NOURJAHAD. 507

only in sport. I swear to thee, my prince, by our holy
prophet Mahomet, that my real desire for wealth extends no
further than to be enabled to procure the sober enjoyments of
life; and, as for length of years, let not mine be prolonged a
day beyond that in which I can be serviceable to my sovereign
and my country.”—‘It is not,” replied the sultan mildly,
“for mortal eyes to penetrate into the secret recesses of thy
heart. Thou hast called our great prophet to witness thy
oath: remember, God thou canst not deceive, though me thou
mayest.”

Schemzeddin then left him, without waiting his reply, and
Nourjahad retired to his own house, which joined to the sultan’s
palace. He passed the remainder of the night in traversing
his chamber, regretting his imprudence, and tormenting him-
self with apprehensions of his disgrace. The next day he was
unable to quit his apartment ; and at night, wearied with his
anxieties, he threw himself on his couch, and fell into a deep
sleep, from which he was roused by a voice that said, “ Nour-
jahad! Nourjahad! awake, and possess the secret wishes of thy
soul.” He started from his couch, and bebeld a youth of more
than mortal beauty, whose shining hair was encircled with a
wreath of flowers, that shed around him the most fragrant
perfume. “Fear not!” said the youth, “I am thy guardian
genius. I have power to grant thy wishes, be they what they
may. Wouldst thou be restored to the favour and confidence
of the sultan thy master? or, wouldst thou rather see the wish
accomplished, which thou breathedst last night to Schemzeddin
in the gardens of the royal palace?” Nourjahad bowed his
head and answered: “ Disguise to thee, O son of Paradise,
were vain and fruitless, If I dissembled to Schemzeddin, it
was to reinstate myself in his good opinion, by whose favour
alone I have been able to exist ; but my heart pants to possess