At last a day came when the people, so long bowed down in the dust,
arose like a lion, and refused to yield longer to such oppression.
"We will endure this no more; we will submit to this injustice and
oppression no longer!"
The cadis and sheiks repair to the citadel to announce the
determination of the people to the viceroy.
"The people refuse to submit further to this oppression. Neither
they nor we will endure it."
They say this to his face, proudly, fearlessly. He replies fiercely:
"I will hurl death into your midst if the people are not brought
back to humility and obedience, for I am your master--I alone!"
"You are our master while we recognize you as such, and no longer,"
replied the cadi, turning and leaving the room, followed by the
sheiks.
In the streets below he announces to the people: "Justice is not to
be obtained of Courschid Pacha, and we will submit to him no more!"
"No, we can and will not submit," say the cadi and sheiks, who,
accompanied by thousands of the people, have repaired to the palace
of the sarechsme.
"We announce to you, Mohammed Ali, in the name of the whole people,
we will recognize and obey Courschid Pacha no longer. This man's
cruelty and injustice are no longer to be endured."
"We declare him removed from his office; we declare him deposed from
the throne," cried the cadi, solemnly; and the sheiks repeat the
cry: "We declare him removed from his office; we declare him deposed
from the throne!"
And in the streets without, the people shout exultingly: "We declare
him deposed from the throne!"
Mohammed listens to these unusual outcries, and his countenance is
grave and solemn.
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