Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1843-11-11

part, to send me word from Coyn, should
her father absent himself from the fortress
The Alcayde departed from Car,ama, nor
would he admit me TO his presence, or per-
nit me 10 bid farewell to Xarisa. re-
manned at Cartama, somewhat pacified in
spirit by this secret 5ond of union; but ev-
erything around me fed my passion, and
reminded me of Xarisa. | saw the win
dows at which had so often beheld her
| wandered through the apartment she
had inhabited, the chamber in which she
had slept. visited the bower of ]essa-
mines, and fingered beside the fountain in
which she delighted. Every thing recall
ed her TO my imagination, and filled my
heart with tender melancholy.
CAT length confidential servant
brought me word that her father was to de-
part that day for Granada, on short alb
sence, inviting me TO hasten to Coyn, de-
scribing secret portal at which should
apply, and the signal by which would OBJ.
tain admitance.
SIT ever you have loved, most valiant
Alcayde, you may judge of the transport
of my bosom. ThatIvery night arraycd
myself in my most gallant attire, TO pad
due honor to my bride, and arming myself
against any casual attack, issued forth pri.
vately from Chrtama. You know the rest,
and by what sad fortune of war | found
myself, instead OF a happy bridegroom. in
the nuptial bower of Coyn, vanqmshed,
wounded. AMI prisoner, within the walls
of Allora. The term of absence of the
father Of Xarisa is nearly expired. With
in three days he will return to Coyn, and
our meeting will no longer be possible
Judge, then, whether | greve without
cause, and whether may not we'll be ex-
cnsed for showing impotence under con.
fnement."
Don Rodrigo de Narvaez was greatly
moved by this recital; for, though more
used to rugged war, than scenes of amor
Gus soflness, he was of q kind and generous
nature.
"Abendaraez," said he, 81 did not seek
thy confidence to crafty an idle curiosity.
1t grieves me much that the good fortune
which delivered thee into my hands, should
have marred so fair an enterprise. Give
me thy faith, as true knight, to return
prisoner 10 my castle, within three days,
and will grant the permission to accom-
plish Thy nuptials."
The Abencerrags would have thrown
himself at his feet, 10 pour out protestatIons
OF eternal gratitude, blu! the Aicayde pre-
vented him. Calling in his cavaliers, he
took the Ahencerrage by the right hasd, in
their presence, exclaimlng solemnly, "You
promise, on the faith of a cavalier, TO rem
der yourself my prisoner?" And the
Abencerrage said, 81 promise
The said the Alcayde, $50! and may
good fortune attend you. If you require
any safeguard, and my cavaliers are ready
to be your companions.
Then Abencerrage kissed the hand of the
Alcayde, ia grateful acknowledgements
"Glve me-" said he, "my own armor, and
my steed, and require no guard. 1t Is
not likely that shall again meet with so
valorous a foe"
The shades of night had fallen, when
The tramp of the dappe grey steed re.
sounded over the drawbridge, and immedl.
ately afterwards, the light clatter of hoofs
along the road, bespoke the Aeetness, with
which the youthful lover fastened to his
bride. 1t was deep night, when the Moor,
arrived at the castle of Coyn. He silently
and cautiously wa ked his painting steed
under its dark walls, and having nearly
passed round Them, came to the portal de.
noted 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
timidIy Enclosed by the duenna of Xarisa
"Alas! senor," SAID she, "what has detain-
ed you thus long9 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 scimiar against the wall and
then followed the duenna, with silent
steps, up winding staircase, 10 the apart
ment of Xarisa. Vain would be the at.
tempt to describe the raptures of that
meeting. Time few too swiftly, and the
Abencerrage had nearly forgotten, until
too late, his promise TO return prisoner to
the Alcayde of Allora. The recollection
of il came to him with pang, and sudden
Iy awoke him from his dream of bliss
Xarisa saw his altered looks, and heard
with alarm his st1ed signs; but her coun-
tenauce frightened, when she heard the
cause. "Let not thy spirit be cast down,
said she, throwing her wide arms around
him. al have the keys of my fathers
treasures; send ransom more than enough
to satisfy the Christian and remain with
me-"
"No," sail Abendaraez, 81 have given
my word to return in person, and, like a
t.,,o Ln;,ht ,,o,,e. fulfil mn, nrornica AE