Delaware patriot & American watchman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1828-1828, 1828-03-25

the lion met me. Noble lion4 said, am come,
as promised you,' then related to him how the
gardener had absolved me from my vow. and ex-
dressed hope that the king Of beasts would be-
jieye his renown for generosity. The li0r. again
s,epped aside. and proceeded to The thief. who
was still standing where left him. told him
was now in his Power. but that before he stripped
me, must relate to him what had happened since
our last meeting. Having heard me; he turned me
away, 81 am not meaner than poor gardener, nor
more cruel than hungry lion will not inJure
what they have respected
Delighted with my escapes, returned to my
fathers paIace. where was united TO my cousin,
with whom lived happily to his death persuad.
cd however, that the power Of human beings to do
rood is very limited, and that when they leave the
narrow path marked out for them by their maker,
they not only lose their object, but often wander
far into error and guilt, by attempting more than
it is possible to PERFORM
The princess paused. and was glad TO sec her
guests SO enchanted with her story that it had ban
ished every other though from their minds. After
few moments she turned to one of them, and ask
Cd, Now which. think you, showed the greatest
virtue in his forbearance-the gardener, the thief,
or the lion -
sThe gardener, assuredly,' was his answer,
to abandon 50 lovely prize, when so nearly his
own.'
sAnd what is your opinion said the princess
to his neighbour
Il think the lion was the most generous, he must
have been very hungry; in such a state il great
forbearance to abstain from dcycuing so delicate a
rnorsel.'
sYou both seem to me quite wrong said the
third. inpatientlv the thief had BY far the most
merit. Gracious heaven to have within his grasp
such wealth, md refrain from taking it could
not have believed it possible. unless the princess
herself had assured US OF the fact
The princess now, assuming an air Of dignity,
said to the first who spoke, You, perceive, are
an alnirer of the ladies' : to the second, You
an epicure;' and then turning to the third, who
already pale with fright, You. my friend. have
the emerald in your possession. You have betlay-
ed yourself, and nothing but an immediate confess
siof can save your life.'
The guilty mans countenance removed all doubt
and when the princess renewed her ASSURANCES Of
safety he threw himself at her feet, and acknow-
lodged his offence and rave her the emerald, which
he carried concealed about him. The princess
rose, went to her husband, and said, There, All
med, what do you think Of the success Of my cal
cuIations:' She then related the whole circum-
stance. and babe him carry the jewel to her father,
adding. trust he will feel greater admiration
than ever for my husbands the wonderful astrolo-
ser!'
Ahmed took the emerald in silent establishment.
and went with it to the king, Of whom lie request
ed private audience. On its being granted. he
presented the emerald. The king dazzled vith its
brancy and SIZE, loaded his son-in.aw with the
most eStravagant praises. extong him as superior
20 any astroo.er, who had ever been seen in the
world Poor Ahmed, conscious how little he de
served such praise, threw himself at the kings feet
and begged that he might be allowed to speak the
truth. as he was reader to die than to continue i'm
posing on his majesty's goodness. You impose
an me said the king, that is impossible. Did
you not recover my treasurer Have you not
brought me this cmeradf
True, king said Ahmed, 81 have done So
but without possessing that science for which !
have gained reputation lie then told his hlsto-
~ from first to last with perfect sincerity. The
Ling showed great dsp!easure while listening to
his earlier adventures, but when Ahmed related
the story OF the emerald, interminglins his tale
with terven expressions of admiration for the won
derful wisdom and virtue of the princess he hea d
him with delight. After he lad finished, the kim
summoned Iii, vzer and chief councillors, and de-
sired that his daughter INT attend and when they
were all assembled. he spakc as Follows; Daugh
ter, have learnt the history of thy husband from
his own lips. have also heard much in cunfirma.
ton of the belle! have long entertained that Iii,
knowledge and goodness are even greater than thy
beauty. They prove that thou vert born to rule :
and | only obey the will of Heaven. and consult
,he happiness VI my people; Wici resign my pow
er into thy hands, being resolved to seek that re
pose which my declining years require Az to thy
husband, thou wilt dispose OF him as peascs thee.
Ilis birth, always knew was low, but thought his
wisdom and learning raised him to a level with the
highest rank; these, It now appears, he does not
possess. II thou deemest his alliance disgrace.
divorce him. II, on the other hand, thou art vii.
ling TO keep him as thy husband, do SO, and ayc hin
such share az thou th;ntest fit in the authority which
now commit to thee.''
The princess knelt to kiss her father's hand, and
answered. May my fathers life and reign lie
prolonged for his daughters happiness, and for
that of his suhiects | am a weak mnnaan aItnno.h