'
The grand vizier did not wholly dissuade the sultan from such a
proceeding, but sought to modify his intentions. 'Sir,' replied he,
'the prince is yet but young, and it would not be, in my humble
opinion, advisable to burden him with the weight of a crown so
soon. Your majesty fears, with great reason, his youth may be
corrupted in indolence, but to remedy that do not you think it
would be proper to marry him? Your majesty might then admit him to
your council, where he would learn by degrees the art of reigning,
and so be prepared to receive your authority whenever in your
discernment you shall think him qualified.'
The sultan found this advice of his prime minister highly
reasonable, therefore he summoned the prince to appear before him
at the same time that he dismissed the grand vizier.
The prince, who had been accustomed to see his father only at
certain times, without being sent for, was a little startled at
this summons; when, therefore, he came before him, he saluted him
with great respect, and stood with his eyes fixed on the ground.
The sultan perceiving his constraint, said to him in a mild way,
'Do you know, son, for what reason I have sent for you?'
The prince modestly replied, 'God alone knows the heart; I shall
hear it from your majesty with pleasure.
Pages:
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174