Let hatred now be set aside. You are both mighty and
renowned, but your power will be much greater if you join hands. Let
your followers see that you stand united against the common enemy.
Oh, how can the fatherland be saved when its defenders are at enmity
with each other! The enemy has grown stronger. You know that new
troops have arrived here from Turkey, and a man is at their head, of
whom I will announce to you that he is dangerous. Therefore grasp
hands, and let me see that you are friends!"
"Then let it be so," said Bardissi, after a pause. "See, Sitta
Nefysseh, how great your power over me.--Here, L'Elfi, my hand! Let
us unitedly face the enemy!"
L'Elfi slowly and hesitatingly laid his band in that of Osman Bey.
"I accept your hand, Osman, in token of our resolve to confront the
enemy together. But, before I declare myself your friend, I must
first know whether you are my rival or not."
Osman Bey quickly withdrew his hand. "A rival, L'Elfi! and with whom
do you suppose me to be your rival?"
"With you, O Sitta Nefysseh!" said L'Elfi, falling on his knee
before her, "With you, whom I adore as one adores the sun and the
stars. For your love, I can tolerate no rival!--And now I beg you to
withdraw, Osman Bey; I have that to say to Sitta Nefysseh which no
other should hear."
Osman regarded him fiercely. "I should like to know if L'Elfi is
privileged to advise or command Osman Bey Bardissi here, where it
devolves upon Sitta Nefysseh alone to determine who shall go, and
who remain.
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