nd, 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