HAMET; 'for I would give her only to thee.'

These words of HAMET did not escape the notice either of Abdallah or
ALMEIDA; but neither of them mentioned their conjectures to the other.
ALMEIDA, who was inclined to judge of HAMET'S situation by her own, and
who recollected many little incidents, known only to herself, which
favoured her wishes; indulged the hope, that she should again hear of
HAMET, with more confidence than her father; nor were her expectations
disappointed. HAMET reflected with pleasure, that he had prepared the
way for a more explicit declaration; and as his impatience increased
with his passion every hour, he sent for Abdallah the next morning, and
told him, that he wished to be more acquainted with his daughter, with a
view to make her his wife: 'As neither you nor your daughter are my
subjects,' says HAMET, 'I cannot command you; and if you were, upon this
occasion I would not. I do not want a slave, but a friend; not merely a
woman, but a wife. If I find ALMEIDA such as my fancy has feigned her;
if her mind corresponds with her form; and if I have reason to think,
that she can give her heart to HAMET, and not merely her hand to the
king; I shall be happy.' To this declaration, Abdallah replied with
expressions of the profoundest submission and gratitude; and HAMET
dismissed him, to prepare ALMEIDA to receive him in the afternoon of the
same day.




CHAP. VII.


As eight moons only had passed since the death of Solyman, and as the