“Rest, now,” said the prince, “there is nothing to do here but what I can finish easily.”
“I would gladly save your highness from doing one stroke of it,” said Manoel, wearily; “but sometimes I think, sir, my sorrows are nearly over.”
“If so, dear lad,” said Fernando, with a smile, “the rest of us might envy you; sorely, as I, at least, should miss your face.”
“But for you, my lord, I could not have held out so long,” said Manoel, as, weak and faint, he sank down on the ground. The prince raised him in his arms, and looked round for help.
“Princess! princess!” said Leila, who was stringing beads for her mistress, “one of the slaves is fainting.”
“It was very stupid of Hassan not to send men who can do their work. He should whip them when they are idle,” said Zarah, indolently.
“Oh, princess! let me take him water; he will die!” cried Leila.
“If you like,” said Zarah, putting a sweetmeat between her lips.
Leila seized a jar of water, and some fruit and bread, and came towards the prisoners. She looked frightened and shy; but held out the jar of water to Fernando, who bathed Manoel’s face with it.
“He does not revive,” said the girl.