"If my services will be accepted, I have come to offer my hand and heart

to the cause of the patriots. I should have remained a good subject of

Russia, if she had allowed me; but she will now find me and my tribe her

mortal enemies; for I doubt not that all my people will take the first

opportunity of escaping, when they hear that I am on the side of the

Circassians; and heartily will they all join in avenging that poor

girl's death."

"It was a barbarous deed," cried Selem, casting an agonised glance on

the pale features of Azila, beautiful, even in death.

Arslan Gherrei now approached his son; "Let not sorrow take possession

of your soul, my son, for the loss of that faithful girl. I, I too well

can share your feelings; but shew yourself stern as a warrior among our

countrymen. Think not of grief, while we have swords in our hands to

avenge our friends. That poor maiden shall have a befitting funeral,

she shall be consigned to the care of Ina, who, with her friends, will

mourn over their lost sister."

"You speak truly, my father," exclaimed Selem, "no one henceforth shall

see me shed a tear of joy or grief, till every hallowed spot of our

loved country shall be freed from the defiling tread of the Russian

foot, or till the death-wound comes to send me to a warrior's grave."

"My son, your words make your father's heart beat proudly," said the

chieftain; "and worthy are you of our royal race. See, is not yonder

sight enough to rejoice the breast of every foe to Russia?"

Selem turned his eyes in the direction his father indicated, where the

ground, in front of the Russian entrenchments, was strewn with the

slain; so rapidly and surely had the Circassian sabres done their work

among the panic-stricken ranks. Few, if any, had reached the gates of

the fort; for of those who escaped the first fierce onset, most had been

mowed down by the showers of grape and rockets fired by their own

countrymen. Many of the Circassians had fallen; but not one had been

left on the field; every horseman seizing his comrade as he was wounded

or slain, and bearing him on his steed from the ground.

The band of warriors, assembled in the forest overlooking the fort, kept

the garrison in a constant state of alarm; their swords and armour being

seen amid the trees, when any of them approached the skirts of the wood.

A council of war was now held. The Hadji proposed attacking the fort

again at once, rushing from their concealments, without a moment's

warning to the enemy, and leaping the trenches on their chargers, in

spite of the shower of grape they might expect.

"Mashallah!" he cried, "they should soon learn how little use their big

guns would be, when we got at their tails, for they cannot kick as well

as bite."

Even Selem, generally cautious, as well as bold, eagerly seconded his

old friend's proposition; and Alp was employed in persuading most of his

companions to accompany him. But the proposition was overruled by

Arslan Gherrei, and the more prudent leaders, who considered the attempt

would be madness; as, to their cost, they had already found the fort so

strongly guarded with cannon; not one of their warriors having fallen,

except by the destructive fire from the guns. It was at last agreed to

storm the fort at a future day, when the garrison would be unprepared to

receive them.

Selem, rousing himself from his grief, introduced the Gipsy chief as the

foster father of the slaughtered maiden, explaining to them his history.

As there was now no further cause for delay, the band of warriors

prepared to leave the scene of their exploit; the Dehli Khans rushing

forward, and waving their swords as a parting salute of defiance to

their foes.

Selem stood by the side of Azila's corpse. The Gipsy approached him.

"Let me take the office of bearing those remains," he said; "to you it

would be too severe a task."

Selem offered no resistance, as the Gipsy enveloped the body in his

horseman's cloak, and placed it before him on his saddle. A follower of

Arslan Gherrei carried the body of Javis, in like manner; while Thaddeus

rode by Selem's side, offering vain consolation to a heart so deeply

wounded.

After riding some distance, the party separated; some to return to the

camp, and a few, among whom was Alp, to accompany Selem to the valley of

Abran Bashi.

Volume 3, Chapter XI.

It was a sad and mournful train which returned to the valley of Abran

Bashi, the scene but a few days before of the bridal festival and of

joy. Selem had sent to announce his return to his sister, with an

account of the sad catastrophe which had occurred. As the cortege

approached the house of the chief, she, her woman, and the other females

of the hamlet, came out to meet them; and into their hands the remains

of the slaughtered Azila were committed.

The Gipsy approached Selem, who, after embracing his sister, had

sauntered through the grove to indulge in his grief unseen.

"Young chief," he said, "where shall my poor child be buried?"

How sadly, how harshly did those words grate on Selem's ears! How many

unutterable thoughts of anguish and regret do they summon to the mind of

all! The closing for ever of some loved object from our view--the sad

reality of death, before only looked on as a remote object!

"Would she not wish to lie in some secluded spot, where her spirit, that

had been sorely troubled in this life, might be at rest?"

"My friend," answered Selem, "there is near here a grove sacred to the

one Great Spirit we all adore, whatever may be our religious creeds.

None approach that spot with irreverent or light feelings, and there

shall Azila rest."

"Such would have been the spot she would have chosen," answered the

Gipsy. "And by her side we will place poor Javis. He well deserves to

be near her, for he might yet be alive, had he not thrown himself before

her to receive the shot."

"He was truly faithful to the last," said Selem. "And yet it was a

happier fate for him to die. But, my friend, speak no more on the

subject. We must soon again haste to the exciting scenes of war, which,

as men, befit us most. Know you where the people of your tribe are

stationed, that we may endeavour to assist them in escaping from the

foe? They will be received by my countrymen with open arms, and you may

resume your former habits of independence, and your free mode of life.

You will find here no tyrannical laws to restrict you, if you conform to

the simple habits and customs of my people; and you may again become the

chief of your tribe."

"That can never be," answered the Gipsy. "My tribe are broken and

dispersed; though the few who may escape from Russian thraldom, will

obey me as of yore. But where are our women and children? Where our

cattle and our tents? I and my people will serve under you. Where you

go, we will go; and we will be faithful and true to you, until death."

"I could not wish for a more faithful follower than poor Javis proved,"

answered Selem. "And I fear not but you will be equally true to me.

Thus, gladly do I agree to the compact you propose."

After walking some way, side by side, a low and plaintive melody, wafted

through the grove, reached their ears, and, returning, they found a a

group of veiled maidens standing round an open bier, on which lay, as if

reposing in a calm sleep, the body of Azila. Once more, ere the earth

closed over her for ever, she was clothed in the garments of her sex. A

white veil was fastened to her hair, and lay on each side of her pale

face that looked like some beautiful piece of sculptured marble. Her

hands were joined on her breast, on which a rose was placed; a white

robe enveloped her form, while flowers, fresh picked from the groves and

meadows, strewed the bier.

The maidens, with Ina weeping at their head, bore the body along,

singing, in plaintive tones, a low dirge; while an aged minstrel, who

preceded the train, chaunted, at intervals, to the sound of his wild

harp, an account of her death. A band of young men followed, carrying

the body of Javis, wrapped in his winding-sheet, on an open bier; and at

the end of each verse, they joined their voices in chorus to those of

the females. Next followed Selem, Thaddeus, and many others of the

youths and maidens of the village, who had the day before been

performing the same sad office to those who had fallen in the conflict

with the Khan.

When the mourning train reached the sacred grove, where the graves had

been already dug, they found the most venerable elder of the valley

waiting their arrival; and, as the bodies of the two young beings were

placed in their last resting-place, he offered up prayers to the Great

Spirit for a quick translation of their souls to the realms of bliss,

and a happy immortality; in which pious supplication the assembly all

reverently joined.

The graves of the deceased were placed side by side beneath the shelter

of an overhanging rock that projected from the steep slope of the

mountain. Two trees bent over the spot, entwining their boughs above.

A small slab of stone was placed at the head of each grave; and on the

trees the maidens hung chaplets of wild flowers.

The stranger girl sleeps calmly in her early and bloody grave; nor has

her name departed from the memory of the mountaineers. Her romantic

history and sad fate are recorded in their songs, and chaunted among

their many wild and melancholy ballads, for which, alas! they have but

too many subjects.

Those who came to perform the funeral ceremony were gone, and our hero

remained. He thought alone, by the grave-side of her who had so deeply

adored him, and whom he, too late, had learned to love. He heard a

gentle sob; he looked up, his sister was beside him; he took her hand,

but did not speak. The last time he had attended a funeral was when

their mother was buried; and her dying injunctions recurred to him more

forcibly now that his heart was softened with sorrow.

Selem hitherto had felt that he was wanting in one of the great

requisites, enthusiasm in the cause of religion. He had never indeed

thought deeply on the subject; and how could he, when engaged in a

bloody and revengeful war, be a follower of a creed which indicated

peace and good-will towards all men? Had he not sworn never to sheathe

his sword while a Russian remained in arms near them? How could he

indeed hold up to the example of his countrymen a religion professed by

foes, who were engaged in openly breaking every precept it commanded, by

the unjust and exterminating war on the liberties of their country? He

knew that they would laugh his lessons to scorn, when he had no better

reasons to give them than those he could advance; and that they would

despise him for his infatuation in proposing a creed which allowed its

professors to act as their enemies did towards them.

He felt, however, that his sister would not be swayed by these

considerations, when she heard that it was the faith in which their

mother died; and that it had been the last wish of her heart, that her

daughter should adopt it; so that he had strong hopes, with such a

foundation, of convincing her of its truth and beauty. He knew not,

indeed, how powerful an advocate of his cause he had in Thaddeus. His

only hope, with regard to his countrymen at large, rested on the fact

that Christianity had been at some period, however remote, the faith of

their forefathers; that its emblem still remained venerated by them in

the land, and that they were imbued universally with a strong feeling of

respect for their ancient customs. Its great opponent, Islamism, had

gained but a weak footing in their minds; and they were more likely to

adopt a faith which they would consider better founded, if they could be

convinced that it was the belief of their ancestors, and that its very

symbols still existed among them.

Selem took Ina's hand, and walked some way in silence. At length he

said--

"I have much to communicate to you, and may have but a short time for

the purpose; for I know not how soon I may be called upon to offer up my

blood as a sacrifice to the liberties of our country; and gladly would I

suffer death if one so dear as you were to be benefited by it."

"Oh! talk not of death, dear Selem; the very thought breaks my heart,"

cried Ina. "Have I but just found you to lose you? The noble spirit of

our father would sink beneath so great a blow."

"Do not grieve, dear sister! Thoughts of death will not bring the

dreaded tyrant nearer; nor, if we persuade ourselves that he cannot

reach us, will the vain hope shield us more securely from his unfailing

dart. I spoke but as every warrior must feel, when he sees each day his

friends cut down at his side; but it makes him not the less brave or

daring, though he knows that it may be his turn to fall the next. But I

wish not to die; and for your sake, my sister, may Heaven grant me a

long life, and reserve my humble efforts for our country's cause! But,

Ina, the subject on which I would speak to you is not of death, but of

life. I bring you a message from our lost mother, which I have too long

delayed delivering. You, her unknown babe, whom she confided to my

care, if I could succeed in discovering you, were in her thoughts to the

last."

