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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Rise of Iskander, by Benjamin Disraeli
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+Title: The Rise of Iskander
+
+Author: Benjamin Disraeli
+
+Release Date: April, 2005  [EBook #7842]
+[This file was first posted on May 21, 2003]
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+Edition: 10
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+Language: English
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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE RISE OF ISKANDER ***
+
+
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+Scanned by K. Kay Shearin
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+
+
+THE RISE OF ISKANDER
+
+by Benjamin Disraeli
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 1
+
+
+The sun had set behind the mountains, and the rich plain of Athens was
+suffused with the violet glow of a Grecian eye.  A light breeze rose;
+the olive-groves awoke from their noonday trance, and rustled with
+returning animation, and the pennons of the Turkish squadron, that lay
+at anchor in the harbour of Piraeus, twinkled in the lively air.  From
+one gate of the city the women came forth in procession to the
+fountain; from another, a band of sumptuous horsemen sallied out, and
+threw their wanton javelins in the invigorating sky, as they galloped
+over the plain.  The voice of birds, the buzz of beauteous insects, the
+breath of fragrant flowers, the quivering note of the nightingale, the
+pattering call of the grasshopper, and the perfume of the violet,
+shrinking from the embrace of the twilight breeze, filled the purple
+air with music and with odour.
+
+A solitary being stood upon the towering crag of the Acropolis, amid
+the ruins of the Temple of Minerva, and gazed upon the inspiring scene.
+Around him rose the matchless memorials of antique art; immortal
+columns whose symmetry baffles modern proportion, serene Caryatides,
+bearing with greater grace a graceful burthen, carvings of delicate
+precision, and friezes breathing with heroic life.  Apparently the
+stranger, though habited as a Moslemin, was not insensible to the
+genius of the locality, nor indeed would his form and countenance have
+misbecome a contemporary of Pericles and Phidias.  In the prime of life
+and far above the common stature, but with a frame the muscular power
+of which was even exceeded by its almost ideal symmetry, white
+forehead, his straight profile, his oval countenance, and his curling
+lip, exhibited the same visage that had inspired the sculptor of the
+surrounding demigods.
+
+The dress of the stranger, although gorgeous, was, however, certainly
+not classic.  A crimson shawl was wound round his head and glittered
+with a trembling aigrette of diamonds.  His vest which set tight to his
+form, was of green velvet, richly embroidered with gold and pearls.
+Over this he wore a very light jacket of crimson velvet, equally
+embroidered, and lined with sable.  He wore also the full white camese
+common among the Albanians; and while his feet were protected by
+sandals, the lower part of his legs was guarded by greaves of
+embroidered green velvet.  From a broad belt of scarlet leather peeped
+forth the jewelled hilts of a variety of daggers, and by his side was
+an enormous scimitar, in a scabbard of chased silver.
+
+The stranger gazed upon the wide prospect before him with an air of
+pensive abstraction.  "Beautiful Greece," he exclaimed, "thou art still
+my country.  A mournful lot is mine, a strange and mournful lot, yet
+not uncheered by hope.  I am at least a warrior; and this arm, though
+trained to war against thee, will not well forget, in the quick hour of
+battle, the blood that flows within it.  Themistocles saved Greece and
+died a Satrap: I am bred one, let me reverse our lots, and die at least
+a patriot."
+
+At this moment the Evening Hymn to the Virgin arose from a neighbouring
+convent.  The stranger started as the sacred melody floated towards
+him, and taking a small golden cross from his heart, he kissed it with
+devotion, and then descending the steep of the citadel, entered the
+city.
+
+He proceeded alone the narrow winding streets of Athens until he at
+length arrived in front of a marble palace, in the construction of
+which the architect had certainly not consulted the surrounding models
+which Time bad spared to him, but which, however, it might have
+offended a classic taste, presented altogether a magnificent
+appearance.  Half-a-dozen guards, whose shields and helmets somewhat
+oddly contrasted with the two pieces of cannon, one of which was
+ostentatiously placed on each side of the portal, and which had been
+presented to the Prince of Athens by the Republic of Venice, lounged
+before the entrance, and paid their military homage to the stranger as
+he passed them.  He passed them and entered a large quadrangular
+garden, surrounded by arcades, supported by a considerable number of
+thin, low pillars, of barbarous workmanship, and various-coloured
+marbles.  In the midst of the garden rose a fountain, whence the
+bubbling waters flowed in artificial channels through vistas of orange
+and lemon trees.  By the side of the fountain on a luxurious couch, his
+eyes fixed upon a richly-illuminated volume, reposed Nicaeus, the
+youthful Prince of Athens.
+
+"Ah! is it you?" said the Prince, looking up with a smile, as the
+stranger advanced.  "You have arrived just in time to remind me that we
+must do something more than read the Persae, we must act it."
+
+"My dear Nicaeus," replied the stranger, "I have arrived only to bid you
+farewell."
+
+"Farewell!" exclaimed the Prince in a tone of surprise and sorrow; and
+he rose from the couch.  "Why! what is this?"
+
+"It is too true;" said the stranger, and he led the way down one of the
+walks.  "Events have occurred which entirely baffle all our plans and
+prospects, and place me in a position as difficult as it is harrowing.
+Hunniades has suddenly crossed the Danube in great force, and carried
+everything before him.  I am ordered to proceed to Albania instantly,
+and to repair to the camp at the head of the Epirots."
+
+"Indeed!" said Nicaeus, with a thoughtful air.  "My letters did not
+prepare me for this.  'Tis sudden!  Is Amurath himself in the field?"
+
+"No; Karam Bey commands.  I have accounted for my delay to the Sultan
+by pretended difficulties in our treaty, and have held out the prospect
+of a larger tribute."
+
+"When we are plotting that that tribute should be paid no longer!"
+added Nicaeus, with a smile.
+
+"Alas! my dear friend," replied the Turkish commander, "my situation
+has now become critical.  Hitherto my services for the Moslemin have
+been confined to acting against nations of their own faith.  I am now
+suddenly summoned to combat against my secret creed, and the best
+allies of what I must yet call my secret country.  The movement, it
+appears to me, must be made now or never, and I cannot conceal from
+myself, that it never could have been prosecuted under less auspicious
+circumstances."
+
+"What, you desponding!" exclaimed Nicaeus; "then I must despair.  Your
+sanguine temper has alone supported me throughout all our dangerous
+hopes."
+
+"And AEschylus?" said the stranger, smiling.
+
+"And AEschylus, certainly," replied Nicaeus; "but I have lived to find
+even AEschylus insipid.  I pant for action."
+
+"It may be nearer than we can foresee," replied the stranger.  "There
+is a God who fashions all things.  He will not desert a righteous
+cause.  He knoweth that my thoughts are as pure as my situation is
+difficult.  I have some dim ideas still brooding in my mind, but we
+will not discuss them now.  I must away, dear Prince.  The breeze
+serves fairly.  Have you ever seen Hunniades?"
+
+"I was educated at the Court of Transylvania," replied Nicaeus, looking
+down with a somewhat embarrassed air.  "He is a famous knight,
+Christendom's chief bulwark."
+
+The Turkish commander sighed.  "When we meet again," he said, "may we
+meet with brighter hopes and more buoyant spirits.  At present, I must,
+indeed, say farewell."
+
+Tile Prince turned with a dejected countenance, and pressed his
+companion to his heart.  "'Tis a sad end," said he, "to all our happy
+hours and lofty plans."
+
+"You are as yet too young to quarrel with Fortune," replied the
+stranger, "and for myself, I have not yet settled my accounts with her.
+However, for the present farewell, dear Nicaeus!"
+
+"Farewell," replied the Prince of Athens, "farewell, dear Iskander!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 2
+
+
+Iskander was the youngest son of the Prince of Epirus, who, with the
+other Grecian princes, had, at the commencement of the reign of Amurath
+the Second, in vain resisted the progress of the Turkish arms in
+Europe.  The Prince of Epirus had obtained peace by yielding his four
+sons as hostages to the Turkish sovereign, who engaged that they should
+be educated in all the accomplishments of their rank, and with a due
+deference to their faith.  On the death of the Prince of Epirus,
+however, Amurath could not resist the opportunity that then offered
+itself of adding to his empire the rich principality he had long
+coveted.  A Turkish force instantly marched into Epirus, and seized
+upon Croia, the capital city, and the children of its late ruler were
+doomed to death.  The beauty, talents, and valour of the youngest son,
+saved him, however, from the fate of his poisoned brothers.  Iskander
+was educated at Adrianople, in the Moslemin faith, and as he, at a very
+early age, exceeded in feats of arms all the Moslemin warriors, he
+became a prime favourite of the Sultan, and speedily rose in his
+service to the highest rank.
+
+At this period the irresistible progress of the Turkish arms was the
+subject of alarm throughout all Christendom.
+
+Constantinople, then the capital of the Greek Empire, had already been
+more than once besieged by the predecessors of Amurath, and had only
+been preserved by fortunate accidents and humiliating terms.  The
+despots of Bosnia, Servia, and Bulgaria, and the Grecian princes of
+Etolia, Macedon, Epirus, Athens, Phocis, Boeotia, and indeed of all the
+regions to the straits of Corinth, were tributaries to Amurath, and the
+rest of Europe was only preserved from his grasp by the valour of the
+Hungarians and the Poles, whom a fortunate alliance had now united
+under the sovereignty of Uladislaus, who, incited by the pious
+eloquence of the cardinal of St. Angelo, the legate of the Pope, and,
+yielding to the tears and supplications of the despot of Servia, had,
+at the time our story opens, quitted Buda, at the head of an immense
+army, crossed the Danube, and, joining his valiant viceroy, the famous
+John Hunniades, vaivode of Transylvania, defeated the Turks with great
+slaughter, relieved all Bulgaria, and pushed on to the base of Mount
+Haemus, known in modern times as the celebrated Balkan.  Here the
+Turkish general, Karam Bey, awaited the Christians, and hither to his
+assistance was Iskander commanded to repair at the head of a body of
+Janissaries, who had accompanied him to Greece, and the tributary
+Epirots.
+
+Had Iskander been influenced by vulgar ambition, his loftiest desires
+might have been fully gratified by the career which Amurath projected
+for him.  The Turkish Sultan destined for the Grecian Prince the hand
+of one of his daughters, and the principal command of his armies.  He
+lavished upon him the highest dignities and boundless wealth; and,
+whether it arose from a feeling of remorse, or of affection for a
+warrior whose unexampled valour and unrivalled skill had already added
+some of the finest provinces of Asia to his rule, it is certain that
+Iskander might have exercised over Amurath a far greater degree of
+influence than was enjoyed by any other of his courtiers.  But the
+heart of Iskander responded with no sympathy to these flattering
+favours.  His Turkish education could never eradicate from his memory
+the consciousness that he was a Greek; and although he was brought up
+in the Moslemin faith, he had at an early period of his career,
+secretly recurred to the creed of his Christian fathers.  He beheld in
+Amurath the murderer of his dearest kinsmen, and the oppressor of his
+country; and although a certain calmness of temper, and coolness of
+judgment, which very early developed themselves in his character,
+prevented him from ever giving any indication of his secret feelings,
+Iskander had long meditated on the exalted duty of freeing his country.
+
+Dispatched to Greece, to arrange the tributes and the treaties of the
+Grecian princes, Iskander became acquainted with the young Nicaeus; and
+their acquaintance soon matured into friendship.  Nicaeus was
+inexperienced; but nature had not intended him for action.  The young
+Prince of Athens would loll by the side of a fountain, and dream of the
+wonders of old days.  Surrounded by his eunuchs, his priests, and his
+courtiers, he envied Leonidas, and would have emulated Themistocles.
+He was passionately devoted to the ancient literature of his country,
+and had the good taste, rare at that time, to prefer Demosthenes and
+Lysias to Chrysostom and Gregory, and the choruses of the Grecian
+theatre to the hymns of the Greek church.  The sustained energy and
+noble simplicity of the character of Iskander, seemed to recall to the
+young prince the classic heroes over whom he was so often musing, while
+the enthusiasm and fancy of Nicaeus, and all that apparent weakness of
+will, and those quick vicissitudes of emotion, to which men of a fine
+susceptibility are subject, equally engaged the sympathy of the more
+vigorous and constant and experienced mind of his companion.
+
+To Nicaeus, Iskander had, for the first time in his life, confided much
+of his secret heart; and the young Prince fired at the inspiring tale.
+Often they consulted over the fortunes of their country, and, excited
+by their mutual invention, at length even dared to hope that they might
+effect its deliverance, when Iskander was summoned to the army.  It was
+a mournful parting.  Both of them felt that the last few months of
+their lives had owed many charms to their companionship.  The parting
+of friends, united by sympathetic tastes, is always painful; and
+friends, unless this sympathy subsist, had much better never meet.
+Iskander stepped into the ship, sorrowful, but serene; Nicaeus returned
+to his palace moody and fretful; lost his temper with his courtiers,
+and, when he was alone, even shed tears.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 3
+
+
+Three weeks bad elapsed since the parting of Iskander and Nicaeus, when
+the former, at the head of ten thousand men, entered by a circuitous
+route the defiles of Mount Haemus, and approached the Turkish camp,
+which had been pitched, upon a vast and elevated table-ground,
+commanded on all sides by superior heights, which, however, were
+fortified and well-garrisoned by Janissaries.  The Epirots halted, and
+immediately prepared to raise their tents, while their commander,
+attended by a few of his officers, instantly proceeded to the pavilion
+of Karam Bey.
+
+The arrival of Iskander diffused great joy among the soldiery; and as
+he passed through the encampment, the exclamations of the Turkish
+warriors announced how ready they were to be led to the charge by a
+chieftain who had been ever successful.  A guard of honour, by the
+orders of Karam Bey, advanced to conduct Iskander to his presence; and
+soon, entering the pavilion, the Grecian prince exchanged courtesies
+with the Turkish general.  After the formal compliments had passed,
+Karam Bey waved his hand, and the pavilion was cleared, with the
+exception of Mousa, the chief secretary, and favourite of Karam.
+
+"You have arrived in good time, Iskander, to assist in the destruction
+of the Christian dogs," said the Bey.  "Flushed with their accursed
+success, they have advanced too far.  Twice they have endeavoured to
+penetrate the mountains; and each time they have been forced to retire,
+with great loss.  The passages are well barricadoed with timber and
+huge fragments of rock.  The dogs have lost all heart, and are sinking
+under the joint sufferings of hunger and cold.  Our scouts tell me they
+exhibit symptoms of retreat.  We must rush down from the mountains, and
+annihilate them."
+
+"Is Hunniades here in person?" inquired Iskander.
+
+"He is here," replied Karam, "in person, the dog of dogs!  Come,
+Iskander, his head would be a fine Ramadan present to Amurath.  'Tis a
+head worth three tails, I guess."
+
+Mousa, the chief secretary, indulged in some suppressed laughter at
+this joke.  Iskander smiled.
+
+"If they retreat we must assuredly attack them," observed Iskander,
+musingly.  "I have a persuasion that Hunniades and myself will soon
+meet."
+
+"If there be truth in the Prophet!" exclaimed Karam.  "I have no doubt
+of it.  Hunniades is reserved for you, Bey.  We shall hold up our heads
+at court yet, Iskander.  You have had letters lately ?"
+
+"Some slight words."
+
+"No mention of us, of course?"
+
+"Nothing, except some passing praise of your valour and discretion."
+
+"We do our best, we do our best.  Will Isa Bey have AEtolia, think you?"
+
+"I have no thoughts.  Our royal father will not forget his children,
+and Isa Bey is a most valiant chieftain."
+
+"You heard not that he was coming here?" inquired Karam.
+
+"Have you?" responded the cautious Iskander.
+
+"A rumour, a rumour," replied Karam.  "He is at Adrianople, think you?"
+
+"It may be so: I am, you know, from Athens."
+
+"True, true.  We shall beat them, Iskander, we shall beat them."
+
+"For myself, I feel sanguine," replied the Prince, and he arose to
+retire.  "I must at present to my men.  We must ascertain more
+accurately the movements of the Christians before we decide on our own.
+I am inclined myself to reconnoitre them.  How far may it be?"
+
+"There is not room to form our array between them and the mountains,"
+replied Karam.
+
+"'Tis well.  Success attend the true believers!  By to-morrow's dawn we
+shall know more."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 4
+
+
+Iskander returned to his men.  Night was coming on.  Fires and lights
+blazed and sparkled in every direction.  The air was clear, but very
+cold.  He entered his tent, and muffling himself up in his pelisse of
+sables, he mounted his horse, and declining any attendance, rode for
+some little distance, until he had escaped from the precincts of the
+camp.  Then he turned his horse towards one of the wildest passes of
+the mountain, and galloping at great speed, never stopped until he had
+gained a considerable ascent.  The track became steep and rugged.  The
+masses of loose stone rendered his progress slow; but his Anatolian
+charger still bore him at intervals bravely, and in three hours' time
+he had gained the summit of Mount Haemus.  A brilliant moon flooded the
+broad plains of Bulgaria with shadowy light.  At the base of the
+mountainous range, the red watch-fires denoted the situation of the
+Christian camp.
+
+Iskander proceeded down the descent with an audacious rapidity; but his
+charger was thorough-bred, and his moments were golden.  Ere midnight,
+he had reached the outposts of the enemy, and was challenged by a
+sentinel.
+
+"Who goes there?"
+
+"A friend to Christendom."
+
+"The word?"
+
+"I have it not -- nay calmly.  I am alone, but I am not unarmed.  I do
+not know the word.  I come from a far country, and bear important
+tidings to the great Hunniades; conduct me to that chief."
