"Let us not part thus," said Iskander. "Iduna is most unhappy. She
bade me tell you she had forgotten all."

"God bless her, and God bless you, too!" replied Nicaeus. "I pray you
let me go."

"Nay! dear Nicaeus, are we not friends?"

"The best and truest, Iskander. I will to the camp, and meet you in
your tent ere morning break. At present, I would be alone."

"Dear Nicaeus, one word. You have said upon one point, what I could
well wish unsaid, and dared to prophesy what may never happen. I am
not made for such supreme felicity. Epirus is my mistress, my Nicaeus.
As there is a living God, my friend, most solemnly I vow, I have had no
thoughts in this affair, but for your honour."

"I know it, my dear friend, I know it," replied Nicaeus. "I keenly feel
your admirable worth. Say no more, say no more! She is a fit wife for
a hero, and you are one!"



CHAPTER 20


After the battle of the bridge, Iskander had hurried to Croia without
delay. In his progress, he had made many fruitless inquiries after
Iduna and Nicaeus, but he consoled himself for the unsatisfactory
answers he received by the opinion that they had taken a different