s of night gathered
gradually round, accompanied with the roar of savage beasts. Sophron
found himself beset with terrors, but his soul was incapable of fear; he
poised his javelin in his hand, and forced his way through every
opposition, till at length, with infinite difficulty, he disengaged
himself from the forest just as the last glimmer of light was yet
visible in the skies. But it was in vain that he had thus escaped; he
cast his eyes around, but could discern nothing but an immense tract of
country, rough with rocks, and overhung with forests, but destitute of
every mark of cultivation or inhabitants; he, however, pursued his way
along the side of the mountain till he descended into a pleasant valley,
free from trees, and watered by a winding stream. Here he was going to
repose for the remainder of the night, under the crag of an impending
rock, when a rising gleam of light darted suddenly into the skies from a
considerable distance, and attracted his curiosity. Sophron looked
towards the quarter whence it came, and plainly discerned that it was a
fire kindled either by some benighted traveller like himself, or by some
less innocent wanderers of the dark. He determined to approach the
light, but knowing the unsettled state of all the neighbouring
districts, he thought it prudent to advance with caution; he therefore
made a considerable circuit, and by clambering along the higher grounds
discovered a hanging wood, under whose thick covert he approached
without being discovered, within a little distance of the fire. He then
perceived that a party of soldiers were reposing round a flaming pile of
wood, and carousing at their ease; all about was strewn the plunder
which they had accumulated in their march, and in the midst was seated a
venerable old man, accompanied by a beautiful young woman.

"Sophron easily comprehended, by the dejection of their countenances,
and the tears which trickled down the maiden's cheeks, as well as by the
insolence with which they were treated, that they were prisoners. The
virtuous indignation of his temper was instantly excited, and he
determined to attempt their deliverance; but this, in spite of all his
intrepidity, he perceived was no easy matter to accomplish; he was
alone, and weakly armed; his enemies, though not numerous, too many for
him to flatter himself with any rational hope of success by open force;
and, should he make a fruitless effort, he might rashly throw his life
awa