+
+"May I be crucified if I will," responded the sentinel, "before I know
+who and what you are.  Come, keep off, unless you wish to try the
+effect of a Polish lance," continued the sentinel; "'tis something, I
+assure you, not less awkward than your Greek fire, if Greek indeed you
+be."
+
+"My friend, you are a fool," said Iskander, "but time is too precious
+to argue any longer."  So saying, the Turkish commander dismounted, and
+taking up the brawny sentinel in his arms with the greatest ease, threw
+him over his shoulder, and threatening the astounded soldier with
+instant death if he struggled, covered him with his pelisse, and
+entered the camp.
+
+They approached a watch-fire, around which several soldiers were
+warming themselves.
+
+"Who goes there?" inquired a second sentinel.
+
+"A friend to Christendom," answered Iskander.
+
+"The word?"
+
+Iskander hesitated.
+
+"The word, or I'll let fly," said the sentinel, elevating his cross
+bow.
+
+"The Bridge of Buda," instantly replied the terrified prisoner beneath
+the pelisse of Iskander.
+
+"Why did not you answer before, then?" said one of the guards.
+
+"And why do you mock us by changing your voice?" said another.  "Come,
+get on with you, and no more jokes."
+
+Iskander proceeded through a street of tents, in some of which were
+lights, but all of which were silent.  At length, he met the esquire of
+a Polish knight returning from a convivial meeting, not a little
+elevated.
+
+"Who are you?" inquired Iskander.
+
+"I am an Esquire," replied the gentleman.
+
+"A shrewd man, I doubt not, who would make his fortune," replied
+Iskander.  "You must know great things have happened.  Being on guard I
+have taken a prisoner, who has deep secrets to divulge to the Lord
+Hunniades.  Thither, to his pavilion, I am now bearing him.  But he is
+a stout barbarian, and almost too much for me.  Assist me in carrying
+him to the pavilion of Hunniades, and you shall have all the reward,
+and half the fame."
+
+"You are a very civil spoken young gentleman," said the Esquire.  "I
+think I know your voice.  Your name, if I mistake not, is Leckinski?"
+
+"A relative.  We had a common ancestor."
+
+"I thought so.  I know the Leckinskies ever by their voice.  I am free
+to help you on the terms you mention -- all the reward and half the
+fame.  'Tis a strong barbarian, is it?  We cannot cut his throat, or it
+will not divulge.  All the reward and half the fame!  I will be a
+knight to-morrow.  It seems a sort of fish, and has a smell."
+
+The Esquire seized the Shoulders of the prisoner, who would have spoken
+had he not been terrified by the threats of Iskander, who, carrying the
+legs of the sentinel, allowed the Polish gentleman to lead the way to
+the pavilion of Hunniades.  Thither they soon arrived; and Iskander,
+dropping his burthen, and leaving the prisoner without to the charge of
+his assistant, entered the pavilion of the General of the Hungarians.
+
+He was stopped in a small outer apartment by an officer, who inquired
+his purpose, and to whom he repeated his desire to see the Hungarian
+leader, without loss of time, on important business.  The officer
+hesitated; but, summoning several guards, left Iskander in their
+custody, and, stepping behind a curtain, disappeared.  Iskander heard
+voices, but could distinguish no words.  Soon the officer returned,
+and, ordering the guards to disarm and search Iskander, directed the
+Grecian Prince to follow him.  Drawing aside the curtain, Iskander and
+his attendant entered a low apartment of considerable size.  It was
+hung with skins.  A variety of armour and dresses were piled on
+couches.  A middle-aged man, of majestic appearance, muffled in a
+pelisse of furs, with long chestnut hair, and a cap of crimson velvet
+and ermine, was walking up and down the apartment, and dictating some
+instructions to a person who was kneeling on the ground, and writing by
+the bright flame of a brazen lamp.  The bright flame of the blazing
+lamp fell full upon the face of the secretary.  Iskander beheld a most
+beautiful woman.
+
+She looked up as Iskander entered.  Her large dark eyes glanced through
+his soul.  Her raven hair descended to her shoulders in many curls on
+each side of her face, and was braided with strings of immense pearls.
+A broad cap of white fox-skin crowned her whiter forehead.  Her
+features were very small, but sharply moulded, and a delicate tint gave
+animation to her clear fair cheek.  She looked up as Iskander entered,
+with an air rather of curiosity than embarrassment.
+
+Hunniades stopped, and examined his visitor with a searching
+inquisition.  "Whence come you?" inquired the Hungarian chieftain.
+
+"From the Turkish camp," was the answer.
+
+"An envoy or a deserter"
+
+"Neither."
+
+"What then?"
+
+"A convert."
+
+"Your name?"
+
+"Lord Hunniades," said Iskander, "that is for your private ear.  I am
+unarmed, and were I otherwise, the first knight of Christendom can
+scarcely fear.  I am one in birth and rank your equal; if not in fame,
+at least, I trust, in honour.  My time is all-precious: I can scarcely
+stay here while my horse breathes.  Dismiss your attendant."
+
+Hunniades darted a glance at his visitor which would have baffled a
+weaker brain, but Iskander stood the scrutiny calm and undisturbed.
+"Go, Stanislaus," said the Vaivode to the officer.  "This lady, sir,"
+continued the chieftain, "is my daughter, and one from whom I have no
+secrets."
+
+Iskander bowed lowly as the officer disappeared.
+
+"And now," said Hunniades, "to business.  Your purpose?"
+
+"I am a Grecian Prince, and a compulsory ally of the Moslemin.  In a
+word, my purpose here is to arrange a plan by which we may effect, at
+the same time, your triumph, and my freedom."
+
+"To whom, then, have I the honour of speaking?" inquired Hunniades.
+
+"My name, great Hunniades, is perhaps not altogether unknown to you:
+they call me Iskander."
+
+"What, the right arm of Amurath, the conqueror of Caramania, the flower
+of Turkish chivalry?  Do I indeed behold that matchless warrior?"
+exclaimed Hunniades, and he held forth his hand to his guest, and
+ungirding his own sword, offered it to the Prince.  "Iduna" continued
+Hunniades, to his daughter, "you at length behold Iskander."
+
+"My joy is great, sir," replied Iduna, "if I indeed rightly understand
+that we may count the Prince Iskander a champion of the Cross."
+
+Iskander took from his heart his golden crucifix, and kissed it before
+her.  "This has been my companion and consolation for long years,
+lady," said Iskander; "you, perhaps, know my mournful history,
+Hunniades.  Hitherto my pretended sovereign has not required me to bare
+my scimitar against my Christian brethren.  That hour, however, has at
+length arrived, and it has decided me to adopt a line of conduct long
+meditated.  Karam Bey who is aware of your necessities, the moment you
+commence your retreat, will attack you.  I shall command his left wing.
+In spite of his superior power and position, draw up in array, and meet
+him with confidence.  I propose, at a convenient moment in the day, to
+withdraw my troops, and with the Epirots hasten to my native country,
+and at once raise the standard of independence.  It is a bold measure,
+but Success is the child of Audacity.  We must assist each other with
+mutual diversions.  Single-handed it is in vain for me to commence a
+struggle, which, with all adventitious advantages, will require the
+utmost exertion of energy, skill, and patience.  But if yourself and
+the King Uladislaus occupy the armies of Amurath in Bulgaria, I am not
+without hope of ultimate success, since I have to inspire me all the
+most urgent interests of humanity, and combat, at the same time, for my
+God, my country, and my lawful crown."
+
+"Brave Prince, I pledge you my troth," said Hunniades, coming forward
+and seizing his hand; "and while Iskander and Hunniades live, they will
+never cease until they have achieved their great and holy end."
+
+"It is a solemn compact," said Iskander, "more sacred than if
+registered by all the scribes of Christendom.  Lady Iduna, your
+prayers!"
+
+"They are ever with the champions of the Cross," replied the daughter
+of Hunniades.  She rose, the large cloak in which she was enveloped
+fell from her exquisite form.  "Noble Iskander, this rosary is from the
+Holy Sepulchre," continued Iduna; "wear it for the sake and memory of
+that blessed Saviour who died for our sins."
+
+Iskander held forth his arm and touched her delicate hand as he
+received the rosary, which, pressing to his lips, he placed round his
+neck.
+
+"Great Hunniades," said the Grecian Prince, "I must cross the mountains
+before dawn.  Let me venture to entreat that we should hear to-morrow
+that the Christian camp is in retreat."
+
+"Let it be even so," said the Hungarian, after some thought, "and may
+to-morrow's sun bring brighter days to Christendom."  And with these
+words terminated the brief and extraordinary visit of Iskander to the
+Christian general.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 5
+
+
+The intelligence of the breaking up of the Christian camp, and the
+retreat of the Christian army, soon reached the Divan of Karam Bey, who
+immediately summoned Iskander to consult on the necessary operations.
+The chieftains agreed that instant pursuit was indispensable, and soon
+the savage Haemus poured forth from its green bosom swarms of that light
+cavalry which was perhaps even a more fatal arm of the Turkish power
+than the famous Janissaries themselves.  They hovered on the rear of
+the retreating Christians, charged the wavering, captured the unwary.
+It was impossible to resist their sudden and impetuous movements, which
+rendered their escape as secure as their onset was overwhelming.
+Wearied at length by the repeated assaults, Hunniades, who, attended by
+some chosen knights, had himself repaired to the rear, gave orders for
+the army to halt and offer battle.
+
+Their pursuers instantly withdrew to a distance, and gradually forming
+into two divisions, awaited the arrival of the advancing army of the
+Turks.  The Moslemin came forward in fierce array, and with the
+sanguine courage inspired by expected triumph.  Very conspicuous was
+Iskander bounding in his crimson vest upon his ebon steed and waving
+his gleaming scimitar.
+
+The Janissaries charged, calling upon Allah! with an awful shout.  The
+Christian knights, invoking the Christian saints, received the Turks at
+the points of their lances.  But many a noble lance was shivered that
+morn, and many a bold rider and worthy steed bit the dust of that
+field, borne down by the irresistible numbers of their fierce
+adversaries.  Everywhere the balls and the arrows whistled through the
+air, and sometimes an isolated shriek heard amid the general clang,
+announced another victim to the fell and mysterious agency of the Greek
+fire.
+
+Hunniades, while he performed all the feats of an approved warrior,
+watched with anxiety the disposition of the Turkish troops.  Hitherto,
+from the nature of their position, but a portion of both armies had
+interfered in the contest, and as yet Iskander had kept aloof.  But
+now, as the battle each instant raged with more fury, and as it was
+evident that ere long the main force of both armies must be brought
+into collision, Hunniades, with a terrible suspense, watched whether
+the Grecian prince were willing or even capable of executing his plan.
+Without this fulfilment, the Christian hero could not conceal from
+himself that the day must be decided against the Cross.
+
+In the meantime Iskander marked the course of events with not less
+eagerness than Hunniades.  Already Karam Bey had more than once
+summoned him to bring the Epirots into action.  He assented; but an
+hour passed away without changing his position.  At length, more from
+astonishment than rage, the Turkish commander sent his chief secretary
+Mousa himself to impress his wishes upon his colleague, and obtain some
+explanation of his views and conduct.  Mousa found Iskander surrounded
+by some of the principal Epirot nobles, all mounted on horseback, and
+standing calmly under a wide-spreading plane tree.  The chief secretary
+of Karam Bey was too skilful a courtier to permit his countenance to
+express his feelings, and he delivered himself of a mission rather as
+if he had come to request advice, than to communicate a reprimand.
+
+"Your master is a wise man, Mousa," replied Iskander; "but even Karam
+Bey may be mistaken.  He deems that a battle is not to be won by
+loitering under a shadowy tree.  Now I differ with him, and I even mean
+to win this day by such a piece of truancy.  However, it may certainly
+now be time for more active work.  You smile encouragement, good Mousa.
+Giorgio, Demetrius, to your duty!"
+
+At these words, two stout Epirots advanced to the unfortunate
+secretary, seized and bound him, and placed him on horseback before one
+of their comrades.
+
+"Now all who love their country follow me!" exclaimed Iskander.  So
+saying, and at the head of five thousand horsemen, Iskander quitted the
+field at a rapid pace.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 6
+
+
+With incredible celerity Iskander and his cavalry dashed over the
+plains of Roumelia, and never halted, except for short and hurried
+intervals of rest and repose, until they had entered the mountainous
+borders of Epirus, and were within fifty miles of its capital, Croia.
+On the eve of entering the kingdom of his fathers, Iskander ordered his
+guards to produce the chief secretary of Karam Bey.  Exhausted with
+fatigue, vexation, and terror, the disconsolate Mousa was led forward.
+
+"Cheer up, worthy Mousa!" said Iskander, lying his length on the green
+turf.  "We have had a sharp ride; but I doubt not we shall soon find
+ourselves, by the blessing of God, in good quarters.  There is a city
+at hand which they call Croia, and in which once, as the rumour runs,
+the son of my father should not have had to go seek for an entrance.
+No matter.  Methinks, worthy Mousa, thou art the only man in our
+society that can sign thy name.  Come now, write me an order signed
+Karam Bey to the governor of this said city, for its delivery up to the
+valiant champion of the Crescent, Iskander, and thou shalt ride in
+future at a pace more suitable to a secretary."
+
+The worthy Mousa humbled himself to the ground, and then talking his
+writing materials from his girdle, inscribed the desired order, and
+delivered it to Iskander, who, glancing at the inscription, pushed it
+into his vest.
+
+"I shall proceed at once to Croia, with a few friends," said Iskander;
+"do you, my bold companions, follow me this eve in various parties, and
+in various routes.  At dead of the second night, collect in silence
+before the gates of Croia!"
+
+Thus speaking, Iskander called for his now refreshed charger, and,
+accompanied by two hundred horsemen, bade farewell for a brief period
+to his troops, and soon having crossed the mountains, descended into
+the fertile plains of Epirus.
+
+When the sun rose in the morning, Iskander and his friends beheld at
+the further end of the plain a very fine city shining in the light.  It
+was surrounded with lofty turreted walls flanked by square towers, and
+was built upon a gentle eminence, which gave it a very majestic
+appearance.  Behind it rose a lofty range of purple mountains of very
+picturesque form, and the highest peaks capped with snow.  A noble
+lake, from which troops of wild fowl occasionally rose, expanded like a
+sheet of silver on one side of the city.  The green breast of the
+contiguous hills sparkled with white houses.
+
+"Behold Croia!" exclaimed Iskander.  "Our old fathers could choose a
+site, comrades.  We shall see whether they expended their time and
+treasure for strangers, or their own seed."  So saying, he spurred his
+horse, and with panting hearts and smiling faces, Iskander and his
+company had soon arrived in the vicinity of the city.
+
+The city was surrounded by a beautiful region of corn-fields and fruit-
+trees.  The road was arched with the over-hanging boughs.  The birds
+chirped on every spray.  It was a blithe and merry morn.  Iskander
+plucked a bunch of olives as he cantered along.  "Dear friends," he
+said, looking round with an inspiring smile, "let us gather our first
+harvest!"  And, thereupon, each putting forth his rapid hand, seized,
+as he rushed by, the emblem of possession, and following the example of
+his leader, placed it in his cap.
+
+They arrived at the gates of the city, which was strongly garrisoned;
+and Iskander, followed by his train, galloped up the height of the
+citadel.  Alighting from his horse, he was ushered into the divan of
+the governor, an ancient Pacha, who received the conqueror of Caramania
+with all the respect that became so illustrious a champion of the
+Crescent.  After the usual forms of ceremonious hospitality, Iskander,
+with a courteous air presented him the order for delivering up the
+citadel; and the old Pacha, resigning himself to the loss of his post
+with Oriental submission, instantly delivered the keys of the citadel
+and town to Iskander, and requested permission immediately to quit the
+scene of his late command.
+
+Quitting the citadel, Iskander now proceeded through the whole town,
+and in the afternoon reviewed the Turkish garrison in the great square.
+As the late governor was very anxious to quit Croia that very day,
+Iskander insisted on a considerable portion of the garrison
+accompanying him as a guard of honour, and returning the next morning.
+The rest he divided in several quarters, and placed the gates in charge
+of his own companions.
+
+At midnight the Epirots, faithful to their orders, arrived and united
+beneath the walls of the city, and after inter-changing the signals
+agreed upon, the gates were opened.  A large body instantly marched and
+secured the citadel.  The rest, conducted by appointed leaders,
+surrounded the Turks in their quarters.  And suddenly, in the noon of
+night, in that great city, arose a clang so dreadful that people leapt
+up from their sleep and stared with stupor.  Instantly the terrace of
+every house blazed with torches, and it became as light as day.  Troops
+of armed men were charging down the streets, brandishing their
+scimitars and yataghans, and exclaiming, "The Cross, the Cross!"
+"Liberty!" "Greece!" "Iskander and Epirus!"  The townsmen recognised
+their countrymen by their language and their dress.  The name of
+Iskander acted as a spell.  They stopt not to inquire.  A magic
+sympathy at once persuaded them that this great man had, by the grace
+of Heaven, recurred to the creed and country of his fathers.  And so
+every townsman, seizing the nearest weapon, with a spirit of patriotic
+frenzy, rushed into the streets, crying out, "The Cross, the Cross!"
+"Liberty!" "Greece!" "Iskander and Epirus!"  Ay! even the women lost
+all womanly fears, and stimulated instead of soothing the impulse of
+their masters.  They fetched them arms, they held the torches, they
+sent them forth with vows and prayers and imprecations, their children
+clinging to their robes, and repeating with enthusiasm, phrases which
+they could not comprehend.
