Upon the plain of the Tigris the enemy formed into battle array. The
centre was commanded by Malek, the Grand Sultan of the Seljuks himself;
the right wing, headed by the Sultan of Syria, was protected by the
river; and the left, under the Sultan of Roum, was posted upon the
advantageous position of some irregular and rising ground. Thus proud
in the number, valour, discipline, and disposition of his forces, Malek
awaited the conqueror of Persia.
The glittering columns of the Hebrews might even now be perceived
defiling from the mountains, and forming at the extremity of the plain.
Before nightfall the camp of the invaders was pitched within hearing of
that of Malek. The moving lights in the respective tents might plainly
be distinguished; and ever and anon the flourish of hostile music fell
with an ominous sound upon the ears of the opposed foe-men. A few miles
only separated those mighty hosts. Upon to-morrow depended, perhaps, the
fortunes of ages. How awful is the eve of battle!
Alroy, attended by a few chieftains, personally visited the tents of
the soldiery, promising them on the morrow a triumph, before which the
victories of Nehauend and Nishapur would sink into insignificance.
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