Tell me,
why should I subject myself to the tempest of life again, and go to
Egypt to fight the unbelievers? The distance is great, the future
beset with danger and difficulties; and here I have happiness, and
an assured future."
"You are right; the distance is great, and your future one of danger
and difficulties," replied the sheik. "Yes, therein you are right,
but you are wrong when you determine not to go."
"Wrong--wrong, you say?"
"Yes, Mohammed, you are wrong; for, though the way is long and the
future one of danger and difficulty, yet is the reward that awaits
you, laurels and renown, glorious."
"Sheik, do not speak thus to me," cried Mohammed, "do not tempt me
to do what I may repent; what may bring misfortune upon my wife and
children. No, rather tell me to silence these voices that are ever
resounding in my heart. Oh, do not tell me to make ambition the
pursuit of my life."
"And yet I must do so," replied the sheik. "I tell you, you would
act with great injustice if you should refuse to awaken the hero
that slumbers in you, if you should condemn the warrior to
inactivity, for the sake of the merchant. Allah himself would be
displeased, Mohammed, for he has given you the capacity to perform
great things, and implanted great thoughts and plans in your heart.
And now the way is open to you, and you can carry out these plans.
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