Chapter XV: Conclusion

The king of Damascus made a suitable reply, and dismissed the weaver, whose story afforded a new argument in favour of the grand vizir's opinion that there is no man who is perfectly happy: however, the king would not desist.

"Atalmulc," he said, "with the exception of yourself, there is no man approaches me but with a smiling countenance; it cannot be that not one of all these is perfectly happy; I shall ask my generals, courtiers, and all the officers of my household. Go, vizir, and summon them all into my presence in succession."

He had the patience to speak to them all individually, and they all made the same reply; namely, that they were not exempt from grief. One complained of his wife, another of his children; the poor accused their poverty as the cause of all their misfortunes, and the rich either did not enjoy good health, or laboured under some other source of affliction.

Bedreddin having questioned so many persons, not one of whom was contented with his lot, came at last to be of the same mind with Atalmulc, and was obliged to admit to his favourite vizir that perfect felicity is not to be looked for in the present life; that every lot and every station has its cares, its anxieties, and its misfortunes; and that we approach the condition of complete happiness only as we conscientiously discharge those duties which our position daily and hourly requires of us.

THE END.

FOOTNOTES:

[9] A gift to the kingdom.

[10] The Devil.

[11] Captain of the door of the king's chamber.

[12] The officer in command of the pages.

[13] Lieutenant.

[14] Archers.

GILBERT AND RIVINGTON, PRINTERS, ST. JOHN'S SQUARE, LONDON.

* * * * *

WILLIAM LAY'S

_Catalogue_

OF

ATTRACTIVE AND ENTERTAINING WORKS

BY POPULAR AUTHORS.

LONDON:

WILLIAM LAY, KING WILLIAM STREET, STRAND.

1857.

* * * * *

THE AMUSING LIBRARY

FOR HOME AND RAIL.

The object is to provide a choice supply of Books of Light Reading, entirely free from objectionable matter, and which may be indiscriminately used by young and old. Great care has been bestowed in the selection; and it is hoped that the Works contained in this Series will be found adapted in every respect for the perusal of all who desire a sound and healthy imaginative literature, free from everything immoral on the one hand, or controversial on the other. The volumes, while issued at a price which brings them within the reach of all, yet possess sufficient attractions of typography and embellishment to fit them for the drawing-room table and for presents to friends.

"We have not seen for many a day books which so deeply interested us, and which are so much in advance of the ordinary books provided for the rail or road. The 'Amusing Library' will be the most popular of the many which these stirring days have produced."--_Churchman's Companion._

"Ministers of religion and philanthropists have long lamented the absence of some well-written serial works suitable for the million, to counteract the baneful influence of the impure literature of the day. The want is here supplied with judgment and good taste. The books are valuable both to old and young."--_Manchester Courier._

Grantley Manor:

The well-known and favourite Novel by Lady Georgiana
Fullerton. 2_s._ boards; 2_s._ 6_d._ cloth.

"The skill with which the plot of 'Grantley Manor' is constructed, the exquisite truth of delineation which the characters exhibit, and the intensity of passion which warms and dignifies the subject, are alike admirable.... The depth of passion which surrounds the story of Genevra is the result of unquestionable genius. No heroine that we can remember excels this lovely creation in purity, deep affection, a solemn sense of the sanctity of duty, and a profound feeling of the beauty and holiness of religion."--_Times._

Tales of Humour.

Fcap. 8vo, 2_s._ boards; 2_s._ 6_d._ cloth.

"Spirited and well-selected tales of most inviting dimensions. Will be a favourite on the 'line.'"--_Brighton Herald._

Abroad and at Home.

Tales Here and There. By Miss Pardoe. Fcap. 8vo, 2_s._
boards; 2_s._ 6_d._ cloth.

"Ten pretty tales, full of interesting matter, gracefully related."--_Glasgow Herald._

* * * * *

Amusing Poetry.

A new and choice selection, Edited by Shirley Brooks. Fcap. 8vo, 2_s._ boards; 2_s._ 6_d._ cloth.

13; KING WILLIAM STREET, STRAND.

* * * * *

AMUSING LIBRARY, _continued_.

Hendrik Conscience's Tales.

Complete in Six Volumes. Each Fcap. 8vo, 2_s._ boards; 2_s._ 6_d._ cloth.

I. THE DEMON OF GOLD. (_Just ready._)