Shaw Zummaun thought himself the most happy monarch of the world, on account of his peaceful and prosperous reign.  One thing only disturbed his happiness; which was, that he was advanced in years, and had no children, though he had so many wives.  He knew not to what to attribute this barrenness; and what increased his affliction was, that he was likely to leave his kingdom without a successor.  He dissembled his discontent, and this dissimulation only heightened his uneasiness.  At length he broke silence; and one day after he had complained bitterly of his misfortune to his grand vizier, he asked him if he knew any remedy for it?

That wise minister replied, “If what your majesty requires of me had depended on the ordinary rules of human wisdom, you had soon had an answer to your satisfaction; but my experience and knowledge fall far short of your question.  It is to God only that we can apply in cases of this kind.  In the midst of our prosperities, which often tempt us to forget him, he is pleased to mortify us in some instance, that we may address our thoughts to him, acknowledge his omnipotence, and ask of him what we ought to expect from him alone.  Your majesty has subjects,” proceeded he “who make a profession of honouring and serving God, and suffering great hardships for his sake; to them I would advise you to have recourse, and engage them, by alms, to join their prayers with yours.  Perhaps some one among them may be so pure and pleasing to God as to obtain a hearing for your prayers.”

Shaw Zummaun approved this advice, and thanked his vizier.  He immediately caused alms to be given to every community of these holy men in his dominions:  and having sent for the superiors, declared to them his intention, and desired them to acquaint their devout men with it.

The king obtained of Heaven what he requested, for in nine months’ time he had a son by one of his wives.  To express his gratitude to Heaven, he sent fresh alms to the communities of devotees, and the prince’s birth-day was celebrated not only in his capital, but throughout his dominions, for a whole week.  The prince was brought to him as soon as born, and he found him so beautiful that he gave him the name of Kummir al Zummaun, or Moon of the Age.

He was brought up with all imaginable care; and when he had arrived at a proper age, his father appointed him an experienced governor and able preceptors.  These persons, distinguished by their capacity, found in him a ready wit capable of receiving all the instructions that were proper to be given him, as well in relation to morals as other knowledge which a prince ought to possess.  As he grew up, he learned all his exercises, and acquitted himself with such grace and wonderful address, as to charm all that saw him, and particularly the sultan his father.