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diff --git a/20002-h/20002-h.htm b/20002-h/20002-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ea49233 --- /dev/null +++ b/20002-h/20002-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,13807 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + Alroy, by Benjamin Disraeli + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Alroy, by Benjamin Disraeli + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Alroy + The Prince Of The Captivity + +Author: Benjamin Disraeli + +Release Date: December 3, 2006 [EBook #20002] +Last Updated: August 26, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ALROY *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + <b>ALROY</b> + </h1> + <h3> + OR + </h3> + <h2> + <i>THE PRINCE OF THE CAPTIVITY</i> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Benjamin Disraeli + </h2> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/alroy_cover.jpg" alt="Cover " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/alroy_frontis_174.jpg" alt="Alroy-frontis-174 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/frontis_label.jpg" alt="Frontis-label " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <big><b>A L R O Y</b></big> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkpreface"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_NOTE"> NOTES TO ALROY. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>ILLUSTRATIONS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0001"> Cover </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0002"> Alroy-frontis-174 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0003"> Frontis-label </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0004"> Page001 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0005"> Page020 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0006"> Page174 </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkpreface" id="linkpreface"></a> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + AUTHOR’S PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + Being at Jerusalem in the year 1831, and visiting the traditionary tombs + of the Kings of Israel, my thoughts recurred to a personage whose + marvellous career had, even in boyhood, attracted my attention, as one + fraught with the richest materials of poetic fiction. And I then commenced + these pages that should commemorate the name of Alroy. In the twelfth + century, when he arose, this was the political condition of the East: + </p> + <p> + The Caliphate was in a state of rapid decay. The Seljukian Sultans, who + had been called to the assistance of the Commanders of the Faithful, had + become, like the Mayors of the palace in France, the real sovereigns of + the Empire. Out of the dominions of the successors of the Prophet, they + had carved four kingdoms, which conferred titles on four Seljukian + Princes, to wit, the Sultan of Bagdad, the Sultan of Persia, the Sultan of + Syria, and the Sultan of Roum, or Asia Minor. + </p> + <p> + But these warlike princes, in the relaxed discipline and doubtful conduct + of their armies, began themselves to evince the natural effects of luxury + and indulgence. They were no longer the same invincible and irresistible + warriors who had poured forth from the shores of the Caspian over the + fairest regions of the East; and although they still contrived to preserve + order in their dominions, they witnessed with ill-concealed apprehension + the rising power of the Kings of Karasmé, whose conquests daily made their + territories more contiguous. + </p> + <p> + With regard to the Hebrew people, it should be known that, after the + destruction of Jerusalem, the Eastern Jews, while they acknowledged the + supremacy of their conquerors, gathered themselves together for all + purposes of jurisdiction, under the control of a native ruler, a reputed + descendant of David, whom they dignified with the title of ‘The Prince of + the Captivity.’ If we are to credit the enthusiastic annalists of this + imaginative people, there were periods of prosperity when the Princes of + the Captivity assumed scarcely less state and enjoyed scarcely less power + than the ancient Kings of Judah themselves. Certain it is that their power + increased always in an exact proportion to the weakness of the Caliphate, + and, without doubt, in some of the most distracted periods of the Arabian + rule, the Hebrew Princes rose into some degree of local and temporary + importance. Their chief residence was Bagdad, where they remained until + the eleventh century, an age fatal in Oriental history, from the disasters + of which the Princes of the Captivity were not exempt. They are heard of + even in the twelfth century. I have ventured to place one at Hamadan, + which was a favourite residence of the Hebrews, from being the + burial-place of Esther and Mordecai. + </p> + <p> + With regard to the supernatural machinery of this romance, it is + Cabalistical and correct. From the Spirits of the Tombs to the sceptre of + Solomon, authority may be found in the traditions of the Hebrews for the + introduction of all these spiritual agencies. + </p> + <p> + Grosvenor Gate: July, 1845. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + <b>A L R O Y</b> + </h1> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/page001.jpg" alt="Page001 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Great Day for Israel.</i> +</pre> + <p> + 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 Moslem bystanders, it might have been taken + for a day of triumph rather than of tribute. + </p> + <p> + ‘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. + </p> + <p> + ‘It shall be a day of rejoicing and thanksgiving!’ continued the Prince; + ‘and look, my faithful Caleb, that the trumpeters be well served. That + last flourish was bravely done. It was not as the blast before Jericho; + nevertheless, it told that the Lord of Hosts was for us. How the accursed + Ishmaelites started! Did you mark, Caleb, that tall Turk in green upon my + left? By the sceptre of Jacob, he turned pale! Oh! it shall be a day of + rejoicing and thanksgiving! And spare not the wine, nor the flesh-pots for + the people. Look you to this, my child, for the people shouted bravely and + with a stout voice. It was not as the great shout in the camp when the ark + returned; nevertheless, it was boldly done, and showed that the glory had + not yet departed. So spare not the wine, my son, and drink to the + desolation of Ishmael in the juice which he dare not quaff.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It has indeed been a great day for Israel!’ exclaimed Caleb, echoing his + master’s exultation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Had the procession been forbidden,’ continued Bostenay, ‘had it been + reserved for me of all the princes to have dragged the accursed tribute + upon foot, without trumpets and without guards, by this sceptre, my good + Caleb, I really think that, sluggishly as this old blood now runs, I would—— + But it is needless now to talk; the God of our fathers hath been our + refuge.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Verily, my lord, we were as David in the wilderness of Ziph; but now we + are as the Lord’s anointed in the stronghold of Engedi!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The glory truly has not yet utterly departed,’ resumed the Prince in a + more subdued tone; ‘yet if—— I tell you what, Caleb; praise + the Lord that you are young.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My Prince too may yet live to see the good day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, my child, you misinterpret me. Your Prince has lived to see the evil + day. ‘Twas not of the coming that I thought when I bid you praise the Lord + because you were young, the more my sin. I was thinking, Caleb, that if + your hair was as mine, if you could recollect, like me, the days that are + gone by, the days when it needed no bride to prove we were princes,«the + glorious days when we led captivity captive; I was thinking, I say, my + son, what a gainful heritage it is to be born after the joys that have + passed away.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My father lived at Babylon,’ said Caleb. ‘Oh! name it not! name it not!’ + exclaimed the old chieftain. ‘Dark was the day that we lost that second + Zion! We were then also slaves to the Egyptian; but verily we ruled over + the realm of Pharaoh. Why, Caleb, Caleb, you who know all, the days of + toil, the nights restless as a love-sick boy’s, which it has cost your + Prince to gain permission to grace our tribute-day with the paltry + presence of half-a-dozen guards; you who know all my difficulties, who + have witnessed all my mortifications, what would you say to the purse of + dirhems, surrounded by seven thousand scimitars?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Seven thousand scimitars!’ ‘Not one less; my father flourished one.’ ‘It + was indeed a great day for Israel!’ ‘Nay, that is nothing. When old Alroy + was prince, old David Alroy, for thirty years, good Caleb, thirty long + years we paid <i>no</i> tribute to the Caliph.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No tribute! no tribute for thirty years! What marvel then, my Prince, + that the Philistines have of late exacted interest?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, that is nothing,’ continued old Bostenay, unmindful of his servant’s + ejaculations. ‘When Moctador was Caliph, he sent to the same Prince David, + to know why the dirhems were not brought up, and David immediately called + to horse, and, attended by all the chief people, rode to the palace, and + told the Caliph that tribute was an acknowledgment made from the weak to + the strong to insure protection and support; and, inasmuch as he and his + people had garrisoned the city for ten years against the Seljuks, he held + the Caliph in arrear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We shall yet see an ass mount a ladder,’<a href="#linknote-1" + name="linknoteref-1" id="linknoteref-1">1</a> exclaimed Caleb, with + uplifted eyes of wonder. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is true, though,’ continued the Prince; ‘often have I heard my father + tell the tale. He was then a child, and his mother held him up to see the + procession return, and all the people shouted “The sceptre has not gone + out of Jacob.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was indeed a great day for Israel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, that is nothing. I could tell you such things! But we prattle; our + business is not yet done. You to the people; the widow and the orphan are + waiting. Give freely, good Caleb, give freely; the spoils of the Canaanite + are no longer ours, nevertheless the Lord is still our God, and, after + all, even this is a great day for Israel. And, Caleb, Caleb, bid my + nephew, David Alroy, know that I would speak with him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will do all promptly, good master! We wondered that our honoured lord, + your nephew, went not up with the donation this day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who bade you wonder? Begone, sir! How long are you to idle here? Away! + </p> + <p> + ‘They wonder he went not up with the tribute to-day. Ay! surely, a common + talk. This boy will be our ruin, a prudent hand to wield our shattered + sceptre. I have observed him from his infancy; he should have lived in + Babylon. The old Alroy blood flows in his veins, a stiff-necked race. When + I was a youth, his grandsire was my friend; I had some fancies then + myself. Dreams, dreams! we have fallen on evil days, and yet we prosper. I + have lived long enough to feel that a rich caravan, laden with the shawls + of India and the stuffs of Samarcand, if not exactly like dancing before + the ark, is still a goodly sight. And our hard-hearted rulers, with all + their pride, can they subsist without us? Still we wax rich. I have lived + to see the haughty Caliph sink into a slave viler far than Israel. And the + victorious and voluptuous Seljuks, even now they tremble at the dim + mention of the distant name of Arslan. Yet I, Bostenay, and the frail + remnant of our scattered tribes, still we exist, and still, thanks to our + God! we prosper. But the age of power has passed; it is by prudence now + that we must flourish. The gibe and jest, the curse, perchance the blow, + Israel now must bear, and with a calm or even smiling visage. What then? + For every gibe and jest, for every curse, I’ll have a dirhem; and for + every blow, let him look to it who is my debtor, or wills to be so. But + see, he comes, my nephew! His grandsire was my friend. Methinks I look + upon him now: the same Alroy that was the partner of my boyish hours. And + yet that fragile form and girlish face but ill consort with the dark + passions and the dangerous fancies, which, I fear, lie hidden in that + tender breast. Well, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You want me, uncle?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What then? Uncles often want what nephews seldom offer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I at least can refuse nothing; for I have naught to give.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have a jewel which I greatly covet.’ ‘A jewel! See my chaplet! You + gave it me, my uncle; it is yours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thank you. Many a blazing ruby, many a soft and shadowy pearl, and many + an emerald glowing like a star in the far desert, I behold, my child. They + are choice stones, and yet I miss a jewel far more precious, which, when I + gave you this rich chaplet, David, I deemed you did possess.’ ‘How do you + call it, sir?’ ‘Obedience.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A word of doubtful import; for to obey, when duty is disgrace, is not a + virtue.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see you read my thought. In a word, I sent for you to know, wherefore + you joined me not to-day in offering our—our——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tribute.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be it so: tribute. Why were you absent?’ ‘Because it was a tribute; I pay + none.’ ‘But that the dreary course of seventy winters has not erased the + memory of my boyish follies, David, I should esteem you mad. Think you, + because I am old, I am enamoured of disgrace, and love a house of bondage? + If life were a mere question between freedom and slavery, glory and + dishonour, all could decide. Trust me, there needs but little spirit to be + a moody patriot in a sullen home, and vent your heroic spleen upon your + fellow-sufferers, whose sufferings you cannot remedy. But of such stuff + your race were ever made. Such deliverers ever abounded in the house of + Alroy. And what has been the result? I found you and your sister orphan + infants, your sceptre broken, and your tribes dispersed. The tribute, + which now at least we pay like princes, was then exacted with the scourge + and offered in chains. I collected our scattered people, I re-established + our ancient throne, and this day, which you look upon as a day of + humiliation and of mourning, is rightly considered by all a day of triumph + and of feasting; for, has it not proved in the very teeth of the + Ishmaelites, that the sceptre has not yet departed from Jacob?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I pray you, uncle, speak not of these things. I would not willingly + forget you are my kinsman, and a kind one. Let there not be strife between + us. What my feelings are is nothing. They are my own: I cannot change + them. And for my ancestors, if they pondered much, and achieved little, + why then ‘twould seem our pedigree is pure, and I am their true son. At + least one was a hero.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! the great Alroy; you may well be proud of such an ancestor.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am ashamed, uncle, ashamed, ashamed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘His sceptre still exists. At least, I have not betrayed him. And this + brings me to the real purport of our interview. That sceptre I would + return.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To whom?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To its right owner, to yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! no, no, no; I pray you, I pray you not. I do entreat you, sir, forget + that I have a right as utterly as I disclaim it. That sceptre you have + wielded it wisely and well; I beseech you keep it. Indeed, good uncle, I + have no sort of talent for all the busy duties of this post.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You sigh for glory, yet you fly from toil.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Toil without glory is a menial’s lot.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are a boy; you may yet live to learn that the sweetest lot of life + consists in tranquil duties and well-earned repose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If my lot be repose, I’ll find it in a lair.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! David, David, there is a wildness in your temper, boy, that makes me + often tremble. You are already too much alone, child. And for this, as + well as weightier reasons, I am desirous that you should at length assume + the office you inherit. What my poor experience can afford to aid you, as + your counsellor, I shall ever proffer; and, for the rest, our God will not + desert you, an orphan child, and born of royal blood.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pr’ythee, no more, kind uncle. I have but little heart to mount a throne, + which only ranks me as the first of slaves.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh, pooh, you are young. Live we like slaves? Is this hall a servile + chamber? These costly carpets, and these rich divans, in what proud harem + shall we find their match? I feel not like a slave. My coffers are full of + dirhems. Is that slavish? The wealthiest company of the caravan is ever + Bostenay’s. Is that to be a slave? Walk the bazaar of Bagdad, and you will + find my name more potent than the Caliph’s. Is that a badge of slavery?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Uncle, you toil for others.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So do we all, so does the bee, yet he is free and happy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At least he has a sting.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which he can use but once, and when he stings——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He dies, and like a hero. Such a death is sweeter than his honey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well, you are young, you are young. I once, too, had fancies. + Dreams all, dreams all. I willingly would see you happy, child. Come, let + that face brighten; after all, to-day is a great day. If you had seen what + I have seen, David, you too would feel grateful. Come, let us feast. The + Ishmaelite, the accursed child of Hagar, he does confess to-day that you + are a prince; this day also you complete your eighteenth year. The custom + of our people now requires that you should assume the attributes of + manhood. To-day, then, your reign commences; and at our festival I will + present the elders to their prince. For a while, farewell, my child. Array + that face in smiles. I shall most anxiously await your presence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Farewell, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + He turned his head and watched his uncle as he departed: the bitter + expression of his countenance gradually melted away as Bostenay + disappeared: dejection succeeded to sarcasm; he sighed, he threw himself + upon a couch and buried his face in his hands. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he arose and paced the chamber with an irregular and moody step. + He stopped, and leant against a column. He spoke in a tremulous and + smothered voice: + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! my heart is full of care, and my soul is dark with sorrow! What am I? + What is all this? A cloud hangs heavy o’er my life. God of my fathers, let + it burst! + </p> + <p> + ‘I know not what I feel, yet what I feel is madness. Thus to be is not to + live, if life be what I sometimes dream, and dare to think it might be. To + breathe, to feed, to sleep, to wake and breathe again, again to feel + existence without hope; if this be life, why then these brooding thoughts + that whisper death were better? + </p> + <p> + ‘Away! The demon tempts me. But to what? What nameless deed shall + desecrate this hand? It must not be: the royal blood of twice two thousand + years, it must not die, die like a dream. Oh! my heart is full of care, + and my soul is dark with sorrow! + </p> + <p> + ‘Hark! the trumpets that sound our dishonour. Oh, that they but sounded to + battle! Lord of Hosts, let me conquer or die! Let me conquer like David; + or die, Lord, like Saul! + </p> + <p> + ‘Why do I live? Ah! could the thought that lurks within my secret heart + but answer, not that trumpet’s blast could speak as loud or clear. The + votary of a false idea, I linger in this shadowy life, and feed on silent + images which no eye but mine can gaze upon, till at length they are + invested with all the terrible circumstance of life, and breathe, and act, + and form a stirring world of fate and beauty, time, and death, and glory. + And then, from out this dazzling wilderness of deeds, I wander forth and + wake, and find myself in this dull house of bondage, even as I do now. + Horrible! horrible! + </p> + <p> + ‘God, of my fathers! for indeed I dare not style thee God of their + wretched sons; yet, by the memory of Sinai, let me tell thee that some of + the antique blood yet beats within these pulses, and there yet is one who + fain would commune with thee face to face, commune and conquer. + </p> + <p> + ‘And if the promise unto which we cling be not a cheat, why, let him come, + come, and come quickly, for thy servant Israel, Lord, is now a slave so + infamous, so woe-begone, and so contemned, that even when our fathers hung + their harps by the sad waters of the Babylonian stream, why, it was + paradise compared with what we suffer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas! they do not suffer; they endure and do not feel. Or by this time + our shadowy cherubim would guard again the ark. It is the will that is the + father to the deed, and he who broods over some long idea, however wild, + will find his dream was but the prophecy of coming fate. + </p> + <p> + ‘And even now a vivid flash darts through the darkness of my mind. + Methinks, methinks—ah! worst of woes to dream of glory in despair. + No, no; I live and die a most ignoble thing; beauty and love, and fame and + mighty deeds, the smile of women and the gaze of men, and the ennobling + consciousness of worth, and all the fiery course of the creative passions, + these are not for me, and I, Alroy, the descendant of sacred kings, and + with a soul that pants for empire, I stand here extending my vain arm for + my lost sceptre, a most dishonoured slave! And do I still exist? Exist! + ay, merrily. Hark! Festivity holds her fair revel in these light-hearted + walls. We are gay to-day; and yet, ere yon proud sun, whose mighty course + was stayed before our swords that now he even does not deign to shine + upon; ere yon proud sun shall, like a hero from a glorious field, enter + the bright pavilion of his rest, there shall a deed be done. + </p> + <p> + ‘My fathers, my heroic fathers, if this feeble arm cannot redeem your + heritage; if the foul boar must still wallow in thy sweet vineyard, + Israel, at least I will not disgrace you. No! let me perish. The house of + David is no more; no more our sacred seed shall lurk and linger, like a + blighted thing, in this degenerate earth. If we cannot flourish, ‘why, + then, we will die!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! say not so, my brother!’ + </p> + <p> + He turns, he gazes on a face beauteous as a starry night; his heart is + full, his voice is low. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, Miriam! thou queller of dark spirits! is it thou? Why art thou here?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why am I here? Are you not here? and need I urge a stronger plea? Oh! + brother dear, I pray you come, and mingle in our festival. Our walls are + hung with flowers you love;<a href="#linknote-2" name="linknoteref-2" + id="linknoteref-2">2</a> I culled them by the fountain’s side; the holy + lamps are trimmed and set, and you must raise their earliest flame. + Without the gate, my maidens wait, to offer you a robe of state. Then, + brother dear, I pray you come and mingle in our festival.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why should we feast?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! is it not in thy dear name these lamps are lit, these garlands hung? + To-day to us a prince is given, to-day——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A prince without a kingdom.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But not without that which makes kingdoms precious, and which full many a + royal heart has sighed for, willing subjects, David.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Slaves, Miriam, fellow-slaves.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What we are, my brother, our God has willed; and let us bow and tremble.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will not bow, I cannot tremble.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush, David, hush! It was this haughty spirit that called the vengeance + of the Lord upon us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was this haughty spirit that conquered Canaan.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, my brother, my dear brother! they told me the dark spirit had fallen + on thee, and I came, and hoped that Miriam might have charmed it. What we + may have been, Alroy, is a bright dream; and what we may be, at least as + bright a hope; and for what we are, thou art my brother. In thy love I + find present felicity, and value more thy chance embraces and thy scanty + smiles than all the vanished splendour of our race, our gorgeous gardens, + and our glittering halls.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who waits without there?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Caleb.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Caleb!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My lord.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Go tell my uncle that I will presently join the banquet. Leave me a + moment, Miriam. Nay, dry those tears.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, Alroy! they are not tears of sorrow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God be with thee! Thou art the charm and consolation of my life. + Farewell! farewell! + </p> + <p> + ‘I do observe the influence of women very potent over me. ‘Tis not of such + stuff that they make heroes. I know not love, save that pure affection + which doth subsist between me and this girl, an orphan and my sister. We + are so alike, that when, last Passover, in mimicry she twined my turban + round her head, our uncle called her David. + </p> + <p> + ‘The daughters of my tribe, they please me not, though they are passing + fair. Were our sons as brave as they are beautiful, we still might dance + on Sion. Yet have I often thought that, could I pillow this moody brow + upon some snowy bosom that were my own, and dwell in the wilderness, far + from the sight and ken of man, and all the care and toil and wretchedness + that groan and sweat and sigh about me, I might haply lose this deep + sensation of overwhelming woe that broods upon by being. No matter! Life + is but a dream, and mine must be a dull one.’ + </p> + <p> + Without the gates of Hamadan, a short distance from the city, was an + enclosed piece of elevated ground, in the centre of which rose an ancient + sepulchre, the traditionary tomb of Esther and Mordecai.<a + href="#linknote-3" name="linknoteref-3" id="linknoteref-3">3</a> This + solemn and solitary spot was an accustomed haunt of Alroy, and thither, + escaping from the banquet, about an hour before sunset, he this day + repaired. + </p> + <p> + As he unlocked the massy gate of the burial-place, he heard behind him the + trampling of a horse; and before he had again secured the entrance, some + one shouted to him. + </p> + <p> + He looked up, and recognised the youthful and voluptuous Alschiroch, the + governor of the city, and brother of the sultan of the Seljuks. He was + attended only by a single running footman, an Arab, a detested favourite, + and notorious minister of his pleasures. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dog!’ exclaimed the irritated Alschiroch, ‘art thou deaf, or obstinate, + or both? Are we to call twice to our slaves? Unlock that gate!’ + ‘Wherefore?’ inquired Alroy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Wherefore! By the holy Prophet, he bandies questions with us! Unlock that + gate, or thy head shall answer for it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who art thou,’ inquired Alroy, ‘whose voice is so loud? Art thou some + holiday Turk, who hath transgressed the orders of thy Prophet, and drunken + aught but water? Go to, or I will summon thee before thy Cadi;’ and, so + saying, he turned towards the tomb. + </p> + <p> + ‘By the eyes of my mother, the dog jeers us! But that we are already late, + and this horse is like an untamed tiger, I would impale him on the spot. + Speak to the dog, Mustapha! manage him!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Worthy Hebrew,’ said the silky Mustapha, advancing, ‘apparently you are + not aware that this is our Lord Alschiroch. His highness would fain walk + his horse through the burial-ground of thy excellent people, as he is + obliged to repair, on urgent matters, to a holy Santon, who sojourns on + the other side of the hill, and time presses.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If this be our Lord Alschiroch, thou doubtless art his faithful slave, + Mustapha.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am, indeed, his poor slave. What then, young master?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Deem thyself lucky that the gate is closed. It was but yesterday thou + didst insult the sister of a servant of my house. I would not willingly + sully my hands with such miserable blood as thine, out away, wretch, + away!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Holy Prophet! who is this dog?’ exclaimed the astonished governor. + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis the young Alroy,’ whispered Mustapha, who had not at first + recognised him; ‘he they call their Prince; a most headstrong youth. My + lord, we had better proceed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The young Alroy! I mark him. They must have a prince too! The young + Alroy! Well, let us away, and, dog!’ shouted Alschiroch, rising in his + stirrups, and shaking his hand with a threatening air, ‘dog! remember thy + tribute!’ + </p> + <p> + Alroy rushed to the gate, but the massy lock was slow to open; and ere he + could succeed, the fiery steed had borne Alschiroch beyond pursuit. + </p> + <p> + An expression of baffled rage remained for a moment on his countenance; + for a moment he remained with his eager eye fixed on the route of his + vanished enemy, and then he walked slowly towards the tomb; but his + excited temper was now little in unison with the still reverie in which he + had repaired to the sepulchre to indulge. He was restless and disquieted, + and at length he wandered into the woods, which rose on the summit of the + burial-place. + </p> + <p> + He found himself upon a brow crested with young pine-trees, in the midst + of which rose a mighty cedar. He threw himself beneath its thick and + shadowy branches, and looked upon a valley small and green; in the midst + of which was a marble fountain, the richly-carved cupola,<a + href="#linknote-4" name="linknoteref-4" id="linknoteref-4">4</a> supported + by twisted columns, and banded by a broad inscription in Hebrew + characters. The bases of the white pillars were covered with wild flowers, + or hidden by beds of variegated gourds. The transparent sunset flung over + the whole scene a soft but brilliant light. + </p> + <p> + The tranquil hour, the beauteous scene, the sweetness and the stillness + blending their odour and serenity, the gentle breeze that softly rose, and + summoned forth the languid birds to cool their plumage in the twilight + air, and wave their radiant wings in skies as bright—— Ah! + what stern spirit will not yield to the soft genius of subduing eve? + </p> + <p> + And Alroy gazed upon the silent loneliness of earth, and a tear stole down + his haughty cheek. + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis singular! but when I am thus alone at this still hour, I ever fancy + I gaze upon the Land of Promise. And often, in my dreams, some sunny spot, + the bright memorial of a roving hour, will rise upon my sight, and, when I + wake, I feel as if I had been in Canaan. Why am I not? The caravan that + bears my uncle’s goods across the Desert would bear me too. But I rest + here, my miserable life running to seed in the dull misery of this + wretched city, and do nothing. Why, the old captivity was empire to our + inglorious bondage. We have no Esther now to share their thrones, no + politic Mordecai, no purple-vested Daniel. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! I do + believe one sight of thee would nerve me to the sticking-point. And yet to + gaze upon thy fallen state, my uncle tells me that of the Temple not a + stone remains. ‘Tis horrible. Is there no hope?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>The bricks are fallen, but we will rebuild with marble; the sycamores + are cut down, but we will replace them with cedars.</i>’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The chorus of our maidens, as they pay their evening visit to the + fountain’s side.<a href="#linknote-5" name="linknoteref-5" + id="linknoteref-5">5</a> The burden is prophetic. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hark again! How beautifully, upon the soft and flowing air, their sweet + and mingled voices blend and float!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>YET AGAIN I WILL BUILD THEE, AND THOU SHALT BE BUILT, O VIRGIN OF + ISRAEL! YET AGAIN SHALT THOU DECK THYSELF WITH THY TABRETS, AND GO FORTH + IN THE DANCE OF THOSE THAT MAKE MERRY. YET AGAIN SHALT THOU PLANT + VINEYARDS ON THE MOUNTAINS OF SAMARIA.</i>’ + </p> + <p> + ‘See! their white forms break through the sparkling foliage of the sunny + shrubs as they descend, with measured step, that mild declivity. A fair + society in bright procession: each one clothed in solemn drapery, veiling + her shadowy face with modest hand, and bearing on her graceful head a + graceful vase. Their leader is my sister. + </p> + <p> + ‘And now they reach the fountain’s side, and dip their vases in the water, + pure and beauteous as themselves. Some repose beneath the marble pillars; + some, seated ‘mid the flowers, gather sweets, and twine them into + garlands; and that wild girl, now that the order is broken, touches with + light fingers her moist vase, and showers startling drops of glittering + light on her serener sisters. Hark! again they sing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>O VINE OF SIBMAH! UPON THY SUMMER FRUITS, AND UPON THY VINTAGE, A + SPOILER HATH FALLEN!</i>’ + </p> + <p> + A scream, a shriek, a long wild shriek, confusion, flight, despair! + Behold! from out the woods a tur-baned man rushes, and seizes the leader + of the chorus. Her companions fly on all sides, Miriam alone is left in + the arms of Alschiroch. + </p> + <p> + The water column wildly rising from the breast of summer ocean, in some + warm tropic clime, when the sudden clouds too well discover that the + holiday of heaven is over, and the shrieking sea-birds tell a time of + fierce commotion, the column rising from the sea, it was not so wild as + he, the young Alroy. + </p> + <p> + Pallid and mad, he swift upsprang, and he tore up a tree by its lusty + roots, and down the declivity, dashing with rapid leaps, panting and wild, + he struck the ravisher on the temple with the mighty pine. Alschiroch fell + lifeless on the sod, and Miriam fainting into her brother’s arms. + </p> + <p> + And there he stood, fixed and immovable, gazing upon his sister’s deathly + face, and himself exhausted by passion and his exploit, supporting her + cherished but senseless body. + </p> + <p> + One of the fugitive maidens appeared reconnoitring in the distance. When + she observed her mistress in the arms of one of her own people, her + courage revived, and, desirous of rallying her scattered companions, she + raised her voice, and sang: + </p> + <p> + <i>‘HASTE, DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM; O! HASTE, FOR THE LORD HAS AVENGED US, + AND THE SPOILER IS SPOILED.</i>’ + </p> + <p> + And soon the verse was responded to from various quarters of the woods, + and soon the virgins reassembled, singing, + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>WE COME, O DAUGHTER OF JERUSALEM! WE COME; FOR THE LORD HAS AVENGED + US, AND THE SPOILER IS SPOILED</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + They gathered round their mistress, and one loosened her veil, and another + brought water from the fountain, and sprinkled her reviving countenance. + And Miriam opened her eyes, and said, ‘My brother!’ And he answered, ‘I am + here.’ And she replied in a low voice, ‘Fly, David, fly; for the man you + have stricken is a prince among the people.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He will be merciful, my sister; and, doubtless, since he first erred, by + this time he has forgotten my offence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Justice and mercy! Oh, my brother, what can these foul tyrants know of + either! Already he has perhaps doomed you to some refined and + procrastinated torture, already—— Ah! what unutterable woe is + mine! fly, my brother, fly!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fly, fly, fly!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no fear, my Miriam; would all his accursed race could trouble us + as little as their sometime ruler. See, he sleeps soundly. But his carcass + shall not defile our fresh fountain and our fragrant flowers. I’ll stow it + in the woods, and stroll here at night to listen to the jackals at their + banquet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You speak wildly, David. What! No! It is impossible! He is not dead! You + have not slain him! + </p> + <p> + He sleeps, he is afraid. He mimics death that we may leave his side, and + he may rise again in safety. Girls, look to him. David, you do not answer. + Brother, dear brother, surely he has swooned! I thought he had fled. Bear + water, maidens, to that terrible man. I dare not look upon him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Away! I’ll look on him, and I’ll triumph. Dead! Alschiroch dead! Why, but + a moment since, this clotted carcass was a prince, my tyrant! So we can + rid ourselves of them, eh? If the prince fall, why not the people? Dead, + absolutely dead, and I his slayer! Hah! at length I am a man. This, this + indeed is life. Let me live slaying!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Woe! woe, our house is fallen! The wildness of his gestures frightens me. + David, David, I pray thee cease. He hears me not; my voice, perchance, is + thin. I am very faint. Maidens, kneel to your Prince, and soothe the + madness of his passion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>SWEET IS THE VOICE OF A SISTER IN THE SEASON OF SORROW, AND WISE IS + THE COUNSEL OF THOSE WHO LOVE US</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, this is my Goliath! a pebble or a stick, it is the same. The Lord of + Hosts is with us. Rightly am I called David.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>DELIVER US FROM OUR ENEMIES, O LORD! FROM THOSE WHO RISE UP AGAINST + US, AND THOSE WHO LIE IN WAIT FOR US</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/page020.jpg" alt="Page020 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + ‘Were but this blow multiplied, were but the servants of my uncle’s house + to do the same, why, we should see again the days of Elah! The Philistine, + the foul, lascivious, damnable Philistine! and he must touch my sister! + Oh! that all his tribe were here, all, all! I’d tie such firebrands to + their foxes’ tails, the blaze should light to freedom!’ + </p> + <p> + While he spoke, a maiden, who had not yet rejoined the company, came + running towards them swiftly with an agitated countenance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Fly,’ she exclaimed, ‘they come, they come!’ + </p> + <p> + Miriam was reclining in an attendant’s arms, feeble and faint, but the + moment her quick ear caught these words she sprang up, and seized her + brother’s arm. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alroy! David! brother, dear brother! I beseech thee, listen, I am thy + sister, thy Miriam; they come, they come, the hard-hearted, wicked men, + they come, to kill, perhaps to torture thee, my tender brother. Rouse + thyself, David; rouse thyself from this wild, fierce dream: save thyself, + fly!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! is it thou, Miriam? Thou seest he sleepeth soundly. I was dreaming of + noble purposes and mighty hopes. Tis over now. I am myself again. What + wouldst thou?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They come, the fierce retainers of this fallen man; they come to seize + thee. Fly, David!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And leave thee?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I and my maidens, we have yet time to escape by the private way we + entered, our uncle’s garden. When in his house, we are for a moment safe, + as safe as our poor race can ever be. Bostenay is so rich, so wise, so + prudent, so learned in man’s ways, and knows so well the character and + spirit of these men, all will go right; I fear nothing. But thou, if thou + art here, or to be found, thy blood alone will satiate them. If they be + persuaded that thou hast escaped, as I yet pray thou mayest, their late + master here, whom they could scarcely love, why, give me thy arm an + instant, sweet Beruna. So, that’s well. I was saying, if well bribed,—and + they may have all my jewels,—why, very soon, he will be as little in + their memories as he is now in life. I can scarcely speak; I feel my words + wander, or seem to wander; I could swoon, but will not; nay! do not fear. + I will reach home. These maidens are my charge. ‘Tis in these crises we + should show the worth of royal blood. I’ll see them safe, or die with + them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O! my sister, methinks I never knew I was a brother until this hour. My + precious Miriam, what is life? what is revenge, or even fame and freedom + without thee? I’ll stay.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>SWEET IS THE VOICE OF A SISTER IN THE SEASON OF SORROW, AND WISE IS + THE COUNSEL OF THOSE WHO LOVE US</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fly, David, fly!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fly! whither and how?’ + </p> + <p> + The neigh of a horse sounded from the thicket. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! they come!’ exclaimed the distracted Miriam. + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>ALL THIS HAS COME UPON US, O LORD! YET HAVE WE NOT FORGOTTEN THEE, + NEITHER HAVE WE DEALT FALSELY IN THY COVENANT</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hark! again it neighs! It is a horse that calleth to its rider. I see it. + Courage, Miriam! it is no enemy, but a very present friend in time of + trouble. It is Alschiroch’s courser. He passed me on it by the tomb ere + sunset. I marked it well, a very princely steed.’ + </p> + <p> + <i>’BEHOLD, BEHOLD, A RAM IS CAUGHT IN THE THICKET BY HIS HORNS.</i>’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Our God hath not forgotten us! Quick, maidens, bring forth the goodly + steed. What! do you tremble? I’ll be his groom.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay! Miriam, beware, beware. It is an untamed beast, wild as the + whirlwind. Let me deal with him.’ + </p> + <p> + He ran after her, dashed into the thicket, and brought forth the horse. + </p> + <p> + Short time I ween that stately steed had parted from his desert home; his + haughty crest, his eye of fire, the glory of his snorting nostril, betoken + well his conscious pride, and pure nobility of race. His colour was like + the sable night shining with a thousand stars, and he pawed the ground + with his delicate hoof, like an eagle flapping its wing. + </p> + <p> + Alroy vaulted on his back, and reined him with a master’s hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah!’ he exclaimed, ‘I feel more like a hero than a fugitive. Farewell, + my sister; farewell, ye gentle maidens; fare ye well, and cherish my + precious Miriam. One embrace, sweet sister,’ and he bent down and + whispered, ‘Tell the good Bostenay not to spare his gold, for I have a + deep persuasion that, ere a year shall roll its heavy course, I shall + return and make our masters here pay for this hurried ride and bitter + parting. Now for the desert!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Slaying of an Ishmaelite</i> +</pre> + <p> + SPEED, fleetly speed, thou courser bold, and track the desert’s trackless + way. Beneath thee is the boundless earth, above thee is the boundless + heaven, an iron soil and brazen sky. Speed, swiftly speed, thou courser + bold, and track the desert’s trackless way. Ah! dost thou deem these salty + plains<a href="#linknote-6" name="linknoteref-6" id="linknoteref-6">6</a> + lead to thy Yemen’s happy groves, and dost thou scent on the hot breeze + the spicy breath of Araby? A sweet delusion, noble steed, for this briny + wilderness leads not to the happy groves of Yemen, and the breath thou + scentest on the coming breeze is not the spicy breath of Araby. + </p> + <p> + The day has died, the stars have risen, with all the splendour of a desert + sky, and now the Night descending brings solace on her dewy wings to the + fainting form and pallid cheek of the youthful Hebrew Prince. + </p> + <p> + Still the courser onward rushes, still his mighty heart supports him. + Season and space, the glowing soil, the burning ray, yield to the tempest + of his frame, the thunder of his nerves, and lightning of his veins. + </p> + <p> + Food or water they have none. No genial fount, no graceful tree, rise with + their pleasant company. Never a beast or bird is there, in that hoary + desert bare. Nothing breaks the almighty stillness. Even the jackal’s + felon cry might seem a soothing melody. A grey wild rat, with snowy + whiskers, out of a withered bramble stealing, with a youthful snake in its + ivory teeth, in the moonlight grins with glee. This is their sole society. + </p> + <p> + Morn comes, the fresh and fragrant morn, for which even the guilty sigh. + Morn comes, and all is visible. And light falls like a signet on the + earth, and its face is turned like wax beneath a seal. Before them and + also on their right was the sandy desert; but in the night they had + approached much nearer to the mountainous chain, which bounded the desert + on the left, and whither Alroy had at first guided the steed. + </p> + <p> + The mountains were a chain of the mighty Elburz; and, as the sun rose from + behind a lofty peak, the horse suddenly stopped and neighed, as if asking + for water. But Alroy, himself exhausted, could only soothe him with + caresses. And the horse, full of courage, understood his master, and + neighed again more cheerfully. + </p> + <p> + For an hour or two the Prince and his faithful companion proceeded slowly, + but, as the day advanced, the heat became so oppressive, and the desire to + drink so overwhelming, that Alroy again urged on the steed towards the + mountains, where he knew that he should find a well. The courser dashed + willingly forward, and seemed to share his master’s desire to quit the + arid and exhausting wilderness. + </p> + <p> + More than once the unhappy fugitive debated whether he should not allow + himself to drop from his seat and die; no torture that could await him at + Hamadan but seemed preferable to the prolonged and inexpressible anguish + which he now endured. As he rushed along, leaning on his bearer’s neck, he + perceived a patch of the desert that seemed of a darker colour than the + surrounding sand. Here, he believed, might perhaps be found water. He + tried to check the steed, but with difficulty he succeeded, and with still + greater difficulty dismounted. He knelt down, and feebly raked up the sand + with his hands. It was moist. He nearly fainted over his fruitless labour. + At length, when he had dug about a foot deep, there bubbled up some water. + He dashed in his hand, but it was salt as the ocean. When the horse saw + the water his ears rose, but, when he smelt it, he turned away his head, + and neighed most piteously. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas, poor beast!’ exclaimed Alroy, ‘I am the occasion of thy suffering, + I, who would be a kind master to thee, if the world would let me. Oh, that + we were once more by my own fair fountain! The thought is madness. And + Miriam too! I fear I am sadly tender-hearted.’ He leant against his + horse’s back, with a feeling of utter exhaustion, and burst into hysteric + sobs. + </p> + <p> + And the steed softly moaned, and turned its head, and gently rubbed its + face against his arm, as if to solace him in his suffering. And strange, + but Alroy was relieved by having given way to his emotion, and, charmed + with the fondness of the faithful horse, he leant down and took water, and + threw it over its feet to cool them, and wiped the foam from its face, and + washed it, and the horse again neighed. + </p> + <p> + And now Alroy tried to remount, but his strength failed him, and the horse + immediately knelt down and received him. And the moment that the Prince + was in his seat, the horse rose, and again proceeded at a rapid pace in + their old direction. Towards sunset they were within a few miles of the + broken and rocky ground into which the mountains descended; and afar off + Alroy recognised the cupola of the long-expected well. With re-animated + courage and rallied energies he patted his courser’s neck, and pointed in + the direction of the cupola, and the horse pricked up its ears, and + increased its pace. + </p> + <p> + Just us the sun set, they reached the well. Alroy jumped off the horse, + and would have led it to the fountain, but the animal would not advance. + It stood shivering with a glassy eye, and then with a groan fell down and + died. + </p> + <p> + Night brings rest; night brings solace; rest to the weary, solace to the + sad. And to the desperate night brings despair. + </p> + <p> + The moon has sunk to early rest; but a thousand stars are in the sky. The + mighty mountains rise severe in the clear and silent air. In the forest + all is still. The tired wind no longer roams, but has lightly dropped on + its leafy couch, and sleeps like man. Silent all but the fountain’s drip. + And by the fountain’s side a youth is lying. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a creature steals through the black and broken rocks. Ha, ha! the + jackal smells from afar the rich corruption of the courser’s clay. + Suddenly and silently it steals, and stops, and smells. Brave banqueting I + ween to-night for all that goodly company. Jackal, and fox, and + marten-cat, haste ye now, ere morning’s break shall call the vulture to + his feast and rob you of your prey. + </p> + <p> + The jackal lapped the courser’s blood, and moaned with exquisite delight. + And in a moment, a faint bark was heard in the distance. And the jackal + peeled the flesh from one of the ribs, and again burst into a shriek of + mournful ecstasy. + </p> + <p> + Hark, their quick tramp! First six, and then three, galloping with ungodly + glee. And a marten-cat came rushing down from the woods; but the jackals, + fierce in their number, drove her away, and there she stood without the + circle, panting, beautiful, and baffled, with her white teeth and glossy + skin, and sparkling eyes of rabid rage.<a href="#linknote-7" + name="linknoteref-7" id="linknoteref-7">7</a> + </p> + <p> + Suddenly as one of the half-gorged jackals retired from the main corpse, + dragging along a stray member by some still palpitating nerves, the + marten-cat made a spring at her enemy, carried off his prey, and rushed + into the woods. + </p> + <p> + Her wild scream of triumph woke a lion from his lair. His mighty form, + black as ebony, moved on a distant eminence, his tail flowed like a + serpent. He roared, and the jackals trembled, and immediately ceased from + their banquet, turning their heads in the direction of their sovereign’s + voice. He advanced; he stalked towards them. They retired; he bent his + head, examined the carcass with condescending curiosity, and instantly + quitted it with royal disdain. The jackals again collected around their + garbage. The lion advanced to the fountain to drink. He beheld a man. His + mane rose, his tail was wildly agitated, he bent over the sleeping Prince, + he uttered an awful roar, which awoke Alroy. + </p> + <p> + He awoke; his gaze met the flaming eyes of the enormous beast fixed upon + him with a blended feeling of desire and surprise. He awoke, and from a + swoon; but the dreamless trance had refreshed the exhausted energies of + the desolate wanderer; in an instant he collected his senses, remembered + all that had passed, and comprehended his present situation. He returned + the lion a glance as imperious, and fierce, and scrutinsing, as his own. + For a moment, their flashing orbs vied in regal rivalry; but at length the + spirit of the mere animal yielded to the genius of the man. The lion, + cowed, slunk away, stalked with haughty timidity through the rocks, and + then sprang into the forest. + </p> + <p> + Morn breaks; a silver light is shed over the blue and starry sky. Pleasant + to feel is the breath of dawn. Night brings repose, but day brings joy. + </p> + <p> + The carol of a lonely bird singing in the wilderness! A lonely bird that + sings with glee! Sunny and sweet, and light and clear, its airy notes + float through the sky, and trill with innocent revelry. + </p> + <p> + The lonely youth on the lonely bird upgazes from the fountain’s side. High + in the air it proudly floats, balancing its crimson wings, and its snowy + tail, long, delicate, and thin, shines like a sparkling meteor in the sun. + </p> + <p> + The carol of a lonely bird singing in the wilderness! Suddenly it downward + dashes, and thrice with circling grace it flies around the head of the + Hebrew Prince. Then by his side it gently drops a bunch of fresh and + fragrant dates. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tis gone, ‘tis gone! that cheerful stranger, gone to the palmy land it + loves; gone like a bright and pleasant dream. A moment since and it was + there, glancing in the sunny air, and now the sky is without a guest. + Alas, alas! no more is heard the carol of that lonely bird singing in the + wilderness. + </p> + <p> + ‘As thou didst feed Elijah, so also hast thou fed me, God of my fathers!’ + And Alroy arose, and he took his turban and unfolded it, and knelt and + prayed. And then he ate of the dates, and drank of the fountain, and, full + of confidence in the God of Israel, the descendant of David pursued his + flight. + </p> + <p> + He now commenced the ascent of the mountainous chain, a wearisome and + painful toil. Two hours past noon he reached the summit of the first + ridge, and looked over a wild and chaotic waste full of precipices and + ravines, and dark unfathomable gorges. The surrounding hills were ploughed + in all directions by the courses of dried-up cataracts, and here and there + a few savage goats browsed on an occasional patch of lean and sour + pasture. This waste extended for many miles; the distance formed by a more + elevated range of mountains, and beyond these, high in the blue sky, rose + the loftiest peaks of Elburz,<a href="#linknote-8" name="linknoteref-8" + id="linknoteref-8">8</a> shining with sharp glaciers of eternal snow. + </p> + <p> + It was apparent that Alroy was no stranger in the scene of his flight. He + had never hesitated as to his course, and now, after having rested for a + short time on the summit, he descended towards the left by a natural but + intricate path, until his progress was arrested by a black ravine. + Scarcely half a dozen yards divided him from the opposite precipice by + which it was formed, but the gulf beneath, no one could shoot a glance at + its invisible termination without drawing back with a cold shudder. + </p> + <p> + The Prince knelt down and examined the surrounding ground with great care. + At length he raised a small square stone which covered a metallic plate, + and, taking from his vest a carnelian talisman covered with strange + characters, he knocked thrice upon the plate with the signet. A low solemn + murmur sounded around. Presently the plate flew off, and Alroy pulled + forth several yards of an iron chain, which he threw over to the opposite + precipice. The chain fastened without difficulty to the rock, and was + evidently constrained by some magnetic influence. The Prince, seizing the + chain with both his hands, now swung across the ravine. As he landed, the + chain parted from the rock, swiftly disappeared down the opposite + aperture, and its covering closed with the same low, solemn murmur as + before. + </p> + <p> + Alroy proceeded for about a hundred paces through a natural cloister of + basalt until he arrived at a large uncovered court of the same formation, + which a stranger might easily have been excused for believing to have been + formed and smoothed by art. In its centre bubbled up a perpetual spring, + icy cold; the stream had worn a channel through the pavement, and might be + traced for some time wandering among the rocks, until at length it leaped + from a precipice into a gorge below, in a gauzy shower of variegated + spray. Crossing the court, Alroy now entered a vast cavern. + </p> + <p> + The cavern was nearly circular in form, lighted from a large aperture in + the top. Yet a burning lamp, in a distant and murky corner, indicated that + its inhabitant did not trust merely to this natural source of the great + blessing of existence. In the centre of the cave was a circular and brazen + table, sculptured with strange characters and mysterious figures: near it + was a couch, on which lay several volumes.<a href="#linknote-9" + name="linknoteref-9" id="linknoteref-9">9</a> Suspended from the walls + were a shield, some bows and arrows, and other arms. + </p> + <p> + As the Prince of the Captivity knelt down and kissed the vacant couch, a + figure advanced from the extremity of the cavern into the light. He was a + man of middle age, considerably above the common height, with a remarkably + athletic frame, and a strongly-marked but majestic countenance. His black + beard descended to his waist, over a dark red robe, encircled by a black + girdle embroidered with yellow characters, like those sculptured on the + brazen table. Black also was his turban, and black his large and luminous + eye. + </p> + <p> + The stranger advanced so softly, that Alroy did not perceive him, until + the Prince again rose. + </p> + <p> + ‘Jabaster!’ exclaimed the Prince. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sacred seed of David,’ answered the Cabalist,<a href="#linknote-10" + name="linknoteref-10" id="linknoteref-10">10</a> ‘thou art expected. I + read of thee in the stars last night. They spoke of trouble.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Trouble or triumph, Time must prove which it is, great master. At present + I am a fugitive and exhausted. The bloodhounds track me, but methinks I + have baffled them now. I have slain an Ishmaelite.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Hope of Israel</i> +</pre> + <p> + IT WAS midnight. Alroy slept upon the couch: his sleep was troubled. + Jabaster stood by his side motionless, and gazing intently upon his + slumbering guest. + </p> + <p> + ‘The only hope of Israel,’ murmured the Cabalist,’ my pupil and my prince! + I have long perceived in his young mind the seed of mighty deeds, and o’er + his future life have often mused with a prophetic hope. The blood of + David, the sacred offspring of a solemn race. There is a magic in his + flowing veins my science cannot reach. + </p> + <p> + ‘When, in my youth, I raised our standard by my native Tigris, and called + our nation to restore their ark, why, we were numerous, wealthy, potent; + we were a people then, and they flocked to it boldly. Did we lack counsel? + Did we need a leader? Who can aver that Jabaster’s brain or arm was ever + wanting? And yet the dream dissolved, the glorious vision! Oh! when I + struck down Marvan, and the Caliph’s camp flung its blazing shadow over + the bloody river, ah! then indeed I lived. Twenty years of vigil may gain + a pardon that I then forgot we lacked the chief ingredient in the spell, + the blood that sleeps beside me. + </p> + <p> + ‘I recall the glorious rapture of that sacred strife amid the rocks of + Caucasus. A fugitive, a proscribed and outlawed wretch, whose life is + common sport, and whom the vilest hind may slay without a bidding. I, who + would have been Messiah! + </p> + <p> + ‘Burn thy books, Jabaster; break thy brazen tables; forget thy lofty + science, Cabalist, and read the stars no longer.<a href="#linknote-11" + name="linknoteref-11" id="linknoteref-11">11</a> But last night I stood + upon the gulf which girds my dwelling: in one hand, I held my sacred + talisman, that bears the name ineffable; in the other, the mystic record + of our holy race. I remembered that I had evoked spirits, that I had + communed with the great departed, and that the glowing heavens were to me + a natural language. I recalled, as consolation to my gloomy soul, that + never had my science been exercised but for a sacred or a noble purpose. + And I remembered Israel, my brave, my chosen, and my antique race, slaves, + wretched slaves. I was strongly tempted to fling me down this perilous + abyss, and end my learning and my life together. + </p> + <p> + ‘But, as I gazed upon the star of David, a sudden halo rose around its + rays, and ever and anon a meteor shot from out the silver veil. I read + that there was trouble in the holy seed; and now comes this boy, who has + done a deed which——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The ark, the ark! I gaze upon the ark!’ ‘The slumberer speaks; the words + of sleep are sacred.’ ‘Salvation only from the house of David.’ ‘A mighty + truth; my life too well has proved it. ‘He is more calm. It is the holy + hour. I’ll steal into the court, and gaze upon the star that sways the + fortunes of his royal house.’ + </p> + <p> + The moonbeam fell upon the fountain; the pavement of the court was a flood + of light; the rocks rose dark around. Jabaster, seated by the spring, and + holding his talisman in his left hand, shaded his sight with the other as + he gazed upon the luminous heavens. + </p> + <p> + A shriek! his name was called. Alroy, wild and panting, rushed into the + court with extended arms. The Cabalist started up, seized him, and held + him in his careful grasp, foaming and in convulsions. + </p> + <p> + ‘Jabaster, Jabaster!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am here, my child.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Lord hath spoken.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Lord is our refuge. Calm thyself, son of David, and tell me all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been sleeping, master; is it not so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Even so, my child. Exhausted by his flight and the exciting narrative of + his exploit, my Prince lay down upon the couch and slumbered; but I fear + that slumber was not repose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Repose and I have naught in common now. Farewell for ever to that fatal + word. I am the Lord’s anointed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Drink of the fountain, David: it will restore thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Restore the covenant, restore the ark, restore the holy city.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Spirit of the Lord hath fallen upon him. Son of David, I adjure thee + tell me all that hath passed. I am a Levite; in my hand I hold the name + ineffable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Take thy trumpet then, summon the people, bid them swiftly raise again + our temple. “The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with marble.” + Didst hear that chorus, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Unto thy chosen ear alone it sounded.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where am I? This is not our fountain. Yet thou didst say, “the fountain.” + Think me not wild. I know thee, I know all. Thou art not Miriam. Thou art + jabaster; I am Alroy. But thou didst say, “the fountain,” and it + distracted me, and called back my memory to—— + </p> + <p> + ‘God of Israel, lo, I kneel before thee! Here, in the solitude of wildest + nature, my only witness here this holy man, I kneel and vow, Lord! I will + do thy bidding. I am young, O God! and weak; but thou, Lord, art + all-powerful! What God is like to thee? Doubt not my courage, Lord; and + fill me with thy spirit! but remember, remember her, O Lord! remember + Miriam. It is the only worldly thought I have, and it is pure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Still of his sister! Calm thyself, my son.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Holy master, thou dost remember when I was thy pupil in this cavern. Thou + hast not forgotten those days of tranquil study, those sweet, long + wandering nights of sacred science! I was dutiful, and hung upon each + accent of thy lore with the devotion that must spring from love.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot weep, Alroy; but were it in my power, I would yield a tear of + homage to the memory of those days.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How calmly have we sat on some high brow, and gazed upon the stars!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis very true, sweet child.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And if thou e’er didst chide me, ‘twas half in jest, and only for my + silence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What would he now infer? No matter, he grows calmer. How solemn is his + visage in the moonlight! And yet not Solomon, upon his youthful throne, + could look more beautiful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never told thee an untruth, Jabaster.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My life upon thy faith.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fear not the pledge, and so believe me, on the mountain brow watching the + starry heavens with thyself, I was not calmer than I feel, sir, now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do believe thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then, Jabaster, believe as fully I am the Lord’s anointed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell me all, my child.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Know, then, that sleeping on the couch within, my sleep was troubled. + Many dreams I had, indefinite and broken. I recall none of their images, + except I feel a dim sensation ‘twas my lot to live in brighter days than + now rise on our race. Suddenly I stood upon a mountain tall and grey, and + gazed upon the stars. And, as I gazed, a trumpet sounded. Its note + thrilled through my soul. Never have I heard a sound so awful. The + thunder, when it broke over the cavern here, and shivered the peak, whose + ruins lie around us, was but a feeble worldly sound to this almighty + music. My cheek grew pale, I panted even for breath. A flaming light + spread over the sky, the stars melted away, and I beheld, advancing from + the bursting radiancy, the foremost body of a mighty host. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! not when Saul led forth our fighting men against the Philistine, not + when Joab numbered the warriors of my great ancestor, did human vision + gaze upon a scene of so much martial splendour. Chariots and cavalry, and + glittering trains of plumed warriors too robust to need a courser’s + solace; streams of shining spears, and banners like a sunset; reverend + priests swinging their perfumed censers, and prophets hymning with their + golden harps a most triumphant future. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Joy, joy,” they say, “to Israel, for he cometh, he cometh in his + splendour and his might, the great Messiah of our ancient hopes.” + </p> + <p> + ‘And, lo! a mighty chariot now appeared, drawn by strange beasts whose + forms were half obscured by the bright flames on which they seemed to + float. In that glorious car a warrior stood, proud and immovable his form, + his countenance. Hold my hand, Jabaster, while I speak; that chieftain was + myself!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Proceed, proceed, my son.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I started in my dream, and I awoke. I found myself upsitting on my couch. + The pageantry had vanished. Naught was seen but the bright moonlight and + the gloomy cave. And, as I sighed to think I e’er had wakened, and mused + upon the strangeness of my vision, a still small voice descended from + above and called, “Alroy!” I started, but I answered not. Methought it was + my fancy. Again my name was called, and now I murmured, “Lord, I am here, + what wouldst thou?” Naught responded, and soon great dread came over me, + and I rushed out and called to thee, my master.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was “the Daughter of the Voice"<a href="#linknote-12" + name="linknoteref-12" id="linknoteref-12">12</a> that spake. Since the + Captivity ‘tis the only mode by which the saints are summoned. Oft have I + heard of it, but never in these sad degenerate days has its soft + aspiration fallen upon us. These are strange times and tidings. The + building of the temple is at hand. Son of David, my heart is full. Let us + to prayer!’ + </p> + <p> + Day dawned upon Jabaster, still musing in solitude among his rocks. Within + the cavern, Alroy remained in prayer. + </p> + <p> + Often and anxiously the Cabalist shot a glance at his companion, and then + again relapsed into reverie. + </p> + <p> + ‘The time is come that I must to this youth reveal the secrets of my early + life. Much will he hear of glory, much of shame. Naught must I conceal, + and naught gloss over. + </p> + <p> + ‘I must tell how in the plains of Tigris I upraised the sacred standard of + our chosen race, and called them from their bondage; how, despairing of + his recreant fathers, and inspired by human power alone, I vainly claimed + the mighty office for his sacred blood alone reserved. God of my fathers, + grant that future service, the humble service of a contrite soul, may in + the coming glory that awaits us, atone for past presumption! + </p> + <p> + ‘But for him great trials are impending. Not lightly must that votary be + proved, who fain would free a people. The Lord is faithful to his promise, + but the Lord will choose his season and his minister. Courage, and faith, + and deep humility, and strong endurance, and the watchful soul temptation + cannot sully, these are the fruits we lay upon his altar, and meekly watch + if some descending flame will vouchsafe to accept and brightly bless them. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is written in the dread volume of our mystic lore, that not alone the + Saviour shall spring from out our house of princes, but that none shall + rise to free us, until, alone and unassisted, he have gained the sceptre + which Solomon of old wielded within his cedar palaces. + </p> + <p> + ‘That sceptre must he gain. This fragile youth, untried and delicate, + unknowing in the ways of this strange world, where every step is danger, + how much hardship, how much peril, what withering disappointment, what + dull care, what long despondency, what never-ending lures, now lie in + ambush for this gentle boy! O my countrymen, is this your hope? And I, + with all my lore, and all my courage, and all my deep intelligence of man; + unhappy Israel, why am I not thy Prince? + </p> + <p> + ‘I check the blasphemous thought. Did not his great ancestor, as young and + as untried, a beardless stripling, with but a pebble, a small smoothed + stone, level a mailed giant with the ground, and save his people? + </p> + <p> + ‘He is clearly summoned. The Lord is with him. Be he with the Lord, and we + shall prosper.’ + </p> + <p> + It was at sunset, on the third day after the arrival of Alroy at the cave + of the Cabalist, that the Prince of the Captivity commenced his pilgrimage + in quest of the sceptre of Solomon. + </p> + <p> + Silently the pilgrim and his master took their way to the brink of the + ravine, and there they stopped to part, perhaps forever. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a bitter moment, Alroy. Human feelings are not for beings like us, + yet they will have their way. Remember all. Cherish the talisman as thy + life: nay! welcome death with it pressing against thy heart, rather than + breathe without it. Be firm, be pious. Think of thy ancestors, think of + thy God.