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look upon him as my son, and sent for him to come arid comfort
me, intending to leave him what I have when I die.’

Queen Labe, who had never yet seen anyone to compare with
King Beder, thought immediately of getting the old'mari to abandon
him to her. ‘Father, quoth she, ‘will you not oblige -me so far
as to make me a present of this young man? ~ Dé" not refuse: me,
I. conjure you; and I swear by the fire and the “fight, I will make
him so great and powerful that no individual’ in the world ever
arrived at such good fortune. Although my purpose were to do
evil to all mankind, yet he shall be the sole exception. I trust
you will grant me what I desire, more on the account of the
friendship I know you have for me, than for the esteem you know
I always had, and shall ever have for you.’

‘Madam,’ replied the good Abdallah, ‘I am infinitely obliged
to your majesty for all your kindness, and the honours you propose
to do my nephew. He is not worthy to approach so great a
queen, and I hunibly beseech your majesty to excuse him,’

‘Abdallah, replied the queen, ‘I all along flattered myself you
loved me; and I could never have thought you would have given
me so evident a token of your slighting my request. But I here
swear once more by the fire and light, and even by whatsoever
is most sacred in my religion, that I will pass on no farther ©
till I have conquered your obstinacy. I understand very well
what raises your apprehensions; but I promise you. shall never -
have any occasion to repent having obliged me in so sensible
a manner.’

Old Abdallah was exceedingly grieved, both on his own account
and King Beder’s, for being in a manner forced to obey the queen.
‘Madam,’ replied he, ‘I would not willingly have your . majesty

entertain an ill opinion of the respect I have for you, and my zeal
always to do whatever I can to oblige you. I put, entire confidence
in your royal word, and I do not in the least doubt but you will

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