The Equinox (Volume I, Number VI)

THE EQUINOX deserved a beating, old scandal-manger! And often thou hast had it. FATMA. It was not a beating that thou didst earn, princess. Many a time I have fetched water from the well by— LAYLAH. Abdul Khan! take out this prating hag and beat her soundly. Fatma! this is the last time I leave thy lying tongue in that camel—lipped old face of an unbelieving Jinneeyah! [The emam/z drags her om‘, streaming and sea/ding. What news ? What news? LEDMIYA [at the window]. A horseman gallops from Jerusalem. LAYLAH Oh, quick, quick, quick, his tidings! For pity’s sake. Would it were the winged horse of brass! I am dis- tracted. Mind me not! I can wait. A queen must be able to wait. LEDMIYA. He is quite near now. And in the distance is a glint, and a faint shouting. I think the battle is coming here. LAYLAH. Oh, we cannot have been beaten! Sliman is so strong and brave. FATMA [re-enlerz'ng} All is lost! All is lost! Let us all flee! LAYLAH. Peace, parrot! [Enter Messenger. MESSENGER. Pardon, princess! LAYLAH. Thy news, or thy head shall pay it. MESSENGER. Glorious news! Sidi Omar hath entered Jerusalem, and sacked the House of the Knights Templars, and the House of the Knights Hospitallers, and—— 86