M. Chenier, in the present state of Morocco, relates, that as the late
Emperor was once passing the river Beth on horseback, at a place where
it falls into the Seboo, he was in imminent danger of being drowned,
when one of the negroes plunged into the stream, and saved his life, at
the risque of his own. Having preserved his royal master, the slave
shewed marks of exultation at his good fortune. But Sede Mahomet drawing
his sabre, with one blow almost severed his head from his body:
exclaiming “Here is an infidel, to suppose that God stood in need of his
assistance to save a Shariff’s life.”--The same magnanimous despot being
once slightly reproached by a French Consul for not performing a promise
made him, answered, “Takest thou me for an infidel, that I must be the
slave of my word--Know that it is in my power to say and unsay whatever
and whenever I please.”
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