NOURJAHAD. 519

consequences of thy crimes. Thou hast abused the power
vested in thy hands; and by the immutable laws of Heaven,
cither in this world or the next, vice will receive its punishment,
and virtue its reward.” —“ Alas!" replied Nourjahad, “thou
hast awakened in me a remorse, of which I was never sensible
before. {1 look back with shame and horror on my past life.
What shall I do, O Cozro, to expiate my offences ?”— If thy
repentance is sincere,” replied Cozro, ‘ the means are amply in
thy power. Thy riches will enable thee to diffuse blessings
among mankind.”—“ It shall be so,” exelaimed Nourjahad with
rapture. ‘My treasures shall be opened to thee, thou good
old man. Inquire out every family in Ormuz whom calamity
hath overtaken, and restore them to prosperity. Seck the
helpless and the innocent, and by a timely supply of their
wants secure them against the attacks of poverty or temptations
of vice. Find out merit wherever it lies concealed, clogged
by adversity, or obscured by malice ; lift it up from the dust,
and let it shine conspicuous to the world !”—“ Blessed be the
purpose of thy heart!’” said Cozro, “and prosperous be the
days of thy life !””

Nourjahad now sent Cozro forth on his benevolent errand,
and only waited to have himself released from the prohibition.
Schemzeddin had laid upon him, to join Cozro in his mission.
No notice had yet been taken of a petition he had sent to the
new sultan for the restoration of his liberty ; but Nourjahad
bore that with patience, and speut his days in his closet, laying
plans for the benefit of his fellow-creatures, He was now tem-
perato in all his appetites, and returned to the strict exercise of
all the sacred duties of his religion. One day he was surprised
to find that Cozro did not return at his usual time; but was still
more amazed to sce an officer, attended by a guard, enter his
apartment, and accuse him of employing an agent to distribute