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'Nay, that is nothing, continued old Bostenay, unmindful of his servant's ejaculations.
He turned his head and watched his uncle as he departed: the bitter expression of his countenance gradually melted away as Bostenay disappeared: dejection succeeded to sarcasm; he sighed, he threw himself upon a couch and buried his face in his hands. Suddenly he arose and paced the chamber with an irregular and moody step. He stopped, and leant against a column.
The wide and silent desert rang with the acclamations of his enthusiastic votaries. Heavily the anxious hours crept on in the Jewish quarter of Hamadan. Again and again the venerable Bostenay discussed the chances of success with the sympathising but desponding elders. Miriam was buried in constant prayer. Their most sanguine hopes did not extend beyond the escape of their Prince.
'The glory has not departed! exclaimed the venerable Bostenay, as he entered the hall of his mansion. 'It is not as the visit of Sheba unto Solomon; nevertheless the glory has not yet departed.
'Old Bostenay and the Lady Miriam are borne prisoners to Bagdad. 'Prisoners? 'But so; all will be well with them, I trow. The Lord Honain is in high favour with the conqueror, and will doubtless protect them. 'Honain in favour? 'Even so. He made terms for the city, and right good ones. 'Hah! he was ever dexterous. Well! if he save my sister, I care not for his favour. 'There is no doubt.
And the victorious and voluptuous Seljuks, even now they tremble at the dim mention of the distant name of Arslan. Yet I, Bostenay, and the frail remnant of our scattered tribes, still we exist, and still, thanks to our God! we prosper. But the age of power has passed; it is by prudence now that we must flourish.
The deputation from the Hebrews of the Holy Land, headed by Rabbi Zimri himself, each carrying in his hand his offering to the nuptial pair, a precious vase, containing earth from the Mount of Zion. The standard of Hamadan. The deputation from the citizens of Hamadan, headed by the venerable Bostenay himself, whose sumptuous charger was led by Caleb.
'I hope a true Moslem will not touch a Jewess, exclaimed an indignant black eunuch. 'They approach. What a dust! said the captain of the gate. 'I see Hassan Subah! said the sentinel. 'So do I, said the eunuch, 'I know his black horse. 'I wonder how many dirhems old Bostenay is worth, said the captain. 'Immense! said the sentinel. 'No plunder, I suppose? said the eunuch.
'Ruler of Israel! thus saith Hassan Subah, answered the messenger: 'My harem shall owe their freedom to nothing but my sword. I treat not with rebels, but I war not with age or woman; and between Bostenay and his household on one side, and the prisoners of thy master on the other, let there be peace. Go, tell Alroy, I will seal it in his best blood.
Sometimes the trumpets announced a prize from the vice-queen, sometimes from the venerable Bostenay, sometimes from the victorious generals, or the loyal deputations, sometimes from the united trades, sometimes from the City of Bagdad, sometimes from the City of Hamadan. The hours flew away in gorgeous and ceaseless variety. 'I would we were alone, my own Schirene, said Alroy to his bride.
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