Ali saw the general demoralization with pleasure, especially as it tended to the gratification of his avarice.

Every guest was expected to bring to the palace gate a gift in proportion to his means, and foot officers watched to see that no one forgot this obligation.

At length, on the nineteenth day, Ali resolved to crown the feast by an orgy worthy of himself.

He caused the galleries and halls of his castle by the lake to be decorated with unheard-of splendour, and fifteen hundred guests assembled for a solemn banquet.

The pacha appeared in all his glory, surrounded by his noble attendants and courtiers, and seating himself on a dais raised above this base crowd which trembled at his glance, gave the signal to begin.