There is a burden on my conscience,
why, or what, I know not. I am innocent, you know I am innocent,
Honain!'
'I'll answer for your Highness. He who has enough of the milk of human
kindness to spare a thing like Scherirah, when he stands in his way, may
well be credited for the nobler mercy that spared his better.'
'Ah me! there's madness in the thought. Why is he not here? Had I
but followed; tush! tush! Go see the Queen, and tell her all that has
happened. I'll to Scherirah.'
The Caliph returned.
'Thy pardon, brave Scherirah; in these moments my friends will pardon
lapse of courtesy.'
'Your Highness is too considerate.'
'You see, Scherirah, how the wind blows, brave heart. There's much to
do, no doubt. I am in sad want of some right trusty friend, on whose
devoted bosom I can pillow all my necessities. I was thinking of sending
you against this Arslan, but perhaps 'tis better that I should go
myself. These are moments one should not seem to shrink, and yet we know
not how affairs may run; no, we know not. The capital, the surrounding
province: one disaster and these false Moslemin may rise against us. I
should stay here, but if I leave Scherirah, I leave myself. I feel that
deeply; 'tis a consolation.
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