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Updated: May 21, 2025
'There is much to tell, and much to inquire, said Tancred; 'but before I speak of myself, let me know whether you can get me tidings of Eva, the daughter of Besso. 'Is she not living in rooms with many divans? said Amalek. 'Alas! said Tancred, 'she was a prisoner, and is now a fugitive. 'What children of Gin have done this deed? Are there strange camels drinking at my wells?
To keep up appearances, Fakredeen, with his usual audacious craft, had appointed Scheriff Effendi to meet him at Jerusalem, at the house of Besso, for the completion of the contract; and accordingly, on the afternoon of the day preceding his visit to Bethany, Fakredeen had arrived at Jerusalem without money, and without credit, in order to purchase arms for a province.
A courier had arrived at Aleppo from Hillel, apprising Adam Besso that the Queen of the Ansarey had not only refused to give up the prisoners, but even declared that Eva had been already released; but Hillel concluded that this was merely trifling. This parleying had taken place on the border; the troops were about to force the passes on the following day.
She knew, that is, she had been told, that Tancred was affianced to the daughter of Besso of Damascus; and so this sudden meeting brought about a crisis. I did what I could to prevent it; vowed that you were only the cousin of the Besso that she meant; did everything, in short, I could to serve and save you; but it was of no use. She was wild, is wild, and your life is in peril.
His divan is charming; you will always find there the most intelligent people. You must learn to smoke. There is nothing that Besso cannot do; make him do everything you want; have no scruples; he will be gratified. Besides, he is one of those who kiss my signet. These two letters will open Syria to you, and any other land, if you care to proceed.
'She has fled with him who was false to us all, said Astarte, 'for it was the Emir of the Lebanon who long ago told me that you were affianced to the daughter of Besso, and who warned me against joining in any enterprise which was only to place upon the throne of Syria one whom the laws of your own country would never recognise as your wife. 'Intriguer! said Tancred.
'It is too late, said Astarte in an almost sepulchral voice. 'What is that? 'It is too late! The daughter of Besso is no more. 'Jesu preserve us! exclaimed Tancred, starting. 'Speak it again: what is it that you say? Astarte shook her head. 'Woman! said Tancred, and he seized her hand, but his thoughts were too wild for utterance, and he remained pallid and panting.
'They will never come, said Besso to his daughter. 'It was one of his freaks. We will not wait. 'I am sure, my father, they will come, said Eva, earnestly. And indeed, at this very moment, as she stood at his side, holding in one hand her palm branch, which was reposing on her bosom, and in the other her fresh citron, the servants appeared again, ushering in two guests who had just arrived.
He has captured him in the desert, according to the custom of his tribe. Much as Amalek may injure me, I must acquit him of treason and of baseness. 'Yes, yes, said Eva, with an abstracted air. 'You misconceive me. I was thinking of others; and what do you purpose, my father? 'First, to clear myself of the deep stain that I now feel upon my life, said Besso.
Tancred had met Eva at the house of Besso in Jerusalem, but she did not then exercise over him the strange charm which now drew him to her side. It seemed to him that the beautiful Jewish girl had been sent to help him in his struggle against the heathen spells of Astarte.
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