Is it not our duty, to suffer, as well as to act? If my own hand
consigns me to the grave, what can it do but perpetuate that misery,
which, by disobedience, I would shun? what can it do, but cut off my
life and hope together?' With this reflection he threw the dagger from
him; and stretching himself again upon the ground, resigned himself to
the disposal of the Father of man, most Merciful and Almighty.
ALMORAN, who had now resolved to send for the intelligence which he
longed to hear, was dispatching a messenger to the prison, when he was
told that Caled desired admittance to his presence. At the name of
Caled, he started up in an extasy of joy; and not doubting but that
HAMET was dead, he ordered him to be instantly admitted. When he came
in, ALMORAN made no enquiry about HAMET, because he would not appear to
expect the event, which yet he supposed he had brought about; he,
therefore, asked him only upon what business he came. 'I come, my
lord,' said he, 'to apprize thee of the treachery of Osmyn.' 'I know,'
said ALMORAN, 'that Osmyn is a traitor; but of what dost thou accuse
him? 'As I was but now,' said he, 'changing the guard which is set upon
HAMET, Osmyn came up to the door of the prison, and producing the royal
signet demanded admittance.
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