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+Project Gutenberg's Two Captains, by Fredrich de la Motte-Fouque
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+Title: The Two Captains
+
+Author:  La Motte-Fouque, Friedrich Heinrich Karl, Freiherr de
+
+Release Date: September, 2001  [Etext #2826]
+[Yes, we are ahead of schedule]
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+Project Gutenberg's Two Captains, by Fredrich de la Motte-Fouque
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+This Gutenberg Etext of "The Two Captains"
+by Friedrich de La Motte-Fouque was scanned and proofed
+by Sandra Laythorpe, slaythorpe@cwcom.net.
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+
+
+
+
+THE TWO CAPTAINS.
+
+by Friedrich Heinrich Karl, Freiherr de La Motte-Fouque
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+
+A Mild summer evening was resting on the shores of Malaga, awakening
+the guitar of many a merry singer among the ships in the harbor, and
+in the city houses, and in many an ornamental garden villa.
+Emulating the voices of the birds, the melodious tones greeted the
+refreshing coolness, and floated like perfumed exhalations from
+meadow and water, over the enchanting region.  Some troops of
+infantry who were on the shore, and who purposed to spend the night
+there, that they might be ready for embarkation early on the
+following morning, forgot amid the charms of the pleasant eventide
+that they ought to devote these last few hours on European soil to
+ease and slumber; they began to sing military songs, to drink to each
+other with their flasks filled to the brim with the rich wine of
+Xeres, toasting to the long life of the mighty Emperor Charles V.,
+who was now besieging the pirate-nest Tunis, and to whose assistance
+they were about to sail.  The merry soldiers were not all of one
+race.  Only two companies consisted of Spaniards; the third was
+formed of pure Germans, and now and then among the various fellow-
+combatants the difference of manners and language had given rise to
+much bantering.  Now, however, the fellowship of the approaching sea-
+voyage and of the glorious perils to be shared, as well as the
+refreshing feeling which the soft southern evening poured over soul
+and sense, united the band of comrades in perfect and undisturbed
+harmony.  The Germans tried to speak Castilian, and the Spaniards to
+speak German, without its occurring to any one to make a fuss about
+the mistakes and confusions that happened.  They mutually helped each
+other, thinking of nothing else but the good-will of their
+companions, each drawing near to his fellow by means of his own
+language.
+
+Somewhat apart from the merry tumult, a young German captain, Sir
+Heimbert of Waldhausen, was reclining under a cork-tree, gazing
+earnestly up at the stars, apparently in a very different mood to the
+fresh, merry sociability which his comrades knew and loved in him.
+Presently the Spanish captain, Don Fadrique Mendez, approached him;
+he was a youth like the other, and was equally skilled in martial
+exercises, but he was generally as austere and thoughtful as Heimbert
+was cheerful and gentle.  "Pardon, Senor," began the solemn Spaniard,
+"if I disturb you in your meditations.  But as I have had the honor
+of often seeing you as a courageous warrior and faithful brother in
+amrs in many a hot encounter, I would gladly solicit you above all
+others to do me a knightly service, if it does not interfere with
+your own plans and projects for this night."  "Dear sir," returned
+Heimbert courteously, "I have certainly an affair of importance to
+attend to before sunrise, but till midnight I am perfectly free, and
+ready to render you any assistance as a brother in aims."  "Enough,"
+said Fadrique, "for at midnight the tones must long have ceased with
+which I shall have taken farewell of the dearest being I have ever
+known in this my native city.  But that you may be as fully
+acquainted with the whole affair as behoves a noble companion, listen
+to me attentively for a few moments.
+
+"Some time before I left Malaga to join the army of our great emperor
+and to aid in spreading the glory of his arms through Italy, I was
+devoted, after the fashion of young knights, to the service of a
+beautiful girl in this city, named Lucila.  She had at that time
+scarcely reached the period which separates childhood from ripe
+maidenhood, and as I--a boy only just capable of bearing arms--
+offered my homage with a childlike, friendly feeling, it was also
+received by my young mistress in a similar childlike manner.  I
+marched at length to Italy, and as you yourself know, for we have
+been companions since then, I was in many a hot fight and in many an
+enchantingly alluring region in that luxurious land.  Amid all our
+changes, I held unalterably within me the image of my gentle
+mistress, never pausing in the honorable service I had vowed to her,
+although I cannot conceal from you that in so doing it was rather to
+fulfil the word I had pledged at my departure than from any impelling
+and immoderately ardent feeling in my heart.  When we returned to my
+native city from our foreign wanderings, a few weeks ago, I found my
+mistress married to a rich and noble knight residing here.  Fiercer
+far than love had been was the jealousy--that almost almighty child
+of heaven and hell--which now spurred me on to follow Lucila's steps,
+from her home to the church, from thence to the house of a friend,
+from thence again to her home or to some noble circle of knights and
+ladies, and all this as unweariedly and as closely as was possible.
+When I had at length assured myself that no other young knight
+attended her, and that she devoted herself entirely to the husband
+chosen for her by her parents rather than desired by herself, I felt
+perfectly satisfied, and I should not have troubled you at this
+moment had not Lucila approached me the day before yesterday and
+whispered in my ear that I must not provoke her husband, for he was
+very passionate and bold; that not the slightest danger threatened
+her in the matter, because he loved and honored her above everything,
+but that his wrath would vent itself all the more furiously upon me.
+You can readily understand, my noble comrade, that I could not help
+proving my contempt of all personal danger by following Lucila more
+closely than ever, and singing nightly serenades beneath her flower-
+decked windows till the morning star began to be reflected in the
+sea.  This very night Lucila's husband sets out at midnight for
+Madrid, and from that hour I will in every way avoid the street in
+which they live; until then, however, as soon as it is sufficiently
+dark to be suitable for a serenade, I will have love-romances
+unceasingly sang before his house.  It is true I have information
+that not only he but Lucila's brothers are really to enter upon a
+quarrel with me, and it is for this reason, Senor, that I have
+requested you to bear me company with your good sword in this short
+expedition."
+
+Heimbert seized the Spaniard's hand as a pledge of his readiness,
+saying as he did so, "To show you, dear sir, how gladly I will do
+what you desire of me, I will requite your confidence with
+confidence, and will relate a little incident which occurred to me in
+this city, and will beg you after midnight also to render me a small
+service.  My story is short, and will not detain us longer than we
+must wait before the twilight has become deeper and more gloomy.
+
+"On the day after we arrived here I amused myself with walking in the
+beautiful gardens with which the place abounds.  I have now been long
+in these southern lands, but I cannot but believe that the dreams
+which transport me nightly back to my German home are the cause for
+my feeling everything here so strange and astonishing.  At all
+events, every morning when I wake I wonder anew, as if I were only
+just arrived.  So I was walking then, like one infatuated, among the
+aloe trees, which were scattered among the laurels and oleanders.
+Suddenly a cry sounded near me, and a slender girl, dressed in white,
+fled into my arms, fainting, while her companions dispersed past us
+in every direction.  A soldier can always tolerably soon gather his
+senses together, and I speedily perceived a furious bull was pursuing
+the beautiful maiden.  I threw her quickly over a thickly planted
+hedge, and followed her myself, upon which the beast, blind with
+rage, passed us by, and I have heard no more of it since, except that
+some young knights in an adjacent courtyard had been making a trial
+with it previous to a bull-fight, and that it was on this account
+that it had broken so furiously through the gardens.
+
+"I was now standing quite alone, with the fainting lady in my arms,
+and she was so wonderfully beautiful to look at that I have never in
+my life felt happier than I then did, and also never sadder.  At last
+I laid her down on the turf, and sprinkled her angelic brow, with
+water from a neighboring little fountain.  And so she came to herself
+again, and when she opened her bright and lovely eyes I thought I
+could imagine how the glorified spirits must feel in heaven.
+
+"She thanked me with graceful and courteous words, and called me her
+knight; but in my state of enchantment I could not utter a syllable,
+and she must have almost thought me dumb.  At length my speech
+returned, and the prayer at once was breathed forth from my heart,
+that the sweet lady would often again allow me to see her in this
+garden; for that in a few weeks the service of the emperor would
+drive me into the burning land of Africa, and that until then she
+should vouchsafe me the happiness of beholding her.  She looked at me
+half smiling, half sadly, and said, 'Yes.'  And she has kept her word
+and has appeared almost daily, without our having yet spoken much to
+each other.   For although she has been sometimes quite alone, I
+could never begin any other topic but that of the happiness of
+walking by her side.  Often she has sung to me, and I have sung to
+her also.  When I told her yesterday that our departure was so near,
+her heavenly eyes seemed to me suffused with tears.  I must also have
+looked sorrowful, for she said to me, in a consoling tone, 'Oh,
+pious, childlike warrior! one may trust you as one trusts an angel.'
+After midnight, before the morning dawn breaks for your departure, I
+give you leave to take farewell of me in this very spot.  If you
+could, however, find a true and discreet comrade to watch the
+entrance from the street, it would be well, for many a soldier may be
+passing at that hour through the city on his way from some farewell
+carouse.  Providence has now sent me such a comrade, and at one
+o'clock I shall go joyfully to the lovely maiden."
+
+"I only wish the service on which you require me were more rich in
+danger," rejoined Fadrique, "so that I might better prove to you that
+I am yours with life and limb.  But come, noble brother, the hour for
+my adventure is arrived."
+
+And wrapped in their mantles, the youths walked hastily toward the
+city, Fadrique carrying his beautiful guitar under his arm.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+
+The night-smelling flowers in Lucila's window were already beginning
+to emit their refreshing perfume when Fadrique, leaning in the shadow
+of the angle of an old church opposite, began to tune his guitar.
+Heimbert had stationed himself not far from him, behind a pillar, his
+drawn sword under his mantle, and his clear blue eyes, like two
+watching stars, looking calmly and penetrating around.  Fadrique
+sang:
+
+
+                  "Upon a meadow green with spring,
+                   A little flower was blossoming,
+                   With petals red and snowy white;
+                   To me, a youth, my soul's delight
+                        Within that blossom lay,
+                   And I have loved my song to indite
+                        And flattering homage pay.
+
+                  "Since then a wanderer I have been,
+                   And many a bloody strife have seen;
+                        And now returned, I see
+                   The little floweret stands no more
+                   Upon the meadow as before;
+                   Transplanted by a gardener's care,
+                   And hedged by golden trellis there,
+                        It is denied to me.
