“And what says Blanchefleur to all this?” said Gabrielle. Whereupon that beautiful damsel started as if awoke from a dream, and said,--“I know not certainly who is approaching us; but, even now, I heard again the same pleasant sounds from the rocks on the sea-shore!” Both her companions laughed at perceiving how her thoughts wandered from the subjects on which they had spoken; but, ere long, they were themselves hindered from continuing their discourse; for they heard in truth a soft sound of music, which came from the direction to which Blanchefleur had pointed across the water. They thought they could even distinguish words expressing the deep ardent longing of a lover separated from his mistress, wishing for wings that he might be borne across the seas towards her, and then ending with notes of melancholy and despair, because this was impossible! The tones melted away, and Blanchefleur said, with tears in her eyes, “Thus I often hear him sing. Even by moonlight, at dead of night, I have heard his voice coming to me through the flowers and vine-leaves at my window. Am I right, dearest sister? Can it be the voice of Aleard?” There was no time to answer; for, lo! among the trees before them, were now visible, tall figures of men, strangely attired, and with long beards, who stood still, and spoke vehemently, pointing all the while to the three ladies, as if these were the subjects of their conversation. The damsels were terrified, and wished to return home; but, on looking round, they perceived, on the top of a hill, more of the same figures, precisely in the direction of their homeward path. Some of these frightful men on the hill immediately rushed down with supernatural rapidity, and, as if to aid the plans of those who were still among the trees, took their stations on the other side; so that all attempt at escape would now have been utterly vain. Then they approached with an air of the greatest respect, with their hands crossed over their breasts, and their heads declined almost to the ground; though, as their disordered locks hung over their features, their appearance was thus rendered more hideous than ever. At last, behold! Prince Mutza stepped forward from among them, now dressed in more than usual magnificence, gleaming with gold and jewels, and followed by two youths, also in the Arabian garb, and nearly as splendid in appearance as the prince. “Do not blame me,” said he, bowing to Gabrielle, “if I now say that I must go from hence; nor tremble when I add, that you must bear me company! With us you will enjoy a life of magnificence and pleasure; and, for my support in this adventure, I have sent for these two handsome knights, assuring them, that they would here find ladies even more beautiful than the Houris of Mahomet. Have I kept my word?” added he, looking to his companions, one of whom now kneeled down before Blanchefleur, who, pale with terror, clung to the arm of Gabrielle; while the other, in like manner, paid