others
and an uncle. Mansoor, the oldest of the brothers, we had never before
seen. He is a furious bigot, and perfectly ignorant and regardless of
the first principles of religion. The second, Tannoos, or Antony, has
lived among us as a teacher, and has good native and acquired talents;
but, though he might be a protestant if he were left at liberty, he
thinks it altogether preposterous to attempt to quarrel with bishops and
patriarchs on the subject of religion.

These two brothers, and the uncle, (the last worse than the first,) came
and conversed together with Asaad in his chamber a considerable time.
Hearing them very earnest, I took the liberty also to go in. They
continued their rebukes and arguments, (especially the uncle,) in so
harsh and unfeeling a manner, that it made me tremble to hear them. They
contradicted Asaad, scoffed at and threatened him, calling him
possessed, mad, under the power of Satan, and so on. Asaad consented to
go home and leave the English, which was the great point they wished to
gain, provided they would get an assurance from the patriarch in
writing, to say, on the faith of a christian, that he would not molest
him.

"But," said they, "then you must hold your tongue, and not broach your
new opinions among the people."

"What," replied Asaad, "must I go and live like a _dumb_ man? No, that I
will never do. My religion binds me not to do it. I must love my
neighbour as myself."

"Why do you not go," said they, "to the Druses, and the Moslems, and
preach the gospel to them? You answer, because there is danger. So there
is danger in the present case; this is not a land of liberty, therefore
be silent."

_Asaad._--"Secure me but the free exercise of my conscience, and I will
go with you. My religion is my all, and I must be free in it."

_They._--"We can give you no such security. Nobody dares go to the
patriarch with such a request. You cannot be permitted to publish your
notions abroad among the people."

"Then," said Asaad, "there is no more to be said;"--rising, and with
clasped hands walking the room;--"_Religion unshackled--Religion
unshackled_, is my doctrine."

They rose and left the room in an angry despair. Mansoor returned, and
wished to speak a word with Asaad at the door. In a moment, Asaad
returned. "Do you know what Mansoor has told me?" said he. "His last
words were, 'Even if the patriarch and the emir should do nothing; if
they make no attempts to take your life;