The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-04-25


ed with a letter from her, informing me
that her father was TO depart that day for
Granada, on a short absence, inviting me
to hasten to Coyn, describing secret
portal at which l should apply, and the
secret by which l Guild obtain admit
lance,
"If ever you Lave loved, most valiant
AIeayle, you may judge ofiny transport.
That very night l arrayed myself in gal
liant attire, to pay due honor to my bride; !;
and arining myself against any casual at
tack, issued forth privately fon Cartama.
You know the rest, and by what sad ,or-
tune of war find myself, instead of a
happy bridegroom in the nuptual bower
Of Coyn, vanquished, wounded and pris-
oner within the walls Of Allora. The
term of absence of the father of Xalisa is
nearly expired. Within three days he
will return to Coyn. and our meeting will
no longer be possible. Judge, then,
whether | grieve without cause, and wheth-
er may not well be excused for showing
impatience under confinement"
Don Rodrigo was greatly moved by
this recital; for, though more used to rug
gid war than scenes of amorous softnese,
he was Of kind and generous na,arp.
"Abendaraez," said he, 81 did not seek
thy confidence to CRAFTY an idle curiosity.
1t grieyes 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 re-
turn prisoner to my castle, within three
days, and | will grant thee permission to
accomplish thy nuptuals."
The Abencarriage, in transport Of
gratitude, would have thrown himself at
his feet, but the Alcsyde prevented him.
Calling in his cavaliers, he took Abenda.
raez by the right hand, in their presence,
exclaming Solemnly, "You promise on the
faith Of cavalier to return to my castle
OF Allora within three days, and render
yourself my prisoner And the Aben-
Garage said, al promise"
Then said the Alcayde, "Go, and may
good fortune attend you. If you require
any safeguard, l and my cavaliers are
ready to be your companions"
The Abencarrage kissed the hand Of
the Alcayde, in grateful acknowledge
ment. "Give me-" said he "my own armor,
and my steed, and require no guard. 1t
is not likely that shall again meet so va.
orous foe"
The shades Of night had fallen, when
the tramp Of the dappIe.gray steed resoun-
ded over the drawbridge and Immediate
ly afterwards, the light clatter CT hoofs
along the road bespoke the feetness with
which the youthful lover hastened to his
bride. 1t was deep night whe.. the Moor
arrived at the castle Of Coyn. He silent
ly and cautiously walked his painting
steed undet its dark walls, and having
nearly passed round them, came to the
portal denoted by Xarisa. lie paused,
looked riund to sec that he was not OBJ
served, and Knocked three times with the
but Of his lance. In little while the por.
tai was timidly unclosed by the duenna OF
Xarisa. "Alas Senor," sai6 she, what
has detained you thus long9 Every night
have | watched for you; and my lady is
sick at heart with doubt and anxiety"
The Abencarrage hung his lance, and
shield and scimitar against the wall, and
followed tue duenna, with silent steps, up
winding staircase, TO the apartment Of
Xarisa.
Vain would be the attempt to describe
the raptures Of that meeting. Time flew
too swiftly, and the Abencerrage had
nearly forgotten, until too late his promise
to return a prisoner 10 the alcayde of Al
fora. The recollection Of it came to him
with a pang, aud woke him from bis
dream Of bliss. Xarisa saw his altered
looks and heard with alarm his stifled
sighs; but her couutenance Frightened
when she heard the cause.
"Let not thy spirit be cast down." said
she, thro wing her white arms around him.
Il have the keys Of my fathers treasures;
send ransom more than enough to satisfy
the Christian, and remain with me-"
"No," said Abendsraez, II have given
my word to return in person, and like a
true knight ! must fulfil my PROMISE
Alter that, fortune must do with me as il
pleases."
"Then, said Xarisa, Il viii accompany
thee. Never shalt thou return aprisones
and ! remain a. libe,ty.e
The Ahsncerrags was transported wi.k
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