DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.5828#0287
a mohammedan romance.
249
conducted into the governor's presence, in a pri-
vate chamber of the prison, set apart for especial
purposes. Upon his entrance he stood before his
judge erect as a column which has outbraved the
storms of centuries; his rayless eyes fixed -with an
inexpressive stare upon the half-awed Mohammedan.
They were left together.
" Prisoner," said the Omrah, at length, " wouldst
thou save thy life ?" The Rajpoot did not reply ; but,
twirling the corners of his moustachios on either side
of his scornful lip, turned his back upon the speaker.
The ire of the Mirza was roused.
" Man," he exclaimed, elevating his voice, " it is
insane policy to inflame the anger of one who, with
a word, can consign thee to the executioner."
" Do thy worst," cried the Rajpoot, turning sud-
denly round, " I would not be indebted to thee for
even the semblance of a boon. I defy thee, however
thou mayest estimate the policy of such defiance."
" Nay," continued Abdallah, softening, "this is
too extravagant for heroism. Hear what I have to
propose, and then consider well before you rashly
reject it. You know that your daughter is in my
power; she refuses to become the favourite of my
harem; I would rather win than force her consent;
do you, therefore, compel her compliance, and you
shall immediately be restored to liberty."
" Dastard ! This to a father !—to a Rajpoot father!
who would rather behold his daughter writhing under
death's hardest agonies than with the blasting brand
of infamy upon her. If thou hast the courage of a
man, arm thyself and me, and, though old and blind,
m 5
249
conducted into the governor's presence, in a pri-
vate chamber of the prison, set apart for especial
purposes. Upon his entrance he stood before his
judge erect as a column which has outbraved the
storms of centuries; his rayless eyes fixed -with an
inexpressive stare upon the half-awed Mohammedan.
They were left together.
" Prisoner," said the Omrah, at length, " wouldst
thou save thy life ?" The Rajpoot did not reply ; but,
twirling the corners of his moustachios on either side
of his scornful lip, turned his back upon the speaker.
The ire of the Mirza was roused.
" Man," he exclaimed, elevating his voice, " it is
insane policy to inflame the anger of one who, with
a word, can consign thee to the executioner."
" Do thy worst," cried the Rajpoot, turning sud-
denly round, " I would not be indebted to thee for
even the semblance of a boon. I defy thee, however
thou mayest estimate the policy of such defiance."
" Nay," continued Abdallah, softening, "this is
too extravagant for heroism. Hear what I have to
propose, and then consider well before you rashly
reject it. You know that your daughter is in my
power; she refuses to become the favourite of my
harem; I would rather win than force her consent;
do you, therefore, compel her compliance, and you
shall immediately be restored to liberty."
" Dastard ! This to a father !—to a Rajpoot father!
who would rather behold his daughter writhing under
death's hardest agonies than with the blasting brand
of infamy upon her. If thou hast the courage of a
man, arm thyself and me, and, though old and blind,
m 5