Confident in his numbers, and aware of the
weakness of his antagonists, Arslan contented himself with acting on the
defensive, and wearying his assailants by resisting their terrible and
repeated charge.
For a moment, Alroy at the head of the Sacred Guard had withdrawn from
the combat. Abner and Asriel still maintained the fight, and the Caliph
was at the same time preparing for new efforts, and watching with
anxiety for the arrival of Scherirah. In the fifth hour, from an
eminence he marked with exultation the advancing banners of his
expected succours. Confident now that the day was won, he announced the
exhilarating intelligence to his soldiers; and, while they were excited
by the animating tidings, led them once more to the charge. It was
irresistible; Scherirah seemed to have arrived only for the pursuit,
only in time to complete the victory. What then was the horror, the
consternation of Alroy, when Benaiah, dashing up to him, informed
him that the long-expected succours consisted of the united forces of
Scherirah and Abidan, and had attacked him in the rear. Human genius
could afford no resource. The exhausted Hebrews, whose energies had been
tasked to the utmost, were surrounded.
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