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30 when the emperor fainted, unable to stand such a spectacle, retired to his own camp, after having desired Amin-ed-doula to tarry a few hours, in order to bring him further intelligence; so that as soon as the emperor expired, that nobleman repaired to the prince and informed him of the event. The prince wept bitterly; but Amin-ed-doula bade him take heart, as not a moment ought to be lost in ascending the throne, and he ordered the imperial band of music to strike up immediately. This being complied with, the few courtiers that chanced to be at hand hastened to present their offerings, according to custom, wishing the prince a long and happy reign. At this time Amin-ed-doula, with Niamet-ullah-khan, and some others, represented that Zulficar-khan, the commander of the troops, and Hemid-ed-din-khan, who were both inimical to him, were now busy in preparing the funeral of the late emperor, and would be so occupied with that ceremony as to admit of their both being seized and secured. The prince, neglecting so important a measure, answered that the imperial honour would suffer from so hasty and indecent a proceeding; that for his own part he relied solely on his own right and to God Almighty's assistance, and that after all Zulficar-khan could do but little. This answer struck his counsellors and well-wishers dumb, who said in a low voice, "May God turn