Maqueda

Definition and stakes

Portrait of H. Rider Haggard H. Rider Haggard,  Queen Sheba's Ring

“ Your answer, O Lady of the Abati!’”
Now Maqueda looked around the faces of her Council, and saw fear written upon them all. Indeed, as we noted, many of them shook in their terror.
“My answer will be short, ambassadors of Barung,” she replied, “still, I am but one woman, and it is fitting that those who represent the people should speak for the people. My uncle, Joshua, you are the first of my Council, what have you to say? Are you willing to give up your life with ten others whose names I do not know, that there may be peace between us and the Fung?”
”
Source: Gutenberg

Portrait of H. Rider Haggard H. Rider Haggard,  Queen Sheba's Ring

“ Now Maqueda thought a while, then looked up and said:
“Friend, you are brave and skilful, tell us all your mind. If you sat in my place, what would you do?”
“Lady, I would lead out every able-bodied man and attack the city of the Fung, say, on the night of the great festival when they are off their guard. I would blow in the gates of the city of Harmac, and storm it and drive away the Fung, and afterwards take possession of the idol, and if it is thought necessary, destroy it piecemeal from within.”
”
Source: Gutenberg

Portrait of H. Rider Haggard H. Rider Haggard,  Queen Sheba's Ring

“ Orme and Quick might have got through by the help of their rifles, but they could not leave the others. The dreadful climax seemed at hand.
“Follow me,” said Maqueda, who all this while had watched panting at my side, and rose to run to the ladder. I thrust her back.
“Nay,” I shouted. “Follow me, Abati! Shall a woman lead you?”
”
Source: Gutenberg

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