long and glorious reign,
Schah-riar, his eldest son, ascended the throne and reigned in his
stead. Schah-zenan, however, was not in the least envious, and a
friendly contest soon arose between the two brothers as to which could
best promote the happiness of the other. Schah-zenan did all he could
to show his loyalty and affection, while the new sultan loaded his
brother with all possible honors, and in order that he might in some
degree share the sultan's power and wealth, bestowed on him the
kingdom of Great Tartary. Schah-zenan immediately went to take
possession of the empire allotted him, and fixed his residence at
Samarcand, the chief city.

After a separation of ten years Schah-riar so ardently desired to see
his brother, that he sent his first vizier,[1] with a splendid
embassy, to invite him to revisit his court. As soon as Schah-zenan
was informed of the approach of the vizier, he went out to meet him,
with all his ministers, in most magnificent dress, and inquired after
the health of the sultan, his brother. Having replied to these
affectionate inquiries, the vizier told the purpose of his coming.
Schah-zenan, who was much affected at the kindness and recollection of
his brother, then addressed the vizier in these words: "Sage vizier,
the sultan, my brother, does me too much honor. It is impossible that
his wish to see me can exceed my desire of again beholding him. You
have come at a happy moment. My kingdom is tranquil, and in ten days'
time I will be ready to depart with you. Meanwhile pitch your tents on
this spot, and I will order every refreshment and accommodation for
you and your whole train."

[Footnote 1: Vazir, Vezir--literally, a porter, that is, the minister
who bears the principal burden of the state.--D'Herbelot,
_Bibliotheque Orientale._]

At the end of ten days everything was ready, and Schah-zenan took a
tender leave of the queen, his consort. Accompanied by such officers
as he had appointed to attend him, he left Samarcand in the evening
and camped near the tents of his brother's ambassador, that they might
proceed on their journey early the following morning. Wishing,
however, once more to see his queen, whom he tenderly loved, he
returned privately to the palace, and went directly to her apartment.
There, to his extreme grief, he found her in the company of a slave
whom she plainly loved better than himself. Yielding to the first
outburst of his indignation, the unfortunate monarch dr