As I looked at him from behind the screen, he turned
his head from me, and I beheld, to my surprise, the red stain on his
neck, which told me, at once, that I had found my long-lost brother.
Delighted at the rencontre, I retired as soon as the audience was over,
and the sultan came to my apartment; I told him the discovery which I
had made. The sultan appeared pleased at the information: and the next
day sending for my brother, he asked him a few questions relative to his
lineage and former life, which corroborated my story, and, loading him
with fresh honours, he dismissed him. I was delighted that, in finding
my brother, I had found one who was not unworthy of the sultan's regard,
and I considered it a most fortunate circumstance; but how blind are
mortals! My brother was the cause of my disgrace and eternal separation
from the sultan. I mentioned to your highness that the Georgian slave,
who had preceded me in the sultan's favour, had been sent as a present
to my brother. This woman, although she had always appeared fond of me,
was, in fact, my most bitter enemy. She was very beautiful and clever,
and soon obtained the most unlimited influence over my brother. Yet she
loved him not; she had but one feeling to gratify, which was revenge on
me. My brother had so often led the troops to victory, that he had
acquired an unbounded sway over them. Stimulated by their suggestions,
and his own ambition, which like mine, was boundless, he was at last
induced to plot against his master, with the intention of dethroning
him, and reigning in his stead.
Pages:
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477