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Doubt me not, dear master; if I seem not full of that proud spirit, which + was perhaps too much my wont, ascribe it not to fear, Jabaster, nor even + to the pain of leaving thee, dear friend. But ever since that sweet and + solemn voice summoned me so thrillingly, I know not how it is, but a + change has come over my temper; yet I am firm, oh! firmer far than when I + struck down the Ishmaelite. Indeed, indeed, fear not for me. The Lord, + that knoweth all things, knows full well I am prepared even to the death. + Thy prayers, Jabaster, and——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop, stop. I do remember me. See this ring: ‘tis a choice emerald. Thou + mayst have wondered I should wear a bauble. Alroy, I had a brother once: + still he may live. When we parted, this was the signal of his love: a + love, my child, strong, though we greatly differed. Take it. The hour may + come that thou mayst need his aid. It will command it. If he live, he + prospers. I know his temper well. He was made for what the worldly deem + prosperity. God be with thee, sacred boy: the God of our great fathers, + the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob!’ + </p> + <p> + They embraced. + </p> + <p> + ‘We linger,’ exclaimed the Cabalist, ‘we linger. Oh! in vain we quell the + feelings of our kind. God, God bless and be with thee! Art sure thou hast + all? thy dagger and thy wallet? That staff has seen some service. I cut it + on the Jordan. Ah! that I could be thy mate! ‘Twould be nothing then. At + the worst to die together. Such a fate seems sweeter now than parting. + I’ll watch thy star, my child. Thou weepest! And I too. Why! what is this? + Am I indeed Jabaster? One more embrace, and so——we’ll not say + farewell, but only think it.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Alroy Falls Among Thieves</i> +</pre> + <p> + TRADITION taught that the sceptre of Solomon could be found only in the + unknown sepulchres of the ancient Hebrew monarchs, and that none might + dare to touch it but one of their descendants. Armed with the cabalistic + talisman, which was to guide him in his awful and difficult researches, + Alroy commenced his pilgrimage to the Holy City. At this time, the love of + these sacred wanderings was a reigning passion among the Jews as well as + the Christians. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of the Captivity was to direct his course into the heart of + those great deserts which, in his flight from Hamadan, he had only + skirted. Following the track of the caravan, he was to make his way to + Babylon, or Bagdad. From the capital of the caliphs, his journey to + Jerusalem was one comparatively easy; but to reach Bagdad he must + encounter hardship and danger, the prospect of which would have divested + any one of hope, who did not conceive himself the object of an omnipotent + and particular Providence. + </p> + <p> + Clothed only in a coarse black frock, common among the Kourds, girded + round his waist by a cord which held his dagger, his head shaven, and + covered with a large white turban, which screened him from the heat, his + feet protected only by slippers, supported by his staff, and bearing on + his shoulders a bag of dried meat and parched corn, and a leathern skin of + water, behold, toiling over the glowing sands of Persia, a youth whose + life had hitherto been a long unbroken dream of domestic luxury and + innocent indulgence. + </p> + <p> + He travelled during the warm night or the early starlit morn. During the + day he rested: happy if he could recline by the side of some charitable + well, shaded by a palm-tree, or frighten a gazelle from its resting-place + among the rough bushes of some wild rocks. Were these resources wanting, + he threw himself upon the sand, and made an awning with his staff and + turban. + </p> + <p> + Three weeks had elapsed since he quitted the cavern of the Cabalist. + Hitherto he had met with no human being. The desert became less arid. A + scanty vegetation sprang up from a more genial soil; the ground broke into + gentle undulations; his senses were invigorated with the odour of wild + plants, and his sight refreshed by the glancing form of some wandering + bird, a pilgrim like himself, but more at ease. + </p> + <p> + Soon sprang up a grove of graceful palm-trees, with their tall thin stems, + and bending feathery crowns, languid and beautiful. Around, the verdant + sod gleamed like an emerald: silver streams, flowing from a bubbling + parent spring, wound their white forms within the bright green turf. From + the grove arose the softening song of doves, and showers of gay and + sparkling butterflies, borne on their tinted wings of shifting light, + danced without danger in the liquid air. A fair and fresh Oasis! + </p> + <p> + Alroy reposed in this delicious retreat for two days, feeding on the + living dates, and drinking of the fresh water. Fain would he have + lingered, nor indeed, until he rested, had he been sufficiently conscious + of his previous exertion. But the remembrance of his great mission made + him restless, and steeled him to the sufferings which yet awaited him. + </p> + <p> + At the dawn of the second day of his journey from the Oasis he beheld to + his astonishment, faintly but distinctly traced on the far horizon, the + walls and turrets of an extensive city.<a href="#linknote-13" + name="linknoteref-13" id="linknoteref-13">13</a> Animated by this + unexpected prospect, he continued his progress for several hours after + sunrise. At length, utterly exhausted, he sought refuge from the + overpowering heat beneath the cupola of the ruined tomb of some Moslem + saint. At sunset he continued his journey, and in the morning found + himself within a few miles of the city. He halted, and watched with + anxiety for some evidence of its inhabitants. None was visible. No crowds + or cavalcades issued from the gates. Not a single human being, not a + solitary camel, moved in the vicinity. + </p> + <p> + The day was too advanced for the pilgrim to proceed, but so great was his + anxiety to reach this unknown settlement, and penetrate the mystery of its + silence, that ere sunset Alroy entered the gates. + </p> + <p> + A magnificent city, of an architecture with which he was unacquainted, + offered to his entranced vision its gorgeous ruins and deserted splendour; + long streets of palaces, with their rich line of lessening pillars, here + and there broken by some fallen shaft, vast courts surrounded by ornate + and solemn temples, and luxurious baths adorned with rare mosaics, and yet + bright with antique gilding; now an arch of triumph, still haughty with + its broken friezes; now a granite obelisk covered with strange characters, + and proudly towering over a prostrate companion; sometimes a void and + crumbling theatre, sometimes a long and elegant aqueduct, sometimes a + porphyry column, once breathing with the heroic statue that now lies + shivered at its base, all suffused with the warm twilight of an eastern + eve. + </p> + <p> + He gazed with wonder and admiration upon the strange and fascinating + scene. The more he beheld, the more his curiosity was excited. He breathed + with difficulty; he advanced with a blended feeling of eagerness and + hesitation. Fresh wonders successively unfolded themselves. Each turn + developed a new scene of still and solemn splendour. The echo of his step + filled him with awe. He looked around him with an amazed air, a fluttering + heart, and a changing countenance. All was silent: alone the Hebrew Prince + stood amid the regal creation of the Macedonian captains. Empires and + dynasties flourish and pass away; the proud metropolis becomes a solitude, + the conquering kingdom even a desert; but Israel still remains, still a + descendant of the most ancient kings breathed amid these royal ruins, and + still the eternal sun could never rise without gilding the towers of + living Jerusalem. A word, a deed, a single day, a single man, and we might + be a nation. + </p> + <p> + A shout! he turns, he is seized; four ferocious Kourdish bandits grapple + and bind him. + </p> + <p> + The bandits hurried their captive through a street which appeared to have + been the principal way of the city. Nearly at its termination, they turned + by a small Ionian temple, and, clambering over some fallen pillars, + entered a quarter of the city of a more ruinous aspect than that which + Alroy had hitherto visited. The path was narrow, often obstructed, and + around were signs of devastation for which the exterior of the city had + not prepared him. + </p> + <p> + The brilliant but brief twilight of the Orient was fast fading away; a + sombre purple tint succeeded to the rosy flush; the distant towers rose + black, although defined, in the clear and shadowy air; and the moon, + which, when he first entered, had studded the heavens like a small white + cloud, now glittered with deceptive light. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, before them rose a huge pile. Oval in shape, and formed by tiers + of arches, it was evidently much dilapidated, and one enormous, irregular, + and undulating rent, extending from the top nearly to the foundation, + almost separated the side to which Alroy and his companions advanced. + </p> + <p> + Clambering up the remainder of this massive wall, the robbers and their + prisoner descended into an immense amphitheatre, which seemed vaster in + the shadowy and streaming moonlight. In it were groups of men, horses, and + camels. In the extreme distance, reclining or squatting on mats and + carpets, was a large assembly, engaged in a rough but merry banquet. A + fire blazed at their side, its red and uncertain flame mingling with the + white and steady moonbeam, and throwing a flickering light over their + ferocious countenances, their glistening armour, ample drapery, and + shawled heads. + </p> + <p> + ‘A spy,’ exclaimed the captors, as they dragged Alroy before the leader of + the band. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hang him, then,’ said the chieftain, without even looking up. + </p> + <p> + ‘This wine, great Scherirah, is excellent, or I am no true Moslem,’ said a + principal robber; ‘but you are too cruel; I hate this summary punishment. + Let us torture him a little, and extract some useful information.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As you like, Kisloch,’ said Scherirah; ‘it may amuse us. Fellow, where do + you come from? He cannot answer. Decidedly a spy. Hang him up.’ + </p> + <p> + The captors half untied the rope that bound Alroy, that it might serve him + for a further purpose, when another of the gentle companions of Scherirah + interfered. + </p> + <p> + ‘Spies always answer, captain. He is more probably a merchant in + disguise.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And carries hidden treasure,’ added Kisloch; ‘these rough coats often + cover jewels. We had better search him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! search him,’ said Scherirah, with his rough brutal voice; ‘do what + you like, only give me the bottle. This Greek wine is choice booty. Feed + the fire, men. Are you asleep? And then Kisloch, who hates cruelty, can + roast him if he likes.’ + </p> + <p> + The robbers prepared to strip their captive. ‘Friends, friends!’ exclaimed + Alroy, ‘for there is no reason why you should not be friends, spare me, + spare me. I am poor, I am young, I am innocent. I am neither a spy nor a + merchant. I have no plots, no wealth. I am a pilgrim.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A decided spy,’ exclaimed Scherirah; ‘they are ever pilgrims.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He speaks too well to speak truth,’ exclaimed Kisloch. + </p> + <p> + ‘All talkers are liars,’ exclaimed Scherirah. + </p> + <p> + ‘That is why Kisloch is the most eloquent of the band.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A jest at the banquet may prove a curse in the field,’ replied Kisloch. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh!’ exclaimed Scherirah. ‘Fellows, why do you hesitate? Search the + prisoner, I say!’ + </p> + <p> + They advanced, they seized him. In vain he struggled. + </p> + <p> + ‘Captain,’ exclaimed one of the band, ‘he wears upon his breast a jewel!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I told you so,’ said the third robber. + </p> + <p> + ‘Give it me,’ said Scherirah. + </p> + <p> + But Alroy, in despair at the thought of losing the talisman, remembering + the injunctions of Jabaster, and animated by supernatural courage, burst + from his searchers, and, seizing a brand from the fire, held them at bay. + </p> + <p> + ‘The fellow has spirit,’ said Scherirah, calmly. ‘‘Tis pity it will cost + him his life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bold man,’ exclaimed Alroy, ‘for a moment hear me! I am a pilgrim, poorer + than a beggar. The jewel they talk of is a holy emblem, worthless to you, + to me invaluable, and to be forfeited only with my life. You may be + careless of that. Beware of your own. The first man who advances dies. I + pray you humbly, chieftain, let me go.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Kill him,’ said Scherirah. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stab him!’ exclaimed Kisloch. + </p> + <p> + ‘Give me the jewel,’ said the third robber. + </p> + <p> + ‘The God of David be my refuge, then!’ exclaimed Alroy. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is a Hebrew, he is a Hebrew,’ exclaimed Scherirah, jumping up. ‘Spare + him, my mother was a Jewess.’ + </p> + <p> + The assailants lowered their arms, and withdrew a few paces. Alroy still + remained upon his guard. + </p> + <p> + ‘Valiant pilgrim,’ said Scherirah, advancing, with a softened voice, ‘are + you for the holy city?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The city of my fathers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A perilous journey. And whence from?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hamadan.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A dreary way. You need repose. Your name?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘David.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘David, you are among friends. Rest, and repose in safety. You hesitate. + Fear not! The memory of my mother is a charm that always changes me!’ + Scherirah unsheathed his dagger, punctured his arm,<a href="#linknote-14" + name="linknoteref-14" id="linknoteref-14">14</a> and, throwing away the + weapon, offered the bleeding member to Alroy. The Prince of the Captivity + touched the open vein with his lips. + </p> + <p> + ‘My troth is pledged,’ said the bandit; ‘I can never betray him in whose + veins my own blood is flowing.’ So saying, he led Alroy to his carpet. + </p> + <p> + ‘Eat,’ David,’ said Scherirah. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will eat bread,’ answered Alroy. + </p> + <p> + ‘What! have you had so much meat lately that you will refuse this delicate + gazelle that I brought down this morning with my own lance? ‘Tis food for + a caliph.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I pray you give me bread.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! bread if you like. But that a man should prefer bread to meat, and + such meat as this, ‘tis miraculous.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A thousand thanks, good Scherirah; but with our people the flesh of the + gazelle is forbidden. It is unclean. Its foot is <i>cloven</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have heard of these things,’ replied Scherirah, with a thoughtful air. + ‘My mother was a Jewess, and my father was a Kourd. Whichever be right, I + hope to be saved.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is but one God, and Mahomed is his prophet!’ exclaimed Kisloch; + ‘though I drink wine. Your health, Hebrew.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will join you,’ said to the third robber. ‘My father was a Guebre, and + sacrificed his property to his faith; and the consequence is, his son has + got neither.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As for me,’ said a fourth robber, of very dark complexion and singularly + small bright eyes, ‘I am an Indian, and I believe in the great golden + figure with carbuncle eyes, in the temple of Delhi.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no religion,’ said a tall negro in a red turban, grinning with his + white teeth; ‘they have none in my country; but if I had heard of your God + before, Calidas, I would have believed in him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I almost wish I had been a Jew,’ exclaimed Scherirah, musing. ‘My mother + was a good woman.’ ‘The Jews are very rich,’ said the third robber. ‘When + you get to Jerusalem, David, you will see the Christians,’ continued + Scherirah. + </p> + <p> + ‘The accursed Giaours,’ exclaimed Kisloch, ‘we are all against them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘With their white faces,’ exclaimed the negro. ‘And their blue eyes,’ said + the Indian. ‘What can you expect of men who live in a country without a + sun?’ observed the Guebre. + </p> + <p> + Alroy awoke about two hours after midnight. His companions were in deep + slumber. The moon had set, the fire had died away, a few red embers alone + remaining; dark masses of shadow hung about the amphitheatre. He arose and + cautiously stepped over the sleeping bandits. He was not in strictness a + prisoner; but who could trust to the caprice of these lawless men? + To-morrow might find him their slave, or their companion in some marauding + expedition, which might make him almost retrace his steps to the Caucasus, + or to Hamadan. The temptation to ensure his freedom was irresistible. He + clambered up the ruined wall, descended into the intricate windings that + led to the Ionic fane, that served him as a beacon, hurried through the + silent and starry streets, gained the great portal, and rushed once more + into the desert. + </p> + <p> + A vague fear of pursuit made him continue his course many hours without + resting. The desert again became sandy, the heat increased. The breeze + that plays about the wilderness, and in early spring is often scented with + the wild fragrance of aromatic plants, sank away. A lurid brightness + suffused the heavens. An appalling stillness pervaded nature; even the + insects were silent. For the first time in his pilgrimage, a feeling of + deep despondency fell over the soul of Alroy. His energy appeared suddenly + to have deserted him. A low hot wind began to rise, and fan his cheek with + pestiferous kisses, and enervate his frame with its poisonous embrace. His + head and limbs ached with a dull sensation, more terrible than pain; his + sight was dizzy, his tongue swollen. Vainly he looked around for aid; + vainly he extended his forlorn arms, and wrung them to the remorseless + heaven, almost frantic with thirst. The boundless horizon of the desert + disappeared, and the unhappy victim, in the midst of his torture, found + himself apparently surrounded by bright and running streams, the fleeting + waters of the false mirage! + </p> + <p> + The sun became blood-red, the sky darker, the sand rose in fierce eddies, + the moaning wind burst into shrieks and exhaled more ardent and still more + malignant breath. The pilgrim could no longer sustain himself.<a + href="#linknote-15" name="linknoteref-15" id="linknoteref-15">15</a> + Faith, courage, devotion deserted him with his failing energies. He strove + no longer with his destiny, he delivered himself up to despair and death. + He fell upon one knee with drooping head, supporting himself by one + quivering hand, and then, full of the anguish of baffled purposes and lost + affections, raising his face and arm to heaven, thus to the elements he + poured his passionate farewell. + </p> + <p> + ‘O life! once vainly deemed a gloomy toil, I feel thy sweetness now! + Farewell, O life, farewell my high resolves and proud conviction of + almighty fame. My days, my short unprofitable days, melt into the past; + and death, with which I struggle, horrible death, arrests me in this + wilderness. O my sister, could thy voice but murmur in my ear one single + sigh of love; could thine eye with its soft radiance but an instant blend + with my dim fading vision, the pang were nothing. Farewell, Miriam! my + heart is with thee by thy fountain’s side. Fatal blast, bear her my dying + words, my blessing. And ye too, friends, whose too neglected love I think + of now, farewell! Farewell, my uncle; farewell, pleasant home, and + Hamadan’s serene and shadowy bowers! Farewell, Jabaster, and the mighty + lore of which thou wert the priest and I the pupil! Thy talisman throbs on + my faithful heart. Green earth and golden sun, and all the beautiful and + glorious sights ye fondly lavish on unthinking man, farewell, farewell! I + die in the desert: ‘tis bitter. No more, oh! never more for me the hopeful + day shall break, and the fresh breeze rise on its cheering wings of health + and joy. Heaven and earth, water and air, my chosen country and my antique + creed, farewell, farewell! And thou, too, city of my soul, I cannot name + thee, unseen Jerusalem——’ + </p> + <p> + Amid the roar of the wind, the bosom of the earth heaved and opened, swift + columns of sand sprang up to the lurid sky, and hurried towards their + victim. With the clang of universal chaos, impenetrable darkness descended + on the desert. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Lord Honain Rescues Alroy</i> +</pre> + <p> + NOW our dreary way is over, now the desert’s toil is past. Soon the river + broadly flowing, through its green and palmy banks, to our wearied limbs + shall offer baths ‘which caliphs cannot buy. Allah-illah, Allah-hu. + Allah-illah, Allah-hu.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Blessed the man who now may bear a relic from our Prophet’s tomb; blessed + the man who now unfolds the treasures of a distant mart, jewels of the + dusky East, and silks of farthest Samarcand. Allah-illah, Allah-hu. + Allah-illah, Allah-hu.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Him the sacred mosque shall greet with a reverence grave and low; him the + busy Bezestein shall welcome with confiding smile. Holy merchant, now + receive the double triumph of thy toil. Allah-illah, Allah-hu. + Allah-illah, Allah-hu.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The camel jibs, Abdallah! See, there is something in the track.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By the holy stone,<a href="#linknote-16" name="linknoteref-16" + id="linknoteref-16">16</a> a dead man. Poor devil! One should never make a + pilgrimage on foot. I hate your humble piety. Prick the beast and he will + pass the corpse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Prophet preaches charity, Abdallah. He has favoured my enterprise, + and I will practise his precept. See if he be utterly dead.’ + </p> + <p> + It was the Mecca caravan returning to Bagdad. The pilgrims were within a + day’s journey of the Euphrates, and welcomed their approach to fertile + earth with a triumphant chorus. Far as the eye could reach, the long line + of their straggling procession stretched across the wilderness, thousands + of camels in strings, laden with bales of merchandise, and each company + headed by an animal of superior size, leading with tinkling bells; groups + of horsemen, clusters of litters; all the pilgrims armed to their teeth, + the van formed by a strong division of Seljukian cavalry, and the rear + protected by a Kourdish clan, who guaranteed the security of the pious + travellers through their country. + </p> + <p> + Abdallah was the favourite slave of the charitable merchant Ali. In + obedience to his master’s orders, he unwillingly descended from his camel, + and examined the body of the apparently lifeless Alroy. + </p> + <p> + ‘A Kourd, by his dress,’ exclaimed Abdallah, with a sneer; ‘what does he + here?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not the face of a Kourd,’ replied Ali; ‘perchance a pilgrim from + the mountains.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whatever he be, he is dead,’ answered the slave: ‘I doubt not an accursed + Giaour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God is great,’ exclaimed Ali; ‘he breathes; the breast of his caftan + heaved.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Twas the wind,’ said Abdallah. + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Twas the sigh of a human heart,’ answered Ali. + </p> + <p> + Several pilgrims who were on foot now gathered around the group. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a Hakim,’<a href="#linknote-17" name="linknoteref-17" + id="linknoteref-17">17</a> observed a dignified Armenian. ‘I will feel his + pulse; ‘tis dull, but it beats.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is but one God,’ exclaimed Ali. + </p> + <p> + ‘And Mahomed is his Prophet,’ responded Abdallah. ‘You do not believe in + him, you Armenian infidel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a Hakim,’ replied the dignified Armenian. ‘Although an infidel, God + has granted me skill to cure true believers. Worthy Ali, believe me, the + boy may yet live.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hakim, you shall count your own dirhems if he breathe in my divan in + Bagdad,’ answered Ali; ‘I have taken a fancy to the boy. God has sent him + to me. He shall carry my slippers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Give me a camel, and I will save his life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have none,’ said the servant. + </p> + <p> + ‘Walk, Abdallah,’ said the master. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is a true believer to walk to save the life of a Kourd? Master + slipper-bearer shall answer for this, if there be any sweetness in the + bastinado,’ murmured Abdallah. + </p> + <p> + The Armenian bled Alroy; the blood flowed slowly but surely. The Prince of + the Captivity opened his eyes. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is but one God,’ exclaimed Ali. + </p> + <p> + ‘The evil eye fall on him!’ muttered Abdallah. + </p> + <p> + The Armenian took a cordial from his vest, and poured it down his + patient’s throat. The blood flowed more freely. + </p> + <p> + ‘He will live, worthy merchant,’ said the physician. + </p> + <p> + ‘And Mahomed is his Prophet,’ continued Ali. + </p> + <p> + ‘By the stone of Mecca, I believe it is a Jew,’ shouted Abdallah. + </p> + <p> + ‘The dog!’ exclaimed Ali. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pah!’ said a negro slave, drawing back with disgust. + </p> + <p> + ‘He will die,’ said the Christian physician, not even binding up the vein. + </p> + <p> + ‘And be damned,’ said Abdallah, again jumping on his camel. + </p> + <p> + The party rode on, the caravan proceeded. A Kourdish horseman galloped + forward. He curbed his steed as he passed Alroy bleeding to death. + </p> + <p> + ‘What accursed slave has wounded one of my clan?’ + </p> + <p> + The Kourd leaped off his horse, stripped off a slip of his blue shirt, + stanched the wound, and carried the unhappy Alroy to the rear. + </p> + <p> + The desert ceased, the caravan entered upon a vast but fruitful plain. In + the extreme distance might be descried a long undulating line of + palm-trees. The vanguard gave a shout, shook their tall lances in the air, + and rattled their scimitars in rude chorus against their small round iron + shields. All eyes sparkled, all hands were raised, all voices sounded, + save those that were breathless from overpowering joy. After months + wandering in the sultry wilderness, they beheld the great Euphrates. + </p> + <p> + Broad and fresh, magnificent and serene, the mighty waters rolled through + the beautiful and fertile earth. A vital breeze rose from their bosom. + Every being responded to their genial influence. The sick were cured, the + desponding became sanguine, the healthy and light-hearted broke into + shouts of laughter, jumped from their camels, and embraced the fragrant + earth, or, wild in their renovated strength, galloped over the plain, and + threw their wanton jerreeds in the air,<a href="#linknote-18" + name="linknoteref-18" id="linknoteref-18">18</a> as if to show that + suffering and labour had not deprived them of that skill and strength, + without which it were vain again to enter the haunts of their less + adventurous brethren. + </p> + <p> + The caravan halted on the banks of the broad river, glowing in the cool + sunset. The camp was pitched, the plain glittered with tents. The camels, + falling on their knees, crouched in groups, the merchandise piled up in + masses by their sides. The unharnessed horses rushed neighing about the + plain, tossing their glad heads, and rolling in the unaccustomed pasture. + Spreading their mats, and kneeling towards Mecca, the pilgrims performed + their evening orisons. Never was thanksgiving more sincere. They arose: + some rushed into the river, some lighted lamps, some pounded coffee.<a + href="#linknote-19" name="linknoteref-19" id="linknoteref-19">19</a> + Troops of smiling villagers arrived with fresh provisions, eager to prey + upon such light hearts and heavy purses. It was one of those occasions + when the accustomed gravity of the Orient disappears. Long through the + night the sounds of music and the shouts of laughter were heard on the + banks of that starry river; long through the night you might have listened + with enchantment to the wild tales of the storier, or gazed with + fascination on the wilder gestures of the dancing girls.<a + href="#linknote-20" name="linknoteref-20" id="linknoteref-20">20</a> + </p> + <p> + The great bazaar of Bagdad afforded an animated and sumptuous spectacle on + the day after the arrival of the caravan. All the rare and costly products + of the world were collected in that celebrated mart: the shawls of + Cachemire and the silks of Syria, the ivory, and plumes, and gold of + Afric, the jewels of Ind, the talismans of Egypt, the perfumes and + manuscripts of Persia, the spices and gums of Araby, beautiful horses, + more beautiful slaves, cloaks of sable, pelisses of ermine, armour alike + magnificent in ornament and temper, rare animals, still rarer birds, blue + apes in silver collars, white gazelles bound by a golden chain, + greyhounds, peacocks, paroquets. And everywhere strange, and busy, and + excited groups; men of all nations, creeds, and climes: the sumptuous and + haughty Turk, the graceful and subtle Arab, the Hebrew with his black cap + and anxious countenance; the Armenian Christian, with his dark flowing + robes, and mild demeanour, and serene visage. Here strutted the lively, + affected, and superfine Persian; and there the Circassian stalked with his + long hair and chain cuirass. The fair Georgian jostled the ebony form of + the merchant of Dongola or Sennaar. + </p> + <p> + Through the long, narrow, arched, and winding streets of the bazaar, lined + on each side with loaded stalls, all was bustle, bargaining, and barter. A + passenger approached, apparently of no common rank. Two pages preceded + him, beautiful Georgian boys, clothed in crimson cloth, and caps of the + same material, sitting tight to their heads, with long golden tassels. One + bore a blue velvet bag, and the other a clasped and richly bound volume. + Four footmen, armed, followed their master, who rode behind the pages on a + milk-white mule. He was a man of middle age, eminently handsome. His ample + robes concealed the only fault in his appearance, a figure which + indulgence had rendered somewhat too exuberant. His eyes were large, and + soft, and dark; his nose aquiline, but delicately moulded; his mouth + small, and beautifully proportioned; his lip full and red; his teeth + regular and dazzling white. His ebony beard flowed, but not at too great a + length, in graceful and natural curls, and was richly perfumed; a delicate + mustachio shaded his upper lip, but no whisker was permitted to screen the + form and shroud the lustre of his oval countenance and brilliant + complexion. Altogether, the animal perhaps predominated too much in the + expression of the stranger’s countenance; but genius beamed from his + passionate eye, and craft lay concealed in that subtle lip. The dress of + the rider was sumptuous. His turban, formed by a scarlet Cachemire shawl, + was of great breadth, and concealing half of his white forehead, increased + by the contrast the radiant height of the other. His under-vest was of + white Damascus silk, stiff with silver embroidery, and confined by a + girdle formed by a Brusa scarf of gold stuff, and holding a dagger, whose + hilt appeared blazing with brilliants and rubies. His loose and exterior + robe was of crimson cloth. His white hands sparkled with rings, and his + ears glittered with pendulous gems. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who is this?’ asked an Egyptian merchant, in a low whisper, of the dealer + whose stuffs he was examining. + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis the Lord Honain,’ replied the dealer. ‘And who may he be?’ continued + the Egyptian. ‘Is he the Caliph’s son?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A much greater man; his physician.’ The white mule stopped at the very + stall where this conversation was taking place. The pages halted, and + stood on each side of their master, the footmen kept off the crowd. + </p> + <p> + ‘Merchant,’ said Honain, with a gracious smile of condescension, and with + a voice musical as a flute, ‘Merchant, did you obtain me my wish?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is but one God,’ replied the dealer, who was the charitable Ali, + ‘and Mahomed is his Prophet. I succeeded, please your highness, in seeing + at Aleppo the accursed Giaour, of whom I spoke, and behold, that which you + desired is here.’ So saying, Ali produced several Greek manuscripts, and + offered them to his visitor. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah!’ said Honain, with a sparkling eye, ‘‘tis well; their cost?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The infidel would not part with them under five hundred dirhems,’ replied + Ali. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ibrahim, see that this worthy merchant receive a thousand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As many thanks, my Lord Honain.’ + </p> + <p> + The Caliph’s physician bowed gracefully. + </p> + <p> + ‘Advance, pages,’ continued Honain; ‘why this stoppage? Ibrahim, see that + our way be cleared. What is all this?’ + </p> + <p> + A crowd of men advanced, pulling along a youth, who, almost exhausted, + still singly struggled with his ungenerous adversaries. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Cadi, the Cadi,’ cried the foremost of them, who was Abdallah, ‘drag + him to the Cadi.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noble lord,’ cried the youth, extricating himself by a sudden struggle + from the grasp of his captors, and seizing the robe of Honain, ‘I am + innocent and injured. I pray thy help.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Cadi, the Cadi,’ exclaimed Abdallah; ‘the knave has stolen my ring, + the ring given me by my faithful Fatima on our marriage-day, and which I + would not part with for my master’s stores.’ + </p> + <p> + The youth still clung to the robe of Honain, and, mute from exhaustion, + fixed upon him his beautiful and imploring eye. + </p> + <p> + ‘Silence,’ proclaimed Honain, ‘I will judge this cause.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Lord Honain, the Lord Honain, listen to the Lord Honain!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Speak, thou brawler; of what hast thou to complain?’ said Honain to + Abdallah. + </p> + <p> + ‘May it please your highness,’ said Abdallah, in a whining voice, ‘I am + the slave of your faithful servant, Ali: often have I had the honour of + waiting on your highness. This young knave here, a beggar, has robbed me, + while slumbering in a coffee-house, of a ring; I have my witnesses to + prove my slumbering. ‘Tis a fine emerald, may it please your highness, and + doubly valuable to me as a love-token from my Fatima. No consideration in + the world could induce me to part with it; and so, being asleep, here are + three honest men who will prove the sleep, comes this little vagabond, may + it please your highness, who while he pretends to offer me my coffee, + takes him my finger, and slips off this precious ring, which he now wears + upon his beggarly paw, and will not restore to me without the bastinado.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Abdallah is a faithful slave, may it please your highness, and a Hadgee,’ + said Ali, his master. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what sayest thou, boy?’ inquired Honain. + </p> + <p> + ‘That this is a false knave, who lies as slaves ever will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pithy, and perhaps true,’ said Honain. + </p> + <p> + ‘You call me a slave, you young scoundrel?’ exclaimed Abdallah; ‘shall I + tell you what you are? Why, your highness, do not listen to him a moment. + It is a shame to bring such a creature into your presence; for, by the + holy stone, and I am a Hadgee, I doubt little he is a Jew.’ + </p> + <p> + Honain grew somewhat pale, and bit his lip. He was perhaps annoyed that he + had interfered so publicly in behalf of so unpopular a character as a + Hebrew, but he was unwilling to desert one whom a moment before he had + resolved to befriend, and he inquired of the youth where he had obtained + the ring. + </p> + <p> + ‘The ring was given to me by my dearest friend when I first set out upon + an arduous pilgrimage not yet completed. There is but one person in the + world, except the donor, to whom I would part with it, and with that + person I am unacquainted. All this may seem improbable, but all this is + true. I have truth alone to support me. I am destitute and friendless; but + I am not a beggar, nor will any suffering induce me to become one. + Feeling, from various circumstances, utterly exhausted, I entered a + coffee-house and lay down, it may have been to die. I could not sleep, + although my eyes were shut, and nothing would have roused me from a + tremulous trance, which I thought was dying, but this plunderer here, who + would not wait until death had permitted him quietly to possess himself of + a jewel I value more than life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Show me the jewel.’ + </p> + <p> + The youth held up his hand to Honain, who felt his pulse, and then took + off the ring. + </p> + <p> + ‘O, my Fatima!’ exclaimed Abdallah. + </p> + <p> + ‘Silence, sir!’ said Honain. ‘Page, call a jeweller.’ + </p> + <p> + Honain examined the ring attentively. Whether he were near-sighted, or + whether the deceptive light of the covered bazaar prevented him from + examining it with ease, he certainly raised his hand to his brow, and for + some moments his countenance was invisible. + </p> + <p> + The jeweller arrived, and, pressing his hand to his heart, bowed before + Honain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Value this ring,’ said Honain, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + The jeweller took the ring, viewed it in all directions with a + scrutinising glance, held it to the light, pressed it to his tongue, + turned it over and over, and finally declared that he could not sell such + a ring under a thousand dirhems. + </p> + <p> + ‘Whatever be the justice of the case,’ said Honain to Abdallah, ‘art thou + ready to part with this ring for a thousand dirhems?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Most certainly,’ said Abdallah. ‘And thou, lad, if the decision be in thy + favour, wilt thou take for the ring double the worth at which the jeweller + prizes it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My lord, I have spoken the truth. I cannot part with that ring for the + palace of the Caliph.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The truth for once is triumphant,’ said Honain. ‘Boy, the ring is thine; + and for thee, thou knave,’ turning to Abdallah, ‘liar, thief, and + slanderer!—for thee the bastinado,<a href="#linknote-21" + name="linknoteref-21" id="linknoteref-21">21</a> which thou destinedst for + this innocent youth. Ibrahim, see that he receives five hundred. Young + pilgrim, thou art no longer destitute or friendless. Follow me to my + palace.’ + </p> + <p> + The arched chamber was of great size and beautiful proportion. The + ceiling, encrusted with green fretwork, and studded with silver stars, + rested upon clustered columns of white and green marble. In the centre of + a variegated pavement of the same material, a fountain rose and fell into + a green porphyry basin, and by the side of the fountain, upon a couch of + silver, reposed Honain. + </p> + <p> + He raised his eyes from the illuminated volume on which he had been long + intent; he clapped his hands, and a Nubian slave advanced, and, folding + his arms upon his breast, bowed in silence before his lord. ‘How fares the + Hebrew boy, Analschar?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Master, the fever has not returned. We gave him the potion; he slumbered + for many hours, and has now awakened, weak but well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let him rise and attend me.’ + </p> + <p> + The Nubian disappeared. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is nothing stranger than sympathy,’ soliloquised the physician of + the Caliph, with a meditative air; ‘all resolves itself into this + principle, and I confess this learned doctor treats it deeply and well. An + erudite spirit truly, and an eloquent pen; yet he refines too much. ‘Tis + too scholastic. Observation will teach us more than dogma. Meditating upon + my passionate youth, I gathered wisdom. I have seen so much that I have + ceased to wonder. However we doubt, there is a mystery beyond our + penetration. And yet ‘tis near our grasp. I sometimes deem a step, a + single step, would launch us into light. Here comes my patient. The rose + has left his cheek, and his deep brow is wan and melancholy. Yet ‘tis a + glorious visage, Meditation’s throne; and Passion lingers in that languid + eye. I know not why, a strong attraction draws me to this lone child. + </p> + <p> + ‘Gentle stranger, how fares it with thee?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well, my lord. I come to thank thee for all thy goodness. My only + thanks are words, and those too weak; and yet the orphan’s blessing is a + treasure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are an orphan, then’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no parent but my father’s God.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And that God is——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The God of Israel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So I deemed. He is a Deity we all must honour; if he be the great Creator + whom we all allow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is what he is, and we are what we are, a fallen people, but faithful + still.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fidelity is strength.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thy words are truth, and strength must triumph.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A prophecy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Many a prophet is little honoured, till the future proves his + inspiration.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are young and sanguine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So was my ancestor within the vale of Elah. But I speak unto a Moslem, + and this is foolishness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have read something, and can take your drift. As for my faith, I + believe in truth, and wish all men to do the same. By-the-bye, might I + inquire the name of him who is the inmate of my house?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They call me David.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘David, you have a ring, an emerald cut with curious characters, Hebrew, I + believe.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A fine stone, and this inscription means——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A simple legend, “<i>Parted, but one</i>;” the kind memorial of a + brother’s love.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your brother?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never had a brother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have a silly fancy for this ring: you hesitate. Search my palace, and + choose the treasure you deem its match.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noble sir, the gem is little worth; but were it such might deck a + Caliph’s brow, ‘twere a poor recompense for all thy goodness. This ring is + a trust rather than a possession, and strange to say, although I cannot + offer it to thee who mayst command, as thou hast saved, the life of its + unhappy wearer, some stranger may cross my path to-morrow, and almost + claim it as his own.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And that stranger is——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The brother of the donor.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The brother of Jabaster?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Jabaster!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Even so. I am that parted brother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Great is the God of Israel! Take the ring. But what is this? the brother + of Jabaster a turbaned chieftain! a Moslem! Say, but say, that thou hast + not assumed their base belief; say, but say, that thou hast not become a + traitor to our covenant, and I will bless the fortunes of this hour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am false to no God. Calm thyself, sweet youth. These are higher + questions than thy faint strength can master now. Another time we’ll talk + of this, my boy; at present of my brother and thyself. He lives and + prospers?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He lives in faith; the pious ever prosper.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A glorious dreamer! Though our moods are different, I ever loved him. And + thyself? Thou art not what thou seemest. Tell me all. Jabaster’s friend + can be no common mind. Thy form has heralded thy fame. Trust me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am Alroy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What! the Prince of our Captivity?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Even so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The slayer of Alschiroch?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My sympathy was prophetic. I loved thee from the first. And what dost + thou here? A price is set upon thy head: thou knowest it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For the first time; but I am neither astonished nor alarmed. I am upon + the Lord’s business.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What wouldst thou?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Free his people.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The pupil of Jabaster: I see it all. Another victim to his reveries. I’ll + save this boy. David,—for thy name must not be sounded within this + city,—the sun is dying. Let us to the terrace, and seek the solace + of the twilight breeze.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is the hour, David?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Near to midnight. I marvel if thy brother may read in the stars our happy + meeting.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Men read that which they wish. He is a learned Cabalist.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But what we wish comes from above.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So they say. We make our fortunes, and we call them Fate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet the Voice sounded, the Daughter of the Voice that summoned Samuel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have told me strange things; I have heard stranger solved.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My faith is a rock.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On which you may split.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Art thou a Sadducee?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a man who knows men.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are learned, but different from Jabaster.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are the same, though different. Day and Night are both portions of + Time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And thy portion is——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Truth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is, light.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; so dazzling that it sometimes seems dark.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Like thy meaning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are young.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is youth a defect?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, the reverse. But we cannot eat the fruit while the tree is in + blossom.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What fruit?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Knowledge.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have studied.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All sacred things.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How know you that they are sacred?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They come from God.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So does everything. Is everything sacred?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are the deep expression of his will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘According to Jabaster. Ask the man who prays in yonder mosque, and he + will tell you that Jabaster’s wrong.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘After all, thou art a Moslem?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What then?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have told you, a man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But what dost thou worship?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is worship?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Adoration due from the creature to the Creator.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which is he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Our God.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The God of Israel?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Even so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A frail minority, then, burn incense to him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are the chosen people.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Chosen for scoffs, and scorns, and contumelies. Commend me to such + choice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We forgot Him, before He chastened us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why did we?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou knowest the records of our holy race.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I know them; like all records, annals of blood.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Annals of victory, that will dawn again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If redemption be but another name for carnage, I envy no Messiah.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Art thou Jabaster’s brother?’ ‘So our mother was wont to say: a meek and + blessed woman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord Honain, thou art rich, and wise, and powerful. Thy fellow-men speak + of thee only with praise or fear, and both are cheering. Thou hast quitted + our antique ark; why, no matter. We’ll not discuss it. ‘Tis something; if + a stranger, at least thou art not a renegade. The world goes well with + thee, my Lord Honain. But if, instead of bows and blessings, thou, like + thy brethren, wert greeted only with the cuff and curse; if thou didst + rise each morning only to feel existence to be dishonour, and to find + thyself marked out among surrounding men as something foul and fatal; if + it were thy lot, like theirs, at best to drag on a mean and dull career, + hopeless and aimless, or with no other hope or aim but that which is + degrading, and all this, too, with a keen sense of thy intrinsic worth, + and a deep conviction of superior race; why, then, perchance, Honain might + even discover ‘twere worth a struggle to be free and honoured.’ ‘I pray + your pardon, sir; I thought you were Jabaster’s pupil, a dreaming student. + I see you have a deep ambition.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a prince; and I fain would be a prince without my fetters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Listen to me, Alroy,’ said Honain in a low voice, and he placed his arm + around him, ‘I am your friend. Our acquaintance is very brief: no matter, + I love you; I rescued you in injury, I tended you in sickness, even now + your life is in my power, I would protect it with my own. You cannot doubt + me. Our affections are not under our own control; and mine are yours. The + sympathy between us is entire. You see me, you see what I am; a Hebrew, + though unknown; one of that despised, rejected, persecuted people, of whom + you are the chief. I too would be free and honoured. Freedom and honour + are mine, but I was my own messiah. I quitted in good time our desperate + cause, but I gave it a trial. Ask Jabaster how I fought. Youth could be my + only excuse for such indiscretion. I left this country; I studied and + resided among the Greeks. I returned from Constantinople, with all their + learning, some of their craft. No one knew me. I assumed their turban, and + I am the Lord Honain. Take my experience, child, and save yourself much + sorrow. Turn your late adventure to good account. No one can recognise you + here. I will introduce you amongst the highest as my child by some fair + Greek. The world is before you. You may fight, you may love, you may + revel. War, and Women, and luxury are all at your command. With your + person and talents you may be grand vizir. Clear your head of nonsense. In + the present disordered state of the empire, you may even carve yourself + out a kingdom, infinitely more delightful than the barren land of milk and + honey. I have seen it, child; a rocky wilderness, where I would not let my + courser graze.’ + </p> + <p> + He bent down, and fixed his eyes upon his companion with a scrutinising + glance. The moonlight fell upon the resolved visage of the Prince of the + Captivity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Honain,’ he replied, pressing his hand, ‘I thank thee. Thou knowest not + me, but still I thank thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are resolved, then, on destruction.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On glory, eternal glory.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it possible to succeed?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it possible to fail?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are mad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a believer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Enough. You have yet one chance. My brother has saddled your enterprise + with a condition, and an impossible one. Gain the sceptre of Solomon, and + I will agree to be your subject. You will waste a year in this frolic. You + are young, and can afford it. I trust you will experience nothing worse + than a loss of time, which is, however, valuable. My duty will be, after + all your sufferings, to send you forth on your adventures in good + condition, and to provide you means for a less toilsome pilgrimage than + has hitherto been your lot. Trust me, you will return to Bagdad to accept + my offers. At present, the dews are descending, and we will return to our + divan, and take some coffee.’ + </p> + <p> + Some few days after this conversation on the terrace, as Alroy was + reclining in a bower, in the beautiful garden of his host, meditating on + the future, some one touched him on the back. He looked up. It was Honain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Follow me,’ said the brother of Jabaster. + </p> + <p> + The Prince rose, and followed him in silence. They entered the house, and, + passing through the saloon already described, they proceeded down a long + gallery, which terminated in an arched flight of broad steps leading to + the river. A boat was fastened to the end of the stairs, floating on the + blue line of the Tigris, bright in the sun. + </p> + <p> + Honain now gave to Alroy a velvet bag, which he requested him to carry, + and then they descended the steps and entered the covered boat; and, + without any directions to the rower, they were soon skimming over the + water. By the sound of passing vessels, and the occasional shouts of the + boatmen, Alroy, although he could observe nothing, was conscious that for + some time their course lay through a principal thoroughfare of the city; + but by degrees the sounds became less frequent, and in time entirely died + away, and all that caught his ear was the regular and monotonous stroke of + their own oar. + </p> + <p> + At length, after the lapse of nearly an hour from their entrance, the boat + stopped, and was moored against a quay. The curtains were withdrawn, and + Honain and his companion debarked. + </p> + <p> + A low but extensive building, painted in white and gold arabesque, and + irregular but picturesque in form, with many small domes, and tall thin + towers, rose amid groves of cypress on the bank of the broad and silent + river. The rapid stream had carried them far from the city, which was + visible but distant. Around was no habitation, no human being. The + opposite bank was occupied by enclosed gardens. Not even a boat passed. + </p> + <p> + Honain, beckoning to Alroy to accompany him, but still silent, advanced to + a small portal, and knocked. It was instantly opened by a single Nubian, + who bowed reverently as the visitors passed him. They proceeded along a + low and gloomy passage, covered with arches of fretwork, until they + arrived at a door of tortoise-shell and mother-of-pearl.<a + href="#linknote-22" name="linknoteref-22" id="linknoteref-22">22</a> Here + Honain, who was in advance, turned round to Alroy, and said, ‘Whatever + happen, and whoever may address you, as you value your life and mine, do + not speak.’ + </p> + <p> + The door opened, and they found themselves in a vast and gorgeous hall. + Pillars of many-coloured marbles rose from a red and blue pavement of the + same material, and supported a vaulted, circular, and highly-embossed roof + of purple, scarlet, and gold.<a href="#linknote-23" name="linknoteref-23" + id="linknoteref-23">23</a> Around a fountain, which rose fifty feet in + height from an immense basin of lapis-lazuli, and reclining on small + yellow Barbary mats, was a group of Nubian eunuchs, dressed in rich habits + of scarlet and gold,<a href="#linknote-24" name="linknoteref-24" + id="linknoteref-24">24</a> and armed with ivory battle-axes, the white + handles worked in precious arabesque finely contrasting with the blue and + brilliant blades. + </p> + <p> + The commander of the eunuch-guard rose on seeing Honain, and pressing his + hand to his head, mouth, and heart, saluted him. The physician of the + Caliph, motioning Alroy to remain, advanced some paces in front of him, + and entered into a whispering conversation with the eunuch. After a few + minutes, this officer resumed his seat, and Honain, beckoning to Alroy to + rejoin him, crossed the hall. + </p> + <p> + Passing through an open arch, they entered a quadrangular court of roses,<a + href="#linknote-25" name="linknoteref-25" id="linknoteref-25">25</a> each + bed of flowers surrounded by a stream of sparkling water, and floating + like an enchanted islet upon a fairy ocean. The sound of the water and the + sweetness of the flowers blended together, and produced a lulling + sensation, which nothing but his strong and strange curiosity might have + enabled Alroy to resist. Proceeding along a cloister of light airy + workmanship which connected the hall with the remainder of the buildings, + they stood before a lofty and sumptuous portal. + </p> + <p> + It was a monolith gate, thirty feet in height, formed of one block of + green and red jasper, and cut into the fanciful undulating arch of the + Saracens. The consummate artist had seized the advantage afforded to him + by the ruddy veins of the precious stone, and had formed them in bold + relief into two vast and sinuous serpents, which shot forth their crested + heads and glittering eyes at Honain and his companion. + </p> + <p> + The physician of the Caliph, taking his dagger from his girdle, struck the + head of one of the serpents thrice. The massy portal opened with a whirl + and a roar, and before them stood an Abyssinian giant,<a + href="#linknote-26" name="linknoteref-26" id="linknoteref-26">26</a> + holding in his leash a roaring lion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush, Haroun!’ said Honain to the animal, raising at the same time his + arm; and the beast crouched in silence. ‘Worthy Morgargon, I bring you a + remembrance.’ The Abyssinian showed his tusks, larger and whiter than the + lion’s, as he grinningly received the tribute of the courtly Honain; and + he uttered a few uncouth sounds, but he could not speak, for he was a + mute. + </p> + <p> + The jasper portal introduced the companions to a long and lofty and arched + chamber, lighted by high windows of stained glass, hung with tapestry of + silk and silver, covered with prodigious carpets, and surrounded by + immense couches. And thus through similar chambers they proceeded, in some + of which were signs of recent habitation, until they arrived at another + quadrangle nearly filled by a most singular fountain which rose from a + basin of gold encrusted with pearls, and which was surrounded by figures + of every rare quadruped<a href="#linknote-27" name="linknoteref-27" + id="linknoteref-27">27</a> in the most costly materials. Here a golden + tiger, with flaming eyes of ruby and flowing stripes of opal, stole, after + some bloody banquet, to the refreshing brink; a camelopard raised its + slender neck of silver from the centre of a group of every inhabitant of + the forest; and brilliant bands of monkeys, glittering with precious + stones, rested, in every variety of fantastic posture, on the margin of + the basin. + </p> + <p> + The fountain itself was a tree of gold and silver<a href="#linknote-28" + name="linknoteref-28" id="linknoteref-28">28</a> spreading into + innumerable branches, covered with every variety of curious birds, their + plumage appropriately imitated by the corresponding tints of precious + stones, which warbled in beautiful melody as they poured forth from their + bills the musical and refreshing element. + </p> + <p> + It was with difficulty that Alroy could refrain from an admiring + exclamation, but Honain, ever quick, turned to him, with his finger + pressed on his mouth, and quitting the quadrangle, they entered the + gardens. + </p> + <p> + Lofty terraces, dark masses of cypress, winding walks of acacia, in the + distance an interminable paradise, and here and there a glittering + pavilion and bright kiosk! Its appearance on the river had not prepared + Alroy for the extent of the palace itself. It seemed infinite, and it was + evident that he had only viewed a small portion of it. While they were + moving on, there suddenly rose a sound of trumpets. The sound grew nearer + and nearer, louder and louder: soon was heard the tramp of an approaching + troop. Honain drew Alroy aside. A procession appeared advancing from a + dark grove of cypress. Four hundred men led as many white bloodhounds with + collars of gold and rubies.<a href="#linknote-29" name="linknoteref-29" + id="linknoteref-29">29</a> Then came one hundred men, each with a hooded + hawk; then six horsemen in rich dresses; after them a single horseman, + mounted on a steed, marked on its forehead with a star.<a + href="#linknote-30" name="linknoteref-30" id="linknoteref-30">30</a> The + rider was middle-aged, handsome, and dignified. He was plainly dressed, + but the staff of his hunting-spear was entirely of diamonds and the blade + of gold. + </p> + <p> + He was followed by a company of Nubian eunuchs, with their scarlet dresses + and ivory battle-axes, and the procession closed. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Caliph,’ whispered Honain, when they had passed, placing at the same + time his finger on his lip to prevent any inquiry. This was the first + intimation that had reached Alroy of what he had already suspected, that + he was a visitor to the palace of the Commander of the Faithful. + </p> + <p> + The companions turned down a wild and winding walk, which, after some + time, brought them to a small and gently sloping lawn, surrounded by + cedar-trees of great size. Upon the lawn was a kiosk, a long and + many-windowed building, covered with blinds, and further screened by an + overhanging roof. The kiosk was built of white and green marble, the + ascent to it was by a flight of steps the length of the building, + alternately of white and green marble, and nearly covered with rose-trees. + Honain went up these steps alone, and entered the kiosk. After a few + minutes he looked out from the blinds and beckoned to Alroy. David + advanced, but Honain, fearful of some indiscretion, met him, and said to + him in a low whisper between his teeth, ‘Remember you are deaf, a mute, + and a eunuch.’ Alroy could scarcely refrain from smiling, and the Prince + of the Captivity and the physician of the Caliph entered the kiosk + together. Two women, veiled, and two eunuchs of the guard, received them + in an antechamber. And then they passed into a room which ran nearly the + whole length of the kiosk, opening on one side to the gardens, and on the + other supported by an ivory wall, with niches painted in green fresco, and + in each niche a rose-tree. Each niche, also, was covered with an almost + invisible golden grate, which confined a nightingale, and made him + constant to the rose he loved. At the foot of each niche was a fountain, + but, instead of water, each basin was replenished with the purest + quicksilver.<a href="#linknote-31" name="linknoteref-31" + id="linknoteref-31">31</a> The roof of the kiosk was of mother-of-pearl + inlaid with tortoise-shell; the pavement, a mosaic of rare marbles and + precious stones, representing the most delicious fruits and the most + beautiful flowers. Over this pavement, a Georgian page flung at intervals + refreshing perfumes. At the end of this elegant chamber was a divan of + light green silk, embroidered with pearls, and covered with cushions of + white satin and gold. Upon one of these cushions, in the middle of the + divan, sat a lady, her eyes fixed in abstraction upon a volume of Persian + poetry lying on her knees, one hand playing with a rosary of pearls and + emeralds,<a href="#linknote-32" name="linknoteref-32" id="linknoteref-32">32</a> + and the other holding a long gold chain, which imprisoned a white gazelle. + </p> + <p> + The lady looked up as Honain and his companion entered. She was very + young, as youthful as Alroy. Her long light brown hair, drawn off a high + white forehead covered with blue veins, fell braided with pearls over each + shoulder. Her eyes were large and deeply blue; her nose small, but high + and aquiline. The fairness of her face was dazzling, and, when she looked + up and greeted Honain, her lustrous cheeks broke into dimples, the more + fascinating from their contrast with the general expression of her + countenance, which was haughty and derisive. The lady was dressed in a + robe of crimson silk girded round her waist by a green shawl, from which + peeped forth the diamond hilt of a small poniard.<a href="#linknote-33" + name="linknoteref-33" id="linknoteref-33">33</a> Her round white arms + looked infinitely small, as they occasionally flashed forth from their + large loose hanging sleeves. One was covered with jewels, and the right + arm was quite bare. + </p> + <p> + Honain advanced, and, bending, kissed the lady’s proffered hand. Alroy + fell into the background. + </p> + <p> + ‘They told me that the Rose of the World drooped this morning,’ said the + physician, bending again as he smiled, ‘and her slave hastened at her + command to tend her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was a south wind. The wind has changed, and the Rose of the World is + better,’ replied the lady laughing. + </p> + <p> + Honain touched her pulse. + </p> + <p> + ‘Irregular,’ said the physician. + </p> + <p> + ‘Like myself,’ said the lady. ‘Is that a new slave?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A recent purchase, and a great bargain. He is good-looking, has the + advantage of being deaf and dumb, and is harmless in every respect.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis a pity,’ replied the lady; ‘it seems that all good-looking people + are born to be useless. I, for instance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet rumour whispers the reverse,’ remarked the physician. + </p> + <p> + ‘How so?’ inquired the lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘The young King of Karasmé.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poh! I have made up my mind to detest him. A barbarian!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A hero!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you ever seen him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Handsome?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An archangel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And sumptuous?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he not a conqueror? All the plunder of the world will be yours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am tired of magnificence. I built this kiosk to forget it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not in the least degree splendid,’ said Honain, looking round with + a smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ answered the lady, with a self-satisfied air: ‘here, at least, one + can forget one has the misfortune to be a princess.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is certainly a great misfortune,’ said the physician. + </p> + <p> + ‘And yet it must be the only tolerable lot,’ replied the lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘Assuredly,’ replied Honain. + </p> + <p> + ‘For our unhappy sex, at least.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very unhappy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I were only a man!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What a hero you would be!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should like to live in endless confusion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not the least doubt of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you got me the books?’ eagerly inquired the Princess. + </p> + <p> + ‘My slave bears them,’ replied Honain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me see them directly.’ + </p> + <p> + Honain took the bag from Alroy, and unfolded its contents; the very + volumes of Greek romances which Ali, the merchant, had obtained for him. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am tired of poetry,’ said the Princess, glancing over the costly + volumes, and tossing them away; ‘I long to see the world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would soon be tired of that,’ replied the physician. + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose common people are never tired.’ said the Princess. + </p> + <p> + ‘Except with labour;’ said the physician; ‘care keeps them alive.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is care?’ asked the Princess, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a god,’ replied the physician, ‘invisible, but omnipotent. It + steals the bloom from the cheek and lightness from the pulse; it takes + away the appetite, and turns the hair grey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is no true divinity, then,’ replied the Princess, ‘but an idol we make + ourselves. I am a sincere Moslem, and will not worship it. Tell me some + news, Honain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The young King of Karasmé——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Again! the barbarian! You are in his pay. I’ll none of him. To leave one + prison, and to be shut up in another,—why do you remind me of it? + No, my dear Hakim, if I marry at all, I will marry to be free.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An impossibility,’ said Honain. + </p> + <p> + ‘My mother was free till she was a queen and a slave. I intend to end as + she began. You know what she was.’ + </p> + <p> + Honain knew well, but he was too politic not to affect ignorance. + </p> + <p> + ‘The daughter of a bandit,’ continued the Princess, ‘who fought by the + side of her father. That is existence! I must be a robber. ‘Tis in the + blood. I want my fate foretold, Honain. You are an astrologer; do it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have already cast your nativity. Your star is à comet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That augurs well; brilliant confusion and erratic splendour. I wish I + were a star,’ added the Princess in a deep rich voice, and with a pensive + air; ‘a star in the clear blue sky, beautiful and free. Honain, Honain, + the gazelle has broken her chain, and is eating my roses.’ + </p> + <p> + Alroy rushed forward and seized the graceful truant. Honain shot him an + anxious look; the Princess received the chain from the hand of Alroy, and + cast at him a scrutinising glance. + </p> + <p> + ‘What splendid eyes the poor beast has got!’ exclaimed the Princess. + </p> + <p> + ‘The gazelle?’ inquired the physician. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, your slave,’ replied the Princess. ‘Why, he blushes. Were he not deaf + as well as dumb, I could almost believe he understood me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is modest,’ replied Honain, rather alarmed; ‘and is frightened at the + liberty he has taken.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I like modesty,’ said the Princess; ‘it is interesting. I am modest; you + think so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly,’ said Honain. + </p> + <p> + ‘And interesting?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I detest an interesting person. After all, there is nothing like plain + dulness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing,’ said Honain. + </p> + <p> + ‘The day flows on so serenely in such society.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It does,’ said Honain. + </p> + <p> + ‘No confusion; no scenes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘None.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I make it a rule only to have ugly slaves.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are quite right.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Honain, will you ever contradict me? You know very well I have the + handsomest slaves in the world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Every one knows it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And, do you know, I have taken a great fancy to your new purchase, who, + according to your account, is eminently qualified for the post. Why, do + you not agree with me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, yes; I doubt not your Highness would find him eminently qualified, + and certainly few things would give me greater pleasure than offering him + for your acceptance; but I got into such disgrace by that late affair of + the Circassian, that——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! leave it to me,’ said the Princess. + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly,’ said the physician, turning the conversation; ‘and when the + young King of Karasmé arrives at Bagdad, you can offer him to his majesty + as a present.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Delightful! and the king is really handsome and young as well as brave; + but has he any taste?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have enough for both.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If he would but make war against the Greeks!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why so violent against the poor Greeks?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know they are Giaours. Besides, they might beat him, and then I + should have the pleasure of being taken prisoner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Delightful!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Charming! to see Constantinople, and marry the Emperor.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Marry the Emperor!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure. Of course he would fall in love with me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And then, and then, I might conquer Paris!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Paris!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have been at Paris?’<a href="#linknote-34" name="linknoteref-34" + id="linknoteref-34">34</a> + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The men are shut up there,’ said the Princess with a smile, ‘are they + not? and the women do what they like?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will always do what you like,’ said Honain, rising. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are going?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My visits must not be too long.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Farewell, dear Honain!’ said the Princess, with a melancholy air. ‘You + are the only person who has an idea in all Bagdad, and you leave me. A + miserable lot is mine, to feel everything, and be nothing. These books and + flowers, these sweet birds, and this fair gazelle: ah! poets may feign as + they please, but how cheerfully would I resign all these elegant + consolations of a captive life for one hour of freedom! I wrote some + verses on myself yesterday; take them, and get them blazoned for me by the + finest scribe in the city; letters of silver on a violet ground with a + fine flowing border; I leave the design to you. Adieu! Come hither, mute.’ + Alroy advanced to her beckon, and knelt. ‘There, take that rosary for thy + master’s sake, and those dark eyes of thine.’ + </p> + <p> + The companions withdrew, and reached their boat in silence. It was sunset. + The musical and sonorous voice of the Muezzin resounded from the + innumerable minarets of the splendid city. Honain threw back the curtains + of the barque. Bagdad rose before them in huge masses of sumptuous + dwellings, seated amid groves and gardens. An infinite population, + summoned by the invigorating twilight, poured forth in all directions. The + glowing river was covered with sparkling caiques, the glittering terraces + with showy groups. Splendour, and power, and luxury, and beauty were + arrayed before them in their most captivating forms, and the heart of + Alroy responded to their magnificence. ‘A glorious vision!’ said the + Prince of the Captivity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very different from Hamadan,’ said the physician of the Caliph. + </p> + <p> + ‘To-day I have seen wonders,’ said Alroy. + </p> + <p> + ‘The world is opening to you,’ said Honain. + </p> + <p> + Alroy did not reply; but after some minutes he said, in a hesitating + voice, ‘Who was that lady?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Princess Schirene,’ replied Honain, ‘the favourite daughter of the + Caliph. Her mother was a Georgian and a Giaour.’ + </p> + <p> + The moonlight fell upon the figure of Alroy lying on a couch; his face was + hidden by his arm. He was motionless, but did not sleep. + </p> + <p> + He rose and paced the chamber with agitated steps; sometimes he stopped, + and gazed on the pavement, fixed in abstraction. He advanced to the + window, and cooled his feverish brow in the midnight air. + </p> + <p> + An hour passed away, and the young Prince of the Captivity remained fixed + in the same position. Suddenly he turned to a tripod of porphyry, and, + seizing a rosary of jewels, pressed it to his lips. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Spirit of my dreams, she comes at last; the form for which I have + sighed and wept; the form which rose upon my radiant vision when I shut my + eyes against the jarring shadows of this gloomy world. + </p> + <p> + ‘Schirene! Schirene! here in this solitude I pour to thee the passion long + stored up: the passion of my life, no common life, a life full of deep + feeling and creative thought. O beautiful! O more than beautiful! for thou + to me art as a dream unbroken: why art thou not mine? why lose a moment in + our glorious lives, and balk our destiny of half its bliss? + </p> + <p> + ‘Fool, fool, hast thou forgotten? The rapture of a prisoner in his cell, + whose wild fancy for a moment belies his fetters! The daughter of the + Caliph and a Jew! + </p> + <p> + ‘Give me my fathers’ sceptre. + </p> + <p> + ‘A plague on talismans! Oh! I need no inspiration but her memory, no magic + but her name. By heavens! I will enter this glorious city a conqueror, or + die. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, what is Life? for meditation mingles ever with my passion: why, what + is Life? Throw accidents to the dogs, and tear off the painted mask of + false society! Here am I a hero; with a mind that can devise all things, + and a heart of superhuman daring, with youth, with vigour, with a glorious + lineage, with a form that has made full many a lovely maiden of our tribe + droop her fair head by Hamadan’s sweet fount, and I am—nothing! + </p> + <p> + ‘Out on Society! ‘twas not made for me. I’ll form my own, and be the deity + I sometimes feel. + </p> + <p> + ‘We make our fortunes, and we call them Fate. Thou saidst well, Honain. + Most subtle Sadducee! The saintly blood flowed in my fathers’ veins, and + they did nothing; but I have an arm formed to wield a sceptre, and I will + win one. + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot doubt my triumph. Triumph is a part of my existence. I am born + for glory, as a tree is born to bear its fruit, or to expand its flowers. + The deed is done. ‘Tis thought of, and ‘tis done. I will confront the + greatest of my diademed ancestors, and in his tomb. Mighty Solomon! he + wedded Pharaoh’s daughter. Hah! what a future dawns upon my hope. An omen, + a choice omen! + </p> + <p> + ‘Heaven and earth are mingling to form my fortunes. My mournful youth, + which I have so often cursed, I hail thee: thou wert a glorious + preparation; and when feeling no sympathy with the life around me, I + deemed myself a fool, I find that I was a most peculiar being. By heavens, + I am joyful; for the first time in my life I am joyful. I could laugh, and + fight, and drink. I am new-born; I am another being; I am mad! + </p> + <p> + ‘O Time, great Time! the world belies thy fame. It calls thee swift. + Methinks thou art wondrous slow. Fly on, great Time, and on thy coming + wings bear me my sceptre! + </p> + <p> + ‘All is to be. It is a lowering thought. My fancy, like a bright and + wearied bird, will sometimes flag and fall, and then I am lost. The young + King of Karasmé, a youthful hero! Would he had been Alschiroch! My heart + is sick even at the very name. Alas! my trials have not yet begun. + Jabaster warned me: good, sincere Jabaster! His talisman presses on my + frantic heart, and seems to warn me. I am in danger. Braggart to stand + here, filling the careless air with idle words, while all is + unaccomplished. I grow dull. The young King of Karasmé! Why, what am I + compared to this same prince? Nothing, but in my thoughts. In the full + bazaar, they would not deem me worthy even to hold his stirrup or his + slipper—— Oh! this contest, this constant, bitter, + never-ending contest between my fortune and my fancy! Why do I exist? or, + if existing, why am I not recognised as I would be? + </p> + <p> + ‘Sweet voice, that in Jabaster’s distant cave de-scendedst from thy holy + home above, and whispered consolation, breathe again! Again breathe thy + still summons to my lonely ear, and chase away the thoughts that hover + round me; thoughts dark and doubtful, like fell birds of prey hovering + around a hero in expectation of his fall, and gloating on their triumph + over the brave. There is something fatal in these crowded cities. Faith + flourishes in solitude.’ + </p> + <p> + He threw himself upon the couch, and, leaning down his head, seemed lost + in meditation. He started up, and, seizing his tablets, wrote upon them + these words: + </p> + <p> + ‘Honain, I have been the whole night like David in the wilderness of Ziph; + but, by the aid of the Lord, I have conquered. I fly from this dangerous + city upon his business, which I have too much neglected. Attempt not to + discover me, and accept my gratitude.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Learned Rabbi Zimri.</i> +</pre> + <p> + A SCORCHING sun, a blue and burning sky, on every side lofty ranges of + black and barren mountains, dark ravines, deep caverns, unfathomable + gorges! A solitary being moved in the distance. Faint and toiling, a + pilgrim slowly clambered up the steep and stony track. + </p> + <p> + The sultry hours moved on; the pilgrim at length gained the summit of the + mountain, a small and rugged table-land, strewn with huge masses of loose + and heated, rock. All around was desolation: no spring, no herbage; the + bird and the insect were alike mute. Still it was the summit: no loftier + peaks frowned in the distance; the pilgrim stopped, and breathed with more + facility, and a faint smile played over his languid and solemn + countenance. + </p> + <p> + He rested a few minutes; he took from his wallet some locusts and wild + honey, and a small skin of water. His meal was short as well as simple. An + ardent desire to reach his place of destination before nightfall urged him + to proceed. He soon passed over the table-land, and commenced the descent + of the mountain. A straggling olive-tree occasionally appeared, and then a + group, and soon the groups swelled into a grove. His way wound through the + grateful and unaccustomed shade. He emerged from the grove, and found that + he had proceeded down more than half the side of the mountain. It ended + precipitously in a dark and narrow ravine, formed on the other side by an + opposite mountain, the lofty steep of which was crested by a city gently + rising on a gradual slope. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be conceived more barren, wild, and terrible than the + surrounding scenery, unillumined by a single trace of culture. The city + stood like the last gladiator in an amphitheatre of desolation. + </p> + <p> + It was surrounded by a lofty turreted wall, of an architecture to which + the pilgrim was unaccustomed: gates with drawbridge and portcullis, square + towers, and loopholes for the archer. Sentinels, clothed in steel and + shining in the sunset, paced, at regular intervals, the cautious wall, and + on a lofty tower a standard waved, a snowy standard, with a red, red + cross! + </p> + <p> + The Prince of the Captivity at length beheld the lost capital of his + fathers.<a href="#linknote-35" name="linknoteref-35" id="linknoteref-35">35</a> + </p> + <p> + A few months back, and such a spectacle would have called forth all the + latent passion of Alroy; but time and suffering, and sharp experience, had + already somewhat curbed the fiery spirit of the Hebrew Prince. He gazed + upon Jerusalem, he beheld the City of David garrisoned by the puissant + warriors of Christendom, and threatened by the innumerable armies of the + Crescent. The two great divisions of the world seemed contending for a + prize, which he, a lonely wanderer, had crossed the desert to rescue. + </p> + <p> + If his faith restrained him from doubting the possibility of his + enterprise, he was at least deeply conscious that the world was a very + different existence from what he had fancied amid the gardens of Hamadan + and the rocks of Caucasus, and that if his purpose could be accomplished, + it could only be effected by one means. Calm, perhaps somewhat depressed, + but full of pious humiliation, and not deserted by holy hope, he descended + into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, and so, slaking his thirst at Siloah, and + mounting the opposite height, David Alroy entered Jerusalem by the gate of + Zion.<a href="#linknote-36" name="linknoteref-36" id="linknoteref-36">36</a> + </p> + <p> + He had been instructed that the quarter allotted to his people was near + this entrance. He inquired the direction of the sentinel, who did not + condescend to answer him. An old man, in shabby robes, who was passing, + beckoned to him. + </p> + <p> + ‘What want you, friend?’ inquired Alroy. + </p> + <p> + ‘You were asking for the quarter of our people. You must be à stranger, + indeed, in Jerusalem, to suppose that a Frank would speak to a Jew. You + were lucky to get neither kicked nor cursed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Kicked and cursed! Why, these dogs——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush! hush! for the love of God,’ said his new companion, much alarmed. + ‘Have you lent money to their captain that you speak thus? In Jerusalem + our people speak only in a whisper.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No matter: the cure is not by words. Where is our quarter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was the like ever seen! Why, he speaks as if he were a Frank. I save him + from having his head broken by a gauntlet, and——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My friend, I am tired. Our quarter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whom may you want?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Chief Rabbi.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You bear letters to him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is that to you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush! hush! You do not know what Jerusalem is, young man. You must not + think of going on in this way. Where do you come from?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bagdad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bagdad! Jerusalem is not Bagdad. A Turk is a brute, but a Christian is a + demon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But our quarter, our quarter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush! you want the Chief Rabbi?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! ay!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Rabbi Zimri?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It may be so. I neither know nor care.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Neither knows nor cares! This will never do; you must not go on in this + way at Jerusalem. You must not think of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fellow, I see thou art a miserable prattler. Show me our quarter, and I + will pay thee well, or be off.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be off! Art thou a Hebrew? to say “be off” to any one. You come from + Bagdad! I tell you what, go back to Bagdad. You will never do for + Jerusalem.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your grizzled beard protects you. Old fool, I am a pilgrim just arrived, + wearied beyond expression, and you keep me here listening to your flat + talk!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Flat talk! Why! what would you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lead me to the Rabbi Zimri, if that be his name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If that be his name! Why, every one knows Rabbi Zimri, the Chief Rabbi of + Jerusalem, the successor of Aaron. We have our temple yet, say what they + like. A very learned doctor is Rabbi Zimri.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wretched driveller. I am ashamed to lose my patience with such a dotard.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Driveller! dotard! Why, who are you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One you cannot comprehend. Without another word, lead me to your chief.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Chief! you have not far to go. I know no one of the nation who holds his + head higher than I do here, and they call me Zimri.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What, the Chief Rabbi, that very learned doctor?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No less; I thought you had heard of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let us forget the past, good Zimri. When great men play the incognito, + they must sometimes hear rough phrases. It is the Caliph’s lot as well as + yours. I am glad to make the acquaintance of so great a doctor. Though + young, and roughly habited, I have seen the world a little, and may offer + next Sabbath in the synagogue more dirhems than you would perhaps suppose. + Good and learned Zimri, I would be your guest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A very worshipful young man! And he speaks low and soft now! But it was + lucky I was at hand. Good, what’s your name?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘David.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A very honest name, good David. It was lucky I was at hand when you spoke + to the sentinel, though. A Jew speak to a Frank, and a sentinel too! Hah! + hah! hah! that is good. How Rabbi Maimon will laugh! Faith it was very + lucky, now, was not it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, most fortunate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well that is candid! Here! this way. ‘Tis not far. We number few, sir, of + our brethren here, but a better time will come, a better time will come.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think so. This is your door?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An humble one. Jerusalem is not Bagdad, but you are welcome.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘King Pirgandicus<a href="#linknote-37" name="linknoteref-37" + id="linknoteref-37">37</a> entered them,’ said Rabbi Maimon, ‘but no one + since.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And when did he live?’ inquired Alroy. ‘His reign is recorded in the + Talmud,’ answered Rabbi Zimri, ‘but in the Talmud there are no dates.’ ‘A + long while ago?’ asked Alroy. ‘Since the Captivity,’ answered Rabbi + Maimon. ‘I doubt that,’ said Rabbi Zimri, ‘or why should he be called + king?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was he of the house of David?’ said Alroy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Without doubt,’ said Rabbi Maimon; ‘he was one of our greatest kings, and + conquered Julius Caesar.‘<a href="#linknote-38" name="linknoteref-38" + id="linknoteref-38">38</a> + </p> + <p> + ‘His kingdom was in the northernmost parts of Africa,’ said Rabbi Zimri, + ‘and exists to this day, if we could but find it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, truly,’ added Rabbi Maimon, ‘the sceptre has never departed out of + Judah; and he rode always upon a white elephant.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Covered with cloth of gold,’ added Rabbi Zimri. ‘And he visited the Tombs + of the Kings?’<a href="#linknote-39" name="linknoteref-39" + id="linknoteref-39">39</a> inquired Alroy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Without doubt,’ said Rabbi Maimon. ‘The whole account is in the Talmud.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And no one can now find them?’ ‘No one,’ replied Rabbi Zimri: ‘but, + according to that learned doctor, Moses Hallevy, they are in a valley in + the mountains of Lebanon, which was sealed up by the Archangel Michael.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The illustrious Doctor Abarbanel, of Babylon,’ said Rabbi Maimon, ‘gives + one hundred and twenty reasons in his commentary on the Gemara to prove + that they sunk under the earth at the taking of the Temple.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No one reasons like Abarbanel of Babylon,’ said Rabbi Zimri. + </p> + <p> + ‘The great Rabbi Akiba, of Pundebita, has answered them all,’ said Rabbi + Maimon, ‘and holds that they were taken up to heaven.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And which is right?’ inquired Rabbi Zimri. + </p> + <p> + ‘Neither,’ said Rabbi Maimon. + </p> + <p> + ‘One hundred and twenty reasons are strong proof,’ said Rabbi Zimri. + </p> + <p> + ‘The most learned and illustrious Doctor Aaron Mendola, of Granada,’ said + Rabbi Maimon, ‘has shown that we must look for the Tombs of the Kings in + the south of Spain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All that Mendola writes is worth attention,’ said Rabbi Zimri. + </p> + <p> + ‘Rabbi Hillel,<a href="#linknote-40" name="linknoteref-40" + id="linknoteref-40">40</a> of Samaria, is worth two Mendolas any day,’ + said Rabbi Maimon. + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis a most learned doctor,’ said Rabbi Zimri; ‘and what thinks he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hillel proves that there are two Tombs of the Kings,’ said Rabbi Maimon, + ‘and that neither of them are the right ones.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What a learned doctor!’ exclaimed Rabbi Zimri. + </p> + <p> + ‘And very satisfactory,’ remarked Alroy. + </p> + <p> + ‘These are high subjects,’ continued Maimon, his blear eyes twinkling with + complacency. ‘Your guest, Rabbi Zimri, must read the treatise of the + learned Shimei, of Damascus, on “Effecting Impossibilities.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is a work!’ exclaimed Zimri. + </p> + <p> + ‘I never slept for three nights after reading that work,’ said Rabbi + Maimon. ‘It contains twelve thousand five hundred and thirty-seven + quotations from the Pentateuch, and not a single original observation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There were giants in those days,’ said Rabbi Zimri; ‘we are children + now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The first chapter makes equal sense, read backward or forward,’ continued + Rabbi Maimon. ‘Ichabod!’ exclaimed Rabbi Zimri. ‘And the initial letter of + every section is a cabalistical type of a king of Judah.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The temple will yet be built,’ said Rabbi Zimri. ‘Ay, ay! that is + learning!’ exclaimed Rabbi Maimon; ‘but what is the great treatise on + “Effecting Impossibilities” to that profound, admirable, and——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Holy Rabbi!’ said a youthful reader of the synagogue, who now entered, + ‘the hour is at hand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t say so! Learned Miamon, I must to the synagogue. I could sit + here all day listening to you. Come, David, the people await us.’ + </p> + <p> + Zimri and Alroy quitted the house, and proceeded along the narrow hilly + streets to the chief temple of the Hebrews. + </p> + <p> + ‘It grieves the venerable Maimon much that he cannot join us,’ said Rabbi + Zimri. ‘You have doubtless heard of him at Bagdad; a most learned doctor.’ + Alroy bowed in silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘He bears his years well. You would hardly believe that he was my master.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I perceive that you inherit much of his erudition.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are kind. If he have breathed one year, Rabbi Maimon will be a + hundred and ten next Passover.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I doubt it not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When he is gathered to his fathers, a great light will be extinguished in + Israel. You wanted to know something about the Tombs of the Kings; I told + you he was your man. How full he was! His mind, sir, is an egg.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A somewhat ancient one. I fear his guidance will hardly bring me the + enviable fortune of King Pirgandicus.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Between ourselves, good David, talking of King Pirgandicus, I cannot help + fancying that the learned Maimon made a slight mistake. I hold Pirgandicus + was only a prince. It was after the Captivity, and I know no authority for + any of our rulers since the destruction assuming a higher title. Clearly a + prince, eh? But, though I would whisper it to no one but you, I think our + worthy friend grows a little old. We should remember his years, sir. A + hundred and ten next Passover. ‘Tis a great burden.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! with his learning added, a very fearful burden indeed!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have been a week in Jerusalem, and have not yet visited our + synagogue. It is not of cedar and ivory, but it is still a temple. This + way. It is only a week that you have been here? Why, you look another man! + I shall never forget our first meeting: you did not know me. That was + good, eh? And when I told you I was the chief Rabbi Zimri, how you + changed! You have quite regained your appetite. Ah! ‘tis pleasant to mix + once more with our own people. To the left. So! we must descend a little. + We hold our meetings in an ancient cemetery. You have a finer temple, I + warrant me, in Bagdad. Jerusalem is not Bagdad. But this has its + conveniences. ‘Tis safe, and we are not very rich, nor wish to seem so.’ + </p> + <p> + A long passage brought them to a number of small, square, low chambers<a + href="#linknote-41" name="linknoteref-41" id="linknoteref-41">41</a> + leading into each other. They were lighted by brass lamps, placed at + intervals in vacant niches, that once held corpses, and which were now + soiled by the smoky flame. Between two and three hundred individuals were + assembled in these chambers, at first scarcely distinguishable by those + who descended from the broad daylight; but by degrees the eyesight became + accustomed to the dim and vaporous atmosphere, and Al-roy recognised in + the final and more illumined chamber a high cedar cabinet, the type of the + ark, and which held the sacred vessels and the sanctified copy of the law. + </p> + <p> + Standing in lines, with their heads mystically covered,<a + href="#linknote-42" name="linknoteref-42" id="linknoteref-42">42</a> the + forlorn remnant of Israel, captives in their ancient city, avowed, in + spite of all their sufferings, their fidelity to their God, and, + notwithstanding all the bitterness of hope delayed, their faith in the + fulfilment of his promises. Their simple service was completed, their + prayers were read, their responses made, their law exhibited, and their + charitable offerings announced by their high priest. After the service, + the venerable Zimri, opening a volume of the Talmud, and fortified by the + opinions of all those illustrious and learned doctors, the heroes of his + erudite conversations with the aged Maimon, expounded the law to the + congregation of the people.<a href="#linknote-43" name="linknoteref-43" + id="linknoteref-43">43</a> + </p> + <p> + ‘It is written,’ said the Rabbi, ‘“Thou shalt have none other God but me.” + Now know ye what our father Abraham said when Nimrod ordered him to + worship fire? “Why not water,” answered Abraham, “which can put out fire? + why not clouds, which can pour forth water? why not the winds, which can + produce clouds? why not God, which can create winds?”’ + </p> + <p> + A murmur of approbation sounded throughout the congregation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Eliezer,’ said Zimri, addressing himself to a young Rabbi, ‘it is + written, that he took a rib from Adam when he was asleep. Is God then a + robber?’ + </p> + <p> + The young Rabbi looked puzzled, and cast his eyes on the ground. The + congregation was perplexed and a little alarmed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is there no answer?’ said Zimri. + </p> + <p> + ‘Rabbi,’ said a stranger, a tall, swarthy African pilgrim, standing in a + corner, and enveloped in a red mantle, over which a lamp threw a + flickering light; ‘Rabbi, some robbers broke into my house last night, and + stole an earthen pipkin, but they left a golden vase in its stead.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is well said; it is well said,’ exclaimed the congregation. The + applause was loud. + </p> + <p> + ‘Learned Zimri,’ continued the African, ‘it is written in the Gemara, that + there was a youth in Jerusalem who fell in love with a beautiful damsel, + and she scorned him. And the youth was so stricken with his passion that + he could not speak; but when he beheld her, he looked at her imploringly, + and she laughed. And one day the youth, not knowing what to do with + himself, went out into the desert; and towards night he returned home, but + the gates of the city were shut. And he went down into the valley of + Jehoshaphat, and entered the tomb of Absalom and slept;<a + href="#linknote-44" name="linknoteref-44" id="linknoteref-44">44</a> and + he dreamed a dream; and next morning he came into the city smiling. And + the maiden met him, and she said, “Is that thou; art thou a laugher?” and + he answered, “Behold, yesterday being disconsolate, I went out of the city + into the desert, and I returned home, and the gates of the city were shut, + and I went down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and I entered the tomb of + Absalom, and I slept, and I dreamed a dream, and ever since then I have + laughed.” And the damsel said, “Tell me thy dream.” And he answered and + said, “I may not tell my dream only to my wife, for it regards her + honour.” And the maiden grew sad and curious, and said, “I am thy wife, + tell me thy dream.” And straightway they went and were married and ever + after they both laughed. Now, learned Zimri, what means this tale, an idle + jest for a master of the law, yet it is written by the greatest doctor of + the Captivity?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It passeth my comprehension,’ said the chief Rabbi. + </p> + <p> + Rabbi Eliezer was silent; the congregation groaned. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now hear the interpretation,’ said the African. ‘The youth is our people, + and the damsel is our lost Sion, and the tomb of Absalom proves that + salvation can only come from the house of David. Dost thou hear this, + young man?’ said the African, coming forward and laying his hand on Alroy. + ‘I speak to thee, because I have observed a deep attention in thy + conduct.’ + </p> + <p> + The Prince of the Captivity started, and shot a glance at the dark visage + before him, but the glance read nothing. The upper part of the countenance + of the African was half concealed by masses of dark matted hair, and the + lower by his uncouth robes. A flashing eye was its only characteristic, + which darted forth like lightning out of a black cloud. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is my attention the only reason that induces you to address me?’ inquired + Alroy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Whoever gave all his reasons?’ replied the African, with a laughing + sneer. + </p> + <p> + ‘I seek not to learn them. Suffice it, stranger, that how much soever you + may mean, as much I can understand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis well. Learned Zimri, is this thy pupil? I congratulate thee. I will + match him against the hopeful Eliezer.’ So saying, the lofty African + stalked out of the chamber. The assembly also broke up. Alroy would + willingly have immediately followed the African, and held some further and + more private conversation with him; but some minutes elapsed, owing to the + officious attentions of Zimri, before he could escape; and, when he did, + his search after the stranger was vain. He inquired among the + congregation, but none knew the African. He was no man’s guest and no + man’s debtor, and apparently had never before been seen. + </p> + <p> + The trumpet was sounding to close the gates, as Alroy passed the Zion + entrance. The temptation was irresistible. He rushed out, and ran for more + than one hundred yards without looking back, and when he did, he had the + satisfaction of ascertaining that he was fairly shut out for the night. + The sun had set, still the Mount of Olives was flushed with the reflection + of his dying beams, but Jehoshaphat at its feet was in deep shadow. + </p> + <p> + He wandered among the mountains for some time, beholding Jerusalem from a + hundred different points of view, and watching the single planets and + clustering constellations that gradually burst into beauty, or gathered + into light. At length, somewhat exhausted, he descended into the vale. The + scanty rill of Siloah<a href="#linknote-45" name="linknoteref-45" + id="linknoteref-45">45</a> looked like a thread of silver winding in the + moonlight. Some houseless wretches were slumbering under the arch of its + fountain. Several isolated tombs of considerable size<a href="#linknote-46" + name="linknoteref-46" id="linknoteref-46">46</a> rose at the base of + Olivet, and the largest of these Alroy entered. Proceeding through a + narrow passage, he entered a small square chamber. On each side was an + empty sarcophagus of granite, one with its lid broken. Between these the + Prince of the Captivity laid his robe, and, wearied by his ramble, soon + soundly slept. + </p> + <p> + After some hours he woke. He fancied that he had been wakened by the sound + of voices. The chamber was not quite dark. A straggling moonbeam fought + its way through an open fretwork pattern in the top of the tomb, and just + revealed the dim interior. Suddenly a voice spoke, a strange and singular + voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Brother, brother, the sounds of the night begin.’ + </p> + <p> + Another voice answered, + </p> + <p> + ‘Brother, brother, I hear them, too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The woman in labour!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The thief at his craft!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The sentinel’s challenge!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The murderer’s step!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! the merry sounds of the night!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Brother, brother, let us come forth and wander about the world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have seen all things. I’ll lie here and listen to the baying hound. + ‘Tis music for a tomb.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Choice and rare. You are idle. I like to sport in the starry air. Our + hours are few, they should be fair.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What shall we see, Heaven or Earth?’ ‘Hell for me, ‘tis more amusing.’ + ‘As for me, I am sick of Hades.’ ‘Let us visit Solomon!’ ‘In his unknown + metropolis?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That will be rare.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But where, oh! where?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Even a spirit cannot tell. But they say, but they say, I dare not whisper + what they say.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who told you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No one. I overheard an Afrite whispering to a female Ghoul he wanted to + seduce.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah! hah! hah! hah! choice pair, choice pair! We are more ethereal.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She was a beauty in her way. Her eyes were luminous, though somewhat + dank, and her cheek tinged with carnation caught from infant blood.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! gay; oh! gay; what said they?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He was a deserter without leave from Solomon’s body-guard. The trull + wriggled the secret out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell me, kind brother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll show, not tell.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I pr’ythee tell me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then, well. In Genthesma’s gloomy cave there is a river none has + reached, and you must sail, and you must sail—— Brother!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Methinks I smell something too earthly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The breath of man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Scent more fatal than the morning air! Away, away!’ + </p> + <p> + In the range of mountains that lead from Olivet to the river Jordan is the + great cavern of Genthesma, a mighty excavation formed by the combined and + immemorial work of Nature and of Art; for on the high basaltic columns are + cut strange characters and unearthly forms,<a href="#linknote-47" + name="linknoteref-47" id="linknoteref-47">47</a> and in many places the + natural ornaments have been completed by the hands of the + </p> + <p> + sculptor into symmetrical entablatures and fanciful capitals, the work, + they say, of captive Dives and conquered Afrites for the great king. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight; the cold full moon showered it brilliancy upon this + narrow valley, shut in on all sides by black and barren mountains. A + single being stood at the entrance of the cave. + </p> + <p> + It was Alroy. Desperate and determined, after listening to the spirits in + the tomb, he resolved to penetrate the mysteries of Genthesma. He took + from his girdle a flint and steel, with which he lighted a torch and then + he entered. + </p> + <p> + The cavern narrowed as he cautiously advanced, and soon he found himself + at the head of an evidently artificial gallery. A crowd of bats rushed + forward and extinguished his torch <a href="#linknote-48" + name="linknoteref-48" id="linknoteref-48">48</a> He leant down to relight + it and in so doing observed that he had trod upon an artificial pavement. + </p> + <p> + The gallery was of great extent, with a gradual declination <a + href="#linknote-49" name="linknoteref-49" id="linknoteref-49">49</a> Being + in a straight line with the mouth of the cavern, the moonlit scene was + long visible, but Alroy, on looking round, now perceived that the exterior + was shut out by the eminence that he had left behind him. The sides of the + gallery were covered with strange and sculptured forms. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of the Captivity proceeded along this gallery for nearly two + hours. A distant murmur of falling water, which might have been + distinguished nearly from the first, increased in sound as he advanced, + and now, from the loud roar and dash at hand, he felt that he was on the + brink of some cataract. It as very dark. His heart trembled. He felt his + footing ere he ventured to advance. The spray suddenly leaped forward and + extinguished his torch. + </p> + <p> + His eminent danger filled him with terror, and he receded some paces, but + in vain endeavoured to reillumine his torch, which was soaked with water. + </p> + <p> + His courage deserted him. Energy and exertion seemed hopeless. He was + about to deliver himself up to despair, when and expanding lustre + attracted his attention in the opposing gloom. + </p> + <p> + A small and bright red cloud seemed sailing towards him. It opened, + discharged from its bosom as silvery star, and dissolved again into + darkness. But the star remained, the silvery star, and threw a long line + of tremulous light upon the vast and raging rapid, which now, fleet and + foaming, revealed itself on all sides to the eye of Alroy. + </p> + <p> + The beautiful interposition in his favour re-animated the adventurous + pilgrim. A dark shadow in the foreground, breaking the line of light shed + by the star upon the waters, attracted his attention. He advanced, + regained his former footing, and more nearly examined it. It was a boat, + and in the boat, mute and immovable, sat one of those vast, singular, and + hidden forms which eh had observed sculptured on the walls of the gallery. + </p> + <p> + David Alry, committing his fortunes to the God of Israel, leapt into the + boat. + </p> + <p> + And at the same moment the Afrite, for it was one of those dread beings,<a + href="#linknote-50" name="linknoteref-50" id="linknoteref-50">50</a> + raised the oars, and the barque moved. The falling waters suddenly parted + in the long line of the star’s reflection, and the barque glided through + their high and severed masses. + </p> + <p> + In this wise they proceeded for a few minutes, until they entered a + beautiful and moonlit lake. In the distance was mountainous country. Alroy + examined his companion with a feeling of curiosity not + </p> + <p> + unmixed with terror. It was remarkable that Alroy could never succeed in + any way in attracting his notice. The Afrite seemed totally unconscious of + the presence of his passenger. At length the boat reached the opposite + shore of the lake, and the Prince of the Captivity debarked. + </p> + <p> + He debarked at the head of an avenue of colossal lions of red granite,<a + href="#linknote-51" name="linknoteref-51" id="linknoteref-51">51</a> + extending far as the eye could reach, and ascending the side of the + mountain, which was cut into a flight of magnificent steps. The easy + ascent was in consequence soon accomplished, and Alroy, proceeding along + the avenue of lions, soon gained the summit of the mountain. + </p> + <p> + To his infinite astonishment he beheld Jerusalem. That strongly-marked + locality could not be mistaken: at his feet were Jehoshaphat, Kedron, + Siloah; he stood upon Olivet; before him was Zion. But in all other + respects, how different was the landscape from the one that he had gazed + upon a few days back, for the first time! The surrounding hills sparkled + with vineyards, and glowed with summer palaces, and voluptuous pavilions, + and glorious gardens of pleasure. The city, extending all over Mount Sion, + was encompassed with a wall of white marble, with battlements of gold; a + gorgeous mass of gates and pillars, and gardened terraces; lofty piles of + rarest materials, cedar, and ivory, and precious stones; and costly + columns of the richest workmanship and the most fanciful orders, capitals + of the lotus and the palm, and flowing friezes of the olive and the vine. + </p> + <p> + And in the front a mighty Temple rose, with inspiration in its very form; + a Temple so vast, so sumptuous, that there needed no priest to tell us + that no human hand planned that sublime magnificence! + </p> + <p> + ‘God of my fathers!’ said Alroy, ‘I am a poor, weak thing, and my life has + been a life of dreams and visions, and I have sometimes thought my brain + lacked a sufficient master; where am I? Do I sleep or live? Am I a + slumberer or a ghost? This trial is too much.’ He sank down, and hid his + face in his hands: his over-exerted mind appeared to desert him: he wept. + </p> + <p> + Many minutes elapsed before Alroy grew composed. His wild bursts of + weeping sank into sobs, and the sobs died off into sighs. And at length, + calm from exhaustion, he again looked up, and lo! the glorious city was no + more! Before him was a moon-lit plain, over which the avenue of lions + still advanced, and appeared to terminate only in the mountainous + distance. + </p> + <p> + This limit the Prince of the Captivity at length reached, and stood before + a stupendous portal, cut out of the solid rock, four hundred feet in + height, and supported by clusters of colossal Caryatides.<a + href="#linknote-52" name="linknoteref-52" id="linknoteref-52">52</a> Upon + the portal were engraven some Hebrew characters, which upon examination + proved to be the same as those upon the talisman of Jabaster. And so, + taking from his bosom that all-precious and long-cherished deposit, David + Alroy, in obedience to his instructions, pressed the signet against the + gigantic portal. + </p> + <p> + The portal opened with a crash of thunder louder than an earthquake. Pale, + panting, and staggering, the Prince of the Captivity entered an + illimitable hall, illumined by pendulous balls of glowing metal. On each + side of the hall, sitting on golden thrones, was ranged a line of kings, + and, as the pilgrim entered, the monarchs rose, and took off their + diadems, and waved them thrice, and thrice repeated, in solemn chorus, + ‘All hail, Alroy! Hail to thee, brother king! Thy crown awaits thee!’ + </p> + <p> + The Prince of the Captivity stood trembling, with his eyes fixed upon the + ground, and leaning breathless against a column. And when at length he had + a little recovered himself, and dared again to look up, he found that the + monarchs were re-seated; and, from their still and vacant visages, + apparently unconscious of his presence. And this emboldened him, and so, + staring alternately at each side of the hall, but with a firm, perhaps + desperate step, Alroy advanced. + </p> + <p> + And he came to two thrones which were set apart from the others in the + middle of the hall. On one was seated a noble figure, far above the common + stature, with arms folded and downcast eyes. His feet rested upon a broken + sword and a shivered sceptre, which told that he was a monarch, in spite + of his discrowned head. + </p> + <p> + And on the opposite throne was a venerable personage, with a long flowing + beard, and dressed in white raiment. His countenance was beautiful, + although ancient. Age had stolen on without its imperfections, and time + had only invested it with a sweet dignity and solemn grace. The + countenance of the king was upraised with a seraphic gaze, and, as he thus + looked up on high, with eyes full of love, and thanksgiving, and praise, + his consecrated fingers seemed to touch the trembling wires of a golden + harp. + </p> + <p> + And further on, and far above the rest, upon a throne that stretched + across the hall, a most imperial presence straightway flashed upon the + startled vision of Alroy. Fifty steps of ivory, and each step guarded by + golden lions,<a href="#linknote-53" name="linknoteref-53" + id="linknoteref-53">53</a> led to a throne of jasper. A dazzling light + blazed forth from the glittering diadem and radiant countenance of him who + sat upon the throne, one beautiful as a woman, but with the majesty of a + god. And in one hand he held a seal, and in the other a sceptre. + </p> + <p> + And when Alroy had reached the foot of the throne, he stopped, and his + heart misgave him. And he prayed for some minutes in silent devotion, and, + without daring to look up, he mounted the first step of the throne, and + the second, and the third, and so on, with slow and faltering feet, until + he reached the forty-ninth step. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of the Captivity raised his eyes. He stood before the monarch + face to face. In vain Alroy attempted to attract his attention, or to fix + his gaze. The large dark eyes, full of supernatural lustre, appeared + capable of piercing all things, and illuminating all things, but they + flashed on without shedding a ray upon Alroy. + </p> + <p> + Pale as a spectre, the pilgrim, whose pilgrimage seemed now on the point + of completion, stood cold and trembling before the object of all his + desires and all his labours. But he thought of his country, his people, + and his God; and, while his noiseless lips breathed the name of Jehovah, + solemnly he put forth his arm, and with a gentle firmness grasped the + unresisting sceptre of his great ancestor. + </p> + <p> + And, as he seized it, the whole scene vanished from his sight! + </p> + <p> + Hours or years might have passed away, so far as the sufferer was + concerned, when Alroy again returned to self-consciousness. His eyes + slowly opened, he cast around a vacant stare, he was lying in the cavern + of Genthesma. The moon had set, but the morn had not broken. A single star + glittered over the brow of the black mountains. He faintly moved his + limbs; he would have raised his hand to his bewildered brain, but found + that it grasped a sceptre. The memory of the past returned to him. He + tried to rise, and found that he was reposing in the arms of a human + being. He turned his head; he met the anxious gaze of Jabaster! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Conquest of the Seljuks</i> +</pre> + <p> + YOUR face is troubled, uncle.’ ‘So is my mind.’ ‘All may go well.’ + ‘Miriam, we have seen the best. Prepare yourself for sorrow, gentle girl. + I care not for myself, for I am old, and age makes heroes of us all. I + have endured, and can endure more. As we approach our limit, it would + appear that our minds grow callous. I have seen my wealth, raised with the + labours of a thoughtful life, vanish in a morn: my people, a fragile + remnant, nevertheless a people, dispersed, or what is worse. I have wept + for them, although no tear of selfish grief has tinged this withered + cheek. And, were I but alone, ay! there’s the pang. The solace of my days + is now my sorrow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Weep not for me, dear uncle. Rather let us pray that our God will not + forsake us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We know not when we are well. Our hours stole tranquilly along, and then + we murmured. Prospering, we murmured, and now we are rightly stricken. The + legend of the past is Israel’s bane. The past is a dream; and, in the + waking present, we should discard the enervating shadow. Why should we be + free? We murmured against captivity. This <i>is</i> captivity: this damp, + dim cell, where we are brought to die. + </p> + <p> + ‘O! youth, rash youth, thy being is destruction. But yesterday a child, it + seems but yesterday I nursed him in these arms, a thoughtless child, and + now our house has fallen by his deeds. I will not think of it; ‘twill make + me mad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Uncle, dearest uncle, we have lived together, and we will die together, + and both in love; but, I pray you, speak no harsh word of David.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I praise him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Say nothing. What he has done, if done in grief, has been done all in + honour. Would you that he had spared Alschiroch?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never! I would have struck him myself. Brave boy, he did his duty; and I, + I, Miriam, thy uncle, at whom they wink behind his back and call him + niggard, was I wanting in that hour of trial? Was my treasure spared to + save my people? Did I shrink from all the toil and trouble of that time? A + trying time, my Miriam, but compared with this, the building of the Temple——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You were then what you have ever been, the best and wisest. And since our + fathers’ God did not forsake us, even in that wilderness of wildest woe, I + offer gratitude in present faith, and pay him for past mercies by my + prayers for more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well, life must end. The hour approaches when we must meet our + rulers and mock trial; precious justice that begins in threats and ends in + torture. You are silent, Miriam.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am speaking to my God.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is that noise? A figure moves behind the dusky grate. Our gaoler. + No, no, it is Caleb! Faithful child, I fear you have perilled much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I enter with authority, my lord, and bear good tidings.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He smiles! Is’t possible? Speak on, speak on!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alroy has captured the harem of our Governor, as they journeyed from + Bagdad to this city, guarded by his choicest troops. And he has sent to + offer that they shall be exchanged for you and for your household. And + Hassan has answered that his women shall owe their freedom to nothing but + his sword. But, in the meantime, it is agreed between him and the + messenger of your nephew, that both companies of prisoners shall be + treated with all becoming courtesy. You, therefore, are remanded to your + palace, and the trumpet is now sounding before the great mosque to summon + all the host against Alroy, whom Hassan has vowed to bring to Hamadan dead + or alive.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The harem of the Governor, guarded too by his choicest troops! ‘Tis a + great deed. He did remember us. Faithful boy! The harem of the Governor! + his choicest troops! ‘Tis a very great deed. Me-thinks the Lord is with + him. He has his great father’s heart. Only think of David, a child! I + nursed him, often. Caleb! Can this be David, our David, a child, a girl? + Yet he struck Alschiroch! Miriam! where is she? Worthy Caleb, look to your + mistress; she has fallen. Quite gone! Fetch water. ‘Tis not very pure, but + we shall be in our palace soon. The harem of the Governor! I can’t believe + it. Sprinkle, sprinkle. David take them prisoners! Why, when they pass, we + are obliged to turn our heads, and dare not look. More water: I’ll rub her + hand. ‘Tis warmer! Her eyes open! Miriam, choice news, my child! The harem + of the Governor! I’ll not believe it! + </p> + <p> + ‘Once more within our walls, Caleb. Life is a miracle. I feel young again. + This is home; and yet I am a prisoner. You said the host were assembling; + he can have no chance. Think you, Caleb, he has any chance? I hope he will + die. I would not have him taken. I fear their tortures. We will die too; + we will all die. Now I am out of that dungeon, me-thinks I could even + fight. Is it true that he has joined with robbers?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I saw the messenger, and learnt that he first repaired to some bandits in + the ruins in the desert. He had become acquainted with them in his + pilgrimage. They say their leader is one of our people.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad of that. He can eat with him. I would not have him eat unclean + things with the Ishmaelites.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord, sir! our people gather to him from all quarters. ‘Tis said that + Jabaster, the great Cabalist, has joined him from the mountains with ten + thousand men.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The great Jabaster! then there is some chance. I know Jabaster well. He + is too wise to join a desperate cause. Art sure about Jabaster? ‘Tis a + great name, a very potent spirit. I have heard such things of that + Jabaster, sir, would make you stare like Saul before the spirit! Only + think of our David, Caleb, making all this noise! I am full of hope. I + feel not like a prisoner. He beat the harem guard, and, now he has got + Jabaster, he will beat them all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The messenger told me he captured the harem, only to free his uncle and + his sister.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He ever loved me; I have done my duty to him; I think I have. Jabaster! + why, man, the name is a spell I There are men at Bagdad who will get up in + the night to join Jabaster. I hope David will follow his counsels in all + things. I would I had seen his servant, I could have sent him a message.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord, sir! the Prince Alroy has no great need of counsellors, I can tell + you. ‘Tis said he bears the sceptre of great Solomon, which he himself + obtained in the unknown tombs of Palestine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The sceptre of Solomon! could I but believe it! ‘Tis an age of wonders! + Where are we? Call for Miriam, I’ll tell her this. Only think of David, a + mere child, our David with the sceptre of Solomon! and Jabaster too! I + have great faith. The Lord confound his enemies!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gentle Rachel, I fear I trouble you; sweet Beruna, I thank you for your + zeal. I am better now; the shock was great. These are strange tidings, + maidens.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, dear lady! who would have thought of your brother turning out a + Captain?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure I always thought he was the quietest person in the world,’ said + Beruna, ‘though he did kill Alschiroch.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One could never get a word out of him,’ said Rachel. + </p> + <p> + ‘He was always moping alone,’ said Beruna. + </p> + <p> + ‘And when one spoke to him he always turned away,’ said Leah. + </p> + <p> + ‘Or blushed,’ added Imra. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, for my part,’ said the beautiful Bathsheba, ‘I always thought + Prince David was a genius. He had such beautiful eyes!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope he will conquer Hassan,’ said Rachel. + </p> + <p> + ‘So do I,’ said Beruna. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder what he has done with the harem,’ said Leah. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think he will dare to speak to them,’ said Imra. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are very much mistaken,’ said Bathsheba. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hark!’ said Miriam. + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis Hassan,’ said Bathsheba; ‘may he never return!’ + </p> + <p> + The wild drum of the Seljuks sounded, then a flourish of their fierce + trumpets, and soon the tramp of horse. Behind the blinds of their chamber, + Miriam and her maidens beheld the magnificent troop of tur-baned horsemen, + who, glittering with splendid armour and bright shawls, and proudly + bounding on their fiery steeds, now went forth to crush and conquer the + only hope of Israel. Upon an Arab, darker than night, rode the superb + Hassan, and, as he passed the dwelling of his late prisoners, whether from + the exulting anticipation of coming triumph, or from a soft suspicion + that, behind that lattice, bright eyes and brilliant faces were gazing on + his state, the haughty but handsome Seljuk flourished his scimitar over + his head, as he threw his managed steed into attitudes that displayed the + skill of its rider. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is handsomer than Alschiroch,’ said Rachel. + </p> + <p> + ‘What a shawl!’ said Beruna. + </p> + <p> + ‘His scimitar was like lightning,’ said Leah. + </p> + <p> + ‘And his steed like thunder,’ said Imra. + </p> + <p> + ‘The evil eye fall on him!’ said Bathsheba. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord,’ exclaimed Miriam, ‘remember David and all his afflictions!’ + </p> + <p> + The deserted city of the wilderness presented a very different appearance + from that which met the astonished gaze of Alroy, when he first beheld its + noble turrets, and wandered in its silent streets of palaces. + </p> + <p> + Without the gates was pitched a numerous camp of those low black tents + common among the Kourds and Turkmans; the principal street was full of + busy groups engaged in all the preparations of warfare, and all the + bustling expedients of an irregular and adventurous life; steeds were + stalled in ruined chambers, and tall camels raised their still visages + among the clustering columns, or crouched in kneeling tranquillity amid + fallen statues and prostrate obelisks. + </p> + <p> + Two months had scarcely elapsed since Alroy and Jabaster had sought + Scherirah in his haunt, and announced to him their sacred mission. The + callous heart of him, whose ‘mother was a Jewess,’ had yielded to their + inspired annunciations. He embraced their cause with all the fervour of + conversion, and his motley band were not long sceptical of a creed which, + while it assuredly offered danger and adventure, held out the prospects of + wealth and even empire. From the city of the wilderness the new Messiah + sent forth his messengers to the neighbouring cities, to announce his + advent to his brethren in captivity. The Hebrews, a proud and stiff-necked + race, ever prone to rebellion, received the announcement of their + favourite prince with transport. The descendant of David, and the slayer + of Alschiroch, had double claims upon their confidence and allegiance, and + the flower of the Hebrew youth in the neighbouring cities of the Caliphate + repaired in crowds to pay their homage to the recovered sceptre of + Solomon. + </p> + <p> + The affair was at first treated by the government with contempt, and the + sultan of the Seljuks contented himself with setting a price upon the head + of the murderer of his brother; but, when several cities had been placed + under contribution, and more than one Moslem caravan stopped, and + plundered in the name of the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, + orders were despatched from Bagdad to the new governor of Hamadan, Hassan + Subah, to suppress the robbers, or the rebels, and to send David Alroy + dead or alive to the capital. + </p> + <p> + The Hebrew malcontents were well apprised by their less adventurous but + still sympathising brethren of everything that took place at the + head-quarters of the enemy. Spies arrived on the same day at the city of + the wilderness, who informed Alroy that his uncle was thrown into a + dungeon at Hamadan, and that a body of chosen troops were about to escort + a royal harem from Bagdad into Persia. + </p> + <p> + Alroy attacked the escort in person, utterly discomfited them, and + captured their charge. It proved to be the harem of the Governor of + Hamadan, and if for a moment the too sanguine fancy of the captor + experienced a passing pang of disappointment, the prize at least obtained, + as we have seen, the freedom and security of his dear though distant + friends. This exploit precipitated the expedition which was preparing at + Hamadan for his destruction. The enraged Hassan Subah started from his + divan, seized his scimitar, and without waiting for the auxiliaries he had + summoned from the neighbouring chieftains, called to horse, and at the + head of two thousand of the splendid Seljuk cavalry, hurried to vindicate + his love and satiate his revenge. + </p> + <p> + Within the amphitheatre which he first entered as a prisoner, Alroy sat in + council. On his right was Jabaster, Scherirah on his left. A youth, little + his senior, but tall as a palm-tree, and strong as a young lion, was the + fourth captain. In the distance, some standing, some reclining, were about + fifty men completely armed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are the people numbered, Abner?’ inquired Alroy of the youth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Even so; three hundred effective horsemen, and two thousand footmen; but + the footmen lack arms.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Lord will send them in good time,’ said Jabaster; ‘meanwhile let them + continue to make javelins.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Trust in the Lord,’ murmured Scherirah, bending his head, with his eyes + fixed on the ground. + </p> + <p> + A loud shout was heard throughout the city. Alroy started from his carpet. + The messenger had returned. Pale and haggard, covered with sweat and sand, + the faithful envoy was borne into the amphitheatre almost upon the + shoulders of the people. In vain the guard endeavoured to stem the passage + of the multitude. They clambered up the tiers of arches, they filled the + void and crumbling seats of the antique circus, they supported themselves + upon each other’s shoulders, they clung to the capitals of the lofty + columns. The whole multitude had assembled to hear the intelligence; the + scene recalled the ancient purpose of the building, and Alroy and his + fellow-warriors seemed like the gladiators of some old spectacle. + </p> + <p> + ‘Speak,’ said Alroy, ‘speak the worst. No news can be bitter to those whom + the Lord will avenge.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ruler of Israel! thus saith Hassan Subah,’ answered the messenger: ‘My + harem shall owe their freedom to nothing but my sword. I treat not with + rebels, but I war not with age or woman; and between Bostenay and his + household on one side, and the prisoners of thy master on the other, let + there be peace. Go, tell Alroy, I will seal it in his best blood. And lo! + thy uncle and thy sister are again in their palace.’ + </p> + <p> + Alroy placed his hand for a moment to his eyes, and then instantly + resuming his self-possession, he enquired as to the movements of the + enemy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have crossed the desert on a swift dromedary<a href="#linknote-54" + name="linknoteref-54" id="linknoteref-54">54</a> lent to me by Shelomi of + the Gate, whose heart is with our cause. I have not tarried, neither have + I slept. Ere to-morrow’s sunset the Philistines will be here, led by + Hassan Subah himself. The Lord of Hosts be with us! Since we conquered + Canaan, Israel hath not struggled with such a power!’ + </p> + <p> + A murmur ran through the assembly. Men exchanged enquiring glances, and + involuntarily pressed each other’s arms. + </p> + <p> + ‘The trial has come,’ said a middle-aged Hebrew, who had fought twenty + years ago with Jabaster. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me die for the Ark!’ said a young enthusiast of the band of Abner. + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought we should get into a scrape,’ whispered Kisloch the Kourd to + Calidas the Indian. ‘What could have ever induced us to give up robbing in + a quiet manner?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And turn Jews!’ said the Guebre, with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Look at Scherirah,’ said the Negro, grinning. ‘If he is not kissing the + sceptre of Solomon!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish to heaven he had only hung Alroy the first time he met him,’ said + Calidas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sons of the Covenant!’ exclaimed Alroy, ‘the Lord hath delivered them + into our hands. To-morrow eve we march to Hamadan!’ + </p> + <p> + A cheer followed this exclamation. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is written,’ said Jabaster, opening a volume, ‘“Lo! I will defend this + city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“And it came to pass that night that the angel of the Lord went out, and + smote in the camp of the Assyrians, an hundred four score and five + thousand; and when they arose early in the morning, behold! they were all + dead corpses.” + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, as I was gazing upon the stars this morn, and reading the celestial + alphabet known to the true Cabalist,<a href="#linknote-55" + name="linknoteref-55" id="linknoteref-55">55</a> behold! the star of the + house of David and seven other stars moved, and met together, and formed + into a circle. And the word they formed was a mystery to me; but lo! I + have opened the book, and each star is the initial letter of each line of + the Targum that I have now read to you. Therefore the fate of Sennacherib + is the fate of Hassan Subah!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>“Trust in him at all times, ye people; pour out your heart before + him.” god is a refuge for us. Selah!</i>’ + </p> + <p> + At this moment a female form appeared on the very top of the amphitheatre, + upon the slight remains of the upper most tier of which a solitary arch + alone was left. The chorus instantly died away, every tongue was silent, + every eye fixed. Hushed, mute, and immovable, even Kisloch and his + companions were appalled as they gazed upon Esther the Prophetess. + </p> + <p> + Her eminent position, her imposing action, the flashing of her immense + eyes, her beautiful but awful countenance, her black hair, that hung + almost to her knees, and the white light of the moon, just rising over the + opposite side of the amphitheatre, and which threw a silvery flash upon + her form, and seemed to invest her with some miraculous emanation, while + all beneath her was in deep gloom,-these circumstances combined to render + her an object of universal interest and attention, while in a powerful but + high voice she thus addressed them: + </p> + <p> + ‘They come, they come! But will they go? Lo! hear ye this, O house of + Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of + the waters of Judah! I hear their drum in the desert, and the voice of + their trumpets is like the wind of eve, but a decree hath gone forth, and + it says, that a mortal shall be more precious than fine gold, yea, a man + than the rich ore of Ophir. + </p> + <p> + ‘They come, they come! But will they go? I see the flash of their + scimitars, I mark the prancing of their cruel steeds; but a decree hath + gone forth, and it says, a gleaning shall be left among them, as in the + shaking of the olive-tree; two or three berries on the top of the + uppermost bough; four or five on the straggling branches. + </p> + <p> + ‘They come, they come! But will they go? Lo! a decree hath gone forth, and + it says, Hamadan shall be to thee for a spoil, and desolation shall fall + upon Babylon. And there shall the wild beasts of the desert lodge, and + howling monsters shall fill their houses, and there shall the daughters of + the ostrich dwell, and there shall the screech-owl pitch her tent, and + there shall the night-raven lay her eggs, and there shall the satyrs hold + their revels. And wolves shall howl to one another in their palaces, and + dragons in their voluptuous pavilions. Her time is near at hand; her days + shall not be prolonged; the reed and the lotus shall wither in her rivers; + and the meadows by her canals shall be as the sands of the desert. For, is + it a light thing that the Lord should send his servant to raise up the + tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel? Sing, O heavens, + and be joyful, O earth, and break forth into singing, O mountains, for the + Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted!’ + </p> + <p> + She ceased; she descended the precipitous side of the amphitheatre with + rapid steps, vaulting from tier to tier, and bounding with wonderful + agility from one mass of ruin to another. At length she reached the level; + and then, foaming and panting, she rushed to Alroy, threw herself upon the + ground, embraced his feet, and wiped off the dust from his sandals with + her hair. + </p> + <p> + The assembly broke into long and loud acclamations of supernatural + confidence and sanguine enthusiasm. They beheld their Messiah wave his + miraculous sceptre. They thought of Hassan Subah and his Seljuks only as + of victims, and of to-morrow only as of a day which was to commence a new + era of triumph, freedom, and empire! + </p> + <p> + Hassan Subah after five days’ forced marches pitched his sumptuous + pavilion in that beautiful Oasis, which had afforded such delightful + refreshment to Alroy when a solitary pilgrim. Around for nearly a mile, + were the tents of his warriors, and of the numerous caravan that had + accompanied him, laden with water and provisions for his troops. Here, + while he reposed, he also sought information as to the position of his + enemy. + </p> + <p> + A party of observation, which he had immediately despatched, returned + almost instantly with a small caravan that had been recently plundered by + the robbers. The merchant, a venerable and pious Moslem, was ushered into + the presence of the Governor of Hamadan. + </p> + <p> + ‘From the robbers’ haunt?’ enquired Hassan. + </p> + <p> + ‘Unfortunately so,’ answered the merchant. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it far?