Abou Hassan, after all that had happened that morning, at these words of the grand vizier, never doubted but that he was caliph, as he wished to be; and without examining any farther, how or by what adventure, or sudden change of fortune, he had become so, immediately began to exercise his power, and looking very gravely at the vizier, asked him what he had to say?  “Commander of the faithful,” replied the grand vizier, “the emirs, Vizier, and other officers of your council, wait without till your majesty gives them leave to pay their accustomed respects.”  Abou Hassan ordered the door to be opened, and the grand vizier addressing himself to the officers in waiting, said, “Chief of the door-keepers, the commander of the faithful orders you to do your duty.”

When the door was opened, the viziers, emirs, and principal officers of the court, all dressed magnificently in their habits of ceremony, went in their order to the foot of the throne, paid their respects to Abou Hassan; and bowing their heads down to the carpet, saluted him with the title of commander of the faithful, according to the instructions of the grand vizier, and afterwards took their seats.

When this ceremony was over, and they were all placed, there was a profound silence.  The grand vizier always standing before the throne, began according to the order of papers in his hand to make his report of affairs, which at that time were of very little consequence.  Nevertheless, the caliph could not but admire how Abou Hassan acquitted himself in his exalted station without the least hesitation or embarrassment, and decided well in all matters, as his own good sense suggested.  But before the grand vizier had finished his report, Abou Hassan perceived the judge of the police, whom he knew by sight, sitting in his place.  “Stop,” said he, to the grand vizier, interrupting him; “I have an order of consequence to give to the judge of the police.”  The judge of the police perceiving that Abou Hassan looked at him, and hearing his name mentioned, arose from his seat, and went gravely to the foot of the throne, where he prostrated himself with his face to the ground.  “Judge of the police,” said Abou Hassan, “go immediately to such a quarter, where you will find a mosque, seize the imaum and four old grey beards, give each of the old men a hundred bastinadoes, and the imaum four hundred.  After that, mount them all five, clothed in rags, on camels, with their faces to the tails, and lead them through the whole city, with a crier before them, who shall proclaim with a loud voice, ‘This is the punishment of all those who trouble their heads with other people’s affairs, make it their business to create disturbances and misunderstandings in families in their neighbourhood, and do them all the mischief in their power.’  My intention is also, that you enjoin them to leave that quarter, and never to set foot in it more:  and while your lieutenant is conducting them through the town, return, and give me an account of the execution of my orders.”  The judge of the police laid his hand upon his head, to shew his obedience, and prostrating himself a second time retired to execute the mandate.