+
+                  "I grudge him not his trelllsed guard,
+                   His bolts of iron, strongly barred;
+                   Yet, wandering in the cool night-air,
+                        I touch my zither's string,
+                   And as afore her beauties rare,
+                   Her wondrous graces sing,
+                   And e'en the gardener shall not dare
+                        Refuse the praise I bring."
+
+
+"That depends, Senor," said a man, stepping close, and as he thought
+unobserved, before Fadrique; but the latter had already been informed
+of his approach by a sign from his watchful friend, and he was
+therefore ready to answer with the greater coolness, "If you wish,
+Senor, to commence a suit with my guitar, she has, at all events, a
+tongue of steel, which has already on many occasions done her
+excellent service.  With whom is it your pleasure to speak, with the
+guitar or the advocate?"
+
+While the stranger was silent from embarrassment, two mantled figures
+had approached Heimbert and remained standing a few steps from him,
+as if to cut off Fadrique's flight in case he intended to escape.
+"I believe, dear sirs," said Heimbert in a courteous tone, "we are
+here on the same errand--namely, to prevent any intrusion upon the
+conference of yonder knights.  At least, as far as I am concerned,
+you may rely upon it that any one who attempts to interfere in their
+affair will receive my dagger in his heart.  Be of good cheer,
+therefore; I think we shall both do our duty."  The two gentlemen
+bowed courteously and were silent.
+
+The quiet self-possession with which the two soldiers carried on the
+whole affair was most embarrassing to their three adversaries, and
+they were at a loss to know how they should begin the dispute.  At
+last Fadrique again touched the strings of his guitar, and was
+preparing to begin another song.  This mark of contempt and apparent
+disregard of danger and hazard so enraged Lucila's husband (for it
+was he who had taken his stand by Don Fadrique) that without further
+delay he drew his sword from his sheath, and with a voice of
+suppressed rage called out, "Draw, or I shall stab you!"  "Very
+gladly, Senor," replied Fadrique quietly; "you need not threaten me;
+you might as well have said so calmly."  And so saying he placed his
+guitar carefully in a niche in the church wall, seized bis sword,
+and, bowing gracefully to his opponent, the fight, began.
+
+At first the two figures by Heimbert's side, who were Lucila's
+brothers, remained quite quiet; but when Fadrique began to get the
+better of their brother-in-law they appeared as if they intended to
+take part in the fight.  Heimbert therefore made his mighty sword
+gleam in the moonlight, and said, "Dear sirs, you will not surely
+oblige me to execute that of which I previously assured you?  I pray
+you not to compel me to do so; but if it cannot be otherwise, I must
+honorably keep my word, you may rely upon it."  The two young men
+remained from that time motionless, surprised both at the decision
+and at the true-hearted friendliness that lay in Heimbert's words.
+
+Meanwhile Don Fadrique, although pressing hard upon his adversary,
+had generously avoided wounding him, and when at last by a dexterous
+movement he wrested his sword from him.  Lucila's husband, surprised
+at the unexpected advantage, and in alarm at being thus disarmed,
+retreated a few steps.  But Fadrique threw the weapon adroitly into
+the air, and catching it again near the point of the blade, he said,
+as he gracefully presented the hilt to his opponent, "Take it, Senor,
+and I hope our affair of honor is now settled, as you will grant
+under these circumstances that I am only here to show that I fear no
+sword-thrust in the world.  The bell of the old cathedral is now
+ringing twelve o'clock, and I give you my word of honor as a knight
+and a soldier that neither is Dona Lucila pleased with my attentions
+nor am I pleased with paying them; from henceforth, and were I to
+remain a hundred years in Malaga, I would not continue to serenade
+her in this spot.  So proceed on your journey, and God be with you."
+He then once more greeted his conquered adversary with serious and
+solemn courtesy, and withdrew.  Heimbert followed him, after having
+cordially shaken hands with the two youths, saying, "No, dear young
+sirs, do not let it ever again enter your heads to interfere in any
+honorable contest.  Do you understand me?"
+
+He soon overtook his companion, and walked on by his side so full of
+ardent expectation, and with his heart beating so joyfully and yet so
+painfully, that he could not utter a single word.  Don Fadrique
+Mendez was also silent; it was not till Heimbert paused before an
+ornamented garden-gate, and pointed cheerfully to the pomegranate
+boughs richly laden with fruits which overhung it, saying, "This is
+the place, dear comrade," that the Spaniard appeared as if about to
+ask a question, but turning quickly round he merely said, "I am
+pledged to guard this entrance for you till dawn.  You have my word
+of honor for it."  So saying he began walking to and fro before the
+gate, with drawn sword, like a sentinel, and Heimbert, trembling with
+joy, glided within the gloomy and aromatic shrubberies.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+
+He was not long in seeking the bright star, which he indeed felt was
+destined henceforth to guide the course of his whole life.  The
+delicate form approached him not far from the entrance; weeping
+softly, it seemed to him, in the light of the full moon which was
+just rising, and yet smiling with such infinite grace, that her tears
+were rather like a pearly ornament than a veil of sorrow.  In deep
+and infinite joy and sorrow the two lovers wandered silently together
+through the flowery groves; now and then a branch waving in the
+night-air would touch the guitar on the lady's arm, and it would
+breathe forth a slight murmur which blended with the song of the
+nightingale, or the delicate fingers of the girl would tremble over
+the strings and awaken a few scattered chords, while the shooting
+stars seemed as if following the tones of the instrument as they died
+away.  Oh, truly happy was this night both to the youth and the
+maiden, for no rash wish or impure desire passed even fleetingly
+across their minds.  They walked on side by side, happy that
+Providence had allowed them this delight, and so little desiring any
+other blessing that even the transitoriness of that they were now
+enjoying floated away into the background of their thoughts.
+
+In the middle ot the beautiful garden there was a large open lawn,
+ornamented with statues and surrounding a beautiful and splashing
+fountain.  The two lovers sat down on its brink, now gazing at the
+waters sparkling in the moonlight, and now delighting in the
+contemplation of each other's beauty.  The maiden touched her guitar,
+and Heimbert, impelled by a feeling scarcely intelligible to himself,
+sang the following words to it:
+
+
+                  "There is a sweet life linked with mine,
+                      But I cannot tell its name;
+                   Oh, would it but to me consign
+                   The secret of that life divine,
+                   That so my lips in whispers sweet
+                   And gentle songs might e'en repeat
+                      All that my heart would fain proclaim!"
+
+
+He suddenly paused, and blushed deeply, fearing he had been too bold.
+The lady blushed also, touched her guitar-strings with a half-
+abstracted air, and at last sang as if dreamily:
+
+
+                  "By the spring where moonlight's gleams
+                      O'er the sparkling waters pass,
+                   Who is sitting by the youth,
+                      Singing on the soft green grass?
+                   Shall the maiden tell her name,
+                      When though all unknown it be,
+                   Her heart is glowing with her shame,
+                      And her cheeks burn anxiously,
+                   First, let the youthful knight be named.
+                     'Tis he that on that glorious day
+                      Fought in Castilla's proud array;
+
+                     'Tis he the youth of sixteen years,
+                   At Pavia, who his fortunes tried,
+                   The Frenchman's fear, the Spaniard's pride.
+                      Heimbert is the hero's name,
+                      Victorious in many a fight!
+                      And beside the valiant knight,
+                      Sitting in the soft green grass,
+                   Though her name her lips shall pass,
+                      Dona Clara feels no shame "
+
+
+"Oh!" said Heimbert, blushing from another cause than before, "oh,
+Dona Clara, that affair at Pavia was nothing but a merry and
+victorious tournament, and even if occasionally since then I have
+been engaged in a tougher contest, how have I ever merited as a
+reward the overwhelming bliss I am now enjoying!  Now I know what
+your name is, and I may in future address you by it, my angelic Dona
+Clara, my blessed and beautiful Dona Clara!  But tell me now, who has
+given you such a favorable report of my achievements, that I may ever
+regard him with grateful affection?"
+
+"Does the noble Heimbert of Waldhausen suppose," rejoined Clara,
+"that the noble houses of Spain had none of their sons where he stood
+in the battle?  You must have surely seen them fighting by your side,
+and must I not have heard of your glories through the lips of my own
+people?"
+
+The silvery tones of a little bell sounded just then from a
+neighboring palace, and Clara whispered, "It is time to part.  Adieu,
+my hero!"  And she smiled on the youth through her gushing tears, and
+bent toward him, and he almost fancied he felt a sweet kiss breathed
+from her lips.  When he fully recovered himself Clara had
+disappeared, the morning clouds were beginning to wear the rosy hue
+of dawn, and Heimbert, with a heaven of love's proud happiness in his
+heart, returned to his watchful friend at the garden gate.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+
+"Halt!" exclaimed Fadrique, as Heimbert appeared from the garden,
+holding his drawn sword toward him ready for attack.  "Stop, you are
+mistaken, my good comrade," said the German, smiling, "it is I whom
+you see before you."  "Do not imagine, Knight Heimbert of
+Waldhausen," said Fadrique, "that I mistake you.  But my promise is
+discharged, my hour of guard has been honorably kept, and now I beg
+you without further delay to prepare yourself, and fight for your
+life until heart's blood has ceased to flow through these veins."
+"Good heavens!" sighed Heimbert, "I have often heard that in these
+southern lands there are witches, who deprive people of their senses
+by magic arts and incantations.  But I have never experienced
+anything of the sort until to-day.  Compose yourself, my dear good
+comrade, and go with me back to the shore."  Fadrique laughed
+fiercely, and answered, "Set aside your silly delusion, and if you
+must have everything explained to you, word by word, in order to
+understand it, know then that the lady whom you came to meet in the
+shrubbery of this my garden is Dona Clara Mendez, my only sister.
+Quick, therefore, and without further preamble, draw!"  "God forbid!"
+exclaimed the German, not touching his weapon.  "You shall be my
+brother-in-law, Fadrique, and not my murderer, and still less will I
+be yours."  Fadrique only shook his head indignantly, and advanced
+toward his comrade with measured steps for an encounter.  Heimbert,
+however, still remained immovable, and said, "No, Fadrique, I cannot
+now or ever do you harm.  For besides the love I bear your sister, it
+must certainly have been you who has spoken to her so honorably of my
+military expeditions in Italy."  "When I did so," replied Fadiique in
+a fury, "I was a fool.  But, dallying coward, out with your sword,
+or--"
+
+Before Fadrique had finished speaking, Heimbert, burning with
+indignation, exclaimed, "The devil himself could not bear that!" and
+drawing his sword from the scabbard, the two young captains rushed
+fiercely and resolutely to the attack.
