Remember the day and the hour, for I have read a great future in
your countenance."
He then inclined his head to Mohammed Ali, and returned to where
Osman was standing, leaning against a mast, in utter exhaustion.
The pacha also spoke a few kindly words to him, and afterward
entered his boat to return to the shore of Aboukir. Mohammed then
walked up to his friend, took him in his arms like a child, and
carried him down into his cabin. He laid him on the divan, knelt
down beside him, and whispered in his ear: "Osman, no matter what
you may see or hear, do not leave your cabin to-day. Stay here, my
friend, and do not be anxious; if you hear a tumultuous noise, and
outcries, do not be alarmed, even if death-groans should resound
from the deck. The world is a hard thing, and he whose hands are not
of iron should hold himself aloof from its rude contact. You, my
Osman, are too good to play an active role in this miserable earthly
existence; and I am, therefore, almost glad that you are to return
to Cavalla; I repeat it, you are too good for this world."
"If it depended on goodness, Mohammed," said Osman, smiling, "you
should not serve the world either, for you have a better heart than
any of us."
Mohammed shook his head. "You are mistaken, you look at me with your
kindly eyes, and give me credit for your noble thoughts. I am not
good, no, do not believe that of me! Now that we are about to
separate, I do not wish you to be deceived in your Mohammed Ali; I
am only good when with you, and under the influence of your gentle
nature; I fear I have the stuff in me of which hard and cruel men
are made.
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