Page:The Perfumed Garden - Burton - 1886.djvu/230

214 meeting, we shall have intercourse together unknown to all."

Zohra: "That may not be. Besides, it could not so easily be done, we should soon be suspected, and the eyes of the whole world would be turned upon us."

The Cavalier: "But love, love is the source of life. The happiness, that is, the meeting, the embraces, the caresses of lovers. The sacrifice of the fortune, and even of the life for your love."

Zohra: "These words are impregnated with love, and your smile is seductive, but you would do better to refrain from similar conversation."

The Cavalier: "Your word is emerald and your counsels are sincere. But love has now taken root in my heart, and no one is able to tear it out. If you drive me from you I shall assuredly die."

Zohra: "For all that you must return to your place and I to mine. If it pleases God we shall meet again."

They then separated, bidding each other adieu, and returned each of them to their dwelling.

The cavalier's name was Abou el Heidja. His father, Kheiroun, was a great merchant and immensely rich, whose habitation stood isolated beyond the estate of the princess, a day's journey distant from her castle. Abou el Heidja returned home, could not rest, and put on again his teneur when the night fell, took a black turban, and buckled his sword on under his teneur. Then he mounted his horse, and, accompanied by his favorite, negro,