+
+The Turks fought with the desperation of men who feel that they are
+betrayed, and must be victims.  The small and isolated bodies were soon
+massacred, all with cold steel, for at this time, although some of the
+terrible inventions of modern warfare were introduced, their use was
+not general.  The citadel, indeed, was fortified with cannon; but the
+greater part of the soldiery trusted to their crooked swords, and their
+unerring javelins.  The main force of the Turkish garrison had been
+quartered in an old palace of the Archbishop, situate in the middle of
+the city on a slightly rising and open ground, a massy building of
+rustic stone.  Here the Turks, although surrounded, defended themselves
+desperately, using their cross bows with terrible effect; and hither,
+the rest of the city being now secured, Iskander himself repaired to
+achieve its complete deliverance.
+
+The Greeks had endeavoured to carry the principal entrance of the
+palace by main force, but the strength of the portal had resisted their
+utmost exertions, and the arrows of the besieged had at length forced
+them to retire to a distance.  Iskander directed that two pieces of
+cannon should be dragged down from the citadel, and then played against
+the entrance.  In the meantime, he ordered immense piles of damp
+faggots to be lit before the building, the smoke of which prevented the
+besieged from taking any aim.  The ardour of the people was so great
+that the cannon were soon served against the palace, and their effects
+were speedily remarked.  The massy portal shook; a few blows of the
+battering ram, and it fell.  The Turks sallied forth, were received
+with a shower of Greek fire, and driven in with agonising yells.  Some
+endeavoured to escape from the windows, and were speared or cut down;
+some appeared wringing their hands in despair upon the terraced roof.
+Suddenly the palace was announced to be on fire.  A tall white-blueish
+flame darted up from a cloud of smoke, and soon, as if by magic, the
+whole back of the building was encompassed with rising tongues of red
+and raging light.  Amid a Babel of shrieks, and shouts, and cheers, and
+prayers, and curses, the roof of the palace fell in with a crash, which
+produced amid the besiegers an awful and momentary silence, but in an
+instant they started from their strange inactivity, and rushing
+forward, leapt into the smoking ruins, and at the same time completed
+the massacre and achieved their freedom.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 7
+
+
+At break of dawn Iskander sent couriers throughout all Epirus,
+announcing the fall of Croia, and that he had raised the standard of
+independence in his ancient country.  He also despatched a trusty
+messenger to Prince Nicaeus at Athens, and to the great Hunniades.  The
+people were so excited throughout all Epirus, at this great and
+unthought-of intelligence, that they simultaneously rose in all the
+open country, and massacred the Turks, and the towns were only
+restrained in a forced submission to Amurath, by the strong garrisons
+of the Sultan.
+
+Now Iskander was very anxious to effect the removal of these garrisons
+without loss of time, in order that if Amurath sent a great power
+against him, as he expected, the invading army might have nothing to
+rely upon but its own force, and that his attention might not in any
+way be diverted from effecting their overthrow.  Therefore, as soon as
+his troops had rested, and he had formed his new recruits into some
+order, which, with their willing spirits, did not demand many days,
+Iskander set out from Croia, at the head of twelve thousand men, and
+marched against the strong city of Petrella, meeting in his way the
+remainder of the garrison of Croia on their return, who surrendered
+themselves to him at discretion.  Petrella was only one day's march
+from Croia, and when Iskander arrived there he requested a conference
+with the governor, and told his tale so well, representing the late
+overthrow of the Turks by Hunniades, and the incapacity of Amurath at
+present to relieve him, that the Turkish commander agreed to deliver up
+the place, and leave the country with his troops, particularly as the
+alternative of Iskander to these easy terms was ever conquest without
+quarter.  And thus, by a happy mixture of audacity and adroitness, the
+march of Iskander throughout Epirus was rather like a triumph than a
+campaign, the Turkish garrisons imitating, without any exception, the
+conduct of their comrades at Petrella, and dreading the fate of their
+comrades at the capital.  In less than a month Iskander returned to
+Epirus, having delivered the whole country from the Moslemin yoke.
+
+Hitherto Iskander had heard nothing either of Hunniades or Nicaeus.  He
+learnt, therefore, with great interest, as he passed through the gates
+of the city, that the Prince of Athens had arrived at Croia the
+preceding eve, and also that his messenger had returned from the
+Hungarian camp.  Amid the acclamations of an enthusiastic people,
+Iskander once more ascended the citadel of Croia.  Nicaeus received him
+at the gate.  Iskander sprang from his horse, and embraced his friend.
+Hand in hand, and followed by their respective trains, they entered the
+fortress palace.
+
+"Dear friend," said Iskander, when they were once more alone, "you see
+we were right not to despair.  Two months have scarcely elapsed since
+we parted without prospect, or with the most gloomy one, and now we are
+in a fair way of achieving all that we can desire.  Epirus is free!"
+
+"I came to claim my share in its emancipation," said Nicaeus, with a
+smile, "but Iskander is another Caesar!"
+
+"You will have many opportunities yet, believe me, Nicaeus, of proving
+your courage and your patriotism," replied Iskander; "Amurath will
+never allow this affair to pass over in this quiet manner.  I did not
+commence this struggle without a conviction that it would demand all
+the energy and patience of a long life.  I shall be rewarded if I leave
+freedom as an heritage to my countrymen; but for the rest, I feel that
+I bid farewell to every joy of life, except the ennobling consciousness
+of performing a noble duty.  In the meantime, I understand a messenger
+awaits me here from the great Hunniades.  Unless that shield of
+Christendom maintain himself in his present position, our chance of
+ultimate security is feeble.  With his constant diversion in Bulgaria,
+we may contrive here to struggle into success.  You sometimes laugh at
+my sanguine temper, Nicaeus.  To say the truth, I am more serene than
+sanguine, and was never more conscious of the strength of my opponent
+than now, when it appears that I have beaten him.  Hark! the people
+cheer.  I love the people, Nicaeus, who are ever influenced by genuine
+and generous feelings.  They cheer as if they had once more gained a
+country.  Alas! they little know what they must endure even at the
+best.  Nay! look not gloomy; we have done great things, and will do
+more.  Who waits without there?  Demetrius!  Call the messenger from
+Lord Hunniades."
+
+An Epirot bearing a silken packet was now introduced, which he
+delivered to Iskander.  Reverently touching the hand of his chieftain,
+the messenger then kissed his own and withdrew.  Iskander broke the
+seal, and drew forth a letter from the silken cover.
+
+"So! this is well!" exclaimed the prince, with great animation, as he
+threw his quick eye over the letter.  "As I hoped and deemed, a most
+complete victory.  Karam Bey himself a prisoner, baggage, standards,
+great guns, treasure.  Brave soldier of the Cross! (may I prove so!)
+Your perfectly-devised movement, (poh, poh!)  Hah! what is this?"
+exclaimed Iskander, turning pale; his lip quivered, his eye looked dim.
+He walked to an arched window.  His companion, who supposed that he was
+reading, did not disturb him.
+
+"Poor, poor Hunniades!" at length exclaimed Iskander, shaking his.
+head.
+
+"What of him?" inquired Nicaeus, quickly.
+
+"The sharpest accident of war!" replied Iskander.  "It quite clouds my
+spirit.  We must forget these things, we must forget.  Epirus! he is
+not a patriot who can spare a thought from thee.  And yet, so young, so
+beautiful, so gifted, so worthy of a hero! when I saw her by her great
+father's side, sharing his toils, aiding his councils, supplying his
+necessities, methought I gazed upon a ministering angel! upon -- "
+
+"Stop, stop in mercy's name, Iskander!" exclaimed Nicaeus, in a
+very agitated tone.  "What is all this?  Surely no, surely not, surely
+Iduna-- "
+
+"'Tis she!"
+
+"Dead?" exclaimed Nicaeus, rushing up to his companion, and seizing his
+arm.
+
+"Worse, much worse!"
+
+"God of Heaven!" exclaimed the young Prince, with almost a frantic air.
+"Tell me all, tell me all!  This suspense fires my brain.  Iskander,
+you know not what this woman is to me; the sole object of my being, the
+bane, the blessing of my life!  Speak, dear friend, speak!  I beseech
+you!  Where is Iduna?"
+
+"A prisoner to the Turk."
+
+"Iduna a prisoner to the Turk.  I'll not believe it!  Why do we wear
+swords?  Where's chivalry?  Iduna, a prisoner to the Turk!  'Tis false.
+It cannot be.  Iskander, you are a coward!  I am a coward!  All are
+cowards!  A prisoner to the Turk!  Iduna!  What, the Rose of
+Christendom! has it been plucked by such a turbaned dog as Amurath?
+Farewell, Epirus!  Farewell, classic Athens!  Farewell, bright fields
+of Greece, and dreams that made them brighter!  The sun of all my joy
+and hope is set, and set for ever!"
+
+So saying, Nicaeus, tearing his hair and garments, flung himself upon
+the floor, and hid his face in his robes.
+
+Iskander paced the room with a troubled step and thoughtful brow.
+After some minutes he leant down by the Prince of Athens, and
+endeavoured to console him.
+
+"It is in vain, Iskander, it is in vain," said Nicaeus.  "I wish to
+die."
+
+"Were I a favoured lover, in such a situation," replied Iskander, "I
+should scarcely consider death my duty, unless the sacrifice of myself
+preserved my mistress."
+
+"Hah!" exclaimed Nicaeus, starting from the ground.  "Do you conceive,
+then, the possibility of rescuing her?"
+
+"If she live, she is a prisoner in the Seraglio at Adrianople.  You are
+as good a judge as myself of the prospect that awaits your exertions.
+It is, without doubt, a difficult adventure, but such, methinks, as a
+Christian knight should scarcely shun."
+
+"To horse;" exclaimed Nicaeus, "to horse --  And yet what can I do?
+Were she in any other place but the capital I might rescue her by
+force, but in the heart of their empire, it is impossible.  Is there no
+ransom that can tempt the Turk?  My principality would rise in the
+balance beside this jewel."
+
+"That were scarcely wise, and certainly not just," replied Iskander;
+"but ransom will be of no avail.  Hunniades has already offered to
+restore Karam Bey, and all the prisoners of rank, and the chief
+trophies, and Amurath has refused to listen to any terms.  The truth
+is, Iduna has found favour in the eyes of his son, the young Mahomed."
+
+"Holy Virgin! hast thou no pity on this Christian maid?" exclaimed
+Nicaeus.  "The young Mahorned!  Shall this licentious infidel -- ah!
+Iskander, dear, dear Iskander, you who have so much wisdom, and so much
+courage; you who can devise all things, and dare all things; help me,
+help me; on my knees I do beseech you, take up this trying cause of
+foul oppression, and for the sake of all you love and reverence, your
+creed, your country, and perchance your friend, let your great genius,
+like some solemn angel, haste to the rescue of the sweet Iduna, and
+save her, save her!"
+
+"Some thoughts like these were rising in my mind when first I spoke,"
+replied Iskander.  "This is a better cue, far more beseeming princes
+than boyish tears, and all the outward misery of woe, a tattered
+garment and dishevelled locks.  Come, Nicaeus, we have to struggle with
+a mighty fortune.  Let us be firm as Fate itself."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 8
+
+
+Immediately after his interview with Nicaeus, Iskander summoned some of
+the chief citizens of Croia to the citadel, and submitting to them his
+arrangements for the administration of Epirus, announced the necessity
+of his instant departure for a short interval; and the same evening,
+ere the moon had risen, himself and the Prince of Athens quitted the
+city, and proceeded in the direction of Adrianople.  They travelled
+with great rapidity until they reached a small town upon the frontiers,
+where they halted for one day.  Here, in the Bazaar, Iskander purchased
+for himself the dress of an Armenian physician.  In his long dark
+robes, and large round cap of black wool, his face and hands stained,
+and his beard and mustachios shaven, it seemed impossible that be could
+be recognised.  Nicaeus was habited as his page, in a dress of coarse
+red cloth, setting tight to his form, with a red cap, with a long blue
+tassel.  He carried a large bag containing drugs, some surgical
+instruments, and a few books.  In this guise, as soon as the gates were
+open on the morrow, Iskander, mounted on a very small mule, and Nicaeus
+on a very large donkey, the two princes commenced the pass of the
+mountainous range, an arm of the Balkan which divided Epirus from
+Roumelia.
+
+"I broke the wind of the finest charger in all Asia when I last
+ascended these mountains," said Iskander; "I hope this day's journey
+way be accepted as a sort of atonement."
+
+"Faith! there is little doubt I am the best mounted of the two," said
+Nicaeus.  "However, I hope we shall return at a sharper pace."
+
+"How came it, my Nicaeus," said Iskander, "that you never mentioned to
+me the name of Iduna when we were at Athens?  I little supposed when I
+made my sudden visit to Hunniades, that I was about to appeal to so
+fair a host.  She is a rarely gifted lady."
+
+"I knew of her being at the camp as little as yourself," replied the
+Prince of Athens, "and for the rest, the truth is, Iskander, there are
+some slight crosses in our loves, which Time, I hope, will fashion
+rightly."  So saying Nicaeus pricked on his donkey, and flung his stick
+at a bird which was perched on the branch of a tree.  Iskander did not
+resume a topic to which his companion seemed disinclined.  Their
+journey was tedious.  Towards nightfall they reached the summit of the
+usual track; and as the descent was difficult, they were obliged to
+rest until daybreak.
+
+On the morrow they had a magnificent view of the rich plains of
+Roumelia, and in the extreme distance, the great city of Adrianople,
+its cupolas and minarets blazing and sparkling in the sun.  This
+glorious prospect at once revived all their energies.  It seemed that
+the moment of peril and of fate had arrived.  They pricked on their
+sorry steeds; and on the morning of the next day, presented themselves
+at the gates of the city.  The thorough knowledge which Iskander
+possessed of the Turkish character obtained them an entrance, which was
+at one time almost doubtful, from the irritability and impatience of
+Nicaeus.  They repaired to a caravansera of good repute in the
+neighbourhood of the seraglio; and having engaged their rooms, the
+Armenian physician, attended by his page, visited several of the
+neighbouring coffee-houses, announcing, at the same time, his arrival,
+his profession, and his skill.
+
+As Iskander felt pulses, examined tongues, and distributed drugs and
+charms, he listened with interest and amusement to the conversation of
+which he himself was often the hero.  He found that the Turks had not
+yet recovered from their consternation at his audacity and success.
+They were still wondering, and if possible more astounded than
+indignant.  The politicians of the coffee-houses, chiefly consisting of
+Janissaries, were loud in their murmurs.  The popularity of Amurath had
+vanished before the triumph of Hunniades, and the rise of Iskander.
+
+"But Allah has in some instances favoured the faithful," remarked
+Iskander; "I heard in my travels of your having captured a great
+princess of the Giaours."
+
+"God is great!" said an elderly Turk with a long white heard.  "The
+Hakim congratulates the faithful because they have taken a woman!"
+
+"Not so merely," replied Iskander; "I heard the woman was a princess.
+If so, the people of Franguestan will pay any ransom for their great
+women; and, by giving up this fair Giaour, you may free many of the
+faithful."
+
+"Mashallah!" said another ancient Turk, sipping his coffee.  "The Hakim
+speaks wisely."
+
+"May I murder my mother!" exclaimed a young Janissary, with great
+indignation.  "But this is the very thing that makes me wild against
+Amurath.  Is not this princess a daughter of that accursed Giaour, that
+dog of dogs, Hunniades? and has he not offered for her ransom our
+brave Karam Bey himself, and his chosen warriors? and has not Amurath
+said nay?  And why has he said nay?  Because his son, the Prince of
+Mahomed, instead of fighting against the Giaours, has looked upon one
+of their women, and has become a Mejnoun.  Pah!  May I murder my
+mother, but if the Giaours were in full march to the city, I'd not
+fight.  And let him tell this to the Cadi who dares; for there are ten
+thousand of us, and we have sworn by the Kettle but we will not fight
+for Giaours, or those who love Giaours!"
+
+"If you mean me, Ali, about going to the Cadi," said the chief eunuch
+of Mahomed, who was standing by, "let me tell you I am no tale-bearer,
+and scorn to do an unmanly act.  The young prince can beat the Giaours
+without the aid of those who are noisy enough in a coffee-house when
+they are quiet enough in the field.  And, for the rest of the business,
+you may all ease your hearts; for the Frangy princess you talk of is
+pining away, and will soon die.  The Sultan has offered a hundred
+purses of gold to any one who cures her; but the gold will never be
+counted by the Hasnadar, or I will double it."
+
+"Try your fortune, Hakim," said several laughing loungers to Iskander.
+
+"Allah has stricken the Frangy princess," said the old Turk with a
+white beard.
+
+"He will strike all Giaours," said his ancient companion, sipping his
+coffee.  "It is so written."
+
+"Well!  I do not like to hear of women slaves pining to death," said
+the young Janissary, in a softened tone, "particularly when they are
+young.  Amurath should have ransomed her, or he might have given her to
+one of his officers, or any young fellow that had particularly
+distinguished himself."  And so, twirling his mustachios, and flinging
+down his piastre, the young Janissary strutted out of the coffee-house.
+
+"When we were young," said the old Turk with the white beard to his
+companion, shaking his head, "when we were young -- "
+
+"We conquered Anatolia, and never opened our mouths," rejoined his
+companion.
+
+"I never offered an opinion till I was sixty," said the old Turk; "and
+then it was one which had been in our family for a century."
+
+"No wonder Hunniades carries everything before him," said his
+companion.
+
+"And that accursed Iskander," said the old man.
