Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/61



N an ancient city of Arabia there dwelt a very rich man. He had one great failing, that of being very proud; and to such an excess did this blind and self-perplexing fault extend, that he sacrificed every feeling to his self-devotedness and rage. Woe to the slave who spoke not on his knees, and to the embassy that shouted not his name. He was more feared than loved; for he hated independence, but would enrich adoration, munificently. He was a widower, and had three daughters; the eldest of whom, named Zara, was the image of her deceased mother; the other two were reflections of their father, both in shape and nature.

This rich man's palace was ever thronged with princes, warriors, and noble strangers; and