They need and demand their pay. I, as their protector
and general, must insist on your compliance with their just demand."
"The week within which I promised to pay them has not yet elapsed,
four days still remain," said Cousrouf, suppressing his rage with
difficulty; "therefore wait for your soldiers' pay, but you,
Mohammed, you shall not wait. See how I honor and esteem you! There
lie ten purses of gold-pieces, that is your salary. I joyously give
it you out of my own private funds. Take your pay, my sarechsme!"
He pointed to a little marble table, on which the ten purses,
through whose meshes the gold-pieces glittered, were laid in a row.
"I accept them, highness. It is my salary, and I am justly entitled
to it. I accept them, and, though you only gave me my due, I
nevertheless thank you for having done so."
"And you are now reconciled, Mohammed Ali, and no longer angry?"
said Cousrouf, in flattering tones.
Mohammed bowed profoundly.
"How could I presume to be angry with your gracious highness? You
know my devotion to you, Cousrouf."
"Prove it! Give me your advice. You know the country, you know the
city; your eye is quick, and you observe much. I know Mohammed Ali
never walks indolently through the streets; his eye sees more than
other eyes, his ear hears more than other ears; he knows far more
than any of my servants. O Mohammed, if many of them were like you,
I need not be anxious and pass sleepless nights.
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