The Rise of Iskander

tched a trusty messenger to Prince Nic?|us at Athens, and to the great Hunniades. The people were so excited throughout all Epirus, at this great and unthought-of intelligence, that

lve thousand men, and marched against the strong city of Petrella, meeting in his way the remainder of the garrison of Croia on their return, who surrendered themselves to him at discretion. Petrella was only one day's march from Croia, and when Iskander arrived there he requested a conference with the governor, and told his tale so well, representing the late overthrow of the Turks by Hunniades, and the incapacity of Amurath at present to relieve him, that the Turkish commander agreed to deliver up the place, and leave th

ived at Croia the preceding eve, and also that his messenger had returned from the Hungarian camp. Amid the acclamations of an enthusiastic people, Iskander once more ascended the citadel

espair. Two months have scarcely elapsed since we parted without prospect, or with the most g

ncipation," said Nic?|us, with a smi

he ennobling consciousness of performing a noble duty. In the meantime, I understand a messenger awaits me here from the great Hunniades. Unless that shield of Christendom maintain himself in his present position, our chance of ultimate security is feeble. With his constant diversion in Bulgaria, we may contrive here to struggle into success. You sometimes laugh at my sanguine temper, Nic?|us. To say the truth, I am more serene than sanguine, and was never mo

. Reverently touching the hand of his chieftain, the messenger then kissed his own a

elf a prisoner, baggage, standards, great guns, treasure. Brave soldier of the Cross! (may I prove so!) Your perfectly-devised movement, (poh, poh!) Hah! what is this?" e

at length exclaimed Is

" inquired Ni

not a patriot who can spare a thought from thee. And yet, so young, so beautiful, so gifted, so worthy of a hero! when I saw her by her g

med Nic?|us, in a very agitated tone. "What is

is

, rushing up to his compa

, much

his suspense fires my brain. Iskander, you know not what this woman is to me; the sole object of my

ner to t

e a coward! I am a coward! All are cowards! A prisoner to the Turk! Iduna! What, the Rose of Christendom! has it been plucked by such a turbaned dog as Amurath? Farew

and garments, flung himself upon the

oughtful brow. After some minutes he leant down by

, it is in vain," said N

d Iskander, "I should scarcely consider death my duty,

rom the ground. "Do you conceive, th

dge as myself of the prospect that awaits your exertions. It is, without doubt, a d

e capital I might rescue her by force, but in the heart of their empire, it is impossible. Is ther

has already offered to restore Karam Bey, and all the prisoners of rank, and the chief trophies, and Amurath has

and so much courage; you who can devise all things, and dare all things; help me, help me; on my knees I do beseech you, take up this trying cause of foul oppression, and for the sake of a

ue, far more beseeming princes than boyish tears, and all the outward misery of woe, a tattered garment and