‘The Prince of England has expressed himself with extreme exactitude, and with flattering grace,’ replied Keferinis. ‘I have indeed visited all the Syrian cities, except Jerusalem, which no one wishes to see, and which,’ he added, in a sweet calm tone, ‘is unquestionably a place fit only for hogs.’ Tancred started, but repressed himself. ‘Have you been in Lebanon?’ asked Fakredeen. ‘Noble Emir, I have been the guest of princes of your illustrious house. Conversations have passed between me and the Emir Bescheer,’ he added, with a significant look. ‘Perhaps, had events happened which did not occur, the great Emir Bescheer might not at this moment have been a prisoner at Stamboul, among those who, with infinite exactitude, may be described as the most obscene sons of very intolerable barbarians.’ ‘And why did not you and the Emir Bescheer agree?’ inquired Fakredeen, eagerly. ‘Why has there never been a right understanding between your people and the House of Shehaab? United, we should not only command Syria, but we might do more: we might control Asia itself!’ ‘The noble Emir has expressed himself with inexpressible grace. The power of the Ansarey cannot be too highly estimated!’ ‘Is it true that your sovereign can bring five and twenty thousand men into the field?’ asked Tancred. ‘Five and twenty thousand men,’ replied Keferinis, with insinuating courtesy, ‘each of whom could beat nine Maronites, and consequently three Druses.’ ‘Five and twenty thousand figs for your five and twenty thousand men!’ exclaimed Fakredeen laughing. At this moment entered four pages and four maidens bringing sweetmeats from the Queen, and goblets of iced water. They bowed; Keferinis indicated their purpose, and when they had fulfilled their office they disappeared; but the seasonable interruption had turned the conversation, and prevented Fakredeen making a sharp retort. Now they talked of the Queen, who, Keferinis said, would be graciously pleased not to see them to-day, and might not even see them for a week, which agreeable intelligence was communicated in the most affable manner, as if it were good news, or a compliment at least. ‘The name of the Queen’s father was Suedia,’ said Fakredeen. ‘The name of the Queen’s father was Suedia,’ replied Keferinis. ‘And the name of the Queen’s mother----’ ‘Is of no consequence,’ observed Keferinis, ‘for she was a slave, and not one of us, and therefore may with singular exactitude be described as nothing.’ ‘Is she the first Queen who has reigned over the Ansarey?’ inquired Tancred. ‘The first since we have settled in these mountains,’ replied Keferinis. ‘And where were you settled before?’ inquired Fakredeen. ‘Truly,’ replied Keferinis, ‘in cities which never can be forgotten, and therefore need never be mentioned.’