m with an unaltered countenance,
though a deep sigh sufficiently proved her feelings in the terrible
situation in which she was placed.

An hour before dawn was the time appointed for Sol's departure. At the
moment fixed, a Moor, of a countenance most savage and repulsive,
presented himself at the dungeon-gate, leading by their bridles two
active mules. He was shortly followed by five soldiers, who were to form
the escort, and when all were assembled, the muleteer, who was charged
with the conduct of the affair, knocked at the door of the prison, and
on its being opened, entered to bring the captive forth.

Meanwhile, her parents, her brother, and many of her friends, had
concealed themselves at a certain distance, where they could remain
undiscovered, to witness this sad scene, and compelled themselves to
silence the groans and sighs by which their hearts were torn, so as to
escape detection. The eyes of all were riveted on that spot where the
victim was to emerge from the prison. Every thing was distinctly visible
in the clear morning air; and in a little time the object of their hopes
came forth, and at sight of her, Simla fell fainting into the arms of
her husband and son. Sol came forth with a slow and tremulous step,
supported by the horrible muleteer, the pallor of her countenance
contrasting with the ebony blackness of her bright and speaking eyes,
whose glances fell searchingly around. Her hair was gathered up beneath
the humble white "toco," which formed the graceful covering of her head,
and her dark blue dress accorded well with the interesting cast of her
fair features, giving a grave and imposing character to her whole
figure. Her delicate feet were bound with heavy fetters, which scarce
permitted her to move; and her whole appearance was so pathetic and
interesting, that it is scarcely possible for the pen to describe the
scene. All passed in silence; and the echo of sighs was the only
language of this fearful drama.

The muleteer threw some cords over his beast's trappings, the better to
secure his victim. Meanwhile, the beautiful Jewess, turning--as though
instinctively--towards the spot where her mourning parents stood, asked
one of the soldiers who guarded her, to assist her to kneel. This being
permitted, she folded her hands upon her breast, and looking up to
heaven, exclaimed, in broken accents: "God of Abraham! Thou who knowest
the innocence of my heart, receive the sacrifice which I have made i