"Oh that I had remained in Cavalla! This cold splendor alarms me!
Would that Mohammed had received me quietly, pressed me to his heart
and said, `Welcome, Ada--welcome to my heart and home!"
Is she welcome? He rejoices in his sons, now growing up to manhood
and soon to accompany him to battle and become heroes. In his joy
over his sons, he has forgotten the wife who is now approaching the
citadel with her brilliant suite. He is first reminded of her
presence by the thunder of the guns that announce her arrival at the
citadel. The reception must, however, be completed. He has arranged
every thing with the master of ceremonies, who is to conduct his
queen into the grand audience-chamber to the throne that stands on a
scaffold under a purple canopy.
Ada's heart trembles as she approaches it, and her thoughts are with
the house in Cavalla. Oh that Mohammed Ali had returned to live with
her there! "Departed are all the sweets of domestic happiness for
poor Ada!" a voice whispers in her heart.
The women now come forward, four at a time, and with loud
congratulations lay the presents at her feet, the golden dishes, the
jewelled buckles, the gold-inworked cloths, and every thing that
delights the heart of woman. With kindly words Ada thanks them for
their gifts, hardly realizing what they are. She thanks Allah when
the affair is concluded, and the master of ceremonies approaches,
and with a deferential bearing requests her to descend from the
throne, and walk to the door that leads to the inner apartments.
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