posed to my fall. I find, among the adventures of the family of
Selimansha, innumerable circumstances that have a resemblance to
mine. Balavan, his son, found, in attempting the death of one of his
nephews, that no human power can hasten the moment of death marked out
by Providence."

"I should wish to know," said Bohetzad, "if you can show us in the
history of this family an example of ingratitude like yours."

HISTORY OF SELIMANSHA AND HIS FAMILY.

Sire (replied the young Superintendent immediately) history has
preserved to us the memory of a King of Persia, named Selimansha, who
possessed all the virtues of a great Sovereign. His family consisted
of two sons, but was increased by an only daughter of Kalisla, his
brother, whom the latter, when dying, had entrusted to his care.
Sensible of his preference, Selimansha forgot nothing in order to
return his confidence. His love for his brother, joined to the purest
virtues, engaged him to bestow the greatest care on the education of
this Princess, whom he looked upon as his own daughter. Favours so
delicate met in this young disciple the happiest dispositions, and
soon brought her to a great degree of perfection.

From the age of twelve the charms of her person and the graces of her
mind caused her to be remarked by persons of her own sex as the star
of morning in the bosom of the firmament. Her well-stored memory
always enabled her to display the soundness of her judgment. She was
so well acquainted with the Koran as to repeat chapters of it at
pleasure, and she explained its meaning with a precision that
delighted every hearer.

Selimansha, seeing his amiable niece fit for marriage, thought he
could not dispose of her hand better than by bestowing it on one of
his sons. He proposed this to the Princess, leaving her, however,
absolute mistress of her choice.

"It is only your happiness that I seek, daughter; pronounce, and my
will shall follow your decision."

"On whose judgment could I better rely than on yours?" replied
Chamsada. "I commit myself entirely to the tenderness of which I have
every day the most affecting proofs, and I submit with pleasure to
everything which your wisdom shall determine concerning me."

"Your confidence flatters me," replied the good monarch, "and would
redouble my affection for you were it capable of being increased.
Since you leave to me the disposal of your lot, I will join it to that
of my second son. The happy similarity w