They had reached the cross before described, in the grove towards which

Selem now pointed.

"Know you, Ina, why, and by whom, yon cross was placed there?"

"I have scarce thought why," she answered. "Perchance by our fathers,

before Allah and his prophet were known in our land."

"Yes, it was placed there by our fathers, doubtlessly," answered Selem;

"but as a symbol of a pure and holy faith, from which their children

have widely departed. It is the symbol of a faith in which our mother

died, in which I was nurtured, and in which she charged me to instruct

you."

"What!" cried Ina. "Are there more faiths than that which, a short time

ago, all in the land believed and the faith of Mahomet--by which I

thought we could alone gain Paradise?"

"Indeed, Ina, there are many strange creeds in the world," answered

Selem; "but one only is pure and true. It was established long before

Mahomet promulgated his doctrines; and far, far different are its tenets

from his. He, indeed, took truth for the foundation of his religion,

acknowledging the great, the immutable, all-powerful, all-seeing Being,

whom our countrymen also worship with a belief in a hereafter. But on

that foundation, he built up a superstructure, composed of falsehoods as

gross as they were improbable, forming his tenets to please the wild

hordes over whom he sought to gain power. His aim was conquest. He

promised a quick translation to the realms of bliss, to those who fell

fighting for him; and his Paradise he pictured as the utmost enjoyment

of sensual pleasures, such as his followers most prized on earth,

awarding to you, the fairer portion of the human race, the same place of

abject subjection which he would make you submit to in this world. To

forward his great aim, personal aggrandisement, he preached

extermination to all who would not embrace his faith, or, in other

words, obey his rule. He found that women did not assist him in his

aims; and he, therefore, pretended that they were formed to be the

abject slaves of man's will.

"This, dear sister, is the religion which the Turks have sought to

introduce into our country; and already have its baneful effects been

felt. Now mark the difference of the religion of the cross. It

inculcates peace and love to all men. It pictures a heaven of bliss,

unutterable, free from all the base and sensual passions of this life,

pure, eternal. It makes woman man's helpmate, his companion, his

adviser, his equal. It gives birth to all the nobler feelings of our

nature. It purifies love, it sanctifies marriage, it exalts courage,

and it produces friendship unselfish and firm."

"All! what a beautiful religion must that be, my brother!" cried Ina,

her eyes beaming with fervour, and the colour of her cheeks heightening

with animation. "I have often wondered that a Great Spirit, whom men

call just and good, should have formed one half of his people to be the

slaves of the other; but now I see that it is not that He is unjust, but

that man has become usurping and bad. Oh! I can never again believe

that Mahomet was a true prophet!"

"Ina, your words delight me," cried her brother. "I find my task almost

accomplished when you speak thus. Man is, indeed, wicked; and the Great

Spirit, seeing this, sent one from heaven to teach him a pure and holy

code of morals. Christ so loved mankind, and grieved for their sins,

that, notwithstanding his power, he allowed himself to be slain on the

cross, by those whose wicked customs he came to overthrow. His

worshippers have, therefore, made use of that sign to remind them of Him

who died for their sake; and in this very grove, on the spot on which we

now stand, have our fathers bowed the knee in adoration of that

benignant Being."

"Oh, my brother," said Ina. "How I love to hear you speak thus, for I

feel and know that your words are those of truth!"

"I believe them," answered Selem. "And much I wish that not only you,

but that all our countrymen, would adopt the same creed. It would prove

a surer and more trusty bulwark against our foes than all foreign aid.

Knowing our cause to be just, they would have a firmer trust in the God

of justice. It would make them cease from inflicting injuries on each

other; for it teaches us to treat others as we would ourselves be

treated. It will enlighten and add firmness to their minds, for it will

banish superstition or dread of evil omens. It will give combination

and strength to their councils, for they will have confidence in each

other, being bound together in one brotherhood as they would be. It

will enable them to bear reverses with fortitude; for they will consider

them as inflictions kindly sent from above as a punishment for their

sins; and it will temper victory with moderation, as a boon granted from

heaven to be received with thanksgivings and praise to the great Giver."

Ina was thoughtful for a few minutes. "But tell me, Selem," she said at

length, "how is it that the cruel Urus, from whom you have learnt this

religion, act as they do? How is it that they attack our country,

murdering and destroying those who have never done them any harm?"

"You have urged an objection, which I anticipated," replied Selem; "but

it does not follow that a religion is false, because its _mere_

professors do not act according to its injunctions. It has a far, very

far, different influence on its true believers. The religion of the

cross is not the less true, because men, calling themselves its

followers, are wicked. Among the Russians it has been so debased and

altered, so overwhelmed with superstition and priestcraft, that it has

sunk into a contemptible and absurd idolatry. The gospel inculcates a

simple, pure, and moral rule of life, easy to be understood and

followed. Such, Ina, is the religion I would teach you, and in which I

was myself instructed by a good and enlightened man, who had kept his

own mind free from the gross errors and superstition of those who

surrounded him. The injustice of this war, which the Russians are

waging against us, is indeed no argument against the religion I speak

of; for it has too frequently happened, that men in power act in direct

opposition to its tenets. They send armies to ravage countries, destroy

cities, and commit atrocities of every kind, without the slightest

compunction; nor think themselves at all the worse worshippers of a mild

and forgiving faith; each individual holding himself irresponsible for

the acts of the whole. Thus a people, who consider themselves the most

civilised and religious in the world, may be guilty of crimes to be

equalled only by those perpetrated by the wildest hordes of barbarism

when their interests or passions are excited."

In that calm retreat did the young Circassian Chief unfold to his fair

sister the truths of his religion; and, as her artless mind began to

comprehend them, she clasped her hands with gratitude, that so beautiful

an institution had been formed for the benefit of the human race.

"Oh my brother," she exclaimed, "little did I think, when my heart beat

with joy at your return, that you would also bring me so precious a

gift. What a new, what an extended view of happiness, you have opened

to my thoughts! Oh, do not leave me, Selem, till you have taught me all

I can learn, as I would not, for worlds, now lose that religion. It

seems like some valued jewel of price, which, till secured to me, I

should every moment be in fear of having snatched from my grasp. And

does Thaddeus, does your friend also believe in this religion?"

"Indeed, I trust he does, dearest," answered Selem. "But it is long

since I have spoken to him on the subject. Ah! here he comes to answer

for himself, I see him wandering through the grove, lost in meditation."

The growing darkness prevented the speaker from seeing the deep blush

which this announcement called up on his sister's cheek. Thaddeus

started with pleasure, as he beheld his friend approaching, and saw by

whom he was accompanied. "Here, my friend," said Selem to him, "I have

begun a task, in which I trust you will aid me (avoiding all the

intricate and foolishly disputed points) by teaching our faith to my

sister."

"Gladly I accept the office, and deeply interested I am in the success

of my instruction," replied Thaddeus. "But, my friend, I have been

longing to unbosom myself to you of a secret, lest you should accuse me

of deceit or treachery."

Ina felt her heart beat quickly, from guessing the words which would

follow.

"Speak, Thaddeus, what is it you would say," said Selem, taking his

sister's hand.

"Selem, my friend," replied Thaddeus, "to you I owe my life and all I

now possess; but, though deeply grateful, I would ask still more of you.

I have your sister's leave to speak." Selem felt Ina's hand press his.

"From the first moment I saw her, I felt I would die rather than cease

to love, or learn that she no longer loves me. Will you sanction and

aid us in our hopes? or, if not, deliver me again into the hands of the

Russians, from whom you rescued me."

"My friend! my brother! your words give me joy indeed," exclaimed Selem,

"Believe me, that I will aid to the utmost the wishes of the two beings

most dear to me on earth. But, remember, we have a father to consult;

though he, I doubt not, will give his daughter to one, without whose aid

he would have lost her entirely."

"Oh, I know he will," cried Ina. "For he dearly loves me."

"Our father, Ina, is as good as he is brave; and it shall be my grateful

charge to plead your cause with him. I will tell him, that my friend is

of a noble and princely race, who were chiefs in their own country

before Russian swords overwhelmed them. As for wealth, we want it not

here. We have abundance for all."

Thus conversing, those three young beings sat beneath the trees of the

sacred grove, till the rising moon warned them to return home.

In the fervid climes of the East, smiles and laughter succeed tears and

grief, as rapidly as sunshine follows the showers of spring. Life is

more full of excitement and danger; the pulse beats quicker; the

passions are more easily aroused, whether of sorrow or pleasure. There

is, perhaps, more to enjoy in life; but it is held by even a more frail

tenure than in the colder regions of the north.

On the following morning the inhabitants of the anderoon were in a state

of great agitation, while old Kahija bustled about to array Zara in her

bridal vestments; for her betrothed was anxiously waiting her arrival at

his father's house. The old nurse, with tears streaming from her eyes,

was busily employed in enveloping her in a long white robe, fastened at

her head; which, when drawn round, completely concealed her figure.

"My dear Ina," said the blushing girl, "Alp yesterday evening was

persuading me to leave you. He says that he must soon return to that

horrid warfare, and that his mother is anxiously waiting me at his home.

He will be alarmed if I do not come; he used many other arguments, till

I consented at last, in spite of all my kind nurse's persuasions to the

contrary."

"It will make me sad to lose you, dear one; but it would be wrong to

disappoint your brave Alp's mother," said Ina, smiling and kissing her

cheek. "So you must yield to your fate: a dreadful one, indeed, to

become the wife of so wild and handsome a youth as Alp!"

"I wonder when young Ali Bey will be here. Alp said that he would come

early; but I dread that terrible gallop to his home."

"We will go to the gate and see if he is coming," said Ina. "Are you

ready, dear one?"

Zara signified that she was prepared for the worst that could happen; so

the two maidens sallied forth followed by old Kahija. They had not long

to wait when the young bridegroom galloped up, attired in his bravest

suit, followed by a gay and gallant train. They reined in their steeds

at a short distance; when, all dismounting, he alone respectfully

advanced, and courteously saluted the two fair girls, drawing his sword

as he knelt at Zara's feet, and swearing solemnly to protect her, for

his friend's sake, with his life. Then, after she had bestowed an

affectionate kiss on Ina and on old Kahija, he lifted her, with the

tenderest care, before him on his steed, and galloped off towards the

domain of Hadji Guz Beg.

"Ah me! she is a sweet flower," sighed old Kahija; "I shall long mourn

her loss. But what makes me most sad is the thought of the interruption

to the marriage feast. It is a bad omen, and I like it not. Ah me! ah

me! I never knew good come of such things. And so melancholy a funeral

but yesterday! And then the brave youths who were killed at the wedding

feast by the fierce Khan and his followers! Mark me, there is something

more dreadful coming still;" and she retired into the anderoon to

indulge in a flood of tears.

