At length, one day, the talismanic horseman veered suddenly round,
and lowering his lance, made a dead point towards the mountains of
Guadix. Aben Habuz hastened to his tower, but the magic table in
that direction remained quiet; not a single warrior was in motion.
Perplexed at the circumstance, he sent forth a troop of horse to scour
the mountains and reconnoitre. They returned after three days'
absence.
"We have searched every mountain pass," said they, "but not a helm
nor spear was stirring. All that we have found in the course of our
foray, was a Christian damsel of surpassing beauty, sleeping at
noontide beside a fountain, whom we have brought away captive."
"A damsel of surpassing beauty!" exclaimed Aben Habuz, his eyes
gleaming with animation; "let her be conducted into my presence."
The beautiful damsel was accordingly conducted into his presence.
She was arrayed with all the luxury of ornament that had prevailed
among the Gothic Spaniards at the time of the Arabian conquest. Pearls
of dazzling whiteness were entwined with her raven tresses; and jewels
sparkled on her forehead, rivalling the lustre of her eyes. Around her
neck was a golden chain, to which was suspended a silver lyre, which
hung by her side.
The flashes of her dark refulgent eye were like sparks of fire on
the withered, yet combustible, heart of Aben Habuz; the swimming
voluptuousness of her gait made his senses reel.
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