THE GAPEDGI BACIII. 79 



white beard, and strongly marked with that expression of innate be- 

 nevolence, that when found united to genius, likens man to the 

 Divinity. 



" Young soldier," said the Pacha, " what wilt thou ?" " The 

 palace of Khosroes and its enervating splendours could not satisfy a 

 soul parched with a thirst of glory. Thus have I prayed to fortune, 

 to exchange with me the luxury of the imperial seraglio for the din 

 of the camp \" 



It was by this Persian quotation that Ahmed replied, wishing to be 

 understood by the Pacha alone. 



The Pacha directing an eagle's glance towards the kawas, to make 

 sure that none of them had understood what had passed, by a gesture 

 motioned them to retire " Approach," said he, addressing Ahmed ; 

 but suddenly casting a look of suspicion on the arms that glittered in 

 the girdle of the young adventurer, he appeared to revoke the order 

 by a kind of hesitation. But his great mind grew ashamed of his 

 fears ; although he was but too well acquainted with the bloody, 

 treacherous policy of the seraglio. Ahmed, who understood the 

 cause of his hesitation, carelessly threw aside his arms, as if to dis- 

 encumber himself of them, and advanced towards him ec Speak : 

 from whence comest thou ? Can it be possible that thou comest from 

 that fatal and mysterious place ? Thy youth has prepossessed me in 

 thy favour, and I cannot believe that it harbours treachery." 



" Pacha, I am the son of Ibrahim Bey, barber-bachi of our august 

 Sovereign. I might have vegetated in the tranquillity of the seraglio, 

 but I preferred the career of arms, under the banners of Hussein 

 Pacha, the friend of my sire." 



" Yes, by Allah ! boy, I was indeed thy father's friend, and richly 

 he deserved my friendship ; for more than once methinks, he rendered 

 vain the labours of the Scribe, who had passed two days in embel- 

 lishing the firman of my death : but, my son, what evil genius led 

 you to quit the nest of mercy and of felicity ? " 



" My dreams, Pacha. I was haunted by visions of neighing steeds, 

 of glittering scymitars, of long and pointed lances. Methought I was 

 in a melee, amid the din of battle : I awoke and wept bitterly, when 

 I found myself in the silence of the seraglio, and my dream of glory 

 vain." 



The Pacha smiled bitterly. 



ff Boy, who thinks that glory follows the warrior, spurring his 

 charger to the fight ? Glory it is in the seraglio that she is found 

 beautiful, attractive, voluptuous, and gorgeously attired. Here it is 

 seen soiled and dishevelled, covered with dust and gore, concealing 

 behind her the envoy of the Porte, who punishes deserters, and 

 avenges success." Then quitting this melancholy tone " By Allah, 

 boy, if thou comest in the name of thy father, thou art right welcome ; 

 I will not give thee up to our glorious Sultan no ! not even should 

 he send the Grand Vizier himself, at the head of 20 hortas of janiza- 

 ries, to demand thee." Ahmed bent low on approaching the Pacha, 

 and raised with respect his hand to his lips and forehead, when the 

 Pacha took him by the arm, and said, " Sit my son. Hast thou not 

 lived in the seraglio, breathed the same atmosphere as our august 



