"For the

sought, nor yet deserved, the evils that I suffer." weak children of man to boast," replied the virgin, " argues neither sense nor merit; conceited, vain, and ignorant, their path of life is stained with error, and perplexed with doubt; purblind they grope along the bright meridian day, and every action past they wish undone."

"It is not presuming on a well-spent life, that I refuse your boon," replied Sadak to the virgin of the cave; "but, conscious of no studied ill, I thank my prophet for his mercies past, and value the great Allah's former gifts too largely to desire oblivion may prevent my future thanks: whatever afflictions are endured were meant as blessings to increase my faith; these surely to forget were base ingratitude. Whatever are the blessings that Sadak has received, these yet reflect new comforts on my soul, and these to lose were little to deserve the future mercies of my God. No, virgin; one moment's recollection of Kalasrade's truth is more delightful far to me than years of pleasure with a second flame. Though dead, shall I forget thee, Codan! whose pious cares so lately honoured good Mepiki's grave? Though lost to me, yet never from my mind shall Ahud's righteous image pass

"Noble Sadak," answered the virgin, "thou alone art worthy to succeed, who hast learned rightly to value the gift thou hast obtained: take, then, this goblet, and carry to thy prince these Waters of Oblivion; and fear not the toils of returning, for as soon as thou art in possession of the goblet thou shalt stand at the gates of the seraglio of Amurath." "But, gentle maiden," replied Sadak, "ere I receive from thy hands this inestimable gift, inform me, I beseech thee, where is the duteous Ahud, the glory of my years?" "Ahud," answered she, "is hidden from my knowledge: but let this content thee, that thou alone hast prevailed, and been able to bear from hence the Waters of Oblivion." M 2

Thus speaking, the maiden gave into Sadak's hand the golden goblet, and as he received it, the cave and fountain rolled off in a dark cloud from before him, and Sadak found himself at the gates of Amurath's palace. The janissaries, who recollected the features of their long-lost general, shouted for joy, and the populace in tumults proclaimed the arrival of Sadak.

:

As Sadak entered the royal apartment with the goblet in his hand, he perceived Amurath sitting with a disturbed visage on the embroidered sofa. Sadak thrice prostrated himself before him and Amurath, with a frown, commanded his slaves and attendants to retire. "What, slave!" said the royal tyrant as Sadak arose, "hast thou succeeded in thy employment, or dost thou bring thy forfeit head a tribute to thy prince ?" "Lord of the Othman race!" answered Sadak, "the great Allah, whom I serve, hath blessed the cause of thy slave, and Sadak is returned with honour and success to the Othman court." "Curse on thy honours, vain slave!" replied Amurath hastily; "and cursed be the pride of thy heart! Thinkest thou that thou shalt triumph over thy prince? or that Allah hath reserved for thee joys superior to those which Amurath possesses?" "The blessings of Allah," answered Sadak, "have refreshed my heart, and the bounteous smile of my all-gracious Maker hath enlightened my soul in every horror I have passed." "Blasphemous slave!" said Amurath, rising in haste, "thou liest! Allah meant not to bless thee beyond thy lord, but has buoyed up thy heart with treacherous hope, to make thy disappointment greater. Yes, slave, thy master has resumed himself, destroyed thy children, and blessed Kalasrade with these outstretched arms, that thou mightest curse thy God and die." "Hast thou prevailed, thou tyrant?" said Sadak, trembling: "then welcome the black contents of this infernal bowl, for now oblivion is all I ask!"

"Slaves!" said Amurath, clapping his hands, "seize from the frantic slave that precious bowl! it were luxury too great for him to taste and to forget. The Waters of Oblivion are designed for mine and Kalasrade's peace: wherefore, bring me, slaves! the refreshing goblet; for my gloomy soul pants for oblivion. Slaves, give me the goblet! Now, welcome peace! and, conscience, thou base intruder, a long farewell to all thy wretched admonitions! But, slaves, remember ere I drink this, Sadak dies."

As Amurath spoke thus, he received the golden goblet from the hands of the slaves. "See, Sadak," said he, "how greatly Amurath doth honour to his slave: I drink this bowl to be like thee; and fair Kalasrade, having tasted its sweet contents, shall look on Amurath and think him Sadak." The greedy monarch then raised the goblet to his lips, and drank of the dark liquor it contained, which quickly spread its fatal influence through his veins; and the disappointed Amurath too late perceived that with oblivion death goes hand in hand. Sadak, surprised, started at the unexpected effects of the deadly goblet; and the slaves of Amurath, who ran to his assistance as he fell, finding their endeavours to recover him ineffectual, now fell trembling at the feet of Sadak, whom they imagined the janissaries would doubtless place on the Othmån throne.

"Lord of our lives!" said they, "Allah hath justly punished the wretched Amurath for his broken vows, and thy slaves wait thy commands to cast his wretched carcass forth a prey to the fowls of the air." "Wretches!" said Sadak sternly to them, "I seek not the power you are so ready to bestow let the faithful Doubor be called, that the subjects of the Othman throne may be acquainted with their loss." "Heir to the Othman glory!" answered the slaves, " Doubor, by Amurath's command, is gone to Iznimid on the affairs of state," "Then,"