who oppose thee, more than they ought? and what end can their
destruction answer, but to stain thy hands with unavailing murder? Thou
canst only take the life of a few faithful slaves, who will not lift up
their hands against thee: thou canst not rescue ALMEIDA from thy
brother; but thou canst preserve thyself from guilt.'

These words of OMAR suspended the rage of HAMET, like a charm; and
returning his scymitar into its sheath, 'Let me then,' said he, 'suffer,
and be guiltless. It is true, that against these ranks my single arm
must be ineffectual; but if my wrongs can rouse a nation to repress the
tyranny, that will shortly extend over it the injuries that now reach
only to me, justice shall be done to HAMET.' Then turning to ALMORAN,
'Henceforth,' said he, 'the kingdom shall be mine or thine. To govern in
concert with thee, is to associate with the powers of hell. The beings
that are superior to evil, are the friends of HAMET; and if these are
thy enemies, what shall be thy defence?' ALMORAN replied only by a
contemptuous smile; and the assembly being dismissed he retired to his
apartment: and HAMET and OMAR went out to the people, who had gathered
in an incredible multitude about the palace.




CHAP. X.


A rumour of what had happened within had reached them, which some
believed, and some doubted: but when they saw OMAR and HAMET return
together, and observed that their looks were full of resentment and
trouble, they became silent with attention in a moment; which OMAR