Come hither,
child, and fear not. I am a Christian like thyself, though bound
here by enchantment. Touch my fetters with the talisman that hangs
about thy neck, and for this night I shall be free."
So saying, she opened her robes and displayed a broad golden band
round her waist, and a golden chain that fastened her to the ground.
The child hesitated not to apply the little hand of jet to the
golden band, and immediately the chain fell to the earth. At the sound
the old man woke and began to rub his eyes; but the lady ran her
fingers over the chords of the lyre, and again he fell into a
slumber and began to nod, and his staff to falter in his hand.
"Now," said the lady, "touch his staff with the talismanic hand of
jet." The child did so, and it fell from his grasp, and he sank in a
deep sleep on the ottoman. The lady gently laid the silver lyre on the
ottoman, leaning it against the head of the sleeping magician; then
touching the chords until they vibrated in his ear- "O potent spirit
of harmony," said she, "continue thus to hold his senses in thraldom
till the return of day. Now follow me, my child," continued she,
"and thou shalt behold the Alhambra as it was in the days of its
glory, for thou hast a magic talisman that reveals all
enchantments." Sanchica followed the lady in silence. They passed up
through the entrance of the cavern into the barbican of the Gate of
Justice, and thence to the Plaza de los Algibes, or esplanade within
the fortress.
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