Thou canst cut off the head, but not cure the aching tooth." "This is over-insolent," said the King, hardening himself, as the Hakim assumed a more lofty and almost a commanding tone.

"We took thee for our leech, not for our counsellor or conscience-keeper." "And is it thus the most renowned Prince of Frangistan repays benefit done to his royal person ?" said El Hakim, exchanging the humble and stooping posture in which he had hitherto solicited the King, for an attitude lofty and commanding.

"Know, then," he said, "that: through every court of Europe and Asia--to Moslem and Nazarene--to knight and lady--wherever harp is heard and sword worn--wherever honour is loved and infamy detested--to every quarter of the world--will I denounce thee, Melech Ric, as thankless and ungenerous; and even the lands--if there be any such--that never heard of thy renown shall yet be acquainted with thy shame!" "Are these terms to me, vile infidel ?" said Richard, striding up to him in fury.

"Art weary of thy life ?" "Strike!" said El Hakim; "thine own deed shall then paint thee more worthless than could my words, though each had a hornet's sting." Richard turned fiercely from him, folded his arms, traversed the tent as before, and then exclaimed, "Thankless and ungenerous!--as well be termed coward and infidel! Hakim, thou hast chosen thy boon; and though I had rather thou hadst asked my crown jewels, yet I may not, kinglike, refuse thee.

Take this Scot, therefore, to thy keeping; the provost will deliver him to thee on this warrant." He hastily traced one or two lines, and gave them to the physician.