tain go-between, who presents him with a list of such men in power whose interest he may purchase, with a statement of the compliment each of them expects, and of the services he can render. Nadir had framed a code of laws for himself. Not for the whole empire would he have wronged one single individual of a denarium; but in imitation of many a Right Hon. Gentleman, and in consequence of the corrupt morals of the age, he thought himself authorised to plunder the revenues of the state, that is to say, the mass of his fellow subjects. Impudence alone was requisite, in those days, for a man who was entrusted with the management of public affairs, to acquire wealth, and Nadir soon amassed immense treasures: but his steward had taken it in his head to share in the spoils of the nation, and determined to succeed, either by hook or by crook, he commenced his operations in the following manner:—
One morning, as his master was taking his morning walk in his garden, he went up to him with the intelligence, that notwithstanding all his researches, and the enormous expence he had been at, Elma was not to be found: in vain had he sent emissaries all over the whole extent of the empire. Were it not for his unlimited zeal, he never could have been prevailed upon to speak the fatal truth; but although Elma is lost for ever, it is no reason why my Lord should renounce a world wherein success awaits him in all quarters. My Lord cannot dispense keeping a mistress, who will outshine and eclipse all the wives and mistresses of his most liberal friends.
The steward having met with very slight resistance from his master, introduced him the next day to a cyprian, whom Venus herself could not have seen without feeling jealous. The artful coquette knew how to flatter Nadir, soon captivated him, and behold him now become tributary to all her whims and caprices. He had a house furnished for her, close to that he himself inhabited. A certain door joined both their apartments; but one, more secret still, opened into the chamber of Mr. Steward. Nadir imagined that Daphne sought only to please him; she was so condescending! Oh! Daphne was a true, downright mistress! In order the better to fleece him, she had entered into a conspiracy with the crafty steward, who was to become her husband. With a view of bringing their projects to a speedy issue, they persuaded him to solicit the lucrative and honourable post of banker to the court. Nadir could not, with any propriety, refuse the means of increasing his wealth. He therefore began canvassing, even among the clerks, who took particular care to mortify him, sometimes at his own table; but, however, he succeeded, and prepared to dispose of the riches of the empire, as his fancy, or rather that of the two accomplices should direct. They acted so very incautiously, that certain officious hints caused Nadir first to suspect, and finally to discover their perfidious manœuvres. Without the least hesitation he determined to remove them. Yet, in order to accomplish this measure, some length of time, much artfulness, and especially great sacrifices were required! He had entrusted them with so many critical secrets! Nadir, besides, was apprehensive lest they should find imitators, leave many behind them, and began to mistrust all who surrounded him; in short, he thought it indispensable to stand himself sentinel over his strong box. If, for a moment excessive fatigue weighs his eyelids down, he dreams he hears the grating of the file. Amusements, repose, the very shadow of happiness have deserted him. “Where then does happiness reside?” said Nadir, one day; “is it in those elevated ranks from whence imperious orders are issued; whence one of your smiles, equally powerful as those of the Great Being, conveys satisfaction and joy through every heart? Withheld by a morality that was not applicable to myself, have I misinterpreted the sense of Alzor’s present? The last term of his book is Grandeur. Did he not mean to reveal to me the summit of human felicity? Alas! I have hitherto crept through the rugged path that leads to it; however, I have acquired experience, and I plainly discover that grandeur alone can suit Nadir.—Grandeur! fly, come and crown my brow with wreaths of immortal glory!
(To be concluded in our next.)
Y 2
