but you speak it sweetly. An Arab would take you. Why do you not marry an Arab?"
I replied—very much amused—"My mother is not here to find a husband for me. How can I marry?" I thought that this answer would settle the question at once in their estimation; but Sit Sâra said, "I will be your mother, and bring you to a husband. My brother is a Cadi, a great Judge of Nablûs. He looks for a wife. He has only three. He will love you because you are white."
I answered, laughingly, "Thank you, O my mother! what preparations must I make, and when must I be ready?"
Sit Sâra considered for a moment, and then said, "How many camels has your father got?"
I replied, "My father has no camels. In my country there are only three or four living camels kept as curiosities, in a house in a beautiful garden, with servants to watch over them and take care of them. We have a few stuffed camels also, in a large glass house." At this they all laughed loudly, and cried, "O most marvelous!"
Sâra continued, "Are your father's olive-trees new and fruitful?" "My father has no olive-trees." At this they were still more surprised. Sâra said, "Your father has gold. He will give you of his gold, and precious stones, and a red box, full of clothes and towels, some silk cushions, a red wooden cradle, and much soap. My brother has great wealth, and he will give camels to your father for your portion, and gold coins."
I found that they thought that I was in earnest. They all clapped their hands, and one of the women sang a song of rejoicing, thus:
- O Lady Miriam, child of a far-off land
- Dwell with us and we shall have joy!
- You shall be cherished above all the women
- In the house of my brother!
- You shall be his queen and his chief delight!
- For your face is like the moon,
- And your words are precious as pearls!
- O Lady Miriam, child of a far-off land,
- Dwell with us and we shall have joy!"
