The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-06-15

had inhabited; the chamber In which she had
slept. visited the bower OF jessamines, and
fingered beside the fountain in which she had
delighted. Every thing recalled her TO my
Imagination, and filled my heart with tender
melancholy.
.At length, confidential servant brought me
word that her father was 10 depart that day for
GRANADA, on a short absence, inviting me To
hasten 10 Coyn, describing secret portal at
which I should apply. and the signal by which
would obtain admittance.
.if ever you have loved, most valiant Al
eayde, you may Judge OF the transport of my
bosom. That very night arrayed myself in
NV most gallant attire, TO pay due honor 10 my
bride and arming myself against any casual
attack, issued forth privately from Cartama.
You know the rest, and by what sad fortune
Of war found myself, instead Of happy
bridegroom, in the nuplal bower Of Coyn, van
pushed, wounded, and prisoner, within the
walls of Allora. .he term Of absence Of the
father Of Xarisa is nearly expired. Within
three days he will return to Coyn, and our
meeting will no longer he possible. Judge, then,
whether grieve without cause, and whether
may not well be excused Tor showing inn
patience under confinement
Don Rodrigo de Naryaez was greatly moved
by this recital; for, though more used to rug
ged war, than scenes of amorous soitness, he
was of kind and generous nature.
sAbendaraez,' said he, Il did not seek any
confidence 10 crafty an idle curiosity. II
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 atrue knight, TO return prisoner to my
castle, within three days, and will grant thee
permission 10 accomplish Thy nuptals.'
The Abencerrage would have thrown him
self al his feet, To pour out protestations Of
eternal gratitude, blu, the Alcayde prevented
him. Calling in his cavaliers, he took The
Abencerrage by the right hand. in their pre-
sence, exc'aiming soennly, You promise, on
the faith of a cavalier, to return 10 my castle Of
Allora within three days, and render yourself
my prisoner 2 And the Abencerrage said,
Il promise
Then said the Alcayde, Go! and may
good fortune attend you. If you require any
safe guard, and my cavaliers are ready TO
be your companions
i he Abencerrage kissed the hand Of the
Alcayde in grateful Acknowledgements. Give
me- said he, my own arnor, and my steed,
and require no guard. 1t is not likely that
The shades of night had fallen, when the
tramp Of the dapple grey steed resounded
over the draw bridge, and Immediately AFTER
wards the light cauer of hoofs along the
road, bespoke the heetness with which the
youthful lover fastened to his bride. II was
deep night when ihe Moor arrived at the cas-
tie Of Coyn. He silently and cautiously
walked 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 OBJ
served, and then knocked three times with
the butt of his lance. In little while the
portal was timidly Enclosed by the duenna of
Xarisa. Alas, senur,' said she, what has
detained you thus long, Every night have |
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 follow
ed the duenna with silent steps. up winding
staircase, to the apartment OF Xarisa. Vain
would be the attempt to describe the rapiures
Of that meeting. Time flew too swiftly, and
the Abencerrage had nearly forgotten, until
TOO late, his promise to return a prisoner to
the Alcayde OF AlIora. The recollection Of
it came to him with a pang. and suddenly
awoke him from his dream Of bliss Xarisa
saw his altered looks. and heard with alarm
his stIfled signs but her countenance bright
ened when she heard the cause. Let not
thy spirits be cast down. said she, throwing
her white arms around him. i have the
keys of my fathers treasures; send ransom
more than enough to satisfy the Christian,
and remain with me-
No. SAID Abendaraez, i have given my
word TO return in person, and like true
knight, must fulfil my promise. After that,
fortune must do with me as it pleases.'
Ihen,' said Xarisa, ! will accompany
thee. Never shall you return prisoner and
remain at liberty
The Abencerrage was transported with Joy
at this new proof Of devotion IN his beautiful
bride. All preparations were speedily made
for their departure. Xafisa mounted behind
the Moor, on his powerful steed they left
the castle walls before daybreak, nor did they
pause until they arrived at the gate of the
castle of Allora, which was flung wide TO re-
ceive them
Alighting in the court, the Abencerrape
supported the steps of his trembling bride,
who remained closely yelled, into The presence
of Rodrigo de Narva+z Behold, valiant
Alcayde" said he. the way in which an
Abencerrage keeps his word. promised to
return TO thee prisoner, but | deliver two
captives into your power. Behold Xarisa,
and judge whether | grieve without reason
over the loss of such a treasure Receive us
as your own. for | confde my life and her
honor to your hands,
The Alcayde was lost in admiration of the
beauty OF the lady, and the noble spirit of the
Moor. know not said he, which of you
s"rpasses the other, but | know that my cas-
tie Is graced and honored by your presence
Enter into 1t, and consider it your own while