of governing a
kingdom."

When the young man heard this, he turned pale, and almost fell to the
ground.

"This is a severe task," said he; "is there no alternative, nor any
method by which I may evade it?"

"None, whatever," answered the Vizier.

"Can I not have a few days granted me to think over the matter, and
prepare for the sore trial?" asked the youth.

"Oh, yes!" returned the other, "that you can have, of course."
Whereupon he beckoned to the slave to lock the door, and the visitors
descended the stairs and returned to the palace.

The joy of Azgid's life seemed now to have fled, and he was suddenly
immersed in deep despair. The horrid combat he was to engage in was
continually before him. He could neither eat nor drink, but wandered
about the palace like one distracted, or sat moping for hours, with
his head buried in his hands, speaking to no one. He was glad when
night came, that he might hide himself from observation, and retired
to his chamber in tears. But he found no comfort there. Sleep fled
from him, and he lay tossing upon his bed, anxiously awaiting the
return of day. During the tedious hours of darkness he had meditated
what course he had best pursue, and at length came to the resolution
that he would extricate himself from the dilemma he was in by bidding
farewell to his home, and seeking peace and safety in some far-distant
land.

Accordingly, as soon as it was daylight, he hastily dressed himself,
and going to the stables, mounted a fleet horse and rode off. Glad was
he when he got outside the town, and turning round to take a last
look, he thus exclaimed:

"Oh, cursed city! cursed home! what misery lies within you! May each
hour carry me farther from you! and may these eyes never behold you
again!"

With these words he put spurs to his horse, and was soon out of sight
of the detested spot. He journeyed forward with a light heart, and on
the third day came to a pleasant country overgrown with forest trees,
intermingled with lawns and romantic vales.

Proceeding a little farther on, he heard the sound of delicious music,
and soon overtook a handsome youth of ruddy countenance, somewhat
younger than himself, playing on a flute, and leading a few sheep.

The shepherd, on seeing the stranger, stopped playing, and saluted him
very courteously; but Azgid begged him to go on, telling him what an
admirer of music he was, and that he had never in his life heard such
enchanting strains.

Th