'
'Confusion on his crown! We'll conquer. Goes Asriel with us?' 'Ay!'
'That's well; at break of dawn. I'm somewhat drowsy. Methinks I'll sleep
awhile.'
'Do, my best heart; I'll to my cabinet, and at break of dawn I'll wake
thee with a kiss.'
The Caliph repaired to his cabinet, where his secretaries were occupied
in writing. As he paced the chamber, he dictated to them the necessary
instructions.
'Who is the officer on guard?'
'Benaiah, Sire.'
'I remember him. He saved me a broken skull upon the Tigris. This is for
him. The Queen accompanies us. She is his charge. These papers for the
Vizir. Let the troops be under arms by daybreak. This order of the
day for the Lord Asriel. Send this instantly to Hamadan. Is the Tatar
despatched to Medad? 'Tis well. You have done your duty. Now to rest.
Pharez?'
'My lord.'
'I shall not sleep to-night. Give me my drink. Go rest, good boy. I have
no wants. Good night.'
'Good night, my gracious lord!'
'Let me ponder! I am alone. I am calm, and yet my spirit is not quick.
I am not what I was. Four-and-twenty hours ago who would have dreamed of
this? All at stake again! Once more in the field, and struggling at once
for empire and existence! I do lack the mighty spirit of my former days.
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