NOURJAHAD. 521

in prayer and meditation till the dawn of the following morning,
when the keeper of the prison appeared, to lead him to the
presence of the sultan. He was carried out of the dungeon,
and placed in an open carriage between two officers, with drawn
sabres in their hands: the chariot was surrounded by soldiers.
In this manner he was conveyed to the hall of audience, where
the sultan was seated on his throné, with his emirs, his nobles,
and all the great officers of his court standing round him.
Nourjahad stood before the sultan with his eyes bent upon the
ground: his deportment was modest and respectful ; but, sup-
ported by conscious innocence, he discovered no symptoms of
fear. Schemerzad made a sign for every one to withdraw,
except the grand vizier, who stood on the steps of his throne.
“Art thou prepared,” demanded the sultan, “to make a full
confession of thy treasonable designs? Say, audacious wretch !
to what end was thy profusion employed ?”"—* To obtain a
blessing from heaven,” answered Nourjahad ; “and by relieving
the wants and afflictions of others, to make some atonement
for my own intemperate use of wealth, which ought to have
been employed to better purposes.” —“t Wouldst thou persuade
me that charity was thy only motive ?”"—* It was, illustrious
sultan, I have spoken the truth; and to convince your
majesty that I never harboured any treasonable design against
your person or government, I am ready at this moment to
deliver into your hands that immense treasure, which, had I
been vile enough so to have employed it, would have bought
the fidelity of half your subjects.” —‘* Do then,” said the sultan,
“as thou hast spoken, and I will believe thee.”—* If your
majesty will permit any one to go with me to my house, I will
deliver into his hands all my wealth; and, if my Jord permits
me to live, I wili henceforward labour to support myself.” —
“No,” replied the sultan, “I will not trust thee from my sight.