Hamet, in the mean time, was anticipating the morrow with a mixture of anxiety and pleasure; and though he had no reason to think any thing could prevent his marriage, yet he wished it was over, with an impatience that was considerably increased by fear.

Though the anticipation of the great event that was now so near, kept him waking the greatest part of the night, yet he rose early in the morning; and while he waited till Almeida should be ready to see him, he was told that Omar was without, and desired admittance.  When he came in, Hamet, who always watched his countenance as a mariner the stars of heaven, perceived that it was obscured with perplexity and grief.  ’Tell me,’ said Hamet, ‘whence is the sorrow that I discover in thy face?’ ’I am sorrowful,’ said Omar, ‘not for myself, but for thee.’  At these words Hamet stept backward, and fixed his eyes upon Omar, without power to speak.  ’Consider, said Omar, ’that thou art not a man only, but a prince:  consider also, that immortality is before thee; and that thy felicity, during the endless ages of immortality, depends upon thyself:  fear not, therefore, what thou canst suffer from others; the evil and the good of life are transient as the morning dew, and over these only the hand of others can prevail.’

Hamet, whose attachment to life was strong, and whose expectations of immediate enjoyment were high, did not feel the force of what Omar had said, though he assented to its truth.  ‘Tell me,’ said he, ’at once, what thou fearest for me; deliver me from the torments of suspense, and trust my own fortitude to save me from despair.’  ‘Know then,’ said Omar, ‘that thou art hated by Almoran, and that he loves Almeida.’  At this declaration, the astonishment of Hamet was equal to his concern; and he was in doubt whether to believe or disbelieve what he heard:  but the moment he recollected the wisdom and integrity of Omar, his doubts were at an end; and having recovered from his surprize, he was about to make such enquiries as might gratify the anxious and tumultuous curiosity which was excited in his breast, when Omar, lifting up his hand, and beginning again to speak, Hamet remained silent.

‘Thou knowest,’ said Omar, ’that when my checks were yet ruddy with youth, and my limbs were braced by vigour, that mine eye was guided to knowledge by the lamp that is kindled at midnight, and much of what is hidden in the innermost recesses of nature, was discovered to me:  my prayer ascended in secret to Him, with whom there is wisdom from everlasting to everlasting, and He illuminated my darkness with His light.  I know, by such sensations as the world either feels not at all, or feels unnoticed without knowledge of their use, when the powers that are invisible are permitted to mingle in the walks of men; and well I know, that some being, who is more than mortal, has joined with Almoran against thee, since the veil of night was last spread upon the earth.’