Sabbataï sat upon a chest as majestically as though it were the throne of Solomon.
But the Sub-Pacha shook off the oppressive emotion with which the sight of Sabbataï inspired him.
"Rise, traitor," said he, "it is time that thou shouldst receive the reward of thy treasons and gather the fruit of thy follies." And therewith he dealt Sabbataï a sounding box of the ear.
His myrmidons, relieved from the tension, exploded in a malicious guffaw.
Sabbataï looked at the brutal dignitary with sad, steady gaze, then silently turned the other cheek.
The Sub-Pacha recoiled with an uncanny feeling of the supernatural; the mockery of the bystanders was hushed.
Sabbataï was conducted by side ways, to avoid the mob, to the Palace of the Kaimacon, the Deputy-Vizier.
"Art thou the man," cried the Kaimacon, "whom the Jews aver to have wrought miracles at Smyrna? Now is thy time to work one, for lo! thy treason shall cost thee dear."
"Miracles!" replied Sabbataï meekly. "I—what am I but a poor Jew, come to collect alms for my poor brethren in Jerusalem? The Jews of this great city persuade themselves that my blessing will bring them God's grace; they flock to welcome me. Can I stay them?"
"Thou art a seditious knave."