+
+Different indeed was this contest to that previously fought by
+Fadrique with Lucila's husband.  The two young soldiers well
+understood their weapons, and strove with each other with equal
+boldness, their swords flashing like rays of light as now this one
+now that one hurled a lightning thrust at his adversary, which was
+with similar speed and dexterity turned aside.  Firmly they pressed
+the left foot, as if rooted in the ground, while the right advanced
+to the bold onset and then again they quickly retired to the safer
+attitude of defence.  From the self-possession and the quiet
+unremitting anger with which both the combatants fought, it was
+evident that one of the two would find his grave under the
+overhanging branches of the orange-tree, which were now tinged with
+the red glow of morning, and this would undoubtedly have been the
+case had not the report of a cannon from the harbor sounded through
+the silence of the twilight.
+
+The combatants paused, as if at some word of command to be obeyed by
+both, and listened, counting to themselves; then, as each uttered the
+number thirty, a second gun was heard.  "It is the signal for
+immediate embarkation, Senor," said Don Fadrique; "we are now in the
+emperor's service, and all dispute ceases which is not against the
+foes of Charles the Fifth."  "Right," replied Heimbert, "but when
+there is an end of Tunis and the whole war.  I shall demand
+satisfaction for that 'dallying coward.'"  "And I for that in
+intercourse with my sister," said Fadrique.  "Certainly," rejoined
+the other; and, so saying, the two captains hurried down to the
+strand and arranged the embarkation of their troops; while the sun,
+rising over the sea, shone upon them both in the same vessel.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+
+The voyagers had for some time to battle with contrary winds, and
+when at length they came in sight of the coasts of Barbary the
+darkness of evening had closed so deeply over the sea that no pilot
+in the little squadron ventured to ride at anchor on the shallow
+shore.  They cruised about on the calm waters, waiting for the
+morning; and the soldiers, full of laudable ambition for combat,
+stood impatiently in crowds on the deck, straining their longing
+eyes to see the theatre of their future deeds.
+
+Meanwhile the heavy firing of besiegers and besieged thundered
+unceasingly from the fortress of Goletta, and as the night darkened
+the scene with massy clouds, the flames of burning fragments became
+more visible, and the fiery course of the red bullets was perceptible
+as they crossed each other in their path, while their effects in fire
+and devastation were fearful to behold.  It was evident that the
+Mussulmans had been attempting a sally, for a sharp fire of musketry
+burst forth suddenly amid the roaring of the cannon.  The fight was
+approaching the trenches of the Christians, and on board the vessels
+none were agreed whether the besiegers were in danger or not.  At
+length they saw that the Turks were driven back into the fortress;
+the Christian army pursued them, and a shout was heard from the
+Spanish camp as of one loud Victory! and the cry, Goletta was taken!
+
+How the troops on board the vessels--consisting of young and courage-
+tried men--burned with ardor and their hearts beat at the glorious
+spectacle, need not be detailed to those who carry a brave heart
+within their own bosoms, and to all others any description would be
+lost.  Heimbert and Fadrique stood close to each other.  "I do not
+know," said the latter, speaking to himself, "but I feel as if to-
+morrow I must plant my standard upon yonder height which is now
+lighted up with the red glow of the bullets and burning flames in
+Goletta."  "That is just what I feel!" said Heimbert.  The two angry
+captains then relapsed into silence and turned indignantly away.
+
+The longed-for morning at length dawned, the vessels approached the
+shore, and the landing of the troops began, while an officer was at
+once dispatched to the camp to announce the arrival of the
+reinforcements to the mighty general Alba.  The soldiers were hastily
+ranged on the beach, they put themselves and their weapons in order,
+and were soon standing in battle array, ready for their great leader.
+Clouds of dust rose in the gray twilight, the returning officer
+announced the approach of the general, and as Alba signifies
+"morning" in the Castilian tongue, the Spaniards raised a shout of
+rejoicing at the coincidence, as at some favorable omen, for as the
+knightly train approached the first beams of the rising sun became
+visible.
+
+The grave and haggard form of the general was seen mounted on a tall
+Andalusian charger of the deepest black.  Having galloped once up and
+down the lines, he stopped his powerful horse in the middle, and
+looking along the ranks with an air of grave satisfaction, he said,
+"You pass muster well.  That is well.  I like it to be so.  It is
+plain to see that you are tried soldiers, in spite of your youth.
+We will first hold a review, and then I will lead you to something
+more agreeable."
+
+So saying, he dismounted, and walking toward the right wing he began
+to inspect one troop after another in the closest manner, with the
+captain of each company at his side, that he might receive from him
+accurate account upon the minutest particulars.  Sometimes a cannon-
+ball from the fortress would whizz over the heads of the men; then
+Alba would stand still and cast a keen glance over the soldiers
+before him.  But when he saw that not an eyelash moved, a smile of
+satisfaction passed over his severe pale face.
+
+When he had inspected both divisions he again mounted his horse and
+once more galloped into the middle.  Then, stroking his long beard,
+he said, "You are in good order, soldiers, and therefore you shall
+take your part in this glorious day, which is just dawning for our
+whole Christian armada.  We will attack Barbarossa, soldiers.  Do you
+not already hear the drums and fifes in the camp?  Do you see him
+advancing yonder to meet the emperor?  That side of his position is
+assigned to you!"
+
+"Vivat Carolus Quintus!" resounded through the ranks.  Alba beckoned
+the captains to him, and assigned to each his duty.  He usually
+mingled German and Spanish troops together, in order to stimulate the
+courage of the combatants still higher by emulation.  So it happened
+even now that Heimbert and Fadrique were commanded to storm the very
+same height, which, now gleaming with the morning light, they at once
+recognized as that which had shone out so fiercely and full of
+promise the night before.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+
+Thrice had Fadrique and Heimbert almost forced their way to a rampart
+in the fortifications, and thrice had they been repulsed with their
+men into the valley below by the fierce opposition of the Turks.  The
+Mussulmans shouted after the retreating foe, clashed their weapons
+with the triumph of victory, and with a scornful laugh asked whether
+they would not come up again to give heart and brain to the scimitar
+and their limbs to the falling beams of wood.  The two captains,
+gnashing their teeth with fury, arranged their ranks anew; for after
+three vain assaults they had to move closer together to fill the
+places of the slain and the mortally wounded.  Meanwhile a murmur ran
+through the Christian army that a witch was fighting among their foes
+and helping them to conquer.
+
+Duke Alba rode to the point of attack, and looked scrutinizingly at
+the breach they had made.  "Not yet broken through the enemy here!"
+said he, shaking his head, "I am surprised.  From two such youths,
+and such troops, I should have expected it."  "Do you hear that?
+Do you hear that?" exclaimed the two captains, as they paced along
+their lines repeating the general's words.  The soldiers shouted
+loudly, and demanded to be once more led against the enemy; even
+those who were mortally wounded shouted, with a last effort,
+"Forward, comrades!"  The great Alba at once sprang like an arrow
+from his horse, wrested a partisan from the stiff hand of one of the
+slain, and standing in front of the two companies he cried, "I will
+take part in your glory.  In the name of God and of the blessed
+Virgin, forward, my children!"
+
+And joyfully they rushed up the hill, every heart beating with
+confidence, while the war-cry was raised triumphantly; some even
+began already to shout "Victory! victory!" and the Mussulmans paused
+and wavered.  Suddenly, like the vision of an avenging angel, a
+maiden, dressed in purple garments embroidered with gold appeared in
+the Turkish ranks, and those who were terrified before again shouted
+"Allah!" calling at the same time, "Zelinda, Zelinda!"  The maiden,
+however, drew a small box from under her arm, and opening it she
+breathed into it and hurled it down among the Christian troops.  And
+forth from the fatal chest there burst a whole fire of rockets,
+grenades, and other fearful messengers of death.  The startled
+soldiers paused in their assault.  "Forward!" cried Alba.  "Forward!"
+cried the two captains; but a flaming arrow just then fastened on the
+duke's plumed hat and hissed and crackled round his head, so that the
+general fell fainting down the height.  Then the German and Spanish
+infantry fled uncontrollably from the fearful ascent.  Again the
+storm had been repulsed.  The Mussulmans shouted, and like a fatal
+star Zelinda's beauty shone in the midst of the flying troops.
+
+When Alba opened his eyes, Heimbert was standing over him, with his
+mantle, arm, and face scorched with the fire, which he had not only
+just extinguished on his general's head, but by throwing himself over
+him he had saved him from a second body of flame rolled down the
+height in the same direction.  The duke was thanking his youthful
+deliverer when some soldiers came up, looking for him, to apprise him
+that the Saracen power was beginning an attack on the opposite wing
+of the army.  Without losing a word Alba threw himself on the first
+horse brought him and galloped away to the spot where the most
+threatening danger summoned him.
+
+Fadrique stood with his glowing eye fixed on the rampart, where the
+brilliant form of Zelinda might be seen, with a two-edged spear,
+ready to be hurled, uplifted by her snow-white arm, and raising her
+voice, now in encouraging tones to the Mussulmans in Arabic, and
+again speaking scornfully to the Christians in Spanish.  At last
+Fadrique exclaimed, "Oh, foolish being! she thinks to daunt me, and
+yet she places herself before me, an alluring and irresistible war-
+prize!"
+
+And as if magic wings had sprung from his shoulders, he began to fly
+up the height with such rapidity that Alba's violent descent seemed
+but a lazy snail's pace.  Before any one was aware, he was already on
+the height, and wresting spear and shield from the maiden, he had
+seized her in his arms and was attempting to bear her away, while
+Zelinda in anxious despair clung to the palisade with both her hands.
