ising, villages are wholly of their construction, and the wastes created by Tartar atrocities have been reclaimed and beautified by their peaceful industry. See,” added Don Abraham, holding up a small volume, “your friend is not the first of his fraternity who has visited this camp, and Rudolph’s own tent has been supplied by a mysterious hand with a token of the prudent courage of these people.”
“Does your highness speak of a combat as now imminent?” asked Solomon.
“The lines are now formed on both sides,” added Don Abraham; “and this is likely to be an eventful day for a brave but contentious and divided people, and an ancient and valiant dynasty. Should Rudolph fall or be discomfited the result must be only temporary.”
“Can your highness estimate the numbers on either side?” asked the Jew.
“It is difficult on our side at least,” said the officer. “Old feuds between Tchekh and Magyar have stimulated national animosity, and the acquisitions of territory within these few years, extending the borders of Bohemia to the Adriatic and giving hera considerable coast line, have enraged the princes of some of the southern provinces. Germany pushes him from the west; and in the imperial election deliberately rejected Otakar’s candidacy on account of his growing power and personal vigor of character. Every troop that can assemble for revenge pours even now over the defenceless fields of Moravia. Otakar’s forces had hardly appeared in position ere
