Iskander proceeded down the descent with an audacious rapidity; but his charger was thorough-bred, and his moments were golden. Ere midnight, he had reached the outposts of the enemy, and was challenged by a sentinel.
“Who goes there?”
“A friend to Christendom.”
“The word?”
“I have it not—nay calmly. I am alone, but I am not unarmed. I do not know the word. I come from a far country, and bear important tidings to the great Hunniades; conduct me to that chief.”
“May I be crucified if I will,” responded the sentinel, “before I know who and what you are. Come, keep off, unless you wish to try the effect of a Polish lance,” continued the sentinel; “‘tis something, I assure you, not less awkward than your Greek fire, if Greek indeed you be.”
“My friend, you are a fool,” said Iskander, “but time is too precious to argue any longer.” So saying, the Turkish commander dismounted, and taking up the brawny8 sentinel in his arms with the greatest ease, threw him over his shoulder, and threatening the astounded9 soldier with instant death if he struggled, covered him with his pelisse, and entered the camp.
They approached a watch-fire, around which several soldiers were warming themselves.
“Who goes there?” inquired a second sentinel.
“A friend to Christendom,” answered Iskander.
“The word?”
Iskander hesitated.
“The word, or I’ll let fly,” said the sentinel, elevating his cross bow.
“The Bridge of Buda,” instantly replied the terrified prisoner beneath the pelisse of Iskander.
“Why did not you answer before, then?” said one of the guards.
“And why do you mock us by changing your voice?” said another. “Come, get on with you, and no more jokes.”
Iskander proceeded through a street of tents, in some of which were lights, but all of which were silent. At length, he met the esquire of a Polish knight10 returning from a convivial11 meeting, not a little elevated.
“Who are you?” inquired Iskander.
“I am an Esquire,” replied the gentleman.
“A shrewd man, I doubt not, who would make his fortune,” replied Iskander. “You must know great things have happened. Being on guard I have taken a prisoner, who has deep secrets to divulge12 to the Lord Hunniades. Thither13, to his pavilion, I am now bearing him. But he is a stout14 barbarian15, and almost too much for me. Assist me in carrying him to the pavilion of Hunniades, and you shall have all the reward, and half the fame.”
“You are a very civil spoken young gentleman,” said the Esquire. “I think I know your voice. Your name, if I mistake not, is Leckinski?”
“A relative. We had a common ancestor.”
“I thought so. I know the Leckinskies ever by their voice. I am free to help you on the terms you mention—all the reward and half the fame. ‘Tis a strong barbarian, is it? We cannot cut his throat, or it will not divulge. All the reward and half the fame! I will be a knight to-morrow. It seems a sort of fish, and has a smell.”
The Esquire seized the Shoulders of the prisoner, who would have spoken had he not been terrified by the threats of Iskander, who, carrying the legs of the sentinel, allowed the Polish gentleman to lead the way to the pavilion of Hunniades. Thither they soon arrived; and Iskander, dropping his burthen, and leaving the prisoner without to the charge of his assistant, entered the pavilion of the General of the Hungarians.
He was stopped in a small outer apartment by an officer, who inquired his purpose, and to whom he repeated his desire to see the Hungarian leader, without loss of time, on important business. The officer hesitated; but, summoning several guards, left Iskander in their custody16, and, stepping behind a curtain, disappeared. Iskander heard voices, but could distinguish no words. Soon the officer returned, and, ordering the guards to disarm17 and search Iskander, directed the Grecian Prince to follow him. Drawing aside the curtain, Iskander and his attendant entered a low apartment of considerable size. It was hung with skins. A variety of armour18 and dresses were piled on couches. A middle-aged19 man, of majestic20 appearance, muffled21 in a pelisse of furs, with long chestnut22 hair, and a cap of crimson23 velvet24 and ermine, was walking up and down the apartment, and dictating25 some instructions to a person who was kneeling on the ground, and writing by the bright flame of a brazen26 lamp. The bright flame of the blazing lamp fell full upon the face of the secretary. Iskander beheld27 a most beautiful woman.
She looked up as Iskander entered. Her large dark eyes glanced through his soul. Her raven28 hair descended29 to her shoulders in many curls on each side of her face, and was braided with strings30 of immense pearls. A broad cap of white fox-skin crowned her whiter forehead. Her features were very small, but sharply moulded, and a delicate tint31 gave animation32 to her clear fair cheek. She looked up as Iskander entered, with an air rather of curiosity than embarrassment33.
Hunniades stopped, and examined his visitor with a searching inquisition. “Whence come you?” inquired the Hungarian chieftain.
“From the Turkish camp,” was the answer.
“Neither.”
“What then?”
“A convert.”
“Your name?”
“Lord Hunniades,” said Iskander, “that is for your private ear. I am unarmed, and were I otherwise, the first knight of Christendom can scarcely fear. I am one in birth and rank your equal; if not in fame, at least, I trust, in honour. My time is all-precious: I can scarcely stay here while my horse breathes. Dismiss your attendant.”
Hunniades darted35 a glance at his visitor which would have baffled a weaker brain, but Iskander stood the scrutiny36 calm and undisturbed. “Go, Stanislaus,” said the Vaivode to the officer. “This lady, sir,” continued the chieftain, “is my daughter, and one from whom I have no secrets.”
Iskander bowed lowly as the officer disappeared.
“And now,” said Hunniades, “to business. Your purpose?”
