In vain her sisters implored, the duenna scolded, and the renegado
blasphemed beneath the balcony; the gentle little Moorish maid stood
doubting and wavering on the verge of elopement, tempted by the
sweetness of the sin, but terrified at its perils.
Every moment increased the danger of discovery. A distant tramp
was heard. "The patrols are walking their rounds," cried the renegado;
"if we linger, we perish. Princess, descend instantly, or we leave
you."
Zorahayda was for a moment in fearful agitation; then loosening
the ladder of ropes, with desperate resolution, she flung it from
the balcony.
"It is decided!" cried she; "flight is now out of my power! Allah
guide and bless ye, my dear sisters!"
The two eldest princesses were shocked at the thoughts of leaving
her behind, and would fain have lingered, but the patrol was
advancing; the renegado was furious, and they were hurried away to the
subterraneous passage. They groped their way through a fearful
labyrinth, cut through the heart of the mountain, and succeeded in
reaching, undiscovered, an iron gate that opened outside of the walls.
The Spanish cavaliers were waiting to receive them, disguised as
Moorish soldiers of the guard, commanded by the renegado.
The lover of Zorahayda was frantic, when he learned that she had
refused to leave the tower; but there was no time to waste in
lamentations. The two princesses were placed behind their lovers,
the discreet Kadiga mounted behind the renegado, and they all set
off at a round pace in the direction of the Pass of Lope, which
leads through the mountains towards Cordova.
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