enthusiasm, that the division to which he was opposed, although
encouraged by the presence of Mahomed himself, could no longer
withstand the desperate courage of the Christians, and fled in all
directions. Then, rushing to the aid of Iskander, Nicaeus, at the head
of a body of picked men, dashed upon the rear of the Janissaries, and
nearly surrounded them. Hunniades instantly made a fresh charge upon
the left wing of the Turks. A panic fell upon the Moslemin, who were
little prepared for such a demonstration of strength on the part of
their adversaries. In a few minutes, their order seemed generally
broken, and their leaders in vain endeavoured to rally them. Waving
his bloody scimitar, and bounding on his black charger, Iskander called
upon his men to secure the triumph of the Cross and the freedom of
Epirus. Pursuit was now general.



CHAPTER 21


The Turks were massacred by thousands. Mahomed, when he found that all
was lost, fled to the mountains, with a train of guards and eunuchs,
and left the care of his dispersed host to his Pachas. The hills were
covered with the fugitives and their pursuers. Some fled also to the
seashore, where the Turkish fleet was at anchor. The plain was strewn
with corpses and arms, and tents and standards. The sun was now high
in the heavens. The mist had cleared away; but occasional clouds of
smoke still sailed about.

A solitary Christian knight entered a winding pass in the green hills,
apart from the scene of strife. The slow and trembling step of his