CHAPTER III.

N the following morning the third Vizier presented himself before the King, and, having

paid his respects, expressed many apprehensions that the indulgence shown to Bakhtyar might prove of dangerous consequences, by encouraging other criminals, and strongly advised his speedy execution. The King, having sent for Bakhtyar, the executioner prepared to blindfold him; but he petitioned for mercy, and said: "The imprisonment of suspected persons is certainly a just measure, as the guilt or innocence of the prisoner will probably be ascertained in the course of time; but if a King will not have patience, but punish without due investigation of the offence, what can result from such precipitancy but affliction and repentance? Thus it happened to a son of the King of Aleppo, whose impatience occasioned the loss of that kingdom, and infinite misery."

B

The King's curiosity being excited, he desired Bakhtyar to relate the story of the Impatient Prince of Aleppo; and Bakhtyār, having kissed the ground of obedience, thus began:

STORY OF THE IMPATIENT PRINCE OF ALEPPO.

THE King of Aleppo was an upright and generous monarch, who protected strangers and permitted not any person to oppress or insult another; and he had a son named Bihzād, a young man of excellent genius, polite accomplishments, and many good qualities; but so very impatient, that he would not admit a moment's delay in the gratification of any desire, whatsoever. might be the consequences of his rash haste.

It happened once, that, being seated with several of his companions, he desired one of them to relate his adventures. The young man accordingly began his story in the following words :

"About two years ago, being in possession of considerable wealth, I purchased several beasts of burthen, and, having loaded them with various commodities, I undertook a journey, but on the way was attacked

by robbers, who plundered me of all my property, and I proceeded with a disconsolate heart until night came on, and I found myself in a place without any vestige of inhabitants. I took shelter beneath a great tree, and had remained there for some time, when I perceived a light, and several persons who passed by with much festivity and mirth. After them came some who held vessels full of burning incense, so very fragrant, that the desert was perfumed by its delightful odour. When they had passed on, a magnificent litter appeared, before which walked several damsels holding torches, scented with ambergris. In this litter was seated a fair one, of such exquisite beauty, that the radiance of her charms far exceeded the light of the torches, and quite dazzled my fascinated eyes."

When the young man had advanced thus far in his narrative, Bihzād began to show symptoms of impatience, having fallen in love with the lady, though unseen. The young man continued his story, and said:

"The next morning I proceeded on my journey, and arrived at the city of Rum, the capital and residence of the Kaisar, or Greek Emperor; and having

made inquiries, I was informed that the beautiful damsel whom I had seen was the Princess Nigārin, daughter of the Kaisar, who had a villa at a little distance from the city, to which she sometimes went for recreation."

Here the young man concluded his narrative, and Prince Bihzad immediately arose and hastened to the house of the vizier, and said: "You must go this moment to my father, and tell him that if he is solicitous about my happiness, he will provide me a wife without delay." The vizier accordingly went to the palace and informed the King of Bihzād's wishes. The King desired the vizier to assure the Prince that he only waited to find a suitable match for him; but that, if he had fixed his affections on any fair object, he would do everything in his power to obtain her for him.

This being reported to Bihzād, he sent back the vizier with another message to the King, informing him that the object of his choice was the Princess Nigārin, the lovely daughter of the Kaisar of Rum, and requesting that ambassadors might be sent to ask her in marriage for him. The King replied to this message,

and said: "Tell Bihzād that it were in vain for me to send ambassadors on such an errand to the Kaisar : he is the powerful Emperor of Rūm, and I am only a petty sovereign of Aleppo; we are of different religions and of different manners; and there is not any probability that he would comply with our demand.

The vizier returned to Bihzād, and delivered him this message from his father. The impatient Prince immediately declared that, if the King would not send ambassadors to solicit the Kaisar's daughter in marriage for him, he would set out on that errand himself.

The King, being informed of his son's resolution, sent for the Prince, whom he loved with a tender affection, and at last consented that ambassadors should be despatched to Rum. The Kaisar received with due respect the ambassadors from the King of Aleppo; but when they disclosed the object of their mission, he replied, with great indignation, and informed them, that no one should obtain his daughter without paying the sum of one hundred lacs of dinars (or pieces of gold); and that whoever should consent to pay that sum might become her husband.