King Zuzan had a minister of a generous spirit and kindly disposition,
who was polite to all persons while present, and spoke well of them when
absent. One of his acts happened to displease the king, who put him
under stoppages, and in rigorous confinement. The officers of the crown
were sensible of his former benefits, and pledged to show their
gratitude of them. Accordingly, whilst under their charge, they treated
him with courtesy and benevolence, and would not use any coercion or
violence:--"If thou desirest to remain at peace with a rival, whenever
he slanders thee behind thy back speak well of him to his face. The
perverse man cavils for the last word; unless thou preferest his bitter
remarks, make his mouth sweet."

Of the charge against him at the king's exchequer, part had been
adjusted according to its settlement, and he remained in durance for the
balance. A bordering prince sent him underhand a letter, stating, "The
sovereign of that quarter has not appreciated such worth, nay, has
dishonored it, and with us it bore a heavy price. If the precious mind
of a certain personage, may God facilitate his deliverance, will incline
favorably towards us, every possible exertion shall be made to
conciliate his good-will, and the cabinet ministers of this kingdom are
exulting in the prospect of seeing him, and anxious for the answer of
this letter." The minister made himself master of the contents. He
pondered on the danger, wrote such a brief answer as seemed discreet
upon the back of the letter, and returned it. One of the hangers-on at
court had notice of this circumstance. He apprised the king, saying, "A
certain person whom you have put in confinement is corresponding with a
neighboring prince." The king was wroth, and ordered an investigation of
this intelligence. The messenger was seized, and letter read. On the
back of it he had written, stating, "The good opinion of his Majesty