The Bronze Statue, or, The Virgin's Kiss — page 106: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Ba tS! 104 THE BRONZE STATUE. 1 er tt ition, springing up in his mind, made | to tempt one more blow ere they yield- ed up the city to the invaders. ‘The battle was accordingly renewed beneath the very walls of the capital; and the Prince of Darkness fou zht by the side of Ildirim. Vainly did Mansuur strug- ole against the unknown but irresistible inflience which so Suddenly and mys- teriously favored the forces of Idirim; the fortune of the war was completely turned, and the combat of a single hour on this memorable night retrieved all the adversities of the day. Mansour’s army was thrown into confusion,—and the slaughter was prodigious. Every where, by the light of the lovely moon which had now risen, was the scimitar of Ildirim seen cutting its way amidst the invaders. Inspired by this ex- i him aware that his invocation had been heard, and that the Prince of Darkness was standing by his side ! ++¢'Thou didst call upon Satan to aid bi thee.” said a deep sonorous .voice. tbe AM mighty torrent in Ildirim’s ears, or like an echo from a profound cavern; * and aH Satan hath not been deaf to thy prayer. Ne i Speak, and delay not ; for, behold! Man- saya ea sour and his host are approaching with | the fury of a whirlwind and the force ; of a torrent.” Hh ‘And as he thus spoke, a hazy spe- By cies of twilight slowly suffused itself around; and by means of the partial glow, Ildirim could perceive the legions of the conqueror advancing at a rapid rate.’ ‘+++ Save me from death and dishonor, O Satan!” exclaimed the young King, driven to desperation, ‘‘ save my people from destruction and my territory from ample, and animated with a strength and a courage which seemed to come from an unknown source and which surprised themselves, the troops so lately flying in disorder now bore down all before them; and within the hour ) the invaders! Do this, and I will wor- 3 | ship thee—thine image shall be set up 99 Mansour’s host was scattered like chaff in all our temples—— upon the wind ! +s¢ Peace, silly mortal!” interrupted ‘It would be impossible to describe | the Prince of Darkness. ‘I reck not|the enthusiasm which welcomed ILldi- for such adulation as that whereof thou|rim’s entry into his capital after this speakest !” glorious achievement. Every house + «¢ Then name thy terms, delay not !’’ | was illuminated; and the whole popu- cried Ildirim, his anxiety rising to a/|lation gathered in the streets to pay poignancy of the most torturing descrip- | their tribute of gratitude and praise to tion. ‘‘ See, the invaders are approach- | the youthful hero who alone obtained ing ‘9 the credit of that great victory. Intox- f ‘4‘ Listen, O mortal!’ said the De-| icated with the plaudits lavished upon mon, his sonorous voice rolling like dis-| him and with the adulation of which tant thunder upon the ears of the youth- | he had thus become the object, Ildirim ful King. ‘Swear to devote thy first | forgot how much of his triumph was dea born child to me; and in less than an| owing to the Enemy of Mankind, and | hour thine enemies shall be scattered | at how terrible a sacrifice he had pur- like chaff before the wind. Hesitate| chased his conquest. For Satan had for another moment, and thou art lost!’ | disappeared from his side at the mo- ‘s¢+] swear!’ exclaimed the infatuat- | ment when the rout of the invaders was ed, maddened, frenzied Ildirim; then,! accomplished; and even when the shrinking appalled from the terrible vow | young King had returned to his palace which he had pledged, he would have | and had sought the solitude of his own recanted,—he would have recalled the | chamber, he looked upon his interview tremendous oath; but it was too late! | and compact with the Prince of Dark- For Satan, seizing him in his arms, | ness as the offspring of a fancy terribly transported him in a moment to the gate | fevered and disordered at the time. of the city, through which his fugitive ‘Peace was then restored in Ildirim’s troops were hurrying headlong. ‘hen, | dominions; and the immense booty re- obedient to the inspiration which he re- | sulting from the overthrow of Mansour’s ceived from his infernal prompter who | host furnished a complete indemnifica- remained unseen to all but Ildirim, the | tion for the cost of the war. Kara Ali young King raised his voice and com-| and the other ministers were banished | manded the flying soldiers to rally|from the kingdom; and the youthful Wee around him. ‘The mandate was obeyed | monarch called honest statesmen to his | in an instant; fresh courage animated /councils. The people were delighted Tahale the fugitives,—and they received with | with the conduct of their Sovereiga ; acclaim the exhortation that urged them | andthe country was soon blest with a sounding like the subdued murmur of a a LTT EEE LTT — al —_ . —_ 4 s¢ “ . = wy. * a |. = Ore ee ee ee eee Oe — - oa > > a i ~ 3 - - - 2 ; - \ - ate rs “> ‘S se gf = comicbooks.com