Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 36.djvu/145

"Then make three Beneventers," said she, "undergo
A couple of hundred sound lashes, or so;
This discipline for their transgressions is due;
This, Sir's, the first favor I hope for from you.
The second, Sir, is, that you two mules would spare me,
Which may on a litter from time to time bear me;
And to drive them a muleteer of my own choosing;"
"Your requests," said Abdallah, "there is no refusing."
'Twas done soon as said, and the hypocrite vile
With both courtiers who joined their lord's youth to beguile,
Received each their full quota, which pleased all of the nation,
Who had often complained of maladministration,
And the duke was the happiest mortal alive,
Since permitted his mistress in litter to drive.
"All's not over," said Amida, "you must conquer and reign,
Now's the time, or to die, or your crown to regain;
You're not wanting in courage, Ernon's faithful, and I
Am resolved to serve you and my country, or die.
Then make no delay, but to Ernon repair,
To ask pardon for all he has suffered take care;
To serve you what remains of his life he'll expose,
Return in three days, and then fall on your foes ;
There's no time to be lost, for Abdallah is bent
To accomplish in three days his lustful intent.
In love and in war, time is precious, you know."
Alamon with alacrity answered, "I go."