I am, as thou art, a man; and therefore I have
erred: but I have still kept the narrow path in view with a faithful
vigilance, and to that I have soon returned: the past, therefore, I do
not regret; and the future I have no cause to fear. In Him who is most
merciful, I have hope; and in that hope even how I rejoice before thee.
My portion in the present hour, is adversity: but I receive it, not only
with humility, but thankfulness; for I know, that whatever is ordained
is best.'
ALMORAN, in whose heart there were no traces of OMAR'S virtue, and
therefore no foundation for his confidence; sustained himself against
their force, by treating them as hypocrisy and affectation: 'I know,'
says he, 'that thou hast long learned to eccho the specious and pompous
sounds, by which hypocrites conceal their wretchedness, and excite the
admiration of folly and the contempt of wisdom: yet thy walk, in this
place, shall be still unrestrained. Here the splendor of my felicity
shall fill thy heart with envy, and cover thy face with confusion; and
from thee shall the world be instructed, that the enemies of ALMORAN can
move no passion in his breast but contempt, and that most to punish them
is to permit them to live.'
OMAR, whose eye had till now been fixed upon the ground, regarded
ALMORAN with a calm but steady countenance: 'Here then,' said he, 'will
I follow thee, constant as thy shadow; tho', as thy shadow, unnoticed or
neglected: here shall mine eye watch those evils, that were appointed
from everlasting to attend upon guilt: and here shall my voice warn thee
of their approach.
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