In order to create doubt in my mind, they would have to tell me that they preferred to give up an indolent life for one of hardship, to abandon the sensual life they live here, and return to their household avocations.
Have they ever told me that it would be a joy to them to go back to their homes, and till the soil, or mend the roads?—manly occupations that the women of Albania perform admirably.
No, they have energetically declared their willingness to be burnt alive with me in my palace, at the first proposal I made them to give up silk for homespun, the far-niente of idleness for hard work, a life of pleasure for household duties.
They have innocently expressed their preference for remaining with the good Frank, and I believe them. When we consider their reasons for staying here, how can we doubt their truth?
This time selfish motives are so apparent, that I shall have no occasion to torment myself with doubts.
But what do I hear? It is a salute from a ship, the sound of a cannon!
What does it mean?
CHAPTER IX
RECOGNITION
There is nothing very remarkable about the incident I am about to relate, but I am very curious and excited.