ous force; but recollecting,
in a moment, whose form he bore, and to whom they were addressed, they
struck him with new astonishment, and increased the torments of his
mind. Supposing what he at first feared had happened, and that ALMORAN
had seduced her as HAMET; he could not account for her now addressing
him, as ALMORAN, with words of favour and compliance: he, therefore,
renewed his enquiries concerning himself, with apprehensions of a
different kind. She, who was still solicitous to put an end to the
enquiry, as well for the sake of HAMET, as to prevent her own
embarrassment, replied with a sigh, 'Let not thy peace be interrupted by
one thought of HAMET; for of HAMET ALMEIDA shall think no more.' HAMET,
who, though he had fortified himself against whatever might have
happened to her person, could not bear the alienation of her mind, cried
our, with looks of distraction and a voice scarcely human, 'Not think of
HAMET!' ALMEIDA, whose astonishment was every moment increasing,
replied, with a tender and interesting enquiry, 'Is ALMORAN then
offended, that ALMEIDA mould think of HAMET no more?' HAMET, being thus
addressed by the name of his brother, again recollected his situation;
and now first conceived the idea, that the alteration of ALMEIDA'S
sentiments with respect to himself, might be the effect of some violence
offered her by ALMORAN in his likeness; he, therefore, recurred to his
first purpose, and determined, by a direct enquiry, to discover whether
she had seen him under that appearance. This enquiry he urged with the
utmost solemnity and ardour, in terms suitable to his present appearance
and situation: 'Tell me,' said he, 'have these doors been open to HAMET?
Has he obtained possession of that treasure, which, by the voice of
Heaven, has been allotted to me?'

To this double question, ALMEIDA answered by a single negative; and her
answer, therefore, was both false and true: it was true that her person
was still inviolate, and it was true also that HAMET had not been
admitted to her; yet her denial of it was false, for she believed the
contrary; ALMORAN only had been admitted, but she had received him as
his brother. HAMET, however, was satisfied with the answer, and did not
discover its fallacy. He looked up to Heaven, with an expression of
gratitude and joy; and then turning to ALMEIDA, 'Swear then,' said he,
'that thou hast granted to HAMET, no pledge of thy love which should be
reserved for me.' ALMEIDA