The disparity
of age between himself and Iduna appeared an insuperable barrier to his
hopes, even had there been no other obstacle. Iskander struggled with
his love, and with his strong mind the struggle, though painful, was
not without success. He felt that he was acting in a manner which must
ultimately tend to the advantage of his country, the happiness of his
friend, and perhaps the maintenance of his own self-respect. For he
had too much pride not to be very sensible to the bitterness of
rejection.
Had he perceived more indications of a very cordial feeling subsisting
between Nicaeus and Iduna, he would perhaps not have persisted in
maintaining his disguise. But he had long suspected that the passion
of the Prince of Athens was not too favourably considered by the
daughter of Hunniades, and he was therefore exceedingly anxious that
Nicaeus should possess all the credit of the present adventure, which
Iskander scarcely doubted, if successful, would allow Nicaeus to urge
irresistible claims to the heart of a mistress whom he had rescued at
the peril of his life from slavery and dishonour, to offer rank,
reputation, and love.
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