passionate language of Raymond. Alas! for human reason! He accused the

Greeks of superstition: what name did he give to the faith he lent to the

predictions of Evadne? I passed from the palace of Sweet Waters to the

plain on which the encampment lay, and found its inhabitants in commotion.

The arrival of several with fresh stories of marvels, from the fleet; the

exaggerations bestowed on what was already known; tales of old prophecies,

of fearful histories of whole regions which had been laid waste during the

present year by pestilence, alarmed and occupied the troops. Discipline was

lost; the army disbanded itself. Each individual, before a part of a great

whole moving only in unison with others, now became resolved into the unit

nature had made him, and thought of himself only. They stole off at first

by ones and twos, then in larger companies, until, unimpeded by the

officers, whole battalions sought the road that led to Macedonia.

About midnight I returned to the palace and sought Raymond; he was alone,

and apparently composed; such composure, at least, was his as is inspired

by a resolve to adhere to a certain line of conduct. He heard my account of

the self-dissolution of the army with calmness, and then said, "You know,

Verney, my fixed determination not to quit this place, until in the light

of day Stamboul is confessedly ours. If the men I have about me shrink from

following me, others, more courageous, are to be found. Go you before break

of day, bear these dispatches to Karazza, add to them your own entreaties

that he send me his marines and naval force; if I can get but one regiment

to second me, the rest would follow of course. Let him send me this

regiment. I shall expect your return by to-morrow noon."

256

The Last Man