nce to become only the head of an inferior sect, instead of
revelling in the universal tithes of a whole nation. As for the meteor,
Scherirah must have crossed the river about the same time, and the
Sultan of Roum may explain the bloody portent. For the shriek, as I
really have no acquaintance with spirits, I must leave the miraculous
communication to the favoured ears and initiated intelligences of your
highness and my brother. It seems that it differed from "the Daughter
of the Voice" in more respects than one, since it was not only extremely
noisy, but, as it would appear, quite unintelligible except to the
individual who had an interest in the interpretation, an ingenious
one, I confess. When I enter upon my functions as your highness's
chamberlain, I will at least guarantee that your slumbers shall not be
disturbed either by spirits or more unwelcome visitors.'

'Enter upon them at once, good Honain. How fares my Persian rose to-day,
my sweet Schirene?'

'Feeding on your image in your absence. She spares no word to me, I do
assure your highness.'

'Nay, nay, we know you are a general favourite with the sex, Honain.
I'faith I'm jealous.'

'I would your highness had cause,' said Honain, demurely.

The approaching marriage between the King of the Hebrews and the
Princess of Bagdad was published throughout Asia. Preparations were made
on the plain of the Tigris for the great rejoicing. Whole forests
were felled to provide materials for the buildings and fuel for the
banqueting. All the governors of provinces and cities, all the chief
officers and nobility of both nations, were specially invited, and daily
arrived in state at Bagdad. Among them the Viceroy of the Medes and
Persians, and his recent bride, the Princess Miriam, were conspicuous,
followed by a train of nearly ten thousand persons.

A throne, ascended by one hundred steps covered with crimson cloth, and
crowned by a golden canopy, was raised in the middle of the plain; on
each side was a throne less elevated, but equally gorgeous. In the front
of these thrones an immense circus was described, formed by one
hundred chartaks or amphitheatres, ample room for the admittance of the
multitude being left between the buildings. These chartaks were covered
with bright brocades and showy carpets; on each was hoisted a brilliant
banner. In some of them were bands of choice musicians, in others
companies of jugglers, buffoons, and storiers. Five chartaks on each