The delighted Turk very politely answered this remarkable billet doux, assuring the fair writer that he was at her service, and that he would implicitly follow her directions as to the taking of Abydos.  As soon as he had dismissed Annis, he flew with Sophronia’s letter to the general, who, upon reading it, expressed great astonishment; he determined to raise the siege the next morning, and resolved to rely fully on the beautiful traitress for the future success of his enterprise.  The next day came, and the general raised the siege and departed.  The Christians were rejoiced to see it, and in the evening made merry and drunk wine.  The governor’s daughter took advantage of the garrison at this unguarded moment; and fearing to trust again to the sincerity of her maid, resolved to proceed herself to Abdurachman’s tent.  Annis led the way.  The night was serene, and the light of the moon showed the stately castle of Abydos, dark and majestic.  No noise was heard, save the heavy and uniform step of the sentinels, whose bright arms, as they caught the moon’s rays, sparkled against the gloomy looking building.  Little did the inmates, now as tranquil as the night, dream of being surprised by an enemy; and little did the brave governor imagine that his own beloved daughter, at this moment, was treacherously hastening to a merciless foe, with the intent to conduct him to Abydos!  Sophronia reached her lover’s tent weary and faint, for she had walked with great haste.  She sank into the captain’s arms, and then, almost inaudibly, informed him that not a moment was to be lost, and that he must follow her immediately to the castle.

He obeyed, and having formed a litter for the lady, she was borne on the shoulders of four stout Turks.  When they arrived at the postern gate, Sophronia told the captain that he, with his men, must first enter the castle, and then kill the sentinels and wardens, after which he would be enabled to give admittance to all his friends.  The Turks strictly obeyed the lady, who before the affair began hastened with Annis to her apartment in order to await the issue of her plot.  The Turks entered the castle by hundreds, killing all they met, and were soon masters of the place.  Meanwhile, Sophronia and Annis, both dreadfully agitated, heard from their chamber the dying groans of the poor Christians.  Sometimes the clashing of swords was distinguished, as if a number of persons were engaged in combat; sometimes the loud lamentations of women intervened; and sometimes the voices of the conquerors were alone heard in exultation.  At length the door of Sophronia’s room burst open, and Abdurachman rushed in to seize her, while Annis, nearly dead with terror, calmly submitted to the grasp of a common soldier who accompanied the captain.

The dreadful scene was acted and over; the Turks were possessors of the famed castle of Abydos, and Sophronia’s father, the governor, was hanged.  Alas! deluded Sophronia!  The faithless Abdurachman, whom she supposed to have seen in a dream, regarded her not; even lots were cast for her, and she fell to the share of one whom she did not know.  The beautiful Sophronia took poison and expired.