foreign aid to ornament, the unvarnished tale of his fortunes, hazards, escapes, and conduct possessed a charm, which won the affections and delight of his auditors. Where he thought Sir Lionel did not do himself justice in parts with which he was familiar, the Earl of Pembroke was quite eloquent in giving them an additional varnish, which, at times, was so lively, that the face of his modest and unpresumingminded friend was frequently crimsoned, and it caused him to feel considerable embarrasment. The subject of his love for the ladymaiden, Bona, was passed over with a light hand, and none but a very nice observer, could distinguish that he continued to cherish for her a flame, which enlivened his breast with the fondest and dearest anticipations.

The conversation then turned upon the different nationalities and characteristics of Asia and Europe, with which the emperor was well acquainted, and he contrasted them to the advantage of the one or the other with infinite impartiality and judgment.

By this time, the morning had far progressed, and the two young knights rose to take their departure with the deepest regrets, having prolonged their stay under the influence of the fascinations of which the imperial tent was the scene.

The brows of all, which before were expressive of joy, were instantly clouded with sorrow. The princess Mera upon feeling its influence steal over her heart, thickened the folds of her veil before her face, to conceal the sentiment from observation. To the soul of the Earl of Pembroke, this act of the princess was like the obscuration of the light of day by a heavy and impervious cloud; and as he bowed his leave to the fair object of his admiration, his life was almost ready to take its flight in a sigh that swelled his breast nearly to bursting.

His agitation was unnoticed, for the emperor was engaged in presenting to Sir Lionel a signet-ring, the identical ring which he wore as the merchant, and with which he entrusted the boor on quitting his cabin.

"This ring," said Saladine, "will protect thee and thy friends with all the authorities and military throughout our dominions, as effectively as if we were with thee ourselves. We have had engraven upon it a motto, which is expressive of our wishes, 'Je reviendrè,' and with the farewell embrace with which it is given, we wish thee to consider that one of the highest satisfaction awaits on thy return. Farewell, Sir Lionel, and may the God of Mahomet, and of thy fathers protect and prosper thee, farewell-fare-fare thee well," and the emperor turned aside in the strongest possible feelings.

The preparations for their departure were now soon completed, when Sir Lionel and the Earl of Pembroke at the head of a party of Christians, which had increased to the number of fifty, rode off from the infidel encampment. As they passed on, they received from the Saracen officers many friendly greetings.

In the plane, they encountered, once more, the Emperor Saladine, who was now returning from a visit of inspection, attended by a

splendid retinue of officers, who saluted them

with much respect.

66

Again, farewell," said Saladine. "May prosperous gales waft thee, safely, to thy native shores, and let thy king and countrymen know that ours, hereafter, are open to them, as friends, if they would like to cultivate our friendship, and the arts of peace. Adieuadieu."

'Adieu, mighty and generous prince, adieu," said Sir Lionel, pressing his breast with his hand, "and may prosperity and happiness flourish in thy land, co-eternal and congenial with its sun."

174

CHAPTER IX.

"Beauty alone is but of little worth;
But when the soul and body of a piece,
Both shine alike, then they obtain a price,
And are a fit reward for gallant actions."

Shakspeare.

SIR LIONEL, for a long while, was too much occupied with his own feelings to observe the powerful depression of spirits under which the Earl of Pembroke now laboured. His eye was cast down, as if he were counting the sands over which he mechanically and silently moved with his horse.

"Why, what ails thee, Pembroke, wherefore this doleful countenance?" at length, inquired Sir Lionel.

"I know not what aileth me, Lionel," said the Earl of Pembroke, "but I feel enjoyment