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diff --git a/20004-h/20004-h.htm b/20004-h/20004-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3968c7c --- /dev/null +++ b/20004-h/20004-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,21299 @@ +<?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> + Tancred, 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 Tancred, 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: Tancred + Or, The New Crusade + +Author: Benjamin Disraeli + +Release Date: December 3, 2006 [EBook #20004] +Last Updated: September 6, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TANCRED *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + TANCRED + </h1> + <h3> + OR + </h3> + <h2> + THE NEW CRUSADE + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Benjamin Disraeli + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/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/frontplate.jpg" alt="Frontplate " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/tancred_frontis-p72.jpg" alt="Tancred-frontis-p72 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/tancred_frontis_label.jpg" alt="Tancred-frontis-label " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/tancred_titlepage.jpg" alt="Tancred-titlepage " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/page001.jpg" alt="Page001 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </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="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XLIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XLVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XLVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XLVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER XLIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER L. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER LI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER LII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER LIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER LIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER LV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0056"> CHAPTER LVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0057"> CHAPTER LVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0058"> CHAPTER LVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0059"> CHAPTER LIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0060"> CHAPTER LX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0061"> CHAPTER LXI. </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"> Frontplate </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0003"> Frontis-p072 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0004"> Frontis-label </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0005"> Titlepage </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0006"> Page001 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0007"> Frontis-p72 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0008"> Page152 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0009"> Frontis2-p26 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0010"> Page2-083 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0011"> Page2-157 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0012"> Backplate </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + TANCRED + </h1> + <h3> + OR + </h3> + <h2> + THE NEW CRUSADE + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Benjamin Disraeli + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="actors_list (56K)" src="images/actors_list.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <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 Matter of Importance</i> +</pre> + <p> + IN THAT part of the celebrated parish of St. George which is bounded on + one side by Piccadilly and on the other by Curzon Street, is a district of + a peculiar character. ‘Tis cluster of small streets of little houses, + frequently intersected by mews, which here are numerous, and sometimes + gradually, rather than abruptly, terminating in a ramification of those + mysterious regions. Sometimes a group of courts develops itself, and you + may even chance to find your way into a small market-place. Those, + however, who are accustomed to connect these hidden residences of the + humble with scenes of misery and characters of violence, need not + apprehend in this district any appeal to their sympathies, or any shock to + their tastes. All is extremely genteel; and there is almost as much repose + as in the golden saloons of the contiguous palaces. At any rate, if there + be as much vice, there is as little crime. + </p> + <p> + No sight or sound can be seen or heard at any hour, which could pain the + most precise or the most fastidious. Even if a chance oath may float on + the air from the stable-yard to the lodging of a French cook, ‘tis of the + newest fashion, and, if responded to with less of novel charm, the + repartee is at least conveyed in the language of the most polite of + nations. They bet upon the Derby in these parts a little, are interested + in Goodwood, which they frequent, have perhaps, in general, a weakness for + play, live highly, and indulge those passions which luxury and refinement + encourage; but that is all. + </p> + <p> + A policeman would as soon think of reconnoitring these secluded streets as + of walking into a house in Park Lane or Berkeley Square, to which, in + fact, this population in a great measure belongs. For here reside the + wives of house-stewards and of butlers, in tenements furnished by the + honest savings of their husbands, and let in lodgings to increase their + swelling incomes; here dwells the retired servant, who now devotes his + practised energies to the occasional festival, which, with his + accumulations in the three per cents., or in one of the public-houses of + the quarter, secures him at the same time an easy living, and the casual + enjoyment of that great world which lingers in his memory. Here may be + found his grace’s coachman, and here his lordship’s groom, who keeps a + book and bleeds periodically too speculative footmen, by betting odds on + his master’s horses. But, above all, it is in this district that the cooks + have ever sought a favourite and elegant abode. An air of stillness and + serenity, of exhausted passions and suppressed emotion, rather than of + sluggishness and of dullness, distinguishes this quarter during the day. + </p> + <p> + When you turn from the vitality and brightness of Piccadilly, the park, + the palace, the terraced mansions, the sparkling equipages, the cavaliers + cantering up the hill, the swarming multitude, and enter the region of + which we are speaking, the effect is at first almost unearthly. Not a + carriage, not a horseman, scarcely a passenger; there seems some great and + sudden collapse in the metropolitan system, as if a pest had been + announced, or an enemy were expected in alarm by a vanquished capital. The + approach from Curzon Street has not this effect. Hyde Park has still about + it something of Arcadia. There are woods and waters, and the occasional + illusion of an illimitable distance of sylvan joyance. The spirit is + allured to gentle thoughts as we wander in what is still really a lane, + and, turning down Stanhope Street, behold that house which the great Lord + Chesterfield tells us, in one of his letters, he was ‘building among the + fields.’ The cawing of the rooks in his gardens sustains the tone of mind, + and Curzon Street, after a long, straggling, sawney course, ceasing to be + a thoroughfare, and losing itself in the gardens of another palace, is + quite in keeping with all the accessories. + </p> + <p> + In the night, however, the quarter of which we are speaking is alive. The + manners of the population follow those of their masters. They keep late + hours. The banquet and the ball dismiss them to their homes at a time when + the trades of ordinary regions move in their last sleep, and dream of + opening shutters and decking the windows of their shops. + </p> + <p> + At night, the chariot whirls round the frequent corners of these little + streets, and the opening valves of the mews vomit forth their legion of + broughams. At night, too, the footman, taking advantage of a ball at + Holdernesse, or a concert at Lansdowne House, and knowing that, in either + instance, the link-boy will answer when necessary for his summoned name, + ventures to look in at his club, reads the paper, talks of his master or + his mistress, and perhaps throws a main. The shops of this district, + depending almost entirely for their custom on the classes we have + indicated, and kept often by their relations, follow the order of the + place, and are most busy when other places of business are closed. + </p> + <p> + A gusty March morning had subsided into a sunshiny afternoon, nearly two + years ago, when a young man, slender, above the middle height, with a + physiognomy thoughtful yet delicate, his brown hair worn long, slight + whiskers, on his chin a tuft, knocked at the door of a house in Carrington + Street, May Fair. His mien and his costume denoted a character of the + class of artists. He wore a pair of green trousers, braided with a black + stripe down their sides, puckered towards the waist, yet fitting with + considerable precision to the boot of French leather that enclosed a + well-formed foot. His waistcoat was of maroon velvet, displaying a steel + watch-chain of refined manufacture, and a black satin cravat, with a coral + brooch. His bright blue frockcoat was frogged and braided like his + trousers. As the knocker fell from the primrose-coloured glove that + screened his hand, he uncovered, and passing his fingers rapidly through + his hair, resumed his new silk hat, which he placed rather on one side of + his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Mr. Leander, is it you?’ exclaimed a pretty girl, who opened the door + and blushed. + </p> + <p> + ‘And how is the good papa, Eugenie? Is he at home? For I want to see him + much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will show you up to him at once, Mr. Leander, for he will be very happy + to see you. We have been thinking of hearing of you,’ she added, talking + as she ushered her guest up the narrow staircase. ‘The good papa has a + little cold: ‘tis not much, I hope; caught at Sir Wallinger’s, a large + dinner; they would have the kitchen windows open, which spoilt all the + entrées, and papa got a cold; but I think, perhaps, it is as much vexation + as anything else, you know if anything goes wrong, especially with the + entrées———’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He feels as a great artist must,’ said Leander, finishing her sentence. + ‘However, I am not sorry at this moment to find him a prisoner, for I am + pressed to see him. It is only this morning that I have returned from Mr. + Coningsby’s at Hellingsley: the house full, forty covers every day, and + some judges. One does not grudge one’s labour if we are appreciated,’ + added Leander; ‘but I have had my troubles. One of my marmitons has + disappointed me: I thought I had a genius, but on the third day he lost + his head; and had it not been—— Ah! good papa,’ he exclaimed, + as the door opened, and he came forward and warmly shook the hand of a + portly man, advanced in middle life, sitting in an easy chair, with a + glass of sugared water by his side, and reading a French newspaper in his + chamber robe, and with a white cotton nightcap on his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! my child,’ said Papa Prevost, ‘is it you? You see me a prisoner; + Eugenie has told you; a dinner at a merchant’s; dressed in a draught; + everything spoiled, and I———’ and sighing, Papa Prevost + sipped his <i>eau sucrée</i>. + </p> + <p> + ‘We have all our troubles,’ said Leander, in a consoling tone; ‘but we + will not speak now of vexations. I have just come from the country; Daubuz + has written to me twice; he was at my house last night; I found him on my + steps this morning. There is a grand affair on the tapis. The son of the + Duke of Bellamont comes of age at Easter; it is to be a business of the + thousand and one nights; the whole county to be feasted. Camacho’s wedding + will do for the peasantry; roasted oxen, and a capon in every platter, + with some fountains of ale and good Porto. Our marmitons, too, can easily + serve the provincial noblesse; but there is to be a party at the Castle, + of double cream; princes of the blood, high relatives and grandees of the + Golden Fleece. The duke’s cook is not equal to the occasion. ‘Tis an + hereditary chef who gives dinners of the time of the continental blockade. + They have written to Daubuz to send them the first artist of the age,’ + said Leander; ‘and,’ added he, with some hesitation, ‘Daubuz has written + to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And he did quite right, my child,’ said Prevost, ‘for there is not a man + in Europe that is your equal. What do they say? That Abreu rivals you in + flavour, and that Gaillard has not less invention. But who can combine <i>goût</i> + with new combinations? ‘Tis yourself, Leander; and there is no question, + though you have only twenty-five years, that you are the chef of the age.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are always very good to me, sir,’ said Leander, bending his head with + great respect; ‘and I will not deny that to be famous when you are young + is the fortune of the gods. But we must never forget that I had an + advantage which Abreu and Gaillard had not, and that I was your pupil.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope that I have not injured you,’ said Papa Prevost, with an air of + proud self-content. ‘What you learned from me came at least from a good + school. It is something to have served under Napoleon,’ added Prevost, + with the grand air of the Imperial kitchen. ‘Had it not been for Waterloo, + I should have had the cross. But the Bourbons and the cooks of the Empire + never could understand each other: They brought over an emigrant chef, who + did not comprehend the taste of the age. He wished to bring everything + back to the time of the <i>oeil de bouf</i>. When Monsieur passed my soup + of Austerlitz untasted, I knew the old family was doomed. But we gossip. + You wished to consult me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I want not only your advice but your assistance. This affair of the Duke + of Bellamont requires all our energies. I hope you will accompany me; and, + indeed, we must muster all our forces. It is not to be denied that there + is a want, not only of genius, but of men, in our art. The cooks are like + the civil engineers: since the middle class have taken to giving dinners, + the demand exceeds the supply.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is Andrien,’ said Papa Prevost; ‘you had some hopes of him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is too young; I took him to Hellingsley, and he lost his head on the + third day. I entrusted the soufflées to him, and, but for the most + desperate personal exertions, all would have been lost. It was an affair + of the bridge of Areola.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! <i>mon Dieu!</i> those are moments!’ exclaimed Prevost. ‘Gaillard and + Abreu will not serve under you, eh? And if they would, they could not be + trusted. They would betray you at the tenth hour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What I want are generals of division, not commanders-in-chief. Abreu is + sufficiently <i>bon garçon</i>, but he has taken an engagement with + Monsieur de Sidonia, and is not permitted to go out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘With Monsieur de Sidonia! You once thought of that, my Leander. And what + is his salary?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not too much; four hundred and some perquisites. It would not suit me; + besides, I will take no engagement but with a crowned head. But Abreu + likes travelling, and he has his own carriage, which pleases him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are Philippon and Dumoreau,’ said Prevost; ‘they are very safe.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was thinking of them,’ said Leander, ‘they are safe, under you. And + there is an Englishman, Smit, he is chef at Sir Stanley’s, but his master + is away at this moment. He has talent.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yourself, four chefs, with your marmitons; it would do,’ said Prevost. + </p> + <p> + ‘For the kitchen,’ said Leander; ‘but who is to dress the tables?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A-h!’ exclaimed Papa Prevost, shaking his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Daubuz’ head man, Trenton, is the only one I could trust; and he wants + fancy, though his style is broad and bold. He made a pyramid of pines + relieved with grapes, without destroying the outline, very good, this last + week, at Hellingsley. But Trenton has been upset on the railroad, and much + injured. Even if he recover, his hand will tremble so for the next month + that! could have no confidence in him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps you might find some one at the Duke’s?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Out of the question!’ said Leander; ‘I make it always a condition that + the head of every department shall be appointed by myself. I take + Pellerini with me for the confectionery. How often have I seen the effect + of a first-rate dinner spoiled by a vulgar dessert! laid flat on the + table, for example, or with ornaments that look as if they had been hired + at a pastrycook’s: triumphal arches, and Chinese pagodas, and solitary + pines springing up out of ice-tubs surrounded with peaches, as if they + were in the window of a fruiterer of Covent Garden.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! it is incredible what uneducated people will do,’ said Prevost. ‘The + dressing of the tables was a department of itself in the Imperial + kitchen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It demands an artist of a high calibre,’ said Leander. ‘I know only one + man who realises my idea, and he is at St. Petersburg. You do not know + Anastase? There is a man! But the Emperor has him secure. He can scarcely + complain, however, since he is decorated, and has the rank of full + colonel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Prevost, mournfully, ‘there is no recognition of genius in this + country. What think you of Vanesse, my child? He has had a regular + education.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In a bad school: as a pis aller one might put up with him. But his + eternal tiers of bonbons! As if they were ranged for a supper of the + Carnival, and my guests were going to pelt each other! No, I could not + stand Vanesse, papa.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The dressing of the table: ‘tis a rare talent,’ said Prevost, mournfully, + ‘and always was. In the Imperial kitchen———’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Papa,’ said Eugenie, opening the door, and putting in her head, ‘here is + Monsieur Vanillette just come from Brussels. He has brought you a basket + of truffles from Ardennes. I told him you were on business, but to-night, + if you be at home, he could come.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Vanillette!’ exclaimed Prevost, starting in his chair, ‘our little + Vanillette! There is your man, Le-ander. He was my first pupil, as you + were my last, my child. Bring up our little Vanillette, Eugenie. He is in + the household of King Leopold, and his forte is dressing the table!’ + </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 House of Bellamont</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE Duke of Bellamont was a personage who, from his rank, his blood, and + his wealth, might almost be placed at the head of the English nobility. + Although the grandson of a mere country gentleman, his fortunate ancestor, + in the decline of the last century, had captivated the heiress of the + Montacutes, Dukes of Bellamont, a celebrated race of the times of the + Plantagenets. The bridegroom, at the moment of his marriage, had adopted + the illustrious name of his young and beautiful wife. Mr. Montacute was by + nature a man of energy and of an enterprising spirit. His vast and early + success rapidly developed his native powers. With the castles and domains + and boroughs of the Bellamonts, he resolved also to acquire their ancient + baronies and their modern coronets. The times were favourable to his + projects, though they might require the devotion of a life. He married + amid the disasters of the American war. The king and his minister + appreciated the independent support afforded them by Mr. Montacute, who + represented his county, and who commanded five votes in the House besides + his own. He was one of the chief pillars of their cause; but he was not + only independent, he was conscientious and had scruples. Saratoga + staggered him. The defection of the Montacute votes, at this moment, would + have at once terminated the struggle between England and her colonies. A + fresh illustration of the advantages of our parliamentary constitution! + The independent Mr. Montacute, however, stood by his sovereign; his five + votes continued to cheer the noble lord in the blue ribbon, and their + master took his seat and the oaths in the House of Lords, as Earl of + Bellamont and Viscount Montacute. This might be considered sufficiently + well for one generation; but the silver spoon which some fairy had placed + in the cradle of the Earl of Bellamont was of colossal proportions. The + French Revolution succeeded the American war, and was occasioned by it. It + was but just, therefore, that it also should bring its huge quota to the + elevation of the man whom a colonial revolt had made an earl. Amid the + panic of Jacobinism, the declamations of the friends of the people, the + sovereign having no longer Hanover for a refuge, and the prime minister + examined as a witness in favour of the very persons whom he was trying for + high treason, the Earl of Bellamont made a calm visit to Downing Street, + and requested the revival of all the honours of the ancient Earls and + Dukes of Bellamont in his own person. Mr. Pitt, who was far from + favourable to the exclusive character which distinguished the English + peerage in the last century, was himself not disinclined to accede to the + gentle request of his powerful supporter; but the king was less flexible. + His Majesty, indeed, was on principle not opposed to the revival of titles + in families to whom the domains without the honours of the old nobility + had descended; and he recognised the claim of the present Earls of + Bellamont eventually to regain the strawberry leaf which had adorned the + coronet of the father of the present countess. But the king was of opinion + that this supreme distinction ought only to be conferred on the blood of + the old house, and that a generation, therefore, must necessarily elapse + before a Duke of Bellamont could again figure in the golden book of the + English aristocracy. + </p> + <p> + But George the Third, with all his firmness, was doomed to frequent + discomfiture. His lot was cast in troubled waters, and he had often to + deal with individuals as inflexible as himself. Benjamin Franklin was not + more calmly contumacious than the individual whom his treason had made an + English peer. In that age of violence, change and panic, power, directed + by a clear brain and an obdurate spirit, could not fail of its aim; and so + it turned out, that, in the very teeth of the royal will, the simple + country gentleman, whose very name was forgotten, became, at the + commencement of this century, Duke of Bellamont, Marquis of Montacute, + Earl of Bellamont, Dacre, and Villeroy, with all the baronies of the + Plantagenets in addition. The only revenge of the king was, that he never + would give the Duke of Bellamont the garter. It was as well perhaps that + there should be something for his son to desire. + </p> + <p> + The Duke and Duchess of Bellamont were the handsomest couple in England, + and devoted to each other, but they had only one child. Fortunately, that + child was a son. Precious life! The Marquis of Montacute was married + before he was of age. Not a moment was to be lost to find heirs for all + these honours. Perhaps, had his parents been less precipitate, their + object might have been more securely obtained. The union’ was not a happy + one. The first duke had, however, the gratification of dying a + grandfather. His successor bore no resemblance to him, except in that + beauty which became a characteristic of the race. He was born to enjoy, + not to create. A man of pleasure, the chosen companion of the Regent in + his age of riot, he was cut off in his prime; but he lived long enough to + break his wife’s heart and his son’s spirit; like himself, too, an only + child. + </p> + <p> + The present Duke of Bellamont had inherited something of the clear + intelligence of his grandsire, with the gentle disposition of his mother. + His fair abilities, and his benevolent inclinations, had been cultivated. + His mother had watched over the child, in whom she found alike the charm + and consolation of her life. But, at a certain period of youth, the + formation of character requires a masculine impulse, and that was wanting. + The duke disliked his son; in time he became even jealous of him. The duke + had found himself a father at too early a period of life. Himself in his + lusty youth, he started with alarm at the form that recalled his earliest + and most brilliant hour, and who might prove a rival. The son was of a + gentle and affectionate nature, and sighed for the tenderness of his harsh + and almost vindictive parent. But he had not that passionate soul which + might have appealed, and perhaps not in vain, to the dormant sympathies of + the being who had created him. The young Montacute was by nature of an + extreme shyness, and the accidents of his life had not tended to dissipate + his painful want of self-confidence. Physically courageous, his moral + timidity was remarkable. He alternately blushed or grew pale in his rare + interviews with his father, trembled in silence before the undeserved + sarcasm, and often endured the unjust accusation without an attempt to + vindicate himself. Alone, and in tears alike of woe and indignation, he + cursed the want of resolution or ability which had again missed the + opportunity that, both for his mother and himself, might have placed + affairs in a happier position. Most persons, under these circumstances, + would have become bitter, but Montacute was too tender for malice, and so + he only turned melancholy. On the threshold of manhood, Montacute lost his + mother, and this seemed the catastrophe of his unhappy life. His father + neither shared his grief, nor attempted to alleviate it. On the contrary, + he seemed to redouble his efforts to mortify his son. His great object was + to prevent Lord Montacute from entering society, and he was so complete a + master of the nervous temperament on which he was acting that there + appeared a fair chance of his succeeding in his benevolent intentions. + When his son’s education was completed, the duke would not furnish him + with the means of moving in the world in a becoming manner, or even + sanction his travelling. His Grace was resolved to break his son’s spirit + by keeping him immured in the country. Other heirs apparent of a rich + seignory would soon have removed these difficulties. By bill or by bond, + by living usury, or by post-obit liquidation, by all the means that + private friends or public offices could supply, the sinews of war would + have been forthcoming. They would have beaten their fathers’ horses at + Newmarket, eclipsed them with their mistresses, and, sitting for their + boroughs, voted against their party. But Montacute was not one of those + young heroes who rendered so distinguished the earlier part of this + century. He had passed his life so much among women and clergymen that he + had never emancipated himself from the old law that enjoined him to honour + a parent. Besides, with all his shyness and timidity, he was extremely + proud. He never forgot that he was a Montacute, though he had forgotten, + like the world in general, that his grandfather once bore a different and + humbler name. All merged in the great fact, that he was the living + representative of those Montacutes of Bellamont, whose wild and politic + achievements, or the sustained splendour of whose stately life had for + seven hundred years formed a stirring and superb portion of the history + and manners of our country. Death was preferable, in his view, to having + such a name soiled in the haunts of jockeys and courtesans and usurers; + and, keen as was the anguish which the conduct of the duke to his mother + or himself had often occasioned him, it was sometimes equalled in degree + by the sorrow and the shame which he endured when he heard of the name of + Bellamont only in connection with some stratagem of the turf or some + frantic revel. Without a friend, almost without an acquaintance, Montacute + sought refuge in love. She who shed over his mournful life the divine ray + of feminine sympathy was his cousin, the daughter of his mother’s brother, + an English peer, but resident in the north of Ireland, where he had vast + possessions. It was a family otherwise little calculated to dissipate the + reserve and gloom of a depressed and melancholy youth; puritanical, severe + and formal in their manners, their relaxations a Bible Society, or a + meeting for the conversion of the Jews. But Lady Katherine was beautiful, + and all were kind to one to whom kindness was strange, and the soft pathos + of whose solitary spirit demanded affection. + </p> + <p> + Montacute requested his father’s permission to marry his cousin, and was + immediately refused. The duke particularly disliked his wife’s family; but + the fact is, he had no wish that his son should ever marry. He meant to + perpetuate his race himself, and was at this moment, in the midst of his + orgies, meditating a second alliance, which should compensate him for his + boyish blunder. In this state of affairs, Montacute, at length stung to + resistance, inspired by the most powerful of passions, and acted upon by a + stronger volition than his own, was planning a marriage in spite of his + father (love, a cottage by an Irish lake, and seven hundred a-year) when + intelligence arrived that his father, whose powerful frame and vigorous + health seemed to menace a patriarchal term, was dead. + </p> + <p> + The new Duke of Bellamont had no experience of the world; but, though long + cowed by his father, he had a strong character. Though the circle of his + ideas was necessarily contracted, they were all clear and firm. In his + moody youth he had imbibed certain impressions and arrived at certain + conclusions, and they never quitted him. His mother was his model of + feminine perfection, and he had loved his cousin because she bore a + remarkable resemblance to her aunt. Again, he was of opinion that the tie + between the father and the son ought to be one of intimate confidence and + refined tenderness, and he resolved that, if Providence favoured him with + offspring, his child should ever find in him absolute devotion of thought + and feeling. + </p> + <p> + A variety of causes and circumstances had impressed him with a conviction + that what is called fashionable life was a compound of frivolity and + fraud, of folly and vice; and he resolved never to enter it. To this he + was, perhaps, in some degree unconsciously prompted by his reserved + disposition, and by his painful sense of inexperience, for he looked + forward to this world with almost as much of apprehension as of dislike. + To politics, in the vulgar sense of the word, he had an equal repugnance. + He had a lofty idea of his duty to his sovereign and his country, and felt + within him the energies that would respond to a conjuncture. But he + acceded to his title in a period of calmness, when nothing was called in + question, and no danger was apprehended; and as for the fights of + factions, the duke altogether held himself aloof from them; he wanted + nothing, not even the blue ribbon which he was soon obliged to take. Next + to his domestic hearth, all his being was concentrated in his duties as a + great proprietor of the soil. On these he had long pondered, and these he + attempted to fulfil. That performance, indeed, was as much a source of + delight to him as of obligation. He loved the country and a country life. + His reserve seemed to melt away the moment he was on his own soil. + Courteous he ever was, but then he became gracious and hearty. He liked to + assemble ‘the county’ around him; to keep ‘the county’ together; ‘the + county’ seemed always his first thought; he was proud of ‘the county,’ + where he reigned supreme, not more from his vast possessions than from the + influence of his sweet yet stately character, which made those devoted to + him who otherwise were independent of his sway. + </p> + <p> + From straitened circumstances, and without having had a single fancy of + youth gratified, the Duke of Bellamont had been suddenly summoned to the + lordship of an estate scarcely inferior in size and revenue to some + continental principalities; to dwell in palaces and castles, to be + surrounded by a disciplined retinue, and to find every wish and want + gratified before they could be expressed or anticipated. Yet he showed no + elation, and acceded to his inheritance as serene as if he had never felt + a pang or proved a necessity. She whom in the hour of trial he had + selected for the future partner of his life, though a remarkable woman, by + a singular coincidence of feeling, for it was as much from her original + character as from sympathy with her husband, confirmed him in all his + moods. + </p> + <p> + Katherine, Duchess of Bellamont, was beautiful: small and delicate in + structure, with a dazzling complexion, and a smile which, though rare, was + of the most winning and brilliant character. Her rich brown hair and her + deep blue eye might have become a dryad; but her brow denoted intellect of + a high order, and her mouth spoke inexorable resolution. She was a woman + of fixed opinions, and of firm and compact prejudices. Brought up in an + austere circle, where on all matters irrevocable judgment had been passed, + which enjoyed the advantages of knowing exactly what was true in dogma, + what just in conduct, and what correct in manners, she had early acquired + the convenient habit of decision, while her studious mind employed its + considerable energies in mastering every writer who favoured those + opinions which she had previously determined were the right ones. + </p> + <p> + The duchess was deep in the divinity of the seventeenth century. In the + controversies between the two churches, she could have perplexed St. Omers + or Maynooth. Chillingworth might be found her boudoir. Not that her + Grace’s reading was confined to divinity; on the contrary, it was various + and extensive. Puritan in religion, she was precisian in morals; but in + both she was sincere. She was so in all things. Her nature was frank and + simple; if she were inflexible, she at least wished to be just; and though + very conscious of the greatness of her position, she was so sensible of + its duties that there was scarcely any exertion which she would evade, or + any humility from which she would shrink, if she believed she were doing + her duty to her God or to her neighbour. + </p> + <p> + It will be seen, therefore, that the Duke of Bellamont found no obstacle + in his wife, who otherwise much influenced his conduct, to the plans which + he had pre-conceived for the conduct of his life after marriage. The + duchess shrank, with a feeling of haughty terror from that world of + fashion which would have so willingly greeted her. During the greater part + of the year, therefore, the Bellamonts resided in their magnificent + castle, in their distant county, occupied with all the business and the + pleasures of the provinces. While the duke, at the head of the magistracy, + in the management of his estates, and in the sports of which he was fond, + found ample occupation, his wife gave an impulse to the charity of the + county, founded schools, endowed churches, received their neighbours, read + her books, and amused herself in the creation of beautiful gardens, for + which she had a passion. + </p> + <p> + After Easter, Parliament requiring their presence, the courtyard of one of + the few palaces in London opened, and the world learnt that the Duke and + Duchess of Bellamont had arrived at Bellamont House, from Montacute + Castle. During their stay in town, which they made as brief as they well + could, and which never exceeded three months, they gave a series of great + dinners, principally attended by noble relations and those families of the + county who were so fortunate as to have also a residence in London. + Regularly every year, also, there was a grand banquet given to some + members of the royal family by the Duke and Duchess of Bellamont, and + regularly every year the Duke and Duchess of Bellamont had the honour of + dining at the palace. Except at a ball or concert under the royal roof, + the duke and duchess were never seen anywhere in the evening. The great + ladies indeed, the Lady St. Julians and the Marchionesses of Deloraine, + always sent them invitations, though they were ever declined. But the + Bellamonts maintained a sort of traditional acquaintance with a few great + houses, either by the ties of relationship, which, among the aristocracy, + are very ramified, or by occasionally receiving travelling magnificoes at + their hospitable castle. + </p> + <p> + To the great body, however, of what is called ‘the world,’ the world that + lives in St. James’ Street and Pall Mall, that looks out of a club window, + and surveys mankind as Lucretius from his philosophic tower; the world of + the Georges and the Jemmys; of Mr. Cassilis and Mr. Melton; of the + Milfords and the Fitz-Herons, the Berners and the Egertons, the Mr. + Ormsbys and the Alfred Mountchesneys, the Duke and Duchess of Bellamont + were absolutely unknown. + </p> + <p> + All that the world knew was, that there was a great peer who was called + Duke of Bellamont; that there was a great house in London, with a + courtyard, which bore his name; that he had a castle in the country, which + was one of the boasts of England; and that this great duke had a duchess; + but they never met them anywhere, nor did their wives and their sisters, + and the ladies whom they admired, or who admired them, either at ball or + at breakfast, either at morning dances or at evening déjeuners. It was + clear, therefore, that the Bellamonts might be very great people, but they + were not in ‘society.’ + </p> + <p> + It must have been some organic law, or some fate which uses structure for + its fulfilment, but again it seemed that the continuance of the great + house of Montacute should depend upon the life of a single being. The + duke, like his father and his grandfather, was favoured only with one + child, but that child was again a son. From the moment of his birth, the + very existence of his parents seemed identified with his welfare. The duke + and his wife mutually assumed to each other a secondary position, in + comparison with that occupied by their offspring. From the hour of his + birth to the moment when this history opens, and when he was about to + complete his majority, never had such solicitude been lavished on human + being as had been continuously devoted to the life of the young Lord + Montacute. During his earlier education he scarcely quitted home. He had, + indeed, once been shown to Eton, surrounded by faithful domestics, and + accompanied by a private tutor, whose vigilance would not have disgraced a + superintendent of police; but the scarlet fever happened to break out + during his first half, and Lord Montacute was instantly snatched away from + the scene of danger, where he was never again to appear. At eighteen he + went to Christ-church. His mother, who had nursed him herself, wrote to + him every day; but this was not found sufficient, and the duke hired a + residence in the neighourhood of the university, in order that they might + occasionally see their son during term. + </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>A Discussion about Money</i> +</pre> + <p> + ‘SAW Eskdale just now,’ said Mr. Cassilis, at White’s, ‘going down to the + Duke of Bellamont’s. Great doings there: son comes of age at Easter. + Wonder what sort of fellow he is? Anybody know anything about him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder what his father’s rent-roll is?’ said Mr. Ormsby. + </p> + <p> + ‘They say it is quite clear,’ said Lord Fitz-Heron. ‘Safe for that,’ said + Lord Milford; ‘and plenty of ready money, too, I should think, for one + never heard of the present duke doing anything.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He does a good deal in his county,’ said Lord Valentine. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t call that anything,’ said Lord Milford; ‘but I mean to say he + never played, was never seen at Newmarket, or did anything which anybody + can remember. In fact, he is a person whose name you never by any chance + hear mentioned.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is a sort of cousin of mine,’ said Lord Valentine; ‘and we are all + going down to the coming of age: that is, we are asked.’ ‘Then you can + tell us what sort of fellow the son is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never saw him,’ said Lord Valentine; ‘but I know the duchess told my + mother last year, that Montacute, throughout his life, had never + occasioned her a single moment’s pain.’ + </p> + <p> + Here there was a general laugh. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I have no doubt he will make up for lost time,’ said Mr. Ormsby, + demurely. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing like mamma’s darling for upsetting a coach,’ said Lord Milford. + ‘You ought to bring your cousin here, Valentine; we would assist the + development of his unsophisticated intelligence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I go down, I will propose it to him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why if?’ said Mr. Cassilis; ‘sort of thing I should like to see once + uncommonly: oxen roasted alive, old armour, and the girls of the village + all running about as if they were behind the scenes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that the way you did it at your majority, George?’ said Lord + Fitz-Heron. + </p> + <p> + ‘Egad! I kept my arrival at years of discretion at Brighton. I believe it + was the last fun there ever was at the Pavilion. The poor dear king, God + bless him! proposed my health, and made the devil’s own speech; we all + began to pipe. He was Regent then. Your father was there, Valentine; ask + him if he remembers it. That was a scene! I won’t say how it ended; but + the best joke is, I got a letter from my governor a few days after, with + an account of what they had all been doing at Brandingham, and rowing me + for not coming down, and I found out I had kept my coming of age the wrong + day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you tell them?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a word: I was afraid we might have had to go through it over again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose old Bellamont is the devil’s own screw,’ said Lord Milford. + ‘Rich governors, who have never been hard up, always are.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No: I believe he is a very good sort of fellow,’ said Lord Valentine; ‘at + least my people always say so. I do not know much about him, for they + never go anywhere.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They have got Leander down at Montacute,’ said Mr. Cassilis. ‘Had not such + a thing as a cook in the whole county. They say Lord Eskdale arranged the + cuisine for them; so you will feed well, Valentine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is something: and one can eat before Easter; but when the balls + begin——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! as for that, you will have dancing enough at Montacute; it is + expected on these occasions: Sir Roger de Coverley, tenants’ daughters, + and all that sort of thing. Deuced funny, but I must say, if I am to have + a lark, I like Vauxhall.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never met the Bellamonts,’ said Lord Milford, musingly. ‘Are there any + daughters?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘None.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is a bore. A single daughter, even if there be a son, may be made + something of; because, in nine cases out of ten, there is a round sum in + the settlements for the younger children, and she takes it all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is the case of Lady Blanche Bickerstaffe,’ said Lord Fitz-Heron. + ‘She will have a hundred thousand pounds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t mean that!’ said Lord Valentine; ‘and she is a very nice girl, + too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are quite wrong about the hundred thousand, Fitz,’ said Lord Milford; + ‘for I made it my business to inquire most particularly into the affair: + it is only fifty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In these cases, the best rule is only to believe half,’ said Mr. Ormsby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you have only got twenty thousand a-year, Ormsby,’ said Lord + Milford, laughing, ‘because the world gives you forty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, we must do the best we can in these hard times,’ said Mr. Ormsby, + with an air of mock resignation. ‘With your Dukes of Bellamont and all + these grandees on the stage, we little men shall be scarcely able to hold + up our heads.