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8 to seize the first opportunity, of either blasting his hopes, or effecting his destruction.

Although Murad remained in possession of the kingdom of Mursia, and no extensive opposition to his power was displayed, yet Alphonso was surrounded by an army, which, though at first small, was daily increasing, by the number of Spaniards who found the means of secretly resorting to him.

This prince was possessed of a strong and penetrating judgment, which was capable of improving every fortunate event to the utmost, and of mitigating or repairing the most disastrous: in battle he was cool and intrepid; deeply versed in all the science and practice of war; humane and generous when a conqueror; patient, and abounding with fortitude, when conquered. Such an opponent Murad secretly dreaded, and his apprehensions were the more keen, from the great affection which the whole kingdom had for him; and he was firmly satisfied, that his newly-acquired throne could never be firmly established, while so able and industrious a rival was in existence; to deprive him of life, therefore, by whatever means it could be effected, was the prime object of his soul.

The hand of Alvar was the only means that could afford the security he so ardently panted for: seizing, therefore, a moment, when he judged the satisfaction and gratitude of Alvar for the favours bestowed upon him had clothed his face with joy, he commenced the trial of his heart, lamenting the necessity, which his fears imposed upon him, of those restrictions and hardships which the Spaniards endured.

Alvar remained in silence, while his soul shuddered amid conjectures upon what would be the end of this address; when Murad, eagerly catching