THE GREEK KING AND THE PHYSICIAN. 27

king then left the game, returned to the palace, bathed, and
observed very punctually all the directions that had been given
him.

He soon found the good effects of the prescription ; for when
he arose the next morning, he perceived with equal surprise and
joy that his leprosy was entirely cured, and that his body was
as clear as if he had never been attacked by that malady. As
soon as he was dressed, he went into the audience-room, where
he mounted his throne, and received the congratulations of all
his courtiers, who had assembled on that day partly to gratify
their curiosity and partly to testify their joy.

Douban entered, and went to prostrate himself at the foot of
the throne, with his face towards the ground. The king seeing
him, called to him, and made him sit by his side ; and shewing
him to the assembly, gave him in that public way all the praise
he so well deserved ; nay, he did not stop here, for there being
a grand entertainment at court on that day, he placed him at
his own table to dine only with him.

The Greek king (proceeded the fisherman) was not satisfied
with admitting the physician to his own table; towards evening,
when the courtiers were about to depart, he put on him a long
rich robe resembling that which the courtiers usually wore in
his presence, and in addition made him a present of two thou-
sand sequins. The following days he did nothing but caress
him; in short, this prince, thinking he could never repay the
obligations he owed to so skilful a physician, was continually
conferring on him some fresh proof of his gratitude.

The king had a grand vizier, who was avaricious, envious, and
by nature capable of every species of crime. He observed, not
without pain, the presents which had been bestowed upon the
physician, whose great character and merit he was determined
to lessen and destroy in the mind of the king. To accomplish
this, he went to him, and said in private that he had some intel-
ligence of the greatest moment to communicate. The king
asked him what it was. “Sire,” replied he, “it is very danger-
ous for a monarch to place any confidence in a man of whose
fidelity he is not assured. In overwhelming the physician
Douban with your favours, and bestowing all this kindness and
regard upon him, you know not but he may be a traitor, who
has introduced himself to the court.in order to assassinate you.”