ABSTRACT
1 It is necessary to have some system for giving audiences. First of all the relatives [of the king] come in, after them distinguished members of his train, then other classes of people. If they all come in at once, [the correct] distinction between humble and noble is not observed. Raising of the curtain is the sign that an audience is in progress; when the curtain is lowered it indicates that there is no admittance, except for persons who are summoned. Thus nobles and army officers, by sending a servant to the court, can find out whether there is an audience on that day or not; then if [there is an audience and] they need to present themselves, they come; otherwise they do not come. For there is nothing more annoying for nobles and officers than to come to the court and have to return without seeing the king. If they come several times and fail to gain audience, they form a bad opinion of the king and begin to plot mischief. When the king is difficult of access the affairs of the people are put into suspense, evil-doers are encouraged, facts remain concealed, the army suffers harm and the peasants fall into trouble. There is no better rule for a king than to hold frequent audiences. When he gives audience, margraves, amirs, sayyids and imams should bow as they come in; and the procedure is that when they have seen the king they and all their followers retire, so that only the select courtiers femain; and the pages who come in with them must retire also, so that none are left but courtiers and some skilled pages such as arms-bearers, water-bearers, food-tasters and the like, who are of course required to be present. When this system has been in force for some time, it will become habitual and remain established. Then all crowding will be avoided, and there will be no need for hurling abuse 1 and closing the door. Any arrangements other than these should not be permitted.
