"Allah be with you, prince! I seek the king." "Stay! I have just quitted his presence, and left him, I trust, with thoughts worthy of the sovereign of Granada, which I would not have disturbed by a stranger, a man whose arms are not spear nor shield." "Noble Muza," returned Almamen, "fear not that my voice will weaken the inspirations which thine hath breathed into the breast of Boabdil.

Alas! if my counsel were heeded, thou wouldst hear the warriors of Granada talk less of Muza, and more of the king.

But Fate, or Allah, hath placed upon the throne of a tottering dynasty, one who, though brave, is weak--though, wise, a dreamer; and you suspect the adviser, when you find the influence of nature on the advised.

Is this just ?" Muza gazed long and sternly on the face of Almamen; then, putting his hand gently on the enchanter's shoulder, he said-- "Stranger, if thou playest us false, think that this arm hath cloven the casque of many a foe, and will not spare the turban of a traitor!" "And think thou, proud prince!" returned Almamen, unquailing, "that I answer alone to Allah for my motives, and that against man my deeds I can defend!" With these words, the enchanter drew his long robe round him, and disappeared amidst the foliage..