In its centre rose a fair and antique structure of white marble,
shrouding from the noon-day sun the perennial flow of a very famous
fountain. It was near midnight. Iduna was wearied, and she sat down
upon the steps of the fountain for rest. And while she was musing over
all the strange adventures of her life, she heard a rustling in the
wood, and being alarmed, she rose and hid herself behind a tree.
And while she stood there, with palpitating heart, the figure of a man
advanced to the fountain from an opposite direction of the grove. He
went up the steps, and looked down upon the spring as if he were about
to drink, but instead of doing that, he drew his scimitar, and plunged
it into the water, and called out with a loud voice the name of
"Iskander!" three times. Whereupon Iduna, actuated by an irresistible
impulse, came forward from her hiding-place, but instantly gave a loud
shriek when she beheld the Prince Mahomed!
"Oh! night of glory!" exclaimed the prince, advancing. "Do I indeed
behold the fair Iduna! This is truly magic!"
"Away! away!" exclaimed the distracted Iduna, as she endeavoured to fly
from him.
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