Tis strange I could sleep. I remember, on the eve of battle I was ever
anxious. How is this, Jabaster?'

'Your faith, sire, is profound.'

'Yes, I have no fear. My destiny is not complete. Good night, Jabaster.
See, Asriel, valiant priest. Pharez!'

'My lord!'

'Rouse me at the second watch. Good night, boy.'

'Good night, my lord.'

'Pharez! Be sure you rouse me at the second watch. Think you it wants
three hours to dawn?'

'About three hours, my lord.'

'Well! at the second watch, remember; good night.'

'It is the second watch, my lord.'

'So soon! Have I slept? I feel fresh as an eagle. Call Scherirah, boy.'

''Tis strange I never dream now. Before my flight my sleep was ever
troubled. Say what they like, man is made for action. My life is now
harmonious, and sleep has now become what nature willed it, a solace,
not a contest. Before, it was a struggle of dark passions and bright
dreams, in whose creative fancy and fair vision my soul sought refuge
from the dreary bale of daily reality.

'I will withdraw the curtains of my tent. O most majestic vision! And
have I raised this host? Over the wide plain, far as my eye can range,
their snowy tents studding the purple landscape, embattled legions
gather round their flags to struggle for my fate. It is the agony of
Asia.

'A year ago, upon this very spot, I laid me down to die, an unknown
thing, or known and recognised only to be despised, and now the sultans
of the world come forth to meet me. I have no fear. My destiny is not
complete. And whither tends it? Let that power decide which hitherto has
fashioned all my course.

'Jerusalem, Jerusalem! ever harping on Jerusalem. With all his lore,
he is a narrow-minded zealot whose dreaming memory would fondly make
a future like the past. O Bagdad, Bagdad, within thy glittering halls,
there is a charm worth all his Cabala!

'Hah! Scherirah! The dawn is near at hand, the stars are still shining.
The air is very pleasant. Tomorrow will be a great day, Scherirah, for
Israel and for you. You lead the attack. A moment in my tent, my brave
Scherirah!'

The dawn broke; a strong column of the Hebrews, commanded by Scherirah,
poured down upon the centre of the army of the caliph. Another column,
commanded by Jabaster, attacked the left wing, headed by the Sultan
of Roum. No sooner had Alroy perceived that the onset of Scherirah had
succeeded in penetrating the centre of the Turks, than he placed himself
at the hea