"
"That were scarcely wise, and certainly not just," replied Iskander;
"but ransom will be of no avail. Hunniades has already offered to
restore Karam Bey, and all the prisoners of rank, and the chief
trophies, and Amurath has refused to listen to any terms. The truth
is, Iduna has found favour in the eyes of his son, the young Mahomed."
"Holy Virgin! hast thou no pity on this Christian maid?" exclaimed
Nicaeus. "The young Mahorned! Shall this licentious infidel -- ah!
Iskander, dear, dear Iskander, you who have so much wisdom, and so much
courage; you who can devise all things, and dare all things; help me,
help me; on my knees I do beseech you, take up this trying cause of
foul oppression, and for the sake of all you love and reverence, your
creed, your country, and perchance your friend, let your great genius,
like some solemn angel, haste to the rescue of the sweet Iduna, and
save her, save her!"
"Some thoughts like these were rising in my mind when first I spoke,"
replied Iskander. "This is a better cue, far more beseeming princes
than boyish tears, and all the outward misery of woe, a tattered
garment and dishevelled locks.
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