"It is in vain, Iskander, it is in vain," said Nicaeus. "I wish to
die."

"Were I a favoured lover, in such a situation," replied Iskander, "I
should scarcely consider death my duty, unless the sacrifice of myself
preserved my mistress."

"Hah!" exclaimed Nicaeus, starting from the ground. "Do you conceive,
then, the possibility of rescuing her?"

"If she live, she is a prisoner in the Seraglio at Adrianople. You are
as good a judge as myself of the prospect that awaits your exertions.
It is, without doubt, a difficult adventure, but such, methinks, as a
Christian knight should scarcely shun."

"To horse;" exclaimed Nicaeus, "to horse -- And yet what can I do?
Were she in any other place but the capital I might rescue her by
force, but in the heart of their empire, it is impossible. Is there no
ransom that can tempt the Turk? My principality would rise in the
balance beside this jewel."

"That were scarcely wise, and certainly not just," replied Iskander;
"but ransom will be of no avail. Hunniades has already offered to
restore Karam Bey, and all the prisoners of rank, and the chief
trophies, and Amurath has refused to listen to any terms. The truth
is, Iduna has found favour in the eyes of his son, the young Mahomed."

"Holy Virgin! hast thou no pity on this Christian maid?" exclaimed
Nicaeus. "The young Mahorned! Shall this licentious infidel -- ah!
Iskander, dear, dear Iskander, you who have so much wisdom, and so much