第103章

And after this was done Narsenaque began to make war on several places,taking them and demolishing them because they had revolted.At that time it was proposed by some captains that they should kill the King,as he was not a man fitted to govern,but to this Narsenaque would answer nothing.After some days had passed,however,Narsenaque,pondering on the treason about which they had spoken to him,how it would increase his greatness and more easily make him lord of the kingdom of which he was (only)minister,called one day those same captains who had often proposed it to him,and asked them by what means the King could be slain without its being known that he had had a hand in his death.Then one man[510]told him that a very good way would be that he (the minister)should appear to be annoyed with him and should send to command his presence,which mandate he would not obey,and on account of this act of disrespect he (the minister)should ordain that some punishment be inflicted,and at this aggravation he would leave the city and fly to Penagundy to stir up the King against the minister.He said that after he had gained the goodwill of the King he would so plot against him that he would render him disobedient;and that to give the King greater encouragement he would forge letters as if from captains which should contain the same counsel --namely,that he should leave that city where he was more prisoner than free --and would point out to him that he alone was king and lord,and yet that the land was under the power of Narasenaque his vassal,who had made himself very strong and powerful in the kingdom and held him (the King)prisoner,and had rebelled.He would urge the King to secretly quit the city and betake himself to a fortress belonging to the captain who had sent him that letter,and that there he should prepare himself,getting together a large following.And he would tell him that when the lords and captains came to know of his wish and determination they would act according to it,and would help him,and would come with him to fall upon Narsenayque,and would bestow upon him (Narsenaque)the prison in which he (the King)was now kept.So he would be king.(The captain further said)that after he had persuaded the King to this he would cause him to (leave the city),and while going out he would kill him,and that in this way Narsenaque should become king.