astonished them. "They must overtake us. Alas! brave friends, I have
brought ye to this! Pardon me, pardon me! I am ashamed of my selfish
grief. Ascribe it to other causes than a narrow spirit and a weak
mind. One course alone is left to us. We must not be taken prisoners.
Ye are warriors, and can die as such. I am only a woman, but I am the
daughter of Hunniades. Nicaeus, you are my father's friend; I beseech
you sheathe your dagger in my breast."

The prince in silent agony pressed his hands to his sight. His limbs
quivered with terrible emotion. Suddenly he advanced and threw himself
at the feet of his hitherto silent comrade. "Oh! Iskander!" exclaimed
Nicaeus, "great and glorious friend! my head and heart are both too weak
for these awful trials; save her, save her!"

"Iskander! exclaimed the thunderstruck Iduna. Iskander!"

"I have, indeed, the misfortune to be Iskander, beloved lady," he
replied. "This is, indeed, a case almost of desperation, but if I have
to endure more than most men, I have, to inspire me, influences which
fall to the lot of few, yourself and Epirus. Come! Nicaeus, there is
but one chance, we must gain the bridge." Thus speaking, Iskander
caught Iduna in his arms, and remounting his steed, and followed by the
Prince of Athens, hurried towards the river.

"The water is not fordable," said Iskander, when they had arrived at
its bank. "The bridge I shall defend; and it will go hard if I do not
keep them at bay long enough for you and Iduna to gain the mountains.
Away; think no more of me; nay! no tear, dear lady, or you will unman
me. An ins inspiring smile, and all will go well. Hasten to Croia,
and let nothing tempt you to linger in the vicinity, with the hope of