nce held my tongue for eighteen months, I therefore can be silent when
I choose; but I can also speak when I choose, and now I do choose to
speak. I have said it, and I will not retract my words."

The sultan was white with rage; my life hung upon a thread; when the
Circassian maliciously observed, "The bastinado might induce her to
retract."

"And shall," exclaimed the sultan, clapping his hands.

The Kislar Aga appeared, in obedience to the sultan's orders; the
executioner of the harem, and two slaves stretched me on the floor,--I
made no resistance or complaint; my jewelled slippers were taken off,
and all was ready for the disgraceful punishment.

"Now, Zara, will you retract?" said the sultan, solemnly.

"No, my lord, I will not. I repeat that you have a wen under your left
arm."

"Strike!" cried the sultan, in a paroxysm of rage. The bamboos fell, and
I received a dozen blows. I bore them without a cry,--I was too much
choked by my feelings.

"Now, Zara, will you retract?" exclaimed the sultan, in a subdued tone.

"Never, sultan; I will prove to you that a woman has more courage than
you imagine; if I die under the punishment, my rival shall not have even
the pleasure of a groan. You ask me to retract. I will not swerve from
the truth. You have, and you know you have, and so does that vile
parasite by your side know, that you have a wen under your left arm." I
was faint with the pain, and my voice was weak and trembling.

"Proceed," said the sultan.

When I had received thirty blows, I fainted with the agony, and the
sultan ordered them to desist. "I trust, Zara, you are now sufficiently
punished for your disobedience." But I heard him not; and when the
sultan, perceiving that I did not reply, looked at me, his heart melted.
He felt how arbitrary, how cruel he had been. The Circassian went to
him; he ordered her in a voice of thunder to be gone, me to be unbound
by the other ladies, laid on the sofa, and restoratives to be procured.
When I came to my senses, I found myself alone with the sultan. "Oh!
Zara," said he, as the tears stood in his eyes, "why did you tempt me
thus--why were you so obstinate?"

"My lord," answered I, in a feeble voice, "leave your slave, and go to
those who can teach their tongues to lie. I have never deceived you,
although I may have displeased you. I have loved you with fidelity and
truth. Now that you have witnessed what I can suffer rather than be
guilty of falsehood, you