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A day’s journey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you quitted it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yesterday morn.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is their force?’ + </p> + <p> + The merchant hesitated. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do they not make prisoners?’ enquired the Governor, casting a + scrutinising glance at his companion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Holy Prophet! what a miserable wretch am I!’ exclaimed the venerable + merchant, bursting into tears. ‘A faithful subject of the Caliph, I am + obliged to serve rebels, a devout Moslem, I am forced to aid Jews! Order + me to be hanged at once, my lord,’ continued the unfortunate merchant, + wringing his hands. ‘Order me to be hanged at once. I have lived long + enough.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is all this?’ enquired Hassan; ‘speak, friend, without fear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a faithful subject of the Caliph,’ answered the merchant; ‘I am a + devout Moslem, but I have lost ten thousand dirhems.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry for you, sir; I also have lost something, but my losses are + nothing to you, nor yours to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Accursed be the hour when these dogs tempted me! Tell me, is it sin to + break faith with a Jew?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On the contrary, I could find you many reverend Mollahs, who will tell + you that such a breach is the highest virtue. Come! come, I see how it is: + you have received your freedom on condition of not betraying your merciful + plunderers. Promises exacted by terror are the bugbears of fools. Speak, + man, all you know. Where are they? What is their force? Are we supposed to + be at hand?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a faithful subject of the Caliph, and I am bound to serve him,’ + replied the merchant; ‘I am a devout Moslem, and ‘tis my duty to destroy + all Giaours, but I am also a man, and I must look after my own interest. + Noble Governor, the long and the short is, these scoundrels have robbed me + of ten thousand dirhems, as my slaves will tell you: at least, goods to + that amount. No one can prove that they be worth less. It is true that I + include in that calculation the fifty per cent. I was to make on my shawls + at Hamadan, but still to me it is as good as ten thousand dirhems. Ask my + slaves if such an assortment of shawls was ever yet beheld.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To the point, to the point. The robbers?’ ‘I am at the point. The shawls + is the point. For when I talked of the shawls and the heaviness of my + loss, you must know that the captain of the robbers—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alroy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A fierce young gentleman, I do not know how they call him: said the + captain to me, “Merchant, you look gloomy.” “Gloomy,” I said, “you would + look gloomy if you were a prisoner, and had lost ten thousand dirhems.” + “What, is this trash worth ten thousand dirhems?” said he. “With the fifty + per cent. I was to make at Hamadan.” “Fifty per cent.,” said he; “you are + an old knave.” “Knave! I should like to hear any one call me knave at + Bagdad.” “Well, knave or not, you may get out of this scrape.” “How?” “Why + you are a respectable-looking man,” said he, “and are a good Moslem into + the bargain, I warrant.” “That I am,” said I, “although you be a Jew: but + how the faith is to serve me here I am sure I don’t know, unless the angel + Gabriel, as in the fifty-fifth verse of the twenty-seventh chapter of the + Koran——“’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tush, tush!’ exclaimed Hassan; ‘to the point.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I always am at the point, only you put me out. However, to make it as + short as possible, the captain knows all about your coming, and is + frightened out of his wits, although he did talk big; I could easily see + that. And he let me go, you see, with some of my slaves, and gave me an + order for five thousand dirhems on one Bostenay, of Hamadan (perhaps you + know him; is he a good man?), on condition that I would fall in with you, + and, Mohammed forgive me, tell you a lie!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A lie!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, a lie; but these Jewish dogs do not understand what a truly + religious man is, and when I began to tell the lie, I was soon put out. + Now, noble Hassan, if a promise to a Jew be not binding on a true + believer, and you will see me straight with the five thousand dirhems, I + will betray everything at once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be easy about the five thousand dirhems, good man, and tell me all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will see me paid?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My honour upon it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis well! Know then, the infamous dogs are very weak, and terrified at + the news of your progress: one, whom I think they call Jabaster, has + departed with the great majority of the people into the interior of the + desert, about seven hundred strong. I heard so; but mind, I do not know + it. The young man, whom you call Alroy, being wounded in a recent + conflict, could not depart with them, but remains among the ruins with + some female prisoners, some treasure, and about a hundred companions + hidden in sepulchres. He gave me my freedom on condition that I should + fall in with you, and assure you that the dogs, full five thousand strong, + had given you the go-by in the night, and marched towards Hamadan. They + wanted me to frighten you; it was a lie, and I could not tell it. And now + you know the plain truth; and if it be a sin to break faith with an + infidel, you are responsible for it, as well as for the five thousand + dirhems, which, by-the-bye, ought to have been ten.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where is your order?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis here,’ said the merchant, drawing it from his vest, ‘a very + business-like document, drawn upon one Bostenay, whom they described as + very rich, and who is here enjoined to pay me five thousand dirhems, if, + in consequence of my information, Hassan Subah, that is yourself, return + forthwith to Hamadan without attacking them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Old Bostenay’s head shall answer for this.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad of it. But were I you, I would make him pay me first.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Merchant,’ said Hassan, ‘have you any objection to pay another visit to + your friend Alroy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Allah forbid!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In my company?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That makes a difference.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be our guide. The dirhems shall be doubled.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That will make up for the fifty per cent. I hardly like it; but in your + company that makes a difference. Lose no time. If you push on, Alroy must + be captured. Now or never! The Jewish dogs, to rifle a true believer!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oglu,’ said Hassan to one of his officers. ‘To horse! You need not strike + the tents. Can we reach the city by sunset, merchant?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An hour before, if you be off at once.’ ‘Sound the drums. To horse! to + horse!’ The Seljuks halted before the walls of the deserted city. Their + commander ordered a detachment to enter and reconnoitre. They returned and + reported its apparent desolation. Hassan Subah, then directing that a + guard should surround the walls to prevent any of the enemy from escaping, + passed with his warriors through the vast portal into the silent street. + The still magnificence of the strange and splendid scene influenced the + temper even of this ferocious cavalry. They gazed around them with awe and + admiration. The fierceness of their visages was softened, the ardour of + their impulse stilled. A supernatural feeling of repose stole over their + senses. No one brandished his scimitar, the fiery courser seemed as + subdued as his lord, and no sound was heard but the melancholy, mechanical + tramp of the disciplined march, unrelieved by martial music, inviolate by + oath or jest, and unbroken even by the ostentatious caracoling of any + showy steed. + </p> + <p> + It was sunset; the star of eve glittered over the white Ionian fane that + rose serene and delicate in the flashing and purple sky. + </p> + <p> + ‘This way, my lord!’ said the merchant guide, turning round to Hassan + Subah, who, surrounded by his officers, led the van. The whole of the + great way of the city was filled with the Seljukian warriors. Their ebon + steeds, their snowy turbans, adorned with plumes of the black eagle and + the red heron, their dazzling shawls, the blaze of their armour in the + sunset, and the long undulating perspective of beautiful forms and + brilliant colours, this regiment of heroes in a street of palaces. War had + seldom afforded a more imposing or more picturesque spectacle. + </p> + <p> + ‘This way, my lord!’ said the merchant, pointing to the narrow turning + that, at the foot of the temple, led through ruined streets to the + amphitheatre. + </p> + <p> + ‘Halt!’ exclaimed a wild shrill voice. Each warrior suddenly arrested his + horse. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who spoke?’ exclaimed Hassan Subah. + </p> + <p> + ‘I!’ answered a voice. A female form stood in the portico of the temple, + with uplifted arms. + </p> + <p> + ‘And who art thou?’ enquired Hassan Subah, not a little disconcerted. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thine evil genius, Seljuk!’ + </p> + <p> + Hassan Subah, pale as his ivory battle-axe, did not answer; every man + within hearing shuddered; still the dread woman remained immovable within + the porch of the temple. + </p> + <p> + ‘Woman, witch, or goddess,’ at length exclaimed Hassan Subah, ‘what + wouldst thou here?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Seljuk! behold this star. ‘Tis a single drop of light, yet who even of + thy wild band can look upon it without awe? And yet thou worse than + Sisera, thou comest to combat against those for whom even “the stars in + their courses fought.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A Jewish witch!’ exclaimed the Seljuk. + </p> + <p> + ‘A Jewish witch! Be it so; behold, then, my spell falls upon thee, and + that spell is Destruction. + </p> + <p> + ‘Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song; arise, Barak, and lead + thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam!’ + </p> + <p> + Immediately the sky appeared to darken, a cloud of arrows and javelins + broke from all sides upon the çlevoted Seljuks: immense masses of stone + and marble were hurled from all directions, horses were stabbed by spears + impelled by invisible hands, and riders fell to the ground without a + struggle, and were trampled upon by their disordered and affrighted + brethren. + </p> + <p> + ‘We are betrayed,’ exclaimed Hassan Subah, hurling a javelin at the + merchant, but the merchant was gone. The Seljuks raised their famous war + cry. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oglu, regain the desert,’ ordered the chieftain. + </p> + <p> + But no sooner had the guard without the walls heard the war cry of their + companions, than, alarmed, for their safety, they rushed to their + assistance. The retreating forces of Subah, each instant diminishing as + they retreated, were baffled in their project by the very eagerness of + their auxiliaries. The unwilling contention of the two parties increased + the confusion; and when the Seljuks, recently arrived, having at length + formed into some order, had regained the gate, they found to their dismay + that the portal was barricadoed and garrisoned by the enemy. Uninspired by + the presence of their commander, who was in the rear, the puzzled soldiers + were seized with a panic, and spurring their horses, dispersed in all + directions of the city. In vain Hassan Subah endeavoured to restore order. + The moment was past. Dashing with about thirty men to an open ground, + which his quick eye had observed in his progress down the street, and + dealing destruction with every blow, the dreaded Governor of Hamadan, like + a true soldier, awaited an inevitable fate, not wholly despairing that + some chance might yet turn up to extricate him from his forlorn situation. + </p> + <p> + And now, as it were by enchantment, wild armed men seemed to arise from + every part of the city. From every mass of ruin, from every crumbling + temple and mouldering mansion, from every catacomb and cellar, from behind + every column and every obelisk, upstarted some desperate warrior with a + bloody weapon. The massacre of the Seljuks was universal. The horsemen + dashed wildly about the ruined streets, pursued by crowds of footmen; + sometimes, formed in small companies, the Seljuks charged and fought + desperately; but, however stout might be their resistance to the open foe, + it was impossible to withstand their secret enemies. They had no place of + refuge, no power of gaining even a moment’s breathing time. If they + retreated to a wall it instantly bristled with spears; if they endeavoured + to form, in a court, they sank under the falling masses which were + showered upon them. Strange shouts of denunciation blended with the harsh + braying of horns, and the clang and clash of cymbals and tambours sounded + in every quarter of the city. + </p> + <p> + ‘If we could only mount the walls, Ibrahim, and leap into the desert!’ + exclaimed Hassan Subah to one of his few remaining comrades; ‘‘tis our + only chance. We die here like dogs! Could I but meet Alroy!’ + </p> + <p> + Three of the Seljuks dashed swiftly across the open ground in front, + followed by several Hebrew horsemen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Smite all, Abner. Spare none, remember Amalek,’ exclaimed their youthful + leader, waving his bloody scimitar. + </p> + <p> + ‘They are down; one, two, there goes the third. My javelin has done for + him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your horse bleeds freely. Where’s Jabaster?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At the gates; my arm aches with slaughter. The Lord hath delivered them + into our hands. Could I but meet their chieftain!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Turn, bloodhound, he is here,’ exclaimed Hassan Subah. + </p> + <p> + ‘Away, Abner, this affair is mine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Prince, you have already slain your thousands.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And Abner his tens of thousands. Is it so? This business is for me only. + Come on, Turk.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Art thou Alroy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The same.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The slayer of Alschiroch?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Even so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A rebel and a murderer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What you please. Look to yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + The Hebrew Prince flung a javelin at the Seljuk. It glanced from the + breastplate; but Hassan Subah staggered in his seat. Recovering, he + charged Alroy with great force. Their scimitars crossed, and the blade of + Hassan shivered. + </p> + <p> + ‘He who sold me that blade told me it was charmed, and could be broken + only by a caliph,’ said Hassan Subah. ‘He was a liar.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As it may be,’ said Alroy, and he cut the Seljuk to the ground. Abner had + dispersed his comrades. Alroy leaped from his fainting steed, and, + mounting the ebon courser of his late enemy, dashed again into the + thickest of the fight. + </p> + <p> + The shades of night descended, the clamour gradually decreased, the + struggle died away. A few unhappy Moslemin who had quitted their saddles + and sought concealment among the ruins, were occasionally hunted out, and + brought forward and massacred. Long ere midnight the last of the Seljuks + had expired.<a href="#linknote-56" name="linknoteref-56" + id="linknoteref-56">56</a> + </p> + <p> + The moon shed a broad light upon the street of palaces crowded with the + accumulated slain and the living victors. Fires were lit, torches + illumined, the conquerors prepared the eager meal as they sang hymns of + praise and thanksgiving. + </p> + <p> + A procession approached. Esther the prophetess, clashing her cymbals, + danced before the Messiah of Israel, who leant upon his victorious + scimitar, surrounded by Jabaster, Abner, Scherirah, and his chosen + chieftains. Who could now doubt the validity of his mission? The wide and + silent desert rang with the acclamations of his enthusiastic votaries. + </p> + <p> + Heavily the anxious hours crept on in the Jewish quarter of Hamadan. Again + and again the venerable Bostenay discussed the chances of success with the + sympathising but desponding elders. Miriam was buried in constant prayer. + Their most sanguine hopes did not extend beyond the escape of their + Prince. + </p> + <p> + A fortnight had elapsed, and no news had been received of the progress of + the expedition, when suddenly, towards sunset, a sentinel on a watch-tower + announced the appearance of an armed force in the distance. The walls were + instantly lined with the anxious inhabitants, the streets and squares + filled with curious crowds. Exultation sat on the triumphant brow of the + Moslemin; a cold tremor stole over the fluttering heart of the Hebrew. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is but one God,’ said the captain of the gate. + </p> + <p> + ‘And Mahomed is His prophet,’ responded a sentinel. + </p> + <p> + ‘To-morrow we will cut off the noses of all these Jewish dogs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The sceptre has departed,’ exclaimed the despairing Bostenay. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord, remember David!’ whispered Miriam, as she threw herself upon the + court of the palace, and buried her face in ashes. + </p> + <p> + The Mollahs in solemn procession advanced to the ramparts, to shed their + benediction on the victorious Hassan Subah. The Muezzin ascended the + minarets to watch the setting sun, and proclaim the power of Allah with + renewed enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder if Alroy be dead or alive,’ said the captain of the gate. + </p> + <p> + ‘If he be alive, he will be impaled,’ responded a sentinel. + </p> + <p> + ‘If dead, the carcass will be given to the dogs,’ rejoined the captain; + ‘that is the practice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bostenay will be hung,’ said the sentinel. + </p> + <p> + ‘And his niece, too,’ answered the captain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem!’ said the sentinel. ‘Hassan Subah loves a black eye.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope a true Moslem will not touch a Jewess,’ exclaimed an indignant + black eunuch. + </p> + <p> + ‘They approach. What a dust!’ said the captain of the gate. + </p> + <p> + ‘I see Hassan Subah!’ said the sentinel. + </p> + <p> + ‘So do I,’ said the eunuch, ‘I know his black horse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder how many dirhems old Bostenay is worth,’ said the captain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Immense!’ said the sentinel. + </p> + <p> + ‘No plunder, I suppose?’ said the eunuch. + </p> + <p> + ‘We shall see,’ said the captain; ‘at any rate, I owe a thousand to old + Shelomi. We need not pay now, you know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly not,’ said the black eunuch. ‘The rebels.’ + </p> + <p> + A body of horsemen dashed forward. Their leader in advance reined in his + fiery charger beneath the walls. + </p> + <p> + ‘In the name of the Prophet, who is that?’ exclaimed the captain of the + gate, a little confused. + </p> + <p> + ‘I never saw him before,’ said the sentinel, ‘although he is in the Seljuk + dress. ‘Tis some one from Bagdad, I guess.’ + </p> + <p> + A trumpet sounded. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who keeps the gate?’ called out the warrior. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am the captain of the gate,’ answered our friend. + </p> + <p> + ‘Open it, then, to the King of Israel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To whom?’ enquired the astonished captain. + </p> + <p> + ‘To King David. The Lord hath delivered Hassan Subah and his host into our + hands, and of all the proud Seljuks none remaineth. Open thy gates, I say, + and lose no time. I am Jabaster, a lieutenant of the Lord; this scimitar + is my commission. Open thy gates, and thou and thy people shall have that + mercy which they have never shown; but if thou delayest one instant, thus + saith the King our master, “I will burst open your portal, and smite, and + utterly destroy all that you have, and spare them not; but slay both man + and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Call forth the venerable Lord Bostenay,’ said the captain of the gate, + with chattering teeth. ‘He will intercede for us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And the gentle Lady Miriam,’ said the sentinel. ‘She is ever charitable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will head the procession,’ said the black eunuch; ‘I am accustomed to + women.’ + </p> + <p> + The procession of Mollahs shuffled back to their college with profane + precipitation; the sun set, and the astounded Muezzin stood with their + mouths open, and quite forgot to announce the power of their Deity, and + the validity of their Prophet. The people all called out for the venerable + Lord Bostenay and the gentle Lady Miriam, and ran in crowds to see who + could first kiss the hem of their garments. + </p> + <p> + The principal gate of Hamadan opened into the square of the great mosque. + Here the whole population of the city appeared assembled. The gates were + thrown open; Jabaster and his companions mounted guard. The short twilight + died away, the shades of night descended. The minarets were illumined,<a + href="#linknote-57" name="linknoteref-57" id="linknoteref-57">57</a> the + houses hung with garlands, the ramparts covered with tapestry and carpets. + </p> + <p> + A clang of drums, trumpets, and cymbals announced the arrival of the + Hebrew army. The people shouted, the troops without responded with a long + cheer of triumph. Amid the blaze of torches, a youth waving his scimitar, + upon a coal-black steed, bounded into the city, at the head of his guards, + the people fell upon their knees, and shouted ‘Long live Alroy!’ + </p> + <p> + A venerable man, leading a beauteous maiden with downcast eyes, advanced. + They headed a deputation of the chief inhabitants of the city. They came + to solicit mercy and protection. At the sight of them, the youthful + warrior leaped from his horse, flung away his scimitar, and clasping the + maiden in his arms, exclaimed, ‘Miriam, my sister, this, this indeed is + triumph!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Drink,’ said Kisloch the Kourd to Calidas the Indian; ‘you forget, + comrade, we are no longer Moslemin.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wine, methinks, has a peculiarly pleasant flavour in a golden cup,’ said + the Guebre. ‘I got this little trifle to-day in the Bazaar,’ he added, + holding up a magnificent vase studded with gems. + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought plunder was forbidden,’ grinned the Negro. + </p> + <p> + ‘So it is,’ replied the Guebre; ‘but we may purchase what we please, upon + credit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, for my part, I am a moderate man,’ exclaimed Calidas the Indian, + ‘and would not injure even these accursed dogs of Turks. I have not cut my + host’s throat, but only turned him into my porter, and content myself with + his harem, his baths, his fine horses, and other little trifles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What quarters we are in! There is nothing like a true Messiah!’ exclaimed + Kisloch, devoutly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing,’ said Calidas; ‘though to speak truth, I did not much believe in + the efficacy of Solomon’s sceptre, till his Majesty clove the head of the + valiant Seljuk with it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But now there’s no doubt of it,’ said the Guebre. + </p> + <p> + ‘We should indeed be infidels if we doubted now,’ replied the Indian. + </p> + <p> + ‘How lucky,’ grinned the Negro, ‘as I had no religion before, that I have + now fixed upon the right one!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Most fortunate!’ said the Guebre. ‘What shall we do to amuse ourselves + to-night?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let us go to the coffee-houses and make the Turks drink wine,’ said + Calidas the Indian. + </p> + <p> + ‘What say you to burning down a mosque?’ said Kisloch the Kourd. + </p> + <p> + ‘I had great fun with some Dervishes this morning,’ said the Guebre. ‘I + met one asking alms with a wire run through his cheek,<a + href="#linknote-58" name="linknoteref-58" id="linknoteref-58">58</a> so I + caught another, bored his nose, and tied them both together!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah! hah! hah!’ burst the Negro. + </p> + <p> + Asia resounded with the insurrection of the Jews, and the massacre of the + Seljuks. Crowds of Hebrews, from the rich cities of Persia and the + populous settlements on the Tigris and the Euphrates, hourly poured into + Hamadan. + </p> + <p> + The irritated Moslemin persecuted the brethren of the successful rebel, + and this impolicy precipitated their flight. The wealth of Bagdad flowed + into the Hebrew capital. Seated on the divan of Hassan Subah, and wielding + the sceptre of Solomon, the King of Israel received the homage of his + devoted subjects, and despatched his envoys to Syria and to Egypt. The + well-stored magazines and arsenals of Hamadan soon converted the pilgrims + into warriors. The city was unable to accommodate the increased and + increasing population. An extensive camp, under the command of Abner, was + formed without the walls, where the troops were daily disciplined, and + where they were prepared for greater exploits than a skirmish in a desert. + </p> + <p> + Within a month after the surrender of Hamadan, the congregation of the + people assembled in the square of the great mosque, now converted into a + synagogue. The multitude was disposed in ordered ranks, and the terrace of + every house was crowded. In the centre of the square was an altar of cedar + and brass, and on each side stood a company of priests guarding the + victims, one young bullock, and two rams without blemish. + </p> + <p> + Amid the flourish of trumpets, the gates of the synagogue opened, and + displayed to the wondering eyes of the Hebrews a vast and variegated + pavilion planted in the court. The holy remnant, no longer forlorn, beheld + that tabernacle of which they had so long dreamed, once more shining in + the sun, with its purple and scarlet hangings, its curtains of rare skins, + and its furniture of silver and gold. + </p> + <p> + A procession of priests advanced, bearing, with staves of cedar, run + through rings of gold, a gorgeous ark, the work of the most cunning + artificers of Persia. Night and day had they laboured, under the direction + of Jabaster, to produce this wondrous spectacle. Once more the children of + Israel beheld the cherubim. They burst into a triumphant hymn of + thanksgiving, and many drew their swords, and cried aloud to be led + against the Canaanites. + </p> + <p> + From the mysterious curtains of the tabernacle, Alroy came forward, + leading Jabaster. They approached the altar. And Alroy took robes from the + surrounding priests, and put them upon Jabaster, and a girdle, and a + breastplate of jewels. And Alroy took a mitre, and placed it upon the head + of Jabaster, and upon the mitre he placed a crown; and pouring oil upon + his head, the pupil anointed the master High Priest of Israel. + </p> + <p> + The victims were slain, the sin-offering burnt. Amid clouds of incense, + bursts of music, and the shouts of a devoted people; amid odour, and + melody, and enthusiasm, Alroy mounted his charger, and at the head of + twenty thousand men, departed to conquer Media. + </p> + <p> + The extensive and important province of Aderbijan, of which Hamadan was + the capital, was formed of the ancient Media. Its fate was decided by one + battle. On the plain of Nehauend, Alroy met the hastily-raised levies of + the Atabek of Kermanshah, and entirely routed them. In the course of a + month, every city of the province had acknowledged the supremacy of the + new Hebrew monarch, and, leaving Abner to complete the conquest of + Louristan, Alroy entered Persia. + </p> + <p> + The incredible and irresistible progress of Alroy roused Togrul, the + Turkish Sultan of Persia, from the luxurious indolence of the palaces of + Nishapur. He summoned his emirs to meet him at the imperial city of Rhey, + and crush, by one overwhelming effort, the insolent rebel. + </p> + <p> + Religion, valour, and genius, alike inspired the arms of Alroy, but he + was, doubtless, not a little assisted by the strong national sympathy of + his singular and scattered people, which ever ensured him prompt + information of all the movements of his enemy. Without any preparation, he + found agents in every court, and camp, and cabinet; and, by their + assistance, he anticipated the designs of his adversaries, and turned even + their ingenuity to their confusion. The imperial city of Rhey was + surprised in the night, sacked, and burnt to the ground. The scared and + baffled emirs who escaped, flew to the Sultan Togrul, tearing their + beards, and prophesying the approaching termination of the world. The + palaces of Nishapur resounded with the imprecations of their master, who, + cursing the Jewish dogs, and vowing a pilgrimage to Mecca, placed himself + at the head of a motley multitude of warriors, and rushed upon the plains + of Irak, to exterminate Alroy. + </p> + <p> + The Persian force exceeded the Hebrew at least five times in number. + Besides a large division of Seljuks, the Caucasus had poured forth its + strange inhabitants to swell the ranks of the Faithful. The wild tribes of + the Bactiari were even enlisted, with their fatal bows, and the savage + Turkmans, tempted by the sultan’s gold, for a moment yielded their + liberty, and shook their tall lances in his ranks. + </p> + <p> + But what is a wild Bactiari, and what is a savage Turkman, and what even a + disciplined and imperious Seljuk, to the warriors of the God of Abraham, + of Isaac, and of Jacob? At the first onset, Alroy succeeded in dividing + the extended centre of Togrul, and separating the greater part of the + Turks from their less disciplined comrades. At the head of his Median + cavalry, the Messiah charged and utterly routed the warriors of the + Caucasus. The wild tribes of the Bactiari discharged their arrows and + fled, and the savage Turkmans plundered the baggage of their own + commander. + </p> + <p> + The Turks themselves fought desperately; but, deserted by their allies, + and surrounded by an inspired foe, their efforts were unavailing, and + their slaughter terrible. Togrul was slain while heading a desperate and + fruitless charge, and, after his fall, the battle resembled a massacre + rather than a combat. The plain was glotted with Seljuk gore. No quarter + was given or asked. Twenty thousand chosen troops fell on the side of the + Turks; the rest dispersed and gained the mountains. Leaving Scherirah to + restore order, Alroy the next morning pushed on to Nishapur at the head of + three thousand horsemen, and summoned the city ere the inhabitants were + apprised of the defeat and death of their sultan. The capital of Persia + escaped the fate of Rhey by an inglorious treaty and a lavish tribute. The + treasures of the Chosroes and the Gasnevides were despatched to Hamadan, + on which city day dawned, only to bring intelligence of a victory or a + conquest. + </p> + <p> + While Alroy dictated peace on his own terms in the palaces of Nishapur, + Abner, having reduced Louristan, crossed the mountains, and entered Persia + with the reinforcements he had received from Jabaster. Leaving the + government and garrisoning of his new conquests to this valiant captain, + Alroy, at the head of the conquerors of Persia, in consequence of + intelligence received from Hamadan, returned by forced marches to that + city. + </p> + <p> + Leaving the army within a day’s march of the capital, Alroy, accompanied + only by his staff, entered Hamadan in the evening, and, immediately + repairing to the citadel, summoned Jabaster to council. The night was + passed by the king and the high priest in deep consultation. The next + morning, a decree apprised the inhabitants of the return of their monarch, + of the creation of the new ‘Kingdom of the Medes and Persians,’ of which + Hamadan was declared the capital, and Abner the viceroy, and of the + intended and immediate invasion of Syria, and re-conquest of the Land of + Promise. + </p> + <p> + The plan of this expedition had been long matured, and the preparations to + effect it were considerably advanced. Jabaster had not been idle during + the absence of his pupil. One hundred thousand warriors were now assembled<a + href="#linknote-59" name="linknoteref-59" id="linknoteref-59">59</a> at + the capital of the kingdom of the Medes and Persians; of these the greater + part were Hebrews, but many Arabs, wearied of the Turkish yoke, and many + gallant adventurers from the Caspian, easily converted from a vague + idolatry to a religion of conquest, swelled the ranks of the army of the + Lord of Hosts. + </p> + <p> + The plain of Hamadan was covered with tents, the streets were filled with + passing troops, the bazaars loaded with military stores; long caravans of + camels laden with supplies every day arrived from the neighbouring towns; + each instant some high-capped Tatar with despatches<a href="#linknote-60" + name="linknoteref-60" id="linknoteref-60">60</a> rushed into the city and + galloped his steed up the steep of the citadel. The clang of arms, the + prance of horses, the flourish of warlike music, resounded from all + quarters. The business and the treasure of the world seemed, as it were in + an instant, to have become concentrated in Hamadan. Every man had some + great object; gold glittered in every hand. All great impulses were + stirring; all the causes of human energy were in lively action. Every eye + sparkled, every foot trod firm and fast. Each man acted as if the + universal fate depended upon his exertions; as if the universal will + sympathised with his particular desire. A vast population influenced by a + high degree of excitement is the most sublime of spectacles. + </p> + <p> + The commander of the Faithful raised the standard of the Prophet on the + banks of the Tigris. It was the secret intelligence of this intended event + that had recalled Alroy so suddenly from Persia. The latent enthusiasm of + the Moslemin was excited by the rare and mystic ceremony, and its effects + were anticipated by previous and judicious preparations. The Seljuks of + Bagdad alone amounted to fifty thousand men; the Sultan of Syria + contributed the warriors who had conquered the Arabian princes of Damascus + and Aleppo; while the ancient provinces of Asia Minor, which formed the + rich and powerful kingdom of Seljukian Roum, poured forth a myriad of that + matchless cavalry, which had so often baffled the armies of the Cæsars. + Never had so imposing a force been collected on the banks of the Tigris + since the reign of Haroun Alraschid. Each day some warlike Atabek, at the + head of his armed train, poured into the capital of the caliphs,<a + href="#linknote-61" name="linknoteref-61" id="linknoteref-61">61</a> or + pitched his pavilion on the banks of the river; each day the proud emir of + some remote principality astonished or affrighted the luxurious + Babylonians by the strange or uncouth warriors that had gathered round his + standard in the deserts of Arabia, or on the shores of the Euxine. For the + space of twenty miles, the banks of the river were, on either side, far as + the eye could reach, covered with the variegated pavilions, the glittering + standards, the flowing streamers and twinkling pennons of the mighty host, + of which Malek, the Grand Sultan of the Seljuks, and Governor of the + Caliph’s palace, was chief commander. + </p> + <p> + Such was the power assembled on the plains of Asia to arrest the progress + of the Hebrew Prince, and to prevent the conquest of the memorable land + promised to the faith of his fathers, and forfeited by their infidelity. + Before the walls of Hamadan, Alroy reviewed the army of Israel, sixty + thousand heavy-armed footmen, thirty thousand archers and light troops, + and twenty thousand cavalry. Besides these, there had been formed a body + of ten thousand picked horsemen, styled the ‘Sacred Guard,’ all of whom + had served in the Persian campaign. In their centre, shrouded in a case of + wrought gold, studded with carbuncles, and carried on a lusty lance of + cedar, a giant—for the height of Elnebar exceeded that of common men + by three feet—bore the sceptre of Solomon. The Sacred Guard was + commanded by Asriel, the brother of Abner. + </p> + <p> + The army was formed into three divisions. All marched in solemn order + before the throne of Alroy, raised upon the ramparts, and drooped their + standards and lances as they passed their heroic leader. Bostenay, and + Miriam, and the whole population of the city witnessed the inspiring + spectacle from the walls. That same eve, Scherirah, at the head of forty + thousand men, pushed on towards Bagdad, by Kermanshah; and Jabaster, who + commanded in his holy robes, and who had vowed not to lay aside his sword + until the rebuilding of the temple, conducted his division over the + victorious plain of Nehauend. They were to concentrate at the pass of + Kerrund, which conducted into the province of Bagdad, and await the + arrival of the king. + </p> + <p> + At the dawn of day, the royal division and the Sacred Guard, the whole + under the command of Asriel, quitted the capital. Alroy still lingered, + and for some hours the warriors of his staff might have been observed + lounging about the citadel, or practising their skill in throwing the + jerreed as they exercised their impatient chargers before the gates. + </p> + <p> + The king was with the Lady Miriam, walking in the garden of their uncle. + One arm was wound round her delicate waist, and with the other he clasped + her soft and graceful hand. The heavy tears burst from her downcast eyes, + and stole along her pale and pensive cheek. They walked in silence, the + brother and the sister, before the purity of whose surpassing love even + ambition vanished. He opened the lattice gate. They entered into the + valley small and green; before them was the marble fountain with its + columns and cupola, and in the distance the charger of Alroy and his + single attendant. + </p> + <p> + They stopped, and Alroy gathered flowers, and placed them in the hair of + Miriam. He would have softened the bitterness of parting with a smile. + Gently he relaxed his embracing arm, almost insensibly he dropped her + quivering hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sister of my soul,’ he whispered, ‘when we last parted here, I was a + fugitive, and now I quit you a conqueror.’ + </p> + <p> + She turned, she threw herself upon his neck, and buried her face in his + breast. + </p> + <p> + ‘My Miriam, we shall meet at Bagdad.’ + </p> + <p> + He beckoned to her distant maidens; they advanced, he delivered Miriam + into their arms. He pressed her hand to his lips, and, rushing to his + horse, mounted and disappeared. + </p> + <p> + A body of irregular cavalry feebly defended the pass of Kerrund. It was + carried, with slight loss, by the vanguard of Scherirah, and the fugitives + prepared the host of the caliph for the approach of the Hebrew army. + </p> + <p> + Upon the plain of the Tigris the enemy formed into battle array. The + centre was commanded by Malek, the Grand Sultan of the Seljuks himself; + the right wing, headed by the Sultan of Syria, was protected by the river; + and the left, under the Sultan of Roum, was posted upon the advantageous + position of some irregular and rising ground. Thus proud in the number, + valour, discipline, and disposition of his forces, Malek awaited the + conqueror of Persia. + </p> + <p> + The glittering columns of the Hebrews might even now be perceived defiling + from the mountains, and forming at the extremity of the plain. Before + nightfall the camp of the invaders was pitched within hearing of that of + Malek. The moving lights in the respective tents might plainly be + distinguished; and ever and anon the flourish of hostile music fell with + an ominous sound upon the ears of the opposed foe-men. A few miles only + separated those mighty hosts. Upon to-morrow depended, perhaps, the + fortunes of ages. How awful is the eve of battle! + </p> + <p> + Alroy, attended by a few chieftains, personally visited the tents of the + soldiery, promising them on the morrow a triumph, before which the + victories of Nehauend and Nishapur would sink into insignificance. Their + fiery and excited visages proved at once their courage and their faith. + The sceptre of Solomon was paraded throughout the camp in solemn + procession. On the summit of a huge tumulus, perhaps the sepulchre of some + classic hero, Esther, the prophetess, surrounded by the chief zealots of + the host, poured forth her exciting inspirations. It was a grand picture, + that beautiful wild girl, the groups of stern, devoted warriors, the red + flame of the watch-fires mixing with the silver shadows of the moon as + they illumined the variegated turbans and gleaming armour of her votaries! + </p> + <p> + In the pavilion of Alroy, Jabaster consulted with his pupil on the conduct + of the morrow. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is a different scene from the cavern of the Caucasus,’ said Alroy, + as the high priest rose to retire. + </p> + <p> + ‘It has one great resemblance, sire; the God of our fathers is with us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! the Lord of Hosts. Moses was a great man. There is no career except + conquest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You muse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of the past. The present is prepared. Too much thought will mar it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The past is for wisdom, the present for action, but for joy the future. + The feeling that the building of the temple is at hand, that the Lord’s + anointed will once again live in the house of David, absorbs my spirit; + and, when I muse over our coming glory, in my fond ecstasy I almost lose + the gravity that doth beseem my sacred office.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Jerusalem; I have seen it. How many hours to dawn?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Some three.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis strange I could sleep. I remember, on the eve of battle I was ever + anxious. How is this, Jabaster?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your faith, sire, is profound.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I have no fear. My destiny is not complete. Good night, Jabaster. + See, Asriel, valiant priest. Pharez!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My lord!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Rouse me at the second watch. Good night, boy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good night, my lord.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pharez! Be sure you rouse me at the second watch. Think you it wants + three hours to dawn?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘About three hours, my lord.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! at the second watch, remember; good night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the second watch, my lord.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So soon! Have I slept? I feel fresh as an eagle. Call Scherirah, boy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis strange I never dream now. Before my flight my sleep was ever + troubled. Say what they like, man is made for action. My life is now + harmonious, and sleep has now become what nature willed it, a solace, not + a contest. Before, it was a struggle of dark passions and bright dreams, + in whose creative fancy and fair vision my soul sought refuge from the + dreary bale of daily reality. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will withdraw the curtains of my tent. O most majestic vision! And have + I raised this host? Over the wide plain, far as my eye can range, their + snowy tents studding the purple landscape, embattled legions gather round + their flags to struggle for my fate. It is the agony of Asia. + </p> + <p> + ‘A year ago, upon this very spot, I laid me down to die, an unknown thing, + or known and recognised only to be despised, and now the sultans of the + world come forth to meet me. I have no fear. My destiny is not complete. + And whither tends it? Let that power decide which hitherto has fashioned + all my course. + </p> + <p> + ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem! ever harping on Jerusalem. With all his lore, he is + a narrow-minded zealot whose dreaming memory would fondly make a future + like the past. O Bagdad, Bagdad, within thy glittering halls, there is a + charm worth all his Cabala! + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah! Scherirah! The dawn is near at hand, the stars are still shining. + The air is very pleasant. Tomorrow will be a great day, Scherirah, for + Israel and for you. You lead the attack. A moment in my tent, my brave + Scherirah!’ + </p> + <p> + The dawn broke; a strong column of the Hebrews, commanded by Scherirah, + poured down upon the centre of the army of the caliph. Another column, + commanded by Jabaster, attacked the left wing, headed by the Sultan of + Roum. No sooner had Alroy perceived that the onset of Scherirah had + succeeded in penetrating the centre of the Turks, than he placed himself + at the head of the Sacred Guard, and by an irresistible charge completed + their disorder and confusion. The division of the Sultan of Syria, and a + great part of the centre, were entirely routed and driven into the river, + and the remainder of the division of Malek was effectually separated from + his left wing. + </p> + <p> + But while to Alroy the victory seemed already decided, a far different + fate awaited the division of Jabaster. The Sultan of Roum, posted in an + extremely advantageous position, and commanding troops accustomed to the + discipline of the Romans of Constantinople, received the onset of Jabaster + without yielding, and not only repelled his attack, but finally made a + charge which completely disordered and dispersed the column of the + Hebrews. In vain Jabaster endeavoured to rally his troops, in vain he + performed prodigies of valour, in vain he himself struck down the + standard-bearer of the sultan, and once even penetrated to the pavilion of + the monarch. His division was fairly routed. The eagerness of the Sultan + of Roum to effect the annihilation of his antagonists prevented him from + observing the forlorn condition of the Turkish centre. Had he, after + routing the division of Jabaster, only attacked Alroy in the rear, the + fortune of the day might have been widely different. As it was, the eagle + eye of Alroy soon detected his inadvertence, and profited by his + indiscretion. Leaving Ithamar to keep the centre in check, he charged the + Sultan of Roum with the Sacred Guard, and afforded Jabaster an opportunity + of rallying some part of his forces. The Sultan of Roum, perceiving that + the day was lost by the ill-conduct of his colleagues, withdrew his + troops, retreated in haste, but in good order to Bagdad, carried off the + caliph, his harem, and some of his treasure, and effected his escape into + Syria. In the meantime the discomfiture of the remaining Turkish army was + complete. The Tigris was dyed with their blood, and the towns through + which the river flowed were apprised of the triumph of Alroy by the + floating corpses of his enemies. Thirty thousand Turks were slain in + battle: among them the Sultans of Bagdad and Syria, and a vast number of + atabeks, emirs, and chieftains. A whole division, finding themselves + surrounded, surrendered on terms, and delivered up their arms. The camps + and treasures of the three sultans were alike captured, and the troops + that escaped so completely dispersed, that they did not attempt to rally, + but, disbanded and desperate, prowled over and plundered the adjoining + provinces. The loss of the division of Jabaster was also severe, but the + rest of the army suffered little. Alroy himself was slightly wounded. The + battle lasted barely three hours. Its results were immense. David Alroy + was now master of the East. + </p> + <p> + The plain was covered with the corpses of men and horses, arms and + standards, and prostrate tents. Returning from the pursuit of the Sultan + of Roum, Alroy ordered the trumpets to sound to arms, and, covered with + gore and dust, dismounted from his charger, and stood before the pavilion + of Malek, leaning on his bloody scimitar, and surrounded by his victorious + generals. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, Jabaster!’ said the conqueror, giving his hand to the pontiff, ‘‘twas + well your troops had such a leader. No one but you could have rallied + them. + </p> + <p> + You must drill your lads a little before they again meet the Cappadocian + cavalry. Brave Scherirah, we shall not forget our charge. Asriel, tell the + guard, from me, that the victory of the Tigris was owing to their + scimitars. Ithamar, what are our freshest troops?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The legion of Aderbijan, sire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How strong can they muster?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It counts twelve thousand men: we might collect two-thirds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Valiant Ithamar, take the Aderbijans and a division of the guards, push + on towards Bagdad, and summon the city. If his Sultanship of Roum offer + battle, take up a position, and he shall quickly have his desire. For the + present, after these hasty marches and sharp fighting, the troops must + rest. I think he will not tarry. Summon the city, and say that if any + resistance be offered, I will make it as desolate as old Babylon. Treat + with no armed force. Where is the soldier that saved me a cracked skull; + his name Benaiah?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wait your bidding, sire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You’re a captain. Join the division of Ithamar, and win fresh laurels ere + we meet again. Gentle Asriel, let your brother know our fortune.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire, several Tartars have already been despatched to Hamadan.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis well. Send another with these tablets to the Lady Miriam. Despatch + the pavilion of Malek as a trophy for the town. Elnebar, Goliath of the + Hebrews, you bore our sacred standard like a hero! How fares the + prophetess? I saw her charging in our ranks, waving a sabre with her snowy + arm, her long, dark hair streaming like a storm, from which her eyes + flashed lightning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The king bleeds,’ said Jabaster. + </p> + <p> + ‘Slightly. It will do me service. I am somewhat feverish. A kingdom for a + draught of water! And now for our wounded friends. Asriel, do you marshal + the camp. It is the Sabbath eve.<a href="#linknote-62" + name="linknoteref-62" id="linknoteref-62">62</a> Time presses.’ + </p> + <p> + The dead were plundered, and thrown into the river, the encampment of the + Hebrews completed. Alroy, with his principal officers, visited the + wounded, and praised the valiant. The bustle which always succeeds a + victory was increased in the present instance by the anxiety of the army + to observe with grateful strictness the impending Sabbath. + </p> + <p> + When the sun set, the Sabbath was to commence. The undulating horizon + rendered it difficult to ascertain the precise moment of the setting. The + crimson orb sunk behind the purple mountains, the sky was flushed with a + rich and rosy glow. Then might be perceived the zealots, proud in their + Talmudical lore, holding a skein of white silk in their hands, and + announcing the approach of the Sabbath by their observation of its + shifting tints. While the skein was yet golden, the forge of the armourer + still sounded, the fire of the cook still blazed, still the cavalry led + their steeds to the river, and still the busy footmen braced up their + tents and hammered at their palisades. The skein of silk became rosy, the + armourer worked with renewed energy, the cook puffed with increased zeal, + the horsemen scampered from the river, the footmen cast an anxious glance + at the fading twilight. + </p> + <p> + The skein of silk became blue; a dim, dull, sepulchral, leaden tinge fell + over its purity. The hum of gnats arose, the bat flew in circling whirls + over the tents, horns sounded from all quarters, the sun had set, the + Sabbath had commenced. ‘The forge was mute, the fire extinguished, the + prance of horses and the bustle of men in a moment ceased. A deep, a + sudden, an all-pervading stillness dropped over that mighty host. It was + night; the sacred lamp of the Sabbath sparkled in every tent of the camp, + which vied in silence and in brilliancy with the mute and glowing heavens. + </p> + <p> + Morn came; the warriors assembled around the altar and the sacrifice. The + high priest and his attendant Levites proclaimed the unity and the + omnipotence of the God of Israel, and the sympathetic responses of his + conquering and chosen people reechoed over the plain. They retired again + to their tents, to listen to the expounding of the law; even the distance + of a Sabbath walk was not to exceed that space which lies between + Jerusalem and the Mourft of Olives. This was the distance between the + temple and the tabernacle; it had been nicely measured, and every Hebrew + who ventured forth from the camp this day might be observed counting the + steps of a Sabbath-day’s journey. At length the sun again set, and on a + sudden fires blazed, voices sounded, men stirred, in the same enchanted + and instantaneous manner that had characterised the stillness of the + preceding eve. Shouts of laughter, bursts of music, announced the + festivity of the coming night; supplies poured in from all the + neighbouring villages, and soon the pious conquerors commemorated their + late triumph in a round of banqueting. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow, a Tatar arrived from Ithamar, informing Alroy that the + Sultan of Roum had retreated into Syria, that Bagdad was undefended, but + that he had acceded to the request of the inhabitants that a deputation + should wait upon Alroy before the troops entered the city, and had granted + a safe conduct for their passage. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow, messengers announced the approach of the deputation. All + the troops were under arms. Alroy directed that the suppliants should be + conducted through the whole camp before they arrived at the royal + pavilion, on each side of which the Sacred Guard was mustered in array. + The curtains of his tent withdrawn displayed the conqueror himself, seated + on a sumptuous divan. On his right hand stood Jabaster in his priestly + robes, on his left Scherirah. Behind him, the giant Elnebar supported the + sacred sceptre. A crowd of chieftains was ranged on each side of the + pavilion. + </p> + <p> + Cymbals sounded, muffled kettle-drums, and the faint flourish of trumpets; + the commencement of the procession might be detected in the long + perspective of the tented avenue. First came a company of beauteous + youths, walking two by two, and strewing flowers; then a band of musicians + in flowing robes of cloth of gold, plaintively sounding their silver + trumpets. After these followed slaves of all climes, bearing a tribute of + the most rare and costly productions of their countries: Negroes with + tusks and teeth of the elephant, plumes of ostrich feathers, and caskets + of gold dust; Syrians with rich armour; Persians with vases of atar-gul, + and Indians with panniers of pearls of Ormuz, and soft shawls of + Cachemire. Encircled by his children, each of whom held alternately a + white or fawn-coloured gazelle, an Arab clothed in his blue bornouz, led + by a thick cord of crimson silk a tall and tawny giraffe. Fifty stout men + succeeded two by two, carrying in company a silver shield laden with gold + coin, or chased goblets studded with gems. + </p> + <p> + The clash of cymbals announced the presence of the robes of honour,<a + href="#linknote-63" name="linknoteref-63" id="linknoteref-63">63</a> + culled from the wardrobe of the commander of the Faithful; the silk of + Aleppo and the brocade of Damascus, lined with the furs of the sable and + the ermine, down from the breast of the swan, and the skins of white + foxes. + </p> + <p> + After these followed two grey dromedaries, with furniture of silver, and + many caparisoned horses, each led by a groom in rich attire. The last of + these was a snow-white steed, upon whose front was the likeness of a ruby + star, a courser of the sacred stud of Solomon, and crossed only by the + descendants of the Prophet. + </p> + <p> + The muffled kettle-drums heralded the company of black eunuchs, with their + scarlet vests and ivory battle-axes. They surrounded and shrouded from the + vulgar gaze fourteen beautiful Circassian girls, whose brilliant visages + and perfect forms were otherwise concealed by their long veils and ample + drapery. + </p> + <p> + The gorgeous procession, as they approached the conqueror, bowed humbly to + Alroy, and formed in order on each side of the broad avenue. The + deputation appeared; twelve of the principal citizens of Bagdad, with + folded arms, and downcast eyes, and disordered raiment. Meekly and mutely + each touched the earth with his hand, and kissed it in token of + submission, and then, moving aside, made way for the chief envoy and + orator of the company, Honain! + </p> + <p> + Humbly, but gracefully, the physician of the caliph bowed before the + conqueror of the East. His appearance and demeanour afforded a contrast to + the aspect of his brother envoys; not less calm or contented his + countenance, not less sumptuous or studied his attire, than when he first + rescued Alroy in the bazaar of Bagdad from the grip of the false Abdallah. + </p> + <p> + He spoke, and every sound was hushed before the music of his voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Conqueror of the world, that destiny with which it is in vain to struggle + has placed our lives and fortunes in your power. Your slaves offer for + your approbation specimens of their riches; not as tribute, for all is + yours; but to show you the products of security and peace, and to induce + you to believe that mercy may be a policy as profitable to the conqueror + as to the conquered; that it may be better to preserve than to destroy; + and wiser to enjoy than to extirpate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Fate ordained that we should be born the slaves of the caliph; that same + fate has delivered his sceptre into your hands. We offer you the same + devotion that we yielded to him, and we entreat the same protection which + he granted to us. + </p> + <p> + ‘Whatever may be your decision, we must bow to your decree with the + humility that recognises superior force. Yet we are not without hope. We + cannot forget that it is our good fortune not to be addressing a barbarous + chieftain, unable to sympathise with the claims of civilisation, the + creations of art, and the finer impulses of humanity. We acknowledge your + irresistible power, but we dare to hope everything from a prince whose + genius all acknowledge and admire, who has spared some portion of his + youth from the cares of government and the pursuits of arms to the + ennobling claims of learning, whose morality has been moulded by a pure + and sublime faith, and who draws his lineage from a sacred and celebrated + race, the unrivalled antiquity of which even the Prophet acknowledges.’ + </p> + <p> + He ceased: a buzz of approbation sounded throughout the pavilion, which + was hushed instantly as the lips of the conqueror moved. + </p> + <p> + ‘Noble emir,’ replied Alroy, ‘return to Bagdad, and tell your + fellow-subjects that the King of Israel grants protection to their + persons, and security to their property.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And for their faith?’ enquired the envoy, in a lower voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Toleration,’ replied Alroy, turning to Jabaster. + </p> + <p> + ‘Until further regulations,’ added the high priest. + </p> + <p> + ‘Emir,’ said Alroy, ‘the person of the caliph will be respected.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May it please your highness,’ replied Honain, ‘the Sultan of Roum has + retired with our late ruler.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And his harem?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And his harem.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was needless. We war not with women.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Men, as well as women, must acknowledge the gracious mercy of your + highness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Benomi,’ said Alroy, addressing himself to a young officer of the guard, + ‘command the guard of honour that will attend this noble emir on his + return. We soldiers deal only in iron, sir, and cannot vie with the + magnificence of Bagdad, yet wear this dagger for the donor’s sake:’ and + Alroy held out to Honain a poniard flaming with gems. + </p> + <p> + The Envoy of Bagdad advanced, took the dagger, pressed it to his lips, and + placed it in his vest.<a href="#linknote-64" name="linknoteref-64" + id="linknoteref-64">64</a> + </p> + <p> + ‘Scherirah,’ continued Alroy, ‘this noble emir is your charge. See that a + choice pavilion of the host be for his use, and that his train complain + not of the rough customs of our camp.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May it please your highness,’ replied Honain, ‘I have fulfilled my + office, and, with your gracious permission, would at once return. I have + business only less urgent than the present, because it concerns myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As you will, noble emir. Benomi, to your post. Farewell, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + The deputation advanced, bowed, and retired. Alroy turned to Jabaster. + </p> + <p> + ‘No common person that, Jabaster?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A very gracious Turk, sire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Think you he is a Turk?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By his dress.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It may be so. Asriel, break up the camp. We’ll march at once to Bagdad.’ + </p> + <p> + The chiefs dispersed to make the necessary arrangements for the march. The + news that the army was immediately to advance to Bagdad soon circulated + throughout the camp, and excited the most lively enthusiasm. Every hand + was at work, striking the tents, preparing the arms and horses. Alroy + retired to his pavilion. The curtains were drawn. He was alone, and + plunged in profound meditation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alroy!’ a voice sounded. + </p> + <p> + He started, and looked up. Before him stood Esther the prophetess. + </p> + <p> + ‘Esther! is it thou?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alroy! enter not into Babylon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As I live, the Lord hath spoken it. Enter not into Babylon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not enjoy my fairest conquest, maiden?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Enter not into Babylon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What affrights thee?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Enter not into Babylon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall surely change the fortunes of my life without a cause.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Lord hath spoken. Is not that a cause?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am the Lord’s anointed. His warning has not reached me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now it reaches thee. Doth the king despise the prophetess of the Lord? It + is the sin of Ahab.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Despise thee! Despise the mouth that is the herald of my victories! + ‘Twere rank blasphemy. Prophesy triumph, Esther, and Alroy will never + doubt thy inspiration.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He doubts it now. I see he doubts it now. O my king, I say again, enter + not into Babylon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Beauteous maiden, those eyes flash lightning. Who can behold their wild + and liquid glance, and doubt that Esther is inspired! Be calm, sweet girl, + some dream disturbs thy fancy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alroy, Alroy, enter not into Babylon!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no fear, I bear a charmed life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah me! he will not listen.’ All is lost!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All is gained, my beautiful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would we were upon the Holy Mount, and gazing on the stars of sacred + Zion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Esther,’ said Alroy, advancing, and gently taking her hand, ‘the capital + of the East will soon unfold its marvels to thy sight. Prepare thyself for + wonders. Girl, we are no longer in the desert. Forget thy fitful fancies. + Come, choose a husband from my generals, child, and I will give a kingdom + for thy dower. I would gladly see a crown upon that imperial brow. It well + deserves one.’ + </p> + <p> + The prophetess turned her dark eyes full upon Alroy. What passed in her + mind was neither evident nor expressed. She gazed intently upon the calm + and inscrutable countenance of the conqueror, then flung away his hand, + and rushed out of the pavilion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Bagdad and the Princess</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE waving of banners, the flourish of trumpets, the neighing of steeds, + and the glitter of spears! On the distant horizon they gleam like the + morning, when the gloom of the night shivers bright into day. Hark! the + tramp of the foemen, like the tide of the ocean, flows onward and onward, + and conquers the shore. From the brow of the mountain, like the rush of a + river, the column defiling melts into the plain. + </p> + <p> + Warriors of Judah! holy men that battle for the Lord! The land wherein + your fathers wept, and touched their plaintive psalteries; the haughty + city where your sires bewailed their cold and distant hearths; your steeds + are prancing on its plain, and you shall fill its palaces. Warriors of + Judah! holy men that battle for the Lord! + </p> + <p> + March, onward march, ye valiant tribes, the hour has come, the hour has + come! All the promises of ages, all the signs of sacred sages, meet in + this ravishing hour. Where is now the oppressor’s chariot, where your + tyrant’s purple robe? The horse and the rider are both overthrown, the + horse and the rider are both overthrown! + </p> + <p> + Rise, Rachel, from thy wilderness, arise, and weep no more. No more thy + lonely palm-tree’s shade need shroud thy secret sorrowing. The Lord hath + heard the widow’s sigh, the Lord hath stilled the widow’s tear. Be + comforted, be comforted, thy children live again! + </p> + <p> + Yes! yes! upon the bounding plain fleet Asriel glances like a star, and + stout Scherirah shakes his spear by stern Jabaster’s scimitar. And He is + there, the chosen one, hymned by prophetic harps, whose life is like the + morning dew on Zion’s holy hill: the chosen one, the chosen one, that + leads his race to victory; warriors of Judah! holy men that battle for the + Lord! + </p> + <p> + They come, they come, they come! + </p> + <p> + The ramparts of the city were crowded with the inhabitants, the river + sparkled with ten thousand boats, the bazaars were shut, the streets lined + with the populace, and the terrace of every house covered with spectators. + In the morning, Ithamar had entered with his division and garrisoned the + city. And now the vanguard of the Hebrew army, after having been long + distinguished in the distance, approached the walls. A large body of + cavalry dashed forward at full speed from the main force. Upon a + milk-white charger, and followed by a glittering train of warriors, amid + the shouts of the vast multitude, Alroy galloped up to the gates. + </p> + <p> + He was received by Ithamar and the members of the deputation, but Honain + was not there. Accompanied by his staff and a strong detachment of the + Sacred Guard, Alroy was conducted through the principal thoroughfares of + the city, until he arrived at the chief entrance of the serail, or palace, + of the caliph. The vast portal conducted him into a large quadrangular + court, where he dismounted, and where he was welcomed by the captain of + the eunuch guard. Accompanied by his principal generals and his immediate + attendants, Alroy was then ushered through a suite of apartments which + reminded him of his visit with Honain, until he arrived at the grand + council-chamber of the caliphs. + </p> + <p> + The conqueror threw himself upon the gorgeous divan of the commander of + the Faithful. + </p> + <p> + ‘An easy seat after a long march,’ said Alroy, as he touched with his lips + the coffee, which the chief of the eunuchs presented to him in a cup of + transparent pink porcelain, studded with pearls.<a href="#linknote-65" + name="linknoteref-65" id="linknoteref-65">65</a> ‘Itha-mar, now for your + report. What is the temper of the city? Where is his Sultanship of Roum?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The city, sire, is calm, and I believe content. The sultan and the caliph + are still hovering on the borders of the province.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So I supposed. Scherirah will settle that. Let the troops be encamped + without the walls, the garrison, ten thousand strong, must be changed + monthly. Ithamar, you are governor of the city: Asriel commands the + forces. Worthy Jabaster, draw up a report of the civil affairs of the + capital. Your quarters are the College of the Dervishes. Brave Scherirah, + I cannot afford you a long rest. In three days you must have crossed the + river with your division. It will be quick work. I foresee that they will + not fight. Meet me all here in council by to-morrow’s noon. Farewell.’ + </p> + <p> + The chieftains retired, the high priest lingered. + </p> + <p> + ‘Were it not an intrusion, sire, I would fain entreat a moment’s + audience.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My own Jabaster, you have but to speak.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire, I would speak of Abidan, as valiant a warrior as any in the host. + It grieves me much, that by some fatality, his services seem ever + overlooked.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Abidan! I know him well, a valiant man, but a dreamer, a dreamer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A dreamer, sire! Believe me, a true son of Israel, and one whose faith is + deep.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good Jabaster, we are all true sons of Israel. Yet let me have men about + me who see no visions in a mid-day sun. We must beware of dreamers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dreams are the oracles of God.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When God sends them. Very true, Jabaster. But this Abidan and the company + with whom he consorts are filled with high-flown notions, caught from old + traditions, which, if acted on, would render government impracticable; in + a word, they are dangerous men.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The very flower of Israel! Some one has poisoned your sacred ear against + them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No one, worthy Jabaster. I have no counsellor except yourself. They may + be the flower of Israel, but they are not the fruit. Good warriors, bad + subjects: excellent means, by which we may accomplish greater ends. I’ll + have no dreamers in authority. I must have practical men about me, + practical men. See how Abner, Asriel, Ithamar, Medad, see how these + conform to what surrounds them, yet invincible captains, invincible + captains. But then they are practical men, Jabaster; they have eyes and + use them. They know the difference of times and seasons. But this Abidan, + he has no other thought but the rebuilding of the temple: a narrow-souled + bigot, who would sacrifice the essence to the form. The rising temple soon + would fall again with such constructors. Why, sir, what think you, this + same Abidan preached in the camp against my entry into what the quaint + fanatic chooses to call “Babylon,” because he had seen what he calls a + vision.