her
cases heaped with rubies loaded the sixth. The same weight of emeralds
was upon the seventh. The amethysts, in an equal number of cases, was
the load of the eighth. At last, there appeared upon the ninth camel
nine cases of diamonds. Nine young women of the greatest beauty, and
magnificently adorned, followed this caravan; and eight young slaves
immediately preceded Dakianos.

In the midst of the surprise which these presents gave to the King and
the whole Court, some of those who composed it, and who, according to
the customs of that place, endeavoured to criticise upon it, and who
wished to contradict those who applauded it, or to show the justness
of their own remarks, demanded where was the ninth slave. Dakianos,
who expected the question, pointed to himself. The King, pleased with
the turn of delicacy, which he joined to such magnificent presents,
received him with extreme distinction; and, his natural eloquence
increasing his favour, it was impossible for the Prince to be without
him. He seated Dakianos by himself, gave him the pleasure of his
music, sent him every day dishes from the royal table, and very often
the most exquisite wines; during which, on the other side, Dakianos
returned all this bounty by presents, the quantity of which was as
surprising as their magnificence. At length his continued liberality
and his eloquence procured him so great a power over the heart of the
King, that he created him his Vizier, that they might never part; yet
the confidence and the friendship he testified to him gave him still
more power than the charge with which he was provided.

Dakianos governed Persia with an absolute sway: he ought to have
enjoyed a happiness which might satisfy his vanity. But can ambition
ever be satisfied? The mountain of Kaf may set bounds to the world,
but never to the ideas and wishes of the ambitious. The King being
informed of the arrival of an ambassador from Greece, gave him
audience immediately. The ambassador, after having kissed the foot of
the throne, delivered him a letter, which he caused his secretary to
read aloud, it was conceived in these terms:

"I, Emperor and Sultan of seven climates, to you, King of Persia. As
soon as my royal letter shall be delivered to you, fail not to send to
me the tribute of seven years. If you make any difficulty to satisfy
me, know that I have an army in readiness to march against you."

This letter caused so much astonishment in the King, that