lked with
head erect, and proud bearing; the latter could scarcely drag his
wasted, racked, and tottering limbs along, and was compelled to hang
upon the arms of the familiars for support. Nevertheless, there was
something so meek--so patient and so resigned in the expression of the
old and persecuted Israelite's countenance, that Ibrahim Pasha's soul
was touched with a sentiment of pity in his behalf.

"But these are not all the prisoners," exclaimed the grand vizier,
turning angrily toward the duke; "where is the Countess Giulia of
Arestino?"

"My lord, she is no more," answered the prince.

"And Heaven be thanked that she is indeed no more!" cried Manuel
d'Orsini, in a tone of mingled rage and bitterness. "Fortunate is it for
her that death has snatched her away from the grasp of miscreants in
human shape and who call themselves Christians. My lord," he continued,
turning toward Ibrahim, "I know not who you are; but I perceive by your
garb that you are a Moslem, and I presume that your rank is high by the
title addressed to you by the duke----"

"Presume not thus to intrude your observations on his highness the grand
vizier!" exclaimed one of the councilors in a severe tone.

"On the contrary," said Ibrahim Pasha, "let him speak, and without
reserve. My Lord of Orsini, fear not--I will protect you."

"The remark I was about to make, illustrious vizier," cried Manuel, "is
brief, though it may prove not palatable to the patrons of the
inquisition and the supporters of that awful engine of despotism and
cruelty," he added, glancing fiercely at the duke and the assembled
councilors. "I was anxious to observe that the Christian Church has
founded and maintained that abhorrent institution; and that there is
more true mercy--more genuine sympathy--and more of the holy spirit of
forgiveness in the breast of this reviled, despised and persecuted Jew,
than in the bosoms of all the miserable hypocrites who have dared to
sanction the infernal tortures which have been inflicted upon him. For
myself, I would not accept mercy at their hands; and I would rather go
in the companionship of this Jew to the funeral pile, than remain alive
to dwell amongst a race of incarnate fiends, calling themselves
Christians!"

"This insolence is not to be borne," exclaimed the duke, starting from
his seat, his countenance glowing with indignation.

"Your highness and all the councilors now assembled well merit the
reproaches of the Marqui