When Prince Bishr resolved to travel to Egypt in 1821, due to threats from the governor of the country to kill him, he happened to be in a town outside Beit ed-Din. He called upon his sons, Khalil and Amin, to accompany him. Amin was especially attached to his classmate Ghareeb, so he asked Master Boutros to speak to the prince and try to persuade him to allow Ghareeb to travel with them to Egypt.
Prince Bishr was someone who listened to men of knowledge, and he held a particular affection and trust for Master Boutros, who was his companion. Thus, he accepted the request.
All of this happened without Jameela knowing anything. When the news reached her that Ghareeb was ordered to travel, terror filled her heart, for she despised the land where she had lost her husband and from which she had escaped like a thief in the night.
She called Saeed to her and spoke to him privately, saying:
"Look, Saeed, the prince has summoned my beloved Ghareeb to accompany him to Egypt. You know how deeply I am attached to him, how I have abandoned the world for his sake. Surely you also know that he is still so young ... he hasn't even reached ten years old ... and now he is going to the very land where his father was killed, where his killer still lives. He will pass through the region where his brother perished…"
(She said this and sighed.)
"I don't know what to do."
Saeed replied:
"You must be patient, my lady. Ghareeb will travel with a strong group of men, and there is nothing to fear. As for what you said ... that he is going to the place where his father was killed ... he doesn't know that, and no one in the world knows his true identity except for the head of that monastery.
Besides, remaining here would be even more dangerous for him, because the prince is going to Egypt due to the unrest here."
Jameela asked anxiously:
"What unrest? Tell me what is happening!"
Saeed said:
"Do not worry, my lady. These are political disputes that do not affect individuals directly."
She insisted:
"Don't you want to tell me the truth about these conflicts and what they are?"
Saeed said:
"Indeed, my lady, you are aware that the land of the prince Bishr in Lebanon falls under the rule of Abdullah Pasha, governor of Acre, appointed by the Sublime Ottoman State. The two had been united in good times and bad.
But recently, the State became angry with Abdullah Pasha due to many complaints raised against him. They ordered him to hand over power, but he disobeyed. So they commanded Darwish Pasha, one of their ministers in Damascus, to remove him by force.
Darwish Pasha began by targeting Prince Bishr, removing the Emirate of Lebanon from his control and assigning it to another man named Emir Abbas.
My master then went to Acre to inform Abdullah Pasha of the matter. But Darwish Pasha sent soldiers to intercept him on the road.
Thus, the prince resolved to travel to Egypt, seeking the intercession of Mohammad Ali Pasha, the mighty ruler of Egypt, to request a pardon for Abdullah Pasha from the Ottoman High Porte."
At that, Jameela rose, trembling, and cried out:
"Woe to me, Saeed! How can we remain here while the land is in the hands of our enemies, with no one to protect our honour? What a scandal!"
Saeed reassured her:
"May God protect us from disgrace, my lady. We are still under the protection of the prince, and safe from the disasters of time.
Even if the lion is absent, foxes dare not approach his den. Moreover, the prince's household remains here. He cares more for their honour than his own life.
I have learned that Prince Abbas has secretly promised my master to protect his family in Beit ed-Din during his absence, just as if he were present.
And do not think this situation will last. You know well that the Emirate of Lebanon has been taken from Prince Bishr several times before and always returned to him.
The people agree that no one is more worthy of ruling it than he. During the time of Ahmad Pasha al-Jazzar, who used to sell the Emirate to the highest bidder, Prince Bishr was exiled more than once and even fought many battles.
Yet, despite all this, the Emirate never remained stable except under his rule.
You, my lady, know well his capability and the people's love for him.
In any case, there is no fear for us, God willing. And He who saved us from Egypt can preserve our lives here. And if our sins were many, I believe they have been forgiven by all that we have suffered."
Jameela asked:
"Are you certain of this, Saeed?"
He answered:
"Yes. In any case, I believe Ghareeb's departure is better than his staying here.
Besides, we have no way to oppose the prince's will. You know how he hates to be contradicted ... even if he were wrong.
We are certain he loves Ghareeb like one of his sons. I believe that if Ghareeb suffers the hardships of travel while still young, he will grow up seasoned and worldly-wise.
Oh, how I wish I could accompany him to ease your worries. But many obstacles prevent that ... including the risk of my identity being discovered there.
And I also fear leaving you alone, for you may need me in ways no one else could help.
As for Ghareeb, he is travelling with the lion of the forest, the hero of this age. So have no fear for him."
Jameela sighed and said:
"Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return.
If there is no alternative to what is destined, then we have no choice but to rely on God and hold fast to beautiful patience."
While they were speaking, Ghareeb entered, his face beaming with joy.
He approached his mother and kissed her hand, as was his habit, then said:
"My father ... I mean Emir Bishr ... has sent for me to travel with my brother Amin, and from there, we will all journey together to Egypt. So come, let us go!"
She embraced and kissed him and replied:
"I will not be going with you, my son. I will stay here and wait for your return."
His eyes welled with tears, and he fell silent for a moment, then said:
"Let Saeed come with us then!"
But Saeed answered:
"I would love nothing more, my master, if I were able. But I will remain here with my lady, awaiting your return.
Perhaps you will find joy in the journey — for Egypt is delightful, especially in the winter."
Then Jameela approached her son, kissing him and saying her farewell:
"Go, my son, in the protection and care of the Almighty.
I beg you, by a mother's love ... do not forget your mother during your travels!"
The boy wept and replied:
"How could I forget you, mother, when you raised me in your arms for so many years?"
She said:
"I want you to write to me whenever you get the chance, and tell me about what you see during your journey ... to comfort my heart in your absence."
And while they were still speaking, the door was knocked, and a servant entered, requesting that Ghareeb join Emir Bishr's caravan.
So his mother stood and embraced him; he kissed her hand and bid her farewell.
He then left with the messenger, along with the other sons of the prince.
Jameela and Saeed accompanied them until they were out of sight.