s. A Georgian slave, who had been the favourite previous to my
arrival, and who had never forgiven my supplanting her, had been sent to
him by the sultan as a compliment; and this rare distinction had been
conferred upon him on the day when I requested leave to remain behind
the screen in the hall of the divan, that I might behold this celebrated
and distinguished person. He was indeed a splendid figure, and his face
was equally perfect. He formed, in outward appearance, all that I could
imagine of a hero. As I looked at him from behind the screen, he turned
his head from me, and I beheld, to my surprise, the red stain on his
neck, which told me, at once, that I had found my long-lost brother.
Delighted at the rencontre, I retired as soon as the audience was over,
and the sultan came to my apartment; I told him the discovery which I
had made. The sultan appeared pleased at the information: and the next
day sending for my brother, he asked him a few questions relative to his
lineage and former life, which corroborated my story, and, loading him
with fresh honours, he dismissed him. I was delighted that, in finding
my brother, I had found one who was not unworthy of the sultan's regard,
and I considered it a most fortunate circumstance; but how blind are
mortals! My brother was the cause of my disgrace and eternal separation
from the sultan. I mentioned to your highness that the Georgian slave,
who had preceded me in the sultan's favour, had been sent as a present
to my brother. This woman, although she had always appeared fond of me,
was, in fact, my most bitter enemy. She was very beautiful and clever,
and soon obtained the most unlimited influence over my brother. Yet she
loved him not; she had but one feeling to gratify, which was revenge on
me. My brother had so often led the troops to victory, that he had
acquired an unbounded sway over them. Stimulated by their suggestions,
and his own ambition, which like mine, was boundless, he was at last
induced to plot against his master, with the intention of dethroning
him, and reigning in his stead. To his new wife, the Georgian, he had
intrusted his plans; and she resolved to regain the favour of the sultan
and accomplish my ruin, by making me a party, and then communicating to
him the treason which was in agitation. She proposed to my brother that
he should inform me of his intentions, alleging, that in all probability
I would assist him, as I cared little for the sultan; an