Punch (77.1879)

242

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

[November L9, 1879.

A CASUS BELLI : OR, STOPPING THE KABOBS AT CONSTANTINOPLE.

(From a strictly unauthentic Source.)

For several days the cavasses of the British Embassy had been
busy among the Purveyors of the Palace. At last their work was
done. " The supplies to the Yildi Kiosk were cut off. The Padi-
shah's kabobs were stopped—at the fountain-head!

*****

The British Ambassador had been closeted with the Sultan for
a long and apparently tempestuous interview. The assiduous,
quick-eared watchers outside the royal sanctum had more than once
caught the manly voice of Sir Henry high in storm, and the higher
treble of the Sultan running through the whole gamut of remon-
strance, from angry protest to helpless wail.

*****

" I must now say farewell, your Excellency," said the Sultan,
in a voice faint from exhaustion. " The reforms you demand are out
of the question. They require money, and England will not find me
any. Without it, I can do no more than I have done—nothing.
By the beard of the Prophet, I can do no more ! "

" Your Majesty has heard my summary of the situation," returned
the Ambassador.

" A great many times," interrupted the Sultan, with a sigh.

"The future—nay, the very existence—of Turkey depends upon
your decision. My offers are like the Sibylline books—I shall ask
more every time you grant me an audience. Pray reflect! Grant
me another audience in half-an-hour."

" As you will," replied the Sultan, feeblv, adding, with a melan-
choly attempt at a smile, " I suppose your Excellency has not such
a thing as a bun in your pocket r "

" A bun ! " exclaimed the British Ambassador, in surprise.

" No—no—of course you have not! " murmured the Sultan. " It
was but a jest. The Sultanas are fond of buns, and—methought I
could have relished one. But, farewell! I will detain you no
longer."

As the Ambassador made his bow, he noticed that the Sultan was
stealthily tightening his sword-belt.