appears to me, must be made now or never, and I cannot conceal from
myself, that it never could have been prosecuted under less auspicious
circumstances."

"What, you desponding!" exclaimed Nicaeus; "then I must despair. Your
sanguine temper has alone supported me throughout all our dangerous
hopes."

"And AEschylus?" said the stranger, smiling.

"And AEschylus, certainly," replied Nicaeus; "but I have lived to find
even AEschylus insipid. I pant for action."

"It may be nearer than we can foresee," replied the stranger. "There
is a God who fashions all things. He will not desert a righteous
cause. He knoweth that my thoughts are as pure as my situation is
difficult. I have some dim ideas still brooding in my mind, but we
will not discuss them now. I must away, dear Prince. The breeze
serves fairly. Have you ever seen Hunniades?"

"I was educated at the Court of Transylvania," replied Nicaeus, looking
down with a somewhat embarrassed air. "He is a famous knight,
Christendom's chief bulwark."

The Turkish commander sighed. "When we meet again," he said, "may we
meet with brighter hopes and more buoyant spirits. At present, I must,
indeed, say farewell."

Tile Prince turned with a dejected countenance, and pressed his
companion to his heart. "'Tis a sad end," said he, "to all our happy