Perhaps Ina might have followed her, had she not promised to meet

Thaddeus and her brother, about that time, and she trusted soon to enjoy

the same happiness which she hoped would be Zara's lot.

Volume 3, Chapter XII.

The vast concourse, which we have described as assembled on the banks of

the Ubin, had long since dispersed to their homes, disappointed at

having performed no great exploit, though they had made several daring

attacks on the Russian troops, with severe loss on both sides.

The short, but rigorous, winter had now thrown its hoary mantle over the

northern provinces of Abasia: the plains of the Kouban appeared one vast

sheet of dazzling whiteness, here and there dotted, in the far distance,

by the dark forts of the Russians. The trees, so lately covered with

the rich and varied leaves of autumn, now seemed like some fabled grove

of silver, in a scene of enchantment, decked with strange and fantastic

splendour, crystallised by the frost. A deep and solemn silence reigned

on the wooded heights which overlooked the plain. Not a bird was heard

to sing in the groves. Here and there might be seen the footmarks of

some beasts of prey, as they crossed the mountains to seek for food in

the marshes. The Kouban, whose waters in summer afforded the chief

defence of the Russians against the well-provoked aggressions of the

mountaineers, had now become an even and clear sheet of ice, every day,

gaining consistency and strength.

The invading army, suffering from the inclemency of the weather, had

retired into their winter quarters; and the Circassians, trusting also

to the imprisonment of their enemies by the cold, had withdrawn the

greater number of their guards and scouts. They had determined not to

be the aggressors, but to endeavour to convince their enemies that they

fought only for liberty and peace. A general calm seemed to pervade the

whole country, which had so lately been startled by the fierce storm of

war. The warriors enjoyed their short repose till the returning spring

should again let loose the swarms of their now pent-up foes. They

passed their time among their families, in tending their farms, or in

the invigorating sports of the chase.

Selem was enjoying some days of relaxation from the toils of war, at the

house of his aged kinsman, in company with Thaddeus and his sister. He

was delighted more and more with the unsophisticated, but quick and

varied powers of her pure mind, which every day was enlightened by the

conversation of her lover. How delightful was the task to the young

Pole, to instruct the fair creature he soon hoped to call his own!

Many of the inhabitants of the valley, indeed, wondered that two such

gallant and daring warriors as Selem and his friend had proved

themselves, could find pleasure in passing their time with a mere girl.

"Allah!" they exclaimed, "what odd customs they must have learned among

the Giaours!"

They were interrupted from their studies by the entrance of the little

slave, Buda, announcing the arrival of the Hadji Guz Beg. Hastening to

the guest-room, they found the old warrior, clothed in complete warlike

costume, and attended by his son Alp, who had torn himself from the arms

of Zara, to accompany his father--

"Rouse up, my son," he cried. "Gird on your sword, and let your heart

rejoice, for we have in hand work that may be worthy of us. Those

cursed Urus are not content with our remaining quiet, but they must

enter the country, and burn and destroy our villages. Mashallah! we

will repay them with a vengeance. I have messengers from many chiefs,

who are assembling their followers, and now that the ice affords us a

bridge, which the enemy cannot easily destroy, we will make a foray into

their territories, which will give them a lesson to respect ours."

"Wherever you lead, my friend, I am ready to follow," answered Selem.

"Mashallah! I doubted you not," cried the Hadji; "for see, we have no

child's work on hand now. There will be no drawing back this time."

"What do you propose doing, then?" asked Selem.

"No less than an attack on the town of Kislavosk," rubbing his hands

with the glee of a youth at the thought of a foray. "These Russians, we

hear, have collected whole herds of cattle in the neighbourhood, for

provisioning their fortresses along the Valdi Caucasse, and think that

they have them secure enough; but we will deprive them of their dinners,

if I mistake not."

"I would rather have some more noble work than merely carrying off a few

head of cattle," said our hero.

"Ah, when you have lived longer among us, you will not despise such

work," cried the Hadji. "What do armies in general fight for? To get

gold and silver! Are not cattle, to hungry people, of much more value,

and more difficult to carry off? Men are too fond of making absurd

distinctions where none exist. The Russians call us robbers, because we

take a gallop into the country they have usurped, and carry off all we

can meet; and they affirm that they themselves are engaged in lawful

warfare when they burn and destroy our villages and fields, because they

possess a regular army, with cannon and ammunition, while we have only

our good steeds and sharp swords. Such ideas are absurd. The Giaours

will some day become more enlightened and civilised. We shall, however,

have fighting enough to please you, my young friend, for think not that

these Urus will lose their food quietly. No, no, they will fight hard

enough for that; but we will be too quick for them. And, my friends, we

have no time to expend in talking."

"I will soon be ready to attend you," answered Selem, taking his arms

from the walls, and ordering Karl to prepare his horse for the

expedition. Thaddeus followed his example, though much loath to leave

his mistress; but he had so completely leagued himself with his

Circassian friends, that he had no further excuse for holding back. He

himself was also excited by the prospect of gaining the further applause

and confidence of those, in the success of whose cause he had become so

deeply interested.

Alp was in the most extravagant spirits, notwithstanding his regret at

leaving Zara at the thoughts of a foray, on a more extended scale than

any in which he had hitherto been engaged. The prospect of the renown

he should acquire under his father, and also the hope of gaining wealth

for his fair bride, were further incitements.

"Mashallah!" cried the Hadji; "we shall carry off cattle enough to

supply the whole of Abasia for a year to come."

Ina trembled with alarm when she heard that her brother and her lover

were to leave her, on so hazardous an expedition; having cherished the

fond hope that they would remain in safety all the winter. But she

remembered that she was a Circassian maiden; and, recommending them to

the care of Heaven, she parted from them with a tearful smile, and a

prayer for their speedy and victorious return. They repaired, before

they set out, to pay their adieus to their old host, who had, for some

time, been confined to his couch through age and infirmities.

"Farewell, my son," he said, addressing Selem. "Before you return, I

may be gathered to my fathers; for I feel that I have not long to remain

among my people, though I had hoped to have seen my country restored to

peace ere I died. But I commend to your guidance a body of my choicest

youths, whom I have ordered to be ready to attend you. I am now alone

the last chief of my race; my sons have offered up their spirits as

martyrs to their country's cause. I, too, would have thanked Allah for

the glorious privilege of dying on the field of battle as becomes a

warrior-chieftain; but that blessing I can now never hope for. When I

am gone, you, my son Alp, will be chosen by the elders of my people, as

the husband of my only child, to succeed me as their leader; that is,

when you have gained sufficient age and experience. Till then, the

noble chief, Arslan Gherrei, will lead them to battle; and you, Selem,

as a son of our race, I charge to watch over and guard their interests;

for on you, next to Alp, would have devolved my possessions. Rule them

justly and firmly, and they will faithfully obey you."

The young men promised religiously to obey the old chief's injunctions.

"Farewell, my sons," he said; "I feel that you will not betray the

trust. And now my only hope is, that I may live long enough to see you

return victorious from this expedition; and may Allah guard you in it!"

As the chief had promised, our hero found, on leaving the house, a

gallant troop of fifty young and hardy horsemen, fully equipped, ready

to obey his commands. Every man carried provisions at his saddle-bow,

sufficient for several days, considering their abstemious habits when

engaged in warfare. They were clothed in coats and caps of skin,

wearing over their shoulders thick large cloaks, impenetrable to wet or

cold. Their rifles and pistols were well protected from the rain at

their back, and they had daggers and long sabres at the waist. Both the

Hadji and Alp were clothed much in the same manner over their chain

armour, and with Selem and Thaddeus, who were also arrayed in their

winter gear, they set forward at the head of the troop.

The appointed place of meeting was in a valley within the last ridge of

mountains before the Caucasian range descends into the plains, near

where the Kara River, rushing through a narrow and rocky defile, finds

its way into the Kouban. In that direction they turned their horses'

heads, proceeding steadily and slowly forward, so as not to fatigue

their steeds, and to keep them in the finest possible condition for the

exploit. At the end of each day's journey, they received a warm and

cordial welcome at the house of some chief. Through every village and

hamlet they passed, their band was increased by numerous volunteers, all

eager to share the promised spoils of the foe.

On reaching the heights, commanding the valley appointed for their place

of rendezvous, a warlike spectacle broke on their sight. From every

quarter, bands of warriors were seen emerging from the forests, troop

after troop following each other in gallant array, winding in long

lines, amid the rocks and trees, down the steep sides of the mountain,

and uniting in the valley in a close body. Their banners gaily

fluttered in the breeze; their weapons shone brilliantly in the rays of

the sun, and increased in lustre as they were reflected in the snow;

their loud and joyous shouts resounded through the air.

As the Hadji and his party rode to the ground, he was received with loud

acclamations of welcome, and his standard was planted as one of the

chief leaders. Other bands, during the remainder of the day, continued

to pour in on all sides; and soon after, Arslan Gherrei, at the head of

a fine and warlike troop, arrived in the valley, and Selem hastened to

greet his father. As the champion rode up, mounted on a superb and

powerful black charger, he was welcomed on all sides by enthusiastic

acclamations, most of the independent bands arraying themselves under

his especial banner.

The Hadji seldom aspired to the entire command of an army; preferring

his own desultory and impetuous style of fighting to the responsible and

arduous duties of a general. He prided himself most as a leader of

bands engaged in a kind of guerilla warfare.

