The sultan clapped his hands, and the kislar aga appeared. “Quick,” exclaimed he, “the heads of the slaves and executioner who inflicted the punishment.” In a minute the kislar aga appeared; he perceived how matters stood, and trembled for his own. He held up the three heads, one after another, and then returned them to the sack of sawdust in which they had been brought.
“Are you satisfied now, Zara?”
“For myself, yes—but not for you. Who was it that persuaded you to descend from your dignity, and lower yourself, by yielding to the instigations of malice? Who was it that advised the bastinado? As a woman, I am too proud to be jealous of her; but as one who values your honour, and your reputation, I cannot permit you to have so dangerous a counsellor. Your virgins, your omras, your princes, will all be at her mercy; your throne may be overturned by her taking advantage of her power.”
The sultan hesitated.
“Sultan, you have but to choose between two things; if she be alive to-morrow morning, I am dead by my own hand. You know I never lie.”
The sultan clapped his hands, the kislar aga again appeared. “Her head,” said he, hesitatingly. The kislar aga waited a little to ascertain if there was no reprieve, for too hasty a compliance with despots is almost as dangerous as delay. He caught my eye—he saw at once that if not her head it would be his own, and he quitted the room. In a few minutes he held up by its fair tresses the head of my beautiful rival; I looked at the distorted features, and was satisfied. I motioned with my hand and the kislar aga withdrew.
“Now, Zara, do you forgive me? Now do you believe that I sincerely love you, and have I obtained my pardon?”
“Yes,” replied I, “I do, sultan; I forgive you all; and now I will permit you to sit by me and bathe my feet.”
From that day I resumed my empire with more despotic power than ever. I insisted that I should refuse his visits when I felt so inclined, and when I imagined that there was the slightest degree of satiety on his part, he was certain to be refused admittance for a fortnight. I became the depositary of his secrets and the mover of his counsels. My sway was unlimited, and I never abused it. I loved him, and his honour and his welfare were the only guides to my conduct.