‘I am under the greatest obligations to the Emir Fakredeen,’ said Tancred, ‘and independently of such circumstances, I very much like him.’
‘I know nothing against the noble Emir,’ said Baroni, ‘and I am sure he has been extremely polite and attentive to your lordship; but still those Shehaabs, they are such a set, always after something!’
‘He is ardent and ambitious,’ said Tancred, ‘and he is young. Are these faults? Besides, he has not had the advantage of our stricter training. He has been without guides; and is somewhat undisciplined, and self-formed. But he has a great and interesting position, and is brilliant and energetic. Providence may have appointed him to fulfil great ends.’
‘A Shehaab will look after the main chance,’ said Baroni.
‘But his main chance may be the salvation of his country,’ said Tancred.
‘Nothing can save his country,’ said Baroni. ‘The Syrians were ever slaves.’
‘I do not call them slaves now,’ said Tancred; ‘why, they are armed and are warlike! All that they want is a cause.’
‘And that they never will have,’ said Baroni.
‘Why?’
‘The East is used up.’