The Seraskier, or Commander-in-Chief, who had been chosen as the leader

of this republican army, was a chieftain far advanced in years, though

still retaining all the vigour and activity of youth. Of renowned

courage and sagacious conduct, and trained to arms in Egypt from his

boyhood, he had, since the commencement of hostilities, been engaged in

constant warfare with the enemy, by whom he was much dreaded. He was of

commanding height and sinewy frame nerved by violent and unremitting

exercise; his features were bronzed by exposure on the burning sands of

Africa, his white locks escaped from beneath his plumed helm. He rode

in the midst of a group of chieftains, who eagerly gathered round him

for instruction and advice. It was with a glance of proud satisfaction,

that the veteran leader looked round on the bands of warriors drawn up

in the valley, who had so promptly obeyed his summons, issued only a few

days previously, and thus so nobly answered. It was, in truth, a fine

sight, as the aged hero reined up his steed, waving his hand to request

silence. Surrounded by all the chiefs and leaders of this little army,

he thus addressed them--

"My noble friends, chieftains of the Atteghei, we have this day again

assembled in arms, roused by the reiterated, and unprovoked attacks of

the Urus. Seeking alone to enjoy peace and the undisturbed possession

of our country and of our liberties, we have refrained from acting as

the aggressors on those territories claimed by our foes, though unjustly

wrenched from our hands. Who, among us here, has not suffered

innumerable wrongs and unbearable injuries at their hands, since their

dark eagles first hovered over the confines of our lands? They have

burned our hamlets--they have cut down our corn--they have trampled over

our rich pastures--they have carried off our cattle; and yet those are

injuries which may be replaced. But how many of our bravest warriors

have fallen in defence of our country and our liberty! Who, among us

here assembled, but has lost a father, a brother, or a son? Still do

the cries of our women ring in our ears for their loss. Where can we

replace them? Can our enemies restore the lost ones? How often have

those among us, whose homes are in the neighbouring lands, been aroused

in the darkness of night by the roar of their cannon, and, with scarcely

time to save their lives, and those still dearer to them, have been

driven to the mountain fastnesses, whence they have seen their

habitations and their goods committed to the flames! What redress have

we but deep, deep revenge? Are we slaves, are we Armenian Kaffirs, to

submit to these insults? No, my countrymen, we are gallant warriors,

descended from a long line of Princes, and of nobles; who have never

bowed their necks to the yoke of slavery, who were chiefs and conquerors

long ere the wolf-like flocks of the Urus broke through the regions of

the north, to seize the rich and smiling lands which surround us. Shall

we then allow them for a moment to suppose, that weary with our

protracted struggle, we also are prepared to swell their list of

conquests? Shall we act like the weak and effeminate Georgians, and

tamely submit to be dragged in chains to the foot-stool of their Czar?

Shall we consent to see our children led to slaughter, among the slavish

ranks of their army? Shall we see our wives and daughters carried off

as worse than slaves? Shall castles and towers be built on every

mountain's brow, throughout the country, to awe the people into

subjection; for thus only could they hold the lands of the Atteghei? We

have set them lately an example of moderation, but they would not profit

by it. Let us now give them a lesson, that may not easily escape their

memory. Let us remind them that we have not forgotten how to offer a

severe retaliation for injuries; and let us shew them that we are a

nation of warriors, who fear not their force, mighty as it might be, and

that we despise their innumerable hosts of slaves. Then onward, my

countrymen, onward men of Atteghei, and may Allah prosper our arms!"

This oration of their veteran leader was received with sincere

expressions of approbation by the chiefs, and with acclamations of

applause by the dense mass of their followers who formed an outer circle

round the orator.

"Remember, my countrymen," he resumed; "that the Urus call us

uncivilised barbarians and robbers. Let us shew them that we have more

humanity than they; that we know `the native rights man claims from

man;' and that never will we defile our arms with cruelty. Let us treat

their women, as hitherto, with courtesy and kindness, to shew them that

we war not against them. Let us not stop to plunder the defenceless

inhabitants of their stores except their cattle which we will drive away

to deprive them of the means of remaining in our neighbourhood. Let us

confine our further efforts to capturing their cannon, their arms, and

ammunition; for it is those we alone require to make our country

impregnable to their attacks. Follow these rules, strictly obey your

commanders, and victory will be ours. I have done. By to-morrow's

dawn, we will begin our march; and before the Russians awake from their

slumbers, we will be beyond their forts."

Again repeated shouts arose, and all promised to obey his injunctions.

The Seraskier then explained to the chiefs his proposed plan of

operations. First, that the infantry who were composed chiefly of the

peasants of the hamlets, nearest the Kouban--sturdy fellows inured to

border warfare--should be left on the further bank of that river to

cover their retreat, if hard-pressed, and to secure the herds of cattle

they might capture. That they should advance as far as the town of

Kislavosk, take it by surprise, with the greater number of the cavalry;

or, at all events, endeavour to give full occupation to the Russian

troops, while the rest might drive off the cattle from the neighbouring

country; and then, if victorious, and not pursued on their return, make

a wide extended sweep, clearing everything before them.

The sagacious General himself, as well as Arslan Gherrei, and a few

others, would have preferred confining their efforts entirely to taking

the Russian forts, and endeavouring to carry off their cannon and

powder; but they knew too well, that many of their followers would not

exert themselves to the utmost without their holding out some prospect

of a rich booty; and we must remember, that every man in the host fought

without pay of any sort, finding his own arms, ammunition, and food; so

that it was but natural they should wish for some recompense for leaving

their occupations and farms at that inclement season of the year,

besides the mere satisfaction of annoying the enemy. They all

understood the necessity of defending their own territories when

attacked; but to make a forage into the enemy's country without carrying

off booty was in their ideas a folly: with the prospect of booty, all

were ready to fight.

Upwards of six thousand horsemen were now collected, chiefly from one

province alone; but among that vast concourse of wild warriors, at this

exciting moment, the utmost order and decorum prevailed, owing to the

courtesy of the chiefs, and the habitual sedateness of the men; though

there was an entire absence of discipline and subordination throughout

the whole host.

Having; received the directions and advice of the Seraskier, the chiefs

separated to put themselves at the head of their respective followers;

to advance towards the Kouban; and, bivouacking close to its banks, to

give time to other fresh reinforcements of cavalry from the further

points to assemble; while the infantry were to advance at once to the

station they were to occupy, and be in readiness to assist the cavalry

in the morning.

At a given signal, the whole body then advanced a few miles towards the

place they had agreed on for a bivouac; entirely dispensing with tents

or covering of any sort, except their thick cloaks. As each troop

arrived, they piquetted their horses to the low shrubs which grew about

the plain, lighting their watch-fires, which blazed up in the darkness

of night. For a long time fresh bands continued to arrive every

instant, increasing the widely extended circle of flames, until the

plain seemed dotted with fires as from some volcanic ground. The hardy

warriors, wrapt in their cloaks, assembled round them listening to the

songs of their minstrels, who never on such occasions failed to join

their bands, and cheer their spirits.

Round one fire, wrapped in thick horse-cloaks, sat the champion, Arslan

Gherrei, with Selem, Thaddeus, the Hadji, and several other chiefs.

"Now, my son," said the old warrior, Hadji, "to-morrow you will have a

field worthy of your bravery, and honour your father by your deeds.

Where the thickest of the fight is, there let your sword be waving amid

the ranks of the foe. By example alone, can we expect our followers to

be brave; and those nations quickly become slaves to their neighbours,

whose chiefs hang back in the combat. It is only by being ready to

sacrifice our own lives, that we can secure the liberty of our country;

and how much better is it to be sent to the realms of paradise, than to

eke out a few more years of existence, with the galling chains of the

slave! But I fear not for you, my son."

Alp rose and took his father's hand. The act was unpremeditated, and

scarce consciously performed; he knelt by his side. "Father your son

shall not disgrace you."

The words were simple, but there was a deep tone of feeling, which

showed that he would keep his word. He took no oath, nor called the

gods to witness his words; and his father was satisfied.

At length, one by one, the party sought a few hours' repose, wrapped in

their cloaks with their feet towards the fire, and their heads pillowed

on their saddles. The clear sky was densely spangled with myriads of

brilliant stars. Ere Selem slept he looked round on the scene. Far as

the eye could reach, the wide heath was covered with the recumbent

figures of the warriors; yet a moment would call them all into fierce

activity, should the Russians draw nigh. Yet though they seemed so calm

to the eye, who could know the fiery thoughts and passions working in

the brain of the sleeping thousands? Even now, many in imagination were

engaging in the onslaught of the morrow.

Oft did the image of Ina return to Thaddeus, as he slept. His thoughts

then flew to his far distant home, the abode of his childhood, the proud

castle of his fathers, now laid low by the hands of his country's

oppressors. He saw the Eagle of Russia hovering over the slaughtered

bodies of his countrymen, while captives knelt in chains, bound to the

staff of her standard. In the midst of them appeared a warrior of

majestic front and noble bearing, one who had never bent the knee to

despotism. As he waved his sword, the chains fell from the captives'

necks, the dead arose, and the Eagles fled shrieking from the land

before the resuscitated band. Again the scene changed. He stood once

more before his paternal castle, with Ina by his side. His faithful

dependants welcomed him with shouts of joy. He brought them glorious

news. Russia had been stopped in her headlong career of victory. She

had retreated before the gallantry of a mountain nation. Poland might

again be free!

Volume 3, Chapter XIII.

"To horse! to horse!" was shouted about two hours before dawn, and, in

the course of a few minutes, all the warriors of that little army were

in their saddles, formed in close array under their respective leaders,

and advancing steadily forward. The ground over which they rode was

broken and rough, offering many impediments to their progress; as in

darkness and silence they crossed the Kouban.

"Onward, men of Atteghei," cried the Seraskier, waving his sword; and at

the signal the whole band dashed down the steep, passing a broad belt of

lofty reeds ere they emerged on the now smooth and hard surface of the

stream. The infantry, who were already posted on the other side among

the thick cover of reeds, reported that none of the enemy had appeared,

or seemed at all prepared for their approach. The cavalry, in condensed

bodies, then rode boldly forward at a quick trot, encountering for a

long distance merely a few peasants with their cattle, who were quickly

sent to the rear, some light bodies being thrown out on each side to see

that none escaped and to give notice of their approach to the enemy.

The hearts of all beat high, and their eyes flashed with excitement and

pleasure, as the walls and houses of Kislavosk, seen by the pale light

of dawn, met their view. A cry of joy escaped them, as they urged on

their steeds at full gallop towards the devoted town. The outer

picquets had no time to give the alarm, ere they were cut down; and

onward dashed the band through the streets, the guards at the entrance

making but a feeble resistance to their furious onset. The inhabitants,

roused from their slumbers, looked amazed and trembling at the wild

horsemen. On all sides the Russian troops were called to arms; but

before they could assemble in sufficient numbers to repel the assault,

the cattle, which the Circassians found assembled in great numbers, were

driven off, and a magazine of powder and arms was stormed and ransacked.

Then, like a whirlwind, the whole force again swept through the town.

The inhabitants were spared; but little mercy was shewn to the soldiers

who attempted to form their ranks.

The town, which a few minutes before was wrapped in fancied security,

was now a scene of tumult and bloodshed, as the mountaineers fought

their way through the broad streets, affording slight shelter to the

Russians, who, ere they could bring their guns to bear, found their

assailants beyond their reach; though they saluted them with a heavy

fire from the fortifications.

As the Circassian rear-guard were emerging from the town, the Russian

infantry formed and charged them in line; but the horsemen, wheeling on

a sudden, rushed on them, sabre in hand, with such fury that they were

glad to retreat, losing many of their number on the field. The

Circassians, also, lost several men; but, as they were struck, they were

lifted on their comrades' horses and carried away.

