Prince Camaralzaman was brought up with extreme care by an excellent governor and all the cleverest teachers, and he did such credit to them that when he was grown up, a more charming and accomplished young man was not to be found.  Whilst he was still a youth the king, his father, who loved him dearly, had some thoughts of abdicating in his favour.  As usual he talked over his plans with his grand-vizir, who, though he did not approve the idea, would not state all his objections.

“Sire,” he replied, “the prince is still very young for the cares of state.  Your Majesty fears his growing idle and careless, and doubtless you are right.  But how would it be if he were first to marry?  This would attach him to his home, and your Majesty might give him a share in your counsels, so that he might gradually learn how to wear a crown, which you can give up to him whenever you find him capable of wearing it.”

The vizir’s advice once more struck the king as being good, and he sent for his son, who lost no time in obeying the summons, and standing respectfully with downcast eyes before the king asked for his commands.

“I have sent for you,” said the king, “to say that I wish you to marry.  What do you think about it?”

The prince was so much overcome by these words that he remained silent for some time.  At length he said:  “Sire, I beg you to pardon me if I am unable to reply as you might wish.  I certainly did not expect such a proposal as I am still so young, and I confess that the idea of marrying is very distasteful to me.  Possibly I may not always be in this mind, but I certainly feel that it will require some time to induce me to take the step which your Majesty desires.”

This answer greatly distressed the king, who was sincerely grieved by his objection to marriage.  However he would not have recourse to extreme measures, so he said:  “I do not wish to force you; I will give you time to reflect, but remember that such a step is necessary, for a prince such as you who will some day be called to rule over a great kingdom.”

From this time Prince Camaralzaman was admitted to the royal council, and the king showed him every mark of favour.

At the end of a year the king took his son aside, and said:  “Well, my son, have you changed your mind on the subject of marriage, or do you still refuse to obey my wish?”

The prince was less surprised but no less firm than on the former occasion, and begged his father not to press the subject, adding that it was quite useless to urge him any longer.

This answer much distressed the king, who again confided his trouble to his vizir.

“I have followed your advice,” he said; “but Camaralzaman declines to marry, and is more obstinate than ever.”

“Sire,” replied the vizir, “much is gained by patience, and your Majesty might regret any violence.  Why not wait another year and then inform the Prince in the midst of the assembled council that the good of the state demands his marriage?  He cannot possibly refuse again before so distinguished an assemblage, and in our immediate presence.”