At the unexpected sight of such unparalleled loveliness, Ali felt his heart transfixed; Hassan’s was pierced with as deep a wound; nor did the cadi’s escape scatheless, but, even more deeply smitten than the two pashas, he could not take his eyes off the Christian’s face.  All three were seized at the same moment with an absolute determination to possess her; and without stopping to inquire how, or where, or when, she had come into the hands of the Jew, they bade him name her price.  Four thousand doblas, he replied.  The words were no sooner out of the Jew’s mouth than Ali Pasha said he would give the price, and that the Jew had only to go to his tent to fetch the money.  Hassan Pasha, however, who looked as if he had no mind to lose her, though she were to cost him his life, interposed and said, “I myself will give the four thousand doblas demanded by the Jew, though I would not interfere with Ali’s bargain or oppose his wishes, were I not compelled by motives the imperious force and obligation of which he will himself acknowledge.  This exquisitely beautiful slave is not for us, but for the Grand Signor alone, and therefore I say that I purchase her in his name.  Let us see now who will be so bold as to dispute the purchase with me.”

“That will I,” replied Ali, “for it is for that very purpose I buy her of the Jew; and it suits me the better to make the present to his Highness, as I have the opportunity of taking her to Constantinople in a few days, and thus winning the favour of the Sultan; for being, as you see, Hassan, a man without employment, I must seek means for obtaining one; whereas, you are secure in that respect for three years, since to-day you enter upon the government of this rich realm of Cyprus.  On these grounds, and as I was the first to offer the price demanded for the slave, it stands to reason, Hassan, that you should yield her to me.”

“The satisfaction I shall feel in purchasing and sending her to the Sultan,” said Hassan, “is so much the greater, as I shall do it without being prompted by any motives of interest whatever.  And as for a convenient means of sending her to Constantinople, she shall go thither in a galley manned only by my own slaves.”

Ali now started up in wrath, and, clutching his scimetar, cried out, “Since we both intend the same thing, Hassan, namely, to present this Christian to the Grand Signor, and since I was the first purchaser, reason and justice require that you should leave her to me; if you will not, this blade in my hand shall defend my right, and punish your audacity.”

The cadi, who had been closely watching this contest, and who was himself no less inflamed with desire than either of the pashas, bethought him how he might remain possessor of the prize, without giving any cause to suspect his insidious designs.  Rising therefore to his feet, he stepped between the two angry pashas.  “Be quiet, Hassan,” he said; “calm yourself, Ali; here am I who can and will arrange your differences in such wise that you shall both have your intentions fulfilled, the Sultan shall be gratified as you desire, and shall be under obligations to you both alike for your loyal and acceptable homage.”