Page:Cross, or, The Spanish champion.pdf/36

34 Meantime Roderigo, under the title of Valentio, finding all his love revive at having Seraphina in his power, had entered her apartment, and seizing her in his arms, was resolved to delay his desires no longer. Her strength was exhausted, for in vain her cries echoed throughout the apartment, and Roderigo had her completely in his power, when a door at the further end of the room burst open, and the aged Sebastian entered. Roderigo instantly started from his prey; while Sebastian, beholding his base attempt, rushed upon him, brandishing his bar of iron. The foul ravisher fled with dismay, and Sebastian no sooner saw him depart than he hurried to Seraphina, and used every effort to comfort her; but recollecting the danger of remaining too long from his dungeon, he bade her adieu.

Meantime Murad advanced rapidly against Ferdinando; the two armies met, and a bloody conflict ensued. Early in the engagement Murad attacked the brave Ferdinando, who soon laid the proud infidel lifeless on the ground, and rout and universal slaughter ensued, until the Moors were at last forced to lay down their arms.

This happy kingdom was now free. The joy of their deliverance appeared on every face, and while the Prince embraced Ferdinando, he publicly hailed him the Spanish champion—the deliverer of his country.

Surrounded by loud shouts of victory, Alphonso and Ferdinando hastened to the palace, and found their aged sovereign. They told him the events of the day; but he resigned his crown to his son.

Ferdinando soon found Seraphina, and the universal joy was encreased by the union of these two lovers.

FINIS.