The Equinox (Volume I, Number V)

THE SCORPION LEDMIYA [at window]. Oh, I can see the spears shining through the dust of the horses! MESSENGER. —but—— LAYLAH. Speak, if thou wouldst ever speak again ! MESSENGER. But the Knights of Malta appeared in great strength, riding from the valley on their noble chargers, armed at all points— LAYLAH. Yes? Yes? MESSENGER. So that we judged it best to fall back upon the reserves. The Maltese fell upon us—you may see them fighting now. LAYLAH. What news of my brave Sliman? FATMA. And Sidi Omar? And Othman? And Akbar? And Mohammed? LAYLAH. Peace. What news? MESSENGER. Sidi Omar is hurt, LAYLAH. And Sliman? MESSENGER. 1 do not know, princess. LAYLAH. Get forth, back to the fight. Reward him, ye! FATMA. Reward for such bad news! What is the world coming to? In my young days— LAYLAH. Such withered weeds were burnt. FATMA. Alas, Sidi Omar! The strong, the brave, the comely! He is dead, he is dead. LAYLAH. Hurt, said the messenger. LEDMIYA. Now comes another from the fight, riding hard. He bears a fair—haired child across the saddle. Oh, do look! LAYLAH. Is there no messenger? LEDMIYA. It is Achmet! It is good Achmet! 87