and ever will, in
spite of suffering. So much for blasphemy; I am true to a deep faith
of ancient days, which even the sacred writings of thy race still
reverence. For the arts magical I practised, and the communion with
infernal powers 'tis said I held, know, King, I raised the standard of
my faith by the direct commandment of my God, the great Creator of the
universe. What need of magic, then? What need of paltering with petty
fiends, when backed by His omnipotence? My magic was His inspiration.
Need I prove why, with such aid, my people crowded round me? The time
will come when from out our ancient seed, a worthier chief will rise,
not to be quelled even by thee, Sire.

'For that unhappy Princess of whom something was said (with no great
mercy, as it seemed to me), that lady is my wife, my willing wife; the
daughter of a Caliph, still my wife, although your stakes may make her
soon a widow. I stand not here to account for female fancies. Believe
me, Sire, she gave her beauty to my raptured arms with no persuasions
but such as became a soldier and a king. It may seem strange to thee
upon thy throne that the flower of Asia should be plucked by one so vile
as I am. Remember, the accidents of Fortune are most strange. I was not
always what I am. We have met before. There was a day, and that too
not long since, when, but for the treachery of some knaves I mark here,
Fortune seemed half inclined to reverse our fates. Had I conquered, I
trust I should have shown more mercy.'

The King of Karasme was the most passionate of men. He had made a speech
according to the advice and instructions of his councillors, who had
assured him that the tone he adopted would induce Alroy to confess all
that he required, and especially to vindicate the reputation of the
Princess Schirene, who had already contrived to persuade Alp Arslan that
she was the most injured of her sex. The King of Karasme stamped thrice
on the platform of his throne, and exclaimed with great fire, 'By my
beard, ye have deceived me! The dog has confessed nothing!'

All the councillors and chief captains, and the Mullahs, and the
Imams, and the Cadis, and the principal personages of the city were
in consternation. They immediately consulted together, and, after much
disputation, agreed that, before they proceeded to extremities, it was
expedient to prove what the prisoner would not confess. A venerable
Sheikh, clothed in flowing robes of green, with a long white bea