“The Grand Vizier sends you this, my worthy comrades,” cried he.

This was the only way of talking sense to the Janissaries.

“And now I have to ask something of you.”

“Say on!”

“Is there among you any fellow who loves nobody, who would be capable of slaying his own dear father if he were commanded so to do and well paid for it, who is afraid of nothing, has no bowels of compassion, and cannot be made to falter by the words of the wise?”

In response to this challenge, hundreds and hundreds of the Janissaries stepped out of their ranks, declaring that they were just the boys to satisfy Pelivan’s demands.

Pelivan selected from amongst them two-and-thirty of the most muscular and truculent, and commanded them to follow him into the Seraglio.

Once there he conducted them into the Porcelain Chamber, made them squat down on the precious carpets, put before them quantities of the most savoury food, which they washed down with the rich wine of Cypress and the heating Muskoveto, a mysterious beverage generally reserved for the Sultan’s use, which is supposed to confer courage and virility.  When they had well eaten and drunken moreover, Pelivan supplied them with as much opium as they wanted.

Shortly afterwards there came out to them the Grand Vizier, the lame Pasha, Topal Ozman, Patsmajezade, the chief Justiciary of Rumelia, the cobbler’s son, and the Tartar Khan, who patted their shoulders, tasted of their food, drank out of their goblets, and after telling them what fine brave fellows they were, discreetly withdrew.

The Divan meanwhile had assembled in the Hall of Lions.

There were gathered together the Ulemas, the Viziers, and the representatives of the people.  Halil Patrona was there also; and presently Kabakulak, Topal Ozman, Patsmajezade, and Kaplan Giraj arrived likewise and took their places.

The Grand Vizier turned first of all to Halil, whom he addressed with benign condescension.

“The Padishah assures thee through me of his grace and favour, and of his own good pleasure appoints thee Beglerbeg of Rumelia.”

And with that a couple of duelbendars advanced with the costly kaftan of investiture.

Halil Patrona reflected for an instant.

The Sultan indeed had always been gracious towards him.  He evidently wanted to favour him with an honourable way of retreat.  He was offering him a high dignity whereby he might be able to withdraw from the capital, and yet at the same time gratify his ambition.  The Sultan really had a kindly heart then.  He rewards the man whom his ministers would punish as a malefactor.

But his hesitation only lasted for a moment.  Then he recovered himself and resolutely answered: 

“I will not accept that kaftan.  For myself I ask nothing.  I did not come here to receive high office, I came to hear war proclaimed.”

The Grand Vizier bowed down before him.