the Princess of China > > . 9g: 127

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The king, who did not expect to hear anything of this afflictive
kind, said to the prime minister, ‘This is very melancholy, very

._ different from the hopes you gave me just now: go immediately,
without loss of time, see what is the matter, and come and give
me an account.’

The grand vizier obeyed instantly; and coming into the prince’s
chamber, he found him sitting on his bed.in good temper, and with a °
book in his hand, which he was reading.

After mutual salutations, the vizier sat down by him, and said,
‘My lord, I wish that a slave of yours were puniense for coming
to frighten the king your father.’

. ‘What,’ replied the prince, ‘could give my father alarm? I have
much greater cause to complain of that slave.’ ee

“Prince? answered the vizier, ‘God forbid that the news which he
has told your father concerning you should be true ; ingees, I myself
find it to be false, by the good temper I observe you in.’

‘It may be, replied.the prince, ‘that he did not make himself well
understood; but since you are come, who ought to know something
of the matter,-give me leave to ask you who was that lady who was
here last night?’ ay

The grand vizier was thunderstruck at this question ; however,
he recovered himself and said, ‘My lord, be not surprised at iy |
astonishment at your question. Is it possible that a lady, or any
other person in the world, should penetrate by night into this place,
without entering at the door and walking over the body of your
slave? I beseech you, recollect yourself, and you will find it is oo

a dream which has made this impression on you.’

‘J give no ear to what you say,’ said he prince, raising his
voice ; ‘I must know of you absolutely what is become of the lady ;
and if you hesitate to obey me, ot shall soon be al ‘to force you
to obey me.’ z

-At these stern ponds the grand vizier ‘teen to be. in greater