II.

had fallen over her face, uttered proudly when in her presence, every flash of but mournfully..." I will conquer them!" her eye tends to bind more firmly the chain woven around my heart. This unIt was night: The wind howled certainty I cannot and will not bear. I mournfully amid the tall trees that waved will soon know my destiny, and if I am above the churchyard and made melan- accepted. I shall be happy; but if not I choly music to the numbers sleeping be- will bear it like a man.' neath. There, in that lonely place, at the Thus he soliloquized. Poor fellow! he still hour of midnight, walked Horace little thought that then, at that very hour, Manly. He was a lover of the works of Edith Tunnacliff, the subject of his medi God, and was accustomed to converse tations, sat in her chamber, bemoaning with death. He was an indigent student her like painful situation. but of promising talents and a noble exalted mind. He was a poet, withal, and It was a bright, beautiful summer evenwas out at this time to drink in inspira- ing. Another gay party was assembled, tion from the things around him. But his and Edith Tunnacliff was in its midst. heart was not at rest. There was some- Not that she delighted in such scenes-she thing that oppressed him, and he seemed sought relief for her sorrows. Manly gloomy. One would have supposed that soon entered and took his accustomed he was anticipating a suicidal fate. But station, and put on his wonted look for he it was not so. He was revolving in his perceived that she was there. Edith's mind a subject that had been for a long manner was changed, but the gaiety and time his meditation by day, and that had light-heartedness in which she appeared, haunted his dreams by night. He was was forced. It was a flimsy mask, too thinking of-Love, and, as poets and lov- frail to conceal the misery within: She ers are apt to do, he thought audibly. could not help noticing that the eye of "It is so-I am entangled. The mesh Manly was continually upon her, and it is too strong to be broken. I am (to use was to her as the fascination of a serpent. a vulgar expression,) in love! And with But she had gone too far to return, and whom? Not with you, Coroline Tracy-she found that it was easier to resolve nor you, Amelia Tallmadge-ye para- than to perform. Her gaiety was vansites, ye butterflies of fashion. Nor with ished, and she moved silently to a seat in you, Harriet Townsend, although you de- a distant part of the room. sire it so much. Ye will not do for me. The evening was fine and a ramble Who is it then, that sways such a sceptre was proposed. All assented, and in the over my heart!" And a slight whisper bustle of equipment, Edith, in her retired trembling upon his lips, breathed the name station was for a moment forgotten. That -"Edith !" moment sealed her fate. Manly sprang "And why shall I longer think of her? from his seat, and gallantly led her amid She is rich, and has many suitors richer the retiring company. In the garden and nobler than myself, but they cannot they separated, each pair taking a differ bring to her the heart that I can. I am ent route. That of our friends led to a foolish-I am deceiving myself. Our beautiful arbor in one corner of the ground stations in life are so widely separated, which seemed fitted to witness the ber and our fortunes are so dissimilar, that I trothal of a youthful pair. cannot hope. And she seems to be dis- "Miss Tunnacliff," said Manly, "you pleased by my presence. Whenever I have never dreamed that I could love.. enter the room, she puts on an air of You have thought me cold and selfish, haughtiness and pride, that totally con- but I am not so. May I hope? founds me. And yet, I continue to love. A faint whisper trembled on Edith's I have watched her every action; have lips, accompanied by a smile-the whis caught every sound breathed from her per was inaudible, but the smile spoke lips, and my best lines have been written volumes-and there, in that lovely ar after gazing upon her beauty. And I bor at that calm and impressive hour, have no hope. Yet I feel every day that fair Edith Tunnacliff my heart is drawn on towards her, and

"Was wooed and won."

J. L. C.

CHAPTER I.

THE ENCHANTER AND THE WARRIOR.

It was the summer of the year and the armies of Ferdinand and invested the city of Grenada.

scen passing through the streets alone, and apparently unobservant of all around him. Yet this indifference was by no 1491, means shared by the straggling crowds Isabel through which, from time to time, he musingly swept.

