ged around the walls. When they had done
this, Saoud gave a second signal, and Labakan was introduced; with
haughty step he walked through the apartment, and prostrated himself
before the throne with these words:--

"What is the command of my lord and father?" The sultan raised himself
in his throne, and said:--

"My son, doubts are entertained as to the genuineness of thy claims to
this name; one of these chests contains the confirmation of thy real
birth. Choose! I doubt not thou wilt select the right one!" Labakan
raised himself, and advanced towards the boxes; for a long time he
reflected as to which he should choose, at last he said:--

"Honored father, what can be loftier than the fortune of being thy
son? What more noble than the wealth of thy favor? I choose the chest
which bears the inscription, FORTUNE AND WEALTH."

"We will soon learn whether thou hast made the right choice; meanwhile
sit down upon that cushion, near the bashaw of Medina," said the
sultan, again motioning to his slaves.

Omar was led in; his eye was mournful, his air dejected, and his
appearance excited universal sympathy among the spectators. He threw
himself before the throne, and inquired after the sultan's pleasure.
Saoud informed him that he was to choose one of the chests: he arose,
and approached the table. He read attentively both inscriptions, and
said:--

"The few last days have informed me how insecure is fortune, how
transient is wealth; but they have also taught me that, in the breast
of the brave, lives what can never be destroyed, HONOR, and that the
bright star of RENOWN sets not with fortune. The die is cast! should I
resign a crown, Honor and Fame, you are my choice!" He placed his hand
upon the casket that he had chosen, but the sultan commanded him not
to unclose it, while he motioned to Labakan to advance, in like
manner, before his table. He did so, and at the same time grasped his
box. The sultan, however, had a chalice brought in, with water from
Zemzem, the holy fountain of Mecca, washed his hands for supplication,
and, turning his face to the East, prostrated himself in prayer:

"God of my fathers! Thou, who for centuries hast established our
family, pure and unadulterated, grant that no unworthy one disgrace
the name of the Abassidae; be with thy protection near my real son, in
this hour of trial." The sultan arose, and reascended his throne.
Universal expectation enchained all present; they scarcely breathe