Hence hath he either wisdom enough to bear himself discreetly in the presence of princes; or else, having no reason bestowed on him, he is not responsible for his own actions." "Methinks our monks have adopted chiefly the latter character," said Richard.

"But to the matter.

In what can I pleasure you, my learned physician ?" "Great King," said El Hakim, making his profound Oriental obeisance, "let thy servant speak one word, and yet live.

I would remind thee that thou owest--not to me, their humble instrument--but to the Intelligences, whose benefits I dispense to mortals, a life--" "And I warrant me thou wouldst have another in requital, ha ?" interrupted the King.
"Such is my humble prayer," said the Hakim, "to the great Melech Ric--even the life of this good knight, who is doomed to die, and but for such fault as was committed by the Sultan Adam, surnamed Aboulbeschar, or the father of all men." "And thy wisdom might remind thee, Hakim, that Adam died for it," said the King, somewhat sternly, and then began to pace the narrow space of his tent with some emotion, and to talk to himself.

"Why, God-a-mercy, I knew what he desired as soon as ever he entered the pavilion! Here is one poor life justly condemned to extinction, and I, a king and a soldier, who have slain thousands by my command, and scores with my own hand, am to have no power over it, although the honour of my arms, of my house, of my very Queen, hath been attainted by the culprit.