He who now stands before
you, however, is your devoted servant, who brings you greetings from
his friend Osman. He is deeply touched by your graciousness, and,
hoping for a continuance of your favor, he undertook to do your
bidding. But alas! the will of man is often frustrated by bodily
weakness. It was thus with my friend Osman. The first day of the
conflict at Aboukir prostrated him so completely that he was
compelled to return home to Cavalla, and the capitan graciously
granted his request and placed me in his position. Yet I lay my new
dignity at your feet; all that I am I wish to receive at your
hands."
Cousrouf had regarded him fixedly while he spoke, and had listened
attentively to his words and voice. He was satisfied with him. "Yes,
Mohammed, you are right," said Cousrouf; "there is nothing of the
fierce boy of those days in you now. Your voice is flattering, and
your words well chosen and devoted, and Cousrouf will attach you to
himself through gratitude. He will cherish you, and make of you a
devoted servant. You say, you lay your dignity of bim bashi at my
feet?"
"Yes, highness, I lay all at your feet; and all that I am I wish to
receive at your hands."
"Well, then, if your destiny rests with me, I must promote the bim
bashi to a higher dignity. From this moment the bim bashi is the
sarechsme, the general of the Albanian troops.
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