one moment bursting into tears, in the next calling for
assistance. I was removed to my apartments, and after some time, the
physicians succeeded in restoring me to life: but I was for many days
confused and dizzy in the brain, during which every attention and care
was lavished on me. One evening I felt sufficiently recovered to speak,
and I demanded of my attendants what had taken place. They informed me
that the mutes, who had mistaken the signal, had been impaled, and that
the janissaries had risen and demanded my brother, whose execution had
been deferred by the sultan; but that on the commotion taking place, by
order of the grand vizier, my brother had been executed, and his head
thrown out to the rebellious troops, who had then dispersed, and had
since been brought to subjection, and some hundreds of their ringleaders
had been executed. I turned away at this intelligence, for I loved my
noble but misguided brother. The movement occasioned excruciating pain,
which arose from the deep wound made by the bowstring in my neck.

The next morning I rose, that I might contemplate my person in the
mirror, and I at once perceived the alteration which had taken place.
There was a certain degree of distortion of features which I thought
would never be removed. I felt, that although the sultan might respect
me, I could not expect the same influence and undivided attention as
before. With a heavy heart I threw myself on the couch, and planned for
the future. I reflected upon the uncertain tenure by which the
affections of a despot are held--and I resolved to part. Still I loved
him, loved him in spite of all his cruelty; but my resolution was made.
For six weeks I refused to see the sultan, although he inquired every
day, and sent me magnificent presents. At the end of that period I had
recovered, and all that remained from the effects of the bowstring, was
a slight wrinkling of the skin from distension, and the deep blue mark
round my neck which I have just shown to your highness.

When I first admitted the sultan, he was much affected. "Zara," said he
mournfully, "I swear by the holy Prophet that I meant not to give the
signal."

"I believe you, my lord," replied I calmly.

"Neither did I intend that your brother should suffer. I meant to have
gained your favour by his pardon."

"He was a traitor, my lord, an ungrateful traitor, and deserved his
death. So may all like him perish."

"And now, Zara, may I hop