Page:The Slave Girl of Agra.djvu/160

 moved with slow, heavy steps, and bent their knees and raised their trunks as a salute to the throne. Other animals followed—tame antelopes, the Nilgai or grey oxen, large Bengal buffaloes with prodigious horns, leopards, panthers, and dogs of various breeds. Birds of prey were exhibited, and some of the Grandees of the Court concluded the review by marching past before the Emperor with their horses encased in armour and covered with gay trappings.

The drums sounded again from the Nakara Khana, and the proceedings of the day began.

"Prince Selim! Beloved son and heir to this great Empire!" spoke the monarch amidst the hush of the multitude.

Prince Selim bowed before his father to receive his orders.

"I have nurtured thee with love and trained thee with care, and would fain see thee worthy of the great trust which will soon pass to thy hands. Young blood is hot, and young aspirations sometimes verge on crime; but repentance washes away guilt, and a father's love is blind to the waywardness of a son. Be dutiful henceforth, be just and true as thou art brave, and may the Almighty lead thee in the paths of virtue. The past is forgiven and forgotten. Assume this robe and sword of honour, and be seated by thy father, whose love knows no change."

The Prince bowed low before his father, accepted the sword and robe, and sat on a seat on his father's right. A loud applause from the nobles and the multitude approved the leniency of a king and a father towards a repentant son.

Some other Princes of royal blood received suitable