e at the feet of the Barbary hills, with the great range of the Atlas
mountains towering in the distance. In the motley army here assembled were
warriors of every tribe and nation, that had been united by pact or
conquest in the cause of Islem. There were those who had followed Muza
from the fertile regions of Egypt, across the deserts of Barca, and those
who had joined his standard from among the sun-burnt tribes of Mauritania.
There were Saracen and Tartar, Syrian and Copt, and swarthy Moor;
sumptuous warriors from the civilized cities of the east, and the gaunt
and predatory rovers of the desert. The greater part of the army, however,
was composed of Arabs; but differing greatly from the first rude hordes
that enlisted under the banner of Mahomet. Almost a century of continual
wars with the cultivated nations of the east had rendered them
accomplished warriors; and the occasional sojourn in luxurious countries
and populous cities, had acquainted them with the arts and habits of
civilized life. Still the roving, restless, and predatory habits of the
genuine son of Ishmael prevailed, in defiance of every change of clime or
situation.

Count Julian found the Arab conqueror Muza surrounded by somewhat of
oriental state and splendor. He was advanced in life, but of a noble
presence, and concealed his age by tinging his hair and beard with henna.
The count assumed an air of soldier-like frankness and decision when he
came into his presence. 'Hitherto,' said he, 'we have been enemies; but I
come to thee in peace, and it rests with thee to make me the most devoted
of thy friends. I have no longer country or king. Roderick the Goth is an
usurper, and my deadly foe; he has wounded my honor in the tenderest
point, and my country affords me no redress. Aid me in my vengeance, and I
will deliver all Spain into thy hands: a land far exceeding in fertility
and wealth all the vaunted regions thou hast conquered in Tingitania.'

The heart of Muza leaped with joy at these words, for he was a bold and
ambitious conqueror, and having overrun all western Africa, had often cast
a wistful eye to the mountains of Spain, as he beheld them brightening
beyond the waters of the strait. Still he possessed the caution of a
veteran, and feared to engage in an enterprise of such moment, and to
carry his arms into another division of the globe, without the approbation
of his sovereign. Having drawn from Count Julian the particulars of his
plan, and