Nadan

And the religious fanaticism that Morier tweaked also echoes down the years: A character named Nadan who wants to become Tehran's religious leader, Morier writes, has no peer "either as a zealous practiser of the ordinances of his religion, or a persecutor of those who might be its enemies."

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Nadan was a handsome youth of fifteen, and Ikkor related his dream to the boy's mother who permitted him to take Nadan to his palace and there bring him up as his own son.

Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends Gertrude Landa

The sadness faded from the vizier's eyes as he watched the lad at his games and his lessons, and Ikkor himself imparted wisdom to Nadan.

Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends Gertrude Landa

Nadan one of his favorites, and all in the land looked upon the young man as the successor of Ikkor and the future vizier.

Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends Gertrude Landa

Nadan could not advise him what to do, and he bitterly regretted that Ikkor, the man of wisdom, was no longer by his side to advise him.

Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends Gertrude Landa

But, first to his surprise, and then to his grief, Nadan was not thankful for the riches and love lavished upon him.

Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends Gertrude Landa

Meanwhile, the vizier descended into a cellar deep beneath his palace and was there fed, while his adopted son, Nadan, was appointed chief of the king's counselors in his stead.

Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends Gertrude Landa

The vizier returned the day before the review, and while the king stood with Nadan and the foreign envoys, Ikkor and the troops, acting on their instructions, made a pretense of attacking his majesty.

Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends Gertrude Landa

The king laughed at this suggestion, but he became serious when Nadan promised to give him proof in three days.

Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends Gertrude Landa

Ikkor was too much astounded to reply, and Nadan whispered to the king that this proved his guilt.

Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends Gertrude Landa