Page:Cross, or, The Spanish champion.pdf/16

14 exclaimed—"Forbear! proud infidel, and meet my avenging sword!"

Iram started from his preyhe beheld the face of Alvar; and the astonished Seraphina sustained a fresh tumult in her bosom, from the joy of beholding him, and the fear for his life. While the Spaniards, recovering from their panic on this timely aid, recommenced the action with renewed hope and vigour; and so desperate was become the strife, that none had survived but Alvar, who was fiercely engaged with Iram, together with Roderigo, Perez, and two other Spaniards, that were opposed by a couple who now alone remained, besides Iram, of all the Moors. Roderigo and his companions had the good fortune to slay one of these, though two of the Spaniards had scarce strength left to use their weapons, and the other Moor appeared to shun all farther contention.

At this moment a clump of earth, against which the foot of Alvar struck, threw him on his knees, and Iram, who was nearly spent with the fatigue of so long a contest, with uplifted sabre, seizing the advantage, was on the point of plunging it into him. Seraphina screamed with terror at the descending stroke, while Roderigo, now freed from danger, beheld with joy the approaching death of his rival, and seeing this was a favourable moment to secure Seraphina to himself, beckoning to Perez, who immediately followed him, rushed upon her, and seizing her in her arms, was hastening away with her; while the remaining Moor, whose backwardness in continuing the engagement proceeded not from fear, sprung upon Iram and checked his arm. Alvar instantly sprung up, and with renewed strength attacking his adversary, soon laid him lifeless at his feet. The cries of Seraphina