_K._ How now! he is dead? [_Goes to arbour._ _Sa._ (_coming out_). He is slain. May heaven forgive thee! (_Aside._) Murdered, most basely murdered, And by this shifty, inconsiderate king. Murdered for pride; because he would not take The gift that was begrudged. Oh, Almeh, Almeh, Thou hadst a noble and a gentle lover. _K._ (_re-entering_). How came he there, Sala? How could I see him? ’Tis true he is dead and cold. _Sa._ The Christian captives Have caused our error. They have eaten the food, And laid their prince’s body in the bower: 2020 It was their sighing that we heard, re-echoed From the deep pit. _K._ By heaven, I saw him, Sala, when the moon shone out: He stood upright before me; while I spoke He walked away. _Sa._ ’Tis like your majesty Hath been deluded by some airy vision Bred in the troubled brain. _K._ Nay, he was there. _Sa._ The spirits of the dead have power to fix The image of their presence in the place Where life was robbed: there are a thousand stories Of such frail apparitions. _Enter Messenger._ _K._ Who cometh here? 2031 _MESSENGER._ Your majesty’s command. _K._ I know thee: speak. _Mess._ The scouts returned report the Christians camped To north of Alrah on the stream’s left bank. They do not hold the hill, and set no guard Save on their front. _K._ What numbers are they guessed? _Mess._ At some four thousand: and prince Ferdinand Is with them. _K._ Who? _Mess._ The scouts, your majesty, Spake of prince Ferdinand’s escape. They saw him Ride at full speed into the Christian camp. 2040 _K._ When saw they him? _Mess._ At dusk. _K._ It could not be. _Mess._ They tell he galloped thro’their company. They might have touched him. When they called his name He took no heed. Some fired their pieces at him: And some pursued: but he, as tho’his horse Were winged, held on, nor ever turned his head, And soon was out of reach. _K._ Enough. Begone. [_Exit Messenger._ I knew I had seen him, Sala: ’tis his spirit. What is thy counsel? _Sa._ Think no more of this. Take a sufficient force within the walls: 2050 The rest entrenched upon the hill without, We must abide their coming on at dawn. _K._ What is your force? _Sa._ At most eight hundred men. _K._ We are so o’ermatched, Sala, I shall not wait, I shall assault their camp to-night. The darkness Will hide our numbers: we will steal upon them. _Sa._ I pray you, sire, be well advised. Consider, If our small force be sundered in the darkness....