‘Almoran,’ said the Genius, ’if thou art not yet happy, know that my powers are not yet exhausted:  fear me not, but let thine ear be attentive to my voice.’  The Genius then stretched out his hand towards him, in which there was an emerald of great lustre, cut into a figure that had four and twenty sides, on each of which was engraven a different letter.  ‘Thou seest,’ said he, ’this talisman:  on each side of it is engraven one of those mysterious characters, of which are formed all the words of all the languages that are spoken by angels, genii, and men.  This shall enable thee to change thy figure:  and what, under the form of Almoran, thou canst not accomplish; thou shalt still be able to effect, if it can be effected by thee, in the form of any other.  Point only to the letters that compose the name of him whose appearance thou wouldst assume, and it is done.  Remember only, that upon him, whose appearance thou shalt assume, thine shall be imprest, till thou restorest his own.  Hide the charm in thy bosom, and avail thyself of its power.’  Almoran received the talisman in a transport of gratitude and joy, and the Genius immediately disappeared.

The use of this talisman was so obvious, that it was impossible to overlook it.  Almoran instantly conceived the design with which it was given, and determined instantly to put it in execution:  ‘I will now,’ said he, ’assume the figure of Hamet; and my love, in all its ardour, shall be returned by Almeida.’  As his fancy kindled at the anticipation of his happiness, he stood musing in a pleasing suspense, and indulged himself in the contemplation of the several gradations, by which he would ascend to the summit of his wishes.

Just at this moment, Osmyn, whom he had commanded to attend him at this hour, approached his apartment:  Almoran was roused by the sound of his foot, and supposed it to be Omar, who had again intruded upon his privacy; he was enraged at the interruption which had broken a series of imaginations so flattering and luxurious; he snatched out his poignard, and lifting up his arm for the stroke, hastily turned round to have stabbed him; but seeing Osmyn, he discovered his mistake just in time to prevent the blow.

Osmyn, who was not conscious of any crime, nor indeed of any act that could have given occasion of offence; started back terrified and amazed, and stood trembling in suspense whether to remain or to withdraw.  Almoran, in the mean time, sheathed the instrument of death, and bid him fear nothing, for he should not be hurt.  He then turned about; and putting, his hand to his forehead, stood again, silent in a musing posture:  he recollected, that if he assumed the figure of Hamet, it was necessary he should give orders for Hamet to be admitted to Almeida, as he would otherwise be excluded by the delegates of his own authority; turning, therefore, to Osmyn, ‘Remember,’ said he, ’that whenever Hamet shall return, it is my command, that he be admitted to Almeida.’