In consequence of his accusation, he supposed Osmyn would be questioned upon the rack; he supposed also, that the accusation, as it was true, would be confirmed by his confession; that what ever he should then say to the prejudice of his accuser, would be disbelieved; and that when after a few hours the poison should take effect, no inquisition would be made into the death of a criminal, whom the bow-string or the scimitar would otherwise have been employed to destroy.  But he now hoped to derive new merit from an act of zeal, which Almoran had approved before it was known, by condemning his rival to die, whose death he had already insured:  ‘May the wishes of my lord,’ said he, ’be always anticipated; and may it be found, that whatever he ordains is already done:  may he accept the zeal of his servant, whom he has delighted to honour; for, before the light of the morning shall return, the eyes of Osmyn shall close in everlasting darkness.’

At these words, the countenance of Almoran changed; his cheeks became pale, and his lips trembled:  ‘What then,’ said he, ‘hast thou done?’ Caled, who was terrified and astonished, threw himself upon the ground, and was unable to reply.  Almoran, who now, by the utmost effort of his mind, restrained his confusion and his fear, that he might learn the truth from Caled without dissimulation or disguise, raised him from the ground and repeated his enquiry.  ‘If I have erred,’ said Caled, ’impute it not:  when I had detected the treachery of Osmyn, I was transported by my zeal for thee.  For proof that he is guilty, I appeal now to himself; for he yet lives:  but that he might not escape the hand of justice, I mingled, in the bowl I give him, the drugs of death.’

At these words, Almoran, striking his hands together, looked upward in an agony of despair and horror, and fell back upon a sofa that was behind him.  Caled, whose astonishment was equal to his disappointment and his fears, approached him with a trembling though hasty pace; but as he stooped to support him, Almoran suddenly drew his dagger and stabbed him to the heart; and repeated the blow with reproaches and execrations, till his strength failed him.

In this dreadful moment, the Genius once more appeared before him; at the sight of whom he waved his hand, but was unable to speak.  ‘Nothing,’ said the Genius, ’that has happened to Almoran, is hidden from me.  Thy peace has been destroyed alike by the defection of Osmyn, and by the zeal of Caled:  thy life may yet be preserved; but it can be preserved only by a charm, which Hamet must apply.’  Almoran, who had raised his eyes, and conceived some languid hope, when he heard that he might yet live; cast them again down in despair, when he heard that he could receive life only from Hamet.  ‘From Hamet,’ said he, ’I have already taken the power to save me; I have, by thy counsel, given him the instrument