Page:The Nestorians and their rituals, volume 1.djvu/300

246 lull us into security, and to put us off our guard, in order that in a few months he may follow up his game and enslave us. Make peace with him? No, never; except at the point of our daggers." The messengers listened in mute astonishment to this fiery speech, while the villagers silently waited the reply of their chief. In his ordinary tone, and without the least expression of excitement, the Patriarch calmly observed: "Though far from approving of the spirit which my brother has manifested, much that he has said is undoubtedly true. We have not been treated well by Noorallah Beg, and therefore cannot be expected to place much confidence in his overtures. Yet we love peace, and wish to be friends with all men." Here the Coordish messengers interposed, and protested most solemnly that their master had the greatest respect for the Patriarch, and that his only desire now was to establish a lasting treaty of friendly alliance with him. The audience continued for about two hours, throughout which Mar Shimoon spoke in the same prudent and cautious language, and Deacon Ishâk, on his part, remained as stern and inflexible as when he opened his first tirade against Noorallah Beg. A suitable lodging was provided for the Coordish sheikhs by order of the Patriarch, who gave strict charge that they should be treated with every mark of respect. "See to it," said he, "that they want for nothing; and remember that they are my guests and the confidential messengers of Noorallah Beg."

After the messengers had left the room the Patriarch held a consultation with the elders of the village, when it was decided what answer should be sent to the Coordish Emeer. Accordingly on the morrow the two chiefs were sent for, and to them the Patriarch committed the following message: "In the first place present my warmest congratulations to your master, and tell him that I reciprocate all his good wishes and intentions towards me. I am far from being averse from friendship and peace, and heartily desire that the best understanding should exist between us; but as to appointing a place for personal conference, several causes prevent my doing so at present, and I therefore beg that the Emeer will accept my excuses. The snows cover the mountains, and the roads are almost impassable, as you well know who have been seven days in travelling hither from Julamerk,