When he had attained the age of fifteen, the sultan, who tenderly loved him, and gave him every day new marks of his affection, proposed to afford a still higher demonstration by resigning his throne to him, and he accordingly acquainted his grand vizier with his intentions.  “I fear,” said he, “lest my son should lose in the inactivity of youth those advantages which nature and my education have give him; therefore, since I am advanced in age, and ought to think of retirement I propose to resign the government to him, and pass the remainder of my days in the satisfaction of seeing him reign.  I have borne the fatigue of a crown till I am weary of it, and think it is now proper for me to retire.”

The grand vizier declined offering all the reasons he could have alleged to dissuade the sultan from such a proceeding; on the contrary, he appeared to acquiesce with him in his opinion.  “Sir,” replied he, “the prince is yet but young, and it would not, in my humble opinion, be advisable to burden him with the weight of a crown so soon.  Your majesty fears, with great reason, his youth may be corrupted by indolence:  but to avoid this danger, do not you think it would be proper to marry him?  Marriage forms attachment, and prevents dissipation.  Your majesty might then admit him of your council, where he would learn by degrees the art of reigning; and so be prepared to receive your authority, whenever by your own experience you shall think him qualified.”

Shaw Zummaun approved the advice of his prime minister; and summoned the prince to appear before him, at the same time that he dismissed the grand vizier.

The prince, who had been accustomed to see his father only at certain times without being sent for, was a little startled at this summons; when, therefore, he came into his presence, he saluted him with great respect, and stood with his eyes fixed on the ground.

The sultan perceiving his constraint, addressed him with great mildness, “Do you know, son, for what reason I have sent for you?” The prince modestly replied, “God alone knows the heart:  I shall hear it from your majesty with pleasure.”  “I sent for you,” resumed the sultan, “to inform you that it is my intention to provide a proper marriage for you:  what do you think of my design?”

The prince heard this with great uneasiness:  he was greatly agitated, and knew not what answer to make.  After a few moments silence, he replied, “Sir, I beseech you to pardon me if I seem surprised at the declaration you have made.  I did not expect such proposals at my present age.  I know not whether I could prevail on myself to marry, on account of the trouble incident to a married life, and the many treacheries of women, which I have read of.  I may not be always of the same mind, yet I conceive it will require time to determine on what your majesty requires of me.”