“No; Karam Bey commands. I have accounted for my delay to the Sultan by pretended difficulties in our treaty, and have held out the prospect of a larger tribute.” “When we are plotting that that tribute should be paid no longer!” added Nicæus, with a smile. “Alas! my dear friend,” replied the Turkish commander, “my situation has now become critical. Hitherto my services for the Moslemin have been confined to acting against nations of their own faith. I am now suddenly summoned to combat against my secret creed, and the best allies of what I must yet call my secret country. The movement, it appears to me, must be made now or never, and I cannot conceal from myself, that it never could have been prosecuted under less auspicious circumstances.” “What, you desponding!” exclaimed Nicæus; “then I must despair. Your sanguine temper has alone supported me throughout all our dangerous hopes.” “And Æschylus?” said the stranger, smiling. “And Æschylus, certainly,” replied Nicæus; “but I have lived to find even Æschylus insipid. I pant for action.” “It may be nearer than we can foresee,” replied the stranger. “There is a God who fashions all things. He will not desert a righteous cause. He knoweth that my thoughts are as pure as my situation is difficult. I have some dim ideas still brooding in my mind, but we will not discuss them now. I must away, dear Prince. The breeze serves fairly. Have you ever seen Hunniades?” “I was educated at the Court of Transylvania,” replied Nicæus, looking down with a somewhat embarrassed air. “He is a famous knight, Christendom’s chief bulwark.” The Turkish commander sighed. “When we meet again,” he said, “may we meet with brighter hopes and more buoyant spirits. At present, I must, indeed, say farewell.” The Prince turned with a dejected countenance, and pressed his companion to his heart. “‘Tis a sad end,” said he, “to all our happy hours and lofty plans.” “You are as yet too young to quarrel with Fortune,” replied the stranger, “and for myself, I have not yet settled my accounts with her. However, for the present farewell, dear Nicæus!” “Farewell,” replied the Prince of Athens, “farewell, dear Iskander!” CHAPTER 2