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There was a time your Majesty thought not so ill of visions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Am I Abidan, sir? Are other men to mould their conduct or their thoughts + by me? In this world I stand alone, a being of a different order from + yourselves, incomprehensible even to you. Let this matter cease. I’ll hear + no more and have heard too much. To-morrow at council.’ + </p> + <p> + The high priest withdrew in silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is gone; at length I am alone. I cannot bear the presence of these + men, except in action. Their words, even their looks, disturb the still + creation of my brooding thought. I am once more alone, and loneliness hath + been the cradle of my empire. Now I do feel inspired. There needs no + mummery now to work a marvel. + </p> + <p> + ‘The sceptre of Solomon! It may be so. What then? Here’s now the sceptre + of Alroy. What’s that without his mind? The legend said that none should + free our people but he who bore the sceptre of great Solomon. The legend + knew that none could gain that sceptre, but with a mind to whose supreme + volition the fortunes of the world would bow like fate. I gained it; I + confronted the spectre monarchs in their sepulchre; and the same hand that + grasped their shadowy rule hath seized the diadem of the mighty caliphs by + the broad rushing of their imperial river. + </p> + <p> + ‘The world is mine: and shall I yield the prize, the universal and heroic + prize, to realise the dull tradition of some dreaming priest, and + consecrate a legend? He conquered Asia, and he built the temple. Are these + my annals? Shall this quick blaze of empire sink to a glimmering and a + twilight sway over some petty province, the decent patriarch of a pastoral + horde? Is the Lord of Hosts so slight a God, that we must place a barrier + to His sovereignty, and fix the boundaries of Omnipotence between the + Jordan and the Lebanon? It is not thus written; and were it so, I’ll pit + my inspiration against the prescience of my ancestors. I also am a + prophet, and Bagdad shall be my Zion. The daughter of the Voice! Well, I + am clearly summoned. I am the Lord’s servant, not Jabaster’s. Let me make + His worship universal as His power; and where’s the priest shall dare + impugn my faith, because His altars smoke on other hills than those of + Judah? + </p> + <p> + ‘I must see Honain. That man has a great mind. He alone can comprehend my + purpose. Universal empire must not be founded on sectarian prejudices and + exclusive rights. Jabaster would massacre the Moslemin like Amalek; the + Moslemin, the vast majority, and most valuable portion, of my subjects. He + would depopulate my empire, that it might not be said that Ishmael shared + the heritage of Israel. Fanatic! I’ll send him to conquer Judah. We must + conciliate. Something must be done to bind the conquered to our conquering + fortunes. That bold Sultan of Roum: I wish Abner had opposed him. To run + off with the harem! I have half a mind to place myself at the head of the + pursuing force, and—— Passion and policy alike combine: and + yet Honain is the man; I might send him on a mission. Could we make terms? + I detest treaties. My fancy flies from all other topics. I must see him. + Could I but tell him all I think! This door, whither leads it? Hah! + methinks I do remember yon glittering gallery! No one in attendance. The + discipline of our palace is somewhat lax. My warriors are no courtiers. + What an admirable marshal of the palace Honain would make! Silence + everywhere. So! ‘tis well. These saloons I have clearly passed through + before. Could I but reach the private portal by the river side, unseen or + undetected! ‘Tis not impossible. Here are many dresses. I will disguise + myself. Trusty scimitar, thou hast done thy duty, rest awhile. ‘Tis lucky + I am beardless. I shall make a capital eunuch. So! a handsome robe. One + dagger for a pinch, slippers powdered with pearls,<a href="#linknote-66" + name="linknoteref-66" id="linknoteref-66">66</a>a caftan of cloth of gold, + a Cachemire girdle, and a pelisse of sables. One glance at the mirror. + Good! I begin to look like the conqueror of the world!’ + </p> + <p> + It was twilight: a small and solitary boat, with a single rower, glided + along the Tigris, and stopped at the archway of a house that descended + into the river. It stopped, the boatman withdrew the curtains, and his + single passenger disembarked, and ascended the stairs of the archway. + </p> + <p> + The stranger reached the landing-place, and unfastening a golden grate, + proceeded along a gallery, and entered a beautiful saloon of white and + green marble, opening into gardens. No one was in the apartment; the + stranger threw himself upon a silver couch, placed at the side of a + fountain that rose from the centre of the chamber and fell into a porphyry + basin. A soft whisper roused the stranger from his reverie, a soft whisper + that faintly uttered the word ‘Honain.’ The stranger looked up, a figure, + enveloped in a veil, that touched the ground, advanced from the gardens. + </p> + <p> + ‘Honain!’ said the advancing figure, throwing off the veil. ‘Honain! Ah! + the beautiful mute returned!’ + </p> + <p> + A woman more lovely than the rosy morn, beheld an unexpected guest. They + stood, the lady and the stranger, gazing on each other in silence. A man, + with a light, entered the extremity of the hall. Carefully he closed the + portal, slowly he advanced, with a subdued step; he approached the lady + and the stranger. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alroy!’ said the astonished Honain, the light fell from his hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alroy!’ exclaimed the lady, with a bewildered air: she turned pale, and + leant against a column. + </p> + <p> + ‘Daughter of the caliph!’ said the leader of Israel; and he advanced, and + fell upon his knee, and stole her passive hand. ‘I am indeed that Alroy to + whom destiny has delivered the empire of thy sire; but the Princess + Schirene can have nothing to fear from one who values above all his + victories this memorial of her goodwill;’ and he took from his breast a + rosary of pearls and emeralds, and, rising slowly, left it in her + trembling hand. + </p> + <p> + The princess turned and hid her face in her arm, which reclined against + the column. + </p> + <p> + ‘My kind Honain,’ said Alroy, ‘you thought me forgetful of the past; you + thought me ungrateful. My presence here proves that I am not so. I come to + enquire all your wishes. I come to gratify and to fulfil them, if that be + in my power.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire,’ replied Honain, who had recovered from the emotion in which he + rarely indulged, and from the surprise which seldom entrapped him, ‘Sire, + my wishes are slight. You see before you the daughter of my master. An + interview, for which I fear I shall not easily gain that lady’s pardon, + has made you somewhat acquainted with her situation and her sentiments. + The Princess Schirene seized the opportunity of the late convulsions to + escape from a mode of life long repugnant to all her feelings, and from a + destiny at which she trembled. I was her only counsellor, and she may feel + assured, a faithful, although perhaps an indiscreet one. The irresistible + solicitation of the inhabitants that I should become their deputy to their + conqueror prevented us from escaping as we had intended. Since then, from + the movement of the troops, I have deemed it more prudent that we should + remain at present here, although I have circulated the intelligence of my + departure. In the kiosk of my garden, the princess is now a willing + prisoner. At twilight she steals forth for the poor relaxation of my + society, to listen to the intelligence which I acquire during the day in + disguise. The history, sire, is short and simple. We are in your power: + but instead of deprecating your interference, I now solicit your + protection.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Honain, ‘tis needless. The Princess Schirene has only to express a + wish that it may be fulfilled. I came to speak with you on weighty + matters, Honain, but I retire, for I am an intruder now. Tomorrow, if it + please you, at this hour, and in this disguise, I will again repair + hither. In the meantime, this lady may perchance express to you her + wishes, and you will bear them to me. If an escort to any country, if any + palace or province for her rule and residence—— But I will not + offer to one who should command. Lady! farewell. Pardon the past! + Tomorrow, good Honain! prythee let us meet. Good even!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The royal brow was clouded,’ said Ithamar to Asriel, as, departing from + the council, they entered their magnificent barque. + </p> + <p> + ‘With thought; he has so much upon his mind, ‘tis wondrous how he bears + himself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have seen him gay on the eve of battle, and lively though calm, with + weightier matters than now oppress him. His brow was clouded, but not, + me-thinks, with <i>thought</i>; one might rather say with <i>temper</i>. + Mark you, how he rated Jabaster?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Roundly! The stern priest writhed under it; and as he signed the + ordinance, shivered his reed in rage. I never saw a man more pale.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Or more silent. He looked like an embodied storm. I tell you what, + Asriel, that stern priest loves not us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you just discovered that secret, Ithamar? We are not of his school. + Nor, in good faith, is our ruler. I am glad to see the king is so staunch + about Abidan. Were he in council he would support Jabaster.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! his mere tool. What think you of Scherirah?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would not trust him. As long as there is fighting, he will meddle with + nothing else; but, mark my words, Ithamar: in quiet times he will support + the priest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Medad will have a place in council. He is with us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Heart and soul. I would your brother were here, Asriel: he alone could + balance Jabaster. Alroy loves your brother like himself. Is it true that + he marries the Lady Miriam?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So the king wishes. ‘Twill be a fine match for Abner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The world is all before us. I wonder who will be viceroy of Syria.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When we conquer it. Not Scherirah. Mark my words, Ithamar: he never will + have a government. You or I perchance. For my own part, I would rather + remain as I am.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yours is a good post; the best.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘With the command of the city. It should go with the guard.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then, help me in getting Syria, and you can ask for my command.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Agreed. Jabaster will have it that, in a Hebrew monarchy, the chief + priest is in fact the grand vizir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alroy will be his own minister.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not so sure of that. He may choose to command the Syrian expedition + in person; he must leave some head at Bagdad. Jabaster is no general.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! none at all. Alroy will be glad to leave him at home. The Sultan of + Roum may not be always so merciful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah! hah! that was an escape!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By heavens! I thought it was all over. You made a fine charge.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall never forget it. I nearly ran over Jabaster.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would that you had!’ + </p> + <p> + It is the tender twilight hour when maidens in their lonely bower sigh + softer than the eve! The languid rose her head upraises, and listens to + the nightingale, while his wild and thrilling praises from his trembling + bosom gush: the languid rose her head upraises, and listens with a blush. + </p> + <p> + In the clear and rosy air, sparkling with a single star, the sharp and + spiry cypress-tree rises like a gloomy thought, amid the flow of revelry. + A singing bird, a single star, a solemn tree, an odorous flower, are + dangerous in the tender hour, when maidens in their twilight bower sigh + softer than the eve! + </p> + <p> + The daughter of the caliph comes forth to breathe the air: her lute her + only company. She sits her down by a fountain’s side, and gazes on the + waterfall. Her cheek reclines upon her arm, like fruit upon a graceful + bough. Very pensive is the face of that bright and beauteous lady. She + starts; a warm voluptuous lip presses her soft and idle hand. It is her + own gazelle. With his large and lustrous eyes, more eloquent than many a + tongue, the fond attendant mutely asks the cause of all her + thoughtfulness. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! bright gazelle! Ah! bright gazelle!’ the princess cried, the princess + cried; ‘thy lips are softer than the swan, thy lips are softer than the + swan; but his breathed passion when they pressed, my bright gazelle! my + bright gazelle! + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! bright gazelle! Ah! bright gazelle!’ the princess cried, the princess + cried; ‘thine eyes are like the stars of night, thine eyes are like the + stars of night; but his glanced passion when they gazed, my bright + gazelle! my bright gazelle!’ + </p> + <p> + She seized her lute, she wildly threw her fingers o’er its thrilling + strings, and, gazing on the rosy sky, to borrow all its poetry, thus, thus + she sang—thus, thus she sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + He rose in beauty like the morn + That brightens in bur Syrian skies; + Dark passion glittered in his eyes, + And Empire sparkled in his form! + + My soul! thou art the dusky earth, + On which his sunlight fell; + The dusky earth, that dim no longer, + Now breathes with light, now beams with love! + + He rose in beauty, like the morn + That brightens in our Syrian skies; + Dark passion glittered in his eyes, + And Empire sparkled in his form! +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/alroy_frontis_174.jpg" alt="Page174 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + ‘Once more, once more! Ah! sing that strain once more!’ + </p> + <p> + The princess started and looked round. Before her stood Alroy. She rose, + she would have retired; but, advancing, the conqueror stole her hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘Fair princess,’ said Alroy, ‘let it not be said that my presence banished + at once beauty and music.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire, I doubt not that Honain awaits you. Let me summon him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lady, it is not with Honain that I would speak.’ + </p> + <p> + He seated himself by her side. His countenance was pale, his heart + trembled. + </p> + <p> + ‘This garden,’ at length he observed in a low voice, ‘this garden, a + brief, brief space has glided away since first I wandered within its + beauteous limits, and yet those days seem like the distant memory of + another life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is another life,’ said the princess. ‘Ourselves, the world, all forms + and usages, all feelings and all habits, verily they have changed, as if + we had breathed within another sphere.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis a great change.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Since first you visited my bright kiosk. Pretty bauble! I pray it may be + spared.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is sacred, like yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are a courteous conqueror.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am no conqueror, fair Schirene, but a slave more lowly than when I + first bowed humbly in your presence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And bore away a token not forgotten. Your rosary is here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me claim it. It has been my consolation in much peril, beauteous + lady. On the eve of battle I wound it round my heart.’ + </p> + <p> + She held forth the rosary, and turned away her head. Her hand remained in + his; he pressed it to his lips. His right arm retained her hand; he wound + the other round her waist, as he fell upon his knee. + </p> + <p> + ‘O beautiful! O more than beautiful! for thou to me art like a dream + unbroken,’ exclaimed the young leader of Israel, ‘let me, let me breathe + my adoration. I offer thee not empire: I offer thee not wealth; I offer + thee not all the boundless gratification of magnificent fancy,—these + may be thine, but all these thou hast proved; but, if the passionate + affections of a spirit which never has yielded to the power of woman or + the might of man, if the deep devotion of the soul of Alroy, be deemed an + offering meet for the shrine of thy surpassing loveliness, I worship thee, + Schirene. I worship thee, I worship thee! + </p> + <p> + ‘Since I first gazed upon thee, since thy beauty first rose upon my + presence like a star bright with my destiny, in the still sanctuary of my + secret love, thy idol has ever rested. Then, then, I was a thing whose + very touch thy creed might count a contumely. I have avenged the insults + of long centuries in the best blood of Asia; I have returned, in glory and + in pride, to claim my ancient sceptre; but sweeter far than vengeance, + sweeter far than the quick gathering of my sacred tribes, the rush of + triumph and the blaze of empire, is this brief moment of adoring love, + wherein I pour the passion of my life! + </p> + <p> + ‘O my soul, my life, my very being! thou art silent, but thy silence is + sweeter than others’ speech. Yield, yield thee, dear Schirene, yield to + thy suppliant! Thy faith, thy father’s faith, thy native customs, these, + these shall be respected, beauteous lady! Pharaoh’s daughter yielded her + dusky beauty to my great ancestor. Thy face is like the bright inspiring + day! Let it not be said that the daughter of the Nile shared Israel’s + crown, the daughter of the Tigris spurned our sceptre. I am not Solomon, + but I am one that, were Schirene the partner of my throne, would make his + glowing annals read like a wearisome and misty tale to our surpassing + lustre!’ + </p> + <p> + He ceased, the princess turned her hitherto hidden countenance, and bowed + it on his heart. ‘O Alroy!’ she exclaimed, ‘I have no creed, no country, + no life, but thee!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The king is late to-day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it true, Asriel, there is an express from Hamadan?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of no moment, Ithamar. I have private letters from Abner. All is quiet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis much past the hour. When do you depart, Scherirah?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The troops are ready. I wait orders. This morning’s council will + perchance decide.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This morning’s council is devoted to the settlement of the civil affairs + of the capital,’ remarked Jabaster. + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ said Asriel. ‘Is your report prepared, Jabaster?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis here,’ replied the high priest. ‘The Hebrew legislator requires but + little musing to shape his order. He has a model which time cannot + destroy, nor thought improve.’ + </p> + <p> + Ithamar and Asriel exchanged significant glances. Scherirah looked solemn. + There was a pause, which was broken by Asriel. + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis a noble city, this Bagdad. I have not yet visited your quarters, + Jabaster. You are well placed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As it may be. I hope we shall not tarry here long. The great point is + still not achieved.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How far is it to the holy city?’ enquired Scherirah. + </p> + <p> + ‘A month’s march,’ replied Jabaster. + </p> + <p> + ‘And when you get there?’ enquired Ithamar. + </p> + <p> + ‘You may fight with the Franks,’ replied Asriel. + </p> + <p> + ‘Jabaster, how large is Jerusalem?’ enquired Ithamar. ‘Is it true, as I + have sometimes heard, that it is not bigger than the serail here, gardens + and all?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Its glory hath departed,’ replied the high priest; ‘the bricks have + fallen, but we will rebuild with marble; and Zion, that is now without the + Christian walls, shall yet sparkle, as in the olden time, with palaces and + pavilions.’ + </p> + <p> + A flourish of trumpets, the portals flew open, and Alroy entered, leaning + on the arm of the Envoy of Bagdad. + </p> + <p> + ‘Valiant leaders,’ said Alroy to the astonished chieftains, ‘in this noble + stranger, you see one like yourselves entrusted with my unbounded + confidence. Jabaster, behold thy brother!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Honain! art <i>thou</i> Honain?’ exclaimed the pontiff starting from his + seat. ‘I have a thousand messengers after thee.’ With a countenance + alternately pallid with surprise and burning with affection, Jabaster + embraced his brother, and, overpowered with emotion, hid his face on his + shoulder. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire,’ at length exclaimed the high priest, in a low and tremulous voice, + ‘I must pray your pardon that for an instant in this character I have + indulged in any other thoughts than those that may concern your welfare. + Tis past: and you, who know all, will forgive me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All that respects Jabaster must concern my welfare. He is the pillar of + my empire;’ and holding forth his hand, Alroy placed the high priest on + his right. ‘Scherirah, you depart this eve.’ + </p> + <p> + The rough captain bowed in silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is this?’ continued Alroy, as Jabaster offered him a scroll. ‘Ah! + your report. “Order of the Tribes,” “Service of the Lévites,” “Princes of + the People,” “Elders of Israel!” The day may come when this may be + effected. At present, Jabaster, we must be moderate, and content ourselves + with arrangements which may ensure that order shall be maintained, + property respected, and justice administered. Is it true that a gang has + rifled a mosque?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire! of that I would speak. They are no plunderers, but men, perhaps too + zealous, who have read and who have remembered that “Ye shall utterly + destroy all the places wherein the nations which ye shall possess, served + their gods upon the high mountains, and upon the hill, and under every + green tree. And ye shall overthrow their altars, and——“’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Jabaster, is this a synagogue? Come I to a council of valiant statesmen + or dreaming Rabbis? For a thousand years we have been quoting the laws we + dared not practise. Is it with such aid that we captured Nishapur and + crossed the Tigris? Valiant, wise Jabaster, thou art worthy of better + things, and capable of all. I entreat thee, urge such matters for the last + time. Are these fellows in custody?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They were in custody. I have freed them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Freed them! Hang them! Hang them in the most public grove. Is this the + way to make the Moslem a duteous subject? Jabaster! Israel honours thee; + and I, its chief, know that one more true, more valiant, or more learned, + crowds not around our standard; but I see, the caverns of the Caucasus are + not a school for empire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire, I had humbly deemed the school for empire was the law of Moses.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! adapted to these times.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Can aught divine be changed?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Am I as tall as Adam? If man, the crown, the rose of all this fair + creation, the most divine of all divine inventions, if Time have altered + even this choicest of all godlike works, why shall it spare a law made but + to rule his conduct? Good Jabaster, we must establish the throne of + Israel, that is my mission, and for the means, no matter how, or where. + Asriel, what news of Medad?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All is quiet between the Tigris and Euphrates. It would be better to + recall his division, which has been much harassed. I thought of relieving + him by Abidan.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think so, too. We may as well keep Abidan out of the city. If the truth + were known, I’ll wager some of his company plundered the mosque. We must + issue a proclamation on that subject. My good Jabaster, we’ll talk over + these matters alone. At present I will leave you with your brother. + Scherirah, sup with me to-night; before you quit Asriel, come with me to + my cabinet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must see the king!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Holy priest, his highness has retired. It is impossible.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must see the king. Worthy Pharez, I take all peril on myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed his highness’ orders are imperative. You cannot see him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Knowest thou who I am?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One whom all pious Hebrews reverence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I say I must see the king.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, indeed, holy Jabaster, it cannot be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall Israel perish for a menial’s place? Go to; I <i>will</i> see him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay! if you <i>will</i>, I’ll struggle for my duty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Touch not the Lord’s anointed. Dog, you shall suffer for this!’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, Jabaster threw aside Pharez, and, with the attendant clinging + to his robes, rushed into the royal chamber. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is all this?’ exclaimed Alroy, starting from the divan. ‘Jabaster! + Pharez, withdraw! How now, is Bagdad in insurrection?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Worse, much worse, Israel soon will be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My fatal brother has told me all, nor would I sleep, until I lifted up my + voice to save thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Am I in danger?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In the wilderness, when the broad desert quivered beneath thy trembling + feet, and the dark heavens poured down their burning torrents, thou wert + less so. In that hour of death, One guarded thee, who never forgets His + fond and faithful offspring, and now, when He has brought thee out of the + house of bondage; now, when thy fortunes, like a noble cedar, swell in the + air and shadow all the land; thou, the very leader of His people, His + chosen one, for whom He hath worked such marvels, thy heart is turned from + thy fathers’ God, and hankers after strange abominations.’ + </p> + <p> + Through the broad arch that led into the gardens of the serail, the + moonlight fell upon the tall figure and the upraised arm of the priest; + Alroy stood with folded arms at some distance, watching Jabaster as he + spoke, with a calm but searching glance. Suddenly he advanced with a quick + step, and, placing his hand upon Jabaster’s arm, said, in a low, enquiring + tone, ‘You are speaking of this marriage?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of that which ruined Solomon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Listen to me, Jabaster,’ said Alroy, interrupting him, in a calm but + peremptory tone, ‘I cannot forget that I am speaking to my master, as well + as to my friend. The Lord, who knoweth all things, hath deemed me worthy + of His mission. My fitness for this high and holy office was not admitted + without proof. A lineage, which none else could offer, mystic studies + shared by few, a mind that dared encounter all things, and a frame that + could endure most, these were my claims. But no more of this. I have + passed the great ordeal; the Lord of Hosts hath found me not unworthy of + His charge; I have established His ancient people; His altars blaze with + sacrifices; His priests are honoured, bear witness thou, Jabaster, His + omnipotent unity is declared. What wouldst thou more?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then Moses knew you well. It is a stiff-necked people.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire, bear with me. If I speak in heat, I speak in zeal. You ask me what + I wish: my answer is, a national existence, which we have not. You ask me + what I wish: my answer is, the Land of Promise. You ask me what I wish: my + answer is, Jerusalem. You ask me what I wish: my answer is, the Temple, + all we have forfeited, all we have yearned after, all for which we have + fought, our beauteous country, our holy creed, our simple manners, and our + ancient customs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Manners change with time and circumstances; customs may be observed + everywhere. The ephod on thy breast proves our faith; and, for a country, + is the Tigris less than Siloah, or the Euphrates inferior to the Jordan?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas! alas! there was a glorious prime when Israel stood aloof from other + nations, a fair and holy thing that God had hallowed. We were then a + chosen family, a most peculiar people, set apart for God’s entire + enjoyment. All about us was solemn, deep, and holy. We shunned the + stranger as an unclean thing that must defile our solitary sanctity, and, + keeping to ourselves and to our God, our lives flowed on in one great + solemn tide of deep religion, making the meanest of our multitude feel + greater than the kings of other lands. It was a glorious time: I thought + it had returned; but I awake from this, as other dreams.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We must leave off dreaming, good Jabaster, we must act. Were I, by any + chance, to fall into one of those reveries, with which I have often lost + the golden hours at Hamadan, or in our old cave, I should hear, some fine + morning, his Sultanship of Roum rattling at my gates.’ Alroy smiled as he + spoke; he would willingly have introduced a lighter tone into the + dialogue, but the solemn countenance of the priest was not sympathetic + with his levity. + </p> + <p> + ‘My heart is full, and yet I cannot speak: the memory of the past + overpowers my thought. I had vainly deemed that my voice, inspired by the + soul of truth, might yet preserve him; and now I stand here in his + presence, silent and trembling, like a guilty thing. O, my prince! my + pupil!’ said the priest, advancing, falling on his knee, and seizing the + robe of Alroy, ‘by thy sacred lineage; by the sweet memory of thy ardent + youth, and our united studies, by all thy zealous thoughts, and solemn + musings, and glorious aspirations after fame; by all thy sufferings, and + by all thy triumphs, and chiefly by the name of that great God, who hath + elected thee his favoured child; by all the marvels of thy mighty mission, + I do adjure thee! Arise, Alroy, arise and rouse thyself. The lure that + snared thy fathers may trap thee, this Delilah may shear thy mystic locks. + Spirits like thee act not by halves. Once fall out from the straight + course before thee, and, though thou deemest ‘tis but to saunter ‘mid the + summer trees, soon thou wilt find thyself in the dark depths of some + infernal forest, where none may rescue thee!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What if I do inherit the eager blood of my great ancestor, at least I + hold his sceptre. Shall aught of earthly power prevail against the + supernatural sway of Heaven and Hades?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire, sire, the legend that came from Sinai is full of high instruction. + But shape thy conduct by its oracles, and all were well. It says our + people can be established only by him who rules them with the rod of + Solomon. Sire, when the Lord offered his pleasure to that mighty king, + thou knowest his deep discretion. Riches and length of days, empire and + vengeance, these were not the choice of one to whom all accidents were + proffered. The legend bears an inward spirit, as well as an outward + meaning. The capture of the prize was a wise test of thy imperial fitness. + Thou hast his sceptre, but, without his wisdom, ‘tis but a staff of + cedar.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah! Art thou there? I am glad to see Jabaster politic. Hear me, my + friend. What my feelings be unto this royal lady, but little matters. Let + them pass, and let us view this question by the light wherein you have + placed it, the flame of policy and not of passion. I am no traitor to the + God of Israel, in whose name I have conquered, and in whose name I shall + rule; but thou art a learned doctor, thou canst inform us. I have heard no + mandate to yield my glorious empire for my meanest province. I am Lord of + Asia, so would I have my long posterity. Our people are but a remnant, a + feeble fraction of the teeming millions that own my sway. What I hold I + can defend; but my children may not inherit the spirit of their sire. The + Moslemin will recognise their rule with readier hearts, when they remember + that a daughter of their caliphs gave them life. You see I too am politic, + my good Jabaster!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The policy of the son of Kareah<a href="#linknote-67" + name="linknoteref-67" id="linknoteref-67">67</a>, ‘twas fatal. He + preferred Egypt to Judah, and he suffered. Sire, the Lord hath blessed + Judah: it is His land. He would have it filled by His peculiar people, so + that His worship might ever flourish. For this He has, by many curious + rites and customs, marked us out from all other nations, so that we + cannot, at the same time, mingle with them and yet be true to Him. We must + exist alone. To preserve that loneliness is the great end and essence of + our law. What have we to do with Bagdad, or its people, where every + instant we must witness some violation of our statutes? Can we pray with + them? Can we eat with them? Alike in the highest duties, and the lowest + occupations of existence, we cannot mingle. From the altar of our God to + our domestic boards, we are alike separated from them. Sire, you may be + King of Bagdad, but you cannot, at the same time, be a Jew.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am what I am. I worship the Lord of Hosts. Perhaps, in His mercy, He + will accept the days of Nishapur and the Tigris as a compensation for some + slight relaxation in the ritual of the baker and the bath.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And mark my words: it was by the ritual of the baker and the bath that + Alroy rose, and without it he will fall. The genius of the people, which + he shared, raised him; and that genius has been formed by the law of + Moses. Based on that law, he might indeed have handed down an empire to + his long posterity; and now, though the tree of his fortunes seems + springing up by the water-side, fed by a thousand springs, and its + branches covered with dew, there is a gangrene in the sap, and to-morrow + he may shrink like a shrivelled gourd. Alas! alas! for Israel! We have + long fed on mallows; but to lose the vintage in the very day of fruition, + ‘tis very bitter. Ah! when I raised thy exhausted form in the cavern of + Genthesma, and the star of David beamed brightly in the glowing heavens + upon thy high fulfilment, who could have dreamed of a night like this? + Farewell, sire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop, Jabaster! earliest, dearest friend, prythee, prythee stop!’ + </p> + <p> + The priest slowly turned, the prince hesitated. + </p> + <p> + ‘Part not in anger, good Jabaster.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In sorrow, sire, only in sorrow; but deep and terrible.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Israel is Lord of Asia, my Jabaster. Why should we fear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Solomon built Tadmor in the wilderness, and his fleet brought gold from + Ophir; and yet Alroy was born a slave.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But did not die one. The sultans of the world have fallen before me. I + have no fear. Nay, do not go. At least you will give some credence to the + stars, my learned Cabalist. See, my planet shines as brightly as my + fortunes.’ Alroy withdrew the curtain, and with Jabaster stepped out upon + the terrace. A beautiful star glittered on high. As they gazed, its colour + changed, and a blood-red meteor burst from its circle, and fell into + space. The conqueror and the priest looked at each other at the same time. + Their countenances were pale, enquiring, and agitated. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire,’ said Jabaster, ‘march to Judah.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It portends war,’ replied Alroy, endeavouring to recover himself. + ‘Perchance some troubles in Persia.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Troubles at home, no other. The danger is nigh. Look to thyself.’ + </p> + <p> + A wild scream was heard in the gardens. It sounded thrice. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is this?’ exclaimed Alroy, really agitated. ‘Rouse the guard, + Jabaster, search the gardens.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis useless and may do harm. It was a spirit that shrieked.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What said it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Mené, Mené, Tekel, Upharsin!</i>’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The old story, the priest against the king,’ said Honain to Alroy, when + at his morrow’s interview, he had listened to the events of the preceding + night. ‘My pious brother wishes to lead you back to the Theocracy, and is + fearful that, if he prays at Bagdad instead of Zion, he may chance to + become only the head of an inferior sect, instead of revelling in the + universal tithes of a whole nation. As for the meteor, Scherirah must have + crossed the river about the same time, and the Sultan of Roum may explain + the bloody portent. For the shriek, as I really have no acquaintance with + spirits, I must leave the miraculous communication to the favoured ears + and initiated intelligences of your highness and my brother. It seems that + it differed from “the Daughter of the Voice” in more respects than one, + since it was not only extremely noisy, but, as it would appear, quite + unintelligible except to the individual who had an interest in the + interpretation, an ingenious one, I confess. When I enter upon my + functions as your highness’s chamberlain, I will at least guarantee that + your slumbers shall not be disturbed either by spirits or more unwelcome + visitors.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Enter upon them at once, good Honain. How fares my Persian rose to-day, + my sweet Schirene?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Feeding on your image in your absence. She spares no word to me, I do + assure your highness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, nay, we know you are a general favourite with the sex, Honain. + I’faith I’m jealous.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would your highness had cause,’ said Honain, demurely. + </p> + <p> + The approaching marriage between the King of the Hebrews and the Princess + of Bagdad was published throughout Asia. Preparations were made on the + plain of the Tigris for the great rejoicing. Whole forests were felled to + provide materials for the buildings and fuel for the banqueting. All the + governors of provinces and cities, all the chief officers and nobility of + both nations, were specially invited, and daily arrived in state at + Bagdad. Among them the Viceroy of the Medes and Persians, and his recent + bride, the Princess Miriam, were conspicuous, followed by a train of + nearly ten thousand persons. + </p> + <p> + A throne, ascended by one hundred steps covered with crimson cloth, and + crowned by a golden canopy, was raised in the middle of the plain; on each + side was a throne less elevated, but equally gorgeous. In the front of + these thrones an immense circus was described, formed by one hundred + chartaks or amphitheatres, ample room for the admittance of the multitude + being left between the buildings. These chartaks were covered with bright + brocades and showy carpets; on each was hoisted a brilliant banner. In + some of them were bands of choice musicians, in others companies of + jugglers, buffoons, and storiers. Five chartaks on each side of the + thrones were allotted for the convenience of the court; the rest were + filled by the different trades of the city. In one the fruiterers had + formed a beautiful garden, glowing with pomegranates and gourds and + watermelons, oranges, almonds, and pistachio-nuts; in another the butchers + exhibited their meats carved in fanciful shapes, and the skins of animals + formed into ludicrous figures. Here assembled the furriers, all dressed in + masquerade, like leopards, lions, tigers and foxes; and in another booth + mustered the upholsterers, proud of a camel made of wood, and reeds, and + cord, and painted linen, a camel which walked about as if alive, though + ever and anon a curtain drawn aside discovered to the marvelling multitude + the workman within, performing in his own piece. Further on might be + perceived the cotton manufacturers, whose chartak was full of birds of all + shapes and plumage, formed nevertheless of their curious plant; and, in + the centre rose a lofty minaret, constructed of the same material, with + the help of reeds, although every one imagined it to be built with bricks + and mortar. It was covered with embroidered work, and on the top was + placed a stork, so cunningly devised that the children pelted it with + pistachio-nuts. The saddlers showed their skill in two litters, open at + top, each carried on a dromedary, and in each a beautiful woman, who + diverted the spectators with light balls of gilt leather, throwing them up + both with their hands and feet. Nor were the mat-makers backward in the + proof of their dexterity, since, instead of a common banner, they + exhibited a large standard of reeds worked with two lines of writing in + Kufic, proclaiming the happy names of Alroy and Schirene. + </p> + <p> + But indeed in every chartak might be seen some wondrous specimens of the + wealth of Bagdad, and of the ingenuity of its unrivalled artisans. + </p> + <p> + Around this mighty circus, on every side for the space of many miles, the + plain was studded with innumerable pavilions. At measured intervals were + tables furnished with every species of provision, and attended by + appointed servants; flagons of wine and jars of sherbets, mingled with + infinite baskets of delicious fruits and trays of refreshing + confectionery. Although open to all comers, so great and rapid was the + supply, that these banqueting tables seemed ever laden; and that the joys + of the people might be complete, they were allowed to pursue whatever + pleasures they thought fit without any restraint, by proclamation, in + these terms. + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>This is the time of feasting, pleasure, and rejoicing. Let no person + reprimand or complain of another: let not the rich insult the poor, or the + strong the weak: let no one ask another, “why have you done this </i>?”’ + </p> + <p> + Millions of people were collected in this Paradise. They rejoiced, they + feasted, they frolicked, they danced, they sang. They listened to the + tales of the Arabian story-teller, at once enchanted and enchanting, or + melted to the strain of the Persian poet as he painted the moon-lit + forehead of his heroine and the wasting and shadowy form of his love-sick + hero; they beheld with amazement the feats of the juggler of the Ganges, + or giggled at the practised wit and the practical buffoonery of the Syrian + mime. And the most delighted could still spare a fascinating glance to the + inviting gestures and the voluptuous grace of the dancing girls of Egypt.<a + href="#linknote-68" name="linknoteref-68" id="linknoteref-68">68</a> + Everywhere reigned melody and merriment, rarity and beauty. For once + mankind forgot their cares, and delivered themselves up to infinite + enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + ‘I grow courteous,’ said Kisloch the Kourd, assisting a party into one of + the shows. + </p> + <p> + ‘And I humane,’ said Calidas the Indian. ‘Fellow, how dare you violate the + proclamation, by thrashing that child?’ He turned to one of the stewards + of the table, who was belabouring the unfortunate driver of a camel which + had stumbled and in its fall had shivered its burden, two panniers of + porcelain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mind your own business, fellow,’ replied the steward, ‘and be thankful + that for once in your life you can dine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is this the way to speak to an officer?’ said Calidas the Indian; ‘I have + half a mind to cut your tongue out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind, little fellow,’ said the Guebre, ‘here is a dirhem for you. + Run away and be merry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A miracle!’ grinned the Negro; ‘he giveth alms.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you are witty,’ rejoined the Guebre. ‘‘Tis a wondrous day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What shall we do?’ said Kisloch. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let us dine,’ proposed the Negro. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! under this plane-tree,’ said Calidas. ‘‘Tis pleasant to be alone. I + hate everybody but ourselves.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here stop, you rascal,’ said the Guebre. ‘What’s your name?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a Hadgee,’ said our old friend Abdallah, the servant of the + charitable merchant Ali, and who was this day one of the officiating + stewards. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you a Jew, you scoundrel?’ said the Guebre, ‘that is the only thing + worth being. Bring some wine, you accursed Giaour!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Instantly,’ said Kisloch, ‘and a pilau.’ ‘And a gazelle stuffed with + almonds,’ said Calidas. ‘And some sugar-plums,’ said the Negro. ‘Quick, + you infernal Gentile, or I’ll send this javelin in your back,’ hallooed + the Guebre. + </p> + <p> + The servile Abdallah hastened away, and soon bustled back, bearing two + flagons of wine, and followed by four servants, each with a tray covered + with dainties. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where are you going, you accursed scoundrels?’ grumbled Kisloch; ‘wait + upon the true believers.’ ‘We shall be more free alone,’ whispered + Calidas. ‘Away, then, dogs,’ growled Kisloch. Abdallah and his attendants + hurried off, but were soon summoned back. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why did you not bring Schiraz wine?’ asked Calidas, with an eye of fire. + </p> + <p> + ‘The pilau is overdone,’ thundered Kisloch. ‘You have brought a lamb + stuffed with pistachio-nuts, instead of a gazelle with almonds,’ said the + Guebre. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not half sugar-plums enough,’ said the Negro. ‘Everything is wrong,’ said + Kisloch. ‘Go, and get us a kabob.’ + </p> + <p> + In time, however, even this unmanageable crew were satisfied; and, seated + under their plane-tree, and stuffing themselves with all the dainties of + the East, they became more amiable as their appetites decreased. ‘A + bumper, Calidas, and a song,’ said Kisloch. ‘‘Tis rare stuff,’ said the + Guebre; ‘come, Cally, it should inspire you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here goes, then; mind the chorus.’ + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Drink, drink, deeply drink, + Never feel, and never think; + What’s love? what’s fame? a sigh, a smile. + Friendship? but a hollow wile. + If you’ve any thought or woe, + Drown them in the goblet’s flow. + Yes! dash them in this brimming cup; + Dash them in, and drink them up. + Drink, drink, deeply drink, + Never feel, and never think. +</pre> + <p> + ‘Hark, the trumpets! The King and Queen! ‘The procession is coming. Let’s + away.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Again! they must be near. Hurry, hurry, for good places.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Break all the cups and dishes. Come along!’ + </p> + <p> + The multitude from all quarters hurried to the great circus, amid the + clash of ten thousand cymbals and the blast of innumerable trumpets. In + the distance, issuing from the gates of Bagdad, might be discerned a + brilliant crowd, the advance company of the bridal procession. + </p> + <p> + There came five hundred maidens crowned with flowers, and beauteous as the + buds that girt their hair. Their flowing robes were whiter than the swan, + and each within her hand a palm-branch held. Followed these a band of + bright musicians, clothed in golden robes, and sounding silver trumpets. + </p> + <p> + Then five hundred youths, brilliant as stars, clad in jackets of white-fox + skin, and alternately bearing baskets of fruit or flowers. + </p> + <p> + Followed these a band of bright musicians, clothed in silver robes, and + sounding golden trumpets. + </p> + <p> + Six choice steeds, sumptuously caparisoned, each led by an Arab groom.<a + href="#linknote-69" name="linknoteref-69" id="linknoteref-69">69</a> + </p> + <p> + The household of Medad, in robes of crimson, lined with sable. + </p> + <p> + The standard of Medad. + </p> + <p> + Medad, on a coal-black Arab, followed by three hundred officers of his + division, all mounted on steeds of pure race. + </p> + <p> + Slaves, bearing the bridal present of Medad; six Damascus sabres of + unrivalled temper.<a href="#linknote-70" name="linknoteref-70" + id="linknoteref-70">70</a> + </p> + <p> + Twelve choice steeds, sumptuously caparisoned, each led by an Anatolian + groom. + </p> + <p> + The household of Ithamar, in robes of violet, lined with ermine. + </p> + <p> + The standard of Ithamar. + </p> + <p> + Ithamar, on a snow-white Anatolian charger, followed by six hundred + officers of his division, all mounted on steeds of pure race. + </p> + <p> + Slaves bearing the marriage present of Ithamar; a golden vase of rubies + borne on a violet throne. + </p> + <p> + One hundred Negroes, their noses bored, and hung with rings of brilliants, + playing upon wind instruments and kettle-drums. + </p> + <p> + The standard of the City of Bagdad. + </p> + <p> + The deputation from the citizens of Bagdad. + </p> + <p> + Two hundred mules, with caparisons of satin, embroidered with gold, and + adorned with small golden bells. These bore the sumptuous wardrobe, + presented by the city to their princess. Each mule was attended by a girl, + dressed like a Péri, with starry wings, and a man, masked as a hideous + Dive. + </p> + <p> + The standard of Egypt. + </p> + <p> + The deputation from the Hebrews of Egypt, mounted on dromedaries, with + silver furniture. + </p> + <p> + Fifty slaves, bearing their present to the princess, with golden cords, a + mighty bath of jasper, beautifully carved, the sarcophagus of some ancient + temple, and purchased for an immense sum. + </p> + <p> + The standard of Syria. + </p> + <p> + The deputation from the Hebrews of the Holy Land, headed by Rabbi Zimri + himself, each carrying in his hand his offering to the nuptial pair, a + precious vase, containing earth from the Mount of Zion. + </p> + <p> + The standard of Hamadan. + </p> + <p> + The deputation from the citizens of Hamadan, headed by the venerable + Bostenay himself, whose sumptuous charger was led by Caleb. + </p> + <p> + The present of the city of Hamadan to David Al-roy, offered at his own + suggestion; the cup in which the Prince of the Captivity carried his + tribute, now borne full of sand. + </p> + <p> + Fifty choice steeds, sumptuously caparisoned, each led by a Median or + Persian groom. + </p> + <p> + The household of Abner and Miriam, in number twelve hundred, clad in chain + armour of ivory and gold. + </p> + <p> + The standard of the Medes and Persians. + </p> + <p> + Two white elephants, with golden litters, bearing the Viceroy and his + Princess. + </p> + <p> + The offering of Abner to Alroy; twelve elephants of state, with furniture + embroidered with jewels, each tended by an Indian clad in chain armour of + ivory and gold. + </p> + <p> + The offering of Miriam to Schirene; fifty plants of roses from Rocnabad;<a + href="#linknote-71" name="linknoteref-71" id="linknoteref-71">71</a> a + white shawl of Cachemire fifty feet in length, which folded into the + handle of a fan; fifty screens, each made of a feather of the roc;<a + href="#linknote-72" name="linknoteref-72" id="linknoteref-72">72</a> and + fifty vases of crystal full of exquisite perfumes, and each sealed with a + talisman of precious stones. + </p> + <p> + After these followed the eunuch guard. + </p> + <p> + Then came the band of the serail, consisting of three hundred dwarfs, + hideous indeed to behold, but the most complete musicians in the world. + </p> + <p> + The steeds of Solomon, in number one hundred, each with a natural star + upon its front, uncaparisoned, and led only by a bridle of diamonds. + </p> + <p> + The household of Alroy and Schirene. Foremost, the Lord Honain riding upon + a chestnut charger, shod with silver; the dress of the rider, pink with + silver stars. From his rosy turban depended a tremulous aigrette of + brilliants,<a href="#linknote-73" name="linknoteref-73" id="linknoteref-73">73</a> + blazing with a thousand shifting tints. + </p> + <p> + Two hundred pages followed him; and then servants of both sexes, + gorgeously habited, amounting to nearly two thousand, carrying rich vases, + magnificent caskets, and costly robes. The treasurer and two hundred of + his underlings came next, showering golden dirhems on all sides. + </p> + <p> + The sceptre of Solomon borne by Asriel himself. + </p> + <p> + A magnificent and lofty car, formed of blue enamel with golden wheels, and + axletrees of turquoises and brilliants, and drawn by twelve snow-white and + sacred horses, four abreast; in the car Alroy and Schirene. + </p> + <p> + Five thousand of the Sacred Guard closed the procession. + </p> + <p> + Amid the exclamations of the people, this gorgeous procession crossed the + plain, and moved around the mighty circus. The conqueror and his bride + ascended their throne; its steps were covered by the youths and maidens. + On the throne upon their right sat the venerable Bostenay; on the left, + the gallant Viceroy and his Princess. The chartaks on each side were + crowded with the court. + </p> + <p> + The deputations made their offerings, the chiefs and captains paid their + homage, the trades of the city moved before the throne in order, and + exhibited their various ingenuity. Thrice was the proclamation made, amid + the sound of trumpets, and then began the games. + </p> + <p> + A thousand horsemen dashed into the arena and threw the jerreed. They + galloped at full speed; they arrested their fiery charges in mid course, + and flung their long javelins at the minute but sparkling target, the + imitative form of a rare and brilliant bird. The conquerors received their + prizes from the hand of the princess herself, bright shawls, and jewelled + daggers, and rosaries of gems. Sometimes the trumpets announced a prize + from the vice-queen, sometimes from the venerable Bostenay, sometimes from + the victorious generals, or the loyal deputations, sometimes from the + united trades, sometimes from the City of Bagdad, sometimes from the City + of Hamadan. The hours flew away in gorgeous and ceaseless variety. + </p> + <p> + ‘I would we were alone, my own Schirene,’ said Alroy to his bride. + </p> + <p> + ‘I would so too; and yet I love to see all Asia prostrate at the feet of + Alroy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Will the sun never set? Give me thy hand to play with.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush! See, Miriam smiles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lovest thou my sister, my own Schirene?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘None dearer but thyself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Talk not of my sister, but ourselves. Thinkest thou the sun is nearer + setting, love?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot see; thine eyes they dazzle me, they are so brilliant, sweet!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, my soul! I could pour out my passion on thy breast.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou art very serious.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Love is ever so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, sweet! It makes me wild and fanciful. Now I could do such things, + but what I know not. I would we had wings, and then we would fly away.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘See, I must salute this victor in the games. Must I unloose thy hand! + Dear hand, farewell! Think of me while I speak, my precious life. ‘Tis + done. Give back thy hand, or else methinks I shall die. What’s this?’ + </p> + <p> + A horseman, in no holiday dress, but covered with dust, rushed into the + circus, bearing in his hand a tall lance, on which was fixed a scroll. The + marshals of the games endeavoured to prevent his advance, but he would not + be stayed. His message was to the king alone. A rumour of news from the + army circulated throughout the crowd. And news from the army it was. + Another victory! Scherirah had defeated the Sultan of Roum, who was now a + suppliant for peace and alliance. Sooth to say, the intelligence had + arrived at dawn of day, but the courtly Honain had contrived that it + should be communicated at a later and more effective moment. + </p> + <p> + There scarcely needed this additional excitement to this glorious day. But + the people cheered, the golden dirhems were scattered with renewed + profusion, and the intelligence was received by all parties as a solemn + ratification by Jehovah, or by Allah, of the morning ceremony. + </p> + <p> + The sun set, the court rose, and returned in the same pomp to the serail. + The twilight died away, a beacon fired on a distant eminence announced the + entrance of Alroy and Schirene into the nuptial chamber, and suddenly, as + by magic, the mighty city, every mosque, and minaret, and tower, and + terrace, and the universal plain, and the numberless pavilions, and the + immense circus, and the vast and winding river, blazed with light. From + every spot a lamp, a torch, a lantern, tinted with every hue, burst forth; + enormous cressets of silver radiancy beamed on the top of each chartak, + and huge bonfires of ruddy flame started up along the whole horizon. + </p> + <p> + For seven days and seven nights this unparalleled scene of rejoicing, + though ever various, never ceased. Long, long was remembered the bridal + feast of the Hebrew prince and the caliph’s daughter; long, long did the + peasantry on the plains of Tigris sit down by the side of that starry + river, and tell the wondrous tale to their marvelling posterity. + </p> + <p> + Now what a glorious man was David Alroy, lord of the mightiest empire in + the world, and wedded to the most beautiful princess, surrounded by a + prosperous and obedient people, guarded by invincible armies, one on whom + Earth showered all its fortune, and Heaven all its favour; and all by the + power of his own genius! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Death of Jabaster</i> +</pre> + <p> + ‘TWAS midnight, and the storm still raged; ‘mid the roar of the thunder + and the shrieks of the wind, the floods of forky lightning each instant + revealed the broad and billowy breast of the troubled Tigris. Jabaster + stood gazing upon the wild scene from the gallery of his palace. His + countenance was solemn, but disquieted. + </p> + <p> + ‘I would that he were here!’ exclaimed the high priest. ‘Yet why should I + desire his presence, who heralds only gloom? Yet in his absence am I gay? + I am nothing. This Bagdad weighs upon me like a cloak of lead: my spirit + is dull and broken.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They say Alroy gives a grand banquet in the serail to-night, and toasts + his harlot ‘mid the thunderbolts. Is there no hand to write upon the wall? + He is found wanting, he is weighed, and is indeed found wanting. The + parting of his kingdom soon will come, and then, I could weep, oh! I could + weep, and down these stern and seldom yielding cheeks pour the wild + anguish of my desperate woe. So young, so great, so favoured! But one more + step a God, and now a foul Belshazzar! + </p> + <p> + ‘Was it for this his gentle youth was passed in musing solitude and mystic + studies? Was it for this the holy messenger summoned his most religious + spirit? Was it for this he crossed the fiery desert, and communed with his + fathers in their tombs? Is this the end of all his victories and all his + vast achievements? To banquet with a wanton! + </p> + <p> + ‘A year ago, this very night, it was the eve of battle, I stood within his + tent to wait his final word. He mused awhile, and then he said, “Good + night, Jabaster!” I believed myself the nearest to his heart, as he has + ever been nearest to mine, but that’s all over. He never says, “Good + night, Jabaster,” now. Why, what’s all this? Methinks I am a child. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Lord’s anointed is a prisoner now in the light grating of a bright + kiosk, and never gazes on the world he conquered. Egypt and Syria, even + farthest Ind, send forth their messengers to greet Alroy, the great, the + proud, the invincible. And where is he? In a soft Paradise of girls and + eunuchs, crowned with flowers, listening to melting lays, and the wild + trilling of the amorous lute. He spares no hours to council; all is left + to his prime favourites, of whom the leader is that juggling fiend I + sometime called my brother. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why rest I here? Whither should I fly? Methinks my presence is still a + link to decency. Should I tear off the ephod, I scarcely fancy ‘twould + blaze upon another’s breast. He goes not to the sacrifice; they say he + keeps no fast, observes no ritual, and that their festive fantasies will + not be balked, even by the Sabbath. I have not seen him thrice since the + marriage. Honain has told her I did oppose it, and she bears to me a + hatred that only women feel. Our strong passions break into a thousand + purposes: women have one. Their love is dangerous, but their hate is + fatal. + </p> + <p> + ‘See! a boat bounding on the waters. On such a night, but one would dare + to venture.’ + </p> + <p> + Now visible, now in darkness, a single lantern at the prow, Jabaster + watched with some anxiety the slight bark buffeting the waves. A flash of + lightning illumined the whole river, and tipped with a spectral light even + the distant piles of building. The boat and the toiling figure of the + single rower were distinctly perceptible. Now all again was darkness; the + wind suddenly subsided; in a few minutes the plash of the oars was + audible, and the boat apparently stopped beneath the palace. + </p> + <p> + There was a knocking at the private portal. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who knocks?’ enquired Jabaster. + </p> + <p> + ‘A friend to Israel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Abidan, by his voice. Art thou alone?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The prophetess is with me; only she.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A moment. I’ll open the gate. Draw the boat within the arch.’ + </p> + <p> + Jabaster descended from the gallery, and in a few moments returned with + two visitors: the youthful prophetess Esther, and her companion, a man + short in stature, but with a powerful and well-knit frame. His countenance + was melancholy, and, with harshness in the lower part, not without a + degree of pensive beauty in the broad clear brow and sunken eyes, unusual + in Oriental visages. + </p> + <p> + ‘A rough night,’ said Jabaster. + </p> + <p> + ‘To those who fear it,’ replied Abidan. ‘The sun has brought so little joy + to me, I care not for the storm.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What news?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Woe! woe! woe!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thy usual note, my sister. Will the day never come when we may change + it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Woe! woe! woe! unutterable woe!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Abidan, how fares it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As it may turn out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are brief.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bitter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you been to court, that you have learnt to be so wary in your words, + my friend?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know not what may happen. In time we may all become courtiers, though I + fear, Jabaster, we have done too much to be rewarded. I gave him my blood, + and you something more, and now we are at Bagdad. ‘Tis a fine city. I wish + to Heaven the shower of Sodom would rain upon its terraces.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know thou hast something terrible to tell. I know it by that gloomy + brow of thine, that lowers like the tempest. Speak out, man, I can bear + the worst, for which I am prepared.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Take it, then. Alroy has proclaimed himself Caliph. Abner is made Sultan + of Persia; Asriel, Ithamar, Medad, and the chief captains, Vizirs, Honain + their chief. Four Moslem nobles are sworn into the council. The Princess + goes to mosque in state next Friday; ‘tis said thy pupil doth accompany + her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll not believe it! By the God of Sinai, I’ll not believe it! Were my + own eye the accursed witness of the deed, I’d not believe it. Go to + mosque! They play with thee, my good Abidan, they play with thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As it may be. Tis a rumour, but rumours herald deeds. The rest of my + intelligence is true. I had it from my kinsman, stout Zalmunna. He left + the banquet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I go to him? Methinks one single word, To mosque! only a rumour and + a false one. I’ll never believe it; no, no, no, never, never! Is he not + the Lord’s anointed? The ineffable curse upon this daughter ot the + Moabite! No marvel that it thunders! By heavens, I’ll go and beard him in + his orgies!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know your power better than Abidan. You bearded him before his + marriage, yet——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He married. Tis true. Honain, their chief. And I kept his ring! Honain is + my brother. Have I ne’er a dagger to cut the bond of brotherhood?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have all daggers, Jabaster, if we knew but how to use them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis strange, we met after twenty years of severance. You were not in the + chamber, Abidan. ‘Twas at council. We met after twenty years of severance. + He is my brother. ‘Tis strange, I say: I felt that man shrink from my + embrace.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Honain is a philosopher, and believes in sympathy. ‘Twould appear there + was none between you. His system, then, absolves you from all ties.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are sure the rest of the intelligence is true? I’ll not believe the + mosque, the rest is bad enough.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Zalmunna left the banquet. Hassan Subah’s brother sat above him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Subah’s brother! ‘Tis all over, then. Is he of the council?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, and others.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where now is Israel?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She should be in her tents.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Woe! woe! unutterable woe!’ exclaimed the prophetess, who, standing + motionless at the back of the chamber, seemed inattentive to their + conversation. + </p> + <p> + Jabaster paced the gallery with agitated steps. Suddenly he stopped, and, + walking up to Abidan, seized his arm, and looked him sternly in the face. + ‘I know thy thoughts, Abidan,’ exclaimed the priest; ‘but it cannot be. I + have dismissed, henceforth and for ever I have dismissed all feeling from + my mind; now I have no brother, no friend, no pupil, and, I fear, no + Saviour. Israel is all in all to me. I have no other life. ‘Tis not + compunction, then, that stays my arm. My heart’s as hard as thine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why stays it then?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because with him we fall. He is the last of all his sacred line. There is + no other hand to grasp our sceptre.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Our</i> sceptre! what sceptre?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The sceptre of our kings.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Kings!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, why dost thou look so dark?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How looked the prophet when the stiff-necked populace forsooth must have + a king! Did he smile? Did he shout, and clap his hands, and cry, God save + his Majesty! O, Jabaster! honoured, rare Jabaster! thou second Samuel of + our lightheaded people! there was a time when Israel had no king except + their God. Were we viler then? Did kings conquer Canaan? Who was Moses, + who was Aaron, who was mighty Joshua? Was the sword of Gideon a kingly + sword? Did the locks of Samson shade royal temples? Would a king have kept + his awful covenant like solemn Jephtha? Royal words are light as air, + when, to maintain them, you injure any other than a subject. + </p> + <p> + ‘Kings! why, what’s a king? Why should one man break the equal sanctity of + our chosen race? Is their blood purer than our own? We are all the seed of + Abraham. Who was Saul, and who was David? I never heard that they were a + different breed from our fathers. Grant them devout, which they were not; + and brave and wise, which other men were; have their posterity a patent + for all virtues? No, Jabaster! thou ne’er didst err, but when thou + placedst a crown upon this haughty stripling. What he did, a thousand + might have done. ‘Twas thy mind inspired the deed. And now he is a king; + and now Jabaster, the very soul of Israel, who should be our Judge and + leader, Jabaster trembles in disgrace, while our unhallowed Sanhedrim is + filled with Ammonites!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Abidan, thou hast touched me to the quick; thou hast stirred up thoughts + that ever and anon, like strong and fatal vapours, have risen from the + dark abyss of thought, and I have quelled them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let them rise, I say; let them drown the beams of that all-scorching sun + we suffer under, that drinks all vegetation up, and makes us languish with + a dull exhaustion!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Joy! joy! unutterable joy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hark! the prophetess has changed her note; and yet she hears us not. The + spirit of the Lord is truly with her. Come, Jabaster, I see thy heart is + opening to thy people’s sufferings; thy people, my Jabaster, for art not + thou our Judge? At least, thou shalt be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Can we call back the Theocracy? Is’t possible?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But say the word, and it is done, Jabaster. Nay, stare not. Dost thou + think there are no true hearts in Israel? Dost thou suppose thy children + have beheld, without a thought, the foul insults poured on thee; thee, + their priest, their adored high priest, one who recalls the best days of + the past, the days of their great Judges? But one word, one single + movement of that mitred head, and—— But I speak unto a mind + that feels more than I can express. Be silent, tongue, thou art a babbling + counsellor. Jabaster’s patriot soul needs not the idle schooling of a + child. If he be silent, ‘tis that his wisdom deems that the hour is not + ripe, but when her leader speaks, Israel will not be slack.