has Schirene without Alroy? Hast thou not often told me I am thy
inspiration? In the hour of danger shall I be wanting? Never! I will not
quit thee; no, I will not quit thee.'

'Thou art ever present in my thoughts, my soul. In the battle I shall
think of her for whom alone I conquer.'

'Nay, nay, I'll go, indeed I must, Alroy. I'll be no hindrance, trust
me, sweet boy, I will not. I'll have no train, no, not a single maid.
Credit me, I know how a true soldier's wife should bear herself. I'll
watch thee sleeping, and I'll tend thee wounded, and when thou goest
forth to combat I'll gird thy sabre round thy martial side, and whisper
triumph with victorious kisses.'

'My own Schirene, there's victory in thine eyes. We'll beat them, girl.'

'Abidan, doubly false Abidan! would he were doubly hanged! Ere she
died, the fatal prophetess foretold this time, and gloated on his future
treachery.'

'Think not of him.'

'And the Karasmian; think you he is very strong?' 'Enough, love, for our
glory. He is a potent warrior: I trust that Abner will not rob us of our
intended victory.'

'So you triumph, I care not by whose sword. Dost go indeed to-morrow?'

'At break of dawn. I pray thee stay, my sweet!' 'Never! I will not quit
thee. I am quite prepared. At break of dawn? 'Tis near on midnight now.
I'll lay me down upon this couch awhile, and travel in my litter. Art
sure Alp Arslan is himself in the field?'

'Quite sure, my sweet.'

'Confusion on his crown! We'll conquer. Goes Asriel with us?' 'Ay!'

'That's well; at break of dawn. I'm somewhat drowsy. Methinks I'll sleep
awhile.'

'Do, my best heart; I'll to my cabinet, and at break of dawn I'll wake
thee with a kiss.'

The Caliph repaired to his cabinet, where his secretaries were occupied
in writing. As he paced the chamber, he dictated to them the necessary
instructions.

'Who is the officer on guard?'

'Benaiah, Sire.'

'I remember him. He saved me a broken skull upon the Tigris. This is for
him. The Queen accompanies us. She is his charge. These papers for the
Vizir. Let the troops be under arms by daybreak. This order of the
day for the Lord Asriel. Send this instantly to Hamadan. Is the Tatar
despatched to Medad? 'Tis well. You have done your duty. Now to rest.
Pharez?'

'My lord.'

'I shall not sleep to-night. Give me my drink. Go rest, good boy. I have
no wants. Good night.'

'Good night, my gracious lord!'

'Let me ponder! I am alone. I am calm, a