“I am a Grecian Prince, and a compulsory37 ally of the Moslemin. In a word, my purpose here is to arrange a plan by which we may effect, at the same time, your triumph, and my freedom.”
“To whom, then, have I the honour of speaking?” inquired Hunniades.
“My name, great Hunniades, is perhaps not altogether unknown to you: they call me Iskander.”
“What, the right arm of Amurath, the conqueror38 of Caramania, the flower of Turkish chivalry39? Do I indeed behold40 that matchless warrior41?” exclaimed Hunniades, and he held forth42 his hand to his guest, and ungirding his own sword, offered it to the Prince. “Iduna” continued Hunniades, to his daughter, “you at length behold Iskander.”
“My joy is great, sir,” replied Iduna, “if I indeed rightly understand that we may count the Prince Iskander a champion of the Cross.”
Iskander took from his heart his golden crucifix, and kissed it before her. “This has been my companion and consolation43 for long years, lady,” said Iskander; “you, perhaps, know my mournful history, Hunniades. Hitherto my pretended sovereign has not required me to bare my scimitar against my Christian brethren. That hour, however, has at length arrived, and it has decided44 me to adopt a line of conduct long meditated45. Karam Bey who is aware of your necessities, the moment you commence your retreat, will attack you. I shall command his left wing. In spite of his superior power and position, draw up in array, and meet him with confidence. I propose, at a convenient moment in the day, to withdraw my troops, and with the Epirots hasten to my native country, and at once raise the standard of independence. It is a bold measure, but Success is the child of Audacity46. We must assist each other with mutual47 diversions. Single-handed it is in vain for me to commence a struggle, which, with all adventitious48 advantages, will require the utmost exertion49 of energy, skill, and patience. But if yourself and the King Uladislaus occupy the armies of Amurath in Bulgaria, I am not without hope of ultimate success, since I have to inspire me all the most urgent interests of humanity, and combat, at the same time, for my God, my country, and my lawful50 crown.”
“Brave Prince, I pledge you my troth,” said Hunniades, coming forward and seizing his hand; “and while Iskander and Hunniades live, they will never cease until they have achieved their great and holy end.”
“It is a solemn compact,” said Iskander, “more sacred than if registered by all the scribes of Christendom. Lady Iduna, your prayers!”
“They are ever with the champions of the Cross,” replied the daughter of Hunniades. She rose, the large cloak in which she was enveloped51 fell from her exquisite52 form. “Noble Iskander, this rosary is from the Holy Sepulchre,” continued Iduna; “wear it for the sake and memory of that blessed Saviour53 who died for our sins.”
Iskander held forth his arm and touched her delicate hand as he received the rosary, which, pressing to his lips, he placed round his neck.
“Great Hunniades,” said the Grecian Prince, “I must cross the mountains before dawn. Let me venture to entreat54 that we should hear to-morrow that the Christian camp is in retreat.”
“Let it be even so,” said the Hungarian, after some thought, “and may to-morrow’s sun bring brighter days to Christendom.” And with these words terminated the brief and extraordinary visit of Iskander to the Christian general.
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1
muffling
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| v.压抑，捂住( muffle的现在分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
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sables
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| n.紫貂( sable的名词复数 )；紫貂皮；阴暗的；暗夜 | |
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galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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4
ascent
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| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
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rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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7
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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brawny
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| adj.强壮的 | |
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astounded
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| v.使震惊(astound的过去式和过去分词)；愕然；愕；惊讶 | |
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10
knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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11
convivial
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| adj.狂欢的，欢乐的 | |
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12
divulge
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| v.泄漏(秘密等)；宣布，公布 | |
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thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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15
barbarian
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| n.野蛮人；adj.野蛮(人)的；未开化的 | |
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16
custody
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| n.监护，照看，羁押，拘留 | |
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17
disarm
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| v.解除武装，回复平常的编制，缓和 | |
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18
armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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19
middle-aged
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| adj.中年的 | |
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20
majestic
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| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
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21
muffled
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| adj.（声音）被隔的；听不太清的；（衣服）裹严的；蒙住的v.压抑，捂住( muffle的过去式和过去分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
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22
chestnut
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| n.栗树，栗子 | |
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23
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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24
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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25
dictating
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| v.大声讲或读( dictate的现在分词 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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26
brazen
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| adj.厚脸皮的，无耻的，坚硬的 | |
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27
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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28
raven
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| n.渡鸟，乌鸦；adj.乌亮的 | |
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29
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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30
strings
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| n.弦 | |
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31
tint
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| n.淡色，浅色；染发剂；vt.着以淡淡的颜色 | |
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32
animation
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| n.活泼，兴奋，卡通片／动画片的制作 | |
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33
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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envoy
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| n.使节，使者，代表，公使 | |
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35
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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36
scrutiny
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| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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37
compulsory
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| n.强制的，必修的；规定的，义务的 | |
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conqueror
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| n.征服者，胜利者 | |
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39
chivalry
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| n.骑士气概，侠义；（男人）对女人彬彬有礼，献殷勤 | |
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40
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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41
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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42
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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43
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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44
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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45
meditated
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| 深思，沉思，冥想( meditate的过去式和过去分词 )； 内心策划，考虑 | |
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46
audacity
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| n.大胆，卤莽，无礼 | |
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47
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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48
adventitious
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| adj.偶然的 | |
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49
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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50
lawful
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| adj.法律许可的，守法的，合法的 | |
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51
enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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52
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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53
saviour
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| n.拯救者，救星 | |
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54
entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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