He gained the
esteem of the officers, and was admired by the soldiers. Having
no less wit than courage, he so far advanced himself in the
sultan's esteem, as to become his favourite. All the ministers
and other courtiers daily resorted to Codadad, and were so eager
to purchase his friendship, that they neglected the sultan's
sons. The princes could not but resent this conduct, and
imputing it to the stranger, all conceived an implacable hatred
against him; but the sultan's affection daily increasing, he was
never weary of giving him fresh testimonies of his regard. He
always would have him near his person; admired his conversation,
ever full of wit and discretion; and to shew his high opinion of
his wisdom and prudence, committed to his care the other princes,
though he was of the same age as they; so that Codadad was made
governor of his brothers.

This only served to heighten their hatred. "Is it come to this,"
said they, "that the sultan, not satisfied with loving a stranger
more than us, will have him to be our governor, and not allow us
to act without his leave? this is not to be endured. We must rid
ourselves of this foreigner." "Let us go together," said one of
them, "and dispatch him." "No, no," answered another; "we had
better be cautious how we sacrifice ourselves. His death would
render us odious to the sultan, who in return would declare us
all unworthy to reign. Let us destroy him by some stratagem. We
will ask his permission to hunt, and when at a distance from the
palace, proceed to some other city, and stay there some time.
The sultan will wonder at our absence, and perceiving we do not
return, perhaps put the stranger to death, or at least will
banish him from court, for suffering us to leave the palace."

All the princes applauded this artifice. They went together to
Codadad, and desired him to allow them to take the diversion of
hunting, promising to return the same day. Pirouze's son was
taken in the snare, and granted the permission his brothers
desired. They set out, but never returned. They had been three
days absent, when the sultan asked Codadad where the princes
were, for it was long since he had seen them. "Sir," answered
Codadad, after making a profound reverence, "they have been
hunting these three days, but they promised me they would return
sooner." The sultan grew uneasy, and his uneasiness increased
when he perceived the princes did not return the next day. He
co