+
+The chief eunuch, finishing his vase of sherbet, moved away.  The
+Armenian physician followed him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 9
+
+
+The chief eunuch turned into a burial-ground, through which a way led,
+by an avenue of cypress-trees, to the quarter of the Seraglio.  The
+Armenian physician, accompanied by his page, followed him.
+
+"Noble sir!" said the Armenian physician; "may I trespass for a moment
+on your lordship's attention?"
+
+"Worthy Hakim, is it you?" replied the chief eunuch, turning round with
+an encouraging smile of courteous condescension, "your pleasure?"
+
+"I would speak to you of important matters," said the physician.
+
+The eunuch carelessly seated himself on a richly-carved tomb, and
+crossing his legs with an air of pleasant superiority, adjusted a fine
+emerald that sparkled on his finger, and bade the Hakim address him
+without hesitation.
+
+"I am a physician," said the Armenian.
+
+The eunuch nodded.
+
+"And I heard your lordship in the coffee-house mention that the Sultan,
+our sublime Master, had offered a rich reward to any one who could
+effect the cure of a favourite captive."
+
+"No less a reward than one hundred purses of gold," remarked the
+eunuch.  "The reward is proportioned to the exigency of the cue.
+Believe me, worthy sir, it is desperate."
+
+"With mortal means," replied the Armenian; "but I possess a talisman of
+magical influence, which no disorder can resist.  I would fain try its
+efficacy."
+
+"This is not the first talisman that has been offered us, worthy
+doctor," said the eunuch, smiling incredulously.
+
+"But the first that has been offered on these terms," said the
+Armenian.  "Let me cure the captive, and of the one hundred purses, a
+moiety shall belong to yourself.  Ay! so confident am I of success,
+that I deem it no hazard to commence our contract by this surety."  And
+so saying, the Armenian took from his finger a gorgeous carbuncle, and
+offered it to the eunuch.  The worthy dependent of the Seraglio had a
+great taste in jewellery.  He examined the stone with admiration, and
+placed it on his finger with complacency.  "I require no inducements to
+promote the interests of science, and the purposes of charity," said
+the eunuch, with a patronising air.  "'Tis assuredly a pretty stone,
+and, as the memorial of an ingenious stranger, whom I respect, I shall,
+with pleasure, retain it.  You were saying something about a talisman.
+Are you serious?  I doubt not that there are means which might obtain
+you the desired trial; but the Prince Mahomed is as violent when
+displeased or disappointed as munificent when gratified.  Cure this
+Christian captive, and we may certainly receive the promised purses:
+fail, and your head will as assuredly be flung into the Seraglio moat,
+to say nothing of my own."
+
+"Most noble sir!" said the physician, "I am willing to undertake the
+experiment on the terms you mention.  Rest assured that the patient, if
+alive, must, with this remedy, speedily recover.  You marvel!  Believe
+me, had you witnessed the cures which it has already effected, you
+would only wonder at its otherwise incredible influence."
+
+"You have the advantage," replied the eunuch, "of addressing a man who
+has seen something of the world.  I travel every year to Anatolia with
+the Prince Mahomed.  Were I a narrow-minded bigot, and had never been
+five miles from Adrianople in the whole course of my life, I might
+indeed be sceptical.  But I am a patron of science, and have heard of
+talismans.  How much might this ring weigh, think you?"
+
+"I have heard it spoken of as a carbuncle of uncommon size," replied
+the Armenian.
+
+"Where did you say you lodged, Hakim?"
+
+"At the Khan of Bedreddin."
+
+"A very proper dwelling.  Well, we shall see.  Have you more jewels?  I
+might, perhaps, put you in the way of parting with some at good prices.
+The Khan of Bedreddin is very conveniently situated.  I may, perhaps,
+towards evening, taste your coffee at the Khan of Bedreddin, and we
+will talk of this said talisman.  Allah be with you, worthy Hakim!"
+The eunuch nodded, not without encouragement, and went his way.
+
+"Anxiety alone enabled me to keep my countenance," said Nicaeus.  "A
+patron of science, forsooth!  Of all the insolent, shallow-brained,
+rapacious coxcombs -- "
+
+"Hush, my friend!" said Iskander, with a smile.  "The chief eunuch of
+the heir apparent of the Turkish empire is a far greater man than a
+poor prince, or a proscribed rebel.  This worthy can do our business,
+and I trust will.  He clearly bites, and a richer bait will, perhaps,
+secure him.  In the meantime, we must be patient, and remember whose
+destiny is at stake."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 10
+
+
+The chief eunuch did not keep the adventurous companions long in
+suspense; for, before the muezzin had announced the close of day from
+the minarets, he had reached the Khan of Bedreddin, and inquired for
+the Armenian physician.
+
+"We have no time to lose," said the eunuch to Iskander.  "Bring with
+you whatever you may require, and follow me."
+
+The eunuch led the way, Iskander and Nicaeus maintaining a respectful
+distance.  After proceeding down several streets, they arrived at the
+burial-ground, where they had conversed in the morning; and when they
+had entered that more retired spot, the eunuch fell back, and addressed
+his companion.
+
+"Now, worthy Hakim," he said, "if you deceive me, I will never
+patronize a man of science again.  I found an opportunity of speaking
+to the Prince this afternoon of your talisman, and he has taken from my
+representations such a fancy for its immediate proof, that I found it
+quite impossible to postpone its trial even until to-morrow.  I
+mentioned the terms.  I told the Prince your life was the pledge.  I
+said nothing of the moiety of the reward, worthy Hakim.  That is an
+affair between ourselves.  I trust to your honour, and I always act
+thus with men of science."
+
+"I shall not disgrace my profession or your confidence, rest assured,"
+replied Iskander.  "And am I to see the captive to-night?"
+
+"I doubt it not.  Are you prepared?  We might, perhaps, gain a little
+time, if very necessary,"
+
+"By no means, sir; Truth is ever prepared."
+
+Thus conversing, they passed through the burial-ground, and approached
+some high, broad walls, forming a terrace, and planted with young
+sycamore-trees.  The eunuch tapped with his silver stick, at a small
+gate, which opened, and admitted them into a garden, full of large
+clumps of massy shrubs.  Through these a winding walk led for some way,
+and then conducted them to an open lawn, on which was situate a vast
+and irregular building.  As they approached the pile, a young man of
+very imperious aspect rushed forward from a gate, and abruptly accosted
+Iskander.
+
+"Are you the Armenian physician?" he inquired.
+
+Iskander bowed assent.
+
+"Have you got your talisman?  You know the terms?  Cure this Christian
+girl and yon shall name your own reward; fail, and I shall claim your
+forfeit head."
+
+"The terms are well understood, mighty Prince," said Iskander, for the
+young man was no less a personage than the son of Amurath, and future
+conqueror of Constantinople; "but I am confident there will be no
+necessity for the terror of Christendom claiming any other heads than
+those of his enemies."
+
+"Kaflis will conduct you at once to your patient," said Mahomed.  "For
+myself, I cannot rest until I know the result of your visit.  I shall
+wander about these gardens, and destroy the flowers, which is the only
+pleasure now left me."
+
+Kaflis motioned to his companions to advance, and they entered the
+Seraglio.
+
+At the end of a long gallery they came to a great portal, which Kaflis
+opened, and Iskander and Nicaeus for a moment supposed that they had
+arrived at the chief hall of the Tower of Babel, but they found the
+shrill din only proceeded from a large company of women, who were
+employed in distilling the rare atar of the jasmine flower.  All their
+voices ceased on the entrance of the strangers, as if by a miracle; but
+when they had examined them, and observed that it was only a physician
+and his boy, their awe, or their surprise, disappeared; and they
+crowded round Iskander, some holding out their wrists, others lolling
+out their tongues, and some asking questions, which perplexed alike the
+skill and the modesty of the adventurous dealer in magical medicine.
+The annoyance, however, was not of great duration, for Kaflis so
+belaboured their fair shoulders with his official baton, that they
+instantly retreated with precipitation, uttering the most violent
+shrieks, and bestowing on the eunuch so many titles, that Iskander and
+his page were quite astounded at the intuitive knowledge which the
+imprisoned damsels possessed of that vocabulary of abuse, which is in
+general mastered only by the experience of active existence.
+
+Quitting this chamber, the eunuch and his companions ascended a lofty
+staircase.  They halted at length before a door.  "This is the chamber
+of the tower," said their guide, "and here we shall find the fair
+captive."  He knocked, the door was opened by a female slave, and
+Iskander and Nicaeus, with an anxiety they could with difficulty
+conceal, were ushered into a small but sumptuous apartment.  In the
+extremity was a recess covered with a light gauzy curtain.  The eunuch
+bidding them keep in the background, advanced, and cautiously
+withdrawing the curtain slightly aside, addressed some words in a low
+voice to the inmate of the recess.  In a few minutes the eunuch
+beckoned to Iskander to advance, and whispered to him:  "She would not
+at first see you, but I have told her you are a Christian, the more the
+pity, and she consents."  So saying, he withdrew the curtain, and
+exhibited a veiled female figure lying on a couch.
+
+"Noble lady," said the physician in Greek, which he had ascertained the
+eunuch did not comprehend; "pardon the zeal of a Christian friend.
+Though habited in this garb, I have served under your illustrious sire.
+I should deem my life well spent in serving the daughter of the great
+Hunniades."
+
+"Kind stranger," replied the captive, "I was ill prepared for such a
+meeting.  I thank you for your sympathy, but my sad fortunes are beyond
+human aid."
+
+"God works by humble instruments, noble lady," said Iskander, "and with
+his blessing we may yet prosper."
+
+"I fear that I must look to death as my only refuge," replied Iduna,
+"and still more, I fear that it is not so present a refuge as my
+oppressors themselves imagine.  But you are a physician; tell me then
+how speedily Nature will make me free."
+
+She held forth her hand, which Iskander took and involuntarily pressed.
+"Noble lady," he said, "my skill is a mere pretence to enter these
+walls.  The only talisman I bear with me is a message from your
+friends."
+
+"Indeed!" said Iduna, in an agitated tone.
+
+"Restrain yourself, noble lady," said Iskander, interposing, "restrain
+yourself.  Were you any other but the daughter of Hunniades I would not
+have ventured upon this perilous exploit.  But I know that the Lady
+Iduna has inherited something more than the name of her great ancestors
+-- their heroic soul.  If ever there were a moment in her life in which
+it behoved her to exert all her energies, that moment has arrived.  The
+physician who addresses her, and his attendant who waits at hand, are
+two of the Lady Iduna's most devoted friends.  There is nothing that
+they will not hazard, to effect her delivery; and they have matured a
+plan of escape which they are sanguine must succeed.  Yet its
+completion will require, on her part, great anxiety of mind, greater
+exertion of body, danger, fatigue, privation.  Is the Lady Iduna
+prepared for all this endurance, and all this hazard?"
+
+"Noble friend," replied Iduna, "for I cannot deem you a stranger, and
+none but a most chivalric knight could have entered upon this almost
+forlorn adventure; you have not, I trust, miscalculated my character.
+I am a slave, and unless heaven will interpose, must soon be a
+dishonoured one.  My freedom and my fame are alike at stake.  There is
+no danger, and no suffering which I will not gladly welcome, provided
+there be even a remote chance of regaining my liberty and securing my
+honour."
+
+"You are in the mind I counted on.  Now, mark my words, dear lady.
+Seize an opportunity this evening of expressing to your gaolers that
+you have already experienced some benefit from my visit, and announce
+your rising confidence in my skill.  In the meantime I will make such a
+report that our daily meetings will not be difficult.  For the present,
+farewell.  The Prince Mahomed waits without, and I would exchange some
+words with him before I go."
+
+"And must we part without my being acquainted with the generous friends
+to whom I am indebted for an act of devotion which almost reconciles me
+to my sad fate?" said Iduna.  "You will not, perhaps, deem the implicit
+trust reposed in you by one whom you have no interest to deceive, and
+who, if deceived, cannot be placed in a worse position than she at
+present fills, as a very gratifying mark of confidence, yet that trust
+is reposed in you; and let me, at least, soothe the galling dreariness
+of my solitary hours, by the recollection of the friends to whom I am
+indebted for a deed of friendship which has filled me with a feeling of
+wonder from which I have not yet recovered."
+
+"The person who has penetrated the Seraglio of Constantinople in
+disguise to rescue the Lady Iduna," answered Iskander, "is the Prince
+Nicaeus."
+
+"Nicaeus!" exclaimed Iduna, in an agitated tone.  "The voice to which I
+listen is surely not that of the Prince Nicaeus; nor the form on which I
+gaze," she added, as she unveiled.  Beside her stood the tall figure of
+the Armenian physician.  She beheld his swarthy and unrecognised
+countenance.  She cast her dark eyes around with an air of beautiful
+perplexity.
+
+"I am a friend of the Prince Nicaeus," said the physician.  "He is here.
+Shall he advance?  Alexis," called cut, Iskander, not waiting for her
+reply.  The page of the physician came forward, but the eunuch
+accompanied him.  "All is right," said Iskander to Kaflis.  "We are
+sure of our hundred purses.  But, without doubt, with any other aid,
+the case were desperate."
+
+"There is but one God," said the eunuch, polishing his carbuncle, with
+a visage radiant as the gem.  "I never repented patronizing men of
+science.  The prince waits without.  Come along!"  He took Iskander by
+the arm.  "Where is your boy?  What are you doing there, sir ?"
+inquired the eunuch, sharply, of Nicaeus, who, was tarrying behind, and
+kissing the hand of Iduna.
+
+"I was asking the lady for a favour to go to the coffee-house with;"
+replied Nicaeus, "you forget that I am to have none of the hundred
+purses."
+
+"True," said the eunuch; "there is something in that.  Here, boy, here
+is a piastre for you.  I like to encourage men of science, and all that
+belong to them.  Do not go and spend it all in one morning, boy, and
+when the fair captive is cured, if you remind me, boy, perhaps I may
+give you another."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 11
+
+
+Kaflis and his charge again reached the garden.  The twilight was
+nearly past.  A horseman galloped up to them, followed by several
+running footmen.  It was the prince.
+
+"Well, Hakim," he inquired, in his usual abrupt style, "can you cure
+her?"
+
+"Yes;" answered Iskander, firmly.
+
+"Now listen, Hakim," said Mahomed.  "I must very shortly leave the
+city, and proceed into Epirus at the head of our troops.  I have sworn
+two things, and I have sworn them by the holy stone.  Ere the new moon,
+I will have the heart of Iduna and the head of Iskander!"
+
+The physician bowed.
+
+"If you can so restore the health of this Frangy girl," continued
+Mahomed, "that she may attend me within ten days into Epirus, you shall
+claim from my treasury what sum you like, and become physician to the
+Seraglio.  What say you?"
+
+"My hope and my belief is," replied Iskander, "that within ten days she
+may breathe the air of Epirus."
+
+"By my father's beard, you are a man after my own heart," exclaimed the
+prince; "and since thou dealest in talismans, Hakim, can you give me a
+charm that you will secure me a meeting with this Epirot rebel within
+the term, so that I may keep my oath.  What say you? what say you?"
+
+"There are such spells," replied Iskander.  "But mark, I can only
+secure the meeting, not the head."
+
+"That is my part," said Mahomed, with an arrogant sneer.  "But the
+meeting, the meeting?"
+
+"You know the fountain of Kallista in Epirus.  Its virtues are
+renowned."
+
+"I have beard of it."
+
+"Plunge your scimitar in its midnight waters thrice, on the eve of the
+new moon, and each time summon the enemy you would desire to meet.  He
+will not fail you."
+
+"If you cure the captive, I will credit the legend, and keep the
+appointment," replied Mahomed, thoughtfully.
+
+"I have engaged to do that," replied the physician.
+
+"Well, then, I shall redeem my pledge," said the prince
+
+"But mind," said the physician, "while I engage to cure the lady and
+produce the warrior, I can secure your highness neither the heart of
+the one nor the head of the other."
+
+"'Tis understood," said Mahomed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 12
+
+
+The Armenian physician did not fail to attend his captive patient at an
+early hour on the ensuing morn.  His patron Kaflis received him with an
+encouraging smile.
+
+"The talisman already works;" said the eunuch: "she has passed a good
+night, and confesses to an improvement.  Our purses are safe.  Methinks
+I already count the gold.  But I say, worthy Hakim, come hither, come
+hither," and Kaflis looked around to be sure that no one was within
+hearing,  "I say," and here he put on a very mysterious air indeed,
+"the prince is generous; you understand?  We go shares.  We shall not
+quarrel.  I never yet repented patronizing a man of science, and I am
+sure I never shall.  The prince, you see, is violent, but generous.  I
+would not cure her too soon, eh?"
+
+"You take a most discreet view of affairs," responded Iskander, with an
+air of complete assent, and they entered the chamber of the tower.
+
+Iduna performed her part with great dexterity; but, indeed, it required
+less skill than herself and her advisers had at first imagined.  Her
+malady, although it might have ended fatally, was in its origin
+entirely mental, and the sudden prospect of freedom, and of restoration
+to her country and her family, at a moment when she had delivered
+herself up to despair, afforded her a great and instantaneous benefit.
+She could not, indeed, sufficiently restrain her spirits, and smiled
+incredulously when Iskander mentioned the impending exertion and
+fatigues with doubt and apprehension.  His anxiety to return
+immediately to Epirus, determined him to adopt the measures for her
+rescue without loss of time, and on his third visit, he prepared her
+for making the great attempt on the ensuing morn.  Hitherto Iskander
+had refrained from revealing himself to Iduna.  He was induced to adopt
+this conduct by various considerations.  He could no longer conceal
+from himself that the daughter of Hunniades exercised an influence over
+his feelings which he was unwilling to encourage.  His sincere
+friendship for Nicaeus, and his conviction that It was his present duty
+to concentrate all his thought and affection in the cause of his
+country, would have rendered him anxious to have resisted any emotions
+of the kind, even could he have flattered himself that there was any
+chance of their being returned by the object of his rising passion.
