The Evening critic., 1885-04-09
THE TWO BROTHERS.


A long time ago there lived and reigned
in Persia king. upon whom Allah had
showered many blessings. He was wise
and Just, and his subjects loved him. He
would have been very happy If he only had
a son to succeed him on the throne, but this
favor was denied. The wise king had
spent his whole life in improving the
moral and intellectual status of his subjects,
and it grieved him much to know that
when his own life ended tho fabric of his
genius and toll would crumble to pieces. At
last, however, this dread was removed. He
had two favorable sultanas, and each of
them bore him on the same day and the
same hour and what was more singular
the two children were born at precisely the
same time, so that 1t was impossible to de-
termine which was the older This coinci
dence distressed the king, inasmuch as he
could not decide which of the sons had the
right to succeed him on the throne.
The king consulted with his wise men,
and at last came to the conclusion that the
princes should receive precisely the same
education and training as If they were only
one person. The king hoped that they
would be actuated by the same motives and
impulses, and agree TO jointly rule the
kingdom. They were never separated from
slept together. What was given to one was
given to the other. What one did the other
did also.
And thus the wish of the king was full
filed. The two princes had become so ac-
customed to each other, that they
looked alike, walked alike, talked
alike and thought alike. After they
had reached their twelfth year. there
was go occasion to keep them to-
| gether. They never dreamed of being
| separated, and voluntarily and instinct
| lively kept up their former intimacy y-and
thus they grew up to be strong, handsome
| youths. Their father praised Allah that
his hopes had been realized, for the love of
the brothers for each other had been tested
four times, and they had stood the test.
They were devoted to each, and either was
willing to give up his life for the other.
They had unlimited confidence in each
other.
One day, to test their affection for each
other, the wise king sent a courtier to Ach-
med, TO tell him that his brother Hassap
was plotting to murder him and seize the
| throne for himself on the death of the king.
| Achmed, who was of mild disposition, re-
piled calmly Thou liest My brother
does not seek my life Let me never SEQ
| thy face again.
The king had, ON the same day, sent
anothereourtier to EIassan with the same
| report. Hassan was of more impetuous
nature than his brother, for infamed with
rage, he buried his dagger in the heart of
the courtier saying; Dog, thou hast SLAM
dered my brother
From that time on the king was salts
fled in his own mind that his two sons
would reign jointly, and carry out his
plans for the welfare and progress Of his
| people. He, therefore, sabdicated in favor
of his two sons and admonishing them 20
make his people happy, he blessed them,
| glpepH HE aud died
Achmed and Hassan swore on their
fathers corpse to carry out his last wishes,
1 TO devote their lives TO the welfare OF the
people. They kept their oath, and the peo'
| pie OF Persia honor their memory to this
day Hassan was resolute and strong, the
terror of the enemies of Persia Achmed
wa was mild and gentle, but both were iust: