At
the same moment they forced her from him; and a party having interposed
to cover those that were carrying her off, HAMET lifted up his weapon to
force his passage through them; but was prevented by OMAR, who, having
pressed through the crowd, presented himself before him. 'Stop me not,'
said HAMET, 'it is for ALMEIDA.' 'If thou wouldst save ALMEIDA,' said
OMAR, 'and thyself, do that only which is RIGHT. What have these done
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.
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