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16 desires. Too nearly had he succeeded in his views; but I could not behold with indifference his uplifted sabre, ready to take the life of the brave defender of her honour, so I rushed forward to save thee. Go, may Alla preserve thee from further evils, and mayest thou be happy with thy beloved and charming Seraphina!” Alvar parted from Mosoul, but not till after many embraces; and the eyes of Seraphina, glistening with regret at his departure, spoke at the same time the deep gratitude of her heart.

And now the delighted Alvar passed gaily on, leading his Seraphina, who, with downcast looks, listened with rapture to his soothing voice, which in tender accents strove to chase from her bosom those terrifying objects, which her late dangerous situation had planted there.

Long had they pursued their way without rest or refreshment; for the hand of rapine had created a dreary waste around them, and those delicious plains, which formerly had fed vast herds and innumerable flocks, now presented nothing but a wide extended space, without a living object to cheer the wandering eye. Seraphina, complaining of fatigue and thirst, sat down upon the turf; Alvar anxious to afford her relief, leaving Roderigo and Perez to guard her, proceeded in search of water. At a considerable distance he found a brook, and filling a small cup, which he always carried about with him on a journey, he returned to the place where he had left Seraphina. What was his astonishment to find her gone! Thinking she and her attendants had been surprised by a party of Moors, and carried off by these infidels, with a look of despair the threw himself upon the earth, and bitterly bewailed his misfortune; then, starting up, flew with frenzied step