+Her cry for help was unavailing, partly because the Turks imagined
+that the magic power of the maiden was annihilated by the almost
+equally wondrous deed of the youth, and partly also because the
+faithful Heimbert, quickly perceiving his comrade's daring feat, had
+led both troops to a renewed attack, and now stood by his side on the
+height, fighting hand to hand with the defenders.  This time the fury
+of the Mussulmans, weakened as they were by superstition and
+surprise, could avail nothing against the heroic advance of the
+Christian soldiers.  The Spaniards and Germans speedily broke through
+the enemy, assisted by the watchful squadrons of their army.  The
+Mohammedans fled with frightful howling, the battle with its stream
+of victory rolled ever on, and the banner of the holy German empire
+and that of the royal house of Castile waved victorious over the
+glorious battle-field before the walls of Tunis.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+
+In the confusion of the conquering and the conquered, Zelinda had
+wrested herself from Fadrique's arms and had fled from him with such
+swiftness that, however much love and desire might have given wings
+to his pursuit, she was soon out of sight in a spot so well known to
+her.  All the more vehement was the fury of the excited Spaniard
+against the infidel foe.  Wherever a little host made a fresh stand
+to oppose the Christians, he would hasten forward with the troops,
+who ranged themselves round him, resistless as he was, as round a
+banner of victory, while Heimbert ever remained at his side like a
+faithful shield, guarding off many a danger to which the youth,
+intoxicated with rage and success, exposed himself without
+consideration.  The following day they heard of Barbarossa's flight
+from the city, and the victorious troops advanced without resistance
+through the gates of Tunis.  Fadrique's and Heimbert's companies were
+always together.
+
+Thick clouds of smoke began to curl through the streets; the soldiers
+were obliged to shake off the glowing and dusty flakes from their
+mantles and richly plumed helmets, where they often rested
+smouldering.  "I trust the enemy in his despair has not set fire to
+some magazine full of powder!" exclaimed the thoughtful Heimbert; and
+Fadrique, allowing by a sign that he agreed with his surmise,
+hastened on to the spot from whence the smoke proceeded, the troops
+courageously pressing after him.
+
+The sudden turn of a street brought them in view of a magnificent
+palace, from the beautifully ornamented windows of which the flames
+were emerging, looking like torches of death in their fitful glow,
+and lighting up the splendid building in the hour of its ruin in the
+grandest manner, now illuminating this and now that part of the
+gigantic structure, and then again relapsing into a fearful darkness
+of smoke and vapor.
+
+And like some faultless statue, the ornament of the whole edifice,
+there stood Zelinda upon a high and giddy projection, while the
+tongues of flame wreathed around her from below, calling to her
+companions in the faith to help her in saving the wisdom of centuries
+which was preserved in this building.  The projection on which she
+stood began to totter from the fervent heat raging beneath it, and a
+few stones gave way; Fadrique called with a voice full of anguish to
+the endangered lady, and scarcely had she withdrawn her foot from the
+spot, when the stone on which she had been standing broke away and
+came rattling down on the pavement.  Zelinda disappeared within the
+burning palace, and Fadrique rushed up its marble staircase,
+Heimbert, his faithful companion, following him.
+
+Their hasty steps carried them through lofty resounding halls; the
+architecture over their heads was a maze of high arches, and one
+chamber led into another almost like a labyrinth.  The walls
+displayed on all sides magnificent shelves, in which were to be seen
+stored rolls of parchment, papyrus, and palm-leaf, partly inscribed
+with the characters of long-vanished centuries, and which were now to
+perish themselves.  For the flames were already crackling among them
+and stretching their serpent-like and fiery heads from one case of
+treasures to another; while some Spanish soldiers, barbarous in their
+fury, and hoping for plunder, and finding nothing but inscribed rolls
+within the gorgeous building, passed from disappointment to rage, and
+aided the flames; the more so as they regarded the inscriptions as
+the work of evil magicians.  Fadrique flew as in a dream through the
+strange half-consumed halls, ever calling Zelinda! thinking and
+regarding nothing but her enchanting beauty.  Long did Heimbert
+remain at his side, until at length they both reached a cedar
+staircase leading to an upper story; here Fadrique paused to listen,
+and exclaiming, "She is speaking up there! she is speaking loud! she
+needs my help!" he dashed up the already burning steps.  Heimbert
+hesitated a moment; he saw the staircase already tottering, and he
+thought to give a warning cry to his companion; but at the same
+moment the light ornamental ascent gave way and burst into flames.
+He could just see Fadrique clinging above to a brass grating and
+swinging himself up to it, but all means of following him were
+destroyed.  Quickly recollecting himself, Heimbert lost no time in
+idly gazing, but hastened through the adjacent halls in search of
+another flight of steps which would lead him to his vanished friend.
+
+Meanwhile Fadrique, following the enchanting voice, had reached a
+gallery in the midst of which, the floor having fallen in, there was
+a fearful abyss of flames, though the pillars on each side were still
+standing.  Opposite to him the youth perceived the longed-for maiden,
+clinging with one hand to a pillar, while with the other she was
+threatening back some Spanish soldiers, who seemed ready at any
+moment to seize her, and her delicate foot was already hovering over
+the edge of the glowing ruins.  For Fadrique to go to her was
+impossible; the breadth of the opening rendered even a desperate leap
+unavailing.  Trembling lest his call might make the maiden
+precipitate herself into the abyss, either in terror or despairing
+anger, he only softly raised his voice and whispered as with a breath
+over the flaming gulf, "Oh, Zelinda, Zelinda! do not give way to such
+frightful thoughts!  Your preserver is here!"  The maiden turned her
+queenly head, and when Fadrique saw her calm and composed demeanor,
+he cried to the soldiers on the other side, with all the thunder of
+his warrior's voice, "Back, ye insolent plunderers!  Whoever advances
+but one step to the lady shall feel the vengeance of my arm!"  They
+started and seemed on the point of withdrawing, when one of their
+number said, "The knight cannot touch us, the gulf between us is too
+broad for that.  And as for the lady's throwing herself down--it
+almost looks as if the young knight were her lover, and whoever has a
+lover is not likely to be so hasty about throwing herself down."  All
+laughed at this and again advanced.  Zelinda tottered at the edge of
+the abyss.  But with the courage of a lion Fadrique had torn his
+target from his arm, and hurling it with his right hand he flung it
+at the soldiers with such a sure aim that the rash leader, struck on
+the head, fell senseless to the ground.  The rest again stood still.
+"Away with you!" cried Fadrique authoritatively, "or my dagger shall
+strike the next as surely, and then I swear I will never rest till I
+have found out your whole gang and appeased my rage."  The dagger
+gleamed in the youth's hand, but yet more fearfully gleamed the fury
+in his eyes, and the soldiers fled.  Then Zelinda bowed gratefully to
+her preserver, took up a roll of palm-leaves which lay at her feet,
+and which must have previously slipped from her hand, and then
+vanished hastily through a side-door of the gallery.  Henceforth
+Fadrique sought her in vain in the burning palace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+
+The great Alba held a council with his chief officers in an open
+place in the middle of the conquered city, and, by means of
+interpreters, sent question after question to the Turkish prisoners
+as to the fate of the beautiful woman who had been seen animating
+them on the ramparts, and who was certainly the most exquisite
+enchantress that had ever visited the earth.  Nothing very distinct
+was to be gained from the answers, for although the interrogated all
+knew of the the beautiful Zelinda as a noble lady versed in magic
+lore, and acknowledged by the whole people, they were utterly unable
+to state from whence she had come to Tunis and whither she had now
+fled.  When at last they began to threaten the prisoners as
+obstinate, an old Dervish, hitherto unnoticed, pressed forward and
+said, with a gloomy smile, "Whoever has a desire to seek the lady may
+set out when he chooses; I will conceal nothing from him of what I
+know of her direction, and I know something.  But I must first of all
+receive the promise that I shall not be compelled to accompany as
+guide.  My lips otherwise will remain sealed forever, and you may do
+with me as you will."
+
+He looked like one who intended to keep his word, and Alba, pleased
+with the firmness of the man, which harmonized well with his own
+mind, gave him the desired assurance, and the Dervish began his
+relation.  He was once, he said, wandering in the almost infinite
+desert of Sahara, impelled perhaps by rash curiosity, perhaps by
+higher motives; he had lost his way there, and had at last, wearied
+to death, reached one of those fertile islands of that sea of sand
+which are called oases.  Then followed, sparkling with oriental
+vivacity, a description of the wonderful things seen there, now
+filling the hearts of his hearers with sweet longing, and then again
+making their hair stand on end with horror, though from the strange
+pronunciation of the speaker and the flowing rapidity of his words
+the half was scarcely understood.  The end of all this at length was
+that Zelinda dwelt on that oasis, in the midst of the pathless sand-
+plains of the desert, surrounded by magic horrors; and also, as the
+Dervish knew for certain, that she had left about half an hour ago on
+her way thither. The almost contemptuous words with which he
+concluded his narration plainly showed that he desired nothing more
+earnestly than to seduce some Christians to undertake a journey which
+must terminate inevitably in their destruction.  At the same time he
+added a solemn oath that everything was truly as he had stated it,
+and he did this in a firm and grave manner, as a man who knows that
+he is speaking the most indubitable truth.  Surprised and thoughtful,
+the circle of officers held their council round him.
+
+Then Heimbert stepped forward with an air as if of request; he had
+just received a summons to leave the burning palace, where he had
+been seeking his friend, and had been appointed to the place of
+council because it was necessary to arrange the troops here in
+readiness for any possible rising in the conquered city.  "What do
+you wish, my young hero?" said Alba, recognizing him as he appeared.
+"I know your smiling, blooming countenance well.  You were but lately
+sheltering me like a protecting angel.  I am so sure that you make no
+request but what is honorable and knightly that anything you may
+possibly desire is granted beforehand."  "My great Duke," replied
+Heimbert, with cheeks glowing with pleasure, "if I may then venture
+to ask a favor, will you grant me permission to follow the beautiful
+Zelinda at once in the direction which this wonderful Dervish has
+pointed out?"  The great general bowed in assent, and added, "So
+noble an adventure could not be consigned to a more noble knight!"
+
+"I do not know that!" said an angry voice from the throng.  "But well
+do I know that to me above all others this adventure belongs, even
+were it assigned as a reward for the capture of Tunis.  For who was
+the first on the height and within the city?"  "That was Don Fadrique
+Mendez," said Heimbert, taking the speaker by the hand and leading
+him before the general.  "If I now for his sake must forfeit my
+promised reward, I must patiently submit; for he has rendered better
+service than I have done to the emperor and the army."
+
+"Neither of you shall forfeit his reward," said the great Alba.