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, Ormsby,’ said Lord Milford; ‘tell us the amount of your income + tax.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They say Sir Robert quite blushed when he saw the figure at which you + were sacked, and declared it was downright spoliation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You young men are always talking about money,’ said Mr. Ormsby, shaking + his head; ‘you should think of higher things.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder what young Montacute will be thinking of this time next year,’ + said Lord Fitz-Heron. + </p> + <p> + ‘There will be plenty of people thinking of him,’ said Mr. Cassilis. + ‘Egad! you gentlemen must stir yourselves, if you mean to be turned off. + You will have rivals.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He will be no rival to me,’ said Lord Milford; ‘for I am an avowed + fortune-hunter, and that you say he does not care for, at least, at + present.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I marry only for love,’ said Lord Valentine, laughing; ‘and so we + shall not clash.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, ay; but if he will not go to the heiresses, the heiresses will go to + him,’ said Mr. Ormsby. ‘I have seen a good deal of these things, and I + generally observe the eldest son of a duke takes a fortune out of the + market. Why, there is Beaumanoir, he is like Valentine; I suppose he + intends to marry for love, as he is always in that way; but the heiresses + never leave him alone, and in the long run you cannot withstand it; it is + like a bribe; a man is indignant at the bare thought, refuses the first + offer, and pockets the second.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very immoral, and very unfair,’ said Lord Milford, ‘that any man + should marry for tin who does not want 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>Montacute Castle</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE forest of Montacute, in the north of England, is the name given to an + extensive district, which in many parts offers no evidence of the + propriety of its title. The land, especially during the last century, has + been effectively cleared, and presents, in general, a champaign view; rich + and rural, but far from picturesque. Over a wide expanse, the eye ranges + on cornfields and rich hedgerows, many a sparkling spire, and many a merry + windmill. In the extreme distance, on a clear day, may be discerned the + blue hills of the Border, and towards the north the cultivated country + ceases, and the dark form of the old forest spreads into the landscape. + The traveller, however, who may be tempted to penetrate these sylvan + recesses, will find much that is beautiful, and little that is savage. He + will be struck by the capital road that winds among the groves of ancient + oak, and the turfy and ferny wilderness which extends on each side, whence + the deer gaze on him with haughty composure, as if conscious that he was + an intruder into their kingdom of whom they need have no fear. As he + advances, he observes the number of cross routes which branch off from the + main road, and which, though of less dimensions, are equally remarkable + for their masterly structure and compact condition. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes the land is cleared, and he finds himself by the homestead of a + forest farm, and remarks the buildings, distinguished not only by their + neatness, but the propriety of their rustic architecture. Still advancing, + the deer become rarer, and the road is formed by an avenue of chestnuts; + the forest, on each side, being now transformed into vegetable gardens. + The stir of the population is soon evident. Persons are moving to and fro + on the side path of the road. Horsemen and carts seem returning from + market; women with empty baskets, and then the rare vision of a + stage-coach. The postilion spurs his horses, cracks his whip, and dashes + at full gallop into the town of Montacute, the capital of the forest. + </p> + <p> + It is the prettiest little town in the world, built entirely of hewn + stone, the well-paved and well-lighted streets as neat as a Dutch village. + There are two churches: one of great antiquity, the other raised by the + present duke, but in the best style of Christian architecture. The bridge + that spans the little but rapid river Belle, is perhaps a trifle too vast + and Roman for its site; but it was built by the first duke of the second + dynasty, who was always afraid of underbuilding his position. The town was + also indebted to him for their hall, a Palladian palace. Montacute is a + corporate town, and, under the old system, returned two members to + Parliament. The amount of its population, according to the rule generally + observed, might have preserved it from disfranchisement, but, as every + house belonged to the duke, and as he was what, in the confused + phraseology of the revolutionary war, was called a Tory, the Whigs took + care to put Montacute in Schedule A. + </p> + <p> + The town-hall, the market-place, a literary institution, and the new + church, form, with some good houses of recent erection, a handsome square, + in which there is a fountain, a gift to the town from the present duchess. + </p> + <p> + At the extremity of the town, the ground rises, and on a woody steep, + which is in fact the termination of a long range of tableland, may be seen + the towers of the outer court of Montacute Castle. The principal building, + which is vast and of various ages, from the Plantagenets to the Guelphs, + rises on a terrace, from which, on the side opposite to the town, you + descend into a well-timbered inclosure, called the Home Park. Further on, + the forest again appears; the deer again crouch in their fern, or glance + along the vistas; nor does this green domain terminate till it touches the + vast and purple moors that divide the kingdoms of Great Britain. + </p> + <p> + It was on an early day of April that the duke was sitting in his private + room, a pen in one hand, and looking up with a face of pleasurable emotion + at his wife, who stood by his side, her right arm sometimes on the back of + his chair, and sometimes on his shoulder, while with her other hand, + between the intervals of speech, she pressed a handkerchief to her eyes, + bedewed with the expression of an affectionate excitement. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is too much,’ said her Grace. + </p> + <p> + ‘And done in such a handsome manner!’ said the duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘I would not tell our dear child of it at this moment,’ said the duchess; + ‘he has so much to go through!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are right, Kate. It will keep till the celebration is over. How + delighted he will be!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear George, I sometimes think we are too happy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are not half as happy as you deserve to be,’ replied her husband, + looking up with a smile of affection; and then he finished his reply to + the letter of Mr. Hungerford, one of the county members, informing the + duke, that now Lord Montacute was of age, he intended at once to withdraw + from Parliament, having for a long time fixed on the majority of the heir + of the house of Bellamont as the signal for that event. ‘I accepted the + post,’ said Mr. Hungerford, ‘much against my will. Your Grace behaved to + me at the time in the handsomest manner, and, indeed, ever since, with + respect to this subject. But a Marquis of Montacute is, in my opinion, + and, I believe I may add, in that of the whole county, our proper + representative; besides, we want young blood in the House.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It certainly is done in the handsomest manner,’ said the duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘But then you know, George, you behaved to him in the handsomest manner; + he says so, as you do indeed to everybody; and this is your reward.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should be very sorry, indeed, if Hungerford did not withdraw with + perfect satisfaction to himself, and his family too,’ urged the duke; + ‘they are most respectable people, one of the most respectable families in + the county; I should be quite grieved if this step were taken without + their entire and hearty concurrence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course it is,’ said the duchess, ‘with the entire and hearty + concurrence of every one. Mr. Hungerford says so. And I must say that, + though few things could have gratified me more, I quite agree with Mr. + Hungerford that a Lord Montacute is the natural member for the county; and + I have no doubt that if Mr. Hungerford, or any one else in his position, + had not resigned, they never could have met our child without feeling the + greatest embarrassment.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A man though, and a man of Hungerford’s position, an old family in the + county, does not like to figure as a warming-pan,’ said the duke, + thoughtfully. ‘I think it has been done in a very handsome manner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And we will show our sense of it,’ said the duchess. ‘The Hungerfords + shall feel, when they come here on Thursday, that they are among our best + friends.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is my own Kate! Here is a letter from your brother. They will be + here to-morrow. Eskdale cannot come over till Wednesday. He is at home, + but detained by a meeting about his new harbour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am delighted that they will be here to-morrow,’ said the duchess. ‘I am + so anxious that he should see Kate before the castle is full, when he will + have a thousand calls upon his time! I feel persuaded that he will love + her at first sight. And as for their being cousins, why, we were cousins, + and that did not hinder us from loving each other.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If she resemble you as much as you resembled your aunt ——’ + said the duke, looking up. + </p> + <p> + ‘She is my perfect image, my very self, Harriet says, in disposition, as + well as face and form.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then our son has a good chance of being a very happy man,’ said the duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘That he should come of age, enter Parliament, and marry in the same year! + We ought to be very thankful. What a happy year!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But not one of these events has yet occurred,’ said the duke, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘But they all will,’ said the duchess, ‘under Providence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would not precipitate marriage.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly not; nor should I wish him to think of it before the autumn. I + should like him to be married on our wedding-day.’ + </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>The Heir Comes of Age</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE sun shone brightly, there was a triumphal arch at every road; the + market-place and the town-hall were caparisoned like steeds for a + tournament, every house had its garland; the flags were flying on every + tower and steeple. There was such a peal of bells you could scarcely hear + your neighbour’s voice; then came discharges of artillery, and then bursts + of music from various bands, all playing different tunes. The country + people came trooping in, some on horseback, some in carts, some in + procession. The Temperance band made an immense noise, and the Odd Fellows + were loudly cheered. Every now and then one of the duke’s yeomanry + galloped through the town in his regimentals of green and silver, with his + dark flowing plume and clattering sabre, and with an air of business-like + desperation, as if he were carrying a message from the commander-in-chief + in the thickest of the fight. + </p> + <p> + Before the eventful day of which this, merry morn was the harbinger, the + arrivals of guests at the castle had been numerous and important. First + came the brother of the duchess, with his countess, and their fair + daughter the Lady Katherine, whose fate, unconsciously to herself, had + already been sealed by her noble relatives. She was destined to be the + third Katherine of Bellamont that her fortunate house had furnished to + these illustrious walls. Nor, if unaware of her high lot, did she seem + unworthy of it. Her mien was prophetic of the state assigned to her. This + was her first visit to Montacute since her early childhood, and she had + not encountered her cousin since their nursery days. The day after them, + Lord Eskdale came over from his principal seat in the contiguous county, + of which he was lord-lieutenant. He was the first cousin of the duke, his + father and the second Duke of Bellamont having married two sisters, and of + course intimately related to the duchess and her family. Lord Eskdale + exercised a great influence over the house of Montacute, though quite + unsought for by him. He was the only man of the world whom they knew, and + they never decided upon anything out of the limited circle of their + immediate experience without consulting him. Lord Eskdale had been the + cause of their son going to Eton; Lord Eskdale had recommended them to + send him to Christ-church. The duke had begged his cousin to be his + trustee when he married; he had made him his executor, and had intended + him as the guardian of his son. Although, from the difference of their + habits, little thrown together in their earlier youth, Lord Eskdale had + shown, even then, kind consideration for his relative; he had even + proposed that they should travel together, but the old duke would not + consent to this. After his death, however, being neighbours as well as + relatives, Lord Eskdale had become the natural friend and counsellor of + his Grace. + </p> + <p> + The duke deservedly reposed in him implicit confidence, and entertained an + almost unbounded admiration of his cousin’s knowledge of mankind. He was + scarcely less a favourite or less an oracle with the duchess, though there + were subjects on which she feared Lord Eskdale did not entertain views as + serious as her own; but Lord Eskdale, with an extreme carelessness of + manner, and an apparent negligence of the minor arts of pleasing, was a + consummate master of the feminine idiosyncrasy, and, from a French actress + to an English duchess, was skilled in guiding women without ever letting + the curb be felt. Scarcely a week elapsed, when Lord Eskdale was in the + country, that a long letter of difficulties was not received by him from + Montacute, with an earnest request for his immediate advice. His lordship, + singularly averse to letter writing, and especially to long letter + writing, used generally in reply to say that, in the course of a day or + two, he should be in their part of the world, and would talk the matter + over with them. + </p> + <p> + And, indeed, nothing was more amusing than to see Lord Eskdale, + imperturbable, yet not heedless, with his peculiar calmness, something + between that of a Turkish pasha and an English jockey, standing up with + his back to the fire and his hands in his pockets, and hearing the united + statement of a case by the Duke and Duchess of Bellamont; the serious yet + quiet and unexaggerated narrative of his Grace, the impassioned + interruptions, decided opinions, and lively expressions of his wife, when + she felt the duke was not doing justice to the circumstances, or her view + of them, and the Spartan brevity with which, when both his clients were + exhausted, their counsel summed up the whole affair, and said three words + which seemed suddenly to remove all doubts, and to solve all difficulties. + In all the business of life, Lord Eskdale, though he appreciated their + native ability, and respected their considerable acquirements, which he + did not share, looked upon his cousins as two children, and managed them + as children; but he was really attached to them, and the sincere + attachment of such a character is often worth more than the most + passionate devotion. The last great domestic embarrassment at Montacute + had been the affair of the cooks. Lord Eskdale had taken this upon his own + shoulders, and, writing to Daubuz, had sent down Leander and his friends + to open the minds and charm the palates of the north. + </p> + <p> + Lord Valentine and his noble parents, and their daughter, Lady Florentina, + who was a great horsewoman, also arrived. The countess, who had once been + a beauty with the reputation of a wit, and now set up for being a wit on + the reputation of having been a beauty, was the lady of fashion of the + party, and scarcely knew anybody present, though there were many who were + her equals and some her superiors in rank. Her way was to be a little + fine, always smiling and condescendingly amiable; when alone with her + husband shrugging her shoulders somewhat, and vowing that she was + delighted that Lord Eskdale was there, as she had somebody to speak to. It + was what she called ‘quite a relief.’ A relief, perhaps, from Lord and + Lady Mountjoy, whom she had been avoiding all her life; unfortunate + people, who, with a large fortune, lived in a wrong square, and asked to + their house everybody who was nobody; besides, Lord Mountjoy was vulgar, + and laughed too loud, and Lady Mountjoy called you ‘my dear,’ and showed + her teeth. A relief, perhaps, too, from the Hon. and Rev. Montacute + Mountjoy, who, with Lady Eleanor, four daughters and two sons, had been + invited to celebrate the majority of the future chieftain of their house. + The countess had what is called ‘a horror of those Mountjoys, and those + Montacute Mountjoys,’ and what added to her annoyance was, that Lord + Valentine was always flirting with the Misses Montacute Mountjoy. + </p> + <p> + The countess could find no companions in the Duke and Duchess of + Clanronald, because, as she told her husband, as they could not speak + English and she could not speak Scotch, it was impossible to exchange + ideas. The bishop of the diocese was there, toothless and tolerant, and + wishing to be on good terms with all sects, provided they pay + church-rates, and another bishop far more vigorous and of greater fame. By + his administration the heir of Bellamont had entered the Christian Church, + and by the imposition of his hands had been confirmed in it. His lordship, + a great authority with the duchess, was specially invited to be present on + the interesting occasion, when the babe that he had held at the font, and + the child that he had blessed at the altar, was about thus publicly to + adopt and acknowledge the duties and responsibility of a man. But the + countess, though she liked bishops, liked them, as she told her husband, + ‘in their place.’ What that exactly was, she did not define; but probably + their palaces or the House of Lords. + </p> + <p> + It was hardly to be expected that her ladyship would find any relief in + the society of the Marquis and Marchioness of Hampshire; for his lordship + passed his life in being the President of scientific and literary + societies, and was ready for anything from the Royal, if his turn ever + arrived, to opening a Mechanics’ Institute in his neighbouring town. Lady + Hampshire was an invalid; but her ailment was one of those mysteries which + still remained insoluble, although, in the most liberal manner, she + delighted to afford her friends all the information in her power. Never + was a votary endowed with a faith at once so lively and so capricious. + Each year she believed in some new remedy, and announced herself on the + eve of some miraculous cure. But the saint was scarcely canonised before + his claims to beatitude were impugned. One year Lady Hampshire never + quitted Leamington; another, she contrived to combine the infinitesimal + doses of Hahnemann with the colossal distractions of the metropolis. Now + her sole conversation was the water cure. Lady Hampshire was to begin + immediately after her visit to Montacute, and she spoke in her sawney + voice of factitious enthusiasm, as if she pitied the lot of all those who + were not about to sleep in wet sheets. + </p> + <p> + The members for the county, with their wives and daughters, the + Hungerfords and the Ildertons, Sir Russell Malpas, or even Lord Hull, an + Irish peer with an English estate, and who represented one of the + divisions, were scarcely a relief. Lord Hull was a bachelor, and had + twenty thousand a year, and would not have been too old for Florentina, if + Lord Hull had only lived in ‘society,’ learnt how to dress and how to + behave, and had avoided that peculiar coarseness of manners and complexion + which seem the inevitable results of a provincial life. What are + forty-five or even forty-eight years, if a man do not get up too early or + go to bed too soon, if he be dressed by the right persons, and, early + accustomed to the society of women, he possesses that flexibility of + manner and that readiness of gentle repartee which a feminine + apprenticeship can alone confer? But Lord Hull was a man with a red face + and a grey head on whom coarse indulgence and the selfish negligence of a + country life had already conferred a shapeless form; and who, dressed + something like a groom, sat at dinner in stolid silence by Lady Hampshire, + who, whatever were her complaints, had certainly the art, if only from her + questions, of making her neighbours communicative. The countess examined + Lord Hull through her eye-glass with curious pity at so fine a fortune and + so good a family being so entirely thrown away. Had he been brought up in + a civilised manner, lived six months in May Fair, passed his carnival at + Paris, never sported except in Scotland, and occasionally visited a German + bath, even Lord Hull might have ‘fined down.’ His hair need not have been + grey if it had been attended to; his complexion would not have been so + glaring; his hands never could have grown to so huge a shape. + </p> + <p> + What a party, where the countess was absolutely driven to speculate on the + possible destinies of a Lord Hull! But in this party there was not a + single young man, at least not a single young man one had ever heard of, + except her son, and he was of no use. The Duke of Bellamont knew no young + men; the duke did not even belong to a club; the Duchess of Bellamont knew + no young men; she never gave and she never attended an evening party. As + for the county youth, the young Hungerfords and the young Ildertons, the + best of them formed part of the London crowd. + </p> + <p> + Some of them, by complicated manouvres, might even have made their way + into the countess’s crowded saloons on a miscellaneous night. She knew the + length of their tether. They ranged, as the Price Current says, from eight + to three thousand a year. Not the figure that purchases a Lady Florentina! + </p> + <p> + There were many other guests, and some of them notable, though not of the + class and character to interest the fastidious mother of Lord Valentine; + but whoever and whatever they might be, of the sixty or seventy persons + who were seated each day in the magnificent banqueting-room of Montacute + Castle, feasting, amid pyramids of gold plate, on the masterpieces of + Leander, there was not a single individual who did not possess one of the + two great qualifications: they were all of them cousins of the Duke of + Bellamont, or proprietors in his county. + </p> + <p> + But we must not anticipate, the great day of the festival having hardly + yet commenced. + </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>A Festal Day</i> +</pre> + <p> + IN THE Home Park was a colossal pavilion, which held more than two + thousand persons, and in which the townsfolk of Montacute were to dine; at + equal distances were several smaller tents, each of different colours and + patterns, and each bearing on a standard the name of one of the + surrounding parishes which belonged to the Duke of Bellamont, and to the + convenience and gratification of whose inhabitants these tents were to-day + dedicated. There was not a man of Buddleton or Fuddleton; not a yeoman or + peasant of Montacute super Mare or Montacute Abbotts, nor of Percy + Bellamont nor Friar’s Bellamont, nor Winch nor Finch, nor of Mandeville + Stokes nor Mandeville Bois; not a goodman true of Carleton and Ingleton + and Kirkby and Dent, and Gillamoor and Padmore and Hutton le Hale; not a + stout forester from the glades of Thorp, or the sylvan homes of Hurst + Lydgate and Bishopstowe, that knew not where foamed and flowed the duke’s + ale, that was to quench the longings of his thirsty village. And their + wives and daughters were equally welcome. At the entrance of each tent, + the duke’s servants invited all to enter, supplied them with required + refreshments, or indicated their appointed places at the approaching + banquet. In general, though there were many miscellaneous parties, each + village entered the park in procession, with its flag and its band. + </p> + <p> + At noon the scene presented the appearance of an immense but well-ordered + fair. In the background, men and boys climbed poles or raced in sacks, + while the exploits of the ginglers, their mischievous manoeuvres and + subtle combinations, elicited frequent bursts of laughter. Further on, two + long-menaced cricket matches called forth all the skill and energy of + Fuddleton and Buddleton, and Winch and Finch. The great throng of the + population, however, was in the precincts of the terrace, where, in the + course of the morning, it was known that the duke and duchess, with the + hero of the day and all their friends, were to appear, to witness the + sports of the people, and especially the feats of the morrice-dancers, who + were at this moment practising before a very numerous and delighted + audience. In the meantime, bells, drums, and trumpets, an occasional + volley, and the frequent cheers and laughter of the multitude, combined + with the brilliancy of the sun and the brightness of the ale to make a + right gladsome scene. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s nothing to what it will be at night,’ said one of the duke’s footmen + to his family, his father and mother, two sisters and a young brother, + listening to him with open mouths, and staring at his state livery with + mingled feelings of awe and affection. They had come over from Bellamont + Friars, and their son had asked the steward to give him the care of the + pavilion of that village, in order that he might look after his friends. + Never was a family who esteemed themselves so fortunate or felt so happy. + This was having a friend at court, indeed. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s nothing to what it will be at night,’ said Thomas. ‘You will have + “Hail, star of Bellamont!” and “God save the Queen!” a crown, three + stars,’ four flags, and two coronets, all in coloured lamps, letters six + feet high, on the castle. There will be one hundred beacons lit over the + space of fifty miles the moment a rocket is shot off from the Round Tower; + and as for fireworks, Bob, you’ll see them at last. Bengal lights, and the + largest wheels will be as common as squibs and crackers; and I have heard + say, though it is not to be mentioned——’ And he paused. + </p> + <p> + ‘We’ll not open our mouths,’ said his father, earnestly. + </p> + <p> + ‘You had better not tell us,’ said his mother, in a nervous paroxysm; ‘for + I am in such a fluster, I am sure I cannot answer for myself, and then + Thomas may lose his place for breach of conference.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nonsense, mother,’ said his sisters, who snubbed their mother almost as + readily as is the gracious habit of their betters. ‘Pray tell us, Tom.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, ay, Tom,’ said his younger brother. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Tom, in a confidential whisper, ‘won’t there be a + transparency! I have heard say the Queen never had anything like it. You + won’t be able to see it for the first quarter of an hour, there will be + such a blaze of fire and rockets; but when it does come, they say it’s + like heaven opening; the young markiss on a cloud, with his hand on his + heart, in his new uniform.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me!’ said the mother. ‘I knew him before he was weaned. The duchess + suckled him herself, which shows her heart is very true; for they may say + what they like, but if another’s milk is in your child’s veins, he seems, + in a sort of way, as much her bairn as your own.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mother’s milk makes a true born Englishman,’ said the father; ‘and I make + no doubt our young markiss will prove the same.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How I long to see him!’ exclaimed one of the daughters. + </p> + <p> + ‘And so do I!’ said her sister; ‘and in his uniform! How beautiful it must + be!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I don’t know,’ said the mother; ‘and perhaps you will laugh at me + for saying so, but after seeing my Thomas in his state livery, I don’t + care much for seeing anything else.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mother, how can you say such things? I am afraid the crowd will be very + great at the fireworks. We must try to get a good place.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have arranged all that,’ said Thomas, with a triumphant look. ‘There + will be an inner circle for the steward’s friends, and you will be let + in.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ exclaimed his sisters. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I hope I shall get through the day,’ said his mother; ‘but it’s + rather a trial, after our quiet life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And when will they come on the terrace, Thomas?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You see, they are waiting for the corporation, that’s the mayor and town + council of Montacute; they are coming up with an address. There! Do you + hear that? That’s the signal gun. They are leaving the town-hall at this + same moment. Now, in three-quarters of an hour’s time or so, the duke and + duchess, and the young markiss, and all of them, will come on the terrace. + So you be alive, and draw near, and get a good place. I must look after + these people.’ + </p> + <p> + About the same time that the cannon announced that the corporation had + quitted the town-hall, some one tapped at the chamber-door of Lord + Eskdale, who was sealing a letter in his private room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Harris?’ said Lord Eskdale, looking up, and recognising his valet. + </p> + <p> + ‘His Grace has been inquiring for your lordship several times,’ replied + Mr. Harris, with a perplexed air. + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall be with him in good time,’ replied his lordship, again looking + down. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you could manage to come down at once, my lord,’ said Mr. Harris. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Leander wishes to see your lordship very much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Leander!’ said Lord Eskdale, in a more interested tone. ‘What does he + want?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not seen him,’ said Mr. Harris; ‘but Mr. Prevost tells me that his + feelings are hurt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope he has not struck,’ said Lord Eskdale, with a comical glance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Something of that sort,’ said Mr. Harris, very seriously. + </p> + <p> + Lord Eskdale had a great sympathy with artists; he was well acquainted + with that irritability which is said to be the characteristic of the + creative power; genius always found in him an indulgent arbiter. He was + convinced that if the feelings of a rare spirit like Leander were hurt, + they were not to be trifled with. He felt responsible for the presence of + one so eminent in a country where, perhaps, he was not properly + appreciated; and Lord Eskdale descended to the steward’s room with the + consciousness of an important, probably a difficult, mission. + </p> + <p> + The kitchen of Montacute Castle was of the old style, fitted for baronial + feasts. It covered a great space, and was very lofty. Now they build them + in great houses on a different system; even more distinguished by height, + but far more condensed in area, as it is thought that a dish often suffers + from the distances which the cook has to move over in collecting its + various component parts. The new principle seems sound; the old practice, + however, was more picturesque. The kitchen at Montacute was like the + preparation for the famous wedding feast of Prince Riquet with the Tuft, + when the kind earth opened, and revealed that genial spectacle of + white-capped cooks, and endless stoves and stewpans. The steady blaze of + two colossal fires was shrouded by vast screens. Everywhere, rich + materials and silent artists; business without bustle, and the + all-pervading magic of method. Philippon was preparing a sauce; Dumoreau, + in another quarter of the spacious chamber, was arranging some truffles; + the Englishman, Smit, was fashioning a cutlet. Between these three + generals of division aides-de-camp perpetually passed, in the form of + active and observant marmitons, more than one of whom, as he looked on the + great masters around him, and with the prophetic faculty of genius + surveyed the future, exclaimed to himself, like Cor-reggio, ‘And I also + will be a cook.’ + </p> + <p> + In this animated and interesting scene was only one unoccupied individual, + or rather occupied only with his own sad thoughts. This was Papa Prevost, + leaning against rather than sitting on a dresser, with his arms folded, + his idle knife stuck in his girdle, and the tassel of his cap awry with + vexation. His gloomy brow, however, lit up as Mr. Harris, for whom he was + waiting with anxious expectation, entered, and summoned him to the + presence of Lord Eskdale, who, with a shrewd yet lounging air, which + concealed his own foreboding perplexity, said, ‘Well, Prevost, what is the + matter? The people here been impertinent?’ + </p> + <p> + Prevost shook his head. ‘We never were in a house, my lord, where they + were more obliging. It is something much worse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing wrong about your fish, I hope? Well, what is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Leander, my lord, has been dressing dinners for a week: dinners, I will + be bound to say, which were never equalled in the Imperial kitchen, and + the duke has never made a single observation, or sent him a single + message. Yesterday, determined to outdo even himself, he sent up some <i>escalopes + de laitances de carpes à la Bellamont</i>. In my time I have seen nothing + like it, my lord. Ask Philippon, ask Dumoreau, what they thought of it! + Even the Englishman, Smit, who never says anything, opened his mouth and + exclaimed; as for the marmitons, they were breathless, and I thought + Achille, the youth of whom I spoke to you, my lord, and who appears to me + to be born with the true feeling, would have been overcome with emotion. + When it was finished, Leander retired to his room—I attended him—and + covered his face with his hands. Would you believe it, my lord! Not a + word; not even a message. All this morning Leander has waited in the last + hope. Nothing, absolutely nothing! How can he compose when he is not + appreciated? Had he been appreciated, he would to-day not only have + repeated the <i>escalopes à la Bellamont</i>, but perhaps even invented + what might have outdone it. It is unheard of, my lord. The late lord + Monmouth would have sent for Leander the very evening, or have written to + him a beautiful letter, which would have been preserved in his family; M. + de Sidonia would have sent him a tankard from his table. These things in + themselves are nothing; but they prove to a man of genius that he is + understood. Had Leander been in the Imperial kitchen, or even with the + Emperor of Russia, he would have been decorated!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where is he?’ said Lord Eskdale. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is alone in the cook’s room.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will go and say a word to him.’ + </p> + <p> + Alone, in the cook’s room, gazing in listless vacancy on the fire, that + fire which, under his influence, had often achieved so many master-works, + was the great artist who was not appreciated. No longer suffering under + mortification, but overwhelmed by that exhaustion which follows acute + sensibility and the over-tension of the creative faculty, he looked round + as Lord Eskdale entered, and when he perceived who was his visitor, he + rose immediately, bowed very low, and then sighed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Prevost thinks we are not exactly appreciated here,’ said Lord Eskdale. + </p> + <p> + Leander bowed again, and still sighed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Prevost does not understand the affair,’ continued Lord Eskdale. ‘Why I + wished you to come down here, Leander, was not to receive the applause of + my cousin and his guests, but to form their taste.’ + </p> + <p> + Here was a great idea; exciting and ennobling. It threw quite a new light + upon the position of Leander. He started; his brow seemed to clear. + Leander, then, like other eminent men, had duties to perform as well as + rights to enjoy; he had a right to fame, but it was also his duty to form + and direct public taste. That then was the reason he was brought down to + Bellamont Castle; because some of the greatest personages in England, who + never had eaten a proper dinner in their lives, would have an opportunity, + for the first time, of witnessing art. What could the praise of the Duke + of Clanronald, or Lord Hampshire, or Lord Hull, signify to one who had + shared the confidence of a Lord Monmouth, and whom Sir Alexander Grant, + the first judge in Europe, had declared the only man of genius of the age? + Leander erred too in supposing that his achievements had been lost upon + the guests at Bellamont. Insensibly his feats had set them a-thinking. + They had been like Cossacks in a picture-gallery; but the Clanronalds, the + Hampshires, the Hulls, would return to their homes impressed with a great + truth, that there is a difference between eating and dining. Was this + nothing for Leander to have effected? Was it nothing, by this development + of taste, to assist in supporting that aristocratic influence which he + wished to cherish, and which can alone encourage art? If anything can save + the aristocracy in this levelling age, it is an appreciation of men of + genius. Certainly it would have been very gratifying to Leander if his + Grace had only sent him a message, or if Lord Montacute had expressed a + wish to see him. He had been long musing over some dish <i>à la Montacute</i> + for this very day. The young lord was reputed to have talent; this dish + might touch his fancy; the homage of a great artist flatters youth; this + offering of genius might colour his destiny. But what, after all, did this + signify? Leander had a mission to perform. + </p> + <p> + ‘If I were you, I would exert myself, Leander,’ said Lord Eskdale. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! my lord, if all men were like you! If artists were only sure of being + appreciated; if we were but understood, a dinner would become a sacrifice + to the gods, and a kitchen would be Paradise.’ + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, the mayor and town-councillors of Montacute, in their + robes of office, and preceded by their bedels and their mace-bearer, have + entered the gates of the castle. They pass into the great hall, the most + ancient part of the building, with its open roof of Spanish chestnut, its + screen and gallery and dais, its painted windows and marble floor. + Ascending the dais, they are ushered into an antechamber, the first of + that suite of state apartments that opens on the terrace. Leaving on one + side the principal dining-room and the library, they proceeded through the + green drawing-room, so called from its silken hangings, the red + drawing-room, covered with ruby velvet, and both adorned, but not + encumbered, with pictures of the choicest art, into the principal or + duchesses’ drawing-room, thus entitled from its complete collection of + portraits of Duchesses of Bellamont. It was a spacious and beautifully + proportioned chamber, hung with amber satin, its ceiling by Zucchero, + whose rich colours were relieved by the burnished gilding. The corporation + trod tremblingly over the gorgeous carpet of Axminster, which displayed, + in vivid colours and colossal proportions, the shield and supporters of + Bellamont, and threw a hasty glance at the vases of porphyry and + malachite, and mosaic tables covered with precious toys, which were + grouped about. + </p> + <p> + Thence they were ushered into the Montacute room, adorned, among many + interesting pictures, by perhaps the finest performance of Lawrence, a + portrait of the present duke, just after his marriage. Tall and graceful, + with a clear dark complexion, regular features, eyes of liquid tenderness, + a frank brow, and rich clustering hair, the accomplished artist had seized + and conveyed the character of a high-spirited but gentle-hearted cavalier. + From the Montacute chamber they entered the ball-room; very spacious, + white and gold, a coved ceiling, large Venetian lustres, and the walls of + looking-glass, enclosing friezes of festive sculpture. Then followed + another antechamber, in the centre of which was one of the masterpieces of + Canova. This room, lined with footmen in state liveries, completed the + suite that opened on the terrace. The northern side of this chamber + consisted of a large door, divided, and decorated in its panels with + emblazoned shields of arms. + </p> + <p> + The valves being thrown open, the mayor and town-council of Montacute were + ushered into a gallery one hundred feet long, and which occupied a great + portion of the northern side of the castle. The panels of this gallery + enclosed a series of pictures in tapestry, which represented the principal + achievements of the third crusade. A Montacute had been one of the most + distinguished knights in that great adventure, and had saved the life of + Cour de Lion at the siege of Ascalon. In after-ages a Duke of Bellamont, + who was our ambassador at Paris, had given orders to the Gobelins factory + for the execution of this series of pictures from cartoons by the most + celebrated artists of the time. The subjects of the tapestry had obtained + for the magnificent chamber, which they adorned and rendered so + interesting, the title of ‘The Crusaders’ Gallery.’ + </p> + <p> + At the end of this gallery, surrounded by their guests, their relatives, + and their neighbours; by high nobility, by reverend prelates, by the + members and notables of the county, and by some of the chief tenants of + the duke, a portion of whom were never absent from any great carousing or + high ceremony that occurred within his walls, the Duke and Duchess of + Bellamont and their son, a little in advance of the company, stood to + receive the congratulatory addresses of the mayor and corporation of their + ancient and faithful town of Montacute; the town which their fathers had + built and adorned, which they had often represented in Parliament in the + good old days, and which they took care should then enjoy its fair + proportion of the good old things; a town, every house in which belonged + to them, and of which there was not an inhabitant who, in his own person + or in that of his ancestry, had not felt the advantages of the noble + connection. + </p> + <p> + The duke bowed to the corporation, with the duchess on his left hand; and + on his right there stood a youth, above the middle height and of a frame + completely and gracefully formed. His dark brown hair, in those + hyacinthine curls which Grecian poets have celebrated, and which Grecian + sculptors have immortalised, clustered over his brow, which, however, they + only partially concealed. It was pale, as was his whole countenance, but + the liquid richness of the dark brown eye, and the colour of the lip, + denoted anything but a languid circulation. The features were regular, and + inclined rather to a refinement which might have imparted to the + countenance a character of too much delicacy, had it not been for the deep + meditation of the brow, and for the lower part of the visage, which + intimated indomitable will and an iron resolution. + </p> + <p> + Placed for the first time in his life in a public position, and under + circumstances which might have occasioned some degree of embarrassment + even to those initiated in the world, nothing was more remarkable in the + demeanour of Lord Montacute than his self-possession; nor was there in his + carriage anything studied, or which had the character of being + preconceived. Every movement or gesture was distinguished by what may be + called a graceful gravity. With a total absence of that excitement which + seemed so natural to his age and situation, there was nothing in his + manner which approached to nonchalance or indifference. It would appear + that he duly estimated the importance of the event they were + commemorating, yet was not of a habit of mind that overestimated anything. + </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>A Strange Proposal</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE week of celebration was over: some few guests remained, near + relatives, and not very rich, the Montacute Mountjoys, for example. They + came from a considerable distance, and the duke insisted that they should + remain until the duchess went to London, an event, by-the-bye, which was + to occur very speedily. Lady Eleanor was rather agreeable, and the duchess + a little liked her; there were four daughters, to be sure, and not very + lively, but they sang in the evening. + </p> + <p> + It was a bright morning, and the duchess, with a heart prophetic of + happiness, wished to disburthen it to her son; she meant to propose to + him, therefore, to be her companion in her walk, and she had sent to his + rooms in vain, and was inquiring after him, when she was informed that + ‘Lord Montacute was with his Grace.’ + </p> + <p> + A smile of satisfaction flitted over her face, as she recalled the + pleasant cause of the conference that was now taking place between the + father and the son. + </p> + <p> + Let us see how it advanced. + </p> + <p> + The duke is in his private library, consisting chiefly of the statutes at + large, Hansard, the Annual Register, Parliamentary Reports, and legal + treatises on the powers and duties of justices of the peace. A portrait of + his mother is over the mantel-piece: opposite it a huge map of the county. + His correspondence on public business with the secretary of state, and the + various authorities of the shire, is admirably arranged: for the duke was + what is called an excellent man of business, that is to say, methodical, + and an adept in all the small arts of routine. These papers were + deposited, after having been ticketed with a date and a summary of their + contents, and tied with much tape, in a large cabinet, which occupied + nearly one side of the room, and on the top of which were busts in marble + of Mr. Pitt, George III., and the Duke of Wellington. + </p> + <p> + The duke was leaning back in his chair, which it seemed, from his air and + position, he had pushed back somewhat suddenly from his writing table, and + an expression of painful surprise, it cannot be denied, dwelt on his + countenance. Lord Montacute was on his legs, leaning with his left arm on + the chimney-piece, very serious, and, if possible, paler than usual. + </p> + <p> + ‘You take me quite by surprise,’ said the duke; ‘I thought it was an + arrangement that would have deeply gratified you.’ + </p> + <p> + Lord Montacute slightly bowed his head, but said nothing. His father + continued. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not wish to enter Parliament at present! Why, that is all very well, and + if, as was once the case, we could enter Parliament when we liked, and how + we liked, the wish might be very reasonable. If I could ring my bell, and + return you member for Montacute with as much ease as I could send over to + Bellamont to engage a special train to take us to town, you might be + justified in indulging a fancy. But how and when, I should like to know, + are you to enter Parliament now? This Parliament will last: it will go on + to the lees. Lord Eskdale told me so not a week ago. Well then, at any + rate, you lose three years: for three years you are an idler. I never + thought that was your character. I have always had an impression you would + turn your mind to public business, that the county might look up to you. + If you have what are called higher views, you should not forget there is a + great opening now in public life, which may not offer again. The Duke is + resolved to give the preference, in carrying on the business of the + country, to the aristocracy. He believes this is our only means of + preservation. He told me so himself. If it be so, I fear we are doomed. I + hope we may be of some use to our country without being ministers of + state. But let that pass. As long as the Duke lives, he is omnipotent, and + will have his way. If you come into Parliament now, and show any + disposition for office, you may rely upon it you will not long be + unemployed. I have no doubt I could arrange that you should move the + address of next session. I dare say Lord Eskdale could manage this, and, + if he could not, though I abhor asking a minister for anything, I should, + under the circumstances, feel perfectly justified in speaking to the Duke + on the subject myself, and,’ added his Grace, in a lowered tone, but with + an expression of great earnestness and determination, ‘I flatter myself + that if the Duke of Bellamont chooses to express a wish, it would not be + disregarded.’ + </p> + <p> + Lord Montacute cast his dark, intelligent eyes upon the floor, and seemed + plunged in thought. + </p> + <p> + ‘Besides,’ added the duke, after a moment’s pause, and inferring, from the + silence of his son, that he was making an impression, ‘suppose Hungerford + is not in the same humour this time three years which he is in now. + Probably he may be; possibly he may not. Men do not like to be baulked + when they think they are doing a very kind and generous and magnanimous + thing. Hungerford is not a warming-pan; we must remember that; he never + was originally, and if he had been, he has been member for the county too + long to be so considered now. I should be placed in a most painful + position, if, this time three years, I had to withdraw my support from + Hungerford, in order to secure your return.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There would be no necessity, under any circumstances, for that, my dear + father,’ said Lord Montacute, looking up, and speaking in a voice which, + though somewhat low, was of that organ that at once arrests attention; a + voice that comes alike from the brain and from the heart, and seems made + to convey both profound thought and deep emotion. There is no index of + character so sure as the voice. There are tones, tones brilliant and + gushing, which impart a quick and pathetic sensibility: there are others + that, deep and yet calm, seem the just interpreters of a serene and + exalted intellect. But the rarest and the most precious of all voices is + that which combines passion and repose; and whose rich and restrained + tones exercise, perhaps, on the human frame a stronger spell than even the + fascination of the eye, or that bewitching influence of the hand, which is + the privilege of the higher races of Asia. + </p> + <p> + ‘There would be no necessity, under any circumstances, for that, my dear + father,’ said Lord Montacute, ‘for, to be frank, I believe I should feel + as little disposed to enter Parliament three years hence as now.’ + </p> + <p> + The duke looked still more surprised. ‘Mr. Fox was not of age when he took + his seat,’ said his Grace. ‘You know how old Mr. Pitt was when he was a + minister. Sir Robert, too, was in harness very early. I have always heard + the good judges say, Lord Esk-dale, for example, that a man might speak in + Parliament too soon, but it was impossible to go in too soon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If he wished to succeed in that assembly,’ replied Lord Montacute, ‘I can + easily believe it. In all things an early initiation must be of advantage. + But I have not that wish.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t like to see a man take his seat in the House of Lords who has not + been in the House of Commons. He seems to me always, in a manner, + unfledged.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It will be a long time, I hope, my dear father, before I take my seat in + the House of Lords,’ said Lord Montacute, ‘if, indeed, I ever do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In the course of nature ‘tis a certainty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Suppose the Duke’s plan for perpetuating an aristocracy do not succeed,’ + said Lord Montacute, ‘and our house ceases to exist?’ + </p> + <p> + His father shrugged his shoulders. ‘It is not our business to suppose + that. I hope it never will be the business of any one, at least seriously. + This is a great country, and it has become great by its aristocracy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You think, then, our sovereigns did nothing for our greatness,—Queen + Elizabeth, for example, of whose visit to Montacute you are so proud?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They performed their part.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And have ceased to exist. We may have performed our part, and may meet + the same fate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, you are talking liberalism!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hardly that, my dear father, for I have not expressed an opinion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I knew what your opinions were, my dear boy, or even your wishes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then, to do my duty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Exactly; you are a pillar of the State; support the State.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! if any one would but tell me what the State is,’ said Lord Montacute, + sighing. ‘It seems to me your pillars remain, but they support nothing; in + that case, though the shafts may be perpendicular, and the capitals very + ornate, they are no longer props, they are a ruin.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would hand us over, then, to the ten-pounders?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They do not even pretend to be a State,’ said Lord Montacute; ‘they do + not even profess to support anything; on the contrary, the essence of + their philosophy is, that nothing is to be established, and everything is + to be left to itself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The common sense of this country and the fifty pound clause will carry us + through,’ said the duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Through what?’ inquired his son. + </p> + <p> + ‘This—this state of transition,’ replied his father. + </p> + <p> + ‘A passage to what?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! that is a question the wisest cannot answer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But into which the weakest, among whom I class myself, have surely a + right to inquire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Unquestionably; and I know nothing that will tend more to assist you in + your researches than acting with practical men.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And practising all their blunders,’ said Lord Montacute. ‘I can conceive + an individual who has once been entrapped into their haphazard courses, + continuing in the fatal confusion to which he has contributed his quota; + but I am at least free, and I wish to continue so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And do nothing?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But does it follow that a man is infirm of action because he declines + fighting in the dark?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And how would you act, then? What are your plans? Have you any?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, that is satisfactory,’ said the duke, with animation. ‘Whatever + they are, you know you may count upon my doing everything that is possible + to forward your wishes. I know they cannot be unworthy ones, for I + believe, my child, you are incapable of a thought that is not good or + great.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I knew what was good and great,’ said Lord Montacute; ‘I would + struggle to accomplish it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you have formed some views; you have some plans. Speak to me of them, + and without reserve; as to a friend, the most affectionate, the most + devoted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My father,’ said Lord Montacute, and moving, he drew a chair to the + table, and seated himself by the duke, ‘you possess and have a right to my + confidence. I ought not to have said that I doubted about what was good; + for I know you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sons like you make good fathers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not always so,’ said Lord Montacute; ‘you have been to me more than + a father, and I bear to you and to my mother a profound and fervent + affection; an affection,’ he added, in a faltering tone, ‘that is rarer, I + believe, in this age than it was in old days. I feel it at this moment + more deeply,’ he continued, in a firmer tone, ‘because I am about to + propose that we should for a time separate.’ + </p> + <p> + The duke turned pale, and leant forward in his chair, but did not speak. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have proposed to me to-day,’ continued Lord Montacute, after a + momentary pause, ‘to enter public life. I do not shrink from its duties. + On the contrary, from the position in which I am born, still more from the + impulse of my nature, I am desirous to fulfil them. I have meditated on + them, I may say, even for years. But I cannot find that it is part of my + duty to maintain the order of things, for I will not call it system, which + at present prevails in our country. It seems to me that it cannot last, as + nothing can endure, or ought to endure, that is not founded upon + principle; and its principle I have not discovered. In nothing, whether it + be religion, or government, or manners, sacred or political or social + life, do I find faith; and if there be no faith, how can there be duty? Is + there such a thing as religious truth? Is there such a thing as political + right? Is there such a thing as social propriety? Are these facts, or are + they mere phrases? And if they be facts, where are they likely to be found + in England? Is truth in our Church? Why, then, do you support dissent? Who + has the right to govern? The monarch? You have robbed him of his + prerogative. The aristocracy? You confess to me that we exist by + sufferance. The people? They themselves tell you that they are nullities. + Every session of that Parliament in which you wish to introduce me, the + method by which power is distributed is called in question, altered, + patched up, and again impugned. As for our morals, tell me, is charity the + supreme virtue, or the greatest of errors? Our social system ought to + depend on a clear conception of this point. Our morals differ in different + counties, in different towns, in different streets, even in different Acts + of Parliament. What is moral in London is immoral in Montacute; what is + crime among the multitude is only vice among the few.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are going into first principles,’ said the duke, much surprised. + </p> + <p> + ‘Give me then second principles,’ replied his son; ‘give me any.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We must take a general view of things to form an opinion,’ said his + father, mildly. ‘The general condition of England is superior to that of + any other country; it cannot be denied that, on the whole, there is more + political freedom, more social happiness, more sound religion, and more + material prosperity among us, than in any nation in the world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I might question all that,’ said his son; ‘but they are considerations + that do not affect my views. If other States are worse than we are, and I + hope they are not, our condition is not mended, but the contrary, for we + then need the salutary stimulus of example.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no sort of doubt,’ said the duke, ‘that the state of England at + this moment is the most flourishing that has ever existed, certainly in + modern times. What with these railroads, even the condition of the poor, + which I admit was lately far from satisfactory, is infinitely improved. + Every man has work who needs it, and wages are even high.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The railroads may have improved, in a certain sense, the condition of the + working classes almost as much as that of members of Parliament. They have + been a good thing for both of them. And if you think that more labour is + all that is wanted by the people of England, we may be easy for a time. I + see nothing in this fresh development of material industry, but fresh + causes of moral deterioration. You have announced to the millions that + there welfare is to be tested by the amount of their wages. Money is to be + the cupel of their worth, as it is of all other classes. You propose for + their conduct the least ennobling of all impulses. If you have seen an + aristocracy invariably become degraded under such influence; if all the + vices of a middle class may be traced to such an absorbing motive; why are + we to believe that the people should be more pure, or that they should + escape the catastrophe of the policy that confounds the happiness with the + wealth of nations?’ + </p> + <p> + The duke shook his head and then said, ‘You should not forget we live in + an artificial state.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So I often hear, sir,’ replied his son; ‘but where is the art? It seems + to me the very quality wanting to our present condition. Art is order, + method, harmonious results obtained by fine and powerful principles. I see + no art in our condition. The people of this country have ceased to be a + nation. They are a crowd, and only kept in some rude provisional + discipline by the remains of that old system which they are daily + destroying.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But what would you do, my dear boy?’ said his Grace, looking up very + distressed. ‘Can you remedy the state of things in which we find + ourselves?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not a teacher,’ said Lord Montacute, mournfully; ‘I only ask you, I + supplicate you, my dear father, to save me from contributing to this quick + corruption that surrounds us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You shall be master of your own actions. I offer you counsel, I give no + commands; and, as for the rest, Providence will guard us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If an angel would but visit our house as he visited the house of Lot!’ + said Montacute, in a tone almost of anguish. + </p> + <p> + ‘Angels have performed their part,’ said the duke. ‘We have received + instructions from one higher than angels. It is enough for all of us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not enough for me,’ said Lord Montacute, with a glowing cheek, and + rising abruptly. ‘It was not enough for the Apostles; for though they + listened to the sermon on the mount, and partook of the first communion, + it was still necessary that He should appear to them again, and promise + them a Comforter. I require one,’ he added, after a momentary pause, but + in an agitated voice. ‘I must seek one. Yes! my dear father, it is of this + that I would speak to you; it is this which for a long time has oppressed + my spirit, and filled me often with intolerable gloom. We must separate. I + must leave you, I must leave that dear mother, those beloved parents, in + whom are concentred all my earthly affections; but I obey an impulse that + I believe comes from above. Dearest and best of men, you will not thwart + me; you will forgive, you will aid me!’ And he advanced and threw himself + into the arms of his father. + </p> + <p> + The duke pressed Lord Montacute to his heart, and endeavoured, though + himself agitated and much distressed, to penetrate the mystery of this + ebullition. ‘He says we must separate,’ thought the duke to himself. ‘Ah! + he has lived too much at home, too much alone; he has read and pondered + too much; he has moped. Eskdale was right two years ago. I wish I had sent + him to Paris, but his mother was so alarmed; and, indeed, ‘tis a precious + life! The House of Commons would have been just the thing for him. He + would have worked on committees and grown practical. But something must be + done for him, dear child! He says we must separate; he wants to travel. + And perhaps he ought to travel. But a life on which so much depends! And + what will Katherine say? It will kill her. I could screw myself up to it. + I would send him well attended. Brace should go with him; he understands + the Continent; he was in the Peninsular war; and he should have a skilful + physician. I see how it is; I must act with decision, and break it to his + mother.’ + </p> + <p> + These ideas passed through the duke’s mind during the few seconds that he + embraced his son, and endeavoured at the same time to convey consolation + by the expression of his affection, and his anxiety at all times to + contribute to his child’s happiness. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear son,’ said the duke, when Lord Montacute had resumed his seat, ‘I + see how it is; you wish to travel?’ + </p> + <p> + Lord Montacute bent his head, as if in assent. + </p> + <p> + ‘It will be a terrible blow to your mother; I say nothing of myself. You + know what I feel for you. But neither your mother nor myself have a right + to place our feelings in competition with any arrangement for your + welfare. It would be in the highest degree selfish and unreasonable; and + perhaps it will be well for you to travel awhile; and, as for Parliament, + I am to see Hungerford this morning at Bellamont. I will try and arrange + with him to postpone his resignation until the autumn, or, if possible, + for some little time longer. You will then have accomplished your purpose. + It will do you a great deal of good. You will have seen the world, and you + can take your seat next year.’ + </p> + <p> + The duke paused. Lord Montacute looked perplexed and distressed; he seemed + about to reply, and then, leaning on the table, with his face concealed + from his father, he maintained his silence. The duke rose, looked at his + watch, said he must be at Bellamont by two o’clock, hoped that Brace would + dine at the castle to-day, thought it not at all impossible Brace might, + would send on to Montacute for him, perhaps might meet him at Bellamont. + Brace understood the Continent, spoke several languages, Spanish among + them, though it was not probable his son would have any need of that, the + present state of Spain not being very inviting to the traveller. + </p> + <p> + ‘As for France,’ said the duke, ‘France is Paris, and I suppose that will + be your first step; it generally is. We must see if your cousin, Henry + Howard, is there. If so, he will put you in the way of everything. With + the embassy and Brace, you would manage very well at Paris. Then, I + suppose, you would like to go to Italy; that, I apprehend, is your great + point. Your mother will not like your going to Rome. Still, at the same + time, a man, they say, should see Rome before he dies. I never did. I have + never crossed the sea except to go to Ireland. Your grandfather would + never let me travel; I wanted to, but he never would. Not, however, for + the same reasons which have kept you at home. Suppose you even winter at + Rome, which I believe is the right thing, why, you might very well be back + by the spring. However, we must manage your mother a little about + remaining over the winter, and, on second thoughts, we will get Bernard to + go with you, as well as Brace and a physician, and then she will be much + more easy. I think, with Brace, Bernard, and a medical man whom we can + really trust, Harry Howard at Paris, and the best letters for every other + place, which we will consult Lord Eskdale about, I think the danger will + not be extreme.