The town might have been theirs, but they knew that they could not keep

it for any length of time; and all the lower ranks of the Circassian

army were eager to advance for greater booty, notwithstanding the

counsel of the coolest and most sagacious chiefs. However, they

encountered no cavalry in the town from whom to fear pursuit; and they

had nothing to dread from the infantry. Onward pushed the band of

mountaineers, passing through several villages, and sweeping all before

them.

Their Seraskier then urged them to return; as now, that the Russians

were alarmed, they might collect an almost overwhelming force from the

neighbouring fortified towns to impede their progress; for, carried away

with the ardour of the foray, the greater number thought of nothing less

than pillaging every Russian settlement on the borders. Very

unwillingly, therefore, they wheeled to make a circuit towards that part

of the Kouban they had already passed.

Alp Beg had, during the day, constantly accompanied our hero and his

friend, at the head of his troop, making, with them, several desperate

charges on the Russian lines as they had formed, and never failing in

breaking them with his furious onset. At their return, as the main

body, with whom at the time were Selem and Alp, were passing at some

little distance from Kislavosk, the Hadji, who brought up the rear to

the left nearer the town, heard from some peasants that they had missed

securing several head of cattle, which were still at a short distance

outside the walls.

"Mashallah! what say you, my friends?" cried the old warrior. "Shall we

let the Giaours still have any beef for their dinners? Let us shew them

that they must not cheat us in this way. What say you, my friends;

shall we pay them another visit? It will take us but few minutes."

The proposition was too much to the taste of all parties not to be

warmly seconded. Sending, therefore, to the Seraskier to intimate his

purpose, and being followed by about five hundred horse, he made a

headlong dash at the place the peasants indicated. The Russians saluted

them as they advanced with showers of shot and grape, while the troops

sallied out to meet them; but nothing could stop the impetuosity of

their onset, and they quickly liberated the cattle, driving them off at

a greater speed than the animals had ever before accomplished.

"Well done, my friends," cried the Hadji. "I told you we would spoil

these unbelievers' dinners; and now, Bismillah! let us charge them

again," he added, as a large body of infantry met them.

Uttering loud cries, they charged the Russians, driving the cattle among

their ranks. The troops gave way, when they were again saluted with a

tremendous flanking fire of grape; and, ere they had got clear from the

range of the guns, a large body of Cossack horse, who had that moment

arrived from the neighbouring towns, met them at full charge. Already

had many of their number fallen under the fire from the town; but the

old warrior Hadji, undaunted by the overwhelming force of their new

opponents, shouting his war cry, called to his followers to charge them.

Tremendous was the shock of the two fierce bodies of hostile cavalry,

animated with the most bitter hatred, and excited by the fiercest rage;

but the superior skill, agility, and courage of the Circassians

compensated partly for their inferiority in numbers. The Cossacks were

arrested in their course; while the mountaineers literally hewed

themselves a road through their ranks. They discovered, however, when

too late, that they had committed a dreadful error in so doing; for a

fresh body of Cossacks arriving from the same direction, they found

themselves completely surrounded. The ground they fought on was a broad

open heath, in front of the town, which gave full scope for the larger

body of their assailants to bring their whole force against them.

The main body of the Circassians, with whom was Alp and Selem, on

receiving the Hadji's message, and on hearing the firing, wheeled to

support him. The first of the band was the brave young Alp, eager to

join the affray, and assist his father.

The Hadji, with scarcely three hundred followers, was bravely defending

himself against several thousand Cossacks, shouting his war cry,

cheering on his men to the attack, who wheeled and charged in every

direction, keeping a complete circle in the midst of their foes, and

placing their horses back to back in such close order that few of the

enemy could get within the brave troop; or if they did, they were cut

down by the inner ranks. At length, however, the Cossacks seemed

ashamed at being held at bay by so small a body, and charged them with

renewed vigour, hoping to destroy them before the main body came up.

Great numbers of the Circassians fell beneath this fresh attack; though

the remainder fought on with yet undaunted courage. But even their

gallant old leader looked out anxiously for the succour of their

friends. They made many fresh, desperate, but unavailing, attempts to

cut their way through, still the Hadji fought on, shouting to his brave

companions, and never for a moment thinking of yielding.

"Ah! Allah! well done, my sons!" he cried. "Well done, men of

Atteghei! See, the vile Cossacks are thinning fast around us. We shall

soon have a hill of their bodies to ride over. Fight on, my men! our

friends will be here anon; and then we shall see how fast these Giaours

can fly. Charge, my sons! charge! Ah! Allah! here comes my noble son,

my own Alp. I knew that he would be the first to rescue his father."

While shouting these cries, the old warrior had made such desperate

charges with one or two followers, that the Cossacks, partly opening

their ranks, again closed before the rest could get up to them, thus

completely hemming him in. His enemies, who recognised him as one of

the most daring chiefs, pressed hard upon him, endeavouring either to

make him prisoner, or to cut him down on the spot; when Alp, the

foremost of the advanced guard of the main body of the Circassians,

beheld his father's imminent danger.

Not waiting even to see who followed, the young warrior shouted his war

cry, and dashed boldly at the foe, the foremost of whom gave way as they

saw the gallant youth approaching. But a young Cossack officer, seeing

him advance unsupported, spurred on his charger, and fired his light

rifle at the same time. For this movement Alp was prepared; and

throwing himself on his horse's side, the ball passed over him. In a

moment his own gun was in his hand; he fired, but the Cossack imitating

his manoeuvre, escaped his aim. Urging on their steeds their swords

met, fast whirling round their heads as they were wheeling: and backing

their horses. Alp, seeing an opportunity, threw up the Cossack's guard,

endeavouring to seize him and plunge his dagger in his heart; but ere he

could effect his purpose, a ball from his antagonist's pistol entered

his horse's neck, and the noble animal fell mortally wounded to the

ground. But Alp was not overcome; disengaging himself from his horse in

a moment, he sprung like a tiger on his opponent; and, striking him with

his dagger, hurled him to the ground. Then springing on his steed's

back, and waving his sword, he stayed not an instant to cast a parting

glance at his conquered foe, but led on his friends who had just come

up.

The father and son recognised each other amid the turmoil of the fight;

when, again shouting loudly his war cry, Alp urged on his steed amidst

the thickest of the foe, followed by the few who owned the fastest

horses, and fought his way up to his father's side, shielding him from

the many blows aimed at him, and regardless of those he himself

received. Desperately did he strive to keep his foes at bay until his

friends could come to his relief.

The old chief was saved; but at what a sacrifice! The blood flowed from

Alp's side; his eyes grew dim; his head giddy; he could not see longer

to guard off the blows of his enemies.

Selem, at the head of his brave troop, as he saw the predicament of his

friends, charged the foe furiously, cutting down all who opposed him, or

drove them off till he reached the Hadji, who shouted his thanks as the

last Cossack disappeared between him and his rescuers. But why does Alp

not advance? Oh! Allah! where is he? Alas! behold him now weltering

in his blood beneath his horse's hoofs. Gasping out his last breath, he

thanks Allah that he has saved his father. He pronounced, too, his

loved Zara's name. He is lifted on his horse; but his pulse has ceased

to beat. The young warrior is no more. The old Hadji seems like some

aged oak scathed by lightning. He hears not the shouts of the

combatants. His own voice is stilled. He knows not where they lead

him. One thing alone he sees--his noble, gallant boy a corpse by his

side. He mourns that he yet lives while the young and the brave have

fallen.

The main body of the Circassians, now arriving, set furiously on the

Cossacks, whom they drove before them; but, pursuing them too eagerly,

they again found themselves exposed to the deadly fire from the town,

showers of grape falling among them, and cutting through their ranks

with deadly effect. Thus once more they were compelled to retreat. The

Russian infantry then marched out to support the cavalry, now again

following the Circassians, who, whenever the Russians approached near

enough, would suddenly wheel and charge them, thinning their ranks, and

driving them to a distance.

In this hazardous style of fighting, Thaddeus had much distinguished

himself, as well as in the principal charge, which he had made by the

side of Selem to the rescue of the Hadji. As they approached the

Kouban, their own infantry coming up, the Cossacks took to flight, and

were pursued with considerable slaughter; but though it had been a day

of victory, it had been a disastrous and dearly bought one to the

Circassians; many of their chiefs, and a great number of their followers

having fallen by the destructive fire of grape, which had played on them

from the batteries; though, in comparison, they had lost but few men in

their encounter with the Cossacks; so superior are they in horsemanship

and the use of their arms.

Arslan Gherrei rode up to the side of his brother chieftain and old

friend, to endeavour to offer some consolation.

"Nay, nay, my friend," said the veteran warrior, "I mourn not for my

son. Allah is merciful, and has sent him to Paradise in the midst of

victory. And what nobler fate could I wish for him? I would that I too

had died with him! For what was he born? For what have I bred him up a

warrior, but to die for his country? There will be weeping and wailing

enough among the women when he is brought home. Alas! for his bride!

her heart will break. And his mother! It is a sad day for them. But

I!--no, I cannot mourn! My heart's feelings have long since been dried

up. I grieve not for his loss."

The low husky voice, the contracted brow, and expanded, but tearless eye

of the old chief, sadly belied his words. He spoke no more as he rode

on, except to issue some short orders to those of his followers who

remained alive. His thoughts were hidden in his own breast; but there

was an expression of concentrated agony in his stern features, which

shewed too well that a father's feelings were working strongly within

him. Near him rode his squire, guiding the horse which bore the young

warrior's body and arms; and every now and then the father would cast a

glance full of deep meaning towards it.

The army encamped that night on the same spot they had occupied on the

previous one; stationing, however, picquets to give timely warning in

case their enemies should attempt to follow. The Russians, however, had

received that day a sufficient lesson to learn that the Circassians were

foes not to be trifled with.

That night, no minstrels tuned their harps round the watch-fires; nor

did the warriors indulge in tales of their exploits; but, as soon as the

horses were sheltered and fed, and they had partaken of their own frugal

fare, wrapping themselves in their cloaks, they snatched a few hours'

repose after the fatigues of the day.

As Selem, who took his place at the fire near which the Hadji had thrown

himself on the ground, watched the old warrior, he saw many a convulsive

throb pass over his frame. Then he would start up, and sit gazing on

the burning embers, his thoughts doubtlessly resting on his slaughtered

son, his white hair streaming over his stern and wrinkled brow, with

mouth firmly set, and his hands clutching his snowy and flowing beard.

He might have been compared to some aged oak, whose trunk had been

scorched and riven by the lightning's forked flash, yet refusing to bend

beneath the tempest's power. A true patriot's motto is, "I may break,

but bend not."

Volume 3, Chapter XIV.

