse,' he said; 'but I love this one, and am used to all his ways.

I could not do myself full justice on another, nor would Rustem do his best for any other rider.' He proceeded to discuss the horses which we saw before us on the road, pointing out in each of them some defect, and exclaiming: 'I shall excel them all, in sh' Allah! Does not your Honour also think my horse the best ?' I assured him that I did indeed, and all my wishes were for his success, 'because,' said I, 'I know and like you, and I do not know the others.' 'But some thou knowest for a certainty, for all the Mountain will be there.

Come, let me name them to thee one by one.' And some of those he named were certainly well known to me.
'When thou seest Hasan, son of Ali, nicely mounted, wilt thou not think he is the better man ?' 'No, no, by Allah!' I disclaimed such fickleness.

'Be sure that if good wishes can ensure success, all mine are with thee in to-day's event.' 'Allah increase thy wealth!' he cried in joy, as if I had bestowed on him a gift of price.
There was a crowd of many colours on the well-made road which wanders up through orchards to the village and ends on the meydan before the castle gate.