most of the power that is now put into my hand, and wait till some
favourable opportunity shall offer to increase it. Let me dissemble my
jealousy and disappointment, that I may not alarm suspicion, or put the
virtues of HAMET upon their guard against me; and let me contrive to
give our joint administration such a form, as may best favour my
design.'

Such were the reflections, with which ALMORAN soothed the anguish of his
mind; while HAMET was busied in speculations of a very different kind.
If he was pleased at reflecting, that he was raised from a subject to a
prince; he was pleased still more, when he considered his elevation as a
test of his father's affection to his person, and approbation of his
conduct: he was also delighted with the thought, that his brother was
associated with him in the arduous talk which he was now called to
perform. 'If I had been appointed to govern alone,' said he, 'I should
have had no equal; and he who has no equal, though he may have faithful
servants, can have no friend: there cannot be that union of interests,
that equal participation of good, that unrestrained intercourse of mind,
and that mutual dependence, which constitutes the pure and exalted
happiness of friendship. With ALMORAN, I shall share the supreme delight
of wresting the innocent and the helpless from the iron hand of
oppression; of animating merit by reward, and restraining the unworthy
by fear: I shall share, with ALMORAN, the pleasures of governing a
numerous, a powerful, and a happy people; pleasures which, however
great, are, like all others, increased by participation.'

While HAMET was thus enjoying the happiness, which his virtue derived
from the same source, from which the vices of ALMORAN had filled his
breast with anguish and discontent; OMAR was contriving in what manner
their joint government could best be carried into execution.