Part 14
"As you now see, Prince Azgid," said the old Minister, "the lion is a tame one, and would injure no one. You, however, were ignorant of this fact, and have satisfactorily proved your courage and valour by your readiness to fight him. Now all will know that you are worthy to ascend the throne of your heroic ancestors."
Two men--one old, the other very young--came forward to congratulate the Prince. They were Oaxus and Isdril.
"Prince Azgid," said the old shepherd, "as a memento of this happy day, allow me to make you a present." So saying, he pushed forward his slave, Isdril.
"I heartily thank you, Oaxus!" said the Prince, "and you, Isdril, are no longer a slave. From this moment you are free; but you shall be my companion, and delight me with your skill upon the flute."
Presently another little group presented itself. It was composed of Sheik Hajaar, some of his Arabs, and the horse which the Prince had learned to love.
"Azgid!" said the Sheik, "I congratulate you heartily, and beg your acceptance of this steed."
The Prince thanked and embraced the Sheik, and kissed the beautiful creature, who returned his caresses.
The Emir was the next person to appear upon the scene. He was surrounded by a brilliant retinue, with music and banners.
"I have come to congratulate you," said he to the Prince. "I have brought you no present, but I and all my belongings are yours."
"I am rejoiced to see you, noble Emir!" replied Azgid. "And how is your lovely daughter? As soon as I am crowned, I intend to set off at lightning speed to visit her!"
"That will be needless," said the Emir; "come with me." And he led the young man to a veiled lady, who sat upon a white horse. It was Perizide!
Then, by order of the Vizier, the whole procession wended its way towards the palace.
Many thoughts and emotions stirred within the breast of the young Prince. "When I fled from duty," reflected he, "everything went against me; now that I have fulfilled it, fresh happiness meets me at every step."
The coronation--and also a wedding--took place on the same day. Azgid and Perizide reigned long and happily. By the King's command, his adventures were recorded in the annals of the kingdom. And over the door of his palace were inscribed, in golden letters, these words: "_Never run from the lion._"
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List of corrections:
p. 160: "It inceased yet more" was changed to "It increased yet more."
p. 225: "made a despeate effort" was changed to "made a desperate effort."
p. 250: "From it the the castle had received its name" was changed to "From it the castle had received its name."
Errata:
Some chapter titles do not match exactly with the corresponding titles in the contents' page. The original wording has been retained.