"God is great!" said one man; "it is The night was not far advanced; and the moon which broke throngh the trans- the enchanter Almamem."

parent air of Andalusia, shone calmly "He hath locked up the manhood of over the immense and murmuring en- Boabdil el Chico with the key of his campment of the Spanish foe, and touch- spells," quoth another, stroking his beard. ed with a hazy light the snow-capped," I would curse him if I dared." summits of the Sierre Nevada, contrast- "But they say that he hath promised ing the verdure and Inxuriance which no that when man fails, the genii will fight devestation of man could utterly sweep for Grenada," observed a fourth, doubtfrom the beautiful vale below. ingly.

In the streets of the Moorish city many "Allah Akbar! what is, is! what shall a group still lingered. Some, as if un-be, shall be !" said a fifth, with all the conscious of the beleaguering war with- solemn sagacity of a prophet.

out, were listening in quiet indolence to Whatever their feelings, whether of the strings of the Moorish lute or the lively awe or execration, terror or hope, each tale of some Arabian improvisitore; others group gave way as Almamen passed, and were conversing with such eager aud an- hushed the murmurs not intended for his imated gestures as no ordinary excitement car. Passing through the Zacatin (the could wring from the stately calm habit- street which traversed the great Bazaar), ual to every oriental people. But the the (so styled) enchanter ascended a more public places, in which gathered narrow and winding street, and arrived these different groups, only the more in- at last before the walls that encircled the pressively heightened the desolate and palace and fortress of the Alhambra. Solemn repose that brooded over the rest The sentry at the gate saluted and adof the city. Imitted him in silence; and in a few At this time a man, with downcast eyes moments his form was lost in the solitude and arms folded within the sweeping of groves, amid which, at frequent opengown which descended to his feet, was ings, the spray of Arabian fountains glit

VOL. III-14-1

tered in the moonlight, while above rose how many revolutions, which have sha the castled heights of the Alhambra, and ken earth to its centre, those orbs have on the right those Vermillion Towers, witnessed, unsympathising and unchan whose origin veils-itself in the farthest ged,"

ages of Phoenican enterprise.

"Unsympathising!" repeated the Moor; Almamen paused and surveyed the "yet thou believest in their effect upon scene. "Was Aden more lovely?" he the earth?"

muttered; and shall so fair a spot be "You wrong me," answered Almamen trodden by the victor Nazarene? what with a slight smile; "you confound your matters creed chases creed-race, race servant with that vain race, the astrolo-until time comes back to its starting gers."

place, and beholds the reign restored to "I deemed astrology a part of the scithe eldest faith and the eldest tribe. The ence of the two angels, Harut and Mahorn of our strength shall be exalted."

rut."

66

At these thoughts the seer relapsed into Possibly; but I know not that science silence, and gazed long and intently upon though I have wandered at midnigt by the stars, as, more numerous and bril- the ancient Babel.” liant with every step of the advancing

"Fame lies to us then," answered the night, their rays broke on the playful wa- Moor, with some surprise.

66

ters, and tinged with silver the various Fame never made pretence to truth," and breathless foliage. So earnest was said Almamen, calmly, and proceeding his gaze and so absorbed his thoughts that on his way; "Allah be with you prince! he did not perceive the appreach of a I seek the king."

Moor, whose glittering weapons, and "Stay! I have just left his presence, snow-white turban rich with emeralds, and left him, I trust, with thoughts worthy cast a gleam through the wood. of the sovereign of Grenada, which I

The new comer was above the com- would not have a stranger, and a man mon size of his race, generally small and whose arms are not spear or shield, break spare, but without attaining the lofty in upon and disturb."

stature and large proportions of the more "Noble Muza," returned Almamen, redoubted of the warriors of Spain. But" Fear not that my voice will weaken the in his presence and mien there was some-inspirations which thine hath breathed thing which, in the haughtiest conclave into the breast of Boabdil. Alas! if my of Christian chivalry, would have seemed counsel were heeded, thou wouldst hear to tower and command. He walked the warriors of Grenada talk less of Muwith a step at once light and stately, as za and more of the king. But fate of if it spurned the earth; and in the car Allah hath placed upon the throne of a riage of the small erect head and staglike tottering dynasty one who, though brave, throat there was that indefinable and im-is weak; though wise, a dreamer; and posing dignity which accords so well you suspect the adviser when you find the with our conception of a heroic lineage, influence of nature on the advised. Is and a noble though imperious spirit. The this just ?"

