Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-08-03

TO their Own Palaee.-Salaulh VINO
wa, greatly touched at this. lew instance OF
their generosity, gave them thousand proofs
Of his gratitudc.e The coun, made him, exan'-
inc all The beauties Of this great and rich city
DURING his s,ayin il a tournament took8place,
in which Saladin and his Knights exhibited so
great agility and skill, that they bore off the
prize, and mo doubt was entertained but that
these illustrious strangers were much more
than ;hey choseto represent. themselves. Al
,erSaladin had passed eight days in Bologna,
he again took leave ofthe count and countess,
vowing an eternal friendship for them, who on
their part were much affected by this separa-
lion, and still more SO, as they were unable TO
discover who he was.
From that place Saladin travelled TO Rome,
and passing through the states OF the different
Christian Princes, examining for himself what
he had TO fear from such powerful enemies, re-
turned 10 his own territories in order 10 make
every preparation for war; He waited With
6rmness for the army Of the Crusaders, who
experienced the fatal misrortunes related TO
US in history, having been beaten and almost
entirely DESTROYED by this terrible enemy. The
count of Ben,ivoglio, who was one OF those
engaged in the crusade, was taken prisoner,
aud a, the distribution Of the slaves fell into
u
ladin, by whom, his name and rank being un-
known, he was employed 10 the most servile
Ia Ours. As hunting was the prevailing pas
siq he count, he perceived that his mas
te had become somewhat attached TO
him, mad in his possession many dogs which,
for want of being properly trained after the
manner of the hounds, Of Europe, lost much of
their value.
: lie understood, without communicating his
design, to train six Of them, and was SO sue
cessful that his master, TO whom he present.
ed them, was delighted.-rhe count told him
that on condition Of bis being restored 10 lib
erty, he would undertake TO render his whole
pack as docie and obedient as those six
The Saracen Lord acceded to this proposal,
and the count began his attempt. BY this
means was afforded him of softening the II
sour ofhis captivity, as that occupation which
gave him an exercise resembling the image OF
war-appeared 10 him the noblest for regain
ing his liberty.
He fulfilled his word in short time, having
trained all the dogs, which so much gratifed
the Saracen that he loaded him with presents;
but as TO his liberty he confessed to him that
he was not master of that. The count was
greatly grieved at this information, but calling
his reason to his aid, yielded withou: murmur-
ing 10 his destiny, and waited for Heaven and
time 10 grant him more favourable orpor,u-
nifty. He was not deceived in his hopes: for
tune brought him one superior 10 all his expec-
tations Saladin having heard mention o. the
doga Of his courtier and Of their surprising do
cili,y, ordered him TO make preparations for
taking the diversion of hunting with himself
The KNIGHT obey psl nd o~'r mrs INSTRUCTIONS
TO the count that nothing might be wanting: he
had good reason afterwards 10 rejoice. The
dogs performed wonders, and the sultan en-
chanted, desired 10 know by what means he
had rendered docile SO numerous pack. The
Saracen confessed that christian slave had
taught them in the hope Of regalning his free
dom, and that he himself was struck with as
constituent the first time he witnessed them
hunt Saladin requested of him this slave, and
ordered him to be brought into his presence.-
He came, but what was the establishment Of
the sultan when he recognized the Count OF
Ben,ivoglio, the man whom he mos. esteemed
and aved His affection made him regard his
chains with the ii,elest sorrow. His first i'm
pulse was TO throw himself in his arms; but re-
flcciing upon the consequences Of such an ac-
ton, he restrained his inclination in spite of
the violence which he thereby did 10 himself
The emotion manifested in his counlenance
was perceived by the whole Court, but with
out OWNING the reason, SIuCe ChdhCe nau So
disposed il, that none Of those who had accom-
panied him upon his journey, were presen, at
that time.
Saadin questioned the count in Italian, about
his country, his rank, his age, and The condition
of his family and property He satisfied him
upon all these points, with the exception OF
those relating 10 his name and birth. The Sui
tan smiled at every answer that he made; ard
inally sked him ifhc were willing to undertake
the charge Of his dogs The count trembled al
this proposal, foreseeing that if he became the
slave of the sultan, he would lose all hopes Of
ever recovering his liberty, either BY exchange
or ransom. Saladin, who watched his slight
est movements, perceived his emotion, and de-
string TO reas,ure him. promise you" he said
"that if You are as successful in training my
dogs, az YOU have been with those of my cour
tier, will restore you TO freedom, and this
swear by Mahomet." The count was tran
quilted by this oath, which amongst the Inf
deis is inviolable, and informed the sultan that
he was ready to obey him Saladin appointed
him an apartment in his own palace; but what
was the surprise Of the coun; ~ see himself
conducted TO superb chamber, where, far from