But you shall not die, for you--"
She spoke no further, but gazed dreamily upward at the heavens.
The sun had risen higher, and now gilded with its rays the crest of
the rock. Its golden light illumined the maiden's unveiled
countenance, and Mohammed regarded her in ecstasy. Beautiful was
she, and faultless; the eternal morning of youth shone in the
features that were still more gloriously illumined by the lustre of
first love. She seemed to Mohammed the very embodiment of
loveliness, chastity, and innocence. In his ecstasy he could find no
utterance for that which filled his heart. His whole being, his
whole soul, was reflected in his eyes. He lost all control over
himself in the presence of this maiden this heavenly image.
"Love is my prayer, and prayer is my love. Look at me ye starlike
eyes, and read in my soul what is written there in characters of
living flame. 'I love you. I love you!' It is thus my heart speaks
to you, and thus will it speak with my last breath. What I now feel
is love and death combined heavenly bliss commingling with boundless
suffering; I would weep, and yet shout for joy."
Suddenly, Mohammed bounded to his feet, clasped the maiden in his
arms, and imprinted a kiss on her lips, a kiss that made her tremble
in her inmost being. For a moment, she allowed her head to rest on
his shoulder; she then gently released herself from his embrace,
drew her veil down over her face, and turned to go.
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