their hands, which were clasped in each other.  She was affrighted at the violence, but yet more at the apprehension of what was to follow; she, therefore, turned her eyes upon Hamet, conjuring him not to leave her, in a tone of tenderness and distress which it is impossible to describe:  he replied with a vehemence that was worthy of his passion, ‘I will not leave thee,’ and immediately drew his sabre.  At the same moment they forced her from him; and a party having interposed to cover those that were carrying her off, Hamet lifted up his weapon to force his passage through them; but was prevented by Omar, who, having pressed through the crowd, presented himself before him.  ‘Stop me not,’ said Hamet, ‘it is for Almeida.’  ‘If thou wouldst save Almeida,’ said Omar, ’and thyself, do that only which is right.  What have these done who oppose thee, more than they ought? and what end can their destruction answer, but to stain thy hands with unavailing murder?  Thou canst only take the life of a few faithful slaves, who will not lift up their hands against thee:  thou canst not rescue Almeida from thy brother; but thou canst preserve thyself from guilt.’

These words of Omar suspended the rage of Hamet, like a charm; and returning his scymitar into its sheath, ‘Let me then,’ said he, ’suffer, and be guiltless.  It is true, that against these ranks my single arm must be ineffectual; but if my wrongs can rouse a nation to repress the tyranny, that will shortly extend over it the injuries that now reach only to me, justice shall be done to Hamet.’  Then turning to Almoran, ‘Henceforth,’ said he, ’the kingdom shall be mine or thine.  To govern in concert with thee, is to associate with the powers of hell.  The beings that are superior to evil, are the friends of Hamet; and if these are thy enemies, what shall be thy defence?’ Almoran replied only by a contemptuous smile; and the assembly being dismissed he retired to his apartment:  and Hamet and Omar went out to the people, who had gathered in an incredible multitude about the palace.

CHAP.  X.

A rumour of what had happened within had reached them, which some believed, and some doubted:  but when they saw Omar and Hamet return together, and observed that their looks were full of resentment and trouble, they became silent with attention in a moment; which Omar observing, addressed them with an eloquence of which they had often acknowledged the force, and of which they never repented the effect.