faith in ours. 'The prophet,' she says,
'excludes the female half of mankind from heaven; therefore, what are
you striving for? In this life you need no supernatural assistance,
and in the next it is denied you. But to go no farther than this life;
what have you become through the cruel institution of Mahomet? Before
your marriage you are a bird shut up in a cage, and when married, an
unhappy wife, who shares the favours of a tyrant with a hundred others.
Follow my advice, take your jewels and flee to Europe. My family is
large and happy, my native country is extensive and beautiful; its
women are much respected. Many youths will strive to please you; every
one will esteem himself happy to obtain your hand. The Christian
church will receive you in her bosom, and in the next life infinite
mercy awaits you."

Gulhyndi was silent for a moment, to hear whether Ali would say any
thing in reply. As he continued silent, contemplating her attentively
with an affectionate look, she continued:

"I should not perhaps have been strong enough to withstand her
persuasions had not a singular occurrence taken place to confirm me.
During a sleepless night, when tormented with grief and anguish of
conscience, I lay on my couch with my hands folded, and all at once
fell into a sweet sleep, during which I dreamt I saw the ceiling of the
room opening, and a charming fairy coming down to me on a rosy cloud,
which filled the room with perfume. She appeared in an azure silk
garment, over which hung a transparent crape, on which were wrought
silver stars; on her head was a crown of diamonds, and her hands held a
sceptre of emerald. She bent over my pillow, touched my temples with
her sceptre, and said, 'Be of good cheer daughter, flee not, and deny
not your faith. Virtue is a flower that blooms in every clime. Be
firm without despairing. I promise you a youth who will love you alone
and be faithful to you. He shall, like yourself, spring from the tribe
of Ishmael, and dwell in your tents.' When she had said this she
disappeared. I have often seen her after this, when I have been in
trouble; but she has only floated down to me and contemplated me
smiling for a moment, which, however, has always inspired me with
fortitude for many days. For two months, however, I have not seen her,
and Maria urges me daily. Thus I met you in this state of excitement.
Oh, Ali! forsake not the timid roe which seeks shelter in your
protection."