"Peace be unto thee, and the mercy of God and His blessing,[97] good woman!" replied the soldier; but waving his hand, added kindly, "I have no need of your harem trumpery."
"But see this!" said she, showing the elegant case of perfumery. "This holds the essence of the flowers of paradise."
"Go along, old mother! I would have no taste for it if it contained the sweat of the houris."[98]
"But this case was made especially for you, Captain Ballaban."
"Or for any other man whose purse will buy it," replied he, moving away.
The woman followed closely, chattering into his deaf ears.
"But, could you see her that made it, you would not decline to buy, though you gave for it half the gold you found in the coffers of the rich Greeks the day your valor won the city, brave Captain; and the cost of it is but a lira;[99] and the maiden is dying of love for you."
"Then why does she not give it to me as a present? Love asks no price," said he, just turning his head.
"That she would, but for fear of offending your honor by slighting your purse," said the quick-witted woman.
"Well said, mother! I warrant that the Beyler Bey, or the noble Kaikji,[100] who made love to you never got you for nothing."