"
"How shall I show merit, then, in the eyes of Nahoum Pasha?"
"Even by urging the Prince to give me place under him again. Not as
heretofore--that is thy place--yet where it may be. I have capacity. I
can aid thee in the great task. Thou wouldst remake our Egypt--and my
heart is with you. I would rescue, not destroy. In years gone by I tried
to do good to this land, and I failed. I was alone. I had not the
strength to fight the forces around me. I was overcome. I had too little
faith. But my heart was with the right--I am an Armenian and a Christian
of the ancient faith. I am in sorrow. Death has humbled me. My brother
Foorgat Bey--may flowers bloom for ever on his grave!--he is dead,"--his
eyes were fixed on those of David, as with a perfectly assured
candour--"and my heart is like an empty house. But man must not be idle
and live--if Kaid lets me live. I have riches. Are not Foorgat's riches
mine, his Palace, his gardens, his cattle, and his plantations, are they
not mine? I may sit in the court-yard and hear the singers, may listen to
the tale-tellers by the light of the moon; I may hear the tales of
Al-Raschid chanted by one whose tongue never falters, and whose voice is
like music; after the manner of the East I may give bread and meat to the
poor at sunset; I may call the dancers to the feast.
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