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good fortune to escape, and went once more to the capital, where he cast himself at the Emperor's feet, who treated him with much humanity, and gave orders that he should have another letter. The merchant wept at this resolution, and represented how ineffectual the first had proved; and the reasons he had to fear, that the second would be as little regarded.
The Emperor, who had been stopt by this complaint, as he was going with much haste to dine in the apartment of a favourite lady, grew a little discomposed, and answered with some emotion. "I can do no more than send my commands, and if he refuses to obey them, put thy foot upon his neck." "I implore your Majesty's compassion," replied the merchant, holding fast the Emperor's robe "his power is too mighty for my weaknes; and your justice prescribes a remedy, which your wisdom has never examined." The Emperor, bad by this time recollected himself; and raising the merchant from the ground said, "You are in the right;--to complain of him was your part, but it is nine to see him punished. I will appoint commissioners to go back with you, and make search into the grounds of his proceedings ; with power, if they find him guilty to deliver him into your hands, and leave you viceroy in his stead:--For, since you have taught me how to govern, you must be able to govern for me"
F I N I S
