the
Princes, the Governors, and people entrusted with the management of
the finances, alarming accounts of the situation of the kingdom.
Represent to them the danger of the State, while the government, is in
the hands of a young Prince, addicted to the gratification of his
passions, and incapable of rewarding the services done him, which he
only repays with violence and disgrace, being guided by no law but the
dictates of a will as depraved as it is absolute."

The Grand Vizier and the rest of the assembly adopted this plan. They
all agreed to embrace every opportunity which might present itself of
preparing the minds of the people, without exposing themselves to
danger, and to continue at Issessara when Asphand had left it, for the
purpose of giving him information and directing his conduct. These
resolutions being entered into, the assembly quickly broke up, that
they might give no room for suspicion; and Asphand wrote to the King
in the following terms:

"Mighty King, monarch of two seas! your slave, already elevated by you
to the place of Grand Vizier, and honoured with the title of Prince,
did not expect the distinguished honour of becoming your relation.
Infinitely obliged by this new favour, I offer up to the God of heaven
the most ardent wishes that He would continually heap on your Majesty
new marks of His kindness; that He would prolong your days, and grant
you all the blessings of a kingdom which shall not be shaken to the
latest posterity. My duty hitherto has been to labour for maintaining
both external and internal peace in your dominions, by the wise
administration of justice, and by defending your frontiers from the
enemy. I filled the station of your First Vizier; the duties thereof
are now become more sacred to me; the honour of a connection with you
gives me a personal interest in their success; and my daughter and I
will only be slaves more faithfully attached to your person and
interests."

The letter to Baherjoa contained congratulations on her good fortune,
and was as artfully expressed as the one addressed to her spouse.
Asphand caused the first officer of his household to deliver these
letters, and accompanied them with a magnificent present. The young
son of the Vizier joined the envoy; they went together to the King's
palace, and prostrated themselves before him.

Bohetzad, intoxicated with the good fortune which he enjoyed, did not
in the least suspect the false declarations of the Vizi