Verney, my fixed determination not to quit this place, until in the light

of day Stamboul is confessedly ours. If the men I have about me shrink from

following me, others, more courageous, are to be found. Go you before break

of day, bear these dispatches to Karazza, add to them your own entreaties

that he send me his marines and naval force; if I can get but one regiment

to second me, the rest would follow of course. Let him send me this

regiment. I shall expect your return by to-morrow noon."

Methought this was but a poor expedient; but I assured him of my obedience

and zeal. I quitted him to take a few hours rest. With the breaking of

morning I was accoutred for my ride. I lingered awhile, desirous of taking

leave of Perdita, and from my window observed the approach of the sun. The

golden splendour arose, and weary nature awoke to suffer yet another day of

heat and thirsty decay. No flowers lifted up their dew-laden cups to meet

the dawn; the dry grass had withered on the plains; the burning fields of

air were vacant of birds; the cicale alone, children of the sun, began

their shrill and deafening song among the cypresses and olives. I saw

Raymond's coal-black charger brought to the palace gate; a small company of

officers arrived soon after; care and fear was painted on each cheek, and

In each eye, unrefreshed by sleep. I found Raymond and Perdita together. He

was watching the rising sun, while with one arm he encircled his beloved's

waist; she looked on him, the sun of her life, with earnest gaze of mingled

anxiety and tenderness. Raymond started angrily when he saw me. "Here

still?" he cried. "Is this your promised zeal?"

"Pardon me," I said, "but even as you speak, I am gone."

"Nay, pardon me," he replied; "I have no right to command or reproach; but

my life hangs on your departure and speedy return. Farewell!"

His voice had recovered its bland tone, but a dark cloud still hung on his

features. I would have delayed; I wished to recommend watchfulness to

Perdita, but his presence restrained me. I had no pretence for my

hesitation; and on his repeating his farewell, I clasped his outstretched

hand; it was cold and clammy. "Take care of yourself, my dear Lord," I

said.

"Nay," said Perdita, "that task shall be mine. Return speedily,

Lionel." With an air of absence he was playing with her auburn locks, while

she leaned on him; twice I turned back, only to look again on this

matchless pair. At last, with slow and heavy steps, I had paced out of the

hall, and sprung upon my horse. At that moment Clara flew towards me;

clasping my knee she cried, "Make haste back, uncle! Dear uncle, I have

such fearful dreams; I dare not tell my mother. Do not be long away!" I

assured her of my impatience to return, and then, with a small escort rode

along the plain towards the tower of Marmora.

I fulfilled my commission; I saw Karazza. He was somewhat surprised; he

would see, he said, what could be done; but it required time; and Raymond

had ordered me to return by noon. It was impossible to effect any thing in

so short a time. I must stay till the next day; or come back, after having

reported the present state of things to the general. My choice was easily

made. A restlessness, a fear of what was about to betide, a doubt as to

Raymond's purposes, urged me to return without delay to his quarters.

Quitting the Seven Towers, I rode eastward towards the Sweet Waters. I took

a circuitous path, principally for the sake of going to the top of the

mount before mentioned, which commanded a view of the city. I had my glass

with me. The city basked under the noon-day sun, and the venerable walls

formed its picturesque boundary. Immediately before me was the Top Kapou,

the gate near which Mahomet had made the breach by which he entered the

city. Trees gigantic and aged grew near; before the gate I discerned a

crowd of moving human figures--with intense curiosity I lifted my glass

to my eye. I saw Lord Raymond on his charger; a small company of officers

had gathered about him; and behind was a promiscuous concourse of soldiers

and subalterns, their discipline lost, their arms thrown aside; no music

sounded, no banners streamed. The only flag among them was one which

Raymond carried; he pointed with it to the gate of the city. The circle

round him fell back. With angry gestures he leapt from his horse, and

seizing a hatchet that hung from his saddle-bow, went with the apparent

intention of battering down the opposing gate. A few men came to aid him;

their numbers increased; under their united blows the obstacle was

vanquished, gate, portcullis, and fence were demolished; and the wide

sun-lit way, leading to the heart of the city, now lay open before them.

The men shrank back; they seemed afraid of what they had already done, and

stood as if they expected some Mighty Phantom to stalk in offended majesty

from the opening. Raymond sprung lightly on his horse, grasped the

standard, and with words which I could not hear (but his gestures, being

their fit accompaniment, were marked by passionate energy,) he seemed to

adjure their assistance and companionship; even as he spoke, the crowd

receded from him. Indignation now transported him; his words I guessed were

fraught with disdain--then turning from his coward followers, he

addressed himself to enter the city alone. His very horse seemed to back

from the fatal entrance; his dog, his faithful dog, lay moaning and

supplicating in his path--in a moment more, he had plunged the rowels