In the battle I shall
think of her for whom alone I conquer.'
'Nay, nay, I'll go, indeed I must, Alroy. I'll be no hindrance, trust
me, sweet boy, I will not. I'll have no train, no, not a single maid.
Credit me, I know how a true soldier's wife should bear herself. I'll
watch thee sleeping, and I'll tend thee wounded, and when thou goest
forth to combat I'll gird thy sabre round thy martial side, and whisper
triumph with victorious kisses.'
'My own Schirene, there's victory in thine eyes. We'll beat them, girl.'
'Abidan, doubly false Abidan! would he were doubly hanged! Ere she
died, the fatal prophetess foretold this time, and gloated on his future
treachery.'
'Think not of him.'
'And the Karasmian; think you he is very strong?' 'Enough, love, for our
glory. He is a potent warrior: I trust that Abner will not rob us of our
intended victory.'
'So you triumph, I care not by whose sword. Dost go indeed to-morrow?'
'At break of dawn. I pray thee stay, my sweet!' 'Never! I will not quit
thee. I am quite prepared. At break of dawn? 'Tis near on midnight now.
I'll lay me down upon this couch awhile, and travel in my litter. Art
sure Alp Arslan is himself in the field?'
'Quite sure, my sweet.
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