+"Each has permission from this moment to seek the maiden in whatever
+way it seems to him most advisable."
+
+And swift as lightning the two young captains quitted the circle of
+officers in opposite directions.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+
+A sea of sand, stretching out in the distant horizon, without one
+object to mark its extensive surface, white and desolate in its
+vastness--such is the scene which proclaims the fearful desert of
+Sahara to the eye of the wanderer who has lost himself in these
+frightful regions.  In this also it resembles the sea, that it casts
+up waves, and often a misty vapor bangs over its surface.  But there
+is not the soft play of waves which unite all the coasts of the
+earth; each wave as it rolls in bringing a message from the remotest
+and fairest island kingdoms, and again rolling back as it were with
+an answer, in a sort of love-flowing dance.  No; there is here only
+the melancholy sporting of the hot wind with the faithless dust which
+ever falls back again into its joyless basin, and never reaches the
+rest of the solid land with its happy human dwellings.  There is here
+none of the sweet cool sea-breeze in which kindly fairies seem
+carrying on their graceful sport, forming blooming gardens and
+pillared palaces--there is only a suffocating vapor, rebelliously
+given back to the glowing sun from the unfruitful sands.
+
+Hither the two youths arrived at the same time, and paused, gazing
+with dismay at the pathless chaos before them.  Zelinda's track,
+which was not easily hidden or lost, had hitherto obliged them almost
+always to remain together, dissatisfied as Fadrique was at the
+circumstance, and angry as were the glances he cast at his unwelcome
+companion.  Each had hoped to overtake Zelinda before she had reached
+the desert, feeling how almost impossible it would be to find her
+once she had entered it.  That hope was now at an end; and although
+in answer to the inquiries they made in the Barbary villages on the
+frontier, they heard that a wanderer going southward in the desert
+and guiding his course by the stars would, according to tradition,
+arrive at length at a wonderfully fertile oasis, the abode of a
+divinely beautiful enchantress, yet everything appeared highly
+uncertain and dispiriting, and was rendered still more so by the
+avalanches of dust before the travellers' view.
+
+The youths looked sadly at the prospect before them, and their horses
+snorted and started back at the horrible plain, as though it were
+some insidious quicksand, and even the riders themselves were seized
+with doubt and dismay.  Suddenly they sprung from their saddles, as
+at some word of command, unbridled their horses, loosened their
+girths, and turned them loose on the desert, that they might find
+their way back to some happier dwelling place.  Then, taking some
+provision from their saddle-bags, they placed it on their shoulders,
+and casting aside their heavy riding boots they plunged like two
+courageous swimmers into the trackless waste.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+
+With no other guide than the sun by day, and by night the host of
+stars, the two captains soon lost sight of each other, and all the
+sooner, as Fadrique avoided intentionally the object of his aversion.
+Heimbert, on the other hand, had no thought but the attainment of his
+aim; and, full of joyful confidence in God's assistance, he pursued
+his course in a southerly direction.
+
+Many nights and many days had passed, when one evening, as the
+twilight was coming on, Heimbert was standing alone in the endless
+desert, unable to descry a single object all round on which his eye
+could rest.  His light flask was empty, and the evening brought with
+it, instead or the hoped-for coolness, a suffocating whirlwind of
+sand, so that the exhausted wanderer was obliged to press his burning
+face to the burning soil in order to escape in some measure the fatal
+cloud.  Now and then he heard something passing him, or rustling over
+him as with the sound of a sweeping mantle, and he would raise
+himself in anxious haste; but he only saw what he had already too
+often seen in the daylime--the wild beasts of the wilderness roaming
+at liberty through the desert waste. Sometimes it was an ugly camel,
+then it was a long-necked and disproportioned giraffe, and then again
+a long-legged ostrich hastening away with its wings outspread.  They
+all appeared to scorn him, and he had already taken his resolve to
+open his eyes no more, and to give himself up to his fate, without
+allowing these horrible and strange creatures to disturb his mind in
+the hour of death.
+
+Presently it seemed to him as if he heard the hoofs and neighing of a
+horse, and suddenly something halted close beside him, and he thought
+he caught the sound of a man's voice.  Half unwilling, he could not
+resist raising himself wearily, and he saw before him a rider in an
+Arab's dress mounted on a slender Arabian horse.  Overcome with joy
+at finding himself within reach of human help, he exclaimed,
+"Welcome, oh, man, in this fearful solitude!  If thou canst, succor
+me, thy fellow-man, who must otherwise perish with thirst!"  Then
+remembering that the tones of his dear German mother tongue were not
+intelligible in this joyless region, he repeated the same words in
+the mixed dialect, generally called the Lingua Romana, universally
+used by heathens, Mohammedans, and Christians in those parts of the
+world where they have most intercourse with each other.
+
+The Arab still remained silent, and looked as if scornfully laughing
+at his strange discovery.  At length he replied, in the same dialect,
+"I was also in Barbarossa's fight; and if, Sir Knight, our overthrow
+bitterly enraged me then, I find no small compensation for it in the
+fact of seeing one of the conquerors lying so pitifully before me."
+"Pitifully!" exclaimed Heimbert angrily, and his wounded sense of
+honor giving him back for a moment all his strength, he seized his
+sword and stood ready for an encounter.  "Oho!" laughed the Arab,
+"does the Christian viper still hiss so strongly?  Then it only
+behooves me to put spurs to my horse and leave thee to perish here,
+thou lost creeping worm!"  "Ride to the devil, thou dog of a
+heathen!" retorted Heimbert; "rather than entreat a crumb of thee I
+will die here, unless the good God sends me manna in the wilderness."
+
+And the Arab spurred forward his swift steed and galloped away a
+couple of hundred paces, laughing with scorn.  Then he paused, and
+looking round to Heimbert he trotted back and said, "Thou seemest too
+good, methinks, to perish here of hunger and thirst.  Beware! my good
+sabre shall touch thee."
+
+Heimbert, who had again stretched himself hopelessly on the burning
+sand, was quickly roused to his feet by these words, and seized his
+sword; and sudden as was the spring with which the Arab's horse flew
+toward him, the stout German warrior stood ready to parry the blow,
+and the thrust which the Arab aimed at him in the Mohammedan manner
+he warded off with certainty and skill.
+
+Again and again the Arab sprung; similarly here and there, vainly
+hoping to give his antagonist a death-blow.  At last, overcome by
+impatience, he approached so boldly that Heimbert, warding off the
+threatening weapon, had time to seize the Arab by the girdle and drag
+him from the fast-galloping horse.  The violence of the movement
+threw Heimbert also on the ground, but he lay above his opponent, and
+holding close before his eyes a dagger, which he had dexterously
+drawn from his girdle, he exclaimed, "Wilt thou have mercy or death?"
+The Arab, trembling, cast down his eyes before the gleaming and
+murderous weapon, and said, "Show mercy to me, mighty warrior; I
+surrender to thee."  Heimbert then ordered him to throw away the
+sabre he still held in his right hand.  He did so, and both
+combatants rose, and again sunk down upon the sand, for the victor
+was far more weary than the vanquished.
+
+The Arab's good horse meanwhile had trotted toward them, according to
+the habit of those noble animals, who never forsake their fallen
+master.  It now stood behind the two men, stretching out its long
+slender neck affectionately toward them.  "Arab," said Heimbert with
+exhausted voice, "take from thy horse what provision thou hast with
+thee and place it before me."  The vanquished man humbly did as he
+was commanded, now just as much submitting to the will of the
+conqueror as he had before exhibited his animosity in anger and
+revenge.  After a few draughts of palm-wine from the skin, Heimbert
+looked at the youth under a new aspect; he then partook of some
+fruits, drank more of the palm-wine, and at length said, "You are
+going to ride still farther to-night, young man?"  "Yes, indeed,"
+replied the Arab sadly; "on a distant oasis there dwells my aged
+father and my blooming bride.  Now--even if you set me at full
+liberty--I must perish in the heat of this barren desert, for want
+of sustenance, before I can reach my lovely home."
+
+"Is it, perhaps," asked Heimbert, "the oasis on which the mighty
+enchantress, Zelinda, dwells?"
+
+"Allah protect me!" cried the Arab, clasping his hands.  "Zelinda's
+wondrous isle offers no hospitable shelter to any but magicians.
+It lies far away in the scorching south, while our friendly oasis
+is toward the cooler west."
+
+"I only asked in case we might be travelling companions," said
+Heimbert courteously.  "If that cannot be, we must certainly divide
+the provisions; for I would not have so brave a warrior as you
+perish, with hunger and thirst."
+
+So saying, the young captain began to arrange the provisions in two
+portions, placing the larger on his left and the smaller at his
+right; he then desired the Arab to take the former, and added, to his
+astonished companion, "See, good sir, I have either not much farther
+to travel or I shall perish in the desert; I feel that it will be so.
+Besides, I cannot carry half so much on foot as you can on horse-
+back."
+
+"Knight! victorious knight!" cried the amazed Mussulman, "am I then
+to keep my horse?"
+
+"It were a sin and shame indeed," said Heimbert, smiling, "to
+separate such a faithful steed from such a skilful rider.  Ride
+on, in God's name, and get safely to your people."
+
+He then helped him to mount, and the Arab was on the point of
+uttering a few words of gratitude, when he suddenly exclaimed, "The
+magic maiden!" and, swift as the wind, he flew over the dusty plain.
+Heimbert, however, turning round, saw close beside him in the now
+bright moonlight a shining figure, which he at once perceived to be
+Zelinda.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+
+The maiden looked fixedly at the young soldier, and seemed
+considering with what words to address him, while he, after his long
+search and now unexpected success, was equally at a loss.  At last
+she said in Spanish, "Thou wonderful enigma, I have been witness of
+all that has passed between thee and the Arab; and these affairs
+confuse my head like a whirlwind.  Speak, therefore, plainly, that
+I may know whether thou art a madman or an angel?"
+
+"I am neither, dear lady," replied Heimbert, with his wonted
+friendliness.  "I am only a poor wanderer, who has just been putting
+into practice one of the commands of his Master, Jesus Christ."
+
+"Sit down," said Zelinda, "and tell me of thy Master; he must be
+himself unprecedented to have such a servant.  The night is cool and
+still, and at my side thou hast no cause to fear the dangers of the
+desert."
