gradations, by which he
would ascend to the summit of his wishes.

Just at this moment, Osmyn, whom he had commanded to attend him at this
hour, approached his apartment: ALMORAN was roused by the sound of his
foot, and supposed it to be OMAR, who had again intruded upon his
privacy; he was enraged at the interruption which had broken a series of
imaginations so flattering and luxurious; he snatched out his poignard,
and lifting up his arm for the stroke, hastily turned round to have
stabbed him; but seeing Osmyn, he discovered his mistake just in time to
prevent the blow.

Osmyn, who was not conscious of any crime, nor indeed of any act that
could have given occasion of offence; started back terrified and
amazed, and stood trembling in suspense whether to remain or to
withdraw. ALMORAN, in the mean time, sheathed the instrument of death,
and bid him fear nothing, for he should not be hurt. He then turned
about; and putting, his hand to his forehead, stood again, silent in a
musing posture: he recollected, that if he assumed the figure of HAMET,
it was necessary he should give orders for HAMET to be admitted to
ALMEIDA, as he would otherwise be excluded by the delegates of his own
authority; turning, therefore, to Osmyn, 'Remember,' said he, 'that
whenever HAMET shall return, it is my command, that he be admitted to
ALMEIDA.'

Osmyn; who was pleased with an opportunity of recommending himself to
ALMORAN, by praising an act of generous virtue which he supposed him now
to exert in favour of his brother, received the command with a look,
that expressed not only approbation but joy: 'Let the sword of
destruction,' said he, 'be the guard of the tyrant; the strength of my
lord shall be the bonds of love: those, who honour thee as ALMORAN,
shall rejoice in thee as the friend of HAMET.' To ALMORAN, who was
conscious to no kindness for his brother, the praise of Osmyn was a
reproach: he was offended at the joy which he saw kindled in his
countenance, by a command to shew favour to HAMET; and was fired with
sudden rage at that condemnation of his real conduct, which was implied
by an encomium on the generosity of which he assumed the appearance for
a malevolent and perfidious purpose: his brow was contracted, his lip
quivered, and the hilt of his dagger was again grasped in his hand.
Osmyn was again overwhelmed with terror and confusion; he had again
offended, but knew not his offence. In the mean time, ALMORAN
recollecting