The Iowa patriot. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1839-1839, 1839-07-11

You have loved, most valiant All
[caayde, you may Judge Of the transport
Of my bosom. That very night arrayed
myself in NV most gallant attire, to pay
due honor to my bride; and arming my
sell against any casual attack, issued
forth pEiyately from Cartama. You know
the rest, and by what sad fortune Of war.
1 found myself, instead Of happy bride.
groom, in the nuptial bower Of Coyn,
yanquished, wounded, anu prisoner,
within the walls Of Allora. The term of
absence of the father Of Xarisa is nearly
expired. Within three days he will re-
turn to Coyh, and our meeting will no
longer be possible, Judge, then, whether
may not well be excused for showing
lmpatience under confinement
Don Rodrigo de Naryaez was greatly,
moved by this recital; for, though more
used to rugged war, than scenes Of amor
GUS softness, he was OF kind and gener-
GUS nature. ~ .te.fa Sd
= Abendaraez,' said he, did not seek
thy confidence to crafty an idle curiosi-
| ty. 1t grieyes me much that the good
fortune which delivered thee into my
hands, should have married so fair an
enterprise Give me thy faith, as true
knight, to return prisoner to my castle,
within three days, and will grant thee
permission to accomplish thy nuptials.
The Abencerrage would have thrown
himself at his feet to pour out protesta-
tons Of eternal gratitude, but the Alcayde,
prevented him. Calling in his cavaliers,
he took the Abencerrage by the right
hand, in their presence, exclaiming sol.
EMMY, You promise, on the faith of a
cavalier, to return to my castle of Allora
within three days, and render yourself
my prisonerv And the Abencerrage said,
Il promise. ''tS
/ Then said. the Alcayde, 60! and may
good fortune attend you. If you require
any safeguard, I and my cavaliers are
ready to be your companions
The Abencerrage kissed the hand of
the Alcayde, in grateful acknowledgment.
Give me- said he, my own armor,
and my steed, and I require no guard.
It is not likely that / shall again meet
with SO valorous foe.'
The shades of night had fallen, when
the tramp Of the dapple gray steed re-
sounded over the draw-bridge, and i'm
mediately afterward the light clatter Of
hoofs along the road, bespoke the fleet
ness with which the youthful lover hast
ened to his bride. 1t was deep night,
when the Moor arrived at the castle of
Coyn. He silently and cautiously walk
ed his painting steed under its dark walls,
and having nearly passed round them,
came to the> portal denoted by Xarisa.
He paused and looked round to see that
he was not observed, and then knocked
three times with the butt of his lance.
In little while the portal was timidly
Enclosed by the duenna of Xarisa. "A
las /! senor,' said she, .what has detained
you thus long? Every night have l
watched for you; and my lady is sick
at heart with doubt and anxiety
| The Abencerrage hung his lance. and
shield, and scimitar against the wall, and
then followed the duenna, with silent
steps, up q winding staircase, to the
apartment of Xarisa. Vain would be the
attempt to describe the raptures of that
injecting. Time flew too swiftly, and
the Abencerrage had nearly forgotten,
until too late, his promise to. return a
prisoner to the Alcayde of Allora. The
RECOLLECTION of it came to him with pang,
and suddenly awoke him from his dream
of bliss. Xarisa saw his altered looks.
aud heard with alarm his stifed signs !;
but her countenance frightened, when
she heard the cause. Let not thy spirit
be cast down. said she, throwing her
white arms around him. Il have the
keys of my fathers treasures; send ran
som more than enough to satisfy the
Christian, and remain with me-
/ NO. said Abendaraez, Il have given
my word to return in person, and like a
true knight, must fulfil my promise.
{ After that, fortune must do with me as it
pleases.' s 81
Then said Xarisa, l will accompany
thee. Never shall you return prisoner,
and remain at liberty -
The Abencerrage was transported with
Joy at this new proof of devotiont.in his
beautiful bride. All preparations were
speedily made for their departure. IA.
lrisa mounted behind the Moor, on his
powerful steed; they left the castle walls
before day break, nor did they pause, I'M
til they arrived, at the gate of the castle
of Allora, which was flung wide to re-
ceive them.
q, Alighting in the court, the Abencer-
rage supported the steps Of his trembling
bride, who remained closely yelled, into
the presence Of Rodrigo de Naryaez.
|. Behold, valiant Alcayde = said he, the
way in which an Abencerrage keeps his
word. | promised to return to thee q
prisoner, But I deliver two captiyes into
your power. Behold Xarisa, and judge
! ,rbo+hor r. <rr;ovod uithnrf EroaSon ovn,