+
+"Lady," replied Heimbert, smiling, "I am not of a fearful nature, and
+when I am speaking of my dear Saviour my mind is perfectly free from
+all alarm."
+
+Thus saying, they both sat down on the now cooled sand and began a
+wondrous conversation, while the full moon shone upon them from the
+deep-blue heavens above like a magic lamp.
+
+Heimbert's words, full of divine love, truth, and simplicity sank
+like soft sunbeams, gently and surely, into Zelinda's, heart, driving
+away the mysterious magic power which dwelt there, and wrestling for
+the dominion of the noble territory of her soul.  When morning began
+to dawn she said, "Thou wouldst not be called an angel last evening,
+but thou art truly one.  For what else are angels than messengers of
+the Most High God?"  "In that sense," rejoined Heimbert, "I am well
+satisfied with the name, for I certainly hope that I am the bearer of
+my Master's message.  Yes, if he bestows on me further grace and
+strength, it may even be that you also may become my companion in the
+pious work."  "It is not impossible," said Zelinda thoughtfully.
+"Thou must, however, come with me to my island, and there thou shalt
+be regaled as is befitting such an ambassador, far better than here
+on the desolate sand, with the miserable palm-wine that thou hast so
+laboriously obtained."
+
+"Pardon me," replied Heimbert; "it is difficult to me to refuse the
+request of a lady, but on this occasion it cannot be otherwise.  In
+your island many glorious things have been conjured together by your
+forbidden art, and many lovely forms which the good God has created
+have been transformed.  These might dazzle my senses, and at last
+delude them.  If you will, therefore, hear the best and purest things
+which I can relate to you, you must rather come out to me on this
+desert sand.  The palm-wine and the dates of the Arab will suffice
+for me for many a day to come."  "You would do better to come with
+me," said Zelinda, shaking her head with somewhat of a scornful
+smile.  "You were certainly neither born nor brought up to be a
+hermit, and there is nothing on my oasis so destructive as you
+imagine.  What is there more than shrubs and flowers and beasts
+gathered together from different quarters of the world, perhaps a
+little strangely interwoven; each, that is to say, partaking of the
+nature of the other, in a similar manner to that which you must have
+seen in our Arabian carving!  A moving flower, a bird growing on a
+branch, a fountain gleaming with fiery sparks, a singing twig--these
+are truly no hateful things!"  "He must avoid temptation who does not
+wish to be overcome by it," said Heimbert very gravely; "I am for the
+desert.  Will it please you to come out to visit me again?"  Zelinda
+looked down somewhat displeased.  Then suddenly bending her head
+still lower she replied, "Yes; toward evening I shall be here again."
+And, turning away, she at once disappeared in the rising whirlwind of
+the desert.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+
+With the evening twilight the lovely lady returned and spent the
+night in converse with the pious youth, leaving him in the morning
+with her mind more humble, pure, and devout; and thus matters went on
+for many days.  "Thy palm-wine and thy dates must be coming to an
+end," said Zelinda one evening as she presented the youth with a
+flask of rich wine and some costly fruits.  He, however, gently put
+aside the gift and said, "Noble lady, I would accept your gift
+gladly, but I fear some of your magic arts may perhaps cleave to it.
+Or could you assure me to the contrary by Him whom you are now
+beginning to know?"  Zelinda cast down her eyes in silent confusion
+and took her presents back.  On the following evening, however, she
+brought similar gifts, and, smiling confidently, gave the desired
+assurance.  Heimbert then partook of them without hesitation, and
+from henceforth the disciple carefully provided for the sustenance of
+her teacher in the wilderness.
+
+And so, as the blessed knowledge of the truth sank more and more
+deeply into Zelinda's soul, so that she was often sitting till dawn
+before the youth, with cheeks glowing and hair dishevelled, her eyes
+gleaming with delight and her hands folded, unable to withdraw
+herself from his words, he, on his part, endeavored to make her
+sensible at all times that it was only Fadrique's love for her which
+had urged him, his friend, into this fatal desert, and that it was
+this same love that had thus become the means for the attainment of
+her highest spiritual good.  She still well remembered the handsome
+and terrible captain who had stormed the height that he might clasp
+her in his arms; and she related to her friend how the same hero had
+afterward saved her in the burning library.  Heimbert too had many
+pleasant things to tell of Fadrique--of his high knightly courage, of
+his grave and noble manners, and of his love to Zelinda, which in the
+night after the battle of Tunis was no longer concealed within his
+passionate breast, but was betrayed to the young German in a thousand
+unconscious expressions between sleeping and waking.  Divine truth
+and the image of her loving hero both at once sank deep within
+Zelinda's heart, and struck root there with tender but indestructible
+power.  Heimbert's presence and the almost adoring admiration with
+which his pupil regarded him did not disturb these feelings, for from
+the first moment his appearance had something in it so pure and
+heavenly that no thoughts of earthly love intruded.  When Heimbert
+was alone he would often smile happily within himself, saying in his
+own beloved German tongue, "It is indeed delightful that I am now
+able consciously to do the same service for Fadrique as he did for
+me, unconsciously, with his angelic sister."  And then he would sing
+some German song of Clara's grace and beauty, the sound of which rang
+with strange sweetness through the desert, while it happily beguiled
+his solitary hours.
+
+Once when Zelinda came in the evening twilight, gracefully bearing on
+her beautiful head a basket of provisions for Heimbert, he smiled at
+her and shook his head, saying, "It is inconceivable to me, sweet
+maiden, why you ever give yourself the trouble of coming to me out
+here in the desert.  You can indeed no longer find pleasure in magic
+arts, since the spirit of truth and love dwells within you.  If you
+would only transform the oasis into the natural form in which the
+good God created it, I would go there with you, and we should have
+far more time for holy converse."  "Sir," replied Zelinda, "you speak
+truly.  I too have thought for some days of doing so and the matter
+would have been already set on foot, but a strange visitor fetters my
+power.  The Dervish whom you saw in Tunis is with me, and as in
+former times we have practised many magic tricks with each other, he
+would like again to play the old game.  He perceives the change in
+me, and on that account urges me all the more vehemently and
+dangerously."
+
+"He must either be driven away or converted," said Heimbert, girding
+on his shoulder-belt more firmly, and taking up his shield from the
+ground.  "Have the goodness, dear maiden," he continued, "to lead me
+to your enchanted isle."
+
+"You avoided it so before," said the astonished Zeiinda," and it is
+still unchanged in its fantastic form."
+
+"Formerly it would have been only inconsiderate curiosity to have
+ventured there," replied Heimbert.  "You came too out here to me, and
+that was better for us both.  But now the old enemy might lay snares
+for the ruin of all that the Lord has been working in you, and so it
+is a knightly duty to go.  In God's name, then, to the work!"
+
+And they hastened forward together, through the ever-increasing
+darkness of the plain, on their way to the blooming island.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+
+A charming breeze began to cool the heated brows of the travellers,
+and the twinkling starlight revealed in the distance a grove, waving
+to and fro with the gentle motion of the air.  Heimbert cast his eyes
+to the ground and said, "Go before me, sweet maiden, and guide my
+path to the spot where I shall find this threatening Dervish.  I do
+not wish unnecessarily to see anything of these ensnaring
+enchantments."
+
+Zelinda did as he desired, and the relation of the two was for a
+moment changed; the maiden had become the guide, and Heimbert, full
+of confidence, allowed himself to be led upon the unknown path.
+Branches were even now touching his cheeks, half caressingly and
+playfully; wonderful birds, growing out of bushes, sang joyful songs;
+over the velvet turf, upon which Heimbert ever kept his eyes fixed,
+there glided gleaming serpents of green and gold, with little golden
+crowns, and brilliant stones glittered on the mossy carpet.  When the
+serpents touched the jewels, they gave forth a silvery sound.  But
+Heimbert let the serpents creep and the gems sparkle, without
+troubling himself about them, intent alone on following the footsteps
+of his guide.
+
+"We are there!" said she with suppressed voice; and looking up he saw
+a shining grotto of shells, within which he perceived a man asleep
+clad in golden scale-armor of the old Numidian fashion.  "Is that
+also a phantom, there yonder in the golden scales?" inquired
+Heimbert, smiling; but Zelinda looked very grave and replied,  "Oh,
+no! that is the Dervish himself, and his having put on this coat-of-
+mail, which has been rendered invulnerable by dragon's blood, is a
+proof that by his magic he has become aware of our intention."  "What
+does that signify?" said Heimbert; "he would have to know it at
+last."  And he began at once to call out, with a cheerful voice,
+"Wake up, old sir, wake up!  Here is an acquaintance of yours, who
+has matters upon which he must speak to you."
+
+And as the Dervish opened his large rolling eyes, everything in the
+magic grove began to move, the water began to dance, and the branches
+to intertwine in wild emulation, and at the same time the precious
+stones and the shells and corals emitted strange and confusing
+melodies.
+
+"Roll and turn, thunder and play as you like!" exclaimed Heimbert,
+looking fixedly at the maze around him; "you shall not divert me from
+my own good path, and Almighty God has given me a good far-sounding
+soldier's voice which can make itself heard above all this tumult."
+Then turning to the Dervish he said, "It appears, old man, that you
+already know everything which has passed between Zelinda and me.  In
+case, however, that it is not so, I will tell you briefly that she is
+already as good as a Christian, and that she is the betrothed of a
+noble Spanish knight.  Place nothing in the way of her good
+intention; I advise you for your own sake.  But still better for your
+own sake would it be if you would become a Christian yourself.
+Discuss the matter with me, and first bid all this mad devilish show
+to cease, for our religion, dear sir, speaks of far too tender and
+divine things to be talked of with violence or with the loud voice
+necessary on the field of war."
+
+But the Dervish, burning with hatred to the Christians, had not
+waited to hear the knight's last words when he rushed at him with his
+drawn scimitar.  Heimbert merely parried his thrust, saying, "Take
+care of yourself, sir!  I have heard something of your weapons being
+charmed, but that will avail but little before my sword.  It has been
+consecrated in holy places."
+
+The Dervish sprang wildly back before the sword, but equally wildly
+did he spring to the other side of his adversary, who only with
+difficulty caught the terrible cuts of his weapon upon his shield.
