"
"Well; as I was passing by the Vermilion Towers last evening, I
saw the three cavaliers resting after their day's labor. One was
playing on the guitar, so gracefully, and the others sang by turns;
and they did it in such style, that the very guards seemed like
statues, or men enchanted. Allah forgive me! I could not help being
moved at hearing the songs of my native country. And then to see three
such noble and handsome youths in chains and slavery!"
Here the kind-hearted old woman could not restrain her tears.
"Perhaps, mother, you could manage to procure us a sight of these
cavaliers," said Zayda.
"I think," said Zorayda, "a little music would be quite reviving."
The timid Zorahayda said nothing, but threw her arms round the
neck of Kadiga.
"Mercy on me!" exclaimed the discreet old woman; "what are you
talking of, my children? Your father would be the death of us all if
he heard of such a thing. To be sure, these cavaliers are evidently
well-bred, and high-minded youths; but what of that? they are the
enemies of our faith, and you must not even think of them but with
abhorrence."
There is an admirable intrepidity in the female will, particularly
when about the marriageable age, which is not to be deterred by
dangers and prohibitions. The princesses hung round their old
duenna, and coaxed, and entreated, and declared that a refusal would
break their hearts.
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