'The Hebrew legislator requires
but little musing to shape his order. He has a model which time cannot
destroy, nor thought improve.'
Ithamar and Asriel exchanged significant glances. Scherirah looked
solemn. There was a pause, which was broken by Asriel.
''Tis a noble city, this Bagdad. I have not yet visited your quarters,
Jabaster. You are well placed.'
'As it may be. I hope we shall not tarry here long. The great point is
still not achieved.'
'How far is it to the holy city?' enquired Scherirah.
'A month's march,' replied Jabaster.
'And when you get there?' enquired Ithamar.
'You may fight with the Franks,' replied Asriel.
'Jabaster, how large is Jerusalem?' enquired Ithamar. 'Is it true, as
I have sometimes heard, that it is not bigger than the serail here,
gardens and all?'
'Its glory hath departed,' replied the high priest; 'the bricks have
fallen, but we will rebuild with marble; and Zion, that is now without
the Christian walls, shall yet sparkle, as in the olden time, with
palaces and pavilions.'
A flourish of trumpets, the portals flew open, and Alroy entered,
leaning on the arm of the Envoy of Bagdad.
'Valiant leaders,' said Alroy to the astonished chieftains, 'in this
noble stranger, you see one like yourselves entrusted with my unbounded
confidence.
Pages:
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219