“Admit him,” said Lody to the attendant, who instantly withdrew, and shortly returned, ushering in the stranger.
The latter appeared to be a youth of noble deportment and gallant bearing. He was evidently in the dawn of manhood, but had all its best attributes legibly recorded on his clear open brow and small decided features. Lody’s eye relaxed into a faint yet bright smile as he bent it upon the noble stranger, whose salutation he returned with much courtesy.
“Chan Lody,” said the youth, “you are aware that the Emperor Jehangire is in paradise; a usurper, aided by the influence of the Sultana, is upon the throne: the Sultan, Shah Jehan, now lawful sovereign of the Moguls, is on his march to vindicate his rights and seize the imperial sceptre: his route lies through your territories, through which he demands your permission to pass, and a safe conduct. What answer shall I return, Chan Lody?”
Lody’s brow became suddenly overcast; and he said bitterly, “Princes who solicit favours should know how to bestow them.”
“Is this the answer I am to return to the Sultan?”
“No; when you have refreshed yourself with food and rest, I will give you my answer at length.”
“Is it hostile or peaceable?”
“You will know when you receive it.”
“Chan Lody, I accept not the hospitality of an enemy. If you deny what I come to solicit, I quit your presence with a full and unqualified defiance; if you grant it, I will eat your salt with joy, and the Prophet’s blessing will requite you for the boon.”
“Young man, your defiance or your blessing is to me alike indifferent. I have no desire that you should either eat my salt or make my palace a place of rest. Bear my answer to your master. I grant no safe conduct to rebels. A rebellious son cannot be a just prince. I would rather see the enemy at my gates, than Shah Jehan Emperor of the Moguls.”