——i-

44 anit . Prince Beder and

she happens to hear of this young man, and speaks to me about
him, I doubt not she will cease to think of him, so soon as she
comes to know he is my nephew.’

The old man was exceedingly glad to hear the commendations
they bestowed on the young King of Persia. He became as
fond of him. as if he had been his own son. They had lived
about a month together, when, King Beder sitting at the shop-
door, after his ordinary manner, Queen Labe (so was this magic
queen named) happened to come by with great pomp. The
young king no sooner perceived the guards coming before her,
than he arose, and, going into the shop, asked the old man what
‘all that show meant. ‘The queen is coming by, answered he,
‘but stand still and fear nothing.’

The queen’s guards, clothed in purple uniform, and well armed
and mounted, marched in four files, with their sabres drawn, to_
the number of a thousand, and every one.of their officers, as. they
passéd by the shop, saluted the old man: then followed a like
number habited in brocaded silk, and better mounted, whose officers
did the old man the like honour. Next came as many young.
ladies on foot, equally beautiful, richly dressed, and set off with
precious stones. They marched gravely, with half pikes in their
hands; and in the midst of them appeared Queen Labe, on a horse
glittering with diamonds, with a golden saddle, and a harness ot —
inestimable value. - All the young ladies saluted the old man as
they passed by him; and the queen, struck with the good. mien
of King Beder, stopped as soon as she came hefore the shop..
‘Abdallah’ (so was the old man named), said she to him, ‘tell me,
I beseech thee, does that beautiful and charming slave belong to,
thee ? and is it long that thou hast been in possession of him ?’

Abdallah, before he answered the queen, threw himself on. the.

. . ground, and rising again, said, ‘Madam, it is my nephew, son of

a brother I had, who has not long been dead. Having no children, 'I: