God, my country, and my lawful crown."

"Brave Prince, I pledge you my troth," said Hunniades, coming forward
and seizing his hand; "and while Iskander and Hunniades live, they will
never cease until they have achieved their great and holy end."

"It is a solemn compact," said Iskander, "more sacred than if
registered by all the scribes of Christendom. Lady Iduna, your
prayers!"

"They are ever with the champions of the Cross," replied the daughter
of Hunniades. She rose, the large cloak in which she was enveloped
fell from her exquisite form. "Noble Iskander, this rosary is from the
Holy Sepulchre," continued Iduna; "wear it for the sake and memory of
that blessed Saviour who died for our sins."

Iskander held forth his arm and touched her delicate hand as he
received the rosary, which, pressing to his lips, he placed round his
neck.

"Great Hunniades," said the Grecian Prince, "I must cross the mountains
before dawn. Let me venture to entreat that we should hear to-morrow
that the Christian camp is in retreat."

"Let it be even so," said the Hungarian, after some thought, "and may
to-morrow's sun bring brighter days to Christendom." And with these
words terminated the brief and extraordinary visit of Iskander to the
Christian general.