+Like a gold-scaled dragon the Mohammedan swung himself round his
+antagonist with an agility which, with his long flowing white beard,
+was ghostly and horrible to witness.  Heimbert was prepared to meet
+him on all sides, ever keeping a watchful eye for some opening in the
+scales made by the violence of his movements.  At last it happened as
+he desired; between the arm and breast on the left side the dark
+garments of the Dervish became visible, and quick as lightning the
+German made a deadly thrust.  The old man exclaimed aloud, "Allah!
+Allah!" and fell forward, fearful even in his fall, a senseless
+corpse.
+
+"I pity him!" sighed Heimbert, leaning on his sword and looking down
+on his fallen foe."  He has fought nobly, and even in death he called
+upon his Allah, whom he looked upon as the true God.  He must not
+lack honorable burial."  He then dug a grave with the broad scimitar
+of his adversary, laid the corpse within it, covered it over with
+turf, and knelt on the spot in silent heartfelt prayer for the soul
+of the departed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+
+Heimbert rose from his pious duty, and his first glance fell on
+Zelinda, who stood smiling by his side, and his second upon the
+wholly changed scene around.  The rocky cavern and grotto had
+disappeared, the distorted forms of trees and beasts, half terrible
+and half charming as they were, had vanished also; a gentle grassy
+hill sloped down on every side of the point where he stood, toward
+the sandy waste; springs gushed out here and there in refreshing
+beauty; date-trees bent over the little paths--everything, indeed,
+in the now opening day was full of sweet and simple peace.
+
+"Thank God!" said Heimbert, turning to his companion, "you can now
+surely feel how infinitely more lovely, grand, and beautiful is
+everything as our dear Father has created it than it can be when
+transformed by the highest human art.  The Heavenly Gardener has
+indeed permitted us, his beloved children, in his abundant mercy, to
+help forward his gracious works, that we may thus become happier and
+better; but we must take care that we change nothing to suit our own
+rash wilful fancies; else it is as if we were expelling ourselves a
+second time from Paradise."  "It shall not happen again," said
+Zelinda humbly.  "But may you in this solitary region, where we are
+not likely to meet with any priest of our faith, may you not bestow
+on me, as one born anew, the blessing of Holy Baptism?"
+
+Heimbert, after some consideration, replied, "I hope I may do so.
+And if I am wrong, God will pardon me.  It is surely done in the
+desire to bring to him so worthy a soul as soon as possible."
+
+So they walked together, silently praying and full of smiling
+happiness, down to one of the pleasant springs of the oasis, and just
+as they reached the edge and prepared themselves for the holy work
+the sun rose before them as if to confirm and strengthen their
+purpose, and the two beaming countenances looked at each other with
+joy and confidence.  Heimbert had not thought of the Christian name
+he should bestow on his disciple, but as he scooped up the water, and
+the desert lay around him so solemn in the rosy glow of morning, he
+remembered the pious hermit Antony in his Egyptian solitude, and he
+baptized the lovely convert, Antonia.
+
+They spent the day in holy conversation, and Antonia showed her
+friend a little cave, in which she had concealed all sorts of store
+for her sustenance when she first dwelt on the oasis.  "For," said
+she, "the good God is my witness that I came hither only that I
+might, in solitude, become better acquainted with him and his created
+works, without knowing at that time in the least of any magic
+expedients.  Subsequently the Dervish came, tempting me, and the
+horrors of the desert joined in a fearful league with his terrible
+power, and then by degrees followed all that alluring spirits showed
+me either in dreams or awake."
+
+Heimbert had no scruple to take with him for the journey any of the
+wine and fruits that were still fit for use, and Antonia assured him
+that by the direct way, well known to her, they would reach the
+fruitful shore of this waterless ocean in a few days.  So with the
+approach of evening coolness they set out on their journey.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+
+The travellers had almost traversed the pathless plain when one day
+they saw a figure wandering in the distance, for in the desolate
+Sahara every object is visible to the very horizon if the whirlwind
+of dust does not conceal it from view.  The wanderer seemed doubtful
+of his course, sometimes taking this, sometimes that direction, and
+Antonia's eastern falcon eye could discern that it was no Arab, but
+a man in knightly garb.
+
+"Oh, dear sister," exclaimed Heimbert, full of anxious joy, "then it
+is our poor Fadrique, who is in search of thee.  For pity's sake, let
+as hasten before he loses us, and perhaps at last his own life also,
+in this immeasurable waste."  They strained every effort to reach the
+distant object, but it was now midday and the sun shone burningly
+upon them, Antonia could not long endure this rapid progress; added
+to which the fearful whirlwind soon arose, and the figure that had
+been scarcely visible before faded from their eyes, like some phantom
+of the mist in autumn.
+
+With the rising moon they began anew to hasten forward, calling
+loudly upon the unfortunate wanderer, and fluttering white
+handkerchiefs tied to their walking-staffs, as signal flags, hut it
+was all in vain.  The object that had disappeared remained lost to
+view.  Only a few giraffes sprang shyly past them, and the ostriches
+quickened their speed.
+
+At length, as morning dawned, Antonia paused and said, "Thou canst
+not leave me, brother, in this solitude, and I cannot go a single
+step farther.  God will protect the noble Fadrique.  How could a
+father forsake such a model of knightly excellence?"  "The disciple
+shames the teacher," replied Heimbert, his sad face brightening into
+a smile.  "We have done our part, and we may confidently hope that
+God will come to the aid of our failing powers and do what is
+necessary."  As he spoke he spread his mantle on the sand, that
+Antonia might rest more comfortably.  Suddenly looking up, he
+exclaimed, "Oh, God! yonder lies a man, completely buried in the
+sand.  Oh, that he may not be already dead!"
+
+He immediately began to sprinkle wine, from the flask he carried, on
+the brow of the fainting traveller, and to chafe his temples with it.
+The man at last slowly opened his eyes and said, "I had hoped the
+morning dew would not again have fallen on me, but that unknown and
+unlamented I might have perished here in the desert, as must be the
+case in the end."  So saying he closed his eyes again, like one
+intoxicated with sleep, but Heimbert continued his restoratives
+unwearyingly, and at length the refreshed wanderer half raised
+himself from the sand with an exclamation of astonishment.
+
+He looked from Heimbert to his companion, and from her again at
+Heimbert, and suddenly exclaimed, gnashing his teeth, "Ha, was it to
+he thus!  I was not even to be allowed to die in the dull happiness
+of quiet solitude!  I was to be first doomed to see my rival's
+success and my sister's shame!"  At the same time he sprang to his
+feet with a violent effort and rushed forward upon Heimbert with
+drawn sword.  But Heimbert moved neither sword nor arm, and merely
+said, in a gentle voice, "Wearied out, as you now are, I cannot
+possibly fight with you; besides, I must first place this lady in
+security."  Antonia, who had at first gazed with much emotion at the
+angry knight, now stepped suddenly between the two men and cried out,
+"Oh, Fadrique, neither misery nor anger can utterly disfigure you.
+But what has my noble brother done to you?"  "Brother?" said
+Fadrique, with astonishment.  "Or godfather, or confessor,"
+interrupted Heimbert,  "as you will.  Only do not call her Zelinda,
+for her name is now Antonia; she is a Christian, and waits to be your
+bride."  Fadrique stood fixed with surprise, but Heimbert's true-
+hearted words and Antonia's lovely blushes soon revealed the happy
+enigma to him.  He sank down before the longed-for form with a sense
+of exquisite delight, and in the midst of the inhospitable desert the
+flowers of love and gratitude and confidence sent their sweetness
+heavenward.
+
+The excitement of this happy surprise at last gave way to bodily
+fatigue.  Antonia, like some drooping blossom, stretched her fair
+form on the again burning sand, and slumbered under the protection of
+her lover and her chosen brother.  "Sleep also," said Heimbert softly
+to Fadrique; "you must have wandered about wildly and wearily, for
+exhaustion is pressing down your eyelids with leaden weight.  I am
+quite fresh, and I will watch meanwhile."  "Ah, Heimbert," sighed the
+noble Castilian, "my sister is thine, thou messenger from Heaven;
+that is an understood thing.  But now for our affair of honor!"
+"Certainly," said Heimbert, very gravely, "as soon as we are again in
+Spain, you must give me satisfaction for that over-hasty expression.
+Till then, however, I beg you not to mention it.  An unfinished
+quarrel is no good subject for conversation."
+
+Fadrique laid himself sadly down to rest, overcome by long-resisted
+sleep, and Heimbert knelt down with a glad heart, thanking the good
+God for having given him success, and for blessing, him with a future
+full of joyful assurance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+
+The next day the three travellers reached the edge of the desert, and
+refreshed themselves for a week in an adjacent village, which, with
+its shady trees and green pastures, seemed like a little paradise in
+contrast to the joyless Sahara.  Fadrique's condition especially made
+this rest necessary.  He had never left the desert during the whole
+time, gaining his subsistence by fighting with wandering Arabs, and
+often almost exhausted by the utter want of all food and drink.  At
+length he had become so thoroughly confused that the stars could no
+longer guide him, and he had been driven about, sadly and objectless,
+like the dust clouds of the desert.
+
+Even now, at times, when he would fall asleep after the midday meal,
+and Antonia and Heimbert would watch his slumbers like two smiling
+angels, he would suddenly start up and gaze round him with a
+terrified air, and then it was not till he had refreshed himself by
+looking at the two friendly faces that he would sink back again into
+quiet repose.  When questioned on the matter, after he was fully
+awake, he told them that in his wanderings nothing had been more
+terrible to him than the deluding dreams which had transported him,
+sometimes to his own home, sometimes to the merry camp of his
+comrades, and sometimes into Zelinda's presence, and then leaving him
+doubly helpless and miserable in the horrible solitude as the
+delusion vanished.  It was on this account that even now waking was
+fearful to him, and even in sleep a vague consciousness of his past
+sufferings would often disturb him.  "You cannot imagine it," he
+added.  "To be suddenly transported from well-known scenes into the
+boundless desert!  And instead of the longed-for enchanting face of
+my beloved, to see an ugly camel's head stretched over me
+inquisitively with its long neck, starting back as I rose with still
+more ugly timidity!"
+
+This, with all other painful consequences of his past miseries, soon
+wholly vanished, from Fadrique's mind, and they cheerfully set out on
+their journey to Tunis.  The consciousness, indeed, of his injustice
+to Heimbert and its unavoidable results often lay like a cloud upon
+the noble Spaniard's brow, but it also softened the natural proud
+severity of his nature, and Antonia could cling the more tenderly and
+closely to him with her loving heart.
