to quit my native city, and seek for subsistence in
a distant country as clerk to a merchant, or in any
other way that might offer. I accordingly set
out alone, and had travelled some days, when in passing
over a sandy desert I met a venerable looking personage
dressed in white, who kindly accosting me, inquired
the object of my journey: upon which I related
my story. The old man blessed me, highly praised
the steadfastness of my adherence to the promise I
had made to a dying father; and said, “My son,
be not dismayed, thy virtuous conduct has been approved
by our holy prophet, who has interceded for thee at
the throne of bounty: follow me, and reap the
reward of thy sufferings.” I did as he desired;
and we, after some time, reached this city, which
was then wholly depopulated, and even this palace
in a state of decay. On our entrance my venerable
guide bade me welcome, saying, “Here heaven
has decreed thee to reign, and thou wilt soon become
a powerful sultan.” He then conducted me
to the palace, and we descended from one of the apartments
into a vault, where to my astonishment I beheld vast
heaps of gold and silver ingots, large bags of coins
of the same metals, and several rich chests filled
with jewels of inestimable value, of all which he
saluted me master. I was overcome with astonishment;
but said, “Of what use is all this wealth in
a depopulated city? and how can I be a sultan without
subjects?” The old man smiled, and said, “Have
patience, my son; this evening a numerous caravan
will arrive here composed of emigrants, who are in
search of a settlement, and they will elect thee their
sovereign.” His words proved true; the caravan
arrived, when the old man invited them to inhabit the
city; his offer was gladly accepted, and by his direction
they declared me their sultan. My protector remained
with me a whole year, during which he gave me instructions
how to govern, and I became what I am. Heaven
has prospered my endeavours to do good: the fame
of my liberality, justice, and clemency soon spread
abroad; the city was soon filled by industrious inhabitants,
who repaired the decayed buildings, and erected new
ones. The country round became well cultivated,
and our port was filled with vessels from every quarter.
I shortly after sent for my family, for I had left
behind me a wife and two sons; and you may guess from
your own joy at meeting after long separation what
must have been mine on such an occasion. My venerable
patron, at the expiration of the year, one day thus
addressed me: “My son, as my mission is
completed I must now leave you; but be not alarmed,
for provided thou continuest to act as thou hast begun,
we shall meet again. Know that I am the prophet
Khizzer, and was sent by heaven to protect thee.
Mayest thou deserve its blessings!” Having said
this he embraced me in his arms, and then vanished,
how I know not, from my sight. For some time
I continued rapt in astonishment and wonder, which
at length gave place to reverential awe and gratitude
to heaven; by degrees I recovered myself, and bowed
down with fervent devotion. I have endeavoured
to follow the admonitions of my holy adviser.
It is unnecessary to say more; you see my state and
the happiness I enjoy.