In the morning, Ithamar had entered with his division and
garrisoned the city. And now the vanguard of the Hebrew army, after
having been long distinguished in the distance, approached the walls. A
large body of cavalry dashed forward at full speed from the main
force. Upon a milk-white charger, and followed by a glittering train of
warriors, amid the shouts of the vast multitude, Alroy galloped up to
the gates.
He was received by Ithamar and the members of the deputation, but Honain
was not there. Accompanied by his staff and a strong detachment of the
Sacred Guard, Alroy was conducted through the principal thoroughfares
of the city, until he arrived at the chief entrance of the serail,
or palace, of the caliph. The vast portal conducted him into a large
quadrangular court, where he dismounted, and where he was welcomed by
the captain of the eunuch guard. Accompanied by his principal generals
and his immediate attendants, Alroy was then ushered through a suite of
apartments which reminded him of his visit with Honain, until he arrived
at the grand council-chamber of the caliphs.
The conqueror threw himself upon the gorgeous divan of the commander of
the Faithful.
'An easy seat after a long march,' said Alroy, as he touched with his
lips the coffee, which the chief of the eunuchs presented to him in a
cup of transparent pink porcelain, studded with pearls.
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