+But Iskander was as modest as he was brave and gifted.  The disparity
+of age between himself and Iduna appeared an insuperable barrier to his
+hopes, even had there been no other obstacle.  Iskander struggled with
+his love, and with his strong mind the struggle, though painful, was
+not without success.  He felt that he was acting in a manner which must
+ultimately tend to the advantage of his country, the happiness of his
+friend, and perhaps the maintenance of his own self-respect.  For he
+had too much pride not to be very sensible to the bitterness of
+rejection.
+
+Had he perceived more indications of a very cordial feeling subsisting
+between Nicaeus and Iduna, he would perhaps not have persisted in
+maintaining his disguise.  But he had long suspected that the passion
+of the Prince of Athens was not too favourably considered by the
+daughter of Hunniades, and he was therefore exceedingly anxious that
+Nicaeus should possess all the credit of the present adventure, which
+Iskander scarcely doubted, if successful, would allow Nicaeus to urge
+irresistible claims to the heart of a mistress whom he had rescued at
+the peril of his life from slavery and dishonour, to offer rank,
+reputation, and love.  Iskander took, therefore, several opportunities
+of leading Iduna to believe that he was merely the confidential agent
+of Nicaeus, and that the whole plan of her rescue from the Seraglio of
+Adrianople bad been planned by his young friend.  In the meantime,
+during the three days on which they had for short intervals met, very
+few words had been interchanged between Nicaeus and his mistress.  Those
+words, indeed, had been to him of the most inspiring nature, and
+expressed such a deep scale of gratitude, and such lively regard, that
+Nicaeus could no longer resist the delightful conviction that he had at
+length created a permanent interest in her heart.  Often he longed to
+rush to her couch, and press her hand to his lips.  Even the
+anticipation of future happiness could not prevent him from envying the
+good fortune of Iskander, who was allowed to converse with her without
+restraint; and bitterly, on their return to the khan, did he execrate
+the pompous eunuch for all the torture which he occasioned him by his
+silly conversation, and the petty tyranny of office with which Kaflis
+always repressed his attempts to converse for a moment with Iduna.
+
+In the meantime all Adrianople sounded with the preparations for the
+immediate invasion of Epirus, and the return of Iskander to his country
+became each hour more urgent.  Everything being prepared, the
+adventurers determined on the fourth morning to attempt the rescue.
+They repaired as usual to the Serail, and were attended by Kaflis to
+the chamber of the tower, who congratulated Iskander on their way on
+the rapid convalescence of the captive.  When they had fairly entered
+the chamber, the physician being somewhat in advance, Nicaeus, who was
+behind, commenced proceedings by knocking down the eunuch, and Iskander
+instantly turning round to his assistance, they succeeded in gagging
+and binding the alarmed and astonished Kaflis.  Iduna then exhibited
+herself in a costume exactly similar to that worn by Nicaeus, and which
+her friends had brought to her in their big.  Iskander and Iduna then
+immediately quitted the Serail without notice or suspicion, and hurried
+to the khan, where they mounted their horses, that were in readiness,
+and hastened without a moment's loss of time to a fountain without the
+gates, where they awaited the arrival of Nicaeus with anxiety.  After
+remaining a few minutes in the chamber of the tower, the Prince of
+Athens stole out, taking care to secure the door upon Kaflis, he
+descended the staircase, and escaped through the Serail without meeting
+any one, and had nearly reached the gate of the gardens, when he was
+challenged by some of the eunuch guard at a little distance.
+
+"Hilloa!" exclaimed one; "I thought you passed just now?"
+
+"So I did," replied Nicaeus, with nervous effrontery; "but I came back
+for my bag, which I left behind," and, giving them no time to reflect,
+he pushed his way through the gate with all the impudence of a page.
+He rushed through the burial-ground, hurried through the streets,
+mounted his horse, and galloped through the gates.  Iskander and Iduna
+were in sight, he waved his hand for them at once to proceed, and in a
+moment, without exchanging a word, they were all galloping at full
+speed, nor did they breathe their horses until sunset.
+
+By nightfall they had reached a small wood of chestnut-trees, where
+they rested for two hours, more for the sake of their steeds than their
+own refreshment, for anxiety prevented Iduna from indulging in any
+repose, as much as excitement prevented her from feeling any fatigue.
+Iskander lit a fire and prepared their rough meal, unharnessed the
+horses, and turned them out to their pasture.  Nicaeus made Iduna a
+couch of fern and supported her head, while, in deference to his
+entreaties she endeavoured in vain to sleep.  Before midnight they were
+again on their way, and proceeded at a rapid pace towards the
+mountains, until a few hours before noon, when their horses began to
+sink under the united influence of their previous exertions and the
+increasing heat of the day.  Iskander looked serious, and often threw a
+backward glance in the direction of Adrianople.
+
+"We must be beyond pursuit," said Nicaeus.  "I dare say poor Kaflis is
+still gagged and bound."
+
+"Could we but reach the mountains," replied his companion, "I should
+have little fear, but I counted upon our steeds carrying us there
+without faltering.  We cannot reckon upon more than three hours' start,
+prince.  Our friend Kaflis is too important a personage to be long
+missed."
+
+"The Holy Virgin befriend us!" said the Lady Iduna.  "I ca urge my poor
+horse no more."
+
+They had now ascended a small rising ground, which gave the wide
+prospect over the plain.  Iskander halted and threw an anxious glance
+around him.
+
+"There are some horsemen in the distance whom I do not like," said the
+physician.
+
+"I see them," said Nicaeus; "travellers like ourselves."
+
+"Let us die sooner than be taken," said Iduna.
+
+"Move on," said the, physician, "and let me observe these horsemen
+alone.  I would there were some forest at hand.  In two hours we may
+gain the mountains."
+
+The daughter of Hunniades and the Prince of Athens descended the rising
+ground.  Before them, but at a considerable distance was a broad and
+rapid river, crossed by a ruinous Roman bridge.  The opposite bank of
+the river was the termination of a narrow plain, which led immediately
+to the mountains.
+
+"Fair Iduna, you are safe," said the Prince of Athens.
+
+"Dear Nicaeus," replied his companion, "imagine what I feel."
+
+"It is too wild a moment to express my gratitude."
+
+"I trust that Iduna will never express her gratitude to Nicaeus,"
+answered the prince; "it is not, I assure you, a favourite word with
+him."
+
+Their companion rejoined them, urging his wearied horse to its utmost
+speed.
+
+"Nicaeus!" he called out, "halt."
+
+They stopped their willing horses.
+
+"How now! my friend;" said the prince; "you look grave."
+
+"Lady Iduna!" said the Armenian, "we are pursued."
+
+Hitherto the prospect of success, and the consciousness of the terrible
+destiny that awaited failure, had supported Iduna under exertions,
+which under any other circumstances must have proved fatal.  But to
+learn, at the very moment that she was congratulating herself on the
+felicitous completion of their daring enterprise, that that dreaded
+failure was absolutely impending, demanded too great an exertion of her
+exhausted energies.  She turned pale; she lifted up her imploring hands
+and eyes to heaven in speechless agony, and then, bending down her
+head, wept with unrestrained and harrowing violence.  The distracted
+Nicaeus sprung from his horse, endeavoured to console the almost
+insensible Iduna, and then woefully glancing at his fellow adventurer,
+wrung his hands in despair.  His fellow adventurer seemed lost in
+thought.
+
+"They come," said Nicaeus, starting; "methinks I see one on the brow of
+the hill.  Away! fly!  Let us at least die fighting.  Dear, dear Iduna,
+would that my life could ransom thine!  O God! this is indeed agony."
+
+"Escape is impossible," said Iduna, in a tone of calmness which
+astonished them.  "They must overtake us.  Alas! brave friends, I have
+brought ye to this!  Pardon me, pardon me!  I am ashamed of my selfish
+grief.  Ascribe it to other causes than a narrow spirit and a weak
+mind.  One course alone is left to us.  We must not be taken prisoners.
+Ye are warriors, and can die as such.  I am only a woman, but I am the
+daughter of Hunniades.  Nicaeus, you are my father's friend; I beseech
+you sheathe your dagger in my breast."
+
+The prince in silent agony pressed his hands to his sight.  His limbs
+quivered with terrible emotion.  Suddenly he advanced and threw himself
+at the feet of his hitherto silent comrade.  "Oh!  Iskander!" exclaimed
+Nicaeus, "great and glorious friend! my head and heart are both too weak
+for these awful trials; save her, save her!"
+
+"Iskander! exclaimed the thunderstruck Iduna.  Iskander!"
+
+"I have, indeed, the misfortune to be Iskander, beloved lady," he
+replied.  "This is, indeed, a case almost of desperation, but if I have
+to endure more than most men, I have, to inspire me, influences which
+fall to the lot of few, yourself and Epirus.  Come!  Nicaeus, there is
+but one chance, we must gain the bridge."  Thus speaking, Iskander
+caught Iduna in his arms, and remounting his steed, and followed by the
+Prince of Athens, hurried towards the river.
+
+"The water is not fordable," said Iskander, when they had arrived at
+its bank.  "The bridge I shall defend; and it will go hard if I do not
+keep them at bay long enough for you and Iduna to gain the mountains.
+Away; think no more of me; nay! no tear, dear lady, or you will unman
+me.  An ins inspiring smile, and all will go well.  Hasten to Croia,
+and let nothing tempt you to linger in the vicinity, with the hope of
+my again joining you.  Believe me, we shall meet again, but act upon
+what I say, as if they were my dying words.  God bless you, Nicaeus!  No
+murmuring.  For once let the physician, indeed, command his page.
+Gentle lady, commend me to your father.  Would I had such a daughter in
+Epirus, to head my trusty brethren if I fall.  Tell the great Hunniades
+my legacy to him is my country.  Farewell, farewell!"
+
+"I will not say farewell!" exclaimed Iduna; "I too can fight.  I will
+stay and die with you."
+
+"See they come!  Believe me I shall conquer.  Fly, fly, thou noble
+girl!  Guard her well, Nicaeus.  God bless thee, boy!  Live and be
+happy.  Nay, nay, not another word.  The farther ye are both distant,
+trust me, the stronger will be my arm.  Indeed, indeed, I do beseech
+ye, fly!"
+
+Nicaeus placed the weeping Iduna in her saddle, and after leading her
+horse over the narrow and broken bridge, mounted his own, and then they
+ascended together the hilly and winding track.  Iskander watched them
+as they went.  Often Iduna waved her kerchief to her forlorn champion.
+In the meantime Iskander tore off his Armenian robes and flung them
+into the river, tried his footing on the position he had taken up,
+stretched his limbs, examined his daggers, flourished his scimitar.
+
+The bridge would only permit a single rider to pass abreast.  It was
+supported by three arches, the centre one of very considerable size,
+the others small, and rising out of the shallow water on each side.  In
+many parts the parapet wall was broken, in some even the pathway was
+almost impassable from the masses of fallen stone, and the dangerous
+fissures.  In the centre of the middle arch was an immense key-stone,
+on which was sculptured, in high relief, an enormous helmet, which
+indeed gave, among the people of the country, a title to the bridge.
+
+A band of horsemen dashed at full speed, with a loud shout, down the
+bill.  They checked their horses, when to their astonishment they found
+Iskander with his drawn scimitar, prepared to resist their passage.
+But they paused only for a moment, and immediately attempted to swim
+the river.  But their exhausted horses drew back with a strong instinct
+from the rushing waters: one of the band alone, mounted on a
+magnificent black mare, succeeding in his purpose.  The rider was half-
+way in the stream, his high-bred steed snorting and struggling in the
+strong current.  Iskander, with the same ease as if he were plucking
+the ripe fruit from a tree, took up a ponderous stone, and hurled it
+with fatal precision at his adventurous enemy.  The rider shrieked and
+fell, and rose no more: the mare, relieved from her burthen, exerted
+all her failing energies, and succeeded in gaining the opposite bank.
+There, rolling herself in the welcome pasture, and neighing with a note
+of triumph, she revelled in her hard escape.
+
+"Cut down the Giaour!" exclaimed one of the horsemen, and he dashed at
+the bridge.  His fragile blade shivered into a thousand pieces as it
+crossed the scimitar of Iskander, and in a moment his bleeding head
+fell over the parapet.
+
+Instantly the whole band, each emulous of revenging his comrades,
+rushed without thought at Iskander, and endeavoured to overpower him by
+their irresistible charge.  His scimitar flashed like lightning.  The
+two foremost of his enemies fell, but the impulse of the numbers
+prevailed, and each instant, although dealing destruction with every
+blow, he felt himself losing ground.  At length he was on the centre of
+the centre arch, an eminent position, which allowed him for a moment to
+keep them at bay, and gave him breathing time.  Suddenly he made a
+desperate charge, clove the head of the leader of the band in two, and
+beat them back several yards; then swiftly returning to his former
+position, be summoned all his supernatural strength, and stamping on
+the mighty, but mouldering keystone, he forced it from its form, and
+broke the masonry of a thousand years.  Amid a loud and awful shriek,
+horses and horsemen, and the dissolving fragments of the scene for a
+moment mingled as it were in airy chaos, and then plunged with a
+horrible plash into the fatal depths below.  Some fell, and, stunned by
+the massy fragments, rose no more; others struggled again into light,
+and gained with difficulty their old shore.  Amid them, Iskander,
+unhurt, swam like a river god, and stabbed to the heart the only strong
+swimmer that was making his way in the direction of Epirus.  Drenched
+and exhausted, Iskander at length stood upon the opposite margin, and
+wrung his garments, while he watched the scene of strange destruction.
+
+Three or four exhausted wretches were lying bruised and breathless on
+the opposite bank: one drowned horse was stranded near them, caught by
+the rushes.  Of all that brave company the rest had vanished, and the
+broad, and blue, and sunny waters rushed without a shadow beneath the
+two remaining arches.
+
+"Iduna! thou art safe," exclaimed Iskander.  "Now for Epirus!" So
+saying, he seized the black mare, renovated by her bath and pasture,
+and vaulting on her back, was in a few minutes bounding over his native
+hills.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 13
+
+
+In the meantime let us not forget the Prince of Athens and the Lady
+Iduna.  These adventurous companions soon lost sight of their devoted
+champion, and entered a winding ravine, which gradually brought them to
+the summit of the first chain of the Epirot mountains.  From it they
+looked down upon a vast and rocky valley, through which several mule
+tracks led in various directions, and entered the highest barrier of
+the mountains, which rose before them covered with forests of chestnut
+and ilex.  Nicaeus chose the track which he considered least tempting to
+pursuit, and towards sunset they had again entered a ravine washed by a
+mountain stream.  The course of the waters had made the earth fertile
+and beautiful.  Wild shrubs of gay and pleasant colours refreshed their
+wearied eye-sight, and the perfume of aromatic plants invigorated their
+jaded senses.  Upon the bank of the river, too, a large cross of
+roughly-carved wood brought comfort to their Christian hearts, and
+while the holy emblem filled them with hope and consolation, and seemed
+an omen of refuge from their Moslemin oppressors, a venerable Eremite,
+with a long white beard descending over his dark robes, and leaning on
+a staff of thorn, came forth from an adjoining cavern to breathe the
+evening air and pour forth his evening orisons.
+
+Iduna and Nicaeus had hitherto prosecuted their sorrowful journey almost
+in silence.  Exhausted with anxiety, affliction, and bodily fatigue,
+with difficulty the daughter of Hunniades could preserve her seat upon
+her steed.  One thought alone interested her, and by its engrossing
+influence maintained her under all her sufferings, the memory of
+Iskander.  Since she first met him, at the extraordinary interview in
+her father's pavilion, often had the image of the hero recurred to her
+fancy, often had she mused over his great qualities and strange career.
+His fame, so dangerous to female hearts, was not diminished by his
+presence.  And now, when Iduna recollected that she was indebted to him
+for all that she held dear, that she owed to his disinterested
+devotion, not only life, but all that renders life desirable, honour
+and freedom, country and kindred, that image was invested with
+associations and with sentiments, which, had Iskander himself been
+conscious of their existence, would have lent redoubled vigour to his
+arm, and fresh inspiration to his energy.  More than once Iduna had
+been on the point of inquiring of Nicaeus the reason which had induced
+alike him and Iskander to preserve so strictly the disguise of his
+companion.  But a feeling which she did not choose to analyse struggled
+successfully with her curiosity: she felt a reluctance to speak of
+Iskander to the Prince of Athens.  In the meantime Nicaeus himself was
+not apparently very anxious of conversing upon the subject, and after
+the first rapid expressions of fear and hope as to the situation of
+their late comrade, they relapsed into silence, seldom broken by
+Nicaeus, but to deplore the sufferings of his mistress, lamentations
+which Iduna answered with a faint smile.
+
+The refreshing scene wherein they had now entered, and the cheering
+appearance of the Eremite, were subjects of mutual congratulation; and
+Nicaeus, somewhat advancing, claimed the attention of the holy man,
+announcing their faith, imprisonment, escape, and sufferings, and
+entreating hospitality and refuge.  The Eremite pointed with his staff
+to the winding path, which ascended the bank of the river to the
+cavern, and welcomed the pilgrims, in the name of their blessed
+Saviour, to his wild abode and simple fare.
