l at my feet, and said, "Forgive my presumption in
approaching the throne of Cassimir, and that I have added hypocrisy to
my boldness, by assuming the title of a Prince."

"What, then," answered I, sternly, "has induced you to deceive my
Court?"

"Let death," said Mahoud, falling again before me, "let death atone
for my crime; but first permit me to explain the motives of my
presumption."

"Proceed," said I.

He then informed me that, after assuming his natural form, he visited
Delhi, where he was spurned by Misnar and Horam, and had been
compelled to beg his way to my dominions. A merchant of the city had
furnished him with the robes in which he appeared. Then clapping my
hands, Eloubrou appeared, and I said, "Eloubrou, let the Prince Mahoud
be lodged in my father's palace, and let a proper number of slaves
attend him; and do you acquaint the Vizier with his quality."

Eloubrou did as I commanded; and Mahoud, full of joy, fell down at my
feet, and kissed the hem of my garment.

"Prince," said I, "arise; and Eloubrou shall conduct you to my
father's palace."

A few days' experience made me repent my folly in giving credit to
the falsehoods of Mahoud, for the insolent merchant got proud of his
newly-assumed honours. He came daily, and was introduced to me, and
every time assumed greater state; till at last he dared to declare his
passion for me, and talked of asking my father's consent as soon as
the days of his sorrow should be accomplished. Astonished at his
insolence, I bade him depart from my presence, which he did
reluctantly, muttering revenge as he went.

As soon as he was gone, I acquainted Eloubrou with Mahoud's story, his
ridiculous and insolent behaviour, and that he had even dared to
threaten me with revenge.

"The threats of Mahoud," said Eloubrou, "are of little consequence,
though prudence should never esteem the least enemy unworthy of its
notice; care shall, therefore, be taken of this insolent merchant."

While Eloubrou was giving the necessary instructions, one of the
slaves entered the apartment, and gave me notice that Zebenezer, my
father, expected me in the tomb immediately. I put on the solemn veil,
and followed the guard to the tomb of Chederazade. I entered the
lonely mansions of the dead with fear and trembling, and, at the upper
end of the vaulted tomb, saw my father kneeling before the embalmed
corpse of my mother.

"Unhappy Hemjunah," said the aged man, "come hither, and behol