young acquaintance for his very happy compliment," said Perreeza.

"Well," responded Joram, "one Hebrew lay, accompanied by the harp of
Judah, will recompense us a thousand times."

"That shall be attended to with pleasure," said Perreeza, and the two
young women left to bring the harp.

"Now, my good friend, what thinkest thou of the maid of Judah?" asked
Barzello.

"The Rose of Sharon is all loveliness," said Joram. "Ah, my friend,
sawest thou not the majestic glance of that dark eye, the inimitable hue
of those fair cheeks, the full perfection of those lips, the glossy
richness of the profuse curls, and the marble whiteness of that model
neck? Add to this, my friend, the amiability of her character and her
ripe accomplishments, and in her we find a charming and suitable
companion for the daughter of Barzello."

"Joram, are the Hebrew women noted for their beauty?"

"Perhaps no nation can boast of greater fairness of complexion among
their females than the Jews."

"Now the youthful maid of the royal line of Judah will make us happy with
one of her Hebrew melodies, she having brought her favorite harp," said
Barzello.

"My kind friend may well say favorite harp," replied Perreeza, with deep
emotion; "for to me, surely, it is a very precious treasure. For many