to me in favour of granting an
audience," returned the Dey, "for if his plea be insufficient I shall
thus appear to be desirous of furthering justice without suffering loss.
It is always wise to act with urbanity when it costs one nothing."

Achmet smiled, and a gleam of mischievous fun twinkled in his eyes as he
observed his minister cast a furtive glance, suggestive of anything but
urbanity, at the lion, which had playfully brushed its tail against his
leg in passing.

"Your highness's judgment is always just," returned Sidi Omar; "and were
we desirous of maintaining peace with Spain at present, it would be
right to propitiate their consul; but, as you are aware, the treaties
which we have recently formed with various nations are not to our
advantage. The peace recently forced upon us by America has stopped
suddenly the annual flow of a very considerable amount of tribute, (see
Note 1), and the constant efforts made by that nation of ill-favoured
dogs, the British, to bring about peace between us and Portugal will, I
fear, soon dry up another source of revenue, if things go on as they
have been doing of late, it is plain to me that we shall soon be at
peace with all the world, and be under the necessity of turning our
hands to farming or some such work for a livelihood!"

"Fear not, Sidi Omar," replied the Dey, with a short laugh, "this fair
and ancient city has lived too long by war to be capable of
condescending now to arts of peace. We shall have no difficulty in
picking a quarrel with any nation that seems most desirable when our
coffers begin to grow empty--in regard to which, let us be thankful,
they show no signs at present. But have a care, Omar, how you speak
disrespectfully of the British. They are apt, like their representative
at your heels, to spring when you least expect it, and they have
powerful claws and teeth. Besides, they are my very good friends, and
some of their statesmen have a great regard for me. Being at war, as
you know, with some of the most powerful European nations just now, they
know that I do them good service in the Mediterranean by rendering trade
difficult and hazardous to all except those with whom I am at peace.
Spain being on friendly terms with us at present, I will receive the
Spanish consul. Go, let him know my pleasure, and see that thou hast my
scrivano instilled with all requisite information to refute him."

Sidi Omar bowed low, and retired without venturing a r