"Glutton that thou art!" cried she, "were it not for me, thou wouldst
soon find thyself the commander only of pies. Thy faithful subjects have
abjured the faith they swore to thee; Motavakel, thy brother, now reigns
on the hill of pied horses, and had I not some slight resources in the
tower, would not be easily persuaded to abdicate; but, that time may not
be lost, I shall only add four words: Strike tent to-night, set forward,
and beware how thou loiterest again by the way; though thou hast
forfeited the conditions of the parchment, I am not yet without hope; for
it cannot be denied that thou hast violated to admiration the laws of
hospitality, by seducing the daughter of the Emir, after having partaken
of his bread and his salt. Such a conduct cannot but be delightful to
the Giaour; and if on thy march thou canst signalise thyself by an
additional crime, all will still go well, and thou shalt enter the palace
of Soliman in triumph. Adieu! Alboufaki and my negresses are waiting."
The Caliph had nothing to offer in reply; he wished his mother a
prosperous journey, and ate on till he had finished his supper.
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