stranger approached Almamen, and paus- Muza gazed long and sternly on the ed abruptly when within a few steps of face of Almamen; then, putting his hand the enchanter. He gazed upon him in gently on the enchanters shoulder, he silence for some moments; and when at said

length he spoke, it was with a cold and "Stranger, if thou playest us false,

sarcastic tone.

think that this arm hath cloven the casque "Pretender to the dark secrets," said of many a foe, and will not spare the he," is it in the stars that thou art read- turban of a traitor!" ing those destinies of men and nations which the prophet wrought by the chieftain's brain and the soldier's arm?"

The science of magic. It was taught by the "Prince," replied Almamen, turning angels named in the text, for which offence they slowly, and recognising the intruder on There they may yet be consulted, though they are are still supposed to be confined in the ancient B: bel his meditations, "I was but considering rarely seen.-Yallai'odin Yahya.-Sale's Koran

And think thou, proud prince!" return-mits, dimly distinguished from the clouded Almamen, unquailing, "that I answer less and far horizon. alone to Allah for my motives, and that No one could have gazed without a against man my deeds I can defend !" vague emotion of interest, mixed with With these words the enchanter drew melancholy, upon the countenance of his long robe around him, and disappear- the inmate of that luxurious chamber. ed amid the foliage.

CHAPTER II.

THE KING WITHIN HIS PALACE.

There was in it much of that ineffable presentiment of doom and disaster which we think to recognise on the features of our own Charles the First.

Its beauty was singularly stamped with a grave and stately sadness, which was made still more impressive by its air of youth and the unwonted fairness In one of those apartments, the luxury of the complexion: unlike the attributes of which is known only to the inhabitants of the Moorish race, the hair and curling of a genial climate (half chamber and half beard were of a deep golden colour, and grotto), reclined a young Moor in a on the broad forehead and in the large thoughtful and musing attitude. eyes was that settled and contemplative. The ceiling of cedar-wood, glowing mildness which rarely softens the swart with gold and azure, was supported by lineaments of the fiery children of the sun. slender shafts of the whitest alabaster, be- Such was the ersonal appearance of tween which were open arcades, light and Boabdil el Chice, the last of the Moorish graceful as the arched vineyards of Italy, dynasty in Spain.

and wrought in that delicate filigree-work "These scrolls of Arabian learning," common to the Arabian architecture; said Boabdil to himself, "what do they through these arcades was seen at inter- teach? to despise wealth and power; to vals the lapsing fall of waters, lighted by hold the heart to be the true empire. This alabaster lamps; and their tinkling music then, is wisdom. Yet, if I follow these sounded with a fresh and regular mur-maxims, am I wise? Alas! the whole mur upon the ear. The whole of one world would call me a driveller and a side of this apartment was open to a broad madman. Thus is it ever: the wisdom and extensive balcony, which overhung of the intellect fills us with precepts which the banks of the winding and moonlighted it is the wisdom of action to despise. Oh, Darro; and in the clearness of the soft Holy Prophet! what fools men would be night might be distinctly seen the undela- if their knavery did not eclipse their folly!" ting hills, the woods, and orange groves, The young king listlessly threw himself which still form the unrivalled landscapes back on his cushions as he uttered these of Grenada. words, too philosophical for a king whose

The pavement was spread with otto- crown sat so loosely on his brow. mans and couches of the richest azure, After a few moments of thought, prodigally enriched with quaint designs that then appeared to dissatisfy and in broideries of gold and silver; and over disquiet him, Boabdil again turned impathat on which the Moor reclined, facing tiently round. "My soul wants the bath the open balcony, were suspended. on a of music," said he; "these journeys into pillar, the round shield, the light javelin, a pathless realm have wearied it, and the and the curving scimetar of Moorish streams of sound supple and relax the warfare. So studded were these arms travailed pilgrim."

