human
Hither have I journeyed from Algiers on purpose to seek explanation of thee, I urged.
gpt
Think! the liberty, nay, the life, of one who is as innocent as she is fair is at stake. If thou refusest, I can do nothing. She will become the wife of a man whose fiendish brutality is a by-word and a reproach to the Moslem world. Is it surprising that she hath decided to take her life rather than fall into his polluted hands? Consider, O Reciter of the Prayers--thou who teachest goodwill towards men--reveal unto me, I beseech thee, that which is hidden and the elucidation of which can alone secure the safety of my betrothed.
human
But thou art not a True Believer, he protested, shaking his head gravely.
gpt
How dare I invoke the Wrath by revealing unto thee the Great Secret, with which I alone of men have been entrusted?
human
Wilt thou not--for Zoraida's sake?
gpt
Within this steel there lieth hidden a secret which none know, he said, again examining the Crescent carefully.
human
Through ages hath it been passed from hand to hand, experiencing many vicissitudes, stranger even than the tales of the story-tellers, or the romances of the Thousand and One Nights, yet its true power hath remained hidden from its various owners, and its secret influence is to all undreamed of.
gpt
How can its power avert Zoraida's peril and give unto her peace?
human
I know not. Peradventure there are minor secrets connected with it of which even I am in ignorance. Yet assuredly must a man believe that there is no God but Allah ere he can rest beneath the tree called Tuba [the tree of happiness], or dwell within the Jannat al Naim.
gpt
Though an Infidel, I respect thy belief profoundly, I said, endeavouring to break down the barrier of his fanatical prejudice.
human
That I have never reproached a True Believer, impugned his devoutness, or ridiculed that which thou boldest sacred, thou hast already acknowledged. Indeed, I follow many of thy beliefs, and acknowledge the truth of the declaration of thy Khalif Omar ebn Abd'alaziz, that prayer carrieth us half-way to Allah, fasting bringeth us to the door of His palace, and alms procureth us admission. But not as one who respecteth and honoureth thy people of Al-Islam seek I the elucidation of the Great Mystery; it is in order that the life of the Lalla Zoraida may be spared, and that she and I may at last become united in wedlock.