trand undauntedly ſprang forward; and, aiming a fierce blow at the figure, it inſtantly vaniſhed, letting fall a maſſy iron key. The flame now reſted upon a pair of ample folding doors at the end of the gallery. Sir Bertrand went to it, and applied the key to a brazen lock–with difficulty he turned the bolt–inſtantly the doors flew open, and diſcovered a large apartment, at the end of which was a coffin reſted upon a bier, with a taper burning on each ſide of it. Along the room on both ſides were gigantic ſtatues of black marble, attired in the Mooriſh habit, and holding enormous ſabres in their hands. Each of them reared its arm, and advanced one leg forward, as the knight entered; at the ſame moment the lid of the coffin flew open, and the bell tolled. The flame ſtill glided forward; and Sir Bertrand reſolutely followed, till he arrived within ſix paces of the coffin. Suddenly a lady in a ſhroud and black veil roſe up in it, and ſtretched out her arms toward him–at the ſame time the ſtatues claſhed their ſabres, and advanced. Sir Bertrand flew to the lady, and clapſed her in his arms ſhe threw up her veil, and kiſſed his lips; when inſtantly the whole building ſhook as with an earthquake, and fell aſunder with a horrible craſh.
Sir Bertrand was thrown into a ſudden trance; and, on recovering, found himſelf ſeated on a velvet ſofa, in the moſt magnificent room he had ever ſeen, lighted with innumerable tapers, in luſtres of pure cryſtal. A ſumptuous banquet was ſet in the middle.
The doors opening to ſoft muſic, a lady of incomparable beauty, attired with amazing ſplendor, entered, ſurrounded by a troop of gay nymphs more fair than the graces. She advanced to the knight; and, falling on her knees, thanked him as her deliverer. The nymphs put a garland of laurel upon his head; and the lady led him by the hand to the banquet, and ſat beſide him. The nymphs placed themſelves at the table; and a numerous train of ſervants entering, ſerved up the feaſt, delicious muſic playing all the time.
Sir Bertrand could not ſpeak for aſtoniſhment–he