The next morning, as soon as the first streaks of light appeared in the

east, the whole assemblage were on foot, all anxious to return to their

homes. The division of the booty, an important affair, was first

adjusted; the leaders of the different bands shared according to the

number of their followers, among whom it was again to be divided; and,

as the cattle were driven off by those to whom they were awarded, by

degrees the whole of the force melted away.

A curious spectacle was presented, as the different bands wended their

way in warlike guise in every direction along the valleys, and up the

mountain's sides, driving the untractable cattle before them.

To some, also, were awarded arms and powder, according to their

necessities. The various other objects of booty, (and among them, a few

Cossack prisoners, who were destined for slaves), had been thrown into

the common stock, to be equally distributed.

The Seraskier, though still treated with the deepest respect by all, was

now left without an army, except of his own immediate followers, every

man who had composed it considering himself perfectly at liberty to take

his departure when he wished, though equally ready to return, for any

fresh expedition.

The chiefs parted from their leader with a respectful and affectionate

farewell; he returning to his cottage and his farm, like another

Cincinnatus, to till his land with his own hands.

A considerable share of the spoils was awarded to Thaddeus, much to his

surprise and satisfaction; and the partition being arranged, he, with

Selem, and Arslan Gherrei, prepared to accompany the Hadji in his

mournful procession towards his home. Their sad journey was, of

necessity, as rapid as possible, waiting only at night, to snatch a few

hours' repose, and borrowing fresh horses to proceed. The Hadji's

nature seemed changed by the blow he had sustained; before lively, and

full of anecdote and conversation, he now spoke not, nor smiled, and

seemed to be dreading the burst of grief and agony, which his arrival

with the dead body of his son, would cause among those most dear to him.

As they approached his grounds, the body was taken from the horse, and

laid out on a bier, formed of branches cut from the neighbouring trees,

over which a cloak was thrown, and the arms of the deceased placed by

his side. No sooner did the cavalcade appear at a distance, slowly

winding their way down the valley, than the women rushed out to meet and

welcome them on their return from victory. Among the foremost came

Zara, eager to clasp her young hero to her arms. The chaplet she had

woven to crown him fell from her hands; a sad foreboding seized her, and

as she saw at a distance, that they bore a bier, her eye wandered

anxiously round for Alp. She missed him from among the horsemen. She

sprang wildly forward.

"Where is he?" she cried. "Where is my Alp? Why comes he not with you,

warriors?" She caught sight of the bier. "Do you bear him there

wounded? Oh, speak! Tell me, is he there?"

"Daughter," said the Hadji, "Allah has taken my son."

She seemed to hear him not, as she rushed forward. She lifted the cloak

from the face, before any one could prevent her. She shrieked not; she

did not swoon; but, with a fixed gaze of despair, she stood like a

monumental statue, bending over the corpse of her slaughtered husband,

as cold and inanimate as he.

At length, she seized a hand; it fell heavily down. She pressed her

lips to those cold and lifeless ones, as if to find that breath still

animated them. She seemed scarcely conscious what death was. It was

long ere she was convinced of the reality; yet no tear escaped her eye,

no sob, her heart. Her soft and gentle nature was fearfully changing.

"Who did this?" she cried. "The savage Urus! well I know their work!

Alp, you shall be avenged!" Again she stood silently over the corpse,

rigid and immovable. None could find it in their hearts to disturb her,

until the mother of the slain youth arrived to bewail, with frantic

grief, her loss, joined by the other women of their household. Their

cries and shrieks rent the air.

"My son! my son!" cried the distracted mother, "why hast thou been torn

from me? Could not some more aged warrior have satisfied our foes? Why

hast thou been cut off in the prime of thy youth? Wai! wai! wai! Was

it for this that thou wast reared, the boldest, the bravest, the most

beautiful? No more shall I hear thy joyous laugh resounding through the

groves, or see thy graceful form bounding on thy steed, across the green

meadows. My son! my son! Curses on the foes who have slain thee! May

they, like me, be made childless! Can they give me another son like

thee? Bear him along," she cried to the attendants, "bear my son to our

home, that I may mourn over him. Wai! wai!"

The followers of the Hadji carried the bier of their young lord as

ordered; the women leading Zara, who seemed like one in a trance, her

eye resting alone on the bier; yet she faltered not in her steps, nor

did a word escape her. Her grief was too deep for words or cries. Her

heart was not broken; gentle and soft, as she seemed, it was of too

tough a texture for that; though none, not even she herself, would have

deemed it so.

We know not of what nature we are, until we are tried. She would have

thought that she could not have borne the sight of blood, or the

slightest misery, without sinking beneath the blow: but now, alas! she

knew herself. Her heart, in a moment, was seared and blighted, as by

the breath of the dark simoon, in an instant, the traveller is

overwhelmed and scorched. Her breast was now hardened to feelings of

pity, and burnt with vengeance against those who had deprived her of her

loved one.

Such are the cursed effects of war. Let the victorious conqueror look

around beyond the dazzling scene, and the gorgeous pageant which attends

his triumph, and he would shudder, were he to see the agony, the

hopeless despair, of one alone out of the thousands, of whose misery he

is the cause. The heaps of slain are as nothing; the eye soon grows

accustomed to gaze on them: the feelings become familiarised with the

sight of blood, which first sickened at the thought. The slain have

played their game of life, and are at rest; but it is those who watch

anxiously for their return, who suffer: the fond parents, the doting

wife, or mistress, the affectionate sister--it is their loving hearts

which are wrung with anguish--it is their curses which blast the

laurel-crowned brow of ambition!

The Hadji accompanied his son's body to the door of his home, where he

saw it committed to the charge of the youth's weeping mother; ushering

his friends into the guest-house, he insisted on performing the duties

of hospitality. After these had been accomplished, he called for his

horse, and rode hastily away into the neighbouring forest. There,

unseen by the eye of any, he gave way to the grief and torment of his

breast. "The boy died for me! Oh! Allah! that I might have been in

his place!" he cried, in a burst of agony.

Selem with his father and several other chiefs remained to pay the last

sad respects to the gallant young hero. The funeral cry sounded through

the woods with a deep and thrilling solemnity; all the women of the

neighbouring hamlet assembling to increase the melancholy wail.

In about two hours before the sun sunk low, the Hadji returned; the body

of Alp was then brought out from the house, round which a large

concourse of people had assembled, to accompany it to its last

resting-place.

The cemetery was on a terrace, on the side of the hill; a beautiful

spot, where grew the Cyprus and the plane-tree, shading the tombs of the

brave warriors who there lay at rest. A venerable bard, with sightless

orbs, was led up by his attendants, at the moment the bier, borne by six

youths, the companions of the deceased, was brought out. He took his

station at the head of the procession. His mother and other women

followed weeping; and Zara, in a trance-like state, neither weeping nor

speaking, walked on mechanically; her eye not for an instant withdrawn

from the body of her betrothed. The Hadji next followed, with a firm

step and erect posture; a slight movement of the mouth, and a contracted

brow, alone betokening his mental agony. Arslan Gherrei and the other

chiefs supported him on either side, followed by the inhabitants of the

hamlet.

As the procession moved slowly on, the aged minstrel tuned his lyre to a

low and plaintive strain, his voice trembling as he sung: at the end of

each verse, the mourners joining in chorus with a melancholy cadence.

As they approached the place of sepulture the words were to the

following effect, continuing to be chaunted as the mourners stood round

the grave:--

Mourn, children of Atteghei, mourn for the brave,

Whose heart with true glory beat high.

Weep, weep, as ye lower him into his grave,

No more to the charge will he cry.

His father to rescue, amid the thick foe,

He flew as they hemmed him around;

When a treacherous shot from afar laid him low,

And bleeding he fell to the ground.

Weep, weep, for the hero, the pride of our land,

Who ne'er from the foemen would fly,

As he fought 'mid a host who outnumber'd his band,

His falchion was waving on high.

And his battle cry raising, he charged them so well,

As the dastardly foe pressed around.

His sword drank their blood, and e'er bravely he fell,

Full many had bitten the ground.

Lay the hero to rest who so bravely hath died.

'Mid the clust'ring ranks of the foe,

"And his glittering falchion part not from his side,

As calmly he slumbers below."

He was found where he fell, 'mid the heaps of the slain,

His weapon still grasp'd in his hand,

Which faithfully serv'd him, and there shall remain,

For who is more worthy that brand?

Weep, weep, for the hero who rests in his grave,

And ever be sacred the ground,

Nor let it be trod by the foot of a slave,

While his spirit still wanders around.

And fondly shall ever be cherished his name,

As his deeds by our minstrels are sung,

With the martyrs who won the bright chaplet of fame,

O'er his fate shall a halo be flung.

The warrior maidens of Atteghei mourn.

Ah sad was the grief of his bride!

When home on his war-steed from fight he was borne,

As fainting she fell by his side.

Wreathe fair chaplets of flowers to hang round his tomb,

Weep, weep, for the youth's early fate,

And when to bewail him, as yearly you come,

The deeds of the hero relate.

[Note] _Vide_ Poems by T. Moore.

There was a deep and solemn silence as all that remained of the young,

the brave, and the truly-loving Alp was lowered into the narrow grave

yawning to receive him. As the body reached its final resting-place,

this silence was broken by the sobs which burst from his mother's breast

and from the women who accompanied her. Even hardy warriors, who never

thought or dreamed of fear, and seemed steeled to all the softer

sympathies of our nature, were moved to tears. As the first handful of

earth was thrown on the uncoffined body, all present knelt down circling

the grave; and the aged bard, his hands raised on high, offered up

prayers for the soul of the deceased young warrior. Then, joining their

voices, the assembly petitioned heaven for its quick passage to the

realms of bliss. The venerable sire now arose from his knees, and in a

deep and solemn tone thus addressed the company:

"Men of Atteghei, another victim has been offered up to the enmity of

our hated foes; a sacrifice well worthy of the altars of Liberty; for

who more brave, who more noble than he? Gentle as a lamb in peace,

daring as a lion in war, loved by his friends, dreaded by his foe, who

is here that loved him not? Who would not have been ready to shelter

his life with his own? Why then was he taken from us, cut off in the

flower of his youth? Why, my countrymen? Because the most noble altar

demands the noblest sacrifice; and what altar is more noble than that of

Liberty, and where a fitter victim than he for whom we mourn?

"His fate is glorious and happy. Even now his spirit is ascending to

the realms of bliss, while we, still loaded with our mortal chains,

mourn his loss. Yet still, many, many more sacrifices must be made,

before our country can be free from our detested foes; but think not

that our warriors will die in vain. Even now I see dimly and

indistinctly, an era approaching, when our enemies shall be driven from

the confines of our territories, far back to the barren lands whence

they came; and our country, freed from oppression, shall rise above her

former state and take her place among the nations of the earth."

