He had seen the boy, but
knowing his proud heart, and fearing to put him to shame by showing
himself, and saying that he came to his assistance, he had lingered
behind the rock.
He now kneels down beside the boy, bends over him, kisses his lips,
and whispers loving words in his ear.
"Poor child, Your mother, who loved you so tenderly, would weep
bitterly if she could see you in this condition. Poor boy, you must
strengthen yourself. I know you have eaten nothing, and I have
brought you food."
He drew a bottle from his pocket, and poured a little wine on his
lips. Mohammed tried to resist, but the body was stronger than the
will. He greedily swallows the wine, and, without knowing it, asks
for more. The merchant smiles approvingly, and pours a little more
on his lips, and then gives him a small piece of white bread that he
had brought with him, and rejoices when he sees Mohammed breathing
with renewed life.
"What are you doing?" he murmured. "I must die, that I may go to my
mother."
The merchant stooped down lower over the boy, and kissed him. "Your
mother, who loves you so dearly, sends you this kiss, through me.
She confided to me that she must die, and I promised her that I
would bring you a kiss from her whenever I saw you. With this kiss
she commands you to be brave and happy throughout life."
And, as he ceased speaking, he inclined his head and kissed him a
second time.
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