AN
and HAMET, and they were twins. ALMORAN was the first born, but Solyman
divided his affection equally between them: they were both lodged in the
same part of the seraglio, both were attended by the same servants, and
both received instructions from the same teacher.

One of the first things that ALMORAN learnt, was the prerogative of his
birth; and he was taught very early to set a high value upon it, by the
terms in which those about him expressed their sense of the power, the
splendor, and the delights of royalty. As his mind gradually opened, he
naturally considered these as the objects of universal define, and the
means of supreme felicity: he was often reminded, that the time was
coming, when the sole possession of sovereign power would enable him to
fulfil all his wishes, to determine the fate of dependent nations with a
nod, and dispense life and death, and happiness and misery, at his will:
he was flattered by those who hoped to draw wealth and dignity from his
favour; and interest prompted all who approached him, to administer to
his pleasures with a zeal and assiduity, which had the appearance of
reverence to his merit, and affection to his person.

HAMET, on the contrary, soon became sensible of a subordinate station:
he was not, indeed, neglected; but he was not much caressed. When the
gratification of HAMET came in competition with that of ALMORAN, he was
always obliged to give it up, except when Solyman interposed: his mind
was, therefore, naturally led to seek for happiness in objects very
different from those which had fixed the attention of ALMORAN. As he
knew not to how narrow a sphere caprice or jealousy might confine him,
he considered what pleasures were least dependent upon external
advantages; and as the first popular commotion which mould happen after
his brother's accession to the throne, might probably cost him his life,
he was very inquisitive about the state into which his spirit would be
dismissed by the Angel of Death, and very diligent to do whatever might
secure him a share of the permanent and unchangeable felicity of
Paradise.

This difference in the situation of ALMORAN and HAMET, produced great
dissimilarity in their dispositions, habits, and characters; to which,
perhaps, nature might also in some degree contribute. ALMORAN was
haughty, vain, and voluptuous; HAMET was gentle, courteous, and
temperate: ALMORAN was volatile, impetuous, and irascible; HAMET was
thoughtful, patient