human
I have only Zóra with me, said the Queen, when the Bishop was ushered into her presence.
gpt
There has been much to dictate, and I always feel more confidence with her, and more at my ease than with the men. But what news hast thou brought, Señor Padré? and how didst thou succeed in regard to the effects of the cavalier?
human
They would not give them to me, he replied,
gpt
continued the good man, simply,
human
Ha! cried the Queen, clapping her hands;
gpt
No; your Majesty must not be deceived nor deceive yourself, returned the Bishop.
human
They are determined to renew the war, to reopen the siege, and to continue it until the fort is taken, and every one in it put to the sword. This is what the soldiers demand, and cry out for almost to mutiny.
gpt
Yes, said the Queen, sadly;
human
He gave me this memorandum, which hath his own seal, was the reply.
gpt
Perhaps you had better read it yourself.
human
Let Zóra read it, Señor. I have not patience to think of it. Remember how unprovoked this war was, and how I strove to avert it. But read, Zóra, and let us hear the worst.
gpt
Some of it is fair, and some unfair, she said at length.
human
It is true we have no hope of aid from Beejapoor. When its troops might have struck in and made the Prince's position untenable, they kept aloof, and abandoned me to my fate. Oh, that Abbas Khan had led them! or why not the King himself? Has he forgotten the many times this poor life has been imperilled for him and his? But now, she continued, bitterly,
gpt
If it were thine own only, noble Queen, said the Bishop, respectfully,
human
Death! she cried, excitedly;
gpt
No one, lady, returned the Bishop.
human
On the contrary, thine enemies do thee ample justice, and were even full of praise of thy heroism; and they would not have it subjected to the last trial in death. Consider, honoured lady, how many lives may be saved if terms can be made. But forgive me if I have spoken too freely on this matter.
gpt
Nay, but only as a peaceful minister of the Lord, she returned, gracefully.
human
As to the cession of Berar, I for one would not oppose it. Its annexation was the act of a madman. He who murdered his own father cruelly, to whom massacre was familiar, and who destroyed the Royal family of Berar, was hardly accountable for his actions upon earth; and I for one would cheerfully resign all pretension to Berar, which from the first hath carried the consequences of its sin-laden possession with it. The country never belonged to this kingdom, and its retention only embroils us with other parties, and it also lies too distant to be defended as it needs with these troubles to meet at home.
gpt
And were Berar ceded, your Majesty will observe that the King Bahadur will be guaranteed his throne, and there will be no interference with any part of his ancient dominions--which is worthy of especial consideration.
human
It would be if I could trust those that make it; but my soul tells me that the lion has only tasted blood, and would have more. Nevertheless, I will lay all before my council in durbar this evening, and will not delay an answer.