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Moslemin in council! We know what must come next. Our national + existence is in its last agony. Methinks the time is very ripe, Abidan.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, so we think, great sir; and say the word, and twenty thousand spears + will guard the Ark. I’ll answer for my men. Stout Scherirah looks grimly + on the Moabites. A word from thee, and the whole Syrian army will join our + banner, the Lion of Judah, that shall be our flag. The tyrant and his + satraps, let them die, and then the rest must join us. We’ll proclaim the + covenant, and, leaving Babylon to a bloody fate, march on to Zion!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Zion, his youthful dream, Zion!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You muse!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘King or no king, he is the Lord’s anointed. Shall this hand, that poured + the oil on his hallowed head, wash out the balmy signet with his blood? + Must I slay him? Shall this kid be seethed even in its mother’s milk?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘His voice is low, and yet his face is troubled. How now, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What art thou? Ah! Abidan, trusty, stanch Abidan! You see, Abidan, I was + thinking, my good Abidan, all this may be the frenzy of a revel. + Tomorrow’s dawn may summon cooler counsels. The tattle of the table, it is + sacred. Let us forget it; let us pass it over. The Lord may turn his + heart. Who knows, who knows, Abidan!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noble sir, a moment since your mind was like your faith, firm and + resolved, and now——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘School me not, school me not, good Abidan. There is that within my mind + you cannot fathom; some secret sorrows which are all my own. Leave me, + good friend, leave me awhile. When Israel calls me I shall not be wanting. + Be sure of that, Abidan, be sure of that. Nay, do not go; the night is + very rough, and the fair prophetess should not again stem the swelling + river. I’ll to my closet, and will soon return.’ + </p> + <p> + Jabaster quitted the gallery, and entered a small apartment. Several large + volumes, unclasped and open, were lying on various parts of the divan. + Before them stood his brazen cabalistic table. He closed the chamber with + a cautious air. He advanced into the centre of the apartment. He lifted up + his hands to heaven, and clasped them with an expression almost of agony. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it come to this?’ he muttered in a tone of deep oppression. ‘Is it + come to this? What is’t I have heard? what done? Down, tempting devil, + down! O life! O glory! O my country, my chosen people, and my sacred + creed! why do we live, why act? Why have we feeling for aught that’s + famous, or for aught that’s holy? Let me die! let, let me die! The torture + of existence is too great.’ + </p> + <p> + He flung himself upon the couch; he buried his awful countenance in his + robes. His mighty heart was convulsed with passion. There did he lie, that + great and solemn man, prostrate and woe-begone. + </p> + <p> + ‘The noisy banquet lingers in my ear; I love to be alone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘With me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou art myself; I have no other life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sweet bird! It is now a caliph.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am what thou wiliest, soul of my sweet existence! Pomp and dominion, + fame and victory, seem now but flawed and dimly-shaded gems compared with + thy bright smile!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My plaintive nightingale, shall we hunt to-day?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas! my rose, I would rather lie upon this lazy couch, and gaze upon thy + beauty!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Or sail upon the cool and azure lake, in some bright barque, like to a + sea-nymph’s shell, and followed by the swans?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no lake so blue as thy deep eye; there is no swan so white as + thy round arm!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Or shall we launch our falcons in the air, and bring the golden pheasant + to our feet?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am the golden pheasant at thy feet; why wouldst thou richer prey?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Rememberest thou thy earliest visit to this dear kiosk, my gentle mute? + There thou stoodst with folded arms and looks demure as day, and ever and + anon with those dark eyes stealing a glance which made my cheek quite + pale. Methinks I see thee even yet, shy bird. Dost know, I was so foolish + when it quitted me, dost know I cried?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, no! thou didst not cry?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, I think I did.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell me again, my own Schirene, indeed didst cry?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed I did, my soul!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would those tears were in some crystal vase, I’d give a province for + the costly urn.’ + </p> + <p> + She threw her arms around his neck and covered his face with kisses. + </p> + <p> + Sunset sounded from the minarets. They arose and wandered together in the + surrounding paradise. The sky was tinted with a pale violet flush, a + single star floating by the side of the white moon, that beamed with a dim + lustre, soft and shapely as a pearl. + </p> + <p> + ‘Beautiful!’ exclaimed the pensive Schirene, as she gazed upon the star. + ‘O, my Alroy, why cannot we ever live alone, and ever in a paradise?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am wearied of empire,’ replied Alroy with a smile, ‘let us fly!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is there no island, with all that can make life charming, and yet + impervious to man? How little do we require! Ah! if these gardens, instead + of being surrounded by hateful Bagdad, were only encompassed by some + beautiful ocean!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My heart, we live in a paradise, and are seldom disturbed, thanks to + Honain!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But the very consciousness that there are any other persons existing + besides ourselves is to me painful. Every one who even thinks of you seems + to rob me of a part of your being. Besides, I am weary of pomp and + palaces. I should like to live in a sparry grot, and sleep upon a couch of + sweet leaves!’ + </p> + <p> + This interesting discussion was disturbed by a dwarf, who, in addition to + being very small and very ugly, was dumb. He bowed before the Princess; + and then had recourse to a great deal of pantomimic action, by which she + discovered that it was dinnertime. No other person could have ventured to + disturb the royal pair, but this little being was a privileged favourite. + </p> + <p> + So Alroy and Schirene entered the serail. An immense cresset-lamp, fed + with perfumed oil, threw a soft light round the sumptuous chamber. At the + end stood a row of eunuchs in scarlet dresses, and each holding a tall + silver staff. The Caliph and the Sultana threw themselves upon a couch + covered with a hundred cushions; on one side stood a group consisting of + the captain of the guard and other officers of the household, on the + other, of beautiful female slaves magnificently attired. + </p> + <p> + The line of domestics at the end of the apartment opened, and a body of + slaves advanced, carrying trays of ivory and gold, and ebony and silver, + covered with the choicest dainties, curiously prepared. These were in turn + offered to the Caliph and the Sultana by their surrounding attendants. The + Princess accepted a spoon made of a single pearl, the long, thin golden + handle of which was studded with rubies, and condescended to partake of + some saffron soup, of which she was fond. Afterwards she regaled herself + with the breast of a cygnet, stuffed with almonds, and stewed with violets + and cream. Having now a little satisfied her appetite, and wishing to show + a mark of her favour to a particular individual, she ordered the captain + of the guard instantly to send him the whole of the next course<a + href="#linknote-74" name="linknoteref-74" id="linknoteref-74">74</a> with + her compliments. Her attention was then engaged with a dish of those + delicate ortolans that feed upon the vine-leaves of Schiraz, and with + which the Governor of Nishapur took especial care that she should be well + provided. Tearing the delicate birds to pieces with her still more + delicate fingers, she insisted upon feeding Alroy, who of course yielded + to her solicitations. In the meantime, they refreshed themselves with + their favourite sherbet of pomegranates, and the golden wine of Mount + Lebanon.<a href="#linknote-75" name="linknoteref-75" id="linknoteref-75">75</a> + The Caliph, who could eat no more ortolans, although fed by such delicate + fingers, was at length obliged to call for ‘rice,’ which was synonymous to + commanding the banquet to disappear. The attendants now brought to each + basins of gold, and ewers of rock crystal filled with rose water, with + towels of that rare Egyptian linen which can be made only of the cotton + that grows upon the banks of the Nile. While they amused themselves with + eating sugar-plums, and drinking coffee flavoured with cinnamon, the + female slaves danced before them in the most graceful attitudes to the + melody of invisible musicians. + </p> + <p> + ‘My enchanting Schirene,’ said the Caliph, ‘I have dined, thanks to your + attention, very well. These slaves of yours dance admirably, and are + exceedingly beautiful. Your music, too, is beyond all praise; but, for my + own part, I would rather be quite alone, and listening to one of your + songs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have written a new one to-day. You shall hear it.’ So saying, she + clapped her little white hands, and all the attendants immediately + withdrew. + </p> + <p> + ‘The stars are stealing forth, and so will I. Sorry sight! to view + Jabaster, with a stealthy step, skulk like a thing dishonoured! Oh! may + the purpose consecrate the deed! the die is cast.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, the High Priest, muffled up in his robe, emerged from his + palace into the busy streets. It is at night that the vitality of Oriental + life is most impressive. The narrow winding streets, crowded with a + population breathing the now sufferable air, the illuminated + coffee-houses, the groups of gay yet sober revellers, the music, and the + dancing, and the animated recitals of the poet and the story-teller, all + combine to invest the starry hours with a beguiling and even fascinating + character of enjoyment and adventure. + </p> + <p> + It was the night after the visit of Abidan and the prophetess. Jabaster + had agreed to meet Abidan in the square of the great mosque two hours + after sunset, and thither he now repaired. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am somewhat before my time,’ he said, as he entered the great square, + over which the rising moon threw a full flood of light. A few dark shadows + of human beings alone moved in the distance. The world was in the streets + and coffee-houses. ‘I am somewhat before my time,’ said Jabaster. + ‘Conspirators are watchful. I am anxious for the meeting, and yet I dread + it. Since he broke this business, I have never slept. My mind is a chaos. + I will not think. If ‘tis to be done, let it be done at once. I am more + tempted to sheathe this dagger in Jabaster’s breast than in Alroy’s. If + life or empire were the paltry stake, I would end a life that now can + bring no joy, and yield authority that hath no charm; but Israel, Israel, + thou for whom I have endured so much, let me forget Jabaster had a mother! + </p> + <p> + ‘But for this thought that links me with my God, and leads my temper to a + higher state, how vain and sad, how wearisome and void, were this said + world they think of! But for this thought, I could sit down and die. Yea! + my great heart could crack, worn out, worn out; my mighty passions, with + their fierce but flickering flame, sink down and die; and the strong brain + that ever hath urged my course, and pricked me onward with perpetual + thought, desert the rudder it so long hath held, like some baffled pilot + in blank discomfiture, in the far centre of an unknown sea. + </p> + <p> + ‘Study and toil, anxiety and sorrow, mighty action, perchance Time, and + disappointment, which is worse than all, have done their work, and not in + vain. I am no longer the same Jabaster that gazed upon the stars of + Caucasus. Methinks even they look dimmer than of yore. The glory of my + life is fading. My leaves are sear, tinged, but not tainted. I am still + the same in one respect; I have not left my God, in deed or thought. Ah! + who art thou?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A friend to Israel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad that Israel hath a friend. Noble Abi-dan, I have well + considered all that hath passed between us. Sooth to say, you touched upon + a string I’ve played before, but kept it for my loneliness; a jarring + tune, indeed a jarring tune, but so it is, and being so, let me at once + unto your friends, Abi-dan.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noble Jabaster, thou art what I deemed thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Abidan, they say the consciousness of doing justly is the best basis of a + happy mind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Even so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And thou believest it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Without doubt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are doing very justly?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis a weak word for such a holy purpose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am most wretched!’ + </p> + <p> + The High Priest and his companion entered the house of Abidan. Jabaster + addressed the already assembled guests. + </p> + <p> + ‘Brave Scherirah, it joys me to find thee here. In Israel’s cause when was + Scherirah wanting? Stout Zalmunna, we have not seen enough of each other: + the blame is mine. Gentle prophetess, thy blessing! + </p> + <p> + ‘Good friends, why we meet here is known to all. Little did we dream of + such a meeting when we crossed the Tigris. But that is nothing. We come to + act, and not to argue. Our great minds, they are resolved: our solemn + purpose requires no demonstration. If there be one among us who would have + Israel a slave to Ishmael, who would lose all we have prayed for, all we + have fought for, all we have won, and all for which we are prepared to + die, if there be one among us who would have the Ark polluted, and + Jehovah’s altar stained with a Gentile sacrifice, if there be one among us + who does not sigh for Zion, who would not yield his breath to build the + Temple and gain the heritage his fathers lost, why, let him go! There is + none such among us: then stay, and free your country!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are prepared, great Jabaster; we are prepared, all, all!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know it; you are like myself. Necessity hath taught decision. Now for + our plans. Speak, Zalmunna.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noble Jabaster, I see much difficulty. Alroy no longer quits his palace. + Our entrance unwatched is, you well know, impossible. What say you, + Scherirah?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I doubt not of my men, but war against Alroy is, to say nought of danger, + of doubtful issue.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am prepared to die, but not to fail,’ said Abidan. ‘We must be certain. + Open war I fear. The mass of the army will side with their leaders, and + they are with the tyrant. Let us do the deed, and they must join us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it impossible to gain his presence to some sacrifice in honour of some + by-gone victory; what think ye?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I doubt much, Jabaster. At this moment he little wishes to sanction our + national ceremonies with his royal person. The woman assuredly will stay + him. And, even if he come, success is difficult, and therefore doubtful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noble warriors, list to a woman’s voice,’ exclaimed the prophetess, + coming forward. ‘‘Tis weak, but with such instruments, even the + aspirations of a child, the Lord will commune with his chosen people. + There is a secret way by which I can gain the gardens of the palace. + To-morrow night, just as the moon is in her midnight bower, behold the + accursed pile shall blaze. Let Abidan’s troops be all prepared, and at the + moment when the flames first ascend, march to the Seraglio gate as if with + aid. The affrighted guard will offer no opposition. While the troops + secure the portals, you yourselves, Zalmunna, Abidan, and Jabaster, rush + to the royal chamber and do the deed. In the meantime, let brave + Scherirah, with his whole division, surround the palace, as if unconscious + of the mighty work. Then come you forward, show, if it need, with tears, + the fated body to the soldiery, and announce the Theocracy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the Lord who speaks,’ said Abidan, who was doubtless prepared for + the proposition. ‘He has delivered them into our hands.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A bold plan,’ said Jabaster, musing, ‘and yet I like it. ‘Tis quick, and + that is something. I think ‘tis sure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It cannot fail,’ exclaimed Zalmunna, ‘for if the flame ascend not, still + we are but where we were.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am for it,’ said Scherirah. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then,’ said Jabaster, ‘so let it be. Tomorrow’s eve will see us + here again prepared. Good night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good night, holy Priest. How seem the stars, Jabaster?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very troubled; so have they been some days. What they portend I know + not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Health to Israel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let us hope so. Good night, sweet friends.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good night, holy Jabaster. Thou art our cornerstone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Israel hath no other hope but in Jabaster.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My Lord,’ said Abidan, ‘remain, I pray, one moment.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is’t? I fain would go.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alroy must die, my Lord, but dost thou think a single death will seal the + covenant?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The woman?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! the woman! I was not thinking of the woman. Asriel, Ithamar, Medad?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Valiant soldiers! doubt not we shall find them useful instruments. I do + not fear such loose companions. They follow their leaders, like other + things born to obey. Having no head themselves, they must follow us who + have.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think so too. There is no other man who might be dangerous?’ + </p> + <p> + Zalmunna and Scherirah cast their eyes upon the ground. There was a dead + silence, broken by the prophetess. + </p> + <p> + ‘A judgment hath gone forth against Honain!’ ‘Nay! he is Lord Jabaster’s + brother,’ said Abidan. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is enough to save a more inveterate foe to Israel, if such there be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no brother, Sir. The man you speak of I will not slay, since there + are others who may do that deed. And so again, good night.’ + </p> + <p> + It was the dead of night, a single lamp burned in the chamber, which + opened into an arched gallery that descended by a flight of steps into the + gardens of the Serail. + </p> + <p> + A female figure ascended the flight with slow and cautious steps. She + paused on the gallery, she looked around, one foot was in the chamber. + </p> + <p> + She entered. She entered a chamber of small dimensions, but richly + adorned. In the farthest corner was a couch of ivory, hung with a gauzy + curtain of silver tissue, which, without impeding respiration, protected + the slumberer from the fell insects of an Oriental night. Leaning against + an ottoman was a large brazen shield of ancient fashion, and near it some + helmets and curious weapons. + </p> + <p> + ‘An irresistible impulse hath carried me into this chamber!’ exclaimed the + prophetess. ‘The light haunted me like a spectre; and wheresoever I moved, + it seemed to summon me. + </p> + <p> + ‘A couch and a slumberer!’ + </p> + <p> + She approached the object, she softly withdrew the curtain. Pale and + panting, she rushed back, yet with a light step. She beheld Alroy! + </p> + <p> + For a moment she leant against the wall, overpowered by her emotions. + Again she advanced, and gazed on her unconscious victim. + </p> + <p> + ‘Can the guilty sleep like the innocent? Who would deem this gentle + slumberer had betrayed the highest trust that ever Heaven vouchsafed to + favoured man? He looks not like a tyrant and a traitor: calm his brow, and + mild his placid breath! His long dark hair, dark as the raven’s wing, hath + broken from its fillet, and courses, like a wild and stormy night, over + his pale and moon-lit brow. His cheek is delicate, and yet repose hath + brought a flush; and on his lip there seems some word of love, that will + not quit it. It is the same Alroy that blessed our vision when, like the + fresh and glittering star of morn, he rose up in the desert, and bringing + joy to others, brought to me only—— + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! hush my heart, and let thy secret lie hid in the charnel-house of + crushed affections. Hard is the lot of woman: to love and to conceal is + our sharp doom! O bitter life! O most unnatural lot! Man made society, and + made us slaves. And so we droop and die, or else take refuge in idle + fantasies, to which we bring the fervour that is meant for nobler ends. + </p> + <p> + ‘Beauteous hero! whether I bear thee most hatred or most love I cannot + tell. Die thou must; yet I feel I should die with thee. Oh! that to-night + could lead at the same time unto our marriage bed and funeral pyre. Must + that white bosom bleed? and must those delicate limbs be hacked and + handled by these bloody butchers? Is that justice? They lie, the traitors, + when they call thee false to our God. Thou art thyself a god, and I could + worship thee! See those beauteous lips; they move. Hark to the music!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Schirene, Schirene!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There wanted but that word to summon back my senses. Fool! whither is thy + fancy wandering? I will not wait for tardy justice. I will do the deed + myself. Shall I not kill my Sisera?’ She seized a dagger from the ottoman, + a rare and highly-tempered blade. Up she raised it in the air, and dashed + it to his heart with superhuman force. It struck against the talisman + which Jabaster had given to Alroy, and which, from a lingering + superstition, he still wore; it struck, and shivered into a thousand + pieces. The Caliph sprang from his couch; his eyes met the prophetess, + standing over him in black despair, with the hilt of the dagger in her + hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is all this? Schirene! Who art thou? Esther!’ He jumped from the + couch, called to Pharez, and seized her by both hands. ‘Speak!’ he + continued. ‘Art thou Esther? What dost thou here?’ + </p> + <p> + She broke into a wild laugh; she wrestled with his grasp, and pulled him + towards the gallery. He beheld the chief tower of the Serail in flames. + Joining her hands together, grasping them both in one of his, and dragging + her towards the ottoman, he seized a helmet and flung it upon the mighty + shield. It sounded like a gong. Pharez started from his slumbers, and + rushed into the chamber. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pharez! Treason! treason! Send instant orders that the palace gates be + opened on no pretence whatever. Go, fly! See the captain himself. Summon + the household. Order all to arms. Speed, for our lives!’ + </p> + <p> + The whole palace was now roused. Alroy delivered Esther, exhausted, and + apparently senseless, to a guard of eunuchs. Slaves and attendants poured + in from all directions. Soon arrived Schirene, with dishevelled hair and + hurried robes, attended by a hundred maidens, each bearing a torch. + </p> + <p> + ‘My soul, what ails thee?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing, sweetest; all will soon be well,’ replied Alroy, picking up, and + examining the fragments of the shivered dagger, which he had just + discovered. + </p> + <p> + ‘My life has been attempted; the palace is in flames; I suspect the city + is in insurrection. Look to your mistress, maidens!’ Schirene fell into + their arms. ‘I will soon be back.’ So saying, he hurried to the grand + court. + </p> + <p> + Several thousand persons, for the population of the Serail and its + liberties was very considerable, were assembled in the grand court; + eunuchs, women, pages, slaves, and servants, and a few soldiers; all in + confusion and alarm, fire raging within, and mysterious and terrible + outcries without. A cry of ‘The Caliph! the Caliph!’ announced the arrival + of Alroy, and produced a degree of comparative silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where is the captain of the guard?’ he exclaimed. ‘That’s well. Open the + gates to none. Who will leap the wall and bear a message to Asriel? You? + That’s well too. To-morrow you shall yourself command. Where’s Mesrour? + Take the eunuch guard and the company of gardeners,<a href="#linknote-76" + name="linknoteref-76" id="linknoteref-76">76</a>and suppress the flames at + all cost. Pull down the intervening buildings. Abidan’s troop arrived with + succour, eh! I doubt it not. I expected them. Open to none. They force an + entrance, eh! I thought so. So that javelin has killed a traitor. Feed me + with arms. I’ll keep the gate. Send again to Asriel. Where’s Pharez?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By your side, my lord.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Run to the Queen, my faithful Pharez, and tell her that all’s well. I + wish it were! Didst ever hear a din so awful? Methinks all the tambours + and cymbals of the city are in full chorus. Foul play, I guess. Oh! for + Asriel! Has Pharez returned?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am by your side, my lord.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How’s the Queen?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She would gladly join your side.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no! Keep the gates there. Who says they are making fires before them? + Tis true. We must sally, if the worst come to the worst, and die at least + like soldiers. O Asriel! Asriel!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May it please your Highness, the troops are pouring in from all + quarters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis Asriel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, your Highness, ‘tis not the guard. Methinks they are Scherirah’s + men.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hum! What it all is, I know not; but very foul play I do not doubt. + Where’s Honain?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘With the Queen, Sire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis well. What’s that shout?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here’s the messenger from Asriel. Make way! way!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! how is’t, Sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Please your Highness, I could not reach the guard.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Could not reach the guard! God of my fathers! who should let thee?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire, I was taken prisoner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Prisoner! By the thunder of Sinai, are we at war? Who made thee + prisoner?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire, they have proclaimed thy death.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The council of the Elders. So I heard. Abidan, Zalmunna——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Rebels and dogs! Who else?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The High Priest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah! Is it there? Pharez, fetch me some drink. Is it true Scherirah has + joined them?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘His force surrounds the Serail. No aid can reach us without cutting + through his ranks.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! that I were there with my good guard! Are we to die here like rats, + fairly murdered? Cowardly knaves! Hold out, hold out, my men! ‘Tis sharp + work, but some of us will smile at this hereafter. Who stands by Alroy + to-night bravely and truly, shall have his heart’s content to-morrow. Fear + not: I was not born to die in a civic broil. I bear a charmed life. So to + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Go to the Caliph, good Honain, I pray thee, go. I can support myself, he + needs thy counsel. Bid him not expose his precious life. The wicked men! + Asriel must soon be here. What sayest thou?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no fear. Their plans are ill-devised. I have long expected this + stormy night, and feel even now more anxious than alarmed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis at me they aim; it is I whom they hate. The High Priest, too! Ay, + ay! Thy proud brother, good Honain, I have ever felt he would not rest + until he drove me from this throne, my right; or washed my hated name from + out our annals in my life’s blood. Wicked, wicked Jabaster! He frowned + upon me from the first, Honain. Is he indeed thy brother?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I care not to remember. He aims at something further than thy life; but + Time will teach us more than all our thoughts.’ + </p> + <p> + The fortifications of the Serail resisted all the efforts of the rebels. + Scherirah remained in his quarters, with his troops under arms, and + recalled the small force that he had originally sent out as much to watch + the course of events as to assist Abidan. Asriel and Ithamar poured down + their columns in the rear of that chieftain, and by dawn a division of the + guard had crossed the river, the care of which had been entrusted to + Scherirah, and had thrown themselves into the palace. Alroy sallied forth + at the head of these fresh troops. His presence decided a result which was + perhaps never doubtful. The division of Abidan fought with the desperation + that became their fortunes. The carnage was dreadful, but their + discomfiture complete. They no longer acted in masses, or with any general + system. They thought only of self-preservation, or of selling their lives + at the dearest cost. Some dispersed, some escaped. Others entrenched + themselves in houses, others fortified the bazaar. All the horrors of war + in the streets were now experienced. The houses were in flames, the + thoroughfares flowed with blood. + </p> + <p> + At the head of a band of faithful followers, Abidan proved himself, by his + courage and resources, worthy of success. At length, he was alone, or + surrounded only by his enemies. With his back against a building in a + narrow street, where the number of his opponents only embarrassed them, + the three foremost of his foes fell before his irresistible scimitar. The + barricaded door yielded to the pressure of the multitude. Abidan rushed up + the narrow stairs, and, gaining a landing-place, turned suddenly round, + and cleaved the skull of his nearest pursuer. He hurled the mighty body at + his followers, and, retarding their advance, himself dashed onward, and + gained the terrace of the mansion. Three soldiers of the guard followed + him as he bounded from terrace to terrace. One, armed with a javelin, + hurled it at the chieftain. The weapon slightly wounded Abidan, who, + drawing it from his arm, sent it back to the heart of its owner. The two + other soldiers, armed only with swords, gained upon him. He arrived at the + last terrace in the cluster of buildings. He stood at bay on the brink of + the precipice. He regained his breath. They approached him. He dodged them + in their course. Suddenly, with admirable skill, he flung his scimitar + edgewise at the legs of his farthest foe, who stopped short, roaring with + pain. The chieftain sprang at the foremost, and hurled him down into the + street below, where he was dashed to atoms. A trap-door offered itself to + the despairing eye of the rebel. He descended and found himself in a room + filled with women. They screamed, he rushed through them, and descending a + Staircase, entered a chamber tenanted by a bed-ridden old man. The ancient + invalid enquired the cause of the uproar, and died of fright before he + could receive an answer, at the sight of the awful being before him, + covered with streaming blood. Abidan secured the door, washed his + blood-stained face, and disguising himself in the dusty robes of the + deceased Armenian, sallied forth to watch the fray. The obscure street was + silent. The chieftain proceeded unmolested. At the corner he found a + soldier holding a charger for his captain. Abidan, unarmed, seized a + poniard from the soldier’s belt, stabbed him to the heart, and vaulting on + the steed, galloped towards the river. No boat was to be found; he + breasted the stream upon the stout courser. He reached the opposite bank. + A company of camels were reposing by the side of a fountain. Alarm had + dispersed their drivers. He mounted the fleetest in appearance; he dashed + to the nearest gate of the city. The guard at the gate refused him a + passage. He concealed his agitation. A marriage procession, returning from + the country, arrived. He rushed into the centre of it, and overset the + bride in her gilded wagon. In the midst of the confusion, the shrieks, the + oaths, and the scuffle, he forced his way through the gate, scoured over + the country, and never stopped until he had gained the desert. + </p> + <p> + The uproar died away. The shouts of warriors, the shrieks of women, the + wild clang of warfare, all were silent. The flames were extinguished, the + carnage ceased. The insurrection was suppressed, and order restored. The + city, all the houses of which were closed, was patrolled by the conquering + troops, and by sunset the conqueror himself, in his hall of state, + received the reports and the congratulations of his chieftains. The escape + of Abidan seemed counterbalanced by the capture of Jabaster. After + performing prodigies of valour, the High Priest had been overpowered, and + was now a prisoner in the Serail. The conduct of Scherirah was not too + curiously criticised; a commission was appointed to enquire into the + mysterious affair; and Alroy retired to the bath<a href="#linknote-77" + name="linknoteref-77" id="linknoteref-77">77</a> to refresh himself after + the fatigues of the victory which he could not consider a triumph. + </p> + <p> + As he reposed upon his couch, melancholy and exhausted, Schirene was + announced. The Princess threw herself upon his neck and covered him with + embraces. His heart yielded to her fondness, his spirit became lighter, + his depression melted away. + </p> + <p> + ‘My ruby!’ said Schirene, and she spoke in a low smothered voice, her face + hidden and nestled in his breast. ‘My ruby! dost thou love me?’ + </p> + <p> + He smiled in fondness as he pressed her to his heart. + </p> + <p> + ‘My ruby, thy pearl is so frightened, it dare not look upon thee. Wicked + men! ‘tis I whom they hate, ‘tis I whom they would destroy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no danger, sweet. ‘Tis over now. Speak not, nay, do not think of + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! wicked men! There is no joy on earth while such things live. Slay + Alroy, their mighty master, who, from vile slaves, hath made them princes! + Ungrateful churls! I am so alarmed, I ne’er shall sleep again. What! slay + my innocent bird, my pretty bird, my very heart! I’ll not believe it. It + is I whom they hate. I am sure they will kill me. You shall never leave + me, no, no, no, no! You shall not leave me, love, never, never! Didst hear + a noise? Methinks they are even here, ready to plunge their daggers in our + hearts, our soft, soft hearts! I think you love me, child; indeed, I think + you do!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Take courage, heart! There is no fear, my soul; I cannot love thee more, + or else I would.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All joy is gone! I ne’er shall sleep again. O my soul! art thou indeed + alive? Do I indeed embrace my own Alroy, or is it all a wild and troubled + dream, and are my arms clasped round a shadowy ghost, myself a spectre in + a sepulchre? Wicked, wicked men! Can it indeed be true? What, slay Alroy! + my joy, my only life! Ah! woe is me; our bright felicity hath fled for + ever!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not so, sweet child; we are but as we were. A few quick hours, and all + will be as bright as if no storm had crossed our sunny days.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hast seen Asriel? He says such fearful things!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah me! I am desolate. I have no friend.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Schirene!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They will have my blood. I know they will have my blood.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, an idle fancy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Idle! Ask Asriel, question Ithamar. Idle! ‘tis written in their tablets, + their bloody scroll of rapine and of murder. Thy death led only to mine, + and, had they hoped my bird would but have yielded his gentle mate, they + would have spared him. Ay! ay! ‘tis I whom they hate, ‘tis I whom they + would destroy. This form, I fear it has lost its lustre, but still ‘tis + thine, and once thou saidst thou lovedst it; this form was to have been + hacked and mangled; this ivory bosom was to have been ripped up and + tortured, and this warm blood, that flows alone for thee, that fell + Jabaster was to pour its tide upon the altar of his ancient vengeance. He + ever hated me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Jabaster! Schirene! Where are we, and what are we? Life, life, they lie, + that call thee Nature! Nature never sent these gusts of agony. Oh! my + heart will break. I drove him from my thought, and now she calls him up, + and now must I remember he is my-prisoner! God of heaven, God of my + fathers, is it come to this? Why did he not escape? Why must Abidan, a + common cut-throat, save his graceless life, and this great soul, this + stern and mighty being—— Ah me! I have lived long enough. + Would they had not failed, would——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop, stop, Alroy! I pray thee, love, be calm. I came to soothe thee, not + to raise thy passions. I did not say Jabaster willed thy death, though + Asriel says so; ‘tis me he wars against; and if indeed Jabaster be a man + so near thy heart, if he indeed be one so necessary to thy prosperity, and + cannot live in decent order with thy slave that’s here, I know my duty, + Sir. I would not have thy fortunes farred to save my single heart, + although I think ‘twill break. I will go, I will die, and deem the hardest + accident of life but sheer prosperity if it profit thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Schirene! what wouldst thou? This, this is torture.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To see thee safe and happy; nothing more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am both, if thou art.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Care not for me, I am nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou art all to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Calm thyself, my soul. It grieves me much that when I came to soothe I + have only galled thee. All’s well, all’s well. Say that Jabaster lives. + What then? He lives, and may he prove more duteous than before; that’s + all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He lives, he is my prisoner, he awaits his doom. It must be given.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall we pardon?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My lord will do that which it pleases him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, nay, Schirene, I pray thee be more kind. I am most wretched. Speak, + what wouldst thou?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I must speak, I say at once, his life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If our past loves have any charm, if the hope ot future joy, not less + supreme, be that which binds thee to this shadowy world, as it does me, + and does alone, I say his life, his very carnal life. He stands between us + and our loves, Alroy, and ever has done. There is no happiness if Jabaster + breathe; nor can I be the same Schirene to thee as I have been, if this + proud rebel live to spy my conduct.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Banish him, banish him!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To herd with rebels. Is this thy policy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Schirene! I love not this man, although me-thinks I should: yet didst + thou know but all!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know too much, Alroy. From the first he has been to me a hateful + thought. Come, come, sweet bird, a boon, a boon unto thy own Schirene, who + was so frightened by these wicked men! I fear it has done more mischief + than thou deemest. Ay! robbed us of our hopes. It may be so. A boon, a + boon! It is not much I ask: a traitor’s head. Come, give me thy signet + ring. It will not; nay, then, I’ll take it. What, resist! I know thou oft + hast told me a kiss could vanquish all denial. There it is. Is’t sweet? + Shalt have another, and another too. I’ve got the ring! Farewell, my + lovely bird, I’ll soon return to pillow in thy nest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She has got the ring! What’s this? what’s this? Schirene! art gone? Nay, + surely not. She jests. Jabaster! A traitor’s head! What ho! there. Pharez, + Pharez!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My lord.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Passed the Queen that way?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She did, my lord.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In tears?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay! very joyful!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Call Honain, quick as my thought. Honain! Honain! He waits without. I + have seen the best of life, that’s very sure. My heart is cracking. She + surely jests! Hah! Honain. Pardon these distracted looks. Fly to the + Armoury! fly, fly!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For what, my lord?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! for what, for what! My brain it wanders. Thy brother, thy great + brother, the Queen, the Queen has stolen my signet ring, that is, I gave + it her. Fly, fly! or in a word, Jabaster is no more. He is gone. Pharez! + your arm; I swoon!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘His Highness is sorely indisposed to-day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They say he swooned this morn.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, in the bath.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, not in the bath. ‘Twas when he heard of Jabaster’s death.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How died he, Sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Self-strangled. His mighty heart could not endure disgrace, and thus he + ended all his glorious deeds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A great man!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We shall not soon see his match. The Queen had gained his pardon, and + herself flew to the Armoury to bear the news; alas! too late.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘These are strange times. Jabaster dead!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A very great event.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who will be High Priest?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I doubt if the appointment will be filled up.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sup you with the Lord Ithamar to-night?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I also. We’ll go together. The Queen had gained his pardon. Hum! ‘tis + strange.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Passing so. They say Abidan has escaped?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hear it. Shall we meet Medad to-night?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis likely.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Fall of Alroy</i> +</pre> + <p> + SHE comes not yet! her cheerful form, not yet it sparkles in our mournful + sky. She comes not yet! the shadowy stars seem sad and lustreless without + their Queen. She comes not yet!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>WE ARE THE WATCHERS OF THE MOON,<a href="#linknote-78" + name="linknoteref-78" id="linknoteref-78">78</a> AND LIVE IN LONELINESS TO + HERALD LIGHT.</i>’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She comes not yet! her sacred form, not yet it summons to our holy feast. + She comes not yet! our brethren far wait mute and motionless the saintly + beam. She comes not yet!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>WE ARE THE WATCHERS OF THE MOON, AND LIVE IN LONELINESS TO HERALD + LIGHT</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She comes, she comes! her beauteous form sails with soft splendour in the + glittering air. She comes, she comes! The beacons fire, and tell the + nation that the month begins! She comes, she comes!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>WE ARE THE WATCHERS OF THE MOON, TO TELL THE NATION THAT THE MONTH + BEGINS</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + Instantly the holy watchers fired the beacons on the mountain top, and + anon a thousand flames blazed round the land. From Caucasus to Lebanon, on + every peak a crown of light. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire! a Tatar has arrived from Hamadan, who will see none but thyself. I + have told him your Highness was engaged, and sent him to the Lord Honain; + but all denial is lost upon him. And as I thought perhaps the Lady Miriam——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘From Hamadan? You did well, Pharez. Admit him.’ + </p> + <p> + The Tatar entered. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Sir; good news, I hope!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire, pardon me, the worst. I come from the Lord Abner, with orders to + see the Caliph, and none else.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Sir, you see the Caliph. Your mission? What of the Viceroy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire, he bade me tell thee, that, the moment the beacon that announced + the Feast of the New Moon was fired on Caucasus, the dreaded monarch of + Karasmé, the great Alp Arslan, entered thy kingdom, and now overruns all + Persia.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah! and Abner?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is in the field, and prays for aid.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He shall have it. This is indeed great news! When left you Hamadan?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Night and day I have journeyed upon the swiftest dromedary. The third + morn sees me at Bagdad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have done your duty. See this faithful courier be well tended, + Pharez. Summon the Lord Honain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alp Arslan! Hah! a very famous warrior. The moment the beacon was fired. + No sudden impulse then, but long matured. I like it not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire,’ said Pharez, re-entering, ‘a Tatar has arrived from the frontiers + of the province, who will see none but thyself. I have told him your + Highness was deeply busied, and as methinks he brings but the same news, I——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis very likely; yet never <i>think</i>, good Pharez. I’ll see the man.’ + The Tatar entered. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Sir, how now! from whom?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘From Mozul. The Governor bade me see the Caliph and none else, and tell + your Highness that the moment the beacon that announced the Feast of the + New Moon was fired on the mountains, the fell rebel Abidan raised the + standard of Judah in the province, and proclaimed war against your + Majesty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In any force?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The royal power keeps within their walls.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sufficient answer. Part of the same movement. We shall have some trouble. + Hast summoned Honain?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have, Sire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Go, see this messenger be duly served, and, Pharez, come hither: let none + converse with them. You understand?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your Highness may assure yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Abidan come to life. He shall not escape so well this time. I must see + Scherirah. I much suspect——what’s this? More news!’ + </p> + <p> + A third Tatar entered. + </p> + <p> + ‘May it please your Highness, this Tatar has arrived from the Syrian + frontier.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mischief in the wind, I doubt not. Speak out, knave!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire! pardon me; I bear but sad intelligence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Out with the worst!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I come from the Lord Medad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! has he rebelled? It seems a catching fever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! no, dread Sire, Lord Medad has no thought but for thy glory. Alas! + alas! he has now to guard it against fearful odds. Lord Medad bade me see + the Caliph and none else, and tell your Highness, that the moment the + beacon which announced the Feast of the New Moon was fired on Lebanon, the + Sultan of Roum and the old Arabian Caliph unfurled the standard of their + Prophet, in great array, and are now marching towards Bagdad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A clear conspiracy! Has Honain arrived? Summon a council of the Vizirs + instantly. The world is up against me. Well! I’m sick of peace. They shall + not find me napping!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You see, my lords,’ said Alroy, ere the council broke up, ‘we must attack + them singly. There can be no doubt of that. If they join, we must combat + at great odds. ‘Tis in detail that we must route them. I will myself to + Persia. Ithamar must throw himself between the Sultan and Abidan, Medad + fall back on Ithamar. Scherirah must guard the capital. Honain, you are + Regent. And so farewell. I shall set off to-night. Courage, brave + companions. ‘Tis a storm, but many a cedar survives the thunderbolt.’ + </p> + <p> + The council broke up. + </p> + <p> + ‘My own Scherirah!’ said the Caliph, as they retired, ‘stay awhile. I + would speak with you alone. Honain,’ continued Alroy, following the Grand + Vizir out of the chamber, and leaving Scherirah alone, ‘Honain, I have not + yet interchanged a word with you in private. What think you of all this?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire, I am prepared for the worst, but hope the best.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis wise. If Abner could only keep that Karasmian in check! I am about + to speak with Scherirah alone. I do suspect him much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll answer for his treason.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah! I do suspect him. Therefore I give him no command. I would not have + him too near his old companion, eh? We will garrison the city with his + rebels.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire, these are not moments to be nice. Scherirah is a valiant captain, a + very valiant captain, but lend me thy signet ring, I pray thee, Sire.’ + </p> + <p> + Alroy turned pale. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, Sir, it has left me once, and never shall again. You have touched + upon a string that makes me sad. There is a burden on my conscience, why, + or what, I know not. I am innocent, you know I am innocent, Honain!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll answer for your Highness. He who has enough of the milk of human + kindness to spare a thing like Scherirah, when he stands in his way, may + well be credited for the nobler mercy that spared his better.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah me! there’s madness in the thought. Why is he not here? Had I but + followed; tush! tush! Go see the Queen, and tell her all that has + happened. I’ll to Scherirah.’ + </p> + <p> + The Caliph returned. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thy pardon, brave Scherirah; in these moments my friends will pardon + lapse of courtesy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your Highness is too considerate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You see, Scherirah, how the wind blows, brave heart. There’s much to do, + no doubt. I am in sad want of some right trusty friend, on whose devoted + bosom I can pillow all my necessities. I was thinking of sending you + against this Arslan, but perhaps ‘tis better that I should go myself. + These are moments one should not seem to shrink, and yet we know not how + affairs may run; no, we know not. The capital, the surrounding province: + one disaster and these false Moslemin may rise against us. I should stay + here, but if I leave Scherirah, I leave myself. I feel that deeply; ‘tis a + consolation. It may be that I must fall back upon the city. Be prepared, + Scherirah. Let me fall back upon supporting friends. You have a great + trust. Oh! use it wisely! Worthily I am sure you must do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your Highness may rest assured I have no other thought but for your weal + and glory. Doubt not my devotion, Sire. I am not one of those + mealy-mouthed youths, full of their own deeds and lip-worship, Sire, but I + have a life devoted to your service, and ready at all times to peril all + things.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know that, Scherirah, I know it; I feel it deeply. What think you of + these movements?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are not ill combined, and yet I doubt not your Majesty will prove + your fortunes most triumphant.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Think you the soldiery are in good cue?’ ‘I’ll answer for my own. They + are rough fellows, like myself, a little too blunt, perhaps, your + Highness. We are not holiday guards, but we know our duty, and we will do + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s well, that’s all I want. I shall review the troops before I go. + Let a donative be distributed among them; and, ‘by-the-bye, I have always + forgotten it, your legion should be called the Legion of Syria. We owe our + fairest province to their arms.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall convey to them your Highness’ wish. Were it possible, ‘twould add + to their devotion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not wish it. They are my very children. Sup at the Serail to-night, + Scherirah. We shall be very private. Yet let us drink together ere we + part. We are old friends, you know. Hast not forgotten our ruined city?’ + </p> + <p> + Alroy entered the apartment of Schirene. ‘My soul! thou knowest all?’ + </p> + <p> + She sprang forward and threw her arms around his neck. + </p> + <p> + ‘Fear not, my life, we’ll not disgrace our Queen. ‘Twill be quick work. + Two-thirds of them have been beaten before, and for the new champion, our + laurels must not fade, and his blood shall nourish fresh ones.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dearest, dearest Alroy, go not thyself, I pray thee. May not Asriel + conquer?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope so, in my company. For a time we part, a short one. ‘Tis our first + parting: may it be our last!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! no, no, no: oh! say not we must part.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The troops are under arms; to-morrow’s dawn will hear my trumpet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will not quit thee, no! I will not quit thee. What business has + Schirene without Alroy? Hast thou not often told me I am thy inspiration? + In the hour of danger shall I be wanting? Never! I will not quit thee; no, + I will not quit thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou art ever present in my thoughts, my soul. In the battle I shall + think of her for whom alone I conquer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, nay, I’ll go, indeed I must, Alroy. I’ll be no hindrance, trust me, + sweet boy, I will not. I’ll have no train, no, not a single maid. Credit + me, I know how a true soldier’s wife should bear herself. I’ll watch thee + sleeping, and I’ll tend thee wounded, and when thou goest forth to combat + I’ll gird thy sabre round thy martial side, and whisper triumph with + victorious kisses.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My own Schirene, there’s victory in thine eyes. We’ll beat them, girl.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Abidan, doubly false Abidan! would he were doubly hanged! Ere she died, + the fatal prophetess foretold this time, and gloated on his future + treachery.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Think not of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And the Karasmian; think you he is very strong?’ ‘Enough, love, for our + glory. He is a potent warrior: I trust that Abner will not rob us of our + intended victory.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So you triumph, I care not by whose sword. Dost go indeed to-morrow?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At break of dawn. I pray thee stay, my sweet!’ ‘Never! I will not quit + thee. I am quite prepared. At break of dawn? ‘Tis near on midnight now. + I’ll lay me down upon this couch awhile, and travel in my litter. Art sure + Alp Arslan is himself in the field?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite sure, my sweet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Confusion on his crown! We’ll conquer. Goes Asriel with us?’ ‘Ay!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s well; at break of dawn. I’m somewhat drowsy. Methinks I’ll sleep + awhile.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do, my best heart; I’ll to my cabinet, and at break of dawn I’ll wake + thee with a kiss.’ + </p> + <p> + The Caliph repaired to his cabinet, where his secretaries were occupied in + writing. As he paced the chamber, he dictated to them the necessary + instructions. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who is the officer on guard?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Benaiah, Sire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I remember him. He saved me a broken skull upon the Tigris. This is for + him. The Queen accompanies us. She is his charge. These papers for the + Vizir. Let the troops be under arms by daybreak. This order of the day for + the Lord Asriel. Send this instantly to Hamadan. Is the Tatar despatched + to Medad? ‘Tis well. You have done your duty. Now to rest. Pharez?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My lord.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall not sleep to-night. Give me my drink. Go rest, good boy. I have + no wants. Good night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good night, my gracious lord!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me ponder! I am alone. I am calm, and yet my spirit is not quick. I + am not what I was. Four-and-twenty hours ago who would have dreamed of + this? All at stake again! Once more in the field, and struggling at once + for empire and existence! I do lack the mighty spirit of my former days. I + am not what I was. I have little faith. All about me seems changed, and + dull, and grown mechanical. Where are those flashing eyes and conquering + visages that clustered round me on the battle eve, round me, the Lord’s + anointed? I see none such. They are changed, as I am. Why! this Abidan was + a host, and now he fights against me. She spoke of the prophetess; I + remember that woman was the stirring trumpet of our ranks, and now where + is she? The victim of my justice! And where is he, the mightier far, the + friend, the counsellor, the constant guide, the master of my boyhood; the + firm, the fond, the faithful guardian of all my bright career; whose days + and nights were one unbroken study to make me glorious? Alas! I feel more + like a doomed and desperate renegade than a young hero on the eve of + battle, flushed with the memory of unbroken triumphs! + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah! what awful form art thou that risest from the dusky earth before me? + Thou shouldst be one I dare not name, yet will: the likeness of Jabaster. + Away! why frownest thou upon me? I did not slay thee. Do I live, or dream, + or what? I see him, ay! I see thee. I fear thee not, I fear nothing. I am + Alroy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Speak, oh speak! I do conjure thee, mighty spectre, speak. By all the + memory of the past, although ‘tis madness, I do conjure thee, let me hear + again the accents of my boyhood.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Alroy, Alroy, Alroy</i>!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I listen, as to the last trump.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Meet me on the plain of Nehauend.</i>’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis gone! As it spoke it vanished. It was Jabaster! God of my fathers, + it was Jabaster! Life is growing too wild. My courage is broken! I could + lie down and die. It was Jabaster! The voice sounds in my ear like distant + thunder: “<i>Meet me on the plain of Nehauend</i>.” I’ll not fail thee, + noble ghost, although I meet my doom. Jabaster! Have I seen Jabaster! + Indeed! indeed! Methinks I’m mad. Hah! What’s that?’ + </p> + <p> + An awful clap of thunder broke over the palace, followed by a strange + clashing sound that seemed to come from one of the chambers. The walls of + the Serail rocked. + </p> + <p> + ‘An earthquake!’ exclaimed Alroy. ‘Would that the earth would open and + swallow all! Hah! Pharez, has it roused thee, too? Pharez, we live in + strange times.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your Highness is very pale.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And so art thou, lad! Wouldst have me merry? Pale! we may well be pale, + didst thou know all. Hah! that awful sound again! I cannot bear it, + Pharez, I cannot bear it. I have borne many things, but this I cannot.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My lord, ‘tis in the Armoury.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Run, see. No, I’ll not be alone. Where’s Benaiah? Let him go. Stay with + me, Pharez, stay with me. I pray thee stay, my child.’ + </p> + <p> + Pharez led the Caliph to a couch, on which Alroy lay pale and trembling. + In a few minutes he inquired whether Benaiah had returned. + </p> + <p> + ‘Even now he comes, Sire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, how is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire! a most awful incident. As the thunder broke over the palace, the + sacred standard fell from its resting-place, and has shivered into a + thousand pieces. Strange to say, the sceptre of Solomon can neither be + found nor traced.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Say nothing of the past, as ye love me, lads. Let none enter the Armoury. + Leave me, Benaiah, leave me, Pharez.’ + </p> + <p> + They retired. Alroy watched their departure with a glance of inexpressible + anguish. The moment that they had disappeared, he flew to the couch, and + throwing himself upon his knees, and, covering his face with his hands, + burst into passionate tears, and exclaimed, ‘O! my God, I have deserted + thee, and now thou hast deserted me!’ + </p> + <p> + Sleep crept over the senses of the exhausted and desperate Caliph. He + threw himself upon the divan, and was soon buried in profound repose. He + might have slept an hour; he awoke suddenly. From the cabinet in which he + slept, you entered a vast hall, through a lofty and spacious arch, + generally covered with drapery, which was now withdrawn. To the + astonishment of Alroy, this presence-chamber appeared at this moment to + blaze with light. He rose from his couch, he advanced; he perceived, with + feelings of curiosity and fear, that the hall was filled with beings, + terrible indeed to behold, but to his sight more terrible than strange. In + the colossal and mysterious forms that lined the walls of the mighty + chamber, and each of which held in its extended arm a streaming torch, he + recognised the awful Afrites. At the end of the hall, upon a sumptuous + throne, surrounded by priests and courtiers, there was seated a monarch, + on whom Alroy had before gazed, Solomon the Great! Alroy beheld him in + state and semblance the same Solomon, whose sceptre the Prince of the + Captivity had seized in the royal tombs of Judah. + </p> + <p> + The strange assembly seemed perfectly unconscious of the presence of the + child of Earth, who, with a desperate courage, leant against a column of + the arch, and watched, with wonder, their mute and motionless society. + Nothing was said, nothing done. No one moved, no one, even by gesture, + seemed sensible of the presence of any other apparition save himself. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly there advanced from the bottom of the hall, near unto Alroy, a + procession. Pages and dancing girls, with eyes of fire and voluptuous + gestures, warriors with mighty arms, and venerable forms with ample robes + and flowing beards. And, as they passed, even with all the activity of + their gestures, they made no sound; neither did the musicians, whereof + there was a great band playing upon harps and psalteries, and timbrels and + cornets, break, in the slightest degree, the almighty silence. + </p> + <p> + This great crowd poured on in beautiful order, the procession never + terminating, yet passing thrice round the hall, bowing to him that was + upon the throne, and ranging themselves in ranks before the Afrites. + </p> + <p> + And there came in twelve forms, bearing a great seal: the stone green, and + the engraven characters of living flame, and the characters were those on + the talisman of Jabaster, which Alroy still wore next to his heart. And + the twelve forms placed the great seal before Solomon, and humbled + themselves, and the King bowed. At the same moment Alroy was sensible of a + pang next to his heart. He instantly put his hand to the suffering spot, + and lo! the talisman crumbled into dust. + </p> + <p> + The procession ceased; a single form advanced. Recent experience alone + prevented Alroy from sinking before the spectre of Jabaster. Such was the + single form. It advanced, bearing the sceptre. It advanced, it knelt + before the throne, it offered the sceptre to the crowned and solemn + vision. And the form of Solomon extended its arm, and took the sceptre, + and instantly the mighty assembly vanished! + </p> + <p> + Alroy advanced immediately into the chamber, but all was dark and silent. + A trumpet sounded. He recognised the note of his own soldiery. He groped + his way to a curtain, and, pulling it aside, beheld the first streak of + dawn. + </p> + <p> + Once more upon his charger, once more surrounded by his legions, once more + his senses dazzled and inflamed by the waving banners and the inspiring + trumpets, once more conscious of the power still at his command, and the + mighty stake for which he was about to play, Alroy in a great degree + recovered his usual spirit and self-possession. His energy returned with + his excited pulse, and the vastness of the impending danger seemed only to + stimulate the fertility of his genius. + </p> + <p> + He pushed on by forced marches towards Media, at the head of fifty + thousand men. At the end of the second day’s march, fresh couriers arrived + from Abner, informing him that, unable to resist the valiant and almost + innumerable host of the King of Karasmé, he had entirely evacuated Persia, + and had concentrated his forces in Louristan. Alroy, in consequence of + this information, despatched orders to Scherirah, to join him with his + division instantly, and leave the capital to its fate. + </p> + <p> + They passed again the mountains of Kerrund, and joined Abner and the army + of Media, thirty thousand strong, on the river Abzah. Here Alroy rested + one night, to refresh his men, and on the ensuing morn pushed on to the + Persian frontier, unexpectedly attacked the advanced posts of Alp Arslan, + and beat them back with great loss into the province. But the force of the + King of Karasmé was so considerable, that the Caliph did not venture on a + general engagement, and therefore he fell back, and formed in battle array + upon the neighbouring plain of Nehauend, the theatre of one of his + earliest and most brilliant victories, where he awaited the + hourly-expected arrival of Scherirah. + </p> + <p> + The King of Karasmé, who was desirous of bringing affairs to an issue, and + felt confident in his superior force, instantly advanced. In two or three + days at farthest, it was evident that a battle must be fought that would + decide the fate of the East. + </p> + <p> + On the morn ensuing their arrival at Nehauend, while the Caliph was out + hunting, attended only by a few officers, he was suddenly attacked by an + ambushed band of Karasmians. Alroy and his companions defended themselves + with such desperation that they at length succeeded in beating off their + assailants, although triple their number. The leader of the Karasmians, as + he retreated, hurled a dart at the Caliph, which must have been fatal, had + not a young officer of the guard interposed his own breast, and received + the deadly wound. The party, in confusion, returned with all speed to the + camp, Alroy himself bearing the expiring victim of desperate loyalty and + military enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + The bleeding officer was borne to the royal pavilion, and placed upon the + imperial couch. The most skilful leech was summoned; he examined the + wound, but shook his head. The dying warrior was himself sensible of his + desperate condition. His agony could only be alleviated by withdrawing the + javelin, which would occasion his immediate decease. He desired to be left + alone with his Sovereign. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire!’ said the officer, ‘I must die; and I die without a pang. To die in + your service, I have ever considered the most glorious end. Destiny has + awarded it to me;, and if I have not met my fate upon the field of battle, + it is some consolation that my death has preserved the most valuable of + lives. Sire! I have a sister.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Waste not thy strength, dear friend, in naming her. Rest assured I shall + ever deem thy relatives my own.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I doubt it not. Would I had a thousand lives for such a master! I have a + burden on my conscience, Sire, nor can I die in peace unless I speak of + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Speak, speak freely. If thou hast injured any one, and the power or + wealth of Alroy can redeem thy oppressed spirit, he will not spare, he + will not spare, be assured of that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noble, noble master, I must be brief; for, although, while this javelin + rests within my body, I yet may live, the agony is great. Sire, the deed + of which I speak doth concern thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was on guard the day Jabaster died.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Powers of heaven! I am all ear. Speak on, speak on!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He died self-strangled, so they say?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So they ever told me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou art innocent, thou art innocent! I thank my God, my King is + innocent!