"It is the will of Allah."
At another blow he collapsed, and falling prone breathed forth his last sigh:
"I die, but my son is still alive."
And he died.
Then all his associates were brought into the Sofa Chamber one by one from the Erivan kiosk where they had been robed in splendid kaftans, and as they entered the room were decapitated one after the other. They had not even time to shut their eyes before the fatal stroke descended.
Six-and-twenty of them perished there and then.
Only three survived the day, Sulali, Mohammed the dervish, and Alir Aalem, the custodian of the sacred banner and justiciary of Stambul. All three were Ulemas, and therefore not even the Sultan was free to slay them.
Accordingly the Grand Vizier appointed them all Sandjak-Begs, or governors of provinces.
As they knew nothing of the death of their comrades they accepted the dignities conferred upon them, renouncing at the same time as usual their office of Ulemas.
The following day they were all put to death.