Yet, I
would not conceal the truth. Truly, Osman Bey Bardissi loves the
truth, and therefore I tell you I also did it on my own account, and
on account of my Mamelukes. I well know what mettle your other
generals are made of! From Youssouf Bey and Taher Pacha the Mameluke
Beys have nothing to fear; I know them, and know that they are poor
soldiers; but of you, Mohammed Ali, I have a different opinion. When
I saw you on the ship, I said to myself: `This man will become a
hero; woe to us when he confronts us in battle, but joy if we can
win him to our side and make him our friend!' Therefore, I entreat
you, be our friend, Mohammed Ali. Abandon the treacherous Turks, for
treacherous they are! We saw this at Aboukir, and I think have
aroused indignation in your gallant heart to see them massacre so
many of our noblest beys through vile trickery and treachery. I can
well understand that you cannot admit this while you are a sarechsme
of the Turks; yet, be one of us, Mohammed Ali. Confess to yourself
that the Turks are waging an unjust war, and that treachery is their
favorite weapon. It is my firm conviction that we shall ultimately
succeed in vanquishing and driving them from the country; but to do
this we need strong men and heroic hearts. I cannot consent to their
possession of such a man as yourself. Come to us, Mohammed Ali! You
shall be our first and greatest! What Mourad Bey was for us, that
shall Mohammed Ali be for the Mamelukes.
Pages:
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503