Page:Arabian Nights Entertainments (1728)-Vol. 3.djvu/67

that was going to Balſora, by good Fortune overtaking him, took him up behind him. As ſoon as the Courier came to Balfora, Noureddin Ali lighted, and returned him Thanks for his Kindneſs: And he went about to ſeek for a Lodging, he ſaw a Perſon of Quality with a great Retinue coming along, to whom all the People ſhewed a mighty Reſpect; and ſtood ſtill till he paſt by. And Noureddin Ali ſtopt among the reſt. This was the Grand Vizier to the Sultan of Balſora, who walked thro’ the City to ſee that the Inhabitants kept good, Order and Diſcipline,

This Miniſter caſting his Eye by chance on Noureddin Ali, found ſomething extraordinary in his Aſpect, looked very attentively upon him, and as he came near him, and ſaw him in a Traveller’s Habit, he ſtood till, ask’d him who he was, and from whence he came. Sir, ſaid Noureddin Ali, I am an Egyptian, born at Cairo, and have left my Country, becauſe of the Unkindneſs of a near Relation, am reſolved to travel thro’ the World, and rather to die than return home again. The Grand Vizier, who was a reverend Old Gentleman, after hearing thoſe Words, ſays to him, Son, Beware, don’t purſue your Deſign, there is nothing but Miſery in the World, you are not ſenſible of the Hardſhips you muſt endure, come follow me, I may perhaps make you forget the thing that has forced you to leave your own Country.

Noureddin Ali followed the Grand Vizier, who ſoon perceived his good Qualities, and fell ſo much in Love with him, that one Day he ſays to him in private, My Son, I am as you ſee ſo far gone in Years, that there is no likelihood I ſhall live much longer, Heaven has beſtowed only one Daughter upon me, who is as beautiful as you are handſome, and now fit for Marriage. Several People of the greateſt Quality at this Court have deſired her for their Sons, but I could not grant their Requeſt. I have a Love for you. and think you ſo worthy to be receiv’d into my Family, that preferring you before all thoſe that have ſaught her, I am ready to accept you for my Son-in-law. If you like the Propoſal, I will acquaint the Suitan my Maſter, that I have adopted you by this Marriage, and I will pray him to grant you the Reverſion of my Dignity of Grand Vizier in the Kingdom of