"Possibly; but I know not that science, though I have wandered at
midnight by the ancient Babel."

"Fame lies to us, then," answered the Moor, with some surprise.

"Fame never made pretence to truth," said Almamen, calmly, and proceeding
on his way. "Allah be with you, prince! I seek the king."

"Stay! I have just quitted his presence, and left him, I trust, with
thoughts worthy of the sovereign of Granada, which I would not have
disturbed by a stranger, a man whose arms are not spear nor shield."

"Noble Muza," returned Almamen, "fear not that my voice will weaken the
inspirations which thine hath breathed into the breast of Boabdil. Alas!
if my counsel were heeded, thou wouldst hear the warriors of Granada talk
less of Muza, and more of the king. But Fate, or Allah, hath placed upon
the throne of a tottering dynasty, one who, though brave, is weak--
though, wise, a dreamer; and you suspect the adviser, when you find the
influence of nature on the advised. Is this just?"

Muza gazed long and sternly on the face of Almamen; then, putting his
hand gently on the enchanter's shoulder, he said--

"Stranger, if thou playest us false, think that this arm hath cloven the
casque of many a foe, and will not spare the turban of a traitor!"

"And think thou, proud prince!" returned Almamen, unquailing, "that I
answer alone to Allah for my motives, and that against man my deeds I can
defend!"