d
perhaps indeed by natural sympathy, gave him a favourable reception, and
asked his name and quality. "Sir," answered Codadad, "I am son to an
emir of Grand Cairo; an inclination to travel has made me quit my
country, and understanding that you were engaged in war, I am come to
your court to offer your majesty my service." The sultan, upon hearing
this, shewed him extraordinary kindness, and gave him a command in his
army.

The young prince soon gained the esteem of the officers, and was admired
by the soldiers. Having no less wit than courage, he so far advanced
himself in the sultan's esteem, as to become his favourite. All the
ministers and other courtiers daily resorted to Codadad, and were so
eager to purchase his friendship, that they neglected the sultan's sons.
The princes could not but resent this conduct, and all conceived an
implacable hatred against him; but the sultan's affection daily
increasing, he was never weary of giving him fresh testimonies of his
regard. He always would have him near his person; and to shew his high
opinion of his wisdom and prudence, committed to his care the other
princes, though he was of the same age as they; so that Codadad was made
governor of his brothers.

This only served to heighten their hatred. "Is it come to this," said
they, "that the sultan, not satisfied with loving a stranger more than
us, will have him to be our governor, and not allow us to act without
his leave? This is not to be endured. We must rid ourselves of this
foreigner." "Let us go together," said one of them, "and despatch him."
"No, no," answered another; "we had better be cautious how we sacrifice
ourselves. His death would render us odious to the sultan. Let us
destroy him by some stratagem. We will ask his permission to hunt, and,
when at a distance from the palace, proceed to some other city and stay
there some time. The sultan will wonder at our absence, and perceiving
we do not return, perhaps put the stranger to death, or at least will
banish him from court, for suffering us to leave the palace."

All the princes applauded this artifice. They went together to Codadad,
and desired him to allow them to take the diversion of hunting,
promising to return the same day. Pirouze's son was taken in the snare,
and granted the permission his brothers desired. They set out, but never
returned. They had been three days absent, when the sultan asked Codadad
where the princes were, for it was long since h