dear. Remember the benefit you have derived from encountering
difficulties which have recalled you to your duty. Oh! absolute power!
how much art thou to be dreaded by the man who knows not how to
command himself! Allowing myself to be carried away by my desires, I
was about to become criminal, and to show myself unworthy to reign.
But I know how to check my passions and change my projects."

The King of Persia, having taken this resolution, sent immediately for
his principal treasurer, and gave orders that a litter, ornamented
with precious stones, and more splendid than had ever been seen,
should be prepared to carry Baherjoa into her husband's dominions. A
considerable embassy was ordered to follow it, with magnificent
presents. In this manner did Baherjoa begin her journey to Syria,
after being well assured of respect and attachment by the Sovereign
who had now determined to part with her. Bohetzad met his spouse
before she entered Issessara. It is impossible to describe the
transports of this interview. Yet the tender uneasiness of the mother,
respecting the fate of her son, soon disturbed the happiness with
which the pair were intoxicated. Baherjoa offered the greatest reward
to obtain news of her son, and Bohetzad gave orders that the most
minute inquiry should be made. It was by no means probable that he had
been devoured by wild beasts, otherwise some remnants would have been
found, at the first search, of the clothes wherein he was wrapped. A
thousand knights were again dispatched to the desert, and ordered to
spread themselves all around the fountain; but their search was in
vain. Bohetzad concealed their want of success from his inconsolable
spouse, and endeavoured to soften her pain and vexation.

"There is as yet no room for despair," said he to her: "the favour of
Heaven, which did not abandon us amidst the dangers to which we have
been exposed, and which has restored to us the throne whereon we are
now seated, will have preserved the son so dear to our heart. It only
withholds him in order to deliver him to us when we shall have merited
this favour by our submission to its will. To be deprived of him is
grievous, but we are still of an age to expect consolation. Dry up
your tears, my dear Baherjoa; they are the torment of my life."

The Queen appeared somewhat more tranquil, but the wound which her
heart had received could not be so easily closed.

In the meantime, the tender object of their uneasine