This gave only temporary relief, and soon the whole army
was dissatisfied, clamoring for pay and ripe for revolt.
New taxes had to be imposed, and the burden fell upon the hapless
people. The tax-gatherers made their circuit again, and mercilessly
collected the tax, in spite of the opposition and lamentations of
the sorely-oppressed people. If they refused to pay, the amount was
raised by selling their houses. The enraged, despairing people no
longer grumbled, but rushed howling and crying in dense masses to
the Mosque El-Ayar, declaring that they would rather die than longer
endure such outrages.
The monster-rebellion-raises its head again, and the uproar of
revolt rounds through all Cairo.
The cadis and sheiks hasten to the mosque to use their influence in
tranquillizing the people, but in vain. The only response to their
representations is, "We cannot, we will not pay more!"
The vast hall of the mosque resounds with their lamentations and
cries of rage. Suddenly Mohammed Ali, followed by a few of his
soldiers, appears on the threshold. In a loud voice he begs the
people to disperse; in Bardissi's name he promises that the
collection of the new tax shall not be enforced. He had gone to
Bardissi and entreated him to torment the people no longer, and
Bardissi had yielded to his entreaties.
"Repair quietly to your homes, and fear no longer for your property.
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