Egypt -- History -- Mohammed Ali, 1805-1849 -- Fiction; Muhammad Ali Basha, Governor of Egypt, 1769-1849 -- Fiction
These shouts were not only heard by the viceroy, but also by
Mohammed Ali in his silent chamber, and they brought a smile to his
lips. He had stayed in his apartments all day, and had also
commanded his soldiers to remain in their quarters.
"It works well," said he to himself. "These shouts show how good was
the advice I gave him. Shrewd as you are, Cousrouf, you are beaten
at your own game. The people are contented to know you, enthroned in
the citadel. They dreamed of happiness and peace, and called you a
just ruler. I have opened their eyes. Today, they know Cousrouf to
be an unjust ruler, and love him no longer. You enraged them most
when you dared to insult the woman who is most honored in Cairo.
From this moment, not only the men, but, what is far worse, the
women, are arrayed against you."
He had risen and was walking to and fro in his apartment.
From time to time he stopped at the window to listen to the cries
that resounded from the streets, and then resumed his walking.
"What curses good Cousrouf must be invoking upon my head at this
moment! He will have discovered by this time that his good friend
Mohammed still somewhat resembles the 'insolent lad,' as he always
called him, of Cavalla. You have schooled me well, Cousrouf; you
have converted the insolent lad into a lion who wears the skin of a
fox. You were pleased with the fox, stroked his fur, and called him
your devoted servant. But, only wait, the fox-skin will soon fall to
the ground and disclose the lion ready to destroy you. Yes,"
continued he, "wait but a few days longer, and this transformation
shall take place. It must take place. The week will soon have
elapsed, and then Bardissi must have my answer. Cousrouf shall hear
it and quake in his citadel. Everything is ready, and my new friends
shall soon hear from me."
Suddenly he stopped before the window and listened attentively.
Fierce and savage cries had succeeded the shouts of joy. The voices
of women and children were now hushed, and the hoarse tones of men
only could be heard. He hastily stepped back from the window. No, he
must not be seen. If seen, he might be called and compelled to join
in the movement against his will, and the time has not yet come. He
must still wait.
He stood still in the middle of the room, and listened to the uproar
that came.
"This is revolt! These are soldiers!" said he to himself, stepping
to the door of the antechamber, and beckoning to a slave. "What is
the meaning of this uproar?"
"I know not, sarechsme. Shall I go down to inquire?"
"Go down, mingle with the crowd, and find out what it means, and
then return to me as quickly as possible."
The Nubian hastened to do his master's bidding. Mohammed continued
to walk to and fro. The uproar, as it came nearer, had become
intelligible.
"We want money! Give us bread! We are hungry. and must have our
pay!"
Such were the savage cries that resounded from the street below.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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