short time embraced
in it the authors of his existence, to whom the King sent presents of
such magnificence as showed that they were intended for the family of
his favourite.

The fineness of the season having invited the King to one of his
country houses, he removed thither, and gave entertainments for the
amusement of his Court. One evening, contrary to his usual custom, he
gave himself up to the pleasures of the table, and drank of a strange
liquor of which he knew not the strength. In a short time after he was
suddenly seized with such a stupidity that he was obliged to throw
himself on a sofa, where he soon fell asleep. Pleasure had removed
from him all his servants. Achib alone, following from affection every
step of his master and benefactor, entered into the apartment and
found him asleep. Then placing himself within the door, he drew his
sabre, and stood there as a guard.

One of the pages having returned, was surprised to find him in this
situation, and asked him the cause of it.

"I am watching," said Achib, "for the safety of my King: my attachment
and my duty fix me here."

The page ran and told his companions what he had seen. They thought
they might easily avail themselves of this event to destroy him, and
went in a body to the monarch. The witness swore that he had found
Achib with a naked sabre in his hand in his Majesty's chamber while he
was asleep. He ascribed the most criminal intentions to this faithful
guard, and pretended that nothing but some sudden alarm had prevented
the intended blow.

"If your Majesty, sire," added he, "suspects the truth of my report,
you need only to-day feign giving yourself up to sleep without any
precaution, and we do not doubt that this rash man, pursuing his
detestable purpose, will come to renew his attempt."

Though moved by this accusation, the King was unwilling to trust
entirely to the declaration of his pages, and thought it his duty to
clear up his doubts himself.

In the meantime the pages had gone to find the young favourite.

"The King," said they to him, "is highly pleased with the zeal you
have shown for the safety of his person. 'Achib,' hath he said, 'is to
me as a shield; under his protection I can sleep without fear.'"

Night came, and the King, after a repast, during which he affected
much gaiety and cheerfulness, suddenly retired, and threw himself upon
a sofa, apparently in the same state in which he had been the night
before. Achib, who