The oration being concluded, again they knelt in prayer, while the earth

hid the heroic Alp for ever from the sight of those who loved him. A

slab of stone was placed on his grave, over which was erected a light

building of wood, sufficiently large to shelter those who would come on

the anniversary of his death to offer up prayers, and to commemorate the

gallant actions of the young warrior.

The bereaved Zara was led to her home; and, for many live-long days, she

sat, motionless, regardless of all around her. Stunned and bewildered

by her grief, she constantly brooded over her loss.

The Hadji appeared to have recovered from the shock sooner than the rest

of his family: but many observed that the elastic spirits of the old man

had flown for ever. A change had come over him. His whole thoughts and

attention were given to forming plans for defeating the Russians, and

defending the country against their attacks in the coming spring.

So different is man's grief, for a loved lost object, to that of a

woman! He has resources whereupon to employ his mind and his energies.

The fierce excitement of war, the ardour of the chase, the banquet, the

council, and a hundred other objects offer opportunities to distract his

thoughts; while she has alone the remembrance of her loss. If she

applies herself to her domestic duties, still the thought of her

bereavement will intrude; and oft will she stop amid her occupations, a

convulsive sob bursting from her heart, as the image of the lost one

appears to her mind, and she thinks of that which was, but which now no

longer exists.

Volume 3, Chapter XV.

Our life is full of sunshine and clouds, smiles and tears; and it is as

foolish to expect at all times to possess the one, as it is to repine

that our lot in life must be sprinkled with the other. Thus, how great

a contrast did the reception awaiting the warriors in the valley of

Abran Bashi form to that which they had experienced in the vale of

Gazlan; when Ina, blooming as the roses of Gul, flew across the lawn, as

she caught sight of her father's gallant train winding down the vale.

She was now followed by all the wives and maidens of the hamlet, eager

to welcome the return of their husbands, their fathers, and brothers,

and to recompense them for the toils of war, and the dangers they had

incurred for their sakes.

Throwing himself from his horse, Arslan Gherrei folded his daughter in

his arms, as she flew to meet him; tears, how precious, of pure joy

filling her bright eyes, that he was again restored to her in safety.

We will not attempt to describe the meeting of Thaddeus and his fair

mistress; but well did he feel himself recompensed for having espoused

the cause of her country.

Death had not been idle in the valley since their absence. The

forebodings of the venerable Prince, Aitek Tcherei, had been fulfilled;

full of years and honour, he had been gathered to his fathers the day

after their departure. He had been buried with all the ceremonies

prescribed by custom; and his clansmen were now about to select one as a

successor worthy to lead them to war, or to preside at their councils in

time of peace. By the aged chieftain's dying will, delivered to the

elders of his tribe, Alp was to succeed to his possessions; or, failing

him, they were to descend to Selem, so that, by the sad death of his

friend, our hero found himself possessed of considerable wealth.

The elders and principal men of the tribe assembled to discuss the

important subject, when the eyes of all were turned on Selem. His

bravery in the field and his courteous manners had won even their

hearts; and by choosing him, they would not only have a gallant and

sagacious chief to command them, but it would prevent any of those

jealous feelings which would too probably spring up, should they elect

any one of those actually living among them. Without a dissentient

voice, therefore, Selem Gherrei was elected to command their brave and

numerous tribe. Our hero was now, in every sense of the word, a

Circassian Chief; and a truly brave and noble one did he prove himself.

We must now draw rapidly to the conclusion of our story.

The trees once again put forth their leaves; the fields were enamelled

with flowers; the birds sang in the groves; and all nature wore an air

of renewed life and activity. The winter had passed away. The

Circassian husbandmen on the borders, girded on their swords, and slung

their rifles on their backs, as they toiled in their fields--prepared at

a moment's notice to resist any inroad of their foes--to sow corn,

although 'twas doubtful whether they might ever reap the harvest. Bands

of warriors were moving; towards the frontiers, to be in readiness to

repulse the Russians, at whatever quarter they should make their first

attack: and in every direction, messengers were galloping across the

country, to carry information from one chief to another of their own

plans, or of the enemy's movements. Great stir had been observed among

the troops on the Kouban, and the number of all the Russian garrisons

was increased; but it was impossible to say what were their intentions.

The early spring also saw the happiness of Ina and Thaddeus completed;

the chieftain no longer withholding his consent, on Selem's making over

to his friend sufficient property to maintain his bride as became her

rank. A Polish priest also was found to perform the ceremony, according

to the rules of the Christian church; this exile with many of his

countrymen had lately made their way to Circassia, where they were

certain of a friendly welcome from those who could so well appreciate

their wrongs and sufferings.

Selem therefore had the satisfaction of seeing his sister married

according to the forms he considered essential, when he committed her

into the hands of his friend. The religion of Arslan Gherrei was too

tolerant to object to his daughter embracing that of her husband,

particularly when Selem undertook to explain to him the sacred bonds it

enforced, and in how superior a state it placed her, than would have

been her lot had she become the wife of one of the native chiefs. The

chieftain much admired this in theory, though he confessed it was what

his countrymen in general would not approve; for it gave far too much

power into the hands of those whom they looked upon in the light of

property, and which their lords and masters would lose, should the fair

sex once learn to consider themselves as having equal liberty and

rights.

The youthful couple enjoyed, for a short time, the utmost felicity which

is allowed to the most fortunate on earth. They were truly happy in

themselves, and their present lot; for they did not--they would not--

think of what change the future might bring forth. Each day they

thought that they had discovered some new charm in each other, something

more to love. On their marriage, they had returned to the house near

the sea, where we first introduced Ina to our readers; and often would

they wander together down the valley, to the very edge of the deep blue

main, which lay calm and lovely at their feet. As they gazed on its

translucent wave, they little thought that its treacherous surface might

bring whole hordes of their foes upon them.

Selem, whenever he could tear himself away from his important

occupations, came to be witness of their happiness; but he was mostly

occupied in accompanying his father in excursions through every part of

the country to rouse the lagging, to animate the weak-hearted, and to

induce all to take the oath of amity to the patriots, and eternal enmity

to their foes. Where ever they moved, they were accompanied by other

influential chiefs and elders, and were received with respect by all.

Those, who formerly thought themselves free from the danger of attacks

by the Russians, were roused to join their country men in more exposed

districts; and others, who might have been induced by despair to sue for

peace with their overwhelming foes, were excited to renewed exertions,

to defend their country to the last. Many made voluntary promises to

muster under the standard of Arslan Gherrei, the moment it should be

raised for whatever expedition he should think advisable.

Hadji Guz Beg constantly accompanied his friends in these expeditions;

his enthusiastic exhortations adding considerably to the excitement of

the people. At his own home, he scarcely ever remained, for he could

not bear to hear the loud and constant repinings of his wife for her

lost son; nor to look on the grief stricken Zara.

She, poor girl, continued incapable of exertion, and unexcited by aught

around her; her thoughts dwelling alone on her lost Alp. It was at

length thought, that change of scene, the novelty of the sea, near which

she had never been, and the affectionate embraces of her early friend,

might arouse her from her stupor. Ina received the youthful widow with

an affectionate greeting, but could not refrain from tears as she

contrasted the time they parted, when she was borne away from her a

joyous bride, with the melancholy of the present; her young hopes

blighted, and he, whom she loved, lying in his early and ensanguined

grave.

The tender endeavours of Ina, could scarcely rouse her from her

apathetic indifference to all terrestrial affairs; Zara could only

return her kindness with a faint smile of thanks.

Arslan Gherrei was now less reluctant to be absent from home, knowing

that he left his daughter with one able to protect her; and, at this

time, Selem had just arrived to pay his sister and friend a visit,

before they moved to a habitation further inland; for, as the spring

advanced, it was feared the Russians might attempt a landing on the

coast. The numerical strength of the tribe beneath the sway of Arslan

Gherrei had been dreadfully reduced by war and plague, so that when he

led forth his warriors to battle, scarcely enough remained to protect

his territory; on which account, the preceding year, he had removed his

daughter to the house of his kinsman, the late Prince Aitek Tcherei.

Volume 3, Chapter XVI.

A lovely and bright spring morning had induced Selem and his friend to

seize their guns and sally forth at dawn of day, in search of game.

They had wandered long over the sweet scented heathery hills, fresh and

pure with the sparkling dew; when they heard loud shouts behind them,

and saw Karl running to overtake them.

With a face of consternation, he said that he had just seen from the

highest mountain in the neighbourhood, where he had been to cut wood, a

large fleet standing, towards the coast, which his fears told him, must

be that of his much dreaded countrymen.

"It will be a day of fighting, my friends," exclaimed Selem, as with

Thaddeus he flew rapidly towards the house. "We must die, rather than

let our foes set foot upon our strand, where, if they once get footing,

it will cost us dear to drive them off."

They did not even venture to enter the anderoon; but, seizing their

arms, and summoning as many warriors as they could collect on the

moment, they rushed to the shore, thoughtless of the overwhelming force

of the foe, and determined to defend it to the last gasp. As they

emerged from the valley to the sands, a sight met their view, sufficient

to appal the stoutest heart among the brave mountaineers. As far as the

eye could reach, the smooth sparkling sea appeared covered with the

lofty and wide spreading canvas of the Russian ships of war and

transports, advancing slowly and proudly towards the devoted coast.

The Circassians gazed with deep anxiety at the hostile flotilla, feeling

how small was their chance of successfully opposing the landing of their

foes with the small force they had collected. Selem, however, sword in

hand, flew amongst the small band, encouraging and urging them boldly to

withstand their enemies.

"My countrymen, my brave friends," he cried, "if we allow our foes to

land, our destruction, and that of all those dear to us, will be

certain. Let us, then, heap our dead bodies, to impede their progress,

until our countrymen can assemble to fill our places; and let us rejoice

that we can make an offering of our blood for the liberty of Circassia."

"We will follow you to the death, noble chief. Wherever you go we will

go. Allah will protect the right!" was exclaimed on all sides by men,

who, as they drew their sabres, swore never to yield.

The fleet approached in a crescent form. The smaller vessels, leading

and running in, anchored as close to the land as the depth of the water

would allow, presenting the frowning battery of their broadsides to

shore. The largest ships followed, while the transports formed in line

outside; and, no sooner were the sails furled, than hundreds of boats

issued from among them, advancing steadily forward in close line.

Even the heroic Selem felt that it was an act almost of madness to

oppose so overwhelming a force; and, for a moment, he hesitated to

sacrifice his people's lives in so hopeless an attempt. But his

resolution returned, and he determined to risk all, rather than fly.