+
+Tunis, which had been before so amazed at Zelinda's magic power and
+enthusiastic hostility against the Christians, now witnessed
+Antonia's solemn baptism in a newly-consecrated edifice, and soon
+after the three companions took ship with a favorable wind for
+Malaga.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+
+Beside the fountain where she had parted from Heimbert, Dona Clara
+was sitting one evening in deep thought.  The guitar on her knees
+gave forth a few solitary chords, dreamily drawn from it, as it were,
+by her delicate hands, and at length forming themselves into a
+melody, while the following words dropped softly from her partly
+opened lips:
+
+
+                  "Far away, 'fore Tunis ramparts,
+                     Where the Christian army lies,
+                   Paynim host are fiercely fighting
+                     With Spanish troops and Spain's allies.
+                   Who from bloodstained lilies there,
+                   And death's roses pale and fair--
+                     Who has borne the conquerer's prize?
+
+                  "Ask Duke Alba, ask Duke Alba,
+                     Which two knights their fame have proved,
+                   One was my own valiant brother,
+                     The other was my heart's beloved.
+                     And I thought that I should crown them,
+                   Doubly bright with glory's prize,
+                     And a widow's veil is falling
+                   Doubly o'er my weeping eyes,
+                     For the brave knights ne'er again
+                     Will be found mid living men."
+
+
+The music paused, and soft dew-drops fell from her heavenly eyes.
+Heimbert, who was concealed under the neighboring orange-trees, felt
+sympathetic tears rolling down his cheeks, and Fadrique, who had led
+him and Antonia there, could no longer delay the joy of meeting, but
+stepping forward with his two companions he presented himself before
+his sister, like some angelic messsenger.
+
+Such moments of extreme and sudden delight, the heavenly blessings
+long expected and rarely vouchsafed, are better imagined by each
+after his own fashion, and it is doing but an ill service to recount
+all that this one did and that one said.  Picture it therefore to
+yourself, dear reader, after your own fancy, as you are certainly far
+better able to do, if the two loving pairs in my story have become
+dear to you and you have grown intimite with them.  If that, however,
+be not the case, what is the use of wasting unnecessary words?  For
+the benefit of those who with heart-felt pleasure could have lingered
+over this meeting of the sister with her brother and her lover, I
+will proceed with increased confidence.   Although Heimbert, casting
+a significant look at Fadrique, was on the point of retiring as soon
+as Antonia had been placed under Dona Clara's protection, the noble
+Spaniard would not permit him.  He detained his companion-in-arms
+with courteous and brotherly requests that he would remain till the
+evening repast, at which some relatives of the Mendez family joined
+the party, and in their presence Fadrique declared the brave Heimbert
+of Waldhausen to be Dona Clara's fiance, sealing the betrothal with
+the most solemn words, so that it might remain indissoluble, whatever
+might afterward occur which should seem inimical to their union.  The
+witnesses were somewhat astonished at these strange precautionary
+measures, but at Fadrique's desire they unhesitatingly gave their
+word that all should be carried out as he wished, and they did this
+the more unhesitatingly as the Duke of Alba, who had just been in
+Malaga on some trivial business, had filled the whole city with the
+praises of the two young captains.
+
+As the richest wine was now passing round the table in the tall
+crystal goblets, Fadrique stepped behind Heimbert's chair and
+whispered to him, "If it please you, Senor--the moon is just risen
+and is shining as bright as day--I am ready to give you
+satisfaction."  Heimbert nodded in assent, and the two youths quitted
+the hall, followed by the sweet salulations of the unsuspecting
+ladies.
+
+As they passed through the beautiful garden, Fadrique said, with a
+sigh, "We could have wandered here so happily together, but for my
+over-rashness!"  "Yes, indeed," said Heimbert, "but so it is, and it
+cannot be otherwise, if we would continue to look upon each other as
+a soldier and a nobleman."  "True!" replied Fadrique, and they
+hastened to reach a distant part of the garden, where the sound of
+their clashing swords could not reach the gay hall of betrothal they
+had left.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+
+Secret and inclosed, with blooming shrubs planted around, with not a
+sound to be heard of the merry company, nor of the animated streets
+of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the
+solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot.  The two
+captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each
+other, ready for the encounter.  But before they began the combat a
+nobler feeling drew them to each other's arms; they lowered their
+weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner.  They then tore
+themselves away and the fearful contest began.
+
+They were now no longer brothers-in-arms, no longer friends, no
+longer brothers-in-law, who directed their sharp steels against each
+other.  With the most resolute boldness, but with the coolest
+collectedness, each fell upon his adversary, guarding his own breast
+at the same time.  After a few hot and dangerous passes the
+combatants were obliged to rest, and during the pause they regarded
+each other with increased love, each rejoicing to find his comrade so
+valiant and so honorable.  And then the fatal strife began anew.
+
+With his left hand Heimbert dashed aside Fadrique's sword, which had
+been aimed at him with a thrust in tierce, sideward, but the keen
+edge had penetrated his leathern glove, and the red blood gushed out.
+"Hold!" cried Fadrique, and they searched for the wound, but soon
+perceiving that it was of no importance, and binding it up, they both
+began the combat with undiminished vigor.
+
+It was not long before Heimbert's blade pierced Fadrique's right
+shoulder, and the German, feeling that he had wounded his opponent,
+now on his side called out to halt.  At first Fadrique would not
+acknowledge to the injury, but soon the blood began to trickle down,
+and he was obliged to accept his friend's careful assistance.  Still
+this wound also appeared insignificant, the noble Spaniard still felt
+power to wield his sword, and again the deadly contest was renewed
+with knightly ardor.
+
+Presently the garden-gate clanked, and the sound of a horse's step
+was heard advancing through the shrubbery.  Both combatants paused in
+their stern work and turned toward the unwelcome disturber.  The next
+moment through the slender pines a horseman was visible whose dress
+and bearing proclaimed him a warrior and Fadrique, as master of the
+house, at once addressed him.  "Senor," said he, "why you come here,
+intruding into a strange garden, we will inquire at another time.
+For the present I will only request you to leave us free from further
+interruption by immediately retiring, and to favor me with your
+name."  "Retire I will not," replied the stranger, "but my name I
+will gladly tell you.  I am the Duke of Alba."  And as he spoke, by a
+movement of his charger a bright moonbeam fell upon his pale thin
+face, the dwelling-place of all that was grand and worthy and
+terrible.  The two captains bowed low and dropped their weapons.
+
+"I ought to know you," continued Alba, looking at them with his
+sparkling eyes.  "Yes, truly, I know you well, you are the two young
+heroes at the battle of Tunis.  God be praised that two such brave
+warriors, whom I had given up for lost, are still alive; but tell me,
+what is this affair of honor that has turned your good swords against
+each other?  For I hope you will not hesitate to declare to me the
+cause of your knightly contest."
+
+They complied with the great duke's behest.  Both the noble youths
+related the whole circumstances, from the evening previous to their
+embarkation up to the present moment, while Alba remained between
+them, in silent thought, almost motionless, like some equestrian
+statue.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+
+
+The Captains had already long finished their story, and the duke
+still remained silent and motionless, in deep reflection.  At last he
+began to speak, and addressed them as follows:
+
+"May God and his holy word help me, my young knights, when I say that
+I consider, after my best and most conscientious belief, that this
+affair of yours is now honorably at an end.  Twice have you met each
+other in contest on account of those irritating words which escaped
+the lips of Don Fadrique Mendez and if indeed the slight wounds you
+have hitherto received are not sufficient compensation for the angry
+expression, there is still your common fight before Tunis, and the
+rescue in the desert afforded by Sir Heimbert of Waldhausen to Don
+Fadrique Mendez, after he had gained his bride for him.  From all
+this, I consider that the Knight of Waldhausen is entitled to pardon
+any offence of an adversary to whom he has shown himself so well
+inclined.  Old Roman history tells us of two captains of the great
+Julius Caesar who settled a dispute and cemented a hearty friendship
+with each other when engaged in the same bold fight, delivering each
+other in the midst of a Gallic army.  I affirm, however, that you two
+have done more for each other: and therefore I declare your affair of
+honor to be settled, and at an end.  Sheathe your swords, and embrace
+each other in my presence."
+
+Obedient to the command of their general, the young knights for the
+present sheathed their weapons; but anxious lest the slightest
+possible shadow should fall on their honor they yet delayed the
+reconciling embrace.
+
+The great Alba looked at them with somewhat of an indignant air, and
+said, "Do you then suppose, young knights, that I could wish to save
+the lives of two heroes at the expense of their honor?  I would
+rather at once have struck you dead, both of you at once.  But I see
+plainly that with such obstinate minds one must have recourse to
+other measures."
+
+And, dismounting from his horse, he fastened it to a tree, and then
+stepped forward between the two captains with a drawn sword in his
+right hand, crying out, "Whoever will deny in any wise that the
+quarrel between Sir Heimbert of Waldhausen and Don Fadrique Mendez is
+honorably and gloriously settled must settle the matter at the peril
+of his life with the Duke of Alba; and should the present knights
+have any objection to raise to this, let them declare it.  I stand
+here as champion for my own conviction."
+
+The youths bowed submissively before the great umpire, and fell into
+each other's arms.  The duke, however, embraced them both with hearty
+affection, which appeared all the more charming and refreshing as it
+rarely burst forth from this stern character.  Then he led the
+reconciled friends back to their betrothed, and when these, after the
+first joyful surprise was over at the presence of the honored
+general, started back at seeing drops of blood on the garments of the
+youths, the duke said, smiling, "Oh, ye brides elect of soldiers, you
+must not shrink from such jewels of honor.  Your lovers could bring
+you no fairer wedding gift."
+
+The great Alba was not not be deprived of the pleasure of enacting
+the office of father to the two happy brides, and the festival of
+their union was fixed for the following day.  From that time forth
+they lived in undisturbed and joyful concord; and though the Knight
+Heimbert was recalled soon afterward with his lovely consort to the
+bosom of his German Fatherland, he and Fadrique kept up the link
+between them by letters and messages; and even in after times the
+descendants of the lord of Waldhausen boasted of their connection
+with the noble house of Mendez, while the latter have ever sacredly
+preserved the tradition of the brave and magnanimous Heimbert.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Two Captains, by Fredrich de la Motte-Fouque
+
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