njoy the light of the sun;
he therefore sent for his well-beloved and only son Nourgehan, and
spoke to him thus:

[Footnote 7: Great father.]

"Nourgehan, I leave my throne to thee. You will soon fill my place:
forget not to do justice equally to the poor as to the rich. Be
satisfied with possessing a flourishing kingdom. Envy not the
dominions of any other Prince: leave every one in possession of that
which they have inherited from their fathers. In one word, always
remember that clemency and justice are the noblest titles of a
Sovereign."

After having said these words, the Emperor descended from his throne,
made his son ascend it, and retired into a delightful apartment (where
he had passed his happiest days), where he remained till he died,
which was shortly afterwards.

Nourgehan, after having paid all the honours that nature and gratitude
required for so good a father, was wholly occupied in fulfilling the
last counsels that he had received from him. His heart was naturally
good, and his judgment just; but if every man stands in need of
experience to form his mind, much more is it necessary for those who
are destined to fill a throne. Nourgehan, persuaded of this important
truth, was far from the presumption too common to Princes. One day, as
he conversed with his courtiers upon the subject of government, he
applauded those Kings who had shown the greatest love of justice.
Solomon was quoted as having been the most just.

"This example is not a just one," replied Nourgehan. "Solomon was a
prophet, and could easily prevent the evils which he foresaw; but a
common mortal can only use his best endeavours to repair the faults of
his weakness: therefore I command you all, not only to inform me of
all my duties without flattery, but also to prevent or repair my
faults by your counsels. When a King testifies a love for virtue, all
his subjects become virtuous."

As soon as Nourgehan had ceased speaking, Abourazier rose up and said,
"Great Prince, if you wish to have justice truly exercised in your
dominions, you must make choice of a disinterested Vizier, who has
only your glory and the good of the State in view. The satisfaction of
having done right must be the only recompense he desires."

"You say well, Abourazier," returned Nourgehan; "but the difficulty is
to find such a man."

"You have, my lord," replied the courtier, "one of your subjects whose
moderation and wisdom made him renounce all public employm