+
+The cavern widened when they entered, and comprised several small
+apartments.  It was a work of the early Christians, who had found a
+refuge in their days of persecution, and art had completed the
+beneficent design of nature.  The cavern was fresh, and sweet, and
+clean.  Heaven smiled upon its pious inmate through an aperture in the
+roof; the floor was covered with rushes; in one niche rested a brazen
+cross, and in another a perpetual lamp burnt before a picture, where
+Madonna smiled with meek tenderness upon her young divinity.
+
+The Eremite placed upon a block of wood, the surface of which he had
+himself smoothed, some honey, some dried fish and a wooden bowl filled
+from the pure stream that flowed beneath them: a simple meal, but
+welcome.  His guests seated themselves upon a rushy couch, and while
+they refreshed themselves, he gently inquired the history of their
+adventures.  As it was evident that the Eremite, from her apparel,
+mistook the sex of Iduna, Nicaeus thought fit not to undeceive him, but
+passed her off as his brother.  He described themselves as two Athenian
+youths, who had been captured while serving as volunteers under the
+great Hunniades, and who had effected their escape from Adrianople
+under circumstances of great peril and difficulty; and when he had
+gratified the Eremite's curiosity respecting their Christian brethren
+in Paynim lands, and sympathetically marvelled with him at the
+advancing fortunes of the Crescent, Nicaeus, who perceived that Iduna
+stood in great need of rest, mentioned the fatigues of his more fragile
+brother, and requested permission for him to retire.  Whereupon the
+Eremite himself, fetching a load of fresh rushes, arranged them in one
+of the cells, and invited the fair Iduna to repose.  The daughter of
+Hunniades, first humbling herself before the altar of the Virgin, and
+offering her gratitude for all the late mercies vouchsafed unto her,
+and then bidding a word of peace to her host and her companion,
+withdrew to her hard-earned couch, soon was buried in a sleep as sweet
+and innocent as herself.
+
+But repose fell not upon the eye-lids of Nicaeus in spite of all
+labours.  The heart of the Athenian Prince was distracted by two most
+powerful of passions -- Love and Jealousy -- and when the Eremite,
+pointing out to his guest his allotted resting-place, himself retired
+to his regular and simple slumbers, Nicaeus quitted the cavern, and
+standing upon the bank of the river, gazed in abstraction upon the
+rushing waters foaming in the moonlight.  The Prince of Athens, with
+many admirable qualities, was one of those men who are influenced only
+by their passions, and who, in the affairs of life, are invariably
+guided by their imagination instead of their reason.  At present all
+thought and feeling, all considerations, and all circumstances, merged
+in the overpowering love he entertained for Iduna, his determination to
+obtain her at all cost and peril, and his resolution that she should
+never again meet Iskander, except as the wife of Nicaeus.  Compared with
+this paramount object, the future seemed to vanish.  The emancipation
+of his country, the welfare of his friend, even the maintenance of his
+holy creed, all those great and noble objects for which, under other
+circumstances, he would have been prepared to sacrifice his fortune and
+his life, no longer interested or influenced him; and while the legions
+of the Crescent were on the point of pouring into Greece to crush that
+patriotic and Christian cause over which Iskander and himself had so
+often mused, whose interests the disinterested absence of Iskander,
+occasioned solely by his devotion to Nicaeus, had certainly endangered,
+and perhaps, could the events of the last few hours be known, even
+sacrificed, the Prince of Athens resolved, unless Iduna would consent
+to become his, at once to carry off the daughter of Hunniades to some
+distant country.  Nor indeed, even with his easily excited vanity, was
+Nicaeus sanguine of obtaining his purpose by less violent means.  He was
+already a rejected suitor, and under circumstances which scarcely had
+left hope.  Nothing but the sole credit of her chivalric rescue could
+perhaps have obtained for him the interest in the heart of Iduna which
+he coveted.  For while this exploit proffered an irresistible claim to
+her deepest gratitude, it indicated also, on the part of her deliverer,
+the presence and possession of all those great qualities, the absence
+of which in the character and conduct of her suitor, Iduna had not, at
+a former period, endeavoured to conceal to be the principal came of his
+rejection.  And now, by the unhappy course of circumstances, the very
+deed on which he counted, with sanguine hope, as the sure means of his
+success, seemed as it were to have placed him in a more inferior
+situation than before.  The constant society of his mistress had fanned
+to all its former force and ardour, the flame which, apart from her,
+and hopeless, he had endeavoured to repress; while, on the other hand,
+he could not conceal from himself, that Iduna must feel that he had
+played in these rest proceeding but a secondary part; that all the
+genius and all the generosity of the exploit rested with Iskander, who,
+after having obtained her freedom by so much energy, peril, sagacity
+and skill, had secured it by a devoted courage which might shame all
+the knights of Christendom; perhaps, too, had secured it by his own
+life.
+
+What if Iskander were no more?  It was a great contingency.  The
+eternal servitude of Greece, and the shameful triumph of the Crescent,
+were involved, perhaps, in that single event.  And could the possession
+of Iduna compensate for such disgrace and infamy?  Let us not record
+the wild response of passion.
+
+It was midnight ere the restless Nicaeus, more exhausted by his
+agitating reverie than by his previous exertions, returned into the
+cavern, and found refuge in sleep from all his disquietudes.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 14
+
+
+The Eremite rose with the Sun; and while he was yet at matins, was
+joined by Iduna, refreshed and cheerful after her unusual slumbers.
+After performing their devotions, her venerable host proposed that they
+should go forth and enjoy the morning air.  So, descending the
+precipitous bank of the river, he led the way to a small glen, the bed
+of a tributary rivulet, now nearly exhausted.  Beautiful clumps of
+birch-trees and tall thin poplars, rose on each side among the rocks
+covered with bright mosses, and parasitical plants of gay and various
+colours.  One side of the glen was touched with the golden and grateful
+beams of the rising sun, and the other was in deep shadow.
+
+"Here you can enjoy nature and freedom in security;" said the Eremite,
+"for your enemies, if they have not already given up their pursuit,
+will scarcely search this sweet solitude."
+
+"It is indeed sweet, holy father," said Iduna; "but the captive, who
+has escaped from captivity, can alone feel all its sweetness."
+
+"It is true," said the Eremite; "I also have been a captive."
+
+"Indeed! holy father.  To the Infidels?"
+
+"To the Infidels, gentle pilgrim."
+
+"Have you been at Adrianople?"
+
+"My oppressors were not the Paynim," replied the Eremite, "but they
+were enemies far more dire, my own evil passions.  Time was when my eye
+sparkled like thine, gentle pilgrim, and my heart was not as pure."
+
+"God is merciful," said Iduna, "and without His aid, the strongest are
+but shadows."
+
+"Ever think so," replied the Eremite, "and you will deserve rather His
+love than His mercy.  Thirty long years have I spent in this solitude,
+meditating upon the past, and it is a theme yet fertile in instruction.
+My hours are never heavy, and memory is to me what action is to other
+men."
+
+"You have seen much, holy father?"
+
+"And felt more.  Yet you will perhaps think the result of all my
+experience very slight, for I can only say unto thee, trust not in
+thyself."
+
+"It is a great truth," remarked Iduna, "and leads to a higher one."
+
+"Even so," replied the Eremite.  "We are full of wisdom in old age, as
+in winter this river is full of water, but the fire of youth, like the
+summer sun, dries up the stream."
+
+Iduna did not reply.  The Eremite attracted her attention to a patch of
+cresses on the opposite bank of the stream.  "Every morn I rise only to
+discover fresh instances of omnipotent benevolence," he exclaimed.
+"Yesterday ye tasted my honey and my fish. To-day I can offer ye a
+fresh dainty.  We will break our fast in this pleasant glen.  Rest thou
+here, gentle youth, and I will summon thy brother to our meal.  I fear
+me much he does not bear so contented a spirit as thyself."
+
+"He is older, and has seen more," replied Iduna.
+
+The Eremite shook his head, and leaning on his staff, returned to the
+cavern.  Iduna remained, seated on a mossy rock, listening to the
+awakening birds, and musing over the fate of Iskander.  While she was
+indulging in this reverie, her name was called.  She looked up with a
+blush, and beheld Nicaeus.
+
+"How fares my gentle comrade?" inquired the Prince of Athens.
+
+"As well as I hope you are, dear Nicaeus.  We have been indeed fortunate
+in finding so kind a host."
+
+"I think I may now congratulate you on your safety," said the Prince.
+"This unfrequented pass will lead us in two days to Epirus, nor do I
+indeed now fear pursuit."
+
+"Acts and not words must express in future how much we owe to you,"
+said Iduna.  "My joy would be complete if my father only knew of our
+safety, and if our late companion were here to share it."
+
+"Fear not for my friend," replied Nicaeus.  "I have faith in the fortune
+of Iskander."
+
+"If any one could succeed under such circumstances, be doubtless is the
+man," rejoined Iduna; "but it was indeed an awful crisis in his fate."
+
+"Trust me, dear lady, it is wise to banish gloomy thoughts."
+
+"We can give him only our thoughts," said Iduna, "and when we remember
+how much is dependent on his life, can they be cheerful?"
+
+"Mine must be so, when I am in the presence of Iduna," replied Nicaeus.
+
+The daughter of Hunniades gathered moss from the rock, and threw it
+into the stream.
+
+"Dear lady," said the Prince of Athens, seating himself by her side,
+and stealing her gentle hand.  "Pardon me, if an irrepressible feeling
+at this moment impels me to recur to a subject, which, I would fain
+hope, were not so unpleasing to you, as once unhappily you deemed it.
+O!  Iduna, Iduna, best and dearest, we are once more together; once
+more I gaze upon that unrivalled form, and listen to the music of that
+matchless voice.  I sought you, I perhaps violated my pledge, but I
+sought you in captivity and sorrow.  Pardon me, pity me, Iduna!  Oh!
+Iduna, if possible, love me!"
+
+She turned away her head, she turned away her streaming eyes.  "It is
+impossible not to love my deliverers," she replied, in a low and
+tremulous voice, "even could he not prefer the many other claims to
+affection which are possessed by the Prince of Athens.  I was not
+prepared for this renewal of a most painful subject, perhaps not under
+any circumstances, but least of all under those in which we now find
+ourselves."
+
+"Alas!" exclaimed the prince, "I can no longer control my passion.  My
+life, not my happiness merely, depends upon Iduna becoming mine.  Bear
+with me, my beloved, bear with me!  Were you Nicaeus, you too would need
+forgiveness."
+
+"I beseech you, cease!" exclaimed Iduna, in a firmer voice; and,
+withdrawing her hand, she suddenly rose.  "This is neither the time nor
+place for such conversation.  I have not forgotten that, but a few days
+back, I was a hopeless captive, and that my life and fame are even now
+in danger.  Great mercies have been vouchsafed to me; but still I
+perhaps need the hourly interposition of heavenly aid.  Other than such
+worldly thoughts should fill my mind, and do.  Dear Nicaeus," she
+continued, in a more soothing tone, "you have nobly commenced a most
+heroic enterprise: fulfil it in like spirit."
+
+He would have replied; but at this moment the staff of the Eremite
+sounded among the rocks.  Baffled, and dark with rage and passion, the
+Prince of Athens quitted Iduna, and strolled towards the upper part of
+the glen, to conceal his anger and disappointment.
+
+"Eat, gentle youth," said the Eremite.  "Will not thy brother join us?
+What may be his name?"
+
+"Nicaeus, holy father."
+
+"And thine?"
+
+Iduna blushed and hesitated.  At length, in her confusion, she replied,
+"Iskander."
+
+"Nicaeus," called out the Eremite, "Iskander and myself await thee!"
+
+Iduna trembled.  She was agreeably surprised when the prince returned
+with a smiling countenance, and joined in the meal, with many cheerful
+words.
+
+"Now I propose" said the Eremite, "that yourself and your brother
+Iskander should tarry with me some days, if, indeed, my simple fare
+have any temptation."
+
+"I thank thee, holy father," replied Nicaeus, "but our affairs are
+urgent; nor indeed could I have tarried here at all, had it not been
+for my young Iskander here, who, as you may easily believe, is little
+accustomed to his late exertions.  But, indeed, towards sunset, we must
+proceed."
+
+"Bearing with us," added Iduna, "a most grateful recollection of our
+host."
+
+"God be with ye, wherever ye may proceed," replied the Eremite.
+
+"My trust is indeed in Him," rejoined Iduna.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 15
+
+
+And so, two hours before sunset, mounting their refreshed horses,
+Nicaeus and Iduna quitted, with many kind words, the cavern of the
+Eremite, and took their way along the winding bank of the river.
+Throughout the moonlit night they travelled, ascending the last and
+highest chain of mountains and reaching the summit by dawn.  The
+cheerful light of morning revealed to them the happy plains of a
+Christian country.  With joyful spirits they descended into the fertile
+land, and stopped at a beautiful Greek village, embowered in orchards
+and groves of olive-trees.
+
+The Prince of Athens instantly inquired for the Primate, or chief
+personage of the village, and was conducted to his house; but its
+master, he was informed, was without, supervising the commencement of
+the vintage.  Leaving Iduna with the family of the Primate, Nicaeus went
+in search of him.  The vineyard was full of groups, busied in the most
+elegant and joyous of human occupations, gathering, with infinite
+bursts of merriment, the harvest of the vine.  Some mounted on ladders,
+fixed against the festooning branches, plucked the rich bunches, and
+threw them below, where girls, singing in chorus, caught them in
+panniers, or their extended drapery.  In the centre of the vineyard, a
+middle-aged man watched with a calm, but vigilant eye, the whole
+proceedings, and occasionally stimulated the indolent, or prompted the
+inexperienced.
+
+"Christo," said the Prince of Athens, when he had approached him.  The
+Primate turned round, but evidently did not immediately recognise the
+person who addressed him.
+
+"I see," continued the prince, "that my meditated caution was
+unnecessary.  My strange garb is a sufficient disguise."
+
+"The Prince Nicaeus!" exclaimed the Primate.  "He is, indeed, disguised,
+but will, I am sure, pardon his faithful servant."
+
+"Not a word, Christo!" replied the prince.  "To be brief, I have
+crossed the mountains from Roumelia, and have only within this hour
+recognised the spot whither I have chanced to arrive.  I have a
+companion with me.  I would not be known.  You comprehend?  Affairs of
+state.  I take it for granted that there are none here who will
+recognise me, after three years' absence, in this dress."
+
+"You may feel secure, my lord," replied Christo.  "If you puzzled me,
+who have known you since you were no bigger than this bunch of grapes,
+you will quite confound the rest."
+
+"'Tis well.  I shall stay here a day or two, in order to give them an
+opportunity to prepare for my reception.  In the meantime, it is
+necessary to send on a courier at once.  You must manage all this for
+me, Christo.  How are your daughters?"
+
+"So, so, please your Highness," replied Christo.  "A man with seven
+daughters has got trouble for every day in the week."
+
+"But not when they are so pretty as yours are!"
+
+"Poh! poh! handsome is that handsome does; and as for Alexina, she
+wants to be married."
+
+"Very natural.  Let her marry, by all means."
+
+"But Helena wants to do the same."
+
+"More natural still; for, if possible, she is prettier.  For my part, I
+could marry them both."
+
+"Ay, ay! that is all very well; but handsome is that handsome does.  I
+have no objection to Alexina marrying, and even Helena; but then there
+is Lais -- "
+
+"Hah! hah! hah!" exclaimed the prince.  "I see, my dear Christo, that
+my foster sisters give you a very proper portion of trouble.  However,
+I must be off to my travelling companion.  Come in as soon as you can,
+my dear fellow, and will settle everything.  A good vintage to you, and
+only as much mischief as necessary."  So saying, the prince tripped
+away.
+
+"Well! who would have thought of seeing him here!" exclaimed the worthy
+Primate.  "The same gay dog as ever!  What can he have been doing at
+Roumelia?  Affairs of state, indeed!  I'll wager my new Epiphany scarf,
+that, whatever the affairs are, there is a pretty girl in the case."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 16
+
+
+The fair Iduna, after all her perils and sufferings, was at length
+sheltered in safety under a kind and domestic roof.  Alexina, and
+Helena, and Lais, and all the other sisters emulated each other in the
+attentions which they lavished upon the two brothers, but especially
+the youngest.  Their kindness, indeed, was only equalled by their
+ceaseless curiosity, and had they ever waited for the answers of Iduna
+to their questions, the daughter of Hunniades might, perhaps, have been
+somewhat puzzled to reconcile her responses with probability.  Helena
+answered the questions of Alexina; Lais anticipated even Helena.  All
+that Iduna had to do was to smile and be silent, and it was universally
+agreed that Iskander was singularly shy as well as excessively
+handsome.  In the meantime, when Nicaeus met Iduna in the evening of the
+second day of their visit, he informed her that he had been so
+fortunate as to resume an acquaintance with an old companion in arms in
+the person of a neighbouring noble, who had invited them to rest at his
+castle at the end of their next day's journey.  He told her likewise
+that he had dispatched a courier to Croia to inquire after Iskander,
+who, he expected, in the course of a few days, would bring them
+intelligence to guide their future movements, and decide whether they
+should at once proceed to the capital of Epirus, or advance into
+Bulgaria, in case Hunniades was still in the field.  On the morrow,
+therefore, they proceeded on their journey.  Nicaeus had procured a
+litter for Iduna, for which her delicate health was an excuse to
+Alexina and her sisters, and they were attended by a small body of
+well-armed cavalry, for, according to the accounts which Nicaeus had
+received, the country was still disturbed.  They departed at break of
+day, Nicaeus riding by the side of the litter, and occasionally making
+the most anxious inquiries after the well-being of his fair charge.  An
+hour after noon they rested at a well, surrounded by olive-trees, until
+the extreme heat was somewhat allayed; and then remounting, proceeded
+in the direction of an undulating ridge of green hills, that partially
+intersected the wide plain.  Towards sunset the Prince of Athens
+withdrew the curtains of the litter, and called the attention of Iduna
+to a very fair castle, rising on a fertile eminence and sparkling in
+the quivering beams of dying light.
