oppression, as now threatened them; and that the power of HAMET had
since interposed in their behalf, when ALMORAN would have stretched his
prerogative to their hurt, or have left them a prey to the farmer of a
tax. 'Shall HAMET,' said they, 'be deprived of the power, that he
employs only for our benefit; and shall it center in ALMORAN, who will
abuse it to our ruin? Shall we rather support ALMORAN in the wrong he
has done to HAMET, than HAMET to obtain justice of ALMORAN? HAMET is
our king; let him command us, and we will obey.' This was uttered with a
shout that ecchoed from the mountains beyond the city, and continued
near a full hour. In the mean time, the multitude was increasing every
moment; and the troops that lay in and near the city, having taken arms,
fell in with the stream: they were secretly attached to HAMET, under
whose eye they had been formed, and of whose bounty they had often
partaken; and their fear being removed by the general cry, which left
them no room to apprehend an opposition in favour of ALMORAN, they were
now at full liberty to follow their inclinations.

In the mean time, ALMORAN, who had retired to the innermost court of the
palace, had heard the tumult, and was alarmed for his safety: he ran
from room to room, confused and terrified, without attempting or
directing any thing either for his defence or escape, yet he sent every
moment to know the state of the insurrection, and to what end its force
would be directed.

Among those whom accident rather than choice had attached to the
interest of ALMORAN, were Osmyn and Caled: they were both distinguished
by his favour; and each had conceived hopes that, if he should possess
the throne alone, he would delegate his authority to him. ALMORAN now
ordered them to take the command of the troops, that were appointed to
attend his person as their peculiar duty, with as many others as had not