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no wish to see Paris,’ said Lord Montacute, evidently embarrassed, + and making a great effort to relieve his mind of some burthen. ‘I have no + wish to see Paris.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very glad to hear that,’ said his father, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nor do I wish either to go to Rome,’ continued his son. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well, you have taken a load off my mind, my dear boy. I would not + confess it, because I wish to save you pain; but really, I believe the + idea of your going to Rome would have been a serious shock to your mother. + It is not so much the distance, though that is great, nor the climate, + which has its dangers, but, you understand, with her peculiar views, her + very strict——’ The duke did not care to finish his sentence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nor, my dear father,’ continued Lord Montacute, ‘though I did not like to + interrupt you when you were speaking with so much solicitude and + consideration for me, is it exactly travel, in the common acceptation of + the term, that I feel the need of. I wish, indeed, to leave England; I + wish to make an expedition; a progress to a particular point; without + wandering, without any intervening residence. In a word, it is the Holy + Land that occupies my thought, and I propose to make a pilgrimage to the + sepulchre of my Saviour.’ + </p> + <p> + The duke started, and sank again into his chair. ‘The Holy Land! The Holy + Sepulchre!’ he exclaimed, and repeated to himself, staring at his son. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, sir, the Holy Sepulchre,’ repeated Lord Mon-tacute, and now speaking + with his accustomed repose. ‘When I remember that the Creator, since light + sprang out of darkness, has deigned to reveal Himself to His creature only + in one land, that in that land He assumed a manly form, and met a human + death, I feel persuaded that the country sanctified by such intercourse + and such events must be endowed with marvellous and peculiar qualities, + which man may not in all ages be competent to penetrate, but which, + nevertheless, at all times exercise an irresistible influence upon his + destiny. It is these qualities that many times drew Europe to Asia during + the middle centuries. Our castle has before this sent forth a De Montacute + to Palestine. For three days and three nights he knelt at the tomb of his + Redeemer. Six centuries and more have elapsed since that great enterprise. + It is time to restore and renovate our communications with the Most High. + I, too, would kneel at that tomb; I, too, surrounded by the holy hills and + sacred groves of Jerusalem, would relieve my spirit from the bale that + bows it down; would lift up my voice to heaven, and ask, What is duty, and + what is faith? What ought I to do, and what ought I to believe?’ + </p> + <p> + The Duke of Bellamont rose from his seat, and walked up and down the room + for some minutes, in silence and in deep thought. At length, stopping and + leaning against the cabinet, he said, ‘What has occurred to-day between + us, my beloved child, is, you may easily believe, as strange to me as it + is agitating. I will think of all you have said; I will try to comprehend + all you mean and wish. I will endeavour to do that which is best and + wisest; placing above all things your happiness, and not our own. At this + moment I am not competent to the task: I need quiet, and to be alone. Your + mother, I know, wishes to walk with you this morning. She may be speaking + to you of many things. Be silent upon this subject, until I have + communicated with her. At present I will ride over to Bellamont. I must + go; and, besides, it will do me good. I never can think very well except + in the saddle. If Brace comes, make him dine here. God bless you.’ + </p> + <p> + The duke left the room; his son remained in meditation. The first step was + taken. He had poured into the interview of an hour the results of three + years of solitary thought. A sound roused him; it was his mother. She had + only learnt casually that the duke was gone; she was surprised he had not + come into her room before he went; it seemed the first time since their + marriage that the duke had gone out without first coming to speak to her. + So she went to seek her son, to congratulate him on being a member of + Parliament, on representing the county of which they were so fond, and of + breaking to him a proposition which she doubted not he would find not less + interesting and charming. Happy mother, with her only son, on whom she + doted and of whom she was so justly proud, about to enter public life in + which he was sure to distinguish himself, and to marry a woman who was + sure to make him happy! With a bounding heart the duchess opened the + library door, where she had been informed she should find Lord Montacute. + She had her bonnet on, ready for the walk of confidence, and, her face + flushed with delight, she looked even beautiful. ‘Ah!’ she exclaimed, ‘I + have been looking for you, Tancred!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/tancred_frontis-p72.jpg" alt="Frontis-p72 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <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>The Decision</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE duke returned rather late from Bellamont, and went immediately to his + dressing-room. A few minutes before dinner the duchess knocked at his door + and entered. She seemed disconcerted, and reminded him, though with great + gentleness, that he had gone out to-day without first bidding her adieu; + she really believed it was the only time he had done so since their + marriage. The duke, who, when she entered, anticipated something about + their son, was relieved by her remark, embraced her, and would have + affected a gaiety which he did not really feel. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad to hear that Brace dines here to-day, Kate, for I particularly + wanted to see him.’ + </p> + <p> + The duchess did not reply, and seemed absent; the duke, to say something, + tying his cravat, kept harping upon Brace. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind Brace, George,’ said the duchess; ‘tell me what is this about + Tancred? Why is his coming into Parliament put off?’ + </p> + <p> + The duke was perplexed; he wished to know how far at this moment his wife + was informed upon the matter; the feminine frankness of the duchess put + him out of suspense. ‘I have been walking with Tancred,’ she continued, + ‘and intimated, but with great caution, all our plans and hopes. I asked + him what he thought of his cousin; he agrees with us she is by far the + most charming girl he knows, and one of the most agreeable. I impressed + upon him how good she was. I wished to precipitate nothing. I never + dreamed of their marrying until late in the autumn. I wished him to become + acquainted with his new life, which would not prevent him seeing a great + deal of Katherine in London, and then to visit them in Ireland, as you + visited us, George; and then, when I was settling everything in the most + delightful manner, what he was to do when he was kept up very late at the + House, which is the only part I don’t like, and begging him to be very + strict in making his servant always have coffee ready for him, very hot, + and a cold fowl too, or something of the sort, he tells me, to my infinite + astonishment, that the vacancy will not immediately occur, that he is not + sorry for it, as he thinks it may be as well that he should go abroad. + What can all this mean? Pray tell me; for Tancred has told me nothing, + and, when I pressed him, waived the subject, and said we would all of us + consult together.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And so we will, Kate,’ said the duke, ‘but hardly at this moment, for + dinner must be almost served. To be brief,’ he added, speaking in a light + tone, ‘there are reasons which perhaps may make it expedient that + Hungerford should not resign at the present moment; and as Tancred has a + fancy to travel a little, it may be as well that we should take it into + consideration whether he might not profitably occupy the interval in this + manner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Profitably!’ said the duchess. ‘I never can understand how going to Paris + and Rome, which young men always mean when they talk of travelling, can be + profitable to him; it is the very thing which, all my life, I have been + endeavouring to prevent. His body and his soul will be both imperilled; + Paris will destroy his constitution, and Rome, perhaps, change his faith.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have more confidence in his physical power and his religious principle + than you, Kate,’ said the duke, smiling. ‘But make yourself easy on these + heads; Tancred told me this morning that he had no wish to visit either + Rome or Paris.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well!’ exclaimed the duchess, somewhat relieved, ‘if he wants to make a + little tour in Holland, I think I could bear it; it is a Protestant + country, and there are no vermin. And then those dear Disbrowes, I am + sure, would take care of him at The Hague.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We will talk of all this to-night, my love,’ said the duke; and offering + his arm to his wife, who was more composed, if not more cheerful, they + descended to their guests. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Brace was there, to the duke’s great satisfaction. The colonel had + served as a cornet in a dragoon regiment in the last campaign of the + Peninsular war, and had marched into Paris. Such an event makes an + indelible impression on the memory of a handsome lad of seventeen, and the + colonel had not yet finished recounting his strange and fortunate + adventures. + </p> + <p> + He was tall, robust, a little portly, but, well buckled, still presented a + grand military figure. He was what you call a fine man; florid, with still + a good head of hair though touched with grey, splendid moustaches, large + fat hands, and a courtly demeanour not unmixed with a slight swagger. The + colonel was a Montacute man, and had inherited a large house in the town + and a small estate in the neighbourhood. Having sold out, he had retired + to his native place, where he had become a considerable personage. The + duke had put him in the commission, and he was the active magistrate of + the district; he had reorganised the Bellamont regiment of yeomanry + cavalry, which had fallen into sad decay during the late duke’s time, but + which now, with Brace for its lieutenant-colonel, was second to none in + the kingdom. Colonel Brace was one of the best shots in the county; + certainly the boldest rider among the heavy weights; and bore the palm + from all with the rod, in a county famous for its feats in lake and river. + </p> + <p> + The colonel was a man of great energy, of good temper, of ready resource, + frank, a little coarse, but hearty and honest. He adored the Duke and + Duchess of Bellamont. He was sincere; he was not a parasite; he really + believed that they were the best people in the world, and I am not sure + that he had not some foundation for his faith. On the whole, he might be + esteemed the duke’s right-hand man. His Grace generally consulted the + colonel on county affairs; the command of the yeomanry alone gave him a + considerable position; he was the chief also of the militia staff; could + give his opinion whether a person was to be made a magistrate or not; and + had even been called into council when there was a question of appointing + a deputy-lieutenant. The colonel, who was a leading member of the + corporation of Montacute, had taken care to be chosen mayor this year; he + had been also chairman of the Committee of Management during the + celebration of Tancred’s majority; had had the entire ordering of the + fireworks, and was generally supposed to have given the design, or at + least the leading idea, for the transparency. + </p> + <p> + We should notice also Mr. Bernard, a clergyman, and recently the private + tutor of Lord Montacute, a good scholar; in ecclesiastical opinions, what + is called high and dry. He was about five-and-thirty; well-looking, + bashful. The duke intended to prefer him to a living when one was vacant; + in the meantime he remained in the family, and at present discharged the + duties of chaplain and librarian at Montacute, and occasionally assisted + the duke as private secretary. Of his life, one third had been passed at a + rural home, and the rest might be nearly divided between school and + college. + </p> + <p> + These gentlemen, the distinguished and numerous family of the Montacute + Mountjoys, young Hunger-ford, whom the duke had good-naturedly brought + over from Bellamont for the sake of the young ladies, the duke and + duchess, and their son, formed the party, which presented rather a + contrast, not only in its numbers, to the series of recent banquets. They + dined in the Montacute chamber. The party, without intending it, was + rather dull and silent. The duchess was brooding over the disappointment + of the morning; the duke trembled for the disclosures of the morrow. The + Misses Mountjoy sang better than they talked; their mother, who was more + lively, was seated by the duke, and confined her powers of pleasing to + him. The Honourable and Reverend Montacute himself was an epicure, and + disliked conversation during dinner. Lord Montacute spoke to Mr. + Hungerford across the table, but Mr. Hungerford was whispering despairing + nothings in the ear of Arabella Mountjoy, and replied to his question + without originating any in return, which of course terminates talk. + </p> + <p> + When the second course had arrived, the duke, who wanted a little more + noise and distraction, fired off in despair a shot at Colonel Brace, who + was on the left hand of the duchess, and set him on his yeomanry charger. + From this moment affairs improved. The colonel made continual charges, and + carried all before him. Nothing could be more noisy in a genteel way. His + voice sounded like the bray of a trumpet amid the din of arms; it seemed + that the moment he began, everybody and everything became animated and + inspired by his example. All talked; the duke set them the fashion of + taking wine with each other; Lord Montacute managed to entrap Arminta + Mountjoy into a narrative in detail of her morning’s ride and adventures; + and, affecting scepticism as to some of the incidents, and wonder at some + of the feats, produced a considerable addition to the general hubbub, + which he instinctively felt that his father wished to encourage. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know whether it was the Great Western or the South Eastern,’ + continued Colonel Brace; ‘but I know his leg is broken.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God bless me!’ said the duke; ‘and only think of my not hearing of it at + Bellamont to-day!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t suppose they know anything about it,’ replied the colonel. ‘The + way I know it is this: I was with Roby to-day, when the post came in, and + he said to me, “Here is a letter from Lady Malpas; I hope nothing is the + matter with Sir Russell or any of the children.” And then it all came out. + The train was blown up behind; Sir Russell was in a centre carriage, and + was pitched right into a field. They took him into an inn, put him to bed, + and sent for some of the top-sawyers from London, Sir Benjamin Brodie, and + that sort of thing; and the moment Sir Russell came to himself, he said, + “I must have Roby, send for Roby, Roby knows my constitution.” And they + sent for Roby. And I think he was right. The quantity of young officers I + have seen sent rightabout in the Peninsula, because they were attended by + a parcel of men who knew nothing of their constitution! Why, I might have + lost my own leg once, if I had not been sharp. I got a scratch in a little + affair at Almeidas, charging the enemy a little too briskly; but we really + ought not to speak of these things before the ladies——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear colonel,’ said Lord Montacute, ‘on the contrary, there is nothing + more interesting to them. Miss Mountjoy was saying only yesterday, that + there was nothing she found so difficult to understand as the account of a + battle, and how much she wished to comprehend it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is because, in general, they are not written by soldiers,’ said the + colonel; ‘but Napier’s battles are very clear. I could fight every one of + them on this table. That’s a great book, that history of Napier; it has + faults, but they are rather omissions than mistakes. Now that affair of + Almeidas of which I was just speaking, and which nearly cost me my leg, it + is very odd, but he has omitted mentioning it altogether.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you saved your leg, colonel,’ said the duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I had the honour of marching into Paris, and that is an event not + very easy to be forgotten, let me tell your Grace. I saved my leg because + I knew my constitution. For the very same reason by which I hope Sir + Russell Malpas will save his leg. Because he will be attended by a person + who knows his constitution. He never did a wiser thing than sending for + Roby. For my part, if I were in garrison at Gibraltar to-morrow, and laid + up, I would do the same; I would send for Roby. In all these things, + depend upon it, knowing the constitution is half the battle.’ + </p> + <p> + All this time, while Colonel Brace was indulging in his garrulous + comments, the Duke of Bellamont was drawing his moral. He had a great + opinion of Mr. Roby, who was the medical attendant of the castle, and an + able man. Mr. Roby was perfectly acquainted with the constitution of his + son; Mr. Roby must go to the Holy Sepulchre. Cost what it might, Mr. Roby + must be sent to Jerusalem. The duke was calculating all this time the + income that Mr. Roby made. He would not put it down at more than five + hundred pounds per annum, and a third of that was certainly afforded by + the castle. The duke determined to offer Roby a thousand and his expenses + to attend Lord Montacute. He would not be more than a year absent, and his + practice could hardly seriously suffer while away, backed as he would be, + when he returned, by the castle. And if it did, the duke must guarantee + Roby against loss; it was a necessity, absolute and of the first class, + that Tancred should be attended by a medical man who knew his + constitution. The duke agreed with Colonel Brace that it was half the + battle. + </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>Tancred, the New Crusader</i> +</pre> + <p> + ‘MISERABLE mother that I am!’ exclaimed the duchess, and she clasped her + hands in anguish. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dearest Katherine!’ said the duke, ‘calm yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You ought to have prevented this, George; you ought never to have let + things come to this pass.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But, my dearest Katherine, the blow was as unlooked-for by me as by + yourself. I had not, how could I have, a remote suspicion of what was + passing through his mind?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What, then, is the use of your boasted confidence with your child, which + you tell me you have always cultivated? Had I been his father, I would + have discovered his secret thoughts.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very possibly, my dear Katherine; but you are at least his mother, + tenderly loving him, and tenderly loved by him. The intercourse between + you has ever been of an extreme intimacy, and especially on the subjects + connected with this fancy of his, and yet, you see, even you are + completely taken by surprise.’ ‘I once had a suspicion he was inclined to + the Puseyite heresy, and I spoke to Mr. Bernard on the subject, and + afterwards to him, but I was convinced that I was in error. I am sure,’ + added the duchess, in a mournful tone, ‘I have lost no opportunity of + instilling into him the principles of religious truth. It was only last + year, on his birthday, that I sent him a complete set of the publications + of the Parker Society, my own copy of Jewel, full of notes, and my + grandfather, the primate’s, manuscript commentary on Chillingworth; a copy + made purposely by myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I well know,’ said the duke, ‘that you have done everything for his + spiritual welfare which ability and affection combined could suggest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And it ends in this!’ exclaimed the duchess. ‘The Holy Land! Why, if he + even reach it, the climate is certain death. The curse of the Almighty, + for more than eighteen centuries, has been on that land. Every year it has + become more sterile, more savage, more unwholesome, and more unearthly. It + is the abomination of desolation. And now my son is to go there! Oh! he is + lost to us for ever!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But, my dear Katherine, let us consult a little.’ ‘Consult! Why should I + consult? You have settled everything, you have agreed to everything. You + do not come here to consult me; I understand all that; you come here to + break a foregone conclusion to a weak and miserable woman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not say such things, Katherine!’ ‘What should I say? What can I say?’ + ‘Anything but that. I hope that nothing will be ever done in this family + without your full sanction.’ I Rest assured, then, that I will never + sanction the departure of Tancred on this crusade.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then he will never go, at least, with my consent,’ said the duke; ‘but + Katherine, assist me, my dear wife. All shall be, shall ever be, as you + wish; but I shrink from being placed, from our being placed, in collision + with our child. The mere exercise of parental authority is a last + resource; I would appeal first, rather to his reason, to his heart; your + arguments, his affection for us, may yet influence him.’ ‘You tell me you + have argued with him,’ said the duchess in a melancholy tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, but you know so much more on these subjects than I do, indeed, upon + all subjects; you are so clever, that I do not despair, my dear Katherine, + of your producing an impression on him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would tell him at once,’ said the duchess, firmly, ‘that the + proposition cannot be listened to.’ + </p> + <p> + The duke looked very distressed. After a momentary pause, he said, ‘If, + indeed, you think that the best; but let us consult before we take that + step, because it would seem to terminate all discussion, and discussion + may yet do good. Besides, I cannot conceal from myself that Tancred in + this affair is acting under the influence of very powerful motives; his + feelings are highly strung; you have no idea, you can have no idea from + what we have seen of him hitherto, how excited he is. I had no idea of his + being capable of such excitement. I always thought him so very calm, and + of such a quiet turn. And so, in short, my dear Katherine, were we to be + abrupt at this moment, peremptory, you understand, I—I should not be + surprised, were Tancred to go without our permission.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Impossible!’ exclaimed the duchess, starting in her chair, but with as + much consternation as confidence in her countenance. ‘Throughout his life + he has never disobeyed us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And that is an additional reason,’ said the duke, quietly, but in his + sweetest tone, ‘why we should not treat as a light ebullition this first + instance of his preferring his own will to that of his father and mother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has been so much away from us these last three years,’ said the + duchess in a tone of great depression, ‘and they are such important years + in the formation of character! But Mr. Bernard, he ought to have been + aware of all this; he ought to have known what was passing through his + pupil’s mind; he ought to have warned us. Let us speak to him; let us + speak to him at once. Ring, my dear George, and request the attendance of + Mr. Bernard.’ + </p> + <p> + That gentleman, who was in the library, kept them waiting but a few + minutes. As he entered the room, he perceived, by the countenances of his + noble patrons, that something remarkable, and probably not agreeable, had + occurred. The duke opened the case to Mr. Bernard with calmness; he gave + an outline of the great catastrophe; the duchess filled up the parts, and + invested the whole with a rich and even terrible colouring. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could exceed the astonishment of the late private tutor of Lord + Montacute. He was fairly overcome; the communication itself was startling, + the accessories overwhelmed him. The unspoken reproaches that beamed from + the duke’s mild eye; the withering glance of maternal desolation that met + him from the duchess; the rapidity of her anxious and agitated questions; + all were too much for the simple, though correct, mind of one unused to + those passionate developments which are commonly called scenes. All that + Mr. Bernard for some time could do was to sit with his eyes staring and + mouth open, and repeat, with a bewildered air, ‘The Holy Land, the Holy + Sepulchre!’ No, most certainly not; most assuredly; never in any way, by + any word or deed, had Lord Montacute ever given him reason to suppose or + imagine that his lordship intended to make a pilgrimage to the Holy + Sepulchre, or that he was influenced by any of those views and opinions + which he had so strangely and so uncompromisingly expressed to his father. + </p> + <p> + ‘But, Mr. Bernard, you have been his companion, his instructor, for many + years,’ continued the duchess, ‘for the last three years especially, years + so important in the formation of character. You have seen much more of + Montacute than we have. Surely you must have had some idea of what was + passing in his mind; you could not help knowing it; you ought to have + known it; you ought to have warned, to have prepared us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Madam,’ at length said Mr. Bernard, more collected, and feeling the + necessity and excitement of self-vindication, ‘Madam, your noble son, + under my poor tuition, has taken the highest honours of his university; + his moral behaviour during that period has been immaculate; and as for his + religious sentiments, even this strange scheme proves that they are, at + any rate, of no light and equivocal character.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To lose such a son!’ exclaimed the duchess, in a tone of anguish, and + with streaming eyes. + </p> + <p> + The duke took her hand, and would have soothed her; and then, turning to + Mr. Bernard, he said, in a lowered tone, ‘We are very sensible how much we + owe you; the duchess equally with myself. All we regret is, that some of + us had not obtained a more intimate acquaintance with the character of my + son than it appears we have acquired.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My lord duke,’ said Mr. Bernard, ‘had yourself or her Grace ever spoken + to me on this subject, I would have taken the liberty of expressing what I + say now. I have ever found Lord Montacute inscrutable. He has formed + himself in solitude, and has ever repelled any advance to intimacy, either + from those who were his inferiors or his equals in station. He has never + had a companion. As for myself, during the ten years that I have had the + honour of being connected with him, I cannot recall a word or a deed on + his part which towards me has not been courteous and considerate; but as a + child he was shy and silent, and as a man, for I have looked upon him as a + man in mind for these four or even five years, he has employed me as his + machine to obtain knowledge. It is not very flattering to oneself to make + these confessions, but at Oxford he had the opportunity of communicating + with some of the most eminent men of our time, and I have always learnt + from them the same result. Lord Montacute never disburthened. His passion + for study has been ardent; his power of application is very great; his + attention unwearied as long as there is anything to acquire; but he never + seeks your opinions, and never offers his own. The interview of yesterday + with your Grace is the only exception with which I am acquainted, and at + length throws some light on the mysteries of his mind.’ + </p> + <p> + The duke looked sad; his wife seemed plunged in profound thought; there + was a silence of many moments. At length the duchess looked up, and said, + in a calmer tone, and with an air of great seriousness, ‘It seems that we + have mistaken the character of our son. Thank you very much for coming to + us so quickly in our trouble, Mr. Bernard. It was very kind, as you always + are.’ Mr. Bernard took the hint, rose, bowed, and retired. + </p> + <p> + The moment that he had quitted the room, the eyes of the Duke and Duchess + of Bellamont met. Who was to speak first? The duke had nothing to say, and + therefore he had the advantage: the duchess wished her husband to break + the silence, but, having something to say herself, she could not refrain + from interrupting it. So she said, with a tearful eye, ‘Well, George, what + do you think we ought to do?’ The duke had a great mind to propose his + plan of sending Tancred to Jerusalem, with Colonel Brace, Mr. Bernard, and + Mr. Roby, to take care of him, but he hardly thought the occasion was ripe + enough for that; and so he suggested that the duchess should speak to + Tancred herself. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said her Grace, shaking her head, ‘I think it better for me to be + silent; at least at present. It is necessary, however, that the most + energetic means should be adopted to save him, nor is there a moment to be + lost. We must shrink from nothing for such an object. I have a plan. We + will put the whole matter in the hands of our friend, the bishop. We will + get him to speak to Tancred. I entertain not a doubt that the bishop will + put his mind all right; clear all his doubts; remove all his scruples. The + bishop is the only person, because, you see, it is a case political as + well as theological, and the bishop is a great statesman as well as the + first theologian of the age. Depend upon it, my dear George, that this is + the wisest course, and, with the blessing of Providence, will effect our + purpose. It is, perhaps, asking a good deal of the bishop, considering his + important and multifarious duties, to undertake this office, but we must + not be delicate when everything is at stake; and, considering he + christened and confirmed Tancred, and our long friendship, it is quite out + of the question that he can refuse. However, there is no time to be lost. + We must get to town as soon as possible; tomorrow, if we can. I shall + advance affairs by writing to the bishop on the subject, and giving him an + outline of the case, so that he may be prepared to see Tancred at once on + our arrival. What think you, George, of my plan?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think it quite admirable,’ replied his Grace, only too happy that there + was at least the prospect of a lull of a few days in this great + embarrassment. + </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>A Visionary</i> +</pre> + <p> + ABOUT the time of the marriage of the Duchess of Bellamont, her noble + family, and a few of their friends, some of whom also believed in the + millennium, were persuaded that the conversion of the Roman Catholic + population of Ireland to the true faith, which was their own, was at hand. + They had subscribed very liberally for the purpose, and formed an amazing + number of sub-committees. As long as their funds lasted, their + missionaries found proselytes. It was the last desperate effort of a + Church that had from the first betrayed its trust. Twenty years ago, + statistics not being so much in vogue, and the people of England being in + the full efflorescence of that public ignorance which permitted them to + believe themselves the most enlightened nation in the world, the Irish + ‘difficulty’ was not quite so well understood as at the present day. It + was then an established doctrine, and all that was necessary for Ireland + was more Protestantism, and it was supposed to be not more difficult to + supply the Irish with Protestantism than it had proved, in the instance of + a recent famine, 1822, to furnish them with potatoes. What was principally + wanted in both cases were subscriptions. + </p> + <p> + When the English public, therefore, were assured by their co-religionists + on the other side of St. George’s Channel, that at last the good work was + doing; that the flame spread, even rapidly; that not only parishes but + provinces were all agog, and that both town and country were quite in a + heat of proselytism, they began to believe that at last the scarlet lady + was about to be dethroned; they loosened their purse-strings; fathers of + families contributed their zealous five pounds, followed by every other + member of the household, to the babe in arms, who subscribed its fanatical + five shillings. The affair looked well. The journals teemed with lists of + proselytes and cases of conversion; and even orderly, orthodox people, who + were firm in their own faith, but wished others to be permitted to pursue + their errors in peace, began to congratulate each other on the prospect of + our at last becoming a united Protestant people. + </p> + <p> + In the blaze and thick of the affair, Irish Protestants jubilant, Irish + Papists denouncing the whole movement as fraud and trumpery, John Bull + perplexed, but excited, and still subscribing, a young bishop rose in his + place in the House of Lords, and, with a vehemence there unusual, declared + that he saw ‘the finger of God in this second Reformation,’ and, pursuing + the prophetic vein and manner, denounced ‘woe to those who should presume + to lift up their hands and voices in vain and impotent attempts to stem + the flood of light that was bursting over Ireland.’ + </p> + <p> + In him, who thus plainly discerned ‘the finger of God’ in transactions in + which her family and feelings were so deeply interested, the young and + enthusiastic Duchess of Bellamont instantly recognised the ‘man of God;’ + and from that moment the right reverend prelate became, in all spiritual + affairs, her infallible instructor, although the impending second + Reformation did chance to take the untoward form of the emancipation of + the Roman Catholics, followed in due season by the destruction of + Protestant bishoprics, the sequestration of Protestant tithes, and the + endowment of Maynooth. + </p> + <p> + In speculating on the fate of public institutions and the course of public + affairs, it is important that we should not permit our attention to be + engrossed by the principles on which they are founded and the + circumstances which they present, but that we should also remember how + much depends upon the character of the individuals who are in the position + to superintend or to direct them. + </p> + <p> + The Church of England, mainly from its deficiency of oriental knowledge, + and from a misconception of the priestly character which has been the + consequence of that want, has fallen of late years into great straits; nor + has there ever been a season when it has more needed for its guides men + possessing the higher qualities both of intellect and disposition. About + five-and-twenty years ago, it began to be discerned that the time had gone + by, at least in England, for bishoprics to serve as appanages for the + younger sons of great families. The Arch-Mediocrity who then governed this + country, and the mean tenor of whose prolonged administration we have + delineated in another work, was impressed with the necessity of + reconstructing the episcopal bench on principles of personal distinction + and ability. But his notion of clerical capacity did not soar higher than + a private tutor who had suckled a young noble into university honours; and + his test of priestly celebrity was the decent editorship of a Greek play. + He sought for the successors of the apostles, for the stewards of the + mysteries of Sinai and of Calvary, among third-rate hunters after + syllables. + </p> + <p> + These men, notwithstanding their elevation, with one exception, subsided + into their native insignificance; and during our agitated age, when the + principles of all institutions, sacred and secular, have been called in + question; when, alike in the senate and the market-place, both the + doctrine and the discipline of the Church have been impugned, its power + assailed, its authority denied, the amount of its revenues investigated, + their disposition criticised, and both attacked; not a voice has been + raised by these mitred nullities, either to warn or to vindicate; not a + phrase has escaped their lips or their pens, that ever influenced public + opinion, touched the heart of nations, or guided the conscience of a + perplexed people. If they were ever heard of it was that they had been + pelted in a riot. + </p> + <p> + The exception which we have mentioned to their sorry careers was that of + the too adventurous prophet of the second Reformation; the <i>ductor + dubitantium</i> appealed to by the Duchess of Bellamont, to convince her + son that the principles of religious truth, as well as of political + justice, required no further investigation; at least by young marquesses. + </p> + <p> + The ready audacity with which this right reverend prelate had stood + sponsor for the second Reformation is a key to his character. He combined + a great talent for action with very limited powers of thought. + </p> + <p> + Bustling, energetic, versatile, gifted with an indomitable perseverance, + and stimulated by an ambition that knew no repose, with a capacity for + mastering details and an inordinate passion for affairs, he could permit + nothing to be done without his interference, and consequently was + perpetually involved in transactions which were either failures or + blunders. He was one of those leaders who are not guides. Having little + real knowledge, and not endowed with those high qualities of intellect + which permit their possessor to generalise the details afforded by study + and experience, and so deduce rules of conduct, his lordship, when he + received those frequent appeals which were the necessary consequence of + his officious life, became obscure, confused, contradictory, inconsistent, + illogical. The oracle was always dark. + </p> + <p> + Placed in a high post in an age of political analysis, the bustling + intermeddler was unable to supply society with a single solution. + Enunciating secondhand, with characteristic precipitation, some big + principle in vogue, as if he were a discoverer, he invariably shrank from + its subsequent application the moment that he found it might be unpopular + and inconvenient. All his quandaries terminated in the same catastrophe; a + compromise. Abstract principles with him ever ended in concrete + expediency. The aggregate of circumstances outweighed the isolated cause. + The primordial tenet, which had been advocated with uncompromising + arrogance, gently subsided into some second-rate measure recommended with + all the artifice of an impenetrable ambiguity. + </p> + <p> + Beginning with the second Reformation, which was a little rash but + dashing, the bishop, always ready, had in the course of his episcopal + career placed himself at the head of every movement in the Church which + others had originated, and had as regularly withdrawn at the right moment, + when the heat was over, or had become, on the contrary, excessive. + Furiously evangelical, soberly high and dry, and fervently Puseyite, each + phasis of his faith concludes with what the Spaniards term a + ‘transaction.’ The saints are to have their new churches, but they are + also to have their rubrics and their canons; the universities may supply + successors to the apostles, but they are also presented with a church + commission; even the Puseyites may have candles on their altars, but they + must not be lighted. + </p> + <p> + It will be seen, therefore, that his lordship was one of those characters + not ill-adapted to an eminent station in an age like the present, and in a + country like our own; an age of movement, but of confused ideas; a country + of progress, but too rich to risk much change. Under these circumstances, + the spirit of a period and a people seeks a safety-valve in bustle. They + do something, lest it be said that they do nothing. At such a time, + ministers recommend their measures as experiments, and parliaments are + ever ready to rescind their votes. Find a man who, totally destitute of + genius, possesses nevertheless considerable talents; who has official + aptitude, a volubility of routine rhetoric, great perseverance, a love of + affairs; who, embarrassed neither by the principles of the philosopher nor + by the prejudices of the bigot, can assume, with a cautious facility, the + prevalent tone, and disembarrass himself of it, with a dexterous + ambiguity, the moment it ceases to be predominant; recommending himself to + the innovator by his approbation of change ‘in the abstract,’ and to the + conservative by his prudential and practical respect for that which is + established; such a man, though he be one of an essentially small mind, + though his intellectual qualities be less than moderate, with feeble + powers of thought, no imagination, contracted sympathies, and a most loose + public morality; such a man is the individual whom kings and parliaments + would select to govern the State or rule the Church. Change, ‘in the + abstract,’ is what is wanted by a people who are at the same time + inquiring and wealthy. Instead of statesmen they desire shufflers; and + compromise in conduct and ambiguity in speech are, though nobody will + confess it, the public qualities now most in vogue. + </p> + <p> + Not exactly, however, those calculated to meet the case of Tancred. The + interview was long, for Tan-cred listened with apparent respect and + deference to the individual under whose auspices he had entered the Church + of Christ; but the replies to his inquiries, though more adroit than the + duke’s, were in reality not more satisfactory, and could not, in any way, + meet the inexorable logic of Lord Montacute. The bishop was as little able + as the duke to indicate the principle on which the present order of things + in England was founded; neither faith nor its consequence, duty, was at + all illustrated or invigorated by his handling. He utterly failed in + reconciling a belief in ecclesiastical truth with the support of religious + dissent. When he tried to define in whom the power of government should + repose, he was lost in a maze of phrases, and afforded his pupil not a + single fact. + </p> + <p> + ‘It cannot be denied,’ at length said Tancred, with great calmness, ‘that + society was once regulated by God, and that now it is regulated by man. + For my part, I prefer divine to self-government, and I wish to know how it + is to be attained.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Church represents God upon earth,’ said the bishop. + </p> + <p> + ‘But the Church no longer governs man,’ replied Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is a great spirit rising in the Church,’ observed the bishop, with + thoughtful solemnity; ‘a great and excellent spirit. The Church of 1845 is + not the Church of 1745. We must remember that; we know not what may + happen. We shall soon see a bishop at Manchester.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But I want to see an angel at Manchester.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An angel!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not? Why should there not be heavenly messengers, when heavenly + messages are most wanted?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have received a heavenly message by one greater than the angels,’ said + the bishop. ‘Their visits to man ceased with the mightier advent.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why did angels appear to Mary and her companions at the holy tomb?’ + inquired Tancred. + </p> + <p> + The interview from which so much was anticipated was not satisfactory. The + eminent prelate did not realise Tancred’s ideal of a bishop, while his + lordship did not hesitate to declare that Lord Montacute was a visionary. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Advice from a Man of the World</i> +</pre> + <p> + WHEN the duchess found that the interview with the bishop had been + fruitless of the anticipated results, she was staggered, disheartened; but + she was a woman of too high a spirit to succumb under a first defeat. She + was of opinion that his lordship had misunderstood the case, or had + mismanaged it; her confidence in him, too, was not so illimitable since he + had permitted the Puseyites to have candles on their altars, although he + had forbidden their being lighted, as when he had declared, twenty years + before, that the finger of God was about to protestantise Ireland. His + lordship had said and had done many things since that time which had + occasioned the duchess many misgivings, although she had chosen that they + should not occur to her recollection until he failed in convincing her son + that religious truth was to be found in the parish of St. James, and + political justice in the happy haunts of Montacute Forest. + </p> + <p> + The Bishop had voted for the Church Temporalities’ Bill in 1833, which at + one swoop had suppressed ten Irish episcopates. This was a queer suffrage + for the apostle of the second Reformation. True it is that Whiggism was + then in the ascendant, and two years afterwards, when Whiggism had + received a heavy blow and great discouragement; when we had been blessed + in the interval with a decided though feeble Conservative administration, + and were blessed at the moment with a strong though undecided Conservative + opposition; his lordship, with characteristic activity, had galloped + across country into the right line again, denounced the Appropriation + Clause in a spirit worthy of his earlier days, and, quite forgetting the + ten Irish bishoprics, that only four-and-twenty months before he had + doomed to destruction, was all for proselytising Ireland again by the + efficacious means of Irish Protestant bishops. + </p> + <p> + ‘The bishop says that Tancred is a visionary,’ said the duchess to her + husband, with an air of great displeasure. ‘Why, it is because he is a + visionary that we sent him to the bishop. I want to have his false + imaginings removed by one who has the competent powers of learning and + argument, and the authority of a high and holy office. A visionary, + indeed! Why, so are the Puseyites; they are visionaries, and his lordship + has been obliged to deal with them; though, to be sure, if he spoke to + Tancred in a similar fashion, I am not surprised that my son has returned + unchanged! This is the most vexatious business that ever occurred to us. + Something must be done; but what to fix on? What do you think, George? + Since speaking to the bishop, of which you so much approved, has failed, + what do you recommend?’ + </p> + <p> + While the duchess was speaking, she was seated in her boudoir, looking + into the Green Park; the duke’s horses were in the courtyard, and he was + about to ride down to the House of Lords; he had just looked in, as was + his custom, to say farewell till they met again. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry that the interview with the bishop has failed,’ said the duke, + in a hesitating tone, and playing with his riding-stick; and then walking + up to the window and looking into the Park, he said, apparently after + reflection, ‘I always think the best person to deal with a visionary is a + man of the world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But what can men of the world know of such questions?’ said the duchess, + mournfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very little,’ said her husband, ‘and therefore they are never betrayed + into arguments, which I fancy always make people more obstinate, even if + they are confuted. Men of the world have a knack of settling everything + without discussion; they do it by tact. It is astonishing how many + difficulties I have seen removed—by Eskdale, for example—which + it seemed that no power on earth could change, and about which we had been + arguing for months. There was the Cheadle churches case, for example; it + broke up some of the oldest friendships in the county; even Hungerford and + Ilderton did not speak. I never had a more anxious time of it; and, as far + as I was personally concerned, I would have made any sacrifice to keep a + good understanding in the county. At last I got the business referred to + Eskdale, and the affair was ultimately arranged to everybody’s + satisfaction. I don’t know how he managed: it was quite impossible that he + could have offered any new arguments, but he did it by tact. Tact does not + remove difficulties, but difficulties melt away under tact.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Heigho!’ sighed the duchess. ‘I cannot understand how tact can tell us + what is religious truth, or prevent my son from going to the Holy + Sepulchre.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Try,’ said the duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall you see our cousin to-day, George?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is sure to be at the House,’ replied the duke, eagerly. ‘I tell you + what I propose, Kate: Tancred is gone to the House of Commons to hear the + debate on Maynooth; I will try and get our cousin to come home and dine + with us, and then we can talk over the whole affair at once. What say + you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have failed with a bishop; we will now try a man of the world; and if + we are to have a man of the world, we had better have a firstrate one, and + everybody agrees that our cousin——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes, George,’ said the duchess, ‘ask him to come; tell him it is + very urgent, that we must consult him immediately; and then, if he be + engaged, I dare say he will manage to come all the same.’ + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, about half-past eight o’clock, the two peers arrived at + Bellamont House together. They were unexpectedly late; they had been + detained at the House. The duke was excited; even Lord Esk-dale looked as + if something had happened. Something had happened; there had been a + division in the House of Lords. Rare and startling event! It seemed as if + the peers were about to resume their functions. Divisions in the House of + Lords are now-a-days so thinly scattered, that, when one occurs, the peers + cackle as if they had laid an egg. They are quite proud of the proof of + their still procreative powers. The division to-night had not been on a + subject of any public interest or importance; but still it was a division, + and, what was more, the Government had been left in a minority. True, the + catastrophe was occasioned by a mistake. The dictator had been asleep + during the debate, woke suddenly from a dyspeptic dream, would make a + speech, and spoke on the wrong side. A lively colleague, not yet + sufficiently broken in to the frigid discipline of the High Court of + Registry, had pulled the great man once by his coat-tails, a House of + Commons practice, permitted to the Cabinet when their chief is blundering, + very necessary sometimes for a lively leader, but of which Sir Robert + highly disapproves, as the arrangement of his coat-tails, next to beating + the red box, forms the most important part of his rhetorical accessories. + The dictator, when he at length comprehended that he had made a mistake, + persisted in adhering to it; the division was called, some of the + officials escaped, the rest were obliged to vote with their ruthless + master; but his other friends, glad of an opportunity of asserting their + independence and administering to the dictator a slight check in a quiet + inoffensive way, put him in a minority; and the Duke of Bellamont and Lord + Eskdale had contributed to this catastrophe. + </p> + <p> + Dinner was served in the library; the conversation during it was chiefly + the event of the morning. The duchess, who, though not a partisan, was + something of a politician, thought it was a pity that the dictator had + ever stepped out of his military sphere; her husband, who had never before + seen a man’s coat-tails pulled when he was speaking, dilated much upon the + singular circumstance of Lord Spur so disporting himself on the present + occasion; while Lord Eskdale, who had sat for a long time in the House of + Commons, and who was used to everything, assured his cousin that the + custom, though odd, was by no means irregular. ‘I remember,’ said his + lordship, ‘seeing Ripon, when he was Robinson, and Huskisson, each pulling + one of Canning’s coat-tails at the same time.’ + </p> + <p> + Throughout dinner not a word about Tancred. Lord Eskdale neither asked + where he was nor how he was. At length, to the great relief of the + duchess, dinner was finished; the servants had disappeared. The duke + pushed away the table; they drew their chairs round the hearth; Lord + Eskdale took half a glass of Madeira, then stretched his legs a little, + then rose, stirred the fire, and then, standing with his back to it and + his hands in his pockets, said, in a careless tone approaching to a drawl, + ‘And so, duchess, Tancred wants to go to Jerusalem?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘George has told you, then, all our troubles?’ ‘Only that; he left the + rest to you, and I came to hear it.’ + </p> + <p> + Whereupon the duchess went off, and spoke for a considerable time with + great animation and ability, the duke hanging on every word with vigilant + interest, Lord Eskdale never interrupting her for an instant; while she + stated the case not only with the impassioned feeling of a devoted mother, + but occasionally with all the profundity of a theologian. She did not + conceal from him the interview between Tancred and the bishop; it was her + last effort, and had failed; and so, ‘after all our plans,’ she ended, ‘as + far as I can form an opinion, he is absolutely more resolved than ever to + go to Jerusalem.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said his lordship, ‘it is at least better than going to the Jews, + which most men do at his time of life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot agree even to that,’ said the duchess; ‘for I would rather that + he should be ruined than die.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Men do not die as they used,’ said his lordship. ‘Ask the annuity + offices; they have all raised their rates.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know nothing about annuity offices, but I know that almost everybody + dies who goes to those countries; look at young Fernborough, he was just + Tancred’s age; the fevers alone must kill him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He must take some quinine in his dressing-case,’ said Lord Eskdale. + </p> + <p> + ‘You jest, Henry,’ said the duchess, disappointed, ‘when I am in despair.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Lord Eskdale, looking up to the ceiling, ‘I am thinking how you + may prevent Tancred from going to Jerusalem, without, at the same time, + opposing his wishes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, ay,’ said the duke, ‘that is it.’ And he looked triumphantly to his + wife, as much as to say, ‘Now you see what it is to be a man of the + world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A man cannot go to Jerusalem as he would to Birmingham, by the next + train,’ continued his lordship; ‘he must get something to take him; and if + you make the sacrifice of consenting to his departure, you have a right to + stipulate as to the manner in which he should depart. Your son ought to + travel with a suite; he ought to make the voyage in his own yacht. Yachts + are not to be found like hack cabs, though there are several for sale now; + but then they are not of the admeasurement of which you approve for such a + voyage and such a sea. People talk very lightly of the Mediterranean, but + there are such things as white squalls. Anxious parents, and parents so + fond of a son as you are, and a son whose life for so many reasons is so + precious, have a right to make it a condition of their consent to his + departure, that he should embark in a vessel of considerable tonnage. He + will find difficulty in buying one second-hand; if he finds one it will + not please him. He will get interested in yacht-building, as he is + interested now about Jerusalem: both boyish fancies. He will stay another + year in England to build a yacht to take him to the Holy Land; the yacht + will be finished this time twelvemonths; and, instead of going to + Palestine, he will go to Cowes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is quite my view of the case,’ said the duke. + </p> + <p> + ‘It never occurred to me,’ said the duchess. + </p> + <p> + Lord Eskdale resumed his seat, and took another half-glass of Madeira. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I think it is very satisfactory, Katherine,’ said the duke, after a + short pause. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what do you recommend us to do first?’ said the duchess to Lord + Eskdale. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let Tancred go into society: the best way for him to forget Jerusalem is + to let him see London.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But how can I manage it?’ said the duchess. ‘I never go anywhere; nobody + knows him, and he does not wish to know anybody.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will manage it, with your permission; ‘tis not difficult; a young + marquess has only to evince an inclination, and in a week’s time he will + be everywhere. I will tell Lady St. Julians and the great ladies to send + him invitations; they will fall like a snow-storm. All that remains is for + you to prevail upon him to accept them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And how shall I contrive it?’ said the duchess. + </p> + <p> + ‘Easily,’ said Lord Eskdale. ‘Make his going into society, while his yacht + is preparing, one of the conditions of the great sacrifice you are making. + He cannot refuse you: ‘tis but the first step. A youth feels a little + repugnance to launching into the great world: ‘tis shyness; but after the + plunge, the great difficulty is to restrain rather than to incite. Let him + but once enter the world, and be tranquil, he will soon find something to + engage him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As long as he does not take to play,’ said the duke, ‘I do not much care + what he does.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear George!’ said the duchess, ‘how can you say such things! I was in + hopes,’ she added, in a mournful tone, ‘that we might have settled him, + without his entering what you call the world, Henry. Dearest child! I + fancy him surrounded by pitfalls.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Dreamer Enters Society</i> +</pre> + <p> + AFTER this consultation with Lord Eskdale, the duchess became easier in + her mind. She was of a sanguine temper, and with facility believed what + she wished. Affairs stood thus: it was agreed by all that Tancred should + go to the Holy Land, but he was to go in his own yacht; which yacht was to + be of a firstrate burthen, and to be commanded by an officer in H.M.S.; + and he was to be accompanied by Colonel Brace, Mr. Bernard, and Mr. Roby; + and the servants were to be placed entirely under the control of some + trusty foreigner accustomed to the East, and who was to be chosen by Lord + Eskdale. In the meantime, Tancred had acceded to the wish of his parents, + that until his departure he should mix much in society. The duchess + calculated that, under any circumstances, three months must elapse before + all the arrangements were concluded; and she felt persuaded that, during + that period, Tancred must become enamoured of his cousin Katherine, and + that the only use of the yacht would be to take them all to Ireland. The + duke was resolved only on two points: that his son should do exactly as + his son liked, and that he himself would never take the advice, on any + subject, of any other person than Lord Eskdale. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Tancred was launched, almost unconsciously, into the great + world. The name of the Marquess of Montacute was foremost in those + delicate lists by which an eager and admiring public is apprised who, + among their aristocracy, eat, drink, dance, and sometimes pray. From the + saloons of Bel-grave and Grosvenor Square to the sacred recesses of the + Chapel Royal, the movements of Lord Montacute were tracked and registered, + and were devoured every morning, oftener with a keener relish than the + matin meal of which they formed a regular portion. England is the only + country which enjoys the unspeakable advantage of being thus regularly, + promptly, and accurately furnished with catalogues of those favoured + beings who are deemed qualified to enter the houses of the great. What + condescension in those who impart the information! What indubitable + evidence of true nobility! What superiority to all petty vanity! And in + those who receive it, what freedom from all little feelings! No arrogance + on one side; on the other, no envy. It is only countries blessed with a + free press that can be thus favoured. Even a free press is not alone + sufficient. Besides a free press, you must have a servile public. + </p> + <p> + After all, let us be just. The uninitiated world is apt to believe that + there is sometimes, in the outskirts of fashion, an eagerness, scarcely + consistent with self-respect, to enter the mansions of the great. Not at + all: few people really want to go to their grand parties. It is not the + charms of conversation, the flash of wit or the blaze of beauty, the + influential presence of the powerful and celebrated, all the splendour and + refinement, which, combined, offer in a polished saloon so much to charm + the taste and satisfy the intellect, that the mass of social partisans + care anything about. What they want is, not so much to be in her + ladyship’s house as in her ladyship’s list. After the party at Coningsby + Castle, our friend, Mrs. Guy Flouncey, at length succeeded in being asked + to one of Lady St. Julians’ assemblies. It was a great triumph, and Mrs. + Guy Flouncey determined to make the most of it. She was worthy of the + occasion. But alas! next morning, though admitted to the rout, Mrs. Guy + Flouncey was left out of the list! It was a severe blow! But Mrs. Guy + Flouncey is in every list now, and even strikes out names herself. But + there never was a woman who advanced with such dexterity. + </p> + <p> + Lord Montacute was much shocked, when, one morning, taking up a journal, + he first saw his name in print. He was alone, and he blushed; felt, + indeed, extremely distressed, when he found that the English people were + formally made acquainted with the fact that he had dined on the previous + Saturday with the Earl and Countess of St. Julians; ‘a grand banquet,’ of + which he was quite unconscious until he read it; and that he was + afterwards ‘observed’ at the Opera. + </p> + <p> + He found that he had become a public character, and he was not by any + means conscious of meriting celebrity. To be pointed at as he walked the + streets, were he a hero, or had done, said, or written anything that + anybody remembered, though at first painful and embarrassing, for he was + shy, he could conceive ultimately becoming endurable, and not without a + degree of excitement, for he was ambitious; but to be looked at because he + was a young lord, and that this should be the only reason why the public + should be informed where he dined, or where he amused himself, seemed to + him not only vexatious but degrading. When he arrived, however, at a + bulletin of his devotions, he posted off immediately to the Surrey Canal + to look at a yacht there, and resolved not to lose unnecessarily one + moment in setting off for Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + He had from the first busied himself about the preparations for his voyage + with all the ardour of youth; that is, with all the energy of + inexperience, and all the vigour of simplicity. As everything seemed to + depend upon his obtaining a suitable vessel, he trusted to no third + person; had visited Cowes several times; advertised in every paper; and + had already met with more than one yacht which at least deserved + consideration. The duchess was quite frightened at his progress. ‘I am + afraid he has found one,’ she said to Lord Eskdale; ‘he will be off + directly.’ + </p> + <p> + Lord Eskdale shook his head. ‘There are always things of this sort in the + market. He will inquire before he purchases, and he will find that he has + got hold of a slow coach.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A slow coach!’ said the duchess, looking inquiringly. ‘What is that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A tub that sails like a collier, and which, instead of taking him to + Jerusalem, will hardly take him to Newcastle.’ + </p> + <p> + Lord Eskdale was right. Notwithstanding all his ardour, all his inquiries, + visits to Cowes and the Surrey Canal, advertisements and answers to + advertisements, time flew on, and Tancred was still without a yacht. + </p> + <p> + In this unsettled state, Tancred found himself one evening at Deloraine + House. It was not a ball, it was only a dance, brilliant and select; but, + all the same, it seemed to Tancred that the rooms could not be much more + crowded. The name of the Marquess of Montacute, as it was sent along by + the servants, attracted attention. Tancred had scarcely entered the world, + his appearance had made a sensation, everybody talked of him, many had not + yet seen him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! that is Lord Montacute,’ said a great lady, looking through her + glass; ‘very distinguished!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell you what,’ whispered Mr. Ormsby to Lord Valentine, ‘you young men + had better look sharp; Lord Montacute will cut you all out!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! he is going to Jerusalem,’ said Lord Valentine. + </p> + <p> + ‘Jerusalem!’ said Mr. Ormsby, shrugging his shoulders. ‘What can he find + to do at Jerusalem?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What, indeed,’ said Lord Milford. ‘My brother was there in ‘39; he got + leave after the bombardment of Acre, and he says there is absolutely no + sport of any kind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There used to be partridges in the time of Jeremiah,’ said Mr. Ormsby; + ‘at least they told us so at the Chapel Royal last Sunday, where, + by-the-bye, I saw Lord Montacute for the first time; and a deuced + good-looking fellow he is,’ he added, musingly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, there is not a bird in the whole country now,’ said Lord Milford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Montacute does not care for sport,’ said Lord Valentine. + </p> + <p> + ‘What does he care for?’ asked Lord Milford. ‘Because, if he wants any + horses, I can let him have some.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He wants to buy a yacht,’ said Lord Valentine; ‘and that reminds me that + I heard to-day Exmouth wanted to get rid of “The Flower of Yarrow,” and I + think it would suit my cousin. I’ll tell him of it.’ And he followed + Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘You and Valentine must rub up your harness, Milford,’ said Mr. Ormsby; + ‘there is a new champion in the field. We are talking of Lord Montacute,’ + continued Mr. Ormsby, addressing himself to Mr. Melton, who joined them; + ‘I tell Milford he