her uncle and her
child to be able to open her soul to the impressions of a new
affection!

"Alas! dear uncle," said she, "what sentiments will ever replace those
whose sweetness I here experience? Where could I find duties so
pleasant to fulfil?"

"My dear daughter," replied Selimansha, "you are asked in marriage by
one of the most powerful monarchs in the world. His virtues are highly
praised, and his person favourably spoken of. Your son, whom I have
placed upon my throne, stands in need of a protection more vigorous
and lasting than mine. You will be able by your address to bring about
a strict alliance betwixt the two monarchs. But forget not that, in
order to procure the expulsion of Balavan, I have charged him with
the double crime of having assassinated his brother and his nephew.
Shaseliman reigns in Persia as a descendant of my house, and his
mother must be concealed from Bensirak. You will become dearer to him
when he can hope for your undivided affections, and that they will
only be extended to the children who shall be born of this marriage.
My experience hath taught me the weakness of the human heart. A
powerful man always distrusts discourses in which personal interest is
concerned. You can render your son upon the Persian throne the most
essential services as a distant relation without being suspected of
sacrificing the interests of your husband and children; but were you
to speak in behalf of a son, you would be looked on as a mother
blinded by an excess of love. Besides, it is very fortunate for us
that Bensirak expects from our favour that which he might force from
us by his power. Let us not by a refusal draw the scourge of war upon
our people, and let us sacrifice to their repose and our own interests
the pleasure we should have in living together."

Chamsada made no opposition to these arguments, more specious than
solid; and Selimansha in a short time returned, in answer to the
Sultan, that his niece found herself extremely honoured by the choice
of the powerful Sovereign of Egypt, and that she was ready to be
united to him. On hearing this, the Sultan, intoxicated with joy, sent
an ambassador with a superb retinue to bring his spouse. Selimansha,
informed of the arrival of the Egyptian minister in his kingdom, went
twenty leagues from his capital to meet him, received him in a
magnificent camp, and after having feasted him for two days, delivered
to him his niece. The ceremonies were shortene