THE ORIGIN OF THE SUEZ CANAL. 21 



Second Order of His Highness. 



k l In the order which I gave to you for the regula- 

 tion of the tax, and for the carrying out of other 

 instructions, it is stated that the tax is fixed upon this 

 basis since the solar year 1272 (Zilkedje 1273), that 

 the sum which the inhabitants may have paid since 

 the beginning of the year till now was to be deducted 

 from this year's tax, and that, out of my love for my 

 people, you were not to claim from the inhabitants the 

 arrears due up to the end of the year 1271. 



" ' But as all this was not very clearly explained, 

 and as the inhabitants of these countries are unin- 

 structed, I fear that they may think that the arrears 

 are still due from them ; so I issue this order to set 

 their minds entirely at rest, that their joy and happi- 

 ness may be full, and I explain to them more clearly 

 my wishes. 



" * The sums which have been collected since the 

 beginning of 1272 until now will be deducted from 

 the tax of the current year, after the accounts of the 

 serafs (surveyors of taxes) have been closely verified. 



" * With regard to those who are creditors up to the 

 end of 1271, for the excess which they have paid on 

 the tax which they owed, although in equity this sur- 

 plus should be made good by the arrears, yet in my 

 justice I do order that my subjects lose nothing of 

 what is due to them, and therefore you will com- 

 pensate out of the tax] of the current year all those 