+
+"I fear," said Nicaeus, "that my friend Justinian will scarcely have
+returned, but we are old comrades, and he desired me to act as his
+Seneschal.  For your sake I am sorry, Iduna, for I feel convinced that
+he would please you."
+
+"It is, indeed, a fair castle," replied Iduna, "and none but a true
+knight deserves such a noble residence."
+
+While she spoke the commander of the escort sounded his bugle, and they
+commenced the ascent of the steep, a winding road, cut through a thick
+wood of ever-green shrubs.  The gradual and easy ascent soon brought
+them to a portal flanked with towers, which admitted them into the
+outworks of the fortification.  Here they found several soldiers on
+guard, and the commander again sounding his bugle, the gates of the
+castle opened, and the Seneschal, attended by a suite of many
+domestics, advanced and welcomed Nicaeus and Iduna.  The Prince of
+Athens dismounting, assisted his fair companion from the litter, and
+leading her by the band, and preceded by the Seneschal, entered the
+castle.
+
+They passed through a magnificent hall, hung with choice armour, and
+ascending a staircase, of Pentelic marble, were ushered into a suite of
+lofty chambers, lined with Oriental tapestry, and furnished with many
+costly couches and cabinets.  While they admired a spectacle so
+different to anything they had recently beheld or experienced, the
+Seneschal, followed by a number of slaves in splendid attire, advanced
+and offered them rare and choice refreshments, coffee and
+confectionery, sherbets and spiced wines.  When they had partaken of
+this elegant cheer, Nicaeus intimated to the Seneschal that the Lady
+Iduna might probably wish to retire, and instantly a discreet matron,
+followed by six most beautiful girls, each bearing a fragrant torch of
+cinnamon mind roses, advanced and offered to conduct the Lady Iduna to
+her apartments.
+
+The matron and her company of maidens conducted the daughter of
+Hunniades down a long gallery, which led to a suite of the prettiest
+chambers in the world.  The first was an antechamber, painted like a
+bower, but filled with the music of living birds; the second, which was
+much larger, was entirely covered with Venetian mirrors, and resting on
+a bright Persian carpet were many couches of crimson velvet, covered
+with a variety of sumptuous dresses; the third room was a bath, made in
+the semblance of a gigantic shell.  Its roof was of transparent
+alabaster, glowing with shadowy light.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 17
+
+
+A flourish of trumpets announced the return of the Lady Iduna and the
+Prince of Athens, magnificently attired, came forward with a smile, and
+led her, with a compliment on her resuming the dress of her sex, if not
+of her country, to the banquet.  Iduna was not uninfluenced by that
+excitement which is insensibly produced by a sudden change of scene and
+circumstances, and especially by an unexpected transition from
+hardship, peril, and suffering, to luxury, security, and enjoyment.
+Their spirits were elevated and gay: she smiled upon Nicaeus with a
+cheerful sympathy.  They feasted, they listened to sweet music, they
+talked over their late adventures, and, animated by their own
+enjoyment, they became more sanguine as to the fate of Iskander.
+
+"In two or three days we shall know more," said Nicaeus.  "In the
+meantime, rest is absolutely necessary to you.  It is only now that you
+will begin to be sensible of the exertion you have made.  If Iskander
+be at Croia, he has already informed your father of your escape; if he
+have not arrived, I have arranged that a courier shall be dispatched to
+Hunniades from that city.  Do not be anxious.  Try to be happy.  I am
+myself sanguine that you will find all well.  Come, pledge me your
+father's health, fair lady, in this goblet of Tenedos!"
+
+"How know I that at this moment he may not be at the point of death,"
+replied Iduna.  "When I am absent from those I love, I dream only of
+their unhappiness."
+
+"At this moment also," rejoined Nicaeus, "he dreams perhaps of .your
+imprisonment among barbarians.  Yet how mistaken!  Let that
+consideration support you.  Come! here is to the Eremite."
+
+"As willing, if not as sumptuous, a host as our present one," said
+Iduna; "and when, by-the-bye, do you think that your friend, the Lord
+Justinian, will arrive ?"
+
+"Oh! never mind him," said Nicaeus.  "He would have arrived to-morrow,
+but the great news which I gave him has probably changed his plans.  I
+told him of the approaching invasion, and he has perhaps found it
+necessary to visit the neighbouring chieftains, or even to go on to
+Croia."
+
+"Well-a-day!" exclaimed Iduna, "I would we were in my father's camp!"
+
+"We shall soon be there, dear lady," replied the Prince.  "Come, worthy
+Seneschal," he added, turning to that functionary, "drink to this noble
+lady's happy meeting with her friends."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 18
+
+
+Three or four days passed away at the castle of Justinian, in  which
+Nicaeus used his utmost exertions to divert the anxiety of Iduna.  One
+day was spent in examining the castle, on another he amused her with a
+hawking party, on a third he carried her to the neighbouring ruins of a
+temple, and read his favourite AEschylus to her amid its lone and
+elegant columns.  It was impossible for any one to be more amiable and
+entertaining, and Iduna could not resist recognising his many virtues
+and accomplishments.  The courier had not yet returned from Croia,
+which Nicaeus accounted for by many satisfactory reasons.  The suspense,
+however, at length became so painful to Iduna, that she proposed to the
+Prince of Athens that they should, without further delay, proceed to
+that city.    As usual, Nicaeus was not wanting in many plausible
+arguments in favour of their remaining at the castle, but Iduna was
+resolute.
+
+"Indeed, dear Nicaeus," she said, "my anxiety to see my father, or hear
+from him, is so great, that there is scarcely any danger which I would
+not encounter to gratify my wish.  I feel that I have already taxed
+your endurance too much.  But we are no longer in a hostile land, and
+guards and guides are to be engaged. Let me then depart alone!"
+
+"Iduna!" exclaimed Nicaeus, reproachfully.  "Alas! Iduna, you are cruel,
+but I did not expect this!"
+
+"Dear Nicaeus!" she answered, "you always misinterpret me!  It would
+infinitely delight me to be restored to Hunniades by yourself, but
+these are no common times, and you are no common person.  You forget
+that there is one that has greater claims upon you even than a forlorn
+maiden, your country.  And whether Iskander be at Croia or not, Greece
+requires the presence and exertions of the Prince of Athens."
+
+"I have no country," replied Nicaeus, mournfully, "and no object for
+which to exert myself."
+
+"Nicaeus!  Is this the poetic patriot who was yesterday envying
+Themistocles?"
+
+"Alas! Iduna, yesterday you were my muse.  I do not wonder you are
+wearied of this castle!" continued the prince in a melancholy tone.
+"This spot contains nothing to interest you; but for me, it holds all
+that is dear, and, O! gentle maiden, one smile from you, one smile of
+inspiration, and I would not envy Themistocles, and might perhaps rival
+him."
+
+They were walking together in the hall of the castle; Iduna stepped
+aside and affected to examine a curious buckler, Nicaeus followed her,
+and placing his arm gently in hers, led her away.
+
+"Dearest Iduna" he said, "pardon me, but men struggle for their fate.
+Mine is in your power.  It is a contest between misery and happiness,
+glory and perhaps infamy.  Do not then wonder that I will not yield my
+chance of the brighter fortune without an effort.  Once more I appeal
+to your pity, if not to your love.  Were Iduna mine, were she to hold
+out but the possibility of her being mine, there is no career, solemnly
+I avow what solemnly I feel, there is no career of which I could not be
+capable, and no condition to which I would not willingly subscribe.
+But this certainty, or this contingency, I must have:  I cannot exist
+without the alternative.  And now upon my knees, I implore her to grant
+it to me!"
+
+"Nicaeus," said Iduna, "this continued recurrence to a forbidden subject
+is most ungenerous."
+
+"Alas!  Iduna, my life depends upon a word, which you will not speak,
+and you talk of generosity.  No! Iduna, it is not I that I am
+ungenerous."
+
+"Let me say then unreasonable, Prince Nicaeus."
+
+"Say what you like, Iduna, provided you say that you are mine."
+
+"Pardon me, sir, I am free."
+
+"Free!  You have ever underrated me, Iduna.  To whom do you owe this
+boasted freedom?"
+
+"This is not the first time," remarked Iduna, "that you have reminded
+me of an obligation, the memory of which is indelibly impressed upon my
+heart, and for which even the present conversation cannot make me feel
+less grateful.  I can never forget that I owe all that is dear to
+yourself and your companion."
+
+"My companion!" replied the Prince of Athens, pale and passionate.  "My
+companion!  Am I ever to be reminded of my companion ?"
+
+"Nicaeus!" said Iduna; "if you forget what is due to me, at least
+endeavour to remember what is due to yourself?"
+
+"Beautiful being!" said the prince, advancing and passionately seizing
+her hand; "pardon me! pardon me! I am not master of my reason; I am
+nothing, I am nothing while Iduna hesitates!"
+
+"She does not hesitate, Nicaeus.  I desire, I require, that this
+conversation shall cease; shall never, never be renewed."
+
+"And I tell thee, haughty woman," said the Prince of Athens, grinding
+his teeth, and speaking with violent action, "that I will no longer be
+despised with impunity.  Iduna is mine, or is no one else's."
+
+"Is it possible?" exclaimed the daughter of Hunniades.  "Is it, indeed,
+come to this?  But why am I surprised!  I have long known Nicaeus.  I
+quit this castle instantly."
+
+"You are a prisoner," replied the prince very calmly, and leaning with
+folded arms against the wall.
+
+"A prisoner!" exclaimed Iduna, a little alarmed.  "A prisoner!  I defy
+you, sir.  You are only a guest like myself.  I will appeal to the
+Seneschal in the absence of his lord.  He will never permit the honour
+of his master's flag to be violated by the irrational caprice of a
+passionate boy."
+
+"What lord?" inquired Nicaeus.
+
+"Your friend, the Lord Justinian," answered Iduna.  "He could little
+anticipate such an abuse of his hospitality."
+
+"My friend, the Lord Justinian!" replied Nicaeus, with a malignant
+smile.  "I am surprised that a personage of the Lady Iduna's deep
+discrimination should so easily be deceived by 'a passionate boy!'  Is
+it possible that you could have supposed for a moment that there was
+any other lord of this castle, save your devoted slave?"
+
+"What!" exclaimed Iduna, really frightened.
+
+"I have, indeed, the honour of finding the Lady Iduna my guest,"
+continued Nicaeus, in a tone of bitter raillery.  "This castle of
+Kallista, the fairest in all Epirus, I inherit from my mother.  Of late
+I have seldom visited it; but, indeed, it will become a favourite
+residence of mine, if it be, as I anticipate, the scene of my nuptial
+ceremony."
+
+Iduna looked around her with astonishment, then threw herself upon a
+couch, and burst into tears.  The Prince of Athens walked up and down
+the hall with an air of determined coolness.
+
+"Perfidious!" exclaimed Iduna between her sobs.
+
+"Lady Iduna," said the prince; and he seated himself by her side.  "I
+will not attempt to palliate a deception which your charms could alone
+inspire and can alone justify.  Hear me, Lady Iduna, hear me with
+calmness.  I love you; I love you with a passion which has been as
+constant as it is strong.  My birth, my rank, my fortunes, do not
+disqualify me for an union with the daughter of the great Hunniades.
+If my personal claims may sink in comparison with her surpassing
+excellence, I am yet to learn that any other prince in Christendom can
+urge a more effective plea.  I am young; the ladies of the court have
+called me handsome; by your great father's side I have broken some
+lances in your honour; and even Iduna once confessed she thought me
+clever.  Come, come, be merciful!  Let my beautiful Athens receive a
+fitting mistress!  A holy father is in readiness dear maiden.  Come
+now, one smile!  In a few days we shall reach your father's camp, and
+then we will kneel, as I do now, and beg a blessing on our happy
+union."  As he spoke, he dropped upon his knee, and stealing her hand,
+looked into her face.  It was sorrowful and gloomy.
+
+"It is in vain, Nicaeus," said Iduna, "to appeal to your generosity; it
+is useless to talk of the past; it is idle to reproach you for the
+present.  I am a woman, alone and persecuted, where I could least
+anticipate persecution.  Nicaeus, I never can be yours; and now I
+deliver myself to the mercy of Almighty God."
+
+"'Tis well," said Nicaeus.  "From the tower of the castle you may behold
+the waves of the Ionian Sea.  You will remain here a close prisoner,
+until one of my galleys arrive from Piraeus to bear us to Italy.  Mine
+you must be, Iduna.  It remains for you to decide under what
+circumstances.  Continue in your obstinacy, and you may bid farewell
+for ever to your country and to your father.  Be reasonable, and a
+destiny awaits you, which offers everything that has hitherto been
+considered the source or cause of happiness."  Thus speaking, the
+prince retired, leaving the Lady Iduna to her own unhappy thoughts.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 19
+
+
+The Lady Iduna was at first inclined to view the conduct of the Prince
+of Athens as one of those passionate and passing ebullitions in which
+her long acquaintance with him had taught her he was accustomed to
+indulge.  But when on retiring soon after to her apartments, she was
+informed by her attendant matron that she must in future consider
+herself a prisoner, and not venture again to quit them without
+permission, she began to tremble at the possible violence of an ill-
+regulated mind.  She endeavoured to interest her attendant in her
+behalf; but the matron was too well schooled to evince any feeling or
+express any opinion on the subject; and indeed, at length, fairly
+informed Iduna that she was commanded to confine her conversation to
+the duties of her office.
+
+The Lady Iduna was very unhappy.  She thought of her father, she
+thought of Iskander.  The past seemed a dream; she was often tempted to
+believe that she was still, and had ever been, a prisoner in the Serail
+of Adrianople; and that all the late wonderful incidents of her life
+were but the shifting scenes of some wild slumber.  And then some
+slight incident, the sound of a bell or the sign of some holy emblem,
+assured her she was in a Christian land, and convinced her of the
+strange truth that she was indeed in captivity, and a prisoner, above
+all others, to the fond companion of her youth.  Her indignation at the
+conduct of Nicaeus roused her courage; she resolved to make an effort to
+escape.  Her rooms were only lighted from above; she determined to
+steal forth at night into the gallery; the door was secured.  She
+hastened back to her chamber in fear and sorrow, and wept.
+
+Twice in the course of the day the stern and silent matron visited
+Iduna with her food; and as she retired, secured the door.  This was
+the only individual that the imprisoned lady ever beheld.  And thus
+heavily rolled on upwards of a week.  On the eve of the ninth day,
+Iduna was surprised by the matron presenting her a letter as she
+quitted the chamber for the night.  Iduna seized it with a feeling of
+curiosity not unmixed with pleasure.  It was the only incident that had
+occurred during her captivity.  She recognised the hand-writing of
+Nicaeus, and threw it down with; vexation at her silliness in supposing,
+for a moment, that the matron could have been the emissary of any other
+person.
+
+Yet the letter must be read, and at length she opened it.  It informed
+her that a ship had arrived from Athens at the coast, and that to-
+morrow she must depart for Italy.  It told her also, that the Turks,
+under Mahomed, had invaded Albania; and that the Hungarians, under the
+command of her father, had come to support the Cross.  It said nothing
+of Iskander.  But it reminded her that little more than the same time
+that would carry her to the coast to embark for a foreign land, would,
+were she wise, alike enable Nicaeus to place her in her father's arms,
+and allow him to join in the great struggle for his country and his
+creed.  The letter was written with firmness, but tenderly.  It left,
+however, on the mind of Iduna an impression of the desperate resolution
+of the writer.
+
+Now it so happened, that as this unhappy lady jumped from her couch,
+and paced the room in the perturbation of her mind, the wind of her
+drapery extinguished her lamp.  As her attendant, or visitor, had paid
+her last visit for the day, there seemed little chance of its being
+again illumined.  The miserable are always more unhappy in the dark.
+Light is the greatest of comforters.  And so this little misfortune
+seemed to the forlorn Iduna almost overwhelming.  And as she attempted
+to look around, and wrung her hands in very woe, her attention was
+attracted by a brilliant streak of light upon the wall, which greatly
+surprised her.  She groped her way in its direction, and slowly
+stretching forth her hand, observed that it made its way through a
+chink in the frame of one of the great mirrors which were inlaid in the
+wall.  And as she pressed the frame, she felt to her surprise that it
+sprang forward.  Had she not been very cautious the advancing mirror
+would have struck her with great force, but she had presence of mind to
+withdraw her hand very gradually, repressing the swiftness of the
+spring.  The aperture occasioned by the opening of the mirror consisted
+of a recess, formed by a closed-up window.  An old wooden shutter, or
+blind, in so ruinous a state, that the light freely made its way, was
+the only barrier against the elements.  Iduna, seizing the handle which
+remained, at once drew it open with little difficulty.
+
+The captive gazed with gladdened feelings upon the free and beautiful
+scene.  Beneath her rose the rich and aromatic shrubs tinged with the
+soft and silver light of eve: before her extended wide and fertile
+champaign, skirted by the dark and undulating mountains: in the clear
+sky, glittering and sharp, sparkled the first crescent of the new moon,
+an auspicious omen to the Moslemin invaders.
