Old co-mates, i'faith, who have seen the best and
the worst. We suspected where you might be found, although, thanks to
the ever felicitous invention of man, it is generally received that you
died in battle. I hope your Majesty is well,' added Kisloch, bowing to
Schirene.
'You are welcome, friends,' replied Alroy; 'I know your worth. You have
seen, as you say, the best and the worst, and will, I trust, see better.
Died in battle, eh! that's good.'
''Tis so received,' said Calidas.
'And what news of our friends?'
'Not over good, but strange.'
'How so?'
'Hamadan is taken.'
'I am prepared; tell me all.'
'Old Bostenay and the Lady Miriam are borne prisoners to Bagdad.'
'Prisoners?'
'But so; all will be well with them, I trow. The Lord Honain is in high
favour with the conqueror, and will doubtless protect them.'
'Honain in favour?'
'Even so. He made terms for the city, and right good ones.'
'Hah! he was ever dexterous. Well! if he save my sister, I care not for
his favour.'
'There is no doubt. All may yet be well, Sir.'
'Let us act, not hope. Where's Abner?'
'Dead.'
'How?'
'In battle.'
'Art sure?'
'I saw him fall, and fought beside him.'
'A soldier's death is all our fortune now.
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