The Mercy of Allah by Hilaire Belloc

When the nephews next entered their uncle's presence at the Hour of / Public Executions, it was in a subdued manner, as to a funeral, for / their thoughts were full of that Great Loss, the story of which was / in progress. They sat upon the floor before him in due order, and / Mahmoud began:

"Upon the dawn that followed that hopeless night, my hopes were again / raised, only for my further bitterness and disappointment. I had / risen before day and gone out of doors. A chance acquaintance ran / across me as I paced aimlessly in the narrow streets of the city, / watching the shadows shortening under the rising sun, listening / to the clear voices of the water-sellers and to the cries of the / mariners at their calling.