The Virginia Gazette

A singular passage in the life of Behram, King of PERSIA.

BEHRAM, King of Persia, succeeded to his father's throne, at an age more proper to be under control than to govern his species. He imagined that the whole business of a Monarch was to consult his own happiness: To attain this end, he abandoned the arduous task of government to his Prime Minister. This Vizier, never expecting to be questioned about his management, shamefully abused the power delegated to him, as did all the subordinate officers under his direction, depending upon the like impunity; so that they sought only their own profit, without any regard to the public, to which they were responsible. The troops, ill paid, became negligent in their duty; no order maintained, no justice administered, nor any economy practised, the people became seditious. The Prince was too late informed that his subjects were ready to deny him obedience. He was alarmed at the report, and shaking off the indolence he had so long been accustomed to, inquired from whence such a general dissatisfaction should proceed, as he did not expect or foresee. His counsellors so much dreaded the Vizier's displeasure, that though they acknowledged the disorders, yet had neither virtue nor courage to lay open the cause. As the Prince was one day walking, pensive, and ruminating upon the evils he wished to remove, he met with a shepherd, who had just been hanging his dog upon a tree.

"What had that animal done (says the King) to merit such a punishment?"

The crime he has committed (answered the shepherd) is, he betrayed the confidence I reposed in him: I raised him up, and fed him plentifully, that he might defend my sheep from the wolf; but, instead of performing the service I intended and expected from him, he entered into a combination with those voracious animals, and not only neglected the charge of protection, but also became a sharer with them in the plunder; by which means my flock is devoured through the perfidiousness of my dog."

These words made a deep impression in the King's mind, opened his eyes to reflection, and convinced him that he had been imprudent in trusting too implicitly to his Vizier, as treacherous as the shepherd's dog, and therefore condemned him to the same punishment the cur so justly deserved.

This example struck terror into those, who, in imitation of the Prime Minister, had abused that portion of authority committed to them. By this wholesome severity good order was established in Persia, and the King was instructed by the leader of a flock in what manner he should govern his subjects.