I am of a gifted line, and possess this power in
its fullest force. If it be any evil influence of the kind that
holds a spell over thy daughter, I pledge my head to free her from its
sway."
The king, who was a man of understanding and knew the wonderful
secrets possessed by the Arabs, was inspired with hope by the
confident language of the prince. He conducted him immediately to
the lofty tower, secured by several doors, in the summit of which
was the chamber of the princess. The windows opened upon a terrace
with balustrades, commanding a view over Toledo and all the
surrounding country. The windows were darkened, for the princess lay
within, a prey to a devouring grief that refused all alleviation.
The prince seated himself on the terrace, and performed several wild
Arabian airs on his pastoral pipe, which he had learnt from his
attendants in the Generalife at Granada. The princess continued
insensible, and the doctors who were present shook their heads, and
smiled with incredulity and contempt: at length the prince laid
aside the reed, and, to a simple melody, chanted the amatory verses of
the letter which had declared his passion.
The princess recognized the strain- a fluttering joy stole to her
heart; she raised her head and listened; tears rushed to her eyes
and streamed down her cheeks; her bosom rose and fell with a tumult of
emotions. She would have asked for the minstrel to be brought into her
presence, but maiden coyness held her silent.
Pages:
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263