a revolt to HAMET, in which Osmyn had refused to concur, he
knew that his life was now in his power; he dreaded lest, for some
slight offence, or in some fit of causeless displeasure, he should
disclose the secret to ALMORAN, who would then certainly condemn him to
death. To secure this fatal secret, and put an end to his inquietude, he
resolved, from the moment that ALMORAN was established upon the throne,
to find some opportunity secretly to destroy Osmyn: in this resolution,
he was confirmed by the enmity, which inferior minds never fail to
conceive against that merit, which they cannot but envy without spirit
to emulate, and by which they feel themselves disgraced without an
effort to acquire equal honour; it was confirmed also by the hope which
Caled had conceived, that, upon the death of Osmyn, he should succeed to
his post: his apprehensions likewise were increased, by the gloom which
he remarked in the countenance of Osmyn; and which not knowing that it
arose from fear, he imputed to jealousy and malevolence.

When ALMORAN, who had now assumed the appearance of Osmyn, had passed
the subterranean avenue to the dungeon in which HAMET was confined, he
was met by Caled; of whom he demanded admittance to the prince, and
produced his own signet, as a testimony that he came with the authority
of the king. As it was Caled's interest to secure the favour of Osmyn
till an opportunity should offer to cut him off, he received him with
every possible mark of respect and reverence; and when he was gone into
the dungeon, he commanded a beverage to be prepared for him against he
should return, in which such spices were infused, as might expel the
malignity which, in that place, might be received with the breath of
life; and taking himself the key of the prison, he waited at the door.

When ALMORAN entered the dungeon, with a lamp which he had received from
Caled, he found HAMET sitting upon the ground: his countenance was
impressed with the characters of grief; but it retained no marks either
of anger or fear. When he looked up, and saw the features of Osmyn, he
judged that the mutes were behind him; and, therefore, rose up, to
prepare himself for death. ALMORAN beheld his calmness and fortitude
with the involuntary praise of admiration; yet persisted in his purpose
without remorse. 'I am come,' said he, by the command of ALMORAN, to
denounce that fate, the bitterness of which I will enable thee to
avoid.' 'And what is there,'