At that instant shouts were heard in the woods above them; and a band of

chiefs--on their journey to the north, at the head of whom came the

Hadji and his brother--were seen galloping towards them. There was

scarcely time to exchange the warriors' brief greeting with their

welcome friends--the number of the whole amounting to a few hundreds

only, while the approaching boats contained several thousands--ere the

fierce combat commenced.

The band of Circassians, mostly chiefs and renowned warriors, remained

sheltered behind the trees, until the boats came near enough to enable

them to take certain aim, when they opened a rapid and deadly fire from

their rifles, taking the Russians by surprise, and throwing them into

some disorder; but, notwithstanding numbers fell wounded in the boats,

they soon rallied and again advanced. As the keel of the headmost boat

grated on the beach, Selem and the Hadji, calling to their comrades,

drew their sabres, and, with a furious onset, rushed towards the enemy.

Before the first Russian had time to set his foot on dry land, he was

hurled bleeding into the sea.

As each of the headmost boats came on, they were received with the same

desperate valour; and as, with their lifeless crews, they were thrown on

shore, they served as ramparts to the defenders to shelter themselves

from the fire of the aftermost ones. Still the enemy advanced in

constant succession, like wave upon wave, towards the beach; but with

such heroic bravery did Selem and his friends meet them, that the first

part of the detachment was completely destroyed, the rest keeping off

until more boats should arrive from the ships.

For the Circassians, however, it was a fearful struggle, to oppose their

small band to so overwhelming a force; and more so, when those on board

the ships of war, seeing the powerful opposition offered, commenced

firing on friends and foes alike. Yet, though several of the patriots

had fallen, they fought on undaunted. In a short time, however, all the

boats came up, extending their line, when a body of troops effected a

landing before they could be opposed.

As the Hadji caught sight of them, "Allah! Allah!" he cried, "down with

the foes of Circassia. None such may place foot here. Allah! Allah!"

And, calling to several of his companions, he furiously charged them;

but, notwithstanding his utmost bravery, he and his followers were again

driven back to the chief scene of conflict, closely pressed by the

enemy. In the mean time also, on the other side, another body of troops

had landed. The Circassians found themselves almost hemmed in; but they

did not give much time for their enemies to form; for a party attacked

them with almost despairing fury, and kept them from approaching to aid

the disembarkation of the other boats.

The patriot band was thinning fast; the most determined spirits among

them, hoping only to sell their lives dearly; the strand was already

strewed with their bodies; a dark red line of human gore fringing the

pure ocean. Still in desperation they fought on. They thought of their

wives, and of their children, and they strove not to die unavenged.

The image of his young wife presented itself to Thaddeus; and,

commending her to the care of heaven, he bravely fought with renewed

courage by the side of her brother. Yet now all hope had fled, when a

shout was heard from the mountains rising high above the rattle of the

musketry, the roar of cannon, and the clash of steel. Issuing from the

grove, a numerous party was seen rushing with speed to the spot, headed

by a female, brandishing in her hand a glittering sabre. It was the

widowed Zara leading on her band of peasants against the Russians, who

retreated before the fury of the onset, her followers hewing down their

foes on all sides. Her life seemed charmed; for she guarded not

herself, as she rushed into the thickest of the desperate fight,

shouting to her followers, and with her slender arm dealing

death-bearing blows around her.

For a considerable distance along the coast, many separate engagements

took place where-ever any boats attempted to throw the troops on shore;

those who were left, while the boats returned for reinforcements, were

cut to pieces; for the defenders were too few to attempt making

prisoners. Seeing that affairs were in this desperate state, the

Russians sent every boat they could launch from their ships of war and

transports, filled with troops, to the assistance of those already

engaged; the brigs at the same time running so close in, that their

keels touched the ground. These vessels opened a galling fire, aiming

over the heads of their own people, at the defenders of the soil. But

the Circassians were by far too eager to allow the manoeuvre to be of

much avail. Closing and grappling with their enemies the moment they

came on, and fighting up to their waists in the sea, as they rushed

forward to meet them, the shot from the ships, made equal havoc among

both parties.

The Russians now saw that it would have been better policy to wait,

until all their foes had collected on the beach, before they commenced

firing; when, after playing on the crowds of Circassians, they might

under cover of their guns, have sent in their boats without molestation.

As it was they had been dreadfully cut up without making good their

landing. They now attempted to repair their error at the sacrifice of

their own people; but that signified nothing if they could ultimately be

successful.

Selem, the moment he could turn his eyes to see what was going forward,

after defeating those directly opposed to him, observed Zara amid the

thickest of the fight, encouraging, and leading on her followers to the

attack; he hastened towards her, fearful for her safety, and endeavoured

to withdraw her from the bloody scene.

"Think you that the life of my husband does not require some sacrifice

at my hands?" she cried. "The blood of all these base slaves would not

repay one drop of that which flowed in his veins. Who is more bound to

avenge his death, than his wife? I have nothing to fear. Hinder me not

from the holy work."

Breaking from him, she rushed again towards the enemy. Karl, however,

who had followed her, and who did not like to fight against his own

countrymen, remained by her side, merely warding off the blows aimed at

her; till at length, his choler rising, he returned the blows himself,

with interest. Selem saw that it was hopeless to hinder her; and the

utmost energies of all were now required to repel the fresh attack. As

the boats pulled rapidly towards the shore, the enemy's soldiers, urged

to desperation by the fate of their comrades, and by the instigation of

their officers, threw themselves into the water with bayonets ready

fixed, and charged the Circassians. But, as before, the active

mountaineers grappled with them, leaping between their bayonets, and

stabbing them with their short swords.

The termination of the contest, however, still remained doubtful, for at

one spot, less obstinately defended, several boats made a dash at once,

and succeeded in throwing their troops on shore, where, forming, they

charged the Circassians on their flank with so much courage, that Selem

began to fear their heroic defence would have been of no avail. At this

critical moment, a loud shout was again raised behind them; and,

turning, Selem beheld his father, at the head of a band of warriors,

breaking through the wood, and galloping over the sand. A fresh and

desperate charge was now made against the Russians, who were driven with

great loss, to their boats.

The boats that were already afloat pulled off, the most desperate

fighting now ensuing; the Russians, attempting to shove off their boats,

while the Circassians, surrounding them, hauled their crews into the

water, cutting down the soldiers who offered further resistance; but the

foemen, at length when they found themselves left to their fate, ceased

fighting, and sued for mercy.

A great number of prisoners were taken, the Russians losing more than

half the number of troops they attempted to land. Many of their boats

were also left wrecked on the shore. No sooner did those from the ships

see that their troops were completely defeated, than they again

commenced a tremendous cannonade on the Circassians, who, collecting

their dead and wounded, retired within shelter of the woods, where they

could watch the enemy with less exposure of their lives.

Selem looked round anxiously for Zara. She had escaped unscathed. Her

sword--it had been Alp's--was grasped in her hands, yet reeking with the

blood of the enemy, as slowly she retired, unheeding the shot then

falling thick around and laying many low in the hour of victory.

The patriots watched their enemies with lynx eyed vigilance, lest they

might make a second attempt at landing. A constant firing was kept up

from the wood, in all directions, at the retiring boats, and on the

vessels, which they could reach with their rifles, making them glad to

get beyond their deadly aim. The enemy had learned a sufficient lesson.

In a short time, the boats were hoisted in, and that vast flotilla,

which seemed capable of overwhelming the Circassian territories, stood

out to sea, defeated and discomfited, by a mere handful of determined

mountaineers. So truly will patriotic courage withstand tyranny and

injustice!

Loud shouts arose from the gallant victors as the dark eagles were seen

flying far out to sea; and all that part of the country was, for the

present, relieved from the baneful shadow of their wings. But, like the

destroying angel of the Egyptians, wherever they had passed, they left

grief and mourning in their track, for many of the brave patriots had

fallen.

Selem, with a party of the most humane, as soon as the ships had got

under weigh, repaired to the beach, where he found, mingled with the

wounded Circassians, several of his late opponents still lingering.

Deep was the gratitude of the poor fellows, when they heard themselves

addressed in their own tongue; and when he ordered them to be conveyed

to the hamlet, and tended with care.

None of our friends among the chiefs had fallen; but Thaddeus had

received a wound sufficiently severe to require the whole of Ina's

attention and fond care. Many months elapsed before he could again take

the field; and Ina might be excused if she scarcely regretted his

confinement. He has since proved himself a true champion of his adopted

country; and we trust that his gallant sons may, in a few years, follow

his noble example.

No sooner had the tumult of the fight ceased, than Zara's excitement

also vanished; and, overcome by the unnatural exertion she had

undergone, she sank to the ground, her hand relaxing the grasp of her

weapon, which she would not before quit. In this state she was borne to

the house of Arslan Gherrei. She recovered; and sank no more into her

apathetic state. But her nature, her very appearance had changed;

though her eye was even brighter than ever. A hectic flush--one crimson

spot--grew on her thin and wan cheek: her lip was pale, and her voice

lost its soft, sweet melody. Like the warlike brides of her ancestors,

wherever the foe approached, there was the bereaved young widow to be

seen amid the thickest of the fight, her heroic courage animating her

countrymen, and spreading terror among the ranks of the Urus. Where the

carnage has been most dreadful, blood flowing like water from the

pent-up fountains of winter when let loose by the warmth of spring,

there has oft the young Amazon been seen rushing on amid the slain

unscathed, unhurt; bearing, it seems, a charmed life; and, if she would

forget her griefs in death, she cannot; the leaden showers fall thick,

the sharp steel flashes around her in vain.

Many follow her as an inspired being sent from heaven to lead them to

victory; and the foes, as they hear the war shout of her followers, and

see her approaching, fly, terror-stricken before her. The fire of

revenge for her slaughtered love still burns unquenched within her

bosom. Death--death alone can ever extinguish its consuming flame.

That noble champion of his country, Arslan Gherrei, still leads his

followers to war; and may he be spared to enjoy the blessings of peace,

which he so well deserves, and the happiness of his country, for which

his heart so yearns.

Even now also is the war shout of the fierce Hadji heard in the thickest

of the battle; and though his tread has lost its elasticity, his arm

somewhat of its nerve, still well does he deal his blows amid the

enemies of his country. May just Heaven shield the good and brave old

man from the weapons of an invading enemy!

And Selem, our hero--yet does the image of the loving, the murdered

Azila, dwell within his bosom. He has not forgotten his vow. Terribly

does he fulfil it. But the end is not yet accomplished. His only

bride, his earthly love, is his country; and what more exalted or holy

feeling could possess his breast? Still does he energetically strive

for Circassia's welfare; and never for a moment, does he regret that he

exchanged wealth, rank, and heartless dissipation, gilding the chains of

despotism, for his humble cot, and liberty!

May every philanthropist join us in earnest hope and prayer, that

Circassia may not share the fate of Poland.

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