Mahommed's brow knit darkly at the reminder.
"And he who undertakes it should enter Constantinople and live there above suspicion. He must be crafty, intelligent, courtly in manner, accomplished in arms, of high rank, and with means to carry his state bravely, for not only ought he to be conspicuous in the Hippodrome; he should be welcome in the palace. Along with other facilities, he must be provided to buy service in the Emperor's bedroom and council chamber—nay, at his elbow. It is of prime importance that he possesses my Lord's confidence unalterably. Am I understood?"
"The man, Prince, the man!"
"My Lord has already named him."
"I?"
"Only to-night my Lord spoke of him as a marvel."
"Mirza!" exclaimed Mahommed, clapping his hands.
"Mirza," the Prince returned, and proceeded without pause: "Despatch him to Italy; then let him appear in Constantinople, embarked from a galley, habited like a Roman, and with a suitable Italian title. He speaks Italian already, is fixed in his religion, and in knightly honor. Not all the gifts at the despot's disposal, nor the blandishments of society can shake his allegiance—he worships my Lord."
"My servant has found much favor with you, O Prince?"
Accepting the remark as a question, the other answered: