Amid the acclamations of an enthusiastic people,
Iskander once more ascended the citadel of Croia. Nicaeus received him
at the gate. Iskander sprang from his horse, and embraced his friend.
Hand in hand, and followed by their respective trains, they entered the
fortress palace.
"Dear friend," said Iskander, when they were once more alone, "you see
we were right not to despair. Two months have scarcely elapsed since
we parted without prospect, or with the most gloomy one, and now we are
in a fair way of achieving all that we can desire. Epirus is free!"
"I came to claim my share in its emancipation," said Nicaeus, with a
smile, "but Iskander is another Caesar!"
"You will have many opportunities yet, believe me, Nicaeus, of proving
your courage and your patriotism," replied Iskander; "Amurath will
never allow this affair to pass over in this quiet manner. I did not
commence this struggle without a conviction that it would demand all
the energy and patience of a long life. I shall be rewarded if I leave
freedom as an heritage to my countrymen; but for the rest, I feel that
I bid farewell to every joy of life, except the ennobling consciousness
of performing a noble duty.
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