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Rest assured of that, as there is hope in Israel. Tell me all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Queen came with the signet ring. To such authority I yielded way. She + entered, and after her, the Lord Honain. I heard high words! I heard + Jabaster’s voice. He struggled, yes! he struggled; but his mighty form, + wounded and fettered, could not long resist. Foul play, foul play, Sire! + What could I do against such adversaries? They left the chamber with a + stealthy step. Her eyes met mine. I never could forget that fell and + glittering visage.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou ne’er hast spoken of this awful end?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To none but thee. And why I speak it now I cannot tell, save that it + seems some inspiration urges me; and methinks they who did this may do + even feller works, if such there be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou hast robbed me of all peace and hope of peace; and yet I thank thee. + Now I know the worth of life. I have never loved to think of that sad day; + and yet, though I have sometimes dreamed of villainous work, the worst + were innocence to thy dread tale.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tis told; and now I pray thee secure thy secret, by drawing from my + agonised frame this javelin.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Trusty heart, ‘tis a sad office.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I die with joy if thou performest it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis done.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God save Alroy.’ + </p> + <p> + While Alroy, plunged in thought, stood over the body of the officer, there + arose a flourish of triumphant music, and a eunuch, entering the pavilion, + announced the arrival of Schirene from Kerrund. Almost immediately + afterwards, the Princess descending from her litter, entered the tent; + Alroy tore off his robe, and threw it over the corpse. + </p> + <p> + ‘My own,’ exclaimed the Princess, as she ran up to the Caliph. ‘I have + heard all. Be not alarmed for me. I dare look upon a corpse. You know I am + a soldier’s bride. I am used to blood.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why so pale? Thou dost not kiss me! Has this unhinged thee so? ‘Tis a sad + deed; and yet tomorrow’s dawn may light up thousands to as grim a fate. + Why? thou tremblest! Alas! kind soul! The single death of this fond, + faithful heart hath quite upset my love. Yet art thou used to battle. Why! + this is foolishness. Art not glad to see me? What, not one smile! And I + have come to fight for thee! I will be kissed!’ + </p> + <p> + She flung herself upon his neck. Alroy faintly returned her embrace, and + bore her to a couch. He clapped his hands, and two soldiers entered and + bore away the corpse. + </p> + <p> + ‘The pavilion, Schirene, is now fitter for thy presence. Rest thyself; I + shall soon return.’ Thus speaking, he quitted her. + </p> + <p> + He quitted her; but her humbled look of sorrowful mortification pierced to + his heart. He thought of all her love and all her loveliness, he called to + mind all the marvellous story of their united fortunes. He felt that for + her and her alone he cared to live, that without her quick sympathy, even + success seemed unendurable. His judgment fluctuated in an eddy of passion + and reason. Passion conquered. He dismissed from his intelligence all + cognizance of good and evil; he determined, under all circumstances, to + cling ever to her; he tore from his mind all memory of the late + disclosure. He returned to the pavilion with a countenance beaming with + affection; he found her weeping, he folded her in his arms, he kissed her + with a thousand kisses, and whispered between each kiss his ardent love. + </p> + <p> + ‘Twas midnight. Schirene reposed in the arms of Alroy. The Caliph, who was + restless and anxious for the arrival of Scherirah, was scarcely slumbering + when the sound of a voice thoroughly aroused him. He looked around; he + beheld the spectre of Jabaster. His hair stood on end, his limbs seemed to + loosen, a cold dew crept over his frame, as he gazed upon the awful form + within a yard of his couch. Unconsciously he disembarrassed his arms of + their fair burden, and, rising on the couch, leant forward. + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Alroy, Alroy, Alroy</i>!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>To-morrow Israel is avenged!</i>’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who is that?’ exclaimed the Princess, wakening. + </p> + <p> + In a frenzy of fear, Alroy, quite forgetting the spectre, turned and + pressed his hand over her eyes. When he again looked round the apparition + was invisible. + </p> + <p> + ‘What wouldst thou, Alroy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing, sweet! A soldier’s wife must bear strange sights, yet I would + save you some. One of my men, forgetful you were here, burst into my tent + in such a guise as scarce would suit a female eye. I must away, my child. + I’ll call thy slaves. One kiss! Farewell! but for a time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘“To-morrow Israel will be avenged.” What! in Karasmian blood? I have no + faith. No matter. All is now beyond my influence. A rushing destiny + carries me onward. I cannot stem the course, nor guide the vessel. How + now! Who is the officer on guard?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Benomi, Sire, thy servant.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Send to the Viceroy. Bid him meet me here. Who is this?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A courier from the Lord Scherirah, Sire, but just arrived. He passed last + night the Kerrund mountains, Sire, and will be with you by the break of + day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good news. Go fetch Abner. Haste! He’ll find me here anon. I’ll visit the + camp awhile. Well, my brave fellows, you have hither come to conquer again + with Alroy. You have fought before, I warrant, on the plain of Nehauend. + ‘Tis a rich soil, and shall be richer with Karasmian gore.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God save your Majesty! Our lives are thine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Please you, my little ruler,’ said a single soldier, addressing Alroy; + ‘pardon my bluntness, but I knew you before you were a Caliph.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stout heart, I like thy freedom. Pr’ythee say on.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was a-saying, I hope you will lead us in the charge to-morrow. Some say + you will not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They say falsely.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought so. I’ll ever answer for my little ruler, but then the Queen?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is a true soldier’s wife, and lives in the camp.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s brave! There, I told you so, comrades; you would not believe me, + but I knew our little ruler before you did. I lived near the gate at + Hamadan, please your Highness: old Shelomi’s son.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Give me thy hand; a real friend. What is’t ye eat here, boys? Let me + taste your mess. I’faith I would my cook could dress me such a pilau! Tis + admirable!’ + </p> + <p> + The soldiers gathered round their chieftain with eyes beaming with + adoration. ‘Twas a fine picture, the hero in the centre, the various + groups around, some conversing with him, some cooking, some making coffee, + all offering him by word or deed some testimonial of their devotion, and + blending with that devotion the most perfect frankness. + </p> + <p> + ‘We shall beat them, lads!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no fear with you, you always conquer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do my best, and so do you. A good general without good troops is little + worth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’faith that’s true. One must have good troops. What think you of Alp + Arslan?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think he may give us as much trouble as all our other enemies together, + and that’s not much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Brave, brave! God save Alroy!’ + </p> + <p> + Benomi approached, and announced that the Viceroy was in attendance. + </p> + <p> + ‘I must quit you, my children,’ said Alroy. ‘We’ll sup once more together + when we have conquered.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God save you, Sire; and we will confound your enemies.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good night, my lads. Ere the dawn break we may have hot work.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are ready, we are ready. God save Alroy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are in good cue, and yet ‘twas a different spirit that inspired our + early days. That I strongly feel. These are men true to a leader who has + never failed them, and confident in a cause that leads to plunder. They + are but splendid mercenaries. + </p> + <p> + No more. Oh! where are now the fighting men of Judah! Where are the men + who, when they drew their scimitars, joined in a conquering psalm of holy + triumph! Last eve of battle you would have thought the field a mighty + synagogue. Priests and altars, flaming sacrifices, and smoking censers, + groups of fiery zealots hanging with frenzy on prophetic lips, and sealing + with their blood and holiest vows a solemn covenant to conquer Canaan. All + is changed, as I am. How now, Abner? You are well muffled!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it true Scherirah is at hand?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I doubt not all is right. Would that the dawn would break!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The enemy is advancing. Some of their columns are in sight. My scouts + have dodged them. They intend doubtless to form upon the plain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are in sight, eh! Then we will attack them at once ere they are + formed. Rare, rare! We’ll beat them yet. Courage, dear brother. Scherirah + will be here at dawn in good time, very good time: very, very good time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I like the thought’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The men are in good heart. At break of dawn, charge with thirty thousand + cavalry upon their forming ranks. I’ll take the right, Asriel the left. It + shall be a family affair, dear Abner. How is Miriam?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I heard this morn, quite well. She sends you her love and prayers. The + Queen is here?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She came this eve. Quite well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She must excuse all courtesy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Say nothing. She is a soldier’s wife. She loves thee well, dear Abner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know that. I hope my sword may guard her children’s throne.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, give thy orders. Instant battle, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed I think so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll send couriers to hurry Scherirah. All looks well. Reserve the + guard.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, ay! Farewell, dear Sire. When we meet again, I trust your enemies may + be your slaves!’ + </p> + <p> + At the first streak of dawn the Hebrew cavalry, with the exception of the + Guard, charged the advancing columns of the Karasmians with irresistible + force, and cut them in pieces. Alp Arslan rallied his troops, and at + length succeeded in forming his main body in good order. Alroy and Asriel + led on their divisions, and the battle now became general. It raged for + several hours, and was on both sides well maintained. The slaughter of the + Karasmians was great, but their stern character and superior numbers + counterbalanced for a time all the impetuosity of the Hebrews and all the + energy of their leaders. This day Alroy threw into the shade all his + former exploits. Twelve times he charged at the head of the Sacred Guard, + and more than once penetrated to the very pavilion of Alp Arslan. + </p> + <p> + In vain he endeavoured singly, and hand to hand, to meet that famous + chieftain. Both monarchs fought in the ranks, and yet Fate decided that + their scimitars should never cross. Four hours before noon, it was evident + to Alroy, that, unless Scherirah arrived, he could not prevail against the + vast superiority of numbers. He was obliged early to call his reserve into + the field, and although the number of the slain on the side of Arslan + exceeded any in the former victories of the Hebrews, still the Karasmians + maintained an immense front, which was constantly supplied by fresh + troops. Confident in his numbers, and aware of the weakness of his + antagonists, Arslan contented himself with acting on the defensive, and + wearying his assailants by resisting their terrible and repeated charge. + </p> + <p> + For a moment, Alroy at the head of the Sacred Guard had withdrawn from the + combat. Abner and Asriel still maintained the fight, and the Caliph was at + the same time preparing for new efforts, and watching with anxiety for the + arrival of Scherirah. In the fifth hour, from an eminence he marked with + exultation the advancing banners of his expected succours. Confident now + that the day was won, he announced the exhilarating intelligence to his + soldiers; and, while they were excited by the animating tidings, led them + once more to the charge. It was irresistible; Scherirah seemed to have + arrived only for the pursuit, only in time to complete the victory. What + then was the horror, the consternation of Alroy, when Benaiah, dashing up + to him, informed him that the long-expected succours consisted of the + united forces of Scherirah and Abidan, and had attacked him in the rear. + Human genius could afford no resource. The exhausted Hebrews, whose + energies had been tasked to the utmost, were surrounded. The Karasmians + made a general and simultaneous advance. In a few minutes the Hebrew army + was thrown into confusion. The stoutest warriors threw away their swords + in despair. Every one thought only of self-preservation. Even Abner fled + towards Hamadan. Asriel was slain. Alroy, finding it was all over, rushed + to his pavilion at the head of about three hundred of the guards, seized + the fainting Schirene, threw her before him on his saddle, and cutting his + way through all obstacles, dashed into the desert. + </p> + <p> + For eight-and-forty hours they never stopped. Their band was soon reduced + one-third. On the morning of the third day they dismounted and refreshed + themselves at a well. Half only regained their saddles. Schirene never + spoke. On they rushed again, each hour losing some exhausted co-mate. At + length, on the fifth day, about eighty strong, they arrived at a grove of + palm-trees. Here they dismounted. And Alroy took Schirene in his arms, and + the shade seemed to revive her. She opened her eyes, and pressed his hand + and smiled. He gathered her some dates, and she drank some water. + </p> + <p> + ‘Our toils will soon be over, sweetest,’ he whispered to her; ‘I have lost + everything but thee.’ + </p> + <p> + Again they mounted, and, proceeding at a less rapid pace, they arrived + towards evening at the ruined city, whither Alroy all this time had been + directing his course. Dashing down the great street, they at length + entered the old amphitheatre. They dismounted. Alroy made a couch with + their united cloaks for Schirene. Some collected fuel, great store of + which was found, and kindled large fires. Others, while it was yet light, + chased the gazelles, and were sufficiently fortunate to provide their + banquet, or fetched water from the well known to their leader. In an + hour’s time, clustering round their fires in groups, and sharing their + rude fare, you might have deemed them, instead of the discomfited and + luxurious guards of a mighty monarch, the accustomed tenants of this wild + abode. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, my lads,’ said Alroy, as he rubbed his hands over the ascending + flame, ‘at any rate, this is better than the desert.’ + </p> + <p> + After all his exertions, Alroy fell into profound and dreamless sleep. + When he awoke, the sun had been long up. Schirene was still slumbering. He + embraced her, and she opened her eyes and smiled. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are now a bandit’s bride,’ he said. ‘How like you our new life?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! with thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Rest here, my sweetest: I must rouse our men, and see how fortune + speeds.’ So saying, and tripping lightly over many a sleeping form, he + touched Benaiah. + </p> + <p> + ‘So! my brave captain of the guard, still napping! Come! stir, stir.’ + </p> + <p> + Benaiah jumped up with a cheerful face. ‘I am ever ready, Sire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know it; but remember I am no more a king, only a co-mate. Away with + me, and let us form some order.’ + </p> + <p> + The companions quitted the amphitheatre and reconnoitred the adjoining + buildings. They found many stores, the remains of old days, mats, tents, + and fuel, drinking-bowls, and other homely furniture. They fixed upon a + building for their stable, and others for the accommodation of their band. + They summoned their companions to the open place, the scene of Hassan + Subah’s fate, where Alroy addressed them and explained to them his plans. + They were divided into companies; each man had his allotted duty. Some + were placed on guard at different parts; some were sent out to the chase, + or to collect dates from the Oasis; others led the horses to the + contiguous pasture, or remained to attend to their domestic arrangements. + The amphitheatre was cleared out. A rude but convenient pavilion was + formed for Schirene. They covered its ground with mats, and each emulated + the other in his endeavours to study her accommodation. Her kind words and + inspiring smiles animated at the same time their zeal and their invention. + </p> + <p> + They soon became accustomed to their rough but adventurous life. Its + novelty pleased them, and the perpetual excitement of urgent necessity + left them no time to mourn over their terrible vicissitudes. While Alroy + lived, hope indeed never deserted their sanguine bosoms. And such was the + influence of his genius, that the most desponding felt that to be + discomfited with him, was preferable to conquest with another. They were a + faithful and devoted band, and merry faces were not wanting when at night + they assembled in the amphitheatre for their common meal. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had Alroy completed his arrangements than he sent forth spies in + all directions to procure intelligence, and especially to communicate, if + possible, with Ithamar and Medad, provided that they still survived and + maintained themselves in any force. + </p> + <p> + A fortnight passed away without the approach of any stranger; at the end + of which, there arrived four personages at their haunt, not very welcome + to their chief, who, however, concealed his chagrin at their appearance. + These were Kisloch the Kourd, and Calidas the Indian, and their + inseparable companions, the Guebre and the Negro. + </p> + <p> + ‘Noble Captain,’ said Kisloch, ‘we trust that you will permit us to enlist + in the band. This is not the first time we have served under your orders + in this spot. Old co-mates, i’faith, who have seen the best and the worst. + We suspected where you might be found, although, thanks to the ever + felicitous invention of man, it is generally received that you died in + battle. I hope your Majesty is well,’ added Kisloch, bowing to Schirene. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are welcome, friends,’ replied Alroy; ‘I know your worth. You have + seen, as you say, the best and the worst, and will, I trust, see better. + Died in battle, eh! that’s good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Tis so received,’ said Calidas. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what news of our friends?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not over good, but strange.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hamadan is taken.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am prepared; tell me all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Old Bostenay and the Lady Miriam are borne prisoners to Bagdad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Prisoners?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But so; all will be well with them, I trow. The Lord Honain is in high + favour with the conqueror, and will doubtless protect them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Honain in favour?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Even so. He made terms for the city, and right good ones.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah! he was ever dexterous. Well! if he save my sister, I care not for + his favour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no doubt. All may yet be well, Sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let us act, not hope. Where’s Abner?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dead.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In battle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Art sure?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I saw him fall, and fought beside him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A soldier’s death is all our fortune now. I am glad he was not captured. + Where’s Medad, Ithamar?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fled into Egypt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have no force whatever, then?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘None but your guards here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are strong enough to plunder a caravan. Honain, you say, in favour?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very high. He’ll make good terms for us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is strange news.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very, but true.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! you are welcome! Share our fare; ‘tis rough, and somewhat scanty; + but we have feasted, and may feast again. Fled into Egypt, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! Sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Schirene, shouldst like to see the Nile?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have heard of crocodiles.’ + </p> + <p> + If the presence of Kisloch and his companions were not very pleasing to + Alroy, with the rest of the band they soon became great favourites. Their + local knowledge, and their experience of desert life, made them valuable + allies, and their boisterous jocularity and unceasing merriment were not + unwelcome in the present monotonous existence of the fugitives. As for + Alroy himself, he meditated an escape to Egypt. He determined to seize the + first opportunity of procuring some camels, and then, dispersing his band, + with the exception of Benaiah and a few faithful retainers, he trusted + that, disguised as merchants, they might succeed in crossing Syria, and + entering Africa by Palestine. With these plans and prospects, he became + each day more cheerful and more sanguine as to the future. He had in his + possession some valuable jewels, which he calculated upon disposing of at + Cairo for a sum sufficient for all his purposes; and having exhausted all + the passions of life while yet a youth, he looked forward to the tranquil + termination of his existence in some poetic solitude with his beautiful + companion. + </p> + <p> + One evening, as they returned from the Oasis, Alroy guiding the camel that + bore Schirene, and ever and anon looking up in her inspiring face, her + sanguine spirit would have indulged in a delightful future. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thus shall we pass the desert, sweet,’ said Schirene. ‘Can this be toil?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no toil with love,’ replied Alroy. + </p> + <p> + ‘And we were made for love, and not for empire,’ rejoined Schirene. + </p> + <p> + ‘The past is a dream,’ said Alroy. ‘So sages teach us; but, until we act, + their wisdom is but wind. I feel it now. Have we ever lived in aught but + deserts, and fed on aught but dates? Methinks ‘tis very natural. But that + I am tempted by the security of distant lands, I could remain here a free + and happy outlaw. Time, custom, and necessity form our natures. When I + first met Scherirah in these ruins, I shrank with horror from degraded + man; and now I sigh to be his heir. We must not think!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, love, we’ll only hope,’ replied Schirene; and they passed through the + gates. + </p> + <p> + The night was beautiful, the air was still warm and sweet. Schirene gazed + upon the luminous heavens. ‘We thought not of these skies when we were at + Bagdad,’ she exclaimed; ‘and yet, my life, what was the brightness of our + palaces compared to these? All is left to us that man should covet, + freedom, beauty, and youth. I do believe, ere long, Alroy, we shall look + back upon the wondrous past as on another and a lower world. Would that + this were Egypt! Tis my only wish.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And it shall soon be gratified. All will soon be arranged. A few brief + days, and then Schirene will mount her camel for a longer ride than just + to gather dates. You’ll make a sorry traveller, I fear!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not I; I’ll tire you all.’ + </p> + <p> + They reached the circus, and seated themselves round the blazing fire. + Seldom had Alroy, since his fall, appeared more cheerful. Schirene sang an + Arab air to the band, who joined in joyous chorus. It was late ere they + sought repose; and they retired to their rest, sanguine and contented. + </p> + <p> + A few hours afterwards, at the break of dawn, Alroy was roused from his + slumbers by a rude pressure on his breast. He started; a ferocious soldier + was kneeling over him; he would have spurned him; he found his hand + manacled. He would have risen; his feet were bound. He looked round for + Schirene, and called her name; he was answered only by a shriek. The + amphitheatre was filled with Karasmian troops. His own men were surprised + and overpowered. Kisloch and the Guebre had been on guard. He was raised + from the ground, and flung upon a camel, which was instantly trotted out + of the circus. On every side he beheld a wild scene of disorder and + dismay. He was speechless from passion and despair. The camel was dragged + into the desert. A body of cavalry instantly surrounded it, and they set + off at a rapid pace. The whole seemed the work of an instant. + </p> + <p> + How many days had passed Alroy knew not. He had taken no account of time. + Night and day were to him the same. He was in a stupor. But the sweetness + of the air and the greenness of the earth at length partially roused his + attention. He was just conscious that they had quitted the desert. Before + him was a noble river; he beheld the Euphrates from the very spot he had + first viewed it in his pilgrimage. The strong association of ideas called + back his memory. A tear stole down his cheek; the bitter drop stole to his + parched lips; he asked the nearest horseman for water. The guard gave him + a wetted sponge, with which he contrived with difficulty to wipe his lips, + and then he let it fall to the ground. The Karasmian struck him. + </p> + <p> + They arrived at the river. The prisoner was taken from the camel and + placed in a covered boat. After some hours they stopped and disembarked at + a small village. Alroy was placed upon an ass with his back to its head. + His clothes were soiled and tattered. The children pelted him with mud. An + old woman, with a fanatic curse, placed a crown of paper on his brow. With + difficulty his brutal guards prevented their victim from being torn to + pieces. And in such fashion, towards noon of the fourteenth day, David + Alroy again entered Bagdad. + </p> + <p> + The intelligence of the capture of Alroy spread through the agitated city. + The Moolahs bustled about as if they had received a fresh demonstration of + the authenticity of the prophetic mission. All the Dervishes began + begging. The men discussed affairs in the coffee-houses, and the women + chatted at the fountains.<a href="#linknote-79" name="linknoteref-79" + id="linknoteref-79">79</a> + </p> + <p> + ‘They may say what they like, but I wish him well,’ said a fair Arab, as + she arranged her veil. ‘He may be an impostor, but he was a very handsome + one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All the women are for him, that’s the truth,’ responded a companion; ‘but + then we can do him no good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We can tear their eyes out,’ said a third. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what do you think of Alp Arslan, truly?’ inquired a fourth. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish he were a pitcher, and then I could break his neck,’ said a fifth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Only think of the Princess!’ said a sixth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! she has had a glorious time of it,’ said a seventh. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing was too good for her,’ said an eighth. + </p> + <p> + ‘I like true love,’ said a ninth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! I hope he will be too much for them all yet,’ said a tenth. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should not wonder,’ said an eleventh. + </p> + <p> + ‘He can’t,’ said a twelfth, ‘he has lost his sceptre.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t say so?’ said a thirteenth. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is too true,’ said a fourteenth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think he was a wizard?’ said a fifteenth. ‘I vow, if there be not + a fellow looking at us behind those trees.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Impudent scoundrel!’ said a sixteenth. ‘I wish it were Alroy. Let us all + scream, and put down our veils.’ + </p> + <p> + And the group ran away. + </p> + <p> + Two stout soldiers were playing chess<a href="#linknote-80" + name="linknoteref-80" id="linknoteref-80">80</a> in a coffee-house. + </p> + <p> + ‘May I slay my mother,’ said one, ‘but I cannot make a move. I fought + under him at Nehauend; and though I took the amnesty, I have half a mind + now to seize my sword and stab the first Turk that enters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘‘Twere but sheer justice,’ said his companion. ‘By my father’s blessing, + he was the man for a charge. They may say what they like, but compared + with him, Alp Arslan is a white-livered Giaour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here is confusion to him and to thy last move. There’s the dirhem, I can + play no more. May I slay my mother, though, but I did not think he would + let himself be taken.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By the blessing of my father, nor I; but then he was asleep.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That makes a difference. He was betrayed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All brave men are. They say Kisloch and his set pocket their fifty + thousand by the job.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May each dirhem prove a plague-spot!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Amen! Dost remember Abner?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May I slay my mother if I ever forget him. He spoke to his men like so + many lambs. What has become of the Lady Miriam?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That will cut Alroy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He was ever fond of her. Dost remember she gained Adoram’s life?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! she could do anything next to the Queen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Before her, I say, before her. He has refused the Queen, he never refused + the Lady Miriam.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because she asked less.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dost know it seemed to me that things never went on so well after + Jabaster’s death?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So say I. There was a something, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A sort of a peculiar, as it were, kind of something, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have well described it. Every man felt the same. I have often + mentioned it to my comrades. Say what you like, said I, but slay my mother + if ever since the old man strangled himself, things did not seem, as it + were, in their natural propinquity. ‘Twas the phrase I used.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A choice one. Unless there is a natural propinquity, the best-arranged + matters will fall out. However, the ass sees farther than his rider, and + so it was with Alroy, the best commander I ever served under, all the + same.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let us go forth and see how affairs run.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, do. If we hear any one abuse Alroy, we’ll cleave his skull.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That will we. There are a good many of our stout fellows about; we might + do something yet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who knows?’ + </p> + <p> + A subterranean dungeon of the citadel of Bagdad held in its gloomy limits + the late lord of Asia. The captive did not sigh, or weep, or wail. He did + not speak. He did not even think. For several days he remained in a state + of stupor. On the morning of the fourth day, he almost unconsciously + partook of the wretched provision which his gaolers brought him. Their + torches, round which the bats whirled and flapped their wings, and + twinkled their small eyes, threw a ghastly glare over the nearer walls of + the dungeon, the extremity of which defied the vision of the prisoner; + and, when the gaolers retired, Alroy was in complete darkness. + </p> + <p> + The image of the past came back to him. He tried in vain to penetrate the + surrounding gloom. His hands were manacled, his legs also were loaded with + chains. The notion that his life might perhaps have been cruelly spared in + order that he might linger on in this horrible state of conscious + annihilation filled him with frenzy. He would have dashed his fetters + against his brow, but the chain restrained him. He flung himself upon the + damp and rugged ground. His fall disturbed a thousand obscene things. He + heard the quick glide of a serpent, the creeping retreat of the clustering + scorpions, and the swift escape of the dashing rats. His mighty calamities + seemed slight when compared with these petty miseries. His great soul + could not support him under these noisome and degrading incidents. He + sprang, in disgust, upon his feet, and stood fearful of moving, lest every + step should introduce him to some new abomination. At length, exhausted + nature was unable any longer to sustain him. He groped his way to the rude + seat, cut in the rocky wall, which was his only accommodation. He put + forth his hand. It touched the slimy fur of some wild animal, that + instantly sprang away, its fiery eyes sparkling in the dark. Alroy + recoiled with a sensation of woe-begone dismay. His shaken nerves could + not sustain him under this base danger, and these foul and novel trials. + He could not refrain from an exclamation of despair; and, when he + remembered that he was now far beyond the reach of all human solace and + sympathy, even all human aid, for a moment his mind seemed to desert him; + and he wrung his hands in forlorn and almost idiotic woe. An awful thing + it is, the failure of the energies of a master-mind. He who places + implicit confidence in his genius will find himself some day utterly + defeated and deserted. ‘Tis bitter! Every paltry hind seems but to breathe + to mock you. Slow, indeed, is such a mind to credit that the never-failing + resource can at least be wanting. But so it is. Like a dried-up fountain, + the perennial flow and bright fertility have ceased, and ceased for ever. + Then comes the madness of retrospection. + </p> + <p> + Draw a curtain! draw a curtain! and fling it over this agonising anatomy. + </p> + <p> + The days of childhood, his sweet sister’s voice and smiling love, their + innocent pastimes, and the kind solicitude of faithful servants, all the + soft detail of mild domestic life: these were the sights and memories that + flitted in wild play before the burning vision of Alroy, and rose upon his + tortured mind. Empire and glory, his sacred nation, his imperial bride; + these, these were nothing. Their worth had vanished with the creative soul + that called them into action. The pure sympathies of nature alone + remained, and all his thought and grief, all his intelligence, all his + emotion, were centred in his sister. + </p> + <p> + It was the seventh morning. A guard entered at an unaccustomed hour, and, + sticking a torch into a niche in the wall, announced that a person was + without who had permission to speak to the prisoner. They were the first + human accents that had met the ear of Alroy during his captivity, which + seemed to him an age, a long dark period, that cancelled all things. He + shuddered at the harsh tones. He tried to answer, but his unaccustomed + lips refused their office. He raised his heavy arms, and endeavoured to + signify his consciousness of what had been uttered. Yet, indeed, he had + not listened to the message without emotion. He looked forward to the + grate with strange curiosity; and, as he looked, he trembled. The visitor + entered, muffled in a dark caftan. The guard disappeared; and the caftan + falling to the ground, revealed Honain. + </p> + <p> + ‘My beloved Alroy,’ said the brother of Jabaster; and he advanced, and + pressed him to his bosom. Had it been Miriam, Alroy might have at once + expired; but the presence of this worldly man called back his worldliness. + The revulsion of his feelings was wonderful. Pride, perhaps even hope, + came to his aid; all the associations seemed to counsel exertion; for a + moment he seemed the same Alroy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I rejoice to find at least thee safe, Honain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I also, if my security may lead to thine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Still whispering hope!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Despair is the conclusion of fools.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Honain! ‘tis a great trial. I can play my part, and yet methinks ‘twere + better we had not again met. How is Schirene?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thinking of thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tis something that she can think. My mind has gone. Where’s Miriam?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Free.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s something. Thou hast done that. Good, good Honain, be kind to that + sweet child, if only for my sake. Thou art all she has left.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She hath thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Her desolation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Live and be her refuge.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How’s that? These walls! Escape? No, no; it is impossible.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not deem it so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed! I’ll do anything. Speak! Can we bribe? can we cleave their + skulls? can we——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Calm thyself, my friend. There is no need of bribes, no need of + bloodshed. We must make terms.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Terms! We might have made them on the plain of Nehauend. Terms! Terms + with a captive victim?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why victim?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is Arslan then so generous?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is a beast, more savage than the boar that grinds its tusks within his + country’s forests.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why speakest thou then of hope?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I spoke of certainty. I did not mention hope.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Honain, my brain is weak; but I can bear strange things, or else I + should not be here. I feel thy thoughtful friendship; but indeed there + need no winding words to tell my fate. Pr’ythee speak out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In a word, thy life is safe.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What! spared?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If it please thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Please me? Life is sweet. I feel its sweetness. I want but little. + Freedom and solitude are all I ask. My life spared! I’ll not believe it. + Thou hast done this deed, thou mighty man, that masterest all souls. Thou + hast not forgotten me; thou hast not forgotten the days gone by, thou hast + not forgotten thine own Alroy! Who calls thee worldly is a slanderer. O + Honain! thou art too faithful!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no thought but for thy service, Prince.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Call me not Prince, call me thine own Alroy. My life spared! ‘Tis + wonderful! When may I go? Let no one see me. Manage that, Honain. Thou + canst manage all things. I am for Egypt. Thou hast been to Egypt, hast + thou not, Honain?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A very wondrous land, ‘twill please thee much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When may I go? Tell me when I may go. When may I quit this dark and + noisome cell? ‘Tis worse than all their tortures, dear Honain. Air and + light, and I really think my spirit never would break, but this horrible + dungeon—— I scarce can look upon thy face, sweet friend. ‘Tis + serious.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wouldst thou have me gay?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes! if we are free.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alroy! thou art a great spirit, the greatest that I e’er knew, have ever + read of. I never knew thy like, and never shall.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tush, tush, sweet friend, I am a broken reed, but still I am free. This + is no time for courtly phrases. Let’s go, and go at once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A moment, dear Alroy. I am no flatterer. What I said came from my heart, + and doth concern us much and instantly. I was saying thou hast no common + mind, Alroy; indeed thou hast a mind unlike all others. Listen, my Prince. + Thou hast read mankind deeply and truly. Few have seen more than thyself, + and none have so rare a spring of that intuitive knowledge of thy race, + which is a gem to which experience is but a jeweller, and without which no + action can befriend us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A moment’s calmness. Thou hast entered Bagdad in triumph, and thou hast + entered the same city with every contumely which the base spirit of our + race could cast upon its victim. ‘Twas a great lesson.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I feel it so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And teaches us how vile and valueless is the opinion of our fellow-men.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas! ‘tis true.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad to see thee in this wholesome temper. ‘Tis full of wisdom.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The miserable are often wise.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But to believe is nothing unless we act. Speculation should only sharpen + practice. The time hath come to prove thy lusty faith in this philosophy. + I told thee we could make terms. I have made them. To-morrow it was doomed + Alroy should die—and what a death! A death of infinite torture! Hast + ever seen a man impaled?’<a href="#linknote-81" name="linknoteref-81" + id="linknoteref-81">81</a> + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To view it is alone a doom.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God of Heaven!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is so horrible, that ‘tis ever marked, that when this direful ceremony + occurs, the average deaths in cities greatly increase. ‘Tis from the + turning of the blood in the spectators, who yet from some ungovernable + madness cannot refrain from hurrying to the scene. I speak with some + authority. I speak as a physician.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Speak no more, I cannot endure it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To-morrow this doom awaited thee. As for Schirene——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not for her, oh! surely not for her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, they were merciful. She is a Caliph’s daughter. ‘Tis not forgotten. + The axe would close her life. Her fair neck would give slight trouble to + the headsman’s art. But for thy sister, but for Miriam, she is a witch, a + Jewish witch! They would have burnt her alive!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll not believe it, no, no, I’ll not believe it: damnable, bloody + demons! When I had power I spared all, all but——ah, me! ah, + me! why did I live?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou dost forget thyself; I speak of that which was to have been, not of + that which is to be. I have stepped in and communed with the conqueror. I + have made terms.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What are they, what can they be?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Easy. To a philosopher like Alroy an idle ceremony.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be brief, be brief.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou seest thy career is a great scandal to the Moslemin. I mark their + weakness, and I have worked upon it. Thy mere defeat or death will not + blot out the stain upon their standard and their faith. The public mind is + wild with fantasies since Alroy rose. Men’s opinions flit to and fro with + that fearful change that bodes no stable settlement of states. None know + what to cling to, or where to place their trust. Creeds are doubted, + authority disputed. They would gladly account for thy success by other + than human means, yet must deny thy mission. There also is the fame of a + fair and mighty Princess, a daughter of their Caliphs, which they would + gladly clear. I mark all this, observe and work upon it. So, could we + devise some means by which thy lingering followers could be for ever + silenced, this great scandal fairly erased, and the public frame brought + to a sounder and more tranquil pulse, why, they would concede much, much, + very much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thy meaning, not thy means, are evident.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are in thy power.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In mine? ‘Tis a deep riddle. Pr’ythee solve it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou wilt be summoned at to-morrow’s noon before this Arslan. There in + the presence of the assembled people who are now with him as much as they + were with thee, thou wilt be accused of magic, and of intercourse with the + infernal powers. Plead guilty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well! is there more?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Some trifle. They will then examine thee about the Princess. It is not + difficult to confess that Alroy won the Caliph’s daughter by an + irresistible spell, and now ‘tis broken.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So, so. Is that all?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The chief. Thou canst then address some phrases to the Hebrew prisoners, + denying thy Divine mission, and so forth, to settle the public mind, + observe, upon this point for ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, ay, and then——?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No more, except for form. (Upon the completion of the conditions, mind, + you will be conveyed to what land you please, with such amount of treasure + as you choose.) There is no more, except, I say, for form, I would, if I + were you (‘twill be expected), I would just publicly affect to renounce + our faith, and bow before their Prophet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah! Art thou there? Is this thy freedom? Get thee behind me, tempter! + Never, never, never! Not a jot, not a jot: I’ll not yield a jot. Were my + doom one everlasting torture, I’d spurn thy terms! Is this thy high + contempt of our poor kind, to outrage my God! to prove myself the vilest + of the vile, and baser than the basest? Rare philosophy! O Honain! would + we had never met!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Or never parted. True. Had my word been taken, Alroy would ne’er have + been betrayed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No more; I pray thee, sir, no more. Leave me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Were this a palace, I would. Harsh words are softened by a friendly ear, + when spoken in affliction.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Say what they will, I am the Lord’s anointed. As such I should have + lived, as such at least I’ll die.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And Miriam?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Lord will not desert her: she ne’er deserted Him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Schirene?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Schirene! why! for her sake alone I will die a hero. Shall it be said she + loved a craven slave, a base impostor, a vile renegade, a villainous + dealer in drugs and charms? Oh! no, no, no! if only for her sake, her + sweet, sweet sake, my end shall be like my great life. As the sun I rose, + like him I set. Still the world is warm with my bright fame, and my last + hour shall not disgrace my noon, stormy indeed, but glorious!’ + </p> + <p> + Honain took the torch from the niche, and advanced to the grate. It was + not fastened: he drew it gently open, and led forward a veiled and female + figure. The veiled and female figure threw herself at the feet of Alroy, + who seemed lost to what was passing. A soft lip pressed his hand. He + started, his chains clanked. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alroy!’ softly murmured the kneeling female. + </p> + <p> + ‘What voice is that?’ wildly exclaimed the Prince of the Captivity. ‘It + falls upon my ear like long-forgotten music. I’ll not believe it. No! I’ll + not believe it. Art thou Schirene?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am that wretched thing they called thy bride.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! this indeed is torture! What impalement can equal this sharp moment? + Look not on me, let not our eyes meet! They have met before, like to the + confluence of two shining rivers blending in one great stream of rushing + light. Bear off that torch, sir. Let impenetrable darkness cover our + darker fortunes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alroy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She speaks again. Is she mad, as I am, that thus she plays with agony?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sire,’ said Honain advancing, and laying his hand gently on the arm of + the captive, ‘I pray thee moderate this passion. Thou hast some faithful + friends here, who would fain commune in calmness for thy lasting welfare.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Welfare! He mocks me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I beseech, thee, Sire, be calm. If, indeed, I speak unto that great Alroy + whom all men fear and still may fear, I pray remember, ‘tis not in palaces + or in the battle-field alone that the heroic soul can conquer and command. + Scenes like these are the great proof of a superior soul. While we live, + our body is a temple where our genius pours forth its godlike inspiration, + and while the altar is not overthrown, the deity may still work marvels. + Then rouse thyself, great Sire; bethink thee that, a Caliph or a captive, + there is no man within this breathing world like to Alroy. Shall such a + being fall without a struggle, like some poor felon, who has naught to + trust to but the dull shuffling accident of Chance? I, too, am a prophet, + and I feel thou still wilt conquer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Give me my sceptre, then, give me the sceptre! I speak to the wrong + brother! It was not thou, it was not thou that gavest it me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gain it once more. The Lord deserted David for a time; still he pardoned + him, and still he died a king.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A woman worked his fall.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But thee a woman raises. This great Princess, has she not suffered too? + Yet her spirit is still unbroken. List to her counsel: it is deep and + fond.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So was our love.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And is, my Alroy!’ exclaimed the Princess. ‘Be calm, I pray thee! For my + sake be calm; I am calm for thine. Thou hast listened to all Honain has + told thee, that wise man, my Alroy, who never erred. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tis but a word he counsels, an empty word, a most unmeaning form. But + speak it, and thou art free, and Alroy and Schirene may blend again their + glorious careers and lives of sweet fruition. Dost thou not remember when, + walking in the garden of our joy, and palled with empire, how often hast + thou sighed for some sweet isle unknown to man, where thou mightst pass + thy days with no companion but my faithful self, and no adventures but our + constant loves? O my beloved, that life may still be thine! And dost thou + falter? Dost call thyself forlorn with such fidelity, and deem thyself a + wretch, when Paradise with all its beauteous gates but woos thy entrance? + Oh! no, no, no, no! thou hast forgot Schirene: I fear me much, thy + over-fond Schirene, who doats upon thy image in thy chains more than she + did when those sweet hands of thine were bound with gems and played with + her bright locks!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She speaks of another world. I do remember something. Who has sent this + music to a dungeon? My spirit softens with her melting words. My eyes are + moist. I weep! ‘Tis pleasant. Sorrow is joy compared with my despair. I + never thought to shed a tear again. My brain is cooler.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Weep, weep, I pray thee weep; but let me kiss away thy tears, my soul! + Didst think thy Schirene had deserted thee? Ah! that was it that made my + bird so sad. It shall be free, and fly in a sweet sky, and feed on flowers + with its faithful mate. Ah me! I am once more happy with my boy. There was + no misery but thy absence, sweet! Methinks this dungeon is our bright + kiosk! Is that the sunbeam, or thy smile, my love, that makes the walls so + joyful?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did I smile? I’ll not believe it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed you did. Ah! see he smiles again. Why this is freedom! There is no + such thing as sorrow. Tis a lie to frighten fools!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, Honain, what’s this? ‘Twould seem I am really joyful. There’s + inspiration in her very breath. I am another being. Nay! waste not kisses + on those ugly fetters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Methinks they are gold.’ + </p> + <p> + They were silent. Schirene drew Alroy to his rough seat, and gently + placing herself on his knees, threw her arms round his neck, and buried + her face in his breast. After a few minutes she raised her head, and + whispered in his ear in irresistible accents of sweet exultation, ‘We + shall be free to-morrow!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To-morrow! is the trial so near?’ exclaimed the captive, with an agitated + voice and changing countenance. ‘To-morrow!’ He threw Schirene aside + somewhat hastily, and sprang from his seat. ‘To-morrow! would it were + over! To-morrow! Methinks there is within that single word the fate of + ages! Shall it be said to-morrow that Alroy—— Hah! what art + thou that risest now before me? Dread, mighty spirit, thou hast come in + time to save me from perdition. Take me to thy bosom, ‘tis not stabbed. + They did not stab thee. Thou seest me here communing with thy murderers. + What then? I am innocent. Ask them, dread ghost, and call upon their + fiendish souls to say I am pure. They would make me dark as themselves, + but shall not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Honain, Honain!’ exclaimed the Princess in a terrible whisper as she flew + to the Physician. ‘He is wild again. Calm him, calm him. Mark! how he + stands with his extended arms, and fixed vacant eyes, muttering most awful + words! My spirit fails me. It is too fearful.’ + </p> + <p> + The Physician advanced and stood by the side of Alroy, but in vain + attempted to catch his attention. He ventured to touch his arm. The Prince + started, turned round, and recognising him, exclaimed in a shrieking + voice, ‘Off, fratricide!’ + </p> + <p> + Honain recoiled, pale and quivering. Schirene sprang to his arm. ‘What + said he, Honain? Thou dost not speak. I never saw thee pale before. Art + thou, too, mad?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would I were!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All men are growing wild. I am sure he said something. I pray thee tell + me what was it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ask him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare not. Tell me, tell me, Honain!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That I dare not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was it a word?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! a word to wake the dead. Let us begone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Without our end? Coward! I’ll speak to him. My own Alroy,’ sweetly + whispered the Princess, as she advanced before him. + </p> + <p> + ‘What, has the fox left the tigress! Is’t so, eh? Are there no judgments? + Are the innocent only haunted? I am innocent! I did not strangle thee! He + said rightly, “Beware, beware! they who did this may do even feller + deeds.” And here they are quick at their damned work. Thy body suffered, + great Jabaster, but me they would strangle body and soul!’ + </p> + <p> + The Princess shrieked, and fell into the arms of the advancing Honain, who + bore her out of the dungeon. + </p> + <p> + After the fall of Hamadan, Bostenay and Miriam had been carried prisoners + to Bagdad. Through the interference of Honain, their imprisonment had been + exempted from the usual hardships, but they were still confined to their + chambers in the citadel. Hitherto all the endeavours of Miriam to visit + her brother had been fruitless. Honain was the only person to whom she + could apply for assistance, and he, in answer to her importunities, only + regretted his want of power to aid her. In vain had she attempted, by the + offer of some remaining jewels, to secure the co-operation of her guards, + with whom her loveliness and the softness of her manners had already + ingratiated her. She had not succeeded even in communicating with Alroy. + But after the unsuccessful mission of Honain to the dungeon, the late + Vizier visited the sister of the captive, and, breaking to her with + delicate skill the intelligence of the impending catastrophe, he announced + that he had at length succeeded in obtaining for her the desired + permission to visit her brother; and, while she shuddered at the proximity + of an event for which she had long attempted to prepare herself, Honain, + with some modifications, whispered the means by which he flattered himself + that it might yet be averted. Miriam listened to him in silence, nor could + he, with all his consummate art, succeed in extracting from her the + slightest indication of her own opinion as to their expediency. They + parted, Honain as sanguine as the wicked ever are. + </p> + <p> + As Miriam dreaded, both for herself and for Alroy, the shock of an + unexpected meeting, she availed herself of the influence of Honain to send + Caleb to her brother, to prepare him for her presence, and to consult him + as to the desirable moment. Caleb found his late master lying exhausted on + the floor of his dungeon. At first he would not speak or even raise his + head, nor did he for a long time apparently recognise the faithful + retainer of his uncle. But at length he grew milder, and when he fully + comprehended who the messenger was, and the object of his mission, he at + first seemed altogether disinclined to see his sister, but in the end + postponed their meeting for the present, and, pleading great exhaustion, + fixed for that sad interview the first hour of dawn. + </p> + <p> + The venerable Bostenay had scarcely ever spoken since the fall of his + nephew; indeed it was but too evident that his faculties, even if they had + not entirely deserted him, were at least greatly impaired. He never + quitted his couch; he took no notice of what occurred. He evinced no + curiosity, scarcely any feeling. If indeed he occasionally did mutter an + observation, it was generally of an irritable character, nor truly did he + appear satisfied if anyone approached him, save Miriam, from whom alone he + would accept the scanty viands which he ever appeared disinclined to + touch. But his devoted niece, amid all her harrowing affliction, could + ever spare to the protector of her youth a placid countenance, a watchful + eye, a gentle voice, and a ready hand. Her religion and her virtue, the + strength of her faith, and the inspiration of her innocence, supported + this pure and hapless lady amid all her undeserved and unparalleled + sorrows. + </p> + <p> + It was long past midnight; the young widow of Abner reposed upon a couch + in a soft slumber. The amiable Beruna and the beautiful Bathsheba, the + curtains drawn, watched the progress of the night. + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I wake her?’ said the beautiful Bathsheba. ‘Methinks the stars are + paler! She bade me rouse her long before the dawn.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Her sleep is too benign! Let us not wake her,’ replied the amiable + Beruna. ‘We rouse her only to sorrow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May her dreams at least be happy;’ rejoined the beautiful Bathsheba. ‘She + sleeps tranquilly, as a flower.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The veil has fallen from her head,’ said the amiable Beruna. ‘I will + replace it lightly on her brow. Is that well, my Bathsheba?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is well, sweet Beruna. Her face shrouded by the shawl is like a pearl + in its shell. See! she moves!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bathsheba!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am here, sweet lady.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it near dawn?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not yet, sweet lady; it is yet night. It is long past the noon of night, + sweet lady; methinks I scent the rising breath of morn; but still ‘tis + night, and the young moon shines like a sickle in the heavenly field, amid + the starry harvest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Beruna, gentle girl, give me thy arm. I’ll rise.’ + </p> + <p> + The maidens advanced, and gently raising their mistress, supported her to + the window. + </p> + <p> + ‘Since our calamities,’ said Miriam, ‘I have never enjoyed such tranquil + slumber. My dreams were slight, but soothing. I saw him, but he smiled. + Have I slept long, sweet girls? Ye are very watchful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear lady, let me bring thy shawl. The air is fresh——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But sweet; I thank thee, no. My brow is not so cool as to need a + covering. ‘Tis a fair night!’ + </p> + <p> + Miriam gazed upon the wide prospect of the moonlit capital. The elevated + position of the citadel afforded an extensive view of the mighty groups of + buildings-each in itself a city, broken only by some vast and hooded + cupola, the tall, slender, white minarets of the mosques, or the black and + spiral form of some lonely cypress—through which the rushing Tigris, + flooded with light, sent forth its broad and brilliant torrent. All was + silent; not a single boat floated on the fleet river, not a solitary voice + broke the stillness of slumbering millions. She gazed and, as she gazed, + she could not refrain from contrasting the present scene, which seemed the + sepulchre of all the passions of our race, with the unrivalled excitement + of that stirring spectacle which Bagdad exhibited on the celebration of + the marriage of Alroy. How different then, too, was her position from her + present, and how happy! The only sister of a devoted brother, the lord and + conqueror of Asia, the bride of his most victorious captain, one worthy of + all her virtues, and whose youthful valour had encircled her brow with a + diadem. To Miriam, exalted station had brought neither cares nor crimes. + It had, as it were, only rendered her charity universal, and her + benevolence omnipotent. She could not accuse herself, this blessed woman—she + could not accuse herself, even in this searching hour of self-knowledge—she + could not accuse herself, with all her meekness, and modesty, and + humility, of having for a moment forgotten her dependence on her God, or + her duty to her neighbour. + </p> + <p> + But when her thoughts recurred to that being from whom they were indeed + scarcely ever absent; and when she remembered him, and all his life, and + all the thousand incidents of his youth, mysteries to the world, and known + only to her, but which were indeed the prescience of his fame, and thought + of all his surpassing qualities and all his sweet affection, his + unrivalled glory and his impending fate, the tears, in silent agony, + forced their way down her pale and pensive cheek. She bowed her head upon + Bathsheba’s shoulder, and sweet Beruna pressed her quivering hand. + </p> + <p> + The moon set, the stars grew white and ghastly, and vanished one by one. + Over the distant plain of the Tigris, the scene of the marriage pomp, the + dark purple horizon shivered into a rich streak of white and orange. The + solemn strain of the Muezzin sounded from the minarets. Some one knocked + at the door. It was Caleb. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am ready,’ said Miriam; and for a moment she covered her face with her + right hand. ‘Think of me, sweet maidens; pray for me!’ + </p> + <p> + Leaning on Caleb, and lighted by a gaoler, bearing torches, Miriam + descended the damp and broken stairs that led to the dungeon. She faltered + as she arrived at the grate. She stopped, and leant against the cold and + gloomy wall. The gaoler and Caleb preceded her. She heard the voice of + Alroy. It was firm and sweet. Its accents reassured her. Caleb came forth + with a torch, and held it to her feet; and, as he bent down, he said, ‘My + lord bade me beg you to be of good heart, for he is.’ + </p> + <p> + The gaoler, having stuck his torch in the niche, withdrew. Miriam desired + Caleb to stay without. Then, summoning up all her energies, she entered + the dreadful abode. Alroy was standing to receive her. The light fell full + upon his countenance. It smiled. Miriam could no longer restrain herself. + She ran forward, and pressed him to her heart. + </p> + <p> + ‘O, my best, my long beloved,’ whispered Alroy; ‘such a meeting indeed + leads captivity captive!’ + </p> + <p> + But the sister could not speak. She leant her head upon his shoulder, and + closed her eyes, that she might not weep. + </p> + <p> + ‘Courage, dear heart; courage, courage!’ whispered the captive. ‘Indeed I + am happy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My brother, my brother!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Had we met yesterday, you would have found me perhaps a little vexed. But + to-day I am myself again. Since I crossed the Tigris, I know not that I + have felt such self-content. I have had sweet dreams, dear Miriam, full of + solace. And, more than dreams, the Lord has pardoned me, I truly think.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O, my brother! your words are full of comfort; for, indeed, I too have + dreamed, and dreamed of consolation. My spirit, since our fall, has never + been more tranquil.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed I am happy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Say so again, my David; let me hear again these words of solace!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, ‘tis very true, my faithful friend. It is not spoken in kind + mockery to make you joyous. For know, last eve, whether the Lord repented + of his wrath, or whether some dreadful trials, of which I will not speak, + and wish not to remember, had made atonement for my manifold sins, but so + it was, that, about the time my angel Miriam sent her soothing message, a + feeling of repose came over me, such as I long have coveted. Anon, I fell + into a slumber, deep and sweet, and, instead of those wild and whirling + images that of late have darted from my brain when it should rest, + glimpses of empire and conspiracy, snatches of fierce wars and mocking + loves, I stood beside our native fountain’s brink, and gathered flowers + with my earliest friend. As I placed the fragrant captives in your flowing + locks, there came Jabaster, that great, injured man, no longer stern and + awful, but with benignant looks, and full of love. And he said, “David, + the Lord hath marked thy faithfulness, in spite of the darkness of thy + dungeon.” So he vanished. He spoke, my sister, of some strange temptations + by heavenly aid withstood. No more of that. I awoke. And lo! I heard my + name still called. Full of my morning dream, I thought it was you, and I + answered, “Dear sister, art thou here?” But no one answered; and then, + reflecting, my memory recognised those thrilling tones that summoned Alroy + in Jabaster’s cave.’ ‘The Daughter of the Voice?’ ‘Even that sacred + messenger. I am full of faith. The Lord hath pardoned me. Be sure of + that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot doubt it, David. You have done great things for Israel; no one + in these latter days has risen like you. If you have fallen, you were + young, and strangely tempted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet Israel, Israel! Did I not feel a worthier leader will yet arise, my + heart would crack. I have betrayed my country!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no, no, no! You have shown what we can do and shall do. Your memory + alone is inspiration. A great career, although baulked of its end, is + still a landmark of human energy. Failure, when sublime, is not without + its purpose. Great deeds are great legacies, and work with wondrous usury. + By what Man has done, we learn what Man can do; and gauge the power and + prospects of our race.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas! there is no one to guard my name. ‘Twill be reviled; or worse, + ‘twill be forgotten.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never! the memory of great actions never dies. The sun of glory, though + awhile obscured, will shine at last. And so, sweet brother, perchance some + poet, in some distant age, within whose veins our sacred blood may flow, + his fancy fired with the national theme, may strike his harp to Alroy’s + wild career, and consecrate a name too long forgotten?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May love make thee a prophetess!’ exclaimed Alroy, as he bent down his + head and embraced her. ‘Do not tarry,’ he whispered. ‘‘Tis better that we + should part in this firm mood.’ + </p> + <p> + She sprang from him, she clasped her hands. ‘We will not part,’ she + exclaimed, with energy; ‘I will die with thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Blessed girl, be calm! Do not unman me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am calm. See! I do not weep. Not a tear, not a tear. They are all in my + heart.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Go, go, my Miriam, angel of light. Tarry no longer; I pray thee go. I + would not think of the past. Let all my mind be centred in the present. + Thy presence calls back our bygone days, and softens me too much. My duty + to my uncle. Go, dear one, go!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And leave thee, leave thee to——Oh! my David, thou hast seen, + thou hast heard——Honain?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No more; let not that accursed name profane those holy lips. Raise not + the demon in me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am silent. Yet ‘tis madness! Oh! my brother, thou hast a fearful + trial.