+
+Iduna gazed with, joy upon the landscape, and then hastily descending
+from the recess, she placed her hands to her eyes, so long unaccustomed
+to the light.  Perhaps, too, she indulged in momentary meditation.  For
+suddenly seizing a number of shawls; which were lying on one of the
+couches, she knotted them together, and then striving with all her
+force, she placed the heaviest, coach on one end of the costly cord,
+and then throwing the other out of the window, and entrusting herself
+to the merciful care of the holy Virgin, the brave daughter of
+Hunniades successfully dropped down into the garden below.
+
+She stopped to breathe, and to revel in her emancipated existence.  It
+was a bold enterprise gallantly achieved.  But the danger had now only
+commenced.  She found that she had alighted at the back of the castle.
+She stole along upon tip-toe, timid as a fawn.  She remembered a small
+wicket-gate that led into the open country.  She arrived at the gate.
+It was of course guarded.  The single sentinel was kneeling before an
+image of St. George, beside him was an empty drinking-cup and an
+exhausted wineskin.
+
+"Holy Saint!" exclaimed the pious sentinel, "preserve us from all
+Turkish infidels!"  Iduna stole behind him.  "Shall men who drink no
+wine conquer true Christians!" continued the sentinel.  Iduna placed
+her hand upon the lock.  "We thank thee for our good vintage," said the
+sentinel.  Iduna opened the gate with the noiseless touch which a
+feminine finger can alone command.  "And for the rise of the Lord
+Iskander!" added the sentinel.  Iduna escaped!
+
+Now she indeed was free.  Swiftly she ran over the wide plain.  She
+hoped to reach some town or village before her escape could be
+discovered, and she hurried on for three hours without resting.  She
+came to a beautiful grove of olive-trees that spread in extensive
+ramifications about the plain.  And through this beautiful grove of
+olive-trees her path seemed to lead.  So she entered and advanced.  And
+when she had journeyed for about a mile, she came to an open and very
+verdant piece of ground, which was, as it were, the heart of the grove.
+In its centre rose a fair and antique structure of white marble,
+shrouding from the noon-day sun the perennial flow of a very famous
+fountain.  It was near midnight.  Iduna was wearied, and she sat down
+upon the steps of the fountain for rest.  And while she was musing over
+all the strange adventures of her life, she heard a rustling in the
+wood, and being alarmed, she rose and hid herself behind a tree.
+
+And while she stood there, with palpitating heart, the figure of a man
+advanced to the fountain from an opposite direction of the grove.  He
+went up the steps, and looked down upon the spring as if he were about
+to drink, but instead of doing that, he drew his scimitar, and plunged
+it into the water, and called out with a loud voice the name of
+"Iskander!" three times.  Whereupon Iduna, actuated by an irresistible
+impulse, came forward from her hiding-place, but instantly gave a loud
+shriek when she beheld the Prince Mahomed!
+
+"Oh! night of glory!" exclaimed the prince, advancing.  "Do I indeed
+behold the fair Iduna!  This is truly magic!"
+
+"Away! away!" exclaimed the distracted Iduna, as she endeavoured to fly
+from him.
+
+"He has kept his word, that cunning leech, better than I expected,"
+said Mahomed, seizing her.
+
+"As well as you deserve, ravisher!" exclaimed a majestic voice.  A tall
+figure rushed forward from the wood, and dashed back the Turk.
+
+"I am here to complete my contract, Prince Mahomed," said the stranger,
+drawing his sword.
+
+"Iskander!" exclaimed the prince.
+
+"We have met before, prince.  Let us so act now that we may meet for
+the last time."
+
+"Infamous, infernal traitor," exclaimed Mahomed, "dost thou, indeed,
+imagine that I will sully my imperial blade with the blood of my run-
+away slave!  No I came here to secure thy punishment, but I cannot
+condescend to become thy punisher.  Advance, guards, and seize him!
+Seize them both!"
+
+Iduna flew to Iskander, who caught her in one arm, while he waved his
+scimitar with the other.  The guards of Mahomed poured forth from the
+side of the grove whence the prince had issued.
+
+"And dost thou indeed think, Mahomed," said Iskander, "that I have been
+educated in the Seraglio to be duped by Moslemin craft.  I offer thee
+single combat if thou desirest it, but combat as we may, the struggle
+shall be equal."  He whistled, and instantly a body of Hungarians,
+headed by Hunniades himself, advanced from the side of the grove whence
+Iskander had issued.
+
+"Come on, then," said Mahomed; "each to his man."  Their swords
+clashed, but the principal attendants of the son of Amurath deeming the
+affair under the present circumstances assumed the character of a mere
+rash adventure, bore away the Turkish prince.
+
+"To-morrow then, this fray shall be decided on the plains of Kallista,"
+said Mahomed.
+
+"Epirus is prepared," replied Iskander.
+
+The Turks withdrew.  Iskander bore the senseless form of Iduna to her
+father.  Hunniades embraced his long-lost child.  They sprinkled her
+face with water from the fountain.  She revived.
+
+"Where is Nicaeus?" inquired Iskander; "and how came you again, dear
+lady, in the power of Mahomed?"
+
+"Alas! noble sir, my twice deliverer," answered Iduna, "I have, indeed,
+again been doomed to captivity, but my persecutor, I blush to say, was
+this time a Christian prince."
+
+"Holy Virgin!" exclaimed Iskander.  "Who can this villain be?"
+
+"The villain, Lord Iskander, is your friend; and your pupil, dear
+father."
+
+"Nicaeus of Athens!" exclaimed Hunniades.
+
+Iskander was silent and melancholy.
+
+Thereupon the Lady Iduna recounted to her father and Iskander, sitting
+between them on the margin of the fount, all that had occurred to her,
+since herself and Nicaeus parted with Iskander; nor did she omit to
+relate to Hunniades all the devotion of Iskander, respecting which,
+like a truly brave man, he had himself been silent.  The great
+Hunniades scarcely knew which rather to do, to lavish his affection on
+his beloved child, or his gratitude upon Iskander.  Thus they went on
+conversing for some time, Iskander placing his own cloak around Iduna,
+and almost unconsciously winding his arm around her unresisting form.
+
+Just as they were preparing to return to the Christian camp, a great
+noise was heard in the grove, and presently, in the direction whence
+Iduna had arrived, there came a band of men bearing torches and
+examining the grove in all directions in great agitation.  Iskander and
+Hunniades stood upon their guard, but soon perceived they were Greeks.
+Their leader, seeing a group near the fountain, advanced to make
+inquiries respecting the object of his search, but when he indeed
+recognised the persons who formed the group, the torch fell from his
+grasp, and he turned away his head and hid his face in his hands.
+
+Iduna clung to her father; Iskander stood with his eyes fixed upon the
+ground, but Hunniades, stern and terrible, disembarrassing himself of
+the grasp of his daughter, advanced and laid his hand upon the
+stranger.
+
+"Young man," said the noble father, "were it contrition instead of
+shame that inspired this attitude, it might be better.  I have often
+warned you of the fatal consequences of a reckless indulgence of the
+passions. More than once I have predicted to you, that however great
+might be your confidence in your ingenuity and your resources, the hour
+would arrive when such a career would place you in a position as
+despicable as it was shameful.  That hour has arrived, and that
+position is now filled by the Prince of Athens.  You stand before the
+three individuals in this world whom you have most injured, and whom
+you were most bound to love and to protect.  Here is a friend, who
+hazarded his prosperity and his existence for your life and your
+happiness.  And you have made him a mere pander to your lusts, and then
+deserted him in his greatest necessities.  This maiden was the
+companion of your youth, and entitled to your kindest offices.  You
+have treated her infinitely worse than her Turkish captor.  And for
+myself, sir, your father was my dearest friend.  I endeavoured to repay
+his friendship by supplying his place to his orphan child.  How I
+discharged my duty, it becomes not me to say: how you have discharged
+yours, this lady here, my daughter, your late prisoner, sir, can best
+prove."
+
+"Oh! spare me, spare me, sir," said the Prince of Athens, turning and
+falling upon his knee.  "I am most wretched.  Every word cuts to my
+very core.  Just Providence has baffled all my arts, and I am grateful.
+Whether this lady can, indeed, forgive me, I hardly dare to think, or
+even hope.  And yet forgiveness is a heavenly boon.  Perhaps the memory
+of old days may melt her.  As for yourself, sir -- but I'll not speak,
+I cannot.  Noble Iskander, if I mistake not, you may whisper words in
+that fair ear, less grating than my own.  May you be happy!  I will not
+profane your prospects with my vows.  And yet I'll say farewell!"
+
+The Prince of Athens turned away with an air of complete wretchedness,
+and slowly withdrew.  Iskander followed him.
+
+"Nicaeus," said Iskander; but the prince entered the grove, and did not
+turn round.
+
+"Dear Nicaeus," said Iskander.  The prince hesitated.
+
+"Let us not part thus," said Iskander.  "Iduna is most unhappy.  She
+bade me tell you she had forgotten all."
+
+"God bless her, and God bless you, too!" replied Nicaeus.  "I pray you
+let me go."
+
+"Nay! dear Nicaeus, are we not friends?"
+
+"The best and truest, Iskander.  I will to the camp, and meet you in
+your tent ere morning break.  At present, I would be alone."
+
+"Dear Nicaeus, one word.  You have said upon one point, what I could
+well wish unsaid, and dared to prophesy what may never happen.  I am
+not made for such supreme felicity.  Epirus is my mistress, my Nicaeus.
+As there is a living God, my friend, most solemnly I vow, I have had no
+thoughts in this affair, but for your honour."
+
+"I know it, my dear friend, I know it," replied Nicaeus.  "I keenly feel
+your admirable worth.  Say no more, say no more!  She is a fit wife for
+a hero, and you are one!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 20
+
+
+After the battle of the bridge, Iskander had hurried to Croia without
+delay.  In his progress, he had made many fruitless inquiries after
+Iduna and Nicaeus, but he consoled himself for the unsatisfactory
+answers he received by the opinion that they had taken a different
+course, and the conviction that all must now be safe.  The messenger
+from Croia that informed Hunniades of the escape of his daughter, also
+solicited his aid in favour of Epirus against the impending invasion of
+the Turks, and stimulated by personal gratitude as well as by public
+duty, Hunniades answered the solicitation in person at the head of
+twenty thousand lances.
+
+Hunniades and Iskander had mutually flattered themselves, when apart,
+that each would be able to quell the anxiety of the other on the
+subject of Iduna.  The leader of Epirus flattered himself that his late
+companions had proceeded at once to Transylvania, and the Vaivode
+himself had indulged in the delightful hope that the first person he
+should embrace at Croia would be his long-lost child.  When, therefore,
+they met, and were mutually incapable of imparting any information on
+the subject to each other, they were filled with astonishment and
+disquietude.  Events, however, gave them little opportunity to indulge
+in anxiety or grief.  On the day that Hunniades and his lances arrived
+at Croia, the invading army of the Turks under the Prince Mahomed
+crossed the mountains, and soon after pitched their camp on the fertile
+plain of Kallista.
+
+As Iskander, by the aid of Hunniades and the neighbouring princes, and
+the patriotic exertions of his countrymen, was at this moment at the
+head of a force which the Turkish prince could not have anticipated, he
+resolved to march at once to meet the Ottomans, and decide the fate of
+Greece by a pitched battle.
+
+The night before the arrival of Iduna at the famous fountain, the
+Christian army had taken up its position within a few miles of the
+Turks.  The turbaned warriors wished to delay the engagement until the
+new moon, the eve of which was at hand.  And it happened on that said
+eve that Iskander calling to mind his contract with the Turkish prince
+made in the gardens of the Seraglio at Adrianople, and believing from
+the superstitious character of Mahomed that he would not fail to be at
+the appointed spot, resolved, as we have seen, to repair to the
+fountain of Kallista.
+
+And now from that fountain the hero retired, bearing with him a prize
+scarcely less precious than the freedom of his country, for which he
+was to combat on the morrow's morn.
+
+Ere the dawn had broken, the Christian power was in motion.  Iskander
+commanded the centre, Hunniades the right wing.  The left was entrusted
+at his urgent request to the Prince of Athens.  A mist that hung about
+the plain allowed Nicaeus to charge the right wing of the Turks almost
+unperceived.  He charged with irresistible fury, and soon disordered
+the ranks of the Moslemin.  Mahomed with the reserve hastened to their
+aid.  A mighty multitude of Janissaries, shouting the name of Allah and
+his Prophet, penetrated the Christian centre.  Hunniades endeavoured to
+attack them on their flank, but was himself charged by the Turkish
+cavalry.  The battle was now general, and raged with terrible fury.
+Iskander had secreted in his centre, a new and powerful battery of
+cannon, presented to him by the Pope, and which had just arrived from
+Venice.  This battery played upon the Janissaries with great
+destruction.  He himself mowed them down with his irresistible
+scimitar.  Infinite was the slaughter! awful the uproar!  But of all
+the Christian knights this day, no one performed such mighty feats of
+arms as the Prince of Athens.  With a reckless desperation he dashed
+about the field, and everything seemed to yield to his inspired
+impulse.  His example animated his men with such a degree of
+enthusiasm, that the division to which he was opposed, although
+encouraged by the presence of Mahomed himself, could no longer
+withstand the desperate courage of the Christians, and fled in all
+directions.  Then, rushing to the aid of Iskander, Nicaeus, at the head
+of a body of picked men, dashed upon the rear of the Janissaries, and
+nearly surrounded them.  Hunniades instantly made a fresh charge upon
+the left wing of the Turks.  A panic fell upon the Moslemin, who were
+little prepared for such a demonstration of strength on the part of
+their adversaries.  In a few minutes, their order seemed generally
+broken, and their leaders in vain endeavoured to rally them.  Waving
+his bloody scimitar, and bounding on his black charger, Iskander called
+upon his men to secure the triumph of the Cross and the freedom of
+Epirus.  Pursuit was now general.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 21
+
+
+The Turks were massacred by thousands.  Mahomed, when he found that all
+was lost, fled to the mountains, with a train of guards and eunuchs,
+and left the care of his dispersed host to his Pachas.  The hills were
+covered with the fugitives and their pursuers.  Some fled also to the
+seashore, where the Turkish fleet was at anchor.  The plain was strewn
+with corpses and arms, and tents and standards.  The sun was now high
+in the heavens.  The mist had cleared away; but occasional clouds of
+smoke still sailed about.
+
+A solitary Christian knight entered a winding pass in the green hills,
+apart from the scene of strife.  The slow and trembling step of his
+wearied steed would have ill qualified him to join in the triumphant
+pursuit, even had he himself been physically enabled; but the Christian
+knight was covered with gore, unhappily not alone that of his enemies.
+He was, indeed, streaming, with desperate wounds, and scarcely could
+his fainting form retain its tottering seat.
+
+The winding pass, which for some singular reason he now pursued in
+solitude, instead of returning to the busy camp for aid and assistance,
+conducted the knight to a small green valley, covered with sweet herbs,
+and entirely surrounded by hanging woods.  In the centre rose the ruins
+of a Doric fane: three or four columns, grey and majestic.  All was
+still and silent, save that in the clear blue sky an eagle flew, high
+in the air, but whirling round the temple.
+
+The knight reached the ruins of the Doric fane, and with difficulty
+dismounting from his charger, fell upon the soft and flowery turf, and
+for some moments was motionless.  His horse stole a few yards away, and
+though scarcely less injured than its rider, instantly commenced
+cropping the inviting pasture.
+
+At length the Christian knight slowly raised his head, and leaning on
+his arm, sighed deeply.  His face was very pale; but as he looked up,
+and perceived the eagle in the heaven, a smile played upon his pallid
+cheek, and his beautiful eye gleamed with a sudden flash of light.
+
+"Glorious bird!" murmured the Christian warrior, "once I deemed that my
+career might resemble thine!  'Tis over now and Greece, for which I
+would have done so much, will soon forget my immemorial name.  I have
+stolen here to die in silence and in beauty.  This blue air, and these
+green woods, and these lone columns, which oft to me have been a
+consolation, breathing of the poetic past, and of the days wherein I
+fain had lived, I have escaped from the fell field of carnage to die
+among them.  Farewell my country!  Farewell to one more beautiful than
+Greece, farewell, Iduna!"
+
+These were the last words of Nicaeus, Prince of Athens.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 22
+
+
+While the unhappy lover of the daughter of Hunniades breathed his last
+words to the solitary elements, his more fortunate friend received, in
+the centre of his scene of triumph, the glorious congratulations of his
+emancipated country.  The discomfiture of the Turks was complete, and
+this overthrow, coupled with their recent defeat in Bulgaria, secured
+Christendom from their assaults during the remainder of the reign of
+Amurath the Second.  Surrounded by his princely allies, and the
+chieftains of Epirus, the victorious standards of Christendom, and the
+triumphant trophies of the Moslemin, Iskander received from the great
+Hunniades the hand of his beautiful daughter.  "Thanks to these brave
+warriors," said the hero, "I can now offer to your daughter a safe, an
+honourable, and a Christian home."
+
+"It is to thee, great sir, that Epirus owes its security," said an
+ancient chieftain, addressing Iskander, "its national existence, and
+its holy religion.  All that we have to do now is to preserve them; nor
+indeed do I see that we can more effectually obtain these great objects
+than by entreating thee to mount the redeemed throne of thy ancestors.
+Therefore I say GOD SAVE ISKANDER, KING OF EPIRUS!"
+
+And all the people shouted and said, "GOD SAVE THE KING!  GOD SAVE
+ISKANDER, KING OF EPIRUS!"
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE RISE OF ISKANDER ***
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