The young prince can beat the Giaours
without the aid of those who are noisy enough in a coffee-house when
they are quiet enough in the field. And, for the rest of the business,
you may all ease your hearts; for the Frangy princess you talk of is
pining away, and will soon die. The Sultan has offered a hundred
purses of gold to any one who cures her; but the gold will never be
counted by the Hasnadar, or I will double it."
"Try your fortune, Hakim," said several laughing loungers to Iskander.
"Allah has stricken the Frangy princess," said the old Turk with a
white beard.
"He will strike all Giaours," said his ancient companion, sipping his
coffee. "It is so written."
"Well! I do not like to hear of women slaves pining to death," said
the young Janissary, in a softened tone, "particularly when they are
young. Amurath should have ransomed her, or he might have given her to
one of his officers, or any young fellow that had particularly
distinguished himself." And so, twirling his mustachios, and flinging
down his piastre, the young Janissary strutted out of the coffee-house.
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