directed my speculations to your
dominions, and Heaven hath favoured my voyage."

The King, satisfied with the simple and noble reply of this stranger,
wished to find out more particularly the amount of his knowledge, by
showing, by turns, curiosity on some subjects and embarrassment on
others; but he was equally pleased with all his answers. Convinced, by
all that he had heard, that the stranger's abilities were far beyond
those necessary for trade, he determined to attach him to his own
service by raising him to the highest office. It was not the design of
the Sovereign to try the stranger by the allurements of honour; but,
knowing that distinguished merit may become useless in an inferior
station, and is frequently only the object of envy, he gave him the
office of Grand Vizier, in order that it might afford him an
opportunity of displaying to greater advantage his knowledge and
ability. Illage received this favour with expressions of respect and
gratitude.

"I should have considered myself as too much honoured, sire, in being
admitted into the number of the slaves who surround your throne. The
dignity of the honourable office to which you have called me far
surpasses my merit and pretensions; but the high idea which I have
conceived of your Majesty inspires me with an unbounded zeal for your
service, and a confidence that I shall be wholly devoted to it."

The monarch, still more pleased with his new minister, ordered him a
magnificent robe, assigned him for lodgings a palace in the
neighbourhood of his own, and caused him to be installed in his new
dignity. The Prince had no reason to repent of his choice, which might
appear rash. The new minister sat in the divan on the right hand of
his master. He was never embarrassed in the discussion of affairs,
however intricate. He had great sagacity in understanding every report
concerning them. Justice and equity were summed up in his decisions,
so that the people and the monarch enjoyed, under the administration
of this enlightened minister, all the blessings of a wise government.

Two years passed in labour and great employments; but at last nature
resumed her rights. The Vizier, separated so long from a family which
he tenderly loved, felt a desire to see them. The first request which
he made on this subject alarmed the Sovereign. But he had a soul of
sensibility; he could not long resist the voice of nature, and
permitted his minister to undertake a voyage which he