You are my
friend, and I now beg you to tell me of something I can do for you.
Cousrouf Pacha now has power and influence which he will exert for
those he loves. Therefore I entreat you, tschorbadji, acquaint me
with your wishes."
"I have no other wishes than those of my son. They call me here an
affectionate father, and mention me as an example of passionate
paternal love, and they are right. My Osman is every thing to me; he
is my wife, child, sister, friend, comrade, my all. What Osman
wishes that is my wish also. Therefore, if it so pleases you,
transfer your gracious favor to my son, and grant his request, if he
has one to prefer."
"I swear by my beard, by Allah, and by the prophet, if Osman
expresses a wish, I will grant it certainly and surely. I repeat my
triple oath, and call Allah to witness it. What he requests I will
grant!"
"You have heard this oath, father, and Allah has heard it, too,"
said Osman, solemnly rising from his couch and turning the gaze of
his large luminous eyes full on the pacha's countenance. "I have a
wish, a great, a cherished wish."
"And can I grant it?"
"You can if you will."
"Certainly I will, for I am now bound by the triple oath. It is
sacred to every Moslem, and sacred to me at all times. So speak,
Osman, and I will grant what you request."
Osman rose from his seat, and the pale, weak youth stood there with
so solemn an expression that the tschorbadji and the pacha
involuntarily arose from their cushions.
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