'I heard this morn, quite well. She sends you her love and prayers. The
Queen is here?'

'She came this eve. Quite well.'

'She must excuse all courtesy.'

'Say nothing. She is a soldier's wife. She loves thee well, dear Abner.'

'I know that. I hope my sword may guard her children's throne.'

'Well, give thy orders. Instant battle, eh?'

'Indeed I think so.'

'I'll send couriers to hurry Scherirah. All looks well. Reserve the
guard.'

'Ay, ay! Farewell, dear Sire. When we meet again, I trust your enemies
may be your slaves!'

At the first streak of dawn the Hebrew cavalry, with the exception
of the Guard, charged the advancing columns of the Karasmians with
irresistible force, and cut them in pieces. Alp Arslan rallied his
troops, and at length succeeded in forming his main body in good order.
Alroy and Asriel led on their divisions, and the battle now became
general. It raged for several hours, and was on both sides well
maintained. The slaughter of the Karasmians was great, but their stern
character and superior numbers counterbalanced for a time all the
impetuosity of the Hebrews and all the energy of their leaders. This
day Alroy threw into the shade all his former exploits. Twelve times he
charged at the head of the Sacred Guard, and more than once penetrated
to the very pavilion of Alp Arslan.

In vain he endeavoured singly, and hand to hand, to meet that famous
chieftain. Both monarchs fought in the ranks, and yet Fate decided
that their scimitars should never cross. Four hours before noon, it was
evident to Alroy, that, unless Scherirah arrived, he could not prevail
against the vast superiority of numbers. He was obliged early to call
his reserve into the field, and although the number of the slain on
the side of Arslan exceeded any in the former victories of the Hebrews,
still the Karasmians maintained an immense front, which was constantly
supplied by fresh troops. Confident in his numbers, and aware of the
weakness of his antagonists, Arslan contented himself with acting on the
defensive, and wearying his assailants by resisting their terrible and
repeated charge.

For a moment, Alroy at the head of the Sacred Guard had withdrawn from
the combat. Abner and Asriel still maintained the fight, and the Caliph
was at the same time preparing for new efforts, and watching with
anxiety for the arrival of Scherirah. In the fifth hour, from an
eminence he marked with exultation the advancing banners