1.] In this latter case it may be presumed that we have the attitude of conversation, as in the former we have that of attentive listening.

When the Vizier assumes this energetic posture he is commonly either introducing prisoners or bringing in spoil to the king.

When he is quiescent, he stands before the throne to receive the king's orders, or witnesses the ceremony with which it was usual to conclude a successful hunting expedition.
The pre-eminent rank and dignity of this officer is shown, not only by his participation in the insignia of royal authority, but also and very clearly by the fact that, when he is present, no one ever intervenes between him and the king.

He has the undisputed right of precedence, so that he is evidently the first subject of the crown, and he alone, is seen addressing the monarch.

He does not always accompany the king on his military expeditions but when he attends them, he still maintains his position, having a dignity greater than that of any general, and so taking the entire direction of the prisoners and of the spoil.
The royal fan-bearers were two in number.