lence is
sweeter than others' speech. Yield, yield thee, dear Schirene, yield to
thy suppliant! Thy faith, thy father's faith, thy native customs, these,
these shall be respected, beauteous lady! Pharaoh's daughter yielded her
dusky beauty to my great ancestor. Thy face is like the bright inspiring
day! Let it not be said that the daughter of the Nile shared Israel's
crown, the daughter of the Tigris spurned our sceptre. I am not Solomon,
but I am one that, were Schirene the partner of my throne, would
make his glowing annals read like a wearisome and misty tale to our
surpassing lustre!'

He ceased, the princess turned her hitherto hidden countenance, and
bowed it on his heart. 'O Alroy!' she exclaimed, 'I have no creed, no
country, no life, but thee!'

'The king is late to-day.'

'Is it true, Asriel, there is an express from Hamadan?'

'Of no moment, Ithamar. I have private letters from Abner. All is
quiet.'

''Tis much past the hour. When do you depart, Scherirah?'

'The troops are ready. I wait orders. This morning's council will
perchance decide.'

'This morning's council is devoted to the settlement of the civil
affairs of the capital,' remarked Jabaster.

'Indeed!' said Asriel. 'Is your report prepared, Jabaster?'

''Tis here,' replied the high priest. 'The Hebrew legislator requires
but little musing to shape his order. He has a model which time cannot
destroy, nor thought improve.'

Ithamar and Asriel exchanged significant glances. Scherirah looked
solemn. There was a pause, which was broken by Asriel.

''Tis a noble city, this Bagdad. I have not yet visited your quarters,
Jabaster. You are well placed.'

'As it may be. I hope we shall not tarry here long. The great point is
still not achieved.'

'How far is it to the holy city?' enquired Scherirah.

'A month's march,' replied Jabaster.

'And when you get there?' enquired Ithamar.

'You may fight with the Franks,' replied Asriel.

'Jabaster, how large is Jerusalem?' enquired Ithamar. 'Is it true, as
I have sometimes heard, that it is not bigger than the serail here,
gardens and all?'

'Its glory hath departed,' replied the high priest; 'the bricks have
fallen, but we will rebuild with marble; and Zion, that is now without
the Christian walls, shall yet sparkle, as in the olden time, with
palaces and pavilions.'

A flourish of trumpets, the portals flew open, and Alroy entered,
leaning on the arm of the Envoy of Bagdad.

'Valiant lead