Zayda, the eldest, was of an intrepid spirit, and took the lead of
her sisters in every thing, as she had done in entering into the
world. She was curious and inquisitive, and fond of getting at the
bottom of things.
Zorayda had a great feeling for beauty, which was the reason, no
doubt, of her delighting to regard her own image in a mirror or a
fountain, and of her fondness for flowers, and jewels, and other
tasteful ornaments.
As to Zorahayda, the youngest, she was soft and timid, and extremely
sensitive, with a vast deal of disposable tenderness, as was evident
from her number of pet-flowers, and pet-birds, and pet-animals, all of
which she cherished with the fondest care. Her amusements, too, were
of a gentle nature, and mixed up with musing and reverie. She would
sit for hours in a balcony, gazing on the sparkling stars of a
summer's night, or on the sea when lit up by the moon; and at such
times, the song of a fisherman, faintly heard from the beach, or the
notes of a Moorish flute from some gliding bark, sufficed to elevate
her feelings into ecstasy. The least uproar of the elements,
however, filled her with dismay; and a clap of thunder was enough to
throw her into a swoon.
Years rolled on smoothly and serenely; the discreet Kadiga, to
whom the princesses were confided, was faithful to her trust, and
attended them with unremitting care.
The castle of Salobrena, as has been said, was built upon a hill
on the seacoast.
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