V LIFE OF MOHAMMED. 213 



phet. These six individuals were his chief asso- 

 ciates—his main instruments in disseminating his 

 religion — the partners of his victories — and some 

 of them his successors on the throne. Three years 

 were thus spent in devotional intrigue and tlie secret 

 process of discipleship, during which the shades of 

 mystery were allowed to conceal from the world 

 his doctrines and his crafty designs. 



But the time had now arrived when he could rely 

 with confidence on the attachment of his new prose- 

 lytes. Immediately the angel commanded him to 

 make known his sacred vocation, and to exhort his 

 friends and neighbours in particular to forsake their 

 errors, if they hoped to escape the vengeance of an 

 offended Deity. The obedient apostle accordingly 

 directed Ali to prepare an entertainment — a lamb 

 and a bowl of milk — to which forty guests of the 

 race of Hashem were invited. After some inter- 

 ruption, Mohammed addressed the astonished as- 

 sembly — " Friends, I this day oifer you what no 

 other person in all Arabia can offer, — the most valu- 

 able of gifts, — the treasures of this world and of 

 that which is to come. God has enjoined me to call 

 you to his service. Who among you will be my 

 vizier, to share with me the burden and the toils of 

 this important mission — to become my brother, my 

 vicar, and ambassador?" This address was heard 

 with silent surprise ; and none seemed disposed to 

 accept the proffered dignity. At length the impa- 

 tient Ali made answer — " I, O Prophet, Avill be your 

 vizier, and obey your commands ! Whoever dares 

 to oppose vou, I will tear out his eyes, dash out his 

 teeth, break his legs, and rip open his body I'' On 

 this burst of enthusiasm, Mohammed caught the 

 youth in his arms with the liveliest demonstrations 

 of affection. " Behold," said he, " my brother and 

 vicegerent! Listen, and obey him." Shouts of con- 

 temptuous laughter followed this romantic installa- 

 tion. The whole compan}- turned their sarcastic 



