of
anxiety and pleasure; and though he had no reason to think any thing
could prevent his marriage, yet he wished it was over, with an
impatience that was considerably increased by fear.

Though the anticipation of the great event that was now so near, kept
him waking the greatest part of the night, yet he rose early in the
morning; and while he waited till ALMEIDA should be ready to see him, he
was told that OMAR was without, and desired admittance. When he came in,
HAMET, who always watched his countenance as a mariner the stars of
heaven, perceived that it was obscured with perplexity and grief. 'Tell
me,' said HAMET, 'whence is the sorrow that I discover in thy face?' 'I
am sorrowful,' said OMAR, 'not for myself, but for thee.' At these words
HAMET stept backward, and fixed his eyes upon OMAR, without power to
speak. 'Consider, said OMAR, 'that thou art not a man only, but a
prince: consider also, that immortality is before thee; and that thy
felicity, during the endless ages of immortality, depends upon thyself:
fear not, therefore, what thou canst suffer from others; the evil and
the good of life are transient as the morning dew, and over these only
the hand of others can prevail.'

HAMET, whose attachment to life was strong, and whose expectations of
immediate enjoyment were high, did not feel the force of what OMAR had
said, though he assented to its truth. 'Tell me,' said he, 'at once,
what thou fearest for me; deliver me from the torments of suspense, and
trust my own fortitude to save me from despair.' 'Know then,' said OMAR,
'that thou art hated by ALMORAN, and that he loves ALMEIDA.' At this
declaration, the astonishment of HAMET was equal to his concern; and he
was in doubt whether to believe or disbelieve what he heard: but the
moment he recollected the wisdom and integrity of OMAR, his doubts were
at an end; and having recovered from his surprize, he was about to make
such enquiries as might gratify the anxious and tumultuous curiosity
which was excited in his breast, when OMAR, lifting up his hand, and
beginning again to speak, HAMET remained silent.

'Thou knowest,' said OMAR, 'that when my checks were yet ruddy with
youth, and my limbs were braced by vigour, that mine eye was guided to
knowledge by the lamp that is kindled at midnight, and much of what is
hidden in the innermost recesses of nature, was discovered to me: my
prayer ascended in secret to Him, with whom there is wisdom from
everlastin