Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/174

 "True," replied he, "I have had a companion, whom thou seest, a Christian captive, under my care; who has acquired our language tolerably, and deported himself so as to deserve my favour."

"As a captive, I pity him," said Abdalla. "As a Christian, I will pray for him, that our holy prophet may convert him from his errors, as he has enlightened his understanding."

"I thank you, holy father," answered Ferdinand.—"Though a Christian, I reverence true piety, and honour good men of every religion. The prayers of an upright heart I shall ever be grateful for. But pardon me if I ask how long you have resided in this grove?"

"Upwards of fifty years," replied he.—"I was near thirty when I first came here.

"When young I was bred to arms. I fought under our last great Sultan. He thought I deserved well; he promoted me. This raised me many enemies; I fell under the displeasure of the Grand Vizier; that was