Behold, I would die, but that I have a sister there these many years, and her sick soul lives in loneliness.

O my lord, forgive me! Here was I happy; here of old I did sing to thee, and I came to sing to thee once more a death-song.

Also, I came to see thee do justice, ere I went from thy face for ever." Kaid's head was lowered on his breast.

He shuddered.

"Thou art so beautiful--thy voice, all! Thou wouldst see justice--speak! Justice shall be made plain before thee." Twice she essayed to speak, and could not; but from his sweetmeats and the shadows Mahommed crept forward, kissed the ground before Kaid, and said: "Effendina, thou knowest me as the servant of thy high servant, Claridge Pasha." "I know thee--proceed." "Behold, she whom God has smitten, man smote first.