As his mind gradually opened, he
naturally considered these as the objects of universal define, and the
means of supreme felicity: he was often reminded, that the time was
coming, when the sole possession of sovereign power would enable him to
fulfil all his wishes, to determine the fate of dependent nations with a
nod, and dispense life and death, and happiness and misery, at his will:
he was flattered by those who hoped to draw wealth and dignity from his
favour; and interest prompted all who approached him, to administer to
his pleasures with a zeal and assiduity, which had the appearance of
reverence to his merit, and affection to his person.
HAMET, on the contrary, soon became sensible of a subordinate station:
he was not, indeed, neglected; but he was not much caressed. When the
gratification of HAMET came in competition with that of ALMORAN, he was
always obliged to give it up, except when Solyman interposed: his mind
was, therefore, naturally led to seek for happiness in objects very
different from those which had fixed the attention of ALMORAN. As he
knew not to how narrow a sphere caprice or jealousy might confine him,
he considered what pleasures were least dependent upon external
advantages; and as the first popular commotion which mould happen after
his brother's accession to the throne, might probably cost him his life,
he was very inquisitive about the state into which his spirit would be
dismissed by the Angel of Death, and very diligent to do whatever might
secure him a share of the permanent and unchangeable felicity of
Paradise.
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