[ad, indeed, the drama in this country not been a areer encompassed with difficulties, I should have ade Alroy the hero of a tragedy. But as, at the resent day, this is a mode of composition which r any practical effect is almost impossible, I have ade him the hero of a dramatic romance. The thor, therefore, seldom interferes in the conduct the story. He has not considered it his duty to ep in between the reader and the beings of his nagination, to develope and dwell upon their feelgs, or to account for their characters and actions. e leaves them in general to explain every thing r themselves, substituting on his part description r scenery, and occasional bursts of lyric melody r that illustrative music, without which all amatic representations are imperfect, and which nders the serious opera of the Italians the most ective performance of modern times, and most arly approaching the exquisite drama of the cient Greeks. To the Tale of Alroy I have added the history of Christian hero placed in a somewhat similar posion, but achieving a very different end; and I hope e reader will experience the pleasure of an agree le contrast in the Rise of the great Iskander. THE WONDROUS TALE OF ALROY. PART I. I. THE Cornets sounded a final flourish as the prince of the captivity dismounted from his white mule; his train shouted as if they were once more a people, and had it not been for the contemptuous leer which played upon the countenances of the Moslemin bystanders, it might have been taken for a day of triumph rather than of tribute. "The glory has not departed!" exclaimed the venerable Bostenay, as he entered the hall of his mansion." It is not as the visit of Sheba unto Solomon; nevertheless the glory has not yet departed. You have done well, faithful Caleb." The old man's courage waxed more vigorous as each step within his own walls the more assured him against the recent causes of his fear-the audible curses and the threatened missiles of the unbelieving mob. "It shall be a day of rejoicing and thanksgiving," continued the prince; "and look, my faithful Caleb, |