But he now hoped to
derive new merit from an act of zeal, which ALMORAN had approved before
it was known, by condemning his rival to die, whose death he had already
insured: 'May the wishes of my lord,' said he, 'be always anticipated;
and may it be found, that whatever he ordains is already done: may he
accept the zeal of his servant, whom he has delighted to honour; for,
before the light of the morning shall return, the eyes of Osmyn shall
close in everlasting darkness.'
At these words, the countenance of ALMORAN changed; his cheeks became
pale, and his lips trembled: 'What then,' said he, 'hast thou done?'
Caled, who was terrified and astonished, threw himself upon the ground,
and was unable to reply. ALMORAN, who now, by the utmost effort of his
mind, restrained his confusion and his fear, that he might learn the
truth from Caled without dissimulation or disguise, raised him from the
ground and repeated his enquiry. 'If I have erred,' said Caled, 'impute
it not: when I had detected the treachery of Osmyn, I was transported by
my zeal for thee. For proof that he is guilty, I appeal now to himself;
for he yet lives: but that he might not escape the hand of justice, I
mingled, in the bowl I give him, the drugs of death.
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