And now
my friend shall wear it in my place, and, when I see him pass by
with the glittering weapon at his side, it will seem as if I carried
it myself in defence of my beloved country. Come with me, Mohammed,"
said he, taking his friend's arm. "You are in need of rest. You have
been deeply moved, and now let us retire. It is quiet within my
father's apartments; there we will betake ourselves and repose
together."
"We will all follow you," said the governor.--"I pray Cousrouf Pacha
to accompany us. The day is bright and lovely, and I think we all
stand in need of rest and refreshment. There we will take our
coffee, and at the same time something more substantial together,
and, enveloped by the smoke from our pipes, we will discuss the
events of this day, which commenced so stormily, and now seems to
end so pleasantly to our general joy."
"Who knows, tschorbadji, that it brings joy to all?" said Cousrouf
Pacha, sneeringly. "I, of course, have cause to rejoice and be
thankful, this day. But it strikes me, Mohammed Ali is by nature
little inclined to be thankful. Instead of joyfully receiving his
honors, he seems to gaze wrathfully upon us all."
"I think I have cause to do so," said Mohammed, impetuously turning
to him.
"And wherefore?" said Cousrouf Pacha. "Wherefore? Speak on."
"Well," said Mohammed, "many, I think, receive honors which they
have not deserved, and have done naught to earn, as if they were to
be bought, and they knew how to purchase them.
Pages:
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243