'That is also true. I see that you have set your heart upon him.'
'Not my heart, my father, but my head. For I have infinitely more head than heart, and I see that the welfare of the kingdom will be better secured with such a ruler, than it would have been under a foreign prince whose right hand would be perpetually thrust out to take in Nejed that which his left hand would throw to courtiers in his own country. Do I speak wisdom or folly?'
'It is neither all folly nor all wisdom.'
'I have seen this man, I have heard him speak,' said Zehowah. 'He is as well as another since I must marry sooner or later. Moreover I have another argument.'
'What is that?'
'Either he is a man strong enough to rule me, or he is not,' Zehowah answered with a laugh. 'If he can govern me, he can govern the kingdom of Nejed. But if not I will govern it for him, and rule him also.'
The Sultan looked up to heaven and slightly raised his hands from his knees.
'Allah is merciful and forgiving!' he exclaimed. 'Is this the spirit befitting a wife?'
'Is it charity to cause happiness?'
'Undoubtedly it is charity.'