THE SLAVE GIRL OF AGRA
the irrepressible Badaoni, "sought to unite nations in a different way, my friend. The great Kalifs of old proclaimed the Moslem faith even in Europe, and the crescent flew in Spain for five hundred years."
"And why does it not fly there now, my friend? They were great and mighty, the Saracens of Spain. They built palaces, established colleges, spread learning and arts, and lighted the torch of civilisation in Europe; but they failed to conciliate the Christian population under their sway. And a rule which subsists not in the hearts and wishes of the people does not endure. Our noble Emperor seeks to found a lasting Empire in India in the contentment of the people."
"Pardon me, my friend, but other conquerors have succeeded the Saracens of Spain, and Europe is not yet lost to Islam. A hundred years before our Emperor came to the throne of Hindustan a great soldier of Islam took Constantinople, the ancient capital of the Christians, and his brave successors are to-day carrying the banners of Islam into the heart of Europe."
"Great is the valour of those who have fought and won in Europe, learned Badaoni, and may their rule and their glory last. But trust an old man who has studied something of statecraft as well as of history. It is not valour in the field that perpetuates an Empire. The Turks are a great and valiant people, but their hold over Europe is even now feeble. Sometime, perhaps, a Young Turkey will arise which will learn to consolidate its rule by conciliating the Christian populations of their Empire."
"The True Faith, Abul Fazel, submits to no
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