However, when I ride with father to
Tantah, then, O stranger, I dress myself up as the women of the
cities do! Then I wear a long silk dress and a splendid veil, and
color my lips and hands with henna!"
"That is to say, Butheita, you make of the houri of paradise an
ordinary human being. I should not like to see you when you look
like other women. You are the Queen of the Desert, Butheita."
"How do you know that? So am I called by the Bedouins who are my
father's subjects. Yes, they are very respectful to their sheik's
daughter, and call me Queen of the Desert. They sometimes say,"
continued she, smiling: "'Her countenance shines like the sun,
enkindling in flames the hearts of all who approach her.' I,
however, hold myself aloof from them, and do not listen to what they
say, else my father would become angry, and would deprive me of my
liberty to roam about as I please. And now you know all, stranger,
and know why I may not kiss you, though I would gladly do something
to please the poor prisoner; but I have promised this to my father
and to myself. Therefore, no more of this. Here we must halt. Look
at the sublime image that stands there so grandly, and throws its
black shadow far out over the yellow sand. That is the true Queen of
the Desert. Let me turn the animal so that you can see our queen."
Mohammed looked up and bowed his head in awe before the monster
image that stood before him.
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