' 'My lord, then,'
cried he, in a suppliant tone, 'I beseech your highness to spare my
life, and I will tell you the truth.'
The prince drew the slave up, and pressed him to tell him. As soon
as he was out of the well, 'My lord,' said he trembling, 'your
highness must perceive that it is impossible for me to satisfy you
in my present condition; I beg you to give me leave to go and
change my clothes first.'
'I permit you, but do it quickly,' said the prince, 'and be sure
you conceal nothing.'
The slave went out, and having locked the door upon the prince, ran
to the palace just as he was. The king was at that time in
discourse with his prime vizier, to whom he had just related the
grief in which he had passed the night on account of his son's
disobedience and opposition to his will. The minister endeavoured
to comfort his master by telling him that the prince himself had
given him good cause to be angry. 'Sir,' said he, 'your majesty
need not repent of having treated your son after this sort. Have
but patience to let him continue a while in prison, and assure
yourself his temper will abate, and he will submit to all you
require.'
The grand vizier had just made an end of speaking when the slave
came in and cast himself at the king's feet.
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