with jewels of rare cost, that they might He clapped his hands, and from one of alone have sufficed to indicate the rank the arcades a boy, hitherto invisible, startof the evident owner, even if his own ed into sight; at a slight and scarce pergorgeous vestments had not betrayed it. ceptible sign from the king the boy again. An open manuscript on a silver table lay vanished, and, in a few moments afterunread before the Moor; as, leaning his ward, glancing through the fairy pillars face upon his hand, he looked with ab- and by the glittering waterfalls, came stracted eyes along the mountain sum-the small and twinkling feet of the maids

of Araby. As, with their transparent might have seemed scarce on the borders tunics, and white arms, they gleamed. of middle age; but, on a more careful without an echo, through that cool and examination, the deep lines and wrinkles voluptuous chamber, they might well marked on the forehead and round the eyes have seemed the Peris of the castern betrayed a more advanced period of life. magic; summoned to beguile the sated With arms folded on his breast he stood leisure of a youthful Solomon. With by the side of the king, waiting in silence them came a maiden of more exquisite the moment when his presence should be beauty, though smaller stature, than the perceived.

rest, bearing the light Moorish lute: and He did not wait long: the eyes and a faint and languid smile broke over the gesture of the girl nestled at the feet of beautiful face of Boabdil as his eyes rest-Boabdil drew the king's attention to the ed upon her graceful form and the dark spot where the stranger stood: his eye yet glowing lustie of her oriental counte-brightened when it fell upon him. nance. She alone approached the king, Almamen," cried Boabdil, eagerly, timidly kissed his hand, and then joining" you are welcome." As he spoke he her comrades, commenced a song, to the motioned to the dancing girls to withair and very words of which the feet of draw.

the dancing-girls kept time, while with the "May I not rest? Oh, core of my chorus rang the silver bells of the mu- heart, thy bird is in its home," murmured sical instrument which each of the dan- the songstress at the king's feet. cers carried.

"Sweet Amine," answered Boabdil, The music ceased; the dancers re-tenderly smoothing down her ringlets, as mained motionless in their graceful pos- he bent to kiss her brow," you should tures, as if arrested into statues of alabas- witness only my hours of delight. Toil ter; and the young songstress cast her- and business have naught with thee; I self on a cushion at the feet of the mon-will join thee ere yet the nightingale arch and looked up fondly, but silently, hymns his last music to the moon." into his yet melancholy eyes, when a man Amine sighed, rose, and vanished with whose entrance had not been noticed, her companions. was seen to stand within the chamber

"My friend," said the king, when alone He was about the middle stature; lean, with Almamen, "your counsels often muscular, and strongly, though sparely sooth me into quiet, yet in such hours quiet built. A plain black robe, something in is a crime. But what do? how struggle? the fashion of the Armenian gown, hung how act! Alas! at the hour of his birth long and loosely over a tunic of bright rightly did they affix to the name of scarlet, girded by a broad belt, from the Boabdil the epithet of El Zogoybi* Miscentre of which was suspended a small fortune set upon my brow her dark and golden key, while at the left side appear-fated stamp ere yet my lips could shape ed the jewelled hilt of a crooked dagger. a prayer against her power. My fierce His features were cast in a larger and father, whose frown was as the frown of grander mould than was common among Azarel, hated me in my cradle; in my the Moors of Spain: the forehead was youth my name was invoked by rebels broad, massive, and singularly high, and against my will: imprisoned by my father, the dark eyes of unusual size and bril-with the poison-bowl or the dagger hourliancy; his beard, short, black, and glossy, ly before my eyes, I was saved only by curled upward, and concealed all the the artifice of my mother. When age and lower part of the face save a firm, com- infirmity broke the iron sceptre of the pressed and resolute expression in the lips, king, my claims to the throne were set which were large and full; the nose was aside, and my uncle, El Zagal, usurped high, aquiline, and well shaped; and the my birthright. Amid open war and sc whole character of the head (which was cret treason I wrestled for my crown; for symmetry, on too large and gigantic and now, the sole sovereign of Grenada, a scale as proportioned to the form) was when, as I fondly imagined, my uncle had indicative of extraordinary energy and

power. At the first glance the stranger

* The Unlucky,