small grated window, to which he
applied his eye. But an eunuch, placed there on guard, perceived the
inquisitive man, and, without knowing him, struck him with the point
of his scimitar, which at once ran through both his eyes, and drew
from him a piercing cry, which soon collected around him all those
engaged in his service.

They stood around the wounded, inquiring the cause which could have
reduced him to the unhappy situation he was in. His misfortune
discovered to him his crime.

"It was my impatience," replied he, with sorrow. "I have too soon
forgotten the sage counsels of the King my benefactor. In three days I
would have seen her who was to crown my happiness; but I was unable to
bear this delay with patience. I wished to enjoy beforehand the
pleasure of seeing her, and for this I am punished with the loss of my
sight."

* * * * *

"In this manner," added Aladin, "did the impatient Bhazad, on the very
point of becoming happy, lose that hope for ever, and was condemned to
the most cruel loss in being deprived of the sense of sight. He ought
to have recollected the dangers to which his former imprudence had
exposed him; with what maturity of deliberation, with what wise delay,
the monarch to whom he was indebted for his fortune and life had
conducted himself with respect to him, and he ought to have yielded
entirely to his advice. But it is not from acting without reflection
that experience is acquired, and the wise alone can profit by that of
others."

* * * * *

The young Superintendent, having made an end of speaking, Bohetzad,
drowned in thought, dismissed the assembly, and remanded the criminal
to prison.

The ten Viziers, afraid lest their victim should escape, assembled
again next day, and sent three of their number in a deputation to the
King to strike the last blow against the young Aladin. They assured
Bohetzad that the dangerous consequences of his clemency were already
felt.

"Every day," said they, "ordinary justice is engaged in checking the
audacious crimes of your subjects against the sanctity of the harem.
Prevaricating criminals have the boldness to defend themselves by the
example that is before their eyes; and the delays which arise from
your Majesty in this affair are so many pretences which they allege in
their justification. We conjure you, sire, to put an end to this
disorder, which your ministers will soon be unabl