144 GENTLENESS IS POWER. 
donable self-love, in losing no opportunity of multiplying your respect 
for me ; that, indeed, I never would have forfeited—no unkindness, 
no oppression, should ever have induced me to swerve from the path 
which the unerring principle of loving-kindness informed me was cor- 
rect. We are both conquerors ; but the higher glory is due to your- 
self; for you have not merely had the courage to avow an error, but 
the desire to amend it. 
** You have signified your intention of amending my future condi- 
tion in the ordering of your empire. I ask for, and wish no change, 
Aborzuf, but your full confidence in my honest purpose, and your 
consent to go hand in hand with me in promoting the comfort and 
prosperity of those subjected to your charge. Since the event of that 
fatal day, yet fatal only to misguidance and evil council”’—here a 
flush of disapprobation crossed the cheek of the king— pardon me, 
Aborzuf, I speak not in a vain-glorious or triumphant spirit, but of 
congratulation. Since that day I have been ruler and guide of the 
people—paramount ruler in the best sense of the title, for I was una- 
nimously elected by them” (Aborzuf started, and the quenching em- 
bers of his former spirit evidently began to rekindle) “but I accepted 
the trust for your advantage only ; had my purpose been dishonest, 
I could have abandoned you, in your helplessness, to the unrestrained 
resentment of the triumphant populace, and have either usurped your 
place, or, at least, have returned to my own happy people. But my 
motive for securing the absolute sway of government, during your 
indisposition, was, that I might remain wholly unshackled by the 
interference or dictation of that bad spirit under whose guidance it 
has been your ill fate hitherto to have been subjected. I know him, 
Aborzuf ; and so well does he know and fear me, because he trem- 
bles in the presence of the Being I serve and adore, that never since 
our union has he dared onceto look me in the face; and you must 
acknowledge that all the melancholy acts of your life have sprung 
from his suggestion ; and that, from the day of my entrance into this 
kingdom, not one of them has been proposed in my presence. Youare 
conscious of his fearful influence, although you would gladly concealit 
from your own heart ; but believe me, Aborzuf, your present noble 
resolution of amendment can never be carried into full effect without 
a sincere out-pouring of the heart before the “Spirit of Beneficence, 
and the determined banishment of your former counsellor. He is 
the author of all your troubles—he is a demon! The influence of 
blessedness is now upon us; confirm vour resolution by casting him 
forth.” 
