Solyman be harnessed, like a mule, in the trammels of law? shall he
become a mere instrument to execute what others have devised? shall he
only declare the determinations of a statute, and shall his ear be
affronted by claims of right? It is the glory of a prince, to punish for
what and whom he will; to be the sovereign, not only of property, but
of life; and to govern alike without prescription or appeal.'

HAMET, who was struck with astonishment at this declaration, and the
vehemence with which it was uttered, after a short recollection made
this reply: 'It is the glory of a prince, to govern others, as he is
governed by Him, who is alone most merciful and almighty! It is his
glory to prevent crimes, rather than to display his power in punishment;
to diffuse happiness, rather than inforce subjection; and rather to
animate with love, than depress by fear. Has not He that shall judge us,
given us a rule of life by which we shall be judged? is not our reward
and punishment already set before us? are not His promises and
threatenings, motives to obedience? and have we not confidence and joy,
when we have obeyed? To God, His own divine perfections are a law; and
these He has transcribed as a law to us. Let us, then, govern, as we are
governed; let us seek our happiness in the happiness that we bestow, and
our honour in emulating the benevolence of Heaven.'

As ALMORAN feared, that to proceed farther in this argument would too
far disclose his sentiments, and put HAMET too much upon his guard; he
determined for the present to dissemble: and as he perceived, that
HAMET'S opinion, and an administration founded upon it, would render him
extreamly popular, and at length possibly establish him alone; he was
now felicitous only to withdraw him from public notice, and persuade him
to leave the government, whatever form it should receive, to be
administered by others: returning, therefore, to his seat, and assuming