At the court of the
grand-vizier you shall be the first; I will honor you above all the
rest, and lay at your feet all that I possess, for you are
beautiful, and my heart is filled with love for you. I will make you
happy at my side. And now decide. Without in the iron cage stands
your father awaiting his deliverance, and here stands his daughter,
and beside her Cousrouf Pacha, who offers her money, all she may
desire, and lays every thing that he possesses at her feet. If you
accept this offer, Masa, your father walks out of his prison a free
man in spite of the blood-thirsty youth. Take the money and do not
think I am purchasing you; it shall only be an earnest of your
future. If you suppose you are to be, as you say, a slave, you are
mistaken. You will only become the slave of your love for me."
"No, sir! never can I love you," she cried, vehemently.
"You cannot? It is thus the heart of the wild-dove speaks! Masa, you
will, because you will be touched by my love. When you see me doing
every thing to make you happy it will touch your heart, and you will
love me."
At this moment loud cries and lamentations were heard from without.
"Those are the men of Praousta, who have come up and are lamenting.
Do you not hear the call from the mosque? The second hour of prayer
is at hand, the time has came. Decide, Masa!"
She sank down on her knees, groaning; and prayed to Allah for mercy.
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