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The God of Israel is my refuge. He saved our fathers in the fiery + furnace. He will save me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am full of faith. I pray thee let me stay.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would be silent; I would be alone. I cannot speak, Miriam. I ask one + favour, the last and dearest, from her who has never had a thought but for + my wishes; blessed being, leave me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I go. O Alroy, farewell! Let me kiss you. Again, once more! Let me kneel + and bless you. Brother, beloved brother, great and glorious brother, I am + worthy of you: I will not weep. I am prouder in this dread moment of your + love than all your foes can be of their hard triumph!’ + </p> + <p> + Beruna and Bathsheba received their mistress when she returned to her + chamber. They marked her desolate air. She was silent, pale, and cold. + They bore her to her couch, whereon she sat with a most listless and + unmeaning look; her quivering lips parted, her eyes fixed upon the ground + in vacant abstraction, and her arms languidly folded before her. Beruna + stole behind her, and supported her back with pillows, and Bathsheba, + unnoticed, wiped the slight foam from her mouth. Thus Miriam remained for + several hours, her faithful maidens in vain watching for any indication of + her self-consciousness. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a trumpet sounded. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is that?’ exclaimed Miriam, in a shrill voice, and looking up with a + distracted glance. + </p> + <p> + Neither of them answered, since they were aware that it betokened the + going forth of Alroy to his trial. + </p> + <p> + Miriam remained in the same posture, and with the same expression of wild + inquiry. Another trumpet sounded, and after that a shout of the people. + Then she raised up her arms to heaven, and bowed her head, and died. + </p> + <p> + ‘Has the second trumpet sounded?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure: run, run for a good place. Where is Abdallah?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Selling sherbet in the square. We shall find him. Has Alroy come forth?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes! he goes the other way. We shall be too late. Only think of Abdallah + selling sherbet!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Father, let me go?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will be in the way; you are too young; you will see nothing. Little + boys should stay at home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, they should not. I will go. You can put me on your shoulders.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where is Ibrahim? Where is Ali? We must all keep together. We shall have + to fight for it. I wish Abdallah were here. Only think of his selling + sherbet!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Keep straight forward. That is right. It is no use going that way. The + bazaar is shut. There is Fakreddin, there is Osman Effendi. He has got a + new page.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So he has, I declare; and a very pretty boy too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Father, will they impale Alroy alive?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure I do not know. Never ask questions, my dear. Little boys never + should.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, they should. I hope they will impale him alive. I shall be so + disappointed if they do not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Keep to the left. Dash through the Butchers’ bazaar: that is open. All + right, all right. Did you push me, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Suppose I did push you, sir, what then, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come along, don’t quarrel. That is a Karasmian. They think they are to do + what they like. We are five to one, to be sure, but still there is nothing + like peace and quiet. I wish Abdallah were here with his stout shoulders. + Only think of his selling sherbet!’ + </p> + <p> + The Square of the Grand Mosque, the same spot where Jabaster met Abidan by + appointment, was the destined scene of the pretended trial of Alroy. + Thither by break of day the sight-loving thousands of the capital had + repaired. In the centre of the square, a large circle was described by a + crimson cord, and guarded by Karasmian soldiers. Around this the swelling + multitude pressed like the gathering waves of ocean, but, whenever the + tide set in with too great an impulse, the savage Karasmians appeased the + ungovernable element by raising their battle-axes, and brutally breaking + the crowns and belabouring the shoulders of their nearest victims. As the + morning advanced, the terraces of the surrounding houses, covered with + awnings, were crowded with spectators. All Bagdad was astir. Since the + marriage of Alroy, there had never been such a merry morn as the day of + his impalement. + </p> + <p> + At one end of the circle was erected a magnificent throne. Half way + between the throne and the other end of the circle, but further back, + stood a company of negro eunuchs, hideous to behold, who, clothed in + white, and armed with various instruments of torture, surrounded the + enormous stakes, tall, thin, and sharp, that were prepared for the final + ceremony. + </p> + <p> + The flourish of trumpets, the clash of cymbals, and the wild beat of the + tambour, announced the arrival of Alp Arslan from the Serail. An avenue to + the circle had been preserved through the multitude. The royal procession + might be traced as it wound through the populace, by the sparkling and + undulating line of plumes of honour, and the dazzling forms of the waving + streamers, on which were inscribed the names of Allah and the Prophet. + Suddenly, amid the bursts of music, and the shouts of the spectators, many + of whom on the terraces humbled themselves on their knees, Alp Arslan + mounted the throne, around which ranged themselves his chief captains, and + a deputation of the Mullahs, and Imams, and Cadis, and other principal + personages of the city. + </p> + <p> + The King of Karasmé was tall in stature, and somewhat meagre in form. He + was fair, or rather sandy-coloured, with a red beard, and blue eyes, and a + flat nose. The moment he was seated, a trumpet was heard in the distance + from an opposite quarter, and it was soon understood throughout the + assembly that the great captive was about to appear. + </p> + <p> + A band of Karasmian guards first entered the circle, and ranged themselves + round the cord, with their backs to the spectators. After them came fifty + of the principal Hebrew prisoners, with their hands bound behind them, but + evidently more for form than security. To these succeeded a small covered + wagon drawn by mules, and surrounded by guards, from which was led forth, + his legs relieved from their manacles, but his hands still in heavy + chains, David Alroy! + </p> + <p> + A universal buzz of blended sympathy, and wonder, and fear, and triumph + arose, throughout the whole assembly. Each man involuntarily stirred. The + vast populace moved to and fro in agitation. His garments soiled and + tattered, his head bare, and his long locks drawn off his forehead, pale + and thin, but still unsubdued, the late conqueror and Caliph of Bagdad + threw around a calm and imperial glance upon those who were but recently + his slaves. + </p> + <p> + The trumpets again sounded, order was called, and a crier announced that + his Highness Alp Arslan, the mighty Sovereign of Karasmé, their Lord, + Protector, and King, and avenger of Allah and the Prophet, against all + rebellious and evil-minded Jews and Giaours, was about to speak. There was + a deep and universal silence, and then sounded a voice high as the eagle’s + in a storm. + </p> + <p> + ‘David Alroy!’ said his conqueror, ‘you are brought hither this day + neither for trial nor for judgment. Captured in arms against your rightful + sovereign, you are of course prepared, like other rebels, for your doom. + Such a crime alone deserves the most avenging punishments. What then do + you merit, who are loaded with a thousand infamies, who have blasphemed + Allah and the Prophet, and, by the practice of magic arts and the aid of + the infernal powers, have broken the peace of kingdoms, occasioned + infinite bloodshed, outraged all law, religion, and decency, misled the + minds of your deluded votaries, and especially by a direct compact with + Eblis, by horrible spells and infamous incantations, captivated the senses + of an illustrious Princess, heretofore famous for the practice of every + virtue, and a descendant of the Prophet himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Behold these stakes of palm-wood, sharper than a lance! The most terrible + retribution that human ingenuity has devised for the guilty awaits you. + But your crimes baffle all human vengeance. Look forward for your + satisfactory reward to those infernal powers by whose dark co-operation + you have occasioned such disasters. Your punishment is public, that all + men may know that the guilty never escape, and that, if your heart be + visited by the slightest degree of compunction for your numerous victims, + you may this day, by the frank confession of the irresistible means by + which you seduced them, exonerate your victims from the painful and + ignominious end with which, through your influence they are now + threatened. Mark, O assembled people, the infinite mercy of the Vicegerent + of Allah! He allows the wretched man to confess his infamy, and to save by + his confession, his unfortunate victims. I have said it. Glory to Allah!’ + </p> + <p> + And the people shouted, ‘He has said it, he has said it! Glory to Allah! + He is great, he is great! and Mahomed is his prophet!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Am I to speak?’ enquired Alroy, when the tumult had subsided. The melody + of his voice commanded universal attention. + </p> + <p> + Alp Arslan nodded his head in approbation. + </p> + <p> + ‘King of Karasmé! I stand here accused of many crimes. Now hear my + answers. ‘Tis said I am a rebel. My answer is, I am a Prince as thou art, + of a sacred race, and far more ancient. I owe fealty to no one but to my + God, and if I have broken that I am yet to learn that Alp Arslan is the + avenger of His power. As for thy God and Prophet, I know not them, though + they acknowledge mine. ‘Tis well understood in every polity, my people + stand apart from other nations, and ever will, in spite of suffering. So + much for blasphemy; I am true to a deep faith of ancient days, which even + the sacred writings of thy race still reverence. For the arts magical I + practised, and the communion with infernal powers ‘tis said I held, know, + King, I raised the standard of my faith by the direct commandment of my + God, the great Creator of the universe. What need of magic, then? What + need of paltering with petty fiends, when backed by His omnipotence? My + magic was His inspiration. Need I prove why, with such aid, my people + crowded round me? The time will come when from out our ancient seed, a + worthier chief will rise, not to be quelled even by thee, Sire. + </p> + <p> + ‘For that unhappy Princess of whom something was said (with no great + mercy, as it seemed to me), that lady is my wife, my willing wife; the + daughter of a Caliph, still my wife, although your stakes may make her + soon a widow. I stand not here to account for female fancies. Believe me, + Sire, she gave her beauty to my raptured arms with no persuasions but such + as became a soldier and a king. It may seem strange to thee upon thy + throne that the flower of Asia should be plucked by one so vile as I am. + Remember, the accidents of Fortune are most strange. I was not always what + I am. We have met before. There was a day, and that too not long since, + when, but for the treachery of some knaves I mark here, Fortune seemed + half inclined to reverse our fates. Had I conquered, I trust I should have + shown more mercy.’ + </p> + <p> + The King of Karasmé was the most passionate of men. He had made a speech + according to the advice and instructions of his councillors, who had + assured him that the tone he adopted would induce Alroy to confess all + that he required, and especially to vindicate the reputation of the + Princess Schirene, who had already contrived to persuade Alp Arslan that + she was the most injured of her sex. The King of Karasmé stamped thrice on + the platform of his throne, and exclaimed with great fire, ‘By my beard, + ye have deceived me! The dog has confessed nothing!’ + </p> + <p> + All the councillors and chief captains, and the Mullahs, and the Imams, + and the Cadis, and the principal personages of the city were in + consternation. They immediately consulted together, and, after much + disputation, agreed that, before they proceeded to extremities, it was + expedient to prove what the prisoner would not confess. A venerable + Sheikh, clothed in flowing robes of green, with a long white beard, and a + turban like the tower of Babel, then rose. His sacred reputation procured + silence while he himself delivered a long prayer, supplicating Allah and + the Prophet to confound all blaspheming Jews and Giaours, and to pour + forth words of truth from the mouths of religious men. And then the + venerable Sheikh summoned all witnesses against David Alroy. Immediately + advanced Kisloch the Kourd, to whom, being placed in an eminent position, + the Cadi of Bagdad drawing forth a scroll from his velvet bag, read a + deposition, wherein the worthy Kisloch stated that he first became + acquainted with the prisoner, David Alroy, in some ruins in the desert, + the haunt of banditti, of whom Alroy was the chief; that he, Kisloch, was + a reputable merchant, and that his caravan had been plundered by these + robbers, and he himself captured; that, on the second night of his + imprisonment, Alroy appeared to him in the likeness of a lion, and on the + third, of a bull with fiery eyes; that he was in the habit of constantly + transforming himself; that he frequently raised spirits; that, at length, + on one terrible night, Eblis himself came in great procession, and + presented Alroy with the sceptre of Solomon Ben Daoud; and that the next + day Alroy raised his standard, and soon after massacred Hassan Subah and + his Seljuks, by the visible aid of many terrible demons. + </p> + <p> + Calidas the Indian, the Guebre, and the Negro, and a few congenial + spirits, were not eclipsed in the satisfactory character of their evidence + by the luminous testimony of Kisloch the Kourd. The irresistible career of + the Hebrew conqueror was undeniably accounted for, and the honour of + Moslem arms and the purity of Moslem faith were established in their + pristine glory and all their unsullied reputation. David Alroy was proved + to be a child of Eblis, a sorcerer, and a dealer in charms and magical + poisons. The people listened with horror and with indignation. They would + have burst through the guards and torn him in pieces, had not they been + afraid of the Karasmian battle-axes. So they consoled themselves with the + prospect of his approaching tortures. + </p> + <p> + The Cadi of Bagdad bowed himself before the King of Karasmé, and whispered + at a respectful distance in the royal ear. The trumpets sounded, the + criers enjoined silence, and the royal lips again moved. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hear, O ye people, and be wise. The chief Cadi is about to read the + deposition of the royal Princess Schirene, chief victim of the sorcerer.’ + </p> + <p> + And the deposition was read, which stated that David Alroy possessed, and + wore next to his heart, a talisman, given him by Eblis, the virtue of + which was so great that, if once it were pressed to the heart of any + woman, she was no longer mistress of her will. Such had been the unhappy + fate of the daughter of the Commander of the Faithful. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it so written?’ enquired the captive. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is so written,’ replied the Cadi, ‘and bears the imperial signature of + the Princess.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a forgery.’ + </p> + <p> + The King of Karasmé started from his throne, and in his rage nearly + descended its steps. His face was like scarlet, his beard was like a + flame. A favourite minister ventured gently to restrain the royal robe. + </p> + <p> + ‘Kill the dog on the spot,’ muttered the King of Karasmé. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Princess is herself here,’ said the Cadi, ‘to bear witness to the + spells of which she was a victim, but from which, by the power of Allah + and the Prophet, she is now released.’ + </p> + <p> + Alroy started! + </p> + <p> + ‘Advance, royal Princess,’ said the Cadi, ‘and, if the deposition thou + hast heard be indeed true, condescend to hold up the imperial hand that + adorned it with thy signature.’ + </p> + <p> + A band of eunuchs near the throne gave way; a female figure veiled to her + feet appeared. She held up her hand amid the breathless agitation of the + whole assembly; the ranks of the eunuchs again closed; a shriek was heard, + and the veiled figure disappeared. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am ready for thy tortures, King,’ said Alroy, in a tone of deep + depression. His firmness appeared to have deserted him. His eyes were cast + upon the ground. Apparently he was buried in profound thought, or had + delivered himself up to despair. + </p> + <p> + ‘Prepare the stakes,’ said Alp Arslan. + </p> + <p> + An involuntary, but universal, shudder might be distinguished through the + whole assembly. + </p> + <p> + A slave advanced and offered Alroy a scroll. He recognised the Nubian who + belonged to Honain. His former minister informed him that he was at hand, + that the terms he offered in the dungeon might even yet be granted; that + if Alroy would, as he doubted not, as he entreated him, accept them, he + was to place the scroll in his bosom, but that if he were still + inexorable, still madly determined on a horrible and ignominious end, he + was to tear the scroll and throw it in to the arena. Instantly Alroy took + the scroll, and with great energy tore it into a thousand pieces. A puff + of wind carried the fragments far and wide. The mob fought for these last + memorials of David Alroy, and this little incident occasioned a great + confusion. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the negroes prepared the instruments of torture and of + death. + </p> + <p> + ‘The obstinacy of this Jewish dog makes me mad,’ said the King of Karasmé + to his courtiers. ‘I will hold some parley with him before he dies.’ The + favourite minister entreated his sovereign to be content; but the royal + beard grew so red, and the royal eyes flashed forth such terrible sparks + of fire, that even the favourite minister at length gave way. + </p> + <p> + The trumpet sounded, the criers called silence, and the voice of Alp + Arslan was again heard. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou dog, dost see what is preparing for thee? Dost know what awaits thee + in the halls of thy master Eblis? Can a Jew be influenced even by false + pride? Is not life sweet? Is it not better to be my slipper-bearer than to + be impaled?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Magnanimous Alp Arslan,’ replied Alroy in a tone of undisguised contempt; + ‘thinkest thou that any torture can be equal to the recollection that I + have been conquered by thee?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By my beard, he mocks me!’ exclaimed the Karasmian monarch, ‘he defies + me! Touch not my robe. I will parley with him. Ye see no farther than a + hooded hawk, ye sons of a blind mother. This is a sorcerer; he hath yet + some master spell; he will yet save himself. He will fly into the air, or + sink into the earth. He laughs at our tortures.’ The King of Karasmé + precipitately descended the steps of his throne, followed by his favourite + minister, and his councillors, and chief captains, and the Cadis, and the + Mullahs, and the Imams, and the principal personages of the city. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sorcerer!’ exclaimed Alp Arslan, ‘insolent sorcerer! base son of a base + mother! dog of dogs! dost thou defy us? Does thy master Eblis whisper + hope? Dost thou laugh at our punishments? Wilt thou fly into the air? wilt + thou sink into the earth? eh, eh? Is it so, is it so?’ The breathless + monarch ceased, from the exhaustion of passion. He tore his beard out by + the roots, he stamped with uncontrollable rage. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou art wiser than thy councillors, royal Arslan; I do defy thee. My + master, although not Eblis, has not deserted me. I laugh at thy + punishments. Thy tortures I despise. I shall both sink into the earth and + mount into the air. Art thou answered?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By my beard,’ exclaimed the enraged Arslan, ‘I am answered. Let Eblis + save thee if he can;’ and the King of Karasmé, the most famous master of + the sabre in Asia, drew his blade like lightning from its sheath, and took + off the head of Alroy at a stroke. It fell, and, as it fell, a smile of + triumphant derision seemed to play upon the dying features of the hero, + and to ask of his enemies, ‘Where now are all your tortures?’<a + href="#linknote-82" name="linknoteref-82" id="linknoteref-82">82</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_NOTE" id="link2H_NOTE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTES TO ALROY. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1" id="linknote-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#linknoteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ page 4.—<i>We shall + yet see an ass mount a ladder</i>.—Hebrew proverb.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-2" id="linknote-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#linknoteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ page 12.—Our walls + are hung with flowers you love. It is the custom of the Hebrews in many of + their festivals, especially in the feast of the Tabernacle, to hang the + walls of their chambers with garlands of flowers.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-3" id="linknote-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#linknoteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ page 13.—<i>The + traditionary tomb of Esther and Mordecai</i>. ‘I accompanied the priest + through the town over much ruin and rubbish to an enclosed piece of + ground, rather more elevated than any in its immediate vicinity. In the + centre was the Jewish tomb-a square building of brick, of a mosque-like + form, with a rather elongated dome at the top. The door is in the ancient + sepulchral fashion of the country, very small, consisting of a single + stone of great thickness, and turning on its own pivots from one side. Its + key is always in possession of the eldest of the Jews resident at Hamadan. + Within the tomb are two sarcophagi, made of a very dark wood, carved with + great intricacy of pattern and richness of twisted ornament, with a line + of inscription in Hebrew,’ &c.—<i>Sir R. K. Porter’s Travels in + Persia, vol. ii. p. 107</i>.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-4" id="linknote-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#linknoteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ page 16.—<i>A marble + fountain, the richly-carved cupola supported by twisted columns</i>. The + vast magnificence and elaborate fancy of the tombs and fountains is a + remarkable feature of Oriental architecture. The Eastern nations devote to + these structures the richest and the most durable materials. While the + palaces of Asiatic monarchs are in general built only of wood, painted in + fresco, the rarest marbles are dedicated to the sepulchre and the spring, + which are often richly gilt, and adorned even with precious stones.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-5" id="linknote-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#linknoteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ page 17.—<i>The + chorus of our maidens.</i> It is still the custom for the women in the + East to repair at sunset in company to the fountain for their supply of + water. In Egypt, you may observe at twilight the women descending the + banks of the Nile in procession from every town and village. Their + graceful drapery, their long veils not concealing their flashing eyes, and + the classical forms of their vases, render this a most picturesque and + agreeable spectacle.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6" id="linknote-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#linknoteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ page 24.—I describe + the salty deserts of Persia, a locality which my tale required; but I have + ventured to introduce here, and in the subsequent pages, the principal + characteristics of the great Arabian deserts: the mirage, the simoom, the + gazelle, the oasis.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7" id="linknote-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#linknoteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ page 28.—<i>Jackals + and marten-cat.</i> At nightfall, especially in Asia Minor, the lonely + horseman will often meet the jackals on their evening prowl. Their moaning + is often heard during the night. I remember, when becalmed off Troy, the + most singular screams were heard at intervals throughout the night, from a + forest on the opposite shore, which a Greek sailor assured me proceeded + from a marten-cat, which had probably found the carcass of some horse.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-8" id="linknote-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#linknoteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ page 30. Elburz, or + Elborus, the highest range of the Caucasus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-9" id="linknote-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#linknoteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ page 31.—<i>A + circular and brazen table, sculptured with strange characters and + mysterious figures; near it was a couch on which lay several volumes.</i> + A cabalistic table, perhaps a zodiac. The books were doubtless <i>Sepher + Happeliah</i>, the Book of Wonders; <i>Sepher Hakkaneh</i>, the Book of + the Pen; and <i>Sepher Habbahir</i>, the Book of Light. This last unfolds + the most sublime mysteries.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-10" id="linknote-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#linknoteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ page 32.—<i>Answered + the Cabalist.</i> ‘Simeon ben Jochai, who flourished in the second + century, and was a disciple of Akibha, is called by the Jews the Prince of + the Cabalists. After the suppression of the sedition in which his master + had been so unsuccessful, he concealed himself in a cave, where, according + to the Jewish historians, he received revelations, which he after-wards + delivered to his disciples, and which they carefully preserved in the book + called Sohar. His master, Akibha, who lived soon after the destruction of + Jerusalem, was the author of the famous book Jezirah, quoted by the Jews + as of Divine authority. When Akibha was far advanced in life, appeared the + famous impostor Barchochebas, who, under the character of the Messiah, + promised to deliver his countrymen from the power of the Emperor Adrian. + Akibha espoused his cause, and afforded him the protection and support of + his name, and an army of two hundred thousand men repaired to his + standard. The Romans at first slighted the insurrection; but when they + found the insurgents spread slaughter and rapine wherever they came, they + sent out a military force against them. At. first, the issue of the + contest was doubtful. The Messiah himself was not taken until the end of + four years.’—Enfield, <i>Philosophy of the Jews</i>, vol. ii. + </p> + <p> + ‘Two methods of instruction were in use among the Jews; the one public, or + <i>exoteric</i>; the other secret, or esoteric. The exoteric doctrine was + that which was openly taught the people from the law of Moses and the + traditions of the fathers. The esoteric was that which treated of the + mysteries of the Divine nature, and other sublime subjects, and was known + by the name of the Cabala. The latter was, after the manner of the + Pythagorean and Egyptian mysteries, taught only to certain persons, who + were bound, under the most solemn anathema, not to divulge it. Concerning + the miraculous origin and preservation of the Cabala, the Jews relate many + marvellous tales. They derive these mysteries from Adam, and assert that, + while the first man was in Paradise, the angel Rasiel brought him a book + from heaven, which contained the doctrines of heavenly wisdom, and that, + when Adam received this book, angels came down to him to learn its + contents, but that he refused to admit them to the knowledge of sacred + things entrusted to him alone; that, after the Fall, this book was taken + back into heaven; that, after many prayers and tears, God restored it to + Adam, from whom it passed to Seth. In the degenerate age before the flood + this book was lost, and the mysteries it contained almost forgotten; but + they were restored by special revelation to Abraham, who committed them to + writing in the book <i>Jezirah.’—Vide Enfield, vol. ii. p. 219</i>. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Hebrew word <i>Cabala,’</i> says Dom Calmet, ‘signifies tradition, + and the Rabbins, who are named Cabalists, apply themselves principally to + the combination of certain words, numbers, and letters, by the means of + which they boasted they could reveal the future, and penetrate the sense + of the most difficult passages of Scripture. This science does not appear + to have any fixed principles, but depends upon certain ancient traditions, + whence its name Cabala. The Cabalists have a great number of names which + they style sacred, by means of which they raise spirits, and affect to + obtain supernatural intelligence.’—See Calmet, Art. <i>Cabala</i>. + </p> + <p> + ‘We spake before,’ says Lightfoot, ‘of the commonness of Magick among + them, one singular means whereby they kept their own in delusion, and + whereby they affronted ours. The general expectation of the nation of + Messias coming when he did had this double and contrary effect, that it + forwarded those that belonged to God to believe and receive the Gospel; + and those that did not, it gave encouragement to some to take upon them + they were Christ or some great prophet, and to others it gave some + persuasion to be deluded by them. These deceivers dealt most of them with + Magick, and that cheat ended not when Jerusalem ended, though one would + have thought that had been a fair term of not further expecting Messias; + but since the people were willing to be deceived by such expectation, + there rose up deluders still that were willing to deceive them.’—Lightfoot, + vol. ii. p. 371. + </p> + <p> + For many curious details of the Cabalistic Magic, Vide Basnage, vol. v. p. + 384, &c.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-11" id="linknote-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#linknoteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ page 34.—<i>Read + the stars no longer</i>. ‘The modern Jews,’ says Basnage, ‘have a great + idea of the influence of the stars.’ Vol. iv. p. 454. But astrology was + most prevalent among the Babylonian Rabbins, of whom Jabaster was one. + Living in the ancient land of the Chaldeans, these sacred sages imbibed a + taste for the mystic lore of their predecessors. The stars moved, and + formed letters and lines, when consulted by any of the highly-initiated of + the Cabalists. This they styled the Celestial Alphabet.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-12" id="linknote-12"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#linknoteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ page 38.—__The + Daughter of the Voice. ‘Both the Talmudick and the latter Rabbins,’ says + Lightfoot, ‘make frequent mention of <i>Bath Kol, or Filia Vocis</i>, or + an echoing voice which served under the Second Temple for their utmost + refuge of revelation. For when Urim and Thummim, the oracle, was ceased, + and prophecy was decayed and gone, they had, as they say, certain strange + and extraordinary voices upon certain extraordinary occasions, which were + their warnings and advertisements in some special matters. Infinite + instances of this might be adduced, if they might be believed. Now here it + may be questioned why they called it <i>Bath Kol, the daughter of a voice,</i> + and not a voice itself? If the strictness of the Hebrew word Bath be to be + stood upon, which always it is not, it may be answered, that it is called + The Daughter of a Voice in relation to the oracles of Urim and Thummim. + For whereas that was a voice given from off the mercy-seat, within the + vail, and this, upon the decay of that oracle, came as it were in its + place, it might not unfitly or improperly be called a <i>daughter</i>, or + successor of that voice.’—Lightfoot, vol. i. pp. 485, 486. Consult + also the learned Doctor, vol. ii. pp. 128, 129: ‘It was used for a + testimony from heaven, but was indeed performed by magic art.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-13" id="linknote-13"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#linknoteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ page 44.—<i>The + walls and turrets of an extensive city</i>. In Persia, and the countries + of the Tigris and Euphrates, the traveller sometimes arrives at deserted + cities of great magnificence and antiquity. Such, for instance, is the + city of Anneh. I suppose Alroy to have entered one of the deserted + capitals of the Seleucidae. They are in general the haunt of bandits.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-14" id="linknote-14"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#linknoteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ page 49.—<i>Punctured + his arm.</i> From a story told by an Arab.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-15" id="linknote-15"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#linknoteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ page 52.—<i>The + pilgrim could no longer sustain himself.</i> An endeavor to paint the + simoom.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-16" id="linknote-16"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#linknoteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ page 54.—<i>By the + holy stone.</i> The Caaba.—The Caaba is the same to the Mahomedan as + the Holy Sepulchre to the Christian. It is the most unseemly, but the most + sacred, part of the mosque at Mecca, and is a small, square stone + building.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-17" id="linknote-17"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#linknoteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ page 56.—<i>I am a + Hakim;</i> i.e. Physician, an almost sacred character in the East. As all + Englishmen travel with medicine-chests, the Turks are not be wondered at + for considering us physicians.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-18" id="linknote-18"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#linknoteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ page 57.—<i>Threw + their wanton jerreeds in the air</i>. The Persians are more famous for + throwing the jerreed than any other nation. A Persian gentleman, while + riding quietly by your side, will suddenly dash off at full gallop, then + suddenly check his horse, and take a long aim with his lance with + admirable precision. I should doubt, however, whether he could hurl a + lance a greater distance or with greater force and effect than a Nubian, + who will fix a mark at sixty yards with his javelin.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-19" id="linknote-19"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#linknoteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ page 58.—<i>Some + pounded coffee.</i> The origin of the use of coffee is obscure; but there + is great reason to believe that it had not been introduced in the time of + Alroy. When we consider that the life of an Oriental at the present day + mainly consists in drinking coffee and smoking tobacco, we cannot refrain + from asking ourselves, ‘What did he do before either of these + comparatively modern inventions was discovered?’ For a long time, I was + inclined to suspect that tobacco might have been in use in Asia before it + was introduced into Europe; but a passage in old Sandys, in which he + mentions the wretched tobacco smoke in Turkey, and accounts for it by that + country being supplied with ‘the dregs of our markets,’ demonstrates that, + in his time, there was no native growth in Asia. Yet the choicest tobaccos + are now grown on the coast of Syria, the real Levant. But did the Asiatics + smoke any other plant or substance before tobacco? In Syria, at the + present day, they smoke a plant called <i>timbac</i>; the Chinese smoke + opium; the artificial preparations for the hookah are known to all + Indians. I believe, however, that these are all refinements, and for this + reason, that in the classic writers, who were as well acquainted with the + Oriental nations as ourselves, we find no allusion to the practice of + smoking. The anachronism of the pipe I have not therefore ventured to + commit, and that of coffee will, I trust, be pardoned.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-20" id="linknote-20"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#linknoteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ page 58.—<i>Wilder + gestures of the dancing girls.</i> These dancing girls abound throughout + Asia. The most famous are the Almeh of Egypt, and the Nautch of India. + These last are a caste, the first only a profession.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-21" id="linknote-21"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#linknoteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ page 64.—<i>For + thee the bastinado</i>. The bastinado is the common punishment of the + East, and an effective and dreaded one. It is administered on the soles of + the feet, the instrument a long cane or palm-branch. Public executions are + very-rare.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-22" id="linknote-22"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#linknoteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ page 73.—<i>A door + of tortoise-shell and mother-of-pearl</i>. This elegant mode of inlay is + common in Oriental palaces, and may be observed also in Alhambra, at + Granada.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-23" id="linknote-23"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#linknoteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ page 74.—<i>A + vaulted, circular, and highly embossed roof, of purple, scarlet, and gold.</i> + In the very first style of Saracenic architecture. See the Hall of the + Ambassadors in Alhambra, and many other chambers in that exquisite + creation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-24" id="linknote-24"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#linknoteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ page 74.—<i>Nubian + eunuchs dressed in rich habits of scarlet and gold.</i> Thus the guard of + Nubian eunuchs of the present Pacha of Egypt, Mehemet Ali, or rather + Caliph, a title which he wishes to assume. They ride upon white horses.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-25" id="linknote-25"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#linknoteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ page 74.—<i>A + quadrangular court of roses.</i> So in Alhambra, ‘The Court of Myrtles,’ + leading to the Court of Columns, wherein is the famous Fountain of Lions.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-26" id="linknote-26"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#linknoteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ page 75.—<i>An + Abyssinian giant.</i> A giant is still a common appendage to an Oriental + court even at the present day. See a very amusing story in the picturesque + ‘Persian Sketches’ of that famous elchee, Sir John Malcolm.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-27" id="linknote-27"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#linknoteref-27">return</a>)<br /> [ page 75.—<i>Surrounded + by figures of every rare quadruped.</i> ‘The hall of audience,’ says + Gibbon, from Cardonne, speaking of the magnificence of the Saracens of + Cordova, ‘was encrusted with gold and pearls, and a great basin in the + centre was surrounded with the curious and costly figures of birds and + quadrupeds.’-<i>Decline and Fall</i>, vol. x. p. 39.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-28" id="linknote-28"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#linknoteref-28">return</a>)<br /> [ page 76.—<i>A tree + of gold and silver.</i> ‘Among the other spectacles of rare and stupendous + luxury was a tree of gold and silver, spreading into eighteen large + branches, on which, and on the lesser boughs, sat a variety of birds made + of the same precious metals, as well as the leaves of the tree. While the + machinery effected spontaneous motions, the several birds warbled their + natural harmony.’-<i>Gibbon,</i> vol. x. p. 38, from Abulfeda, describing + the court of the Caliphs of Bagdad in the decline of their power.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-29" id="linknote-29"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#linknoteref-29">return</a>)<br /> [ page 76.—<i>Four + hundred men led as many white bloodhounds, with collars of gold and rubies</i>. + I have somewhere read of an Indian or Persian monarch whose coursing was + conducted in this gorgeous style: if I remember right, it was Mahmoud the + Gaznevide.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-30" id="linknote-30"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 30 (<a href="#linknoteref-30">return</a>)<br /> [ page 76.—<i>A steed + marked on its forehead with a star.</i> The sacred steed of Solorhon.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-31" id="linknote-31"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 31 (<a href="#linknoteref-31">return</a>)<br /> [ page 78.—<i>Instead + of water, each basin was replenished with the purest quicksilver.</i> ‘In + a lofty pavilion of the gardens, one of those basins and fountains so + delightful in a sultry climate, was replenished, not with water, but with + the purest quicksilver.’ —<i>Gibbon</i>, vol. x, from Cardonne.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-32" id="linknote-32"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 32 (<a href="#linknoteref-32">return</a>)<br /> [ page 78.-<i>Playing with + a rosary of pearls and emeralds</i>. Moslems of rank are never without the + rosary, sometimes of amber and rare woods, sometimes of jewels. The most + esteemed is of that peculiar substance called Mecca wood.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-33" id="linknote-33"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 33 (<a href="#linknoteref-33">return</a>)<br /> [ page 78.—<i>The + diamond hilt of a small poniard.</i> The insignia of a royal female.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-34" id="linknote-34"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 34 (<a href="#linknoteref-34">return</a>)<br /> [ page 83.—<i>You + have been at Paris</i>. Paris was known to the Orientals at this time as a + city of considerable luxury and importance. The Embassy from Haroun + Alraschid to Charlemagne, at an earlier date, is of course recollected.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-35" id="linknote-35"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 35 (<a href="#linknoteref-35">return</a>)<br /> [ page 90.—<i>At + length beheld the lost capital of his fathers.</i> The finest view of + Jerusalem is from the Mount of Olives. It is little altered since the + period when David Alroy is supposed to have gazed upon it, but it is + enriched by the splendid Mosque of Omar, built by the Moslem conquerors on + the supposed site of the temple, and which, with its gardens, and arcades, + and courts, and fountains, may fairly be described as the most imposing of + Moslem fanes. I endeavoured to enter it at the hazard of my life. I was + detected, and surrounded by a crowd of turbaned fanatics, and escaped with + difficulty; but I saw enough to feel that minute inspection would not + belie the general character I formed of it from the Mount of Olives. I + caught a glorious glimpse of splendid courts, and light aify gates of + Saracenic triumph, flights of noble steps, long arcades, and interior + gardens, where silver fountains spouted their tall streams amid the taller + cypresses.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-36" id="linknote-36"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 36 (<a href="#linknoteref-36">return</a>)<br /> [ page 91.—<i>Entered + Jerusalem by the gate of Zion</i>. The gate of Zion still remains, and + from it you descend into the valley of Siloah.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-37" id="linknote-37"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 37 (<a href="#linknoteref-37">return</a>)<br /> [ page 94.-<i> King + Pirgandicus.</i> According to a Talmudical story, however, of which I find + a note, this monarch was not a Hebrew but a Gentile, and a very wicked + one. He once invited eleven famous doctors of the holy nation to supper. + They were received in the most magnificent style, and were then invited, + under pain of death, either to eat pork, to accept a pagan mistress, or to + drink wine consecrated to idols. After long consultation, the doctors, in + great tribulation, agreed to save their heads by accepting the last + alternative, since the first and second were forbidden by Moses, and the + last only by the Rabbins. The King assented, the doctors drank the impure + wine, and, as it was exceedingly good, drank freely. The wine, as will + sometimes happen, created a terrible appetite; the table was covered with + dishes, and the doctors, heated by the grape, were not sufficiently + careful of what they partook. In short, the wicked King Pirgandicus + contrived that they should sup off pork, and being carried from the table + quite tipsy, each of the eleven had the mortification of finding himself + next morning in the arms of a pagan mistress. In the course of the year + all the eleven died sudden deaths, and this visitation occurred to them, + not because they had violated the law of Moses, but because they believed + that the precepts of the Rabbins could be outraged with more impunity than + the Word of God.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-38" id="linknote-38"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 38 (<a href="#linknoteref-38">return</a>)<br /> [ page 94.—<i>And + conquered Julius Cæsar.</i> This classic hero often figures in the erratic + pages of the Talmud.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-39" id="linknote-39"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 39 (<a href="#linknoteref-39">return</a>)<br /> [ page 94.—<i>The + Tombs of the Kings.</i> The present pilgrim to Jerusalem will have less + trouble than Alroy in discovering the Tombs of the Kings, though he + probably would not as easily obtain the sceptre of Solomon. The tombs that + bear this title are of the time of the Asmonean princes, and of a more + ambitious character than any other of the remains. An open court, about + fifty feet in breadth, and extremely deep, is excavated out of the rock. + One side is formed by a portico, the frieze of which is sculptured in a + good Syro-Greek style. There is no grand portal; you crawl into the tombs + by a small opening on one of the sides. There are a few small chambers + with niches, recesses, and sarcophagi, some sculptured in the same flowing + style as the frieze. This is the most important monument at Jerusalem; and + Dr. Clarke, who has lavished wonder and admiration on the tombs of + Zachariah and Absalom, has declared the Tombs of the Kings to be one of + the marvellous productions of antiquity.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-40" id="linknote-40"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 40 (<a href="#linknoteref-40">return</a>)<br /> [ Page 95.—‘<i>Rabbi + Hillel</i> was one of the most celebrated among the Jewish Doctors, both + for birth, learning, rule, and children. He was of the seed of David by + his mother’s side, being of the posterity of Shephatiah, the son of + Abital, David’s wife. He was brought up in Babel, from whence he came up + to Jerusalem at forty years old, and there studied the law forty years + more under Shemaiah and Abtalion, and after them he was President of the + Sanhedrim forty years more. The beginning of his Presidency is generally + conceded upon to have been just one hundred ‘years before the Temple was + destroyed; by which account he began eight-and-twenty years before our + Saviour was born, and died when he was about twelve years old. He is + renowned for his fourscore scholars.’—<i>Lightfoot,</i> vol. ii. p. + 2008. + </p> + <p> + The great rival of Hillel was Shammai. Their controversies, and the + fierceness of their partisans, are a principal feature of Rabbinical + history. They were the same as the Scotists and Thomists. At last the Bath + Kol interfered, and decided for Hillel, but in a spirit of conciliatory + dexterity. The Bath Kol came forth and spake thus: ‘The words both of the + one party and the other are the words of the living God, but the certain + decision of the matter is according to the decrees of the school of + Hillel. And henceforth, whoever shall transgress the decrees of the school + of Hillel is punishable with death.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-41" id="linknote-41"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 41 (<a href="#linknoteref-41">return</a>)<br /> [ page 97.—<i>A + number of small, square, low chambers.</i> These excavated cemeteries, + which abound in Palestine and Egypt, were often converted into places of + worship by the Jews and early Christians. Sandys thus describes the + Synagogue at Jerusalem in his time.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-42" id="linknote-42"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 42 (<a href="#linknoteref-42">return</a>)<br /> [ page 08.—<i>Their + heads mystically covered.</i> The Hebrews cover their heads during their + prayers with a sacred shawl.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-43" id="linknote-43"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 43 (<a href="#linknoteref-43">return</a>)<br /> [ page 98.—<i>Expounded + the law to the congregation of the people.</i> The custom, I believe, even + to the present day, among the Hebrews, a remnant of their old academies, + once so famous.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-44" id="linknote-44"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 44 (<a href="#linknoteref-44">return</a>)<br /> [ page 99.—<i>The + Valley of Jehoshaphat and the Tomb of Absalom.</i> In the Vale of + Jehoshaphat, among many other tombs, are two of considerable size, and + which, although of a corrupt Grecian architecture, are dignified by the + titles of the tombs of Zachariah and Absalom.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-45" id="linknote-45"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 45 (<a href="#linknoteref-45">return</a>)<br /> [ page 101.—<i>The + scanty rill of Siloah.</i> The sublime Siloah is now a muddy rill; you + descend by steps to the fountain which is its source, and which is covered + with an arch. Here the blind man received his sight; and, singular enough, + to this very day the healing reputation of its waters prevails, and + summons to its brink all those neighbouring Arabs who suffer from the + ophthalmic affections not uncommon in this part of the world.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-46" id="linknote-46"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 46 (<a href="#linknoteref-46">return</a>)<br /> [ page 102.—<i>Several + isolated tombs of considerable size</i>. There are no remains of ancient + Jerusalem, or the ancient Jews. Some tombs there are which may be ascribed + to the Asmonean princes; but all the monuments of David, Solomon, and + their long posterity, have utterly disappeared.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-47" id="linknote-47"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 47 (<a href="#linknoteref-47">return</a>)<br /> [ page 103.—<i>Are + cut strange characters and unearthly forms</i>. As at Benihassan, and many + other of the sculptured catacombs of Egypt.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-48" id="linknote-48"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 48 (<a href="#linknoteref-48">return</a>)<br /> [ page 104.—<i>A + crowd of bats rushed forward and extinguished his torch.</i> In entering + the Temple of Dendara, our torches were extinguished by a crowd of bats.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-49" id="linknote-49"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 49 (<a href="#linknoteref-49">return</a>)<br /> [ page 104.—<i>The + gallery was of great extent, with a gradual declination.</i> So in the + great Egyptian tombs.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-50" id="linknote-50"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 50 (<a href="#linknoteref-50">return</a>)<br /> [ page 105.—<i>The + Afrite, for it was one of those dread beings.</i> Beings of a monstrous + form, the most terrible of all the orders of the Dives.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-51" id="linknote-51"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 51 (<a href="#linknoteref-51">return</a>)<br /> [ page 106.—<i>An + avenue of colossal lions of red granite.</i> An avenue of Sphinxes more + than a mile in length connected the quarters of Luxoor and Carnak in + Egyptian Thebes. Its fragments remain. Many other avenues of Sphinxes and + lion-headed Kings may be observed in various parts of Upper Egypt.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-52" id="linknote-52"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 52 (<a href="#linknoteref-52">return</a>)<br /> [ page 107.—<i>A + stupendous portal, cut out of the solid rock, four hundred feet in height, + and supported by clusters of colossal Caryatides.</i> See the great rock + temple of Ipsambul in Lower Nubia. The sitting colossi are nearly seventy + feet in height. But there is a Torso of a statue of Rameses the Second at + Thebes, vulgarly called the great Memnon, which measures upwards of sixty + feet round the shoulders.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-53" id="linknote-53"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 53 (<a href="#linknoteref-53">return</a>)<br /> [ page 109.—<i>Fifty + steps of ivory, and each step guarded by golden lions.</i> See 1st Kings, + chap. x. 18-20.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-54" id="linknote-54"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 54 (<a href="#linknoteref-54">return</a>)<br /> [ page 120.—<i>Crossed + the desert on a swift dromedary</i>. The difference between a camel and a + dromedary is the difference between a hack and a thorough-bred horse. + There is no other.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-55" id="linknote-55"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 55 (<a href="#linknoteref-55">return</a>)<br /> [ page 121.—<i>That + celestial alphabet known to the true Cabalist</i>. See Note 11.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-56" id="linknote-56"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 56 (<a href="#linknoteref-56">return</a>)<br /> [ page 133.—<i>The + last of the Seljuks had expired.</i> The Orientals are famous for their + massacres: that of the Mamlouks by the present Pacha of Egypt, and of the + Janissaries of the Sultan, are notorious. But one of the most terrible, + and effected under the most difficult and dangerous circumstances, was the + massacre of the Albanian Beys by the Grand Vizir, in the autumn of 1830. I + was in Albania at the time.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-57" id="linknote-57"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 57 (<a href="#linknoteref-57">return</a>)<br /> [ page 136.—<i> The + minarets were illumined.</i> So, I remember, at Constantinople, at the + commencement of 1831 at the departure of the Mecca caravan, and also at + the annual fast of Ramadan.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-58" id="linknote-58"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 58 (<a href="#linknoteref-58">return</a>)<br /> [ page 138.—<i>One + asking alms with a wire run through his cheek.</i> Not uncommon. These + Dervishes frequent the bazaars.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-59" id="linknote-59"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 59 (<a href="#linknoteref-59">return</a>)<br /> [ page 142.—<i>One + hundred thousand warriors were now assembled.</i> In countries where the + whole population is armed, a vast military force is soon assembled. + Barchochebas was speedily at the head of two hundred thousand fighting + men, and held the Romans long in check under one of their most powerful + emperors.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-60" id="linknote-60"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 60 (<a href="#linknoteref-60">return</a>)<br /> [ page 143.—<i>Some + high-capped Tatar with despatches.</i> I have availed myself of a familiar + character in Oriental life, but the use of a Tatar as a courier in the + time of Alroy is, I fear, an anachronism.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-61" id="linknote-61"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 61 (<a href="#linknoteref-61">return</a>)<br /> [ page 144.—<i>Each + day some warlike Atabek, at the head of his armed train, poured into the + capital of the caliphs.</i> I was at Yanina, the capital of Albania, when + the Grand Vizir summoned the chieftains of the country, and I was struck + by their magnificent arrays each day pouring into the city.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-62" id="linknote-62"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 62 (<a href="#linknoteref-62">return</a>)<br /> [ page 153.—<i>It is + the Sabbath etc</i>. ‘They began their Sabbath from sunset, and the same + time of day they ended it.’—Talm. Hierosolym. in <i>Sheveith</i>, + fol. 33, col. I. The eve of the Sabbath, or the day before, was called the + day of the preparation for the Sabbath.—Luke xxiii. 54. + </p> + <p> + ‘And from the time of the evening sacrifice and forward, they began to fit + themselves for the Sabbath, and to cease from their works, so as not to go + to the barber, not to sit in judgment, &c.; nay, thenceforward they + would not set things on working, which, being set a-work, would complete + their business of themselves, unless it would be completed before the + Sabbath came—<i>as wool was not put to dye, unless it could take + colour while it was yet day! &c.</i>—Talm. in Sab., par. I; + Lightfoot, vol. i. p. 218. + </p> + <p> + ‘Towards sunsetting, when the Sabbath was now approaching, they lighted up + the Sabbath lamp. Men and women were bound to have a lamp lighted up in + their houses on the Sabbath, though they were never so poor—nay, + though they were forced to go a-begging for oil for this purpose; and the + lighting up of this lamp was a part of making the Sabbath a delight; and + women were especially commanded to look to this business.’—Maimonides + in Sab. par. 36.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-63" id="linknote-63"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 63 (<a href="#linknoteref-63">return</a>)<br /> [ page 156.—<i>The + presence of the robes of honour</i>. These are ever carried in procession, + and their number denotes the rank and quality of the chief, or of the + individual to whom they are offered.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-64" id="linknote-64"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 64 (<a href="#linknoteref-64">return</a>)<br /> [ page 158.—<i>Pressed + it to his lips, and placed it in his vest.</i> The elegant mode in which + the Orientals receive presents.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-65" id="linknote-65"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 65 (<a href="#linknoteref-65">return</a>)<br /> [ page 164.—A cap of + transparent pink porcelain, studded with pearls. Thus a great Turk, who + afforded me hospitality, was accustomed to drink his coffee.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-66" id="linknote-66"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 66 (<a href="#linknoteref-66">return</a>)<br /> [ page 168.—<i>Slippers + powdered with pearls</i>. The slippers in the East form a very fanciful + portion of the costume. It is not uncommon to see them thus adorned and + beautifully embroidered. In precious embroidery and enamelling the Turkish + artists are unrivalled.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-67" id="linknote-67"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 67 (<a href="#linknoteref-67">return</a>)<br /> [ page 185.—<i>The + policy of the son of Kareah. Vide</i> Jeremiah, chap. xlii.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-68" id="linknote-68"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 68 (<a href="#linknoteref-68">return</a>)<br /> [ page 191.—<i>The + inviting gestures and the voluptuous grace of the dancing girls of Egypt.</i> + A sculptor might find fine studies in the Egyptian Almeh.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-69" id="linknote-69"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 69 (<a href="#linknoteref-69">return</a>)<br /> [ page 194.—<i>Six + choice steeds sumptuously caparisoned.</i> Led horses always precede a + great man. I think there were usually twelve before the Sultan when he + went to Mosque, which he did in public every Friday.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-70" id="linknote-70"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 70 (<a href="#linknoteref-70">return</a>)<br /> [ page 194.—<i>Six + Damascus sabres of unrivalled temper.</i> But sabres are not to be found + at Damascus, any more than cheeses at Stilton, or oranges at Malta. The + art of watering the blade is, however, practised, I believe, in Persia. A + fine Damascus blade will fetch fifty or even one hundred guineas English.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-71" id="linknote-71"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 71 (<a href="#linknoteref-71">return</a>)<br /> [ page 195.—<i>Roses + from Rocnabad</i>. A river in Persia famous for its bowery banks of + roses.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-72" id="linknote-72"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 72 (<a href="#linknoteref-72">return</a>)<br /> [ page 195.—<i>Screens + made of the feather of a roc.</i> The screens and fans in the East, made + of the plumage of rare birds with jewelled handles, are very gorgeous.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-73" id="linknote-73"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 73 (<a href="#linknoteref-73">return</a>)<br /> [ page 196.—<i>A + tremulous aigrette of brilliants.</i> Worn only by persons of the highest + rank. The Sultan presented Lord Nelson after the battle of the Nile with + an aigrette of diamonds.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-74" id="linknote-74"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 74 (<a href="#linknoteref-74">return</a>)<br /> [ page 211.—<i> To + send him the whole of the next course.</i> These compliments from the + tables of the great are not uncommon in the East. When at the + head-quarters of the Grand Vizir at Yanina, his Highness sent to myself + and my travelling companions a course from his table, singers and dancing + girls.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-75" id="linknote-75"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 75 (<a href="#linknoteref-75">return</a>)<br /> [ page 212.—<i>The + golden wine of Mount Lebanon</i>. A most delicious wine, from its colour, + brilliancy, and rare flavour, justly meriting this title, is made on + Lebanon; but it will not, unfortunately, bear exportation, and even + materially suffers in the voyage from the coast to Alexandria.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-76" id="linknote-76"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 76 (<a href="#linknoteref-76">return</a>)<br /> [ page 221.—<i>And + the company of gardeners</i>. These gardeners of the Serail form a very + efficient body of police.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-77" id="linknote-77"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 77 (<a href="#linknoteref-77">return</a>)<br /> [ page 226.—Alroy + retired to the bath. The bath is a principal scene of Oriental life. Here + the Asiatics pass a great portion of their day. The bath consists of a + long suite of chambers of various temperatures, in which the different + processes of the elaborate ceremony are performed.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-78" id="linknote-78"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 78 (<a href="#linknoteref-78">return</a>)<br /> [ page 232.—<i>We are + the watchers of the moon.</i> The feast of the New Moon is one of the most + important festivals of the Hebrews. ‘Our year,’ says the learned author of + the ‘Rites and Ceremonies,’ ‘is divided into twelve lunar months, some of + which consist of twenty-nine, others of thirty days, which difference is + occasioned by the various appearance of the new moon, in point of time: + for if it appeared on the 30th day, the 29th was the last day of the + precedent month; but if it did not appear till the 31st day, the 30th was + the last day, and the 31st the first of the subsequent month; and that was + an intercalary moon, of all which take the following account. + </p> + <p> + ‘Our nation heretofore, not only observing the rules of some fixed + calculation, also celebrated the feast of the New Moon, according to the + phasis or first appearance of the moon, which was done in compliance with + God’s command, as our received traditions inform us. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hence it came to pass that the first appearance was not to be determined + only by rules of art, but also by the testimony of such persons as deposed + before the Sanhedrim, or Great Senate, that they had seen the New Moon. So + a committee of three were appointed from among the said Sanhedrim to + receive the deposition of the parties aforesaid, who, after having + calculated what time the moon might possibly appear, despatched some + persons <i>into high and mountainous places, to observe and give their + evidence accordingly, concerning the first appearance of the moon.</i> + </p> + <p> + ‘As soon as the new moon was either consecrated or appointed to be + observed, notice was given by the Sanhedrim to the rest of the nation what + day had been fixed for the New Moon, or first day of the month, because + that was to be the rule and measure according to which they were obliged + to keep their feasts and fasts in every month respectively. + </p> + <p> + ‘This notice was given to them in time of peace, <i>by firing of beacons, + set up for that purpose,</i> which was looked upon as the readiest way of + communication, but, in time of war, when all places were full of enemies, + who made use of beacons to amuse our nation with, it was thought fit to + discontinue it.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-79" id="linknote-79"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 79 (<a href="#linknoteref-79">return</a>)<br /> [ page 263.—<i>The + women chatted at the fountain</i>. The bath and the fountain are the + favourite scenes of feminine conversation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-80" id="linknote-80"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 80 (<a href="#linknoteref-80">return</a>)<br /> [ page 264.—<i>Playing + chess.</i> On the walls of the palace of Amenoph the Second, called + Medeenet Abuh, at Egyptian Thebes, the King is represented playing chess + with the Queen. This monarch reigned long before the Trojan war.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-81" id="linknote-81"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 81 (<a href="#linknoteref-81">return</a>)<br /> [ page 272.—<i>Impaled.</i> + A friend of mine witnessed this horrible punishment in Upper Egypt. The + victim was a man who had secretly murdered nine persons. He held an + official post, and invited travellers and pilgrims to his house, whom he + regularly disposed of and plundered. I regret that I have mislaid his MS. + account of the ceremony.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-82" id="linknote-82"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 82 (<a href="#linknoteref-82">return</a>)<br /> [ page 299.—In the <i>Germen + Davidis of Gants</i>, translated into Latin by Vorstius, Lug. 1654, is an + extract from a Hebrew MS. containing an account of Alroy. I subjoin a + translation of a passage respecting his death. + </p> + <p> + R. Maimonides deposes: That the Sultan asked him whether he were the + Messiah, and that he answered him, “I am”; and that then the monarch + inquired of him what sign he had. To this he replied that they might cut + off his head and that he would return to life. Then the King commanded + that his head should be cut off, and he died, having said previously to + the monarch that the latter should not lack in his life the most grievous + torments. + </p> + <p> + Seven years before the incident quoted above, the Israelites had serious + troubles on account of a son of Belial who called himself the Messiah, so + that the tetrarch and the princes were justly incensed against the Jews, + to such an extent, indeed, that they sent to the latter to inquire whether + they desired the reign of the Messiah. The name of this accursed troubler + was David El-David, <i>alias</i> Alroy, who hailed from the city of + Omadia, where were gathered about a thousand rich, honest, happy and + decently-living families, whose tabernacle was the principal resort of + those that dwelt in the neighbourhood of the river Sabbathion; and around + them were gathered more than a hundred minor tabernacles. + </p> + <p> + This city was on the border of the region of Media, and the dialect used + there was the Targum. Thence to the region of Golan is a journey of fifty + days. It is under the rule of Persia, to which it pays a heavy tribute + every fifteen years, and one golden talent in addition. Moreover, this man + David El-David was educated under the Prince of the Chaldean captivity, in + the care of the eminent Scholiarch, in the city of Bagdad, who was + preeminently wise in the Talmud and in all foreign sciences, as well as in + all books of divination, magic, and Chaldean lore; This David El-David, + out of the boldness and arrogance of his heart, lifted his hand against + the ruling powers, and collected those Jews who dwelt in the neighbourhood + of Mount Chophtan, seducing them to follow him into battle against all the + neighbouring peoples. He showed them signs-of what value they knew not: + there were men, indeed, who supported him on account of his magic art and + of certain things to be done; others said that his great power came from + the hand of God. Those who flocked to him called him the Messiah, lauding + and extolling him. + </p> + <p> + In another epoch of Persian history a certain Jew arose, calling himself + the Messiah, and prospered greatly. A large part of the Israelitish + population believed in him. But when the King indeed heard of all this + pretender’s power, and that he proposed to join battle with him, he sent + to the Jews who lived thereabouts and notified them that unless they + deserted this man, and came oui; from all association with him, they + certainly should be slain, every one of them, with the sword, and + afterward the children and the women should perish. Then the whole + population of Israel assembled, and argued with this man, and threw + themselves down before him on the ground, strongly supplicating him, with + clamour and tears, to depart from them. Why, indeed, should he put them + and others in danger? Had not the King already sworn that they should + perish by the sword, and wherefore should he bring affliction upon all the + Jewish inhabitants of Persia? Responding, he said: “I have come to serve + you, and ye will not have me. Whom do ye fear? Who dares stand in front of + me, and what doth this Persian King that he dare not oppose me and my + sword?” The Jews asked him what sign he had that he was the Messiah. He + answered: “My mission prospers: the Messiah needs no other sign.” They + answered that many had acted likewise, and that none had reached success. + Then he drove them forth from his face with superb indignation.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Alroy, by Benjamin Disraeli + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ALROY *** + +***** This file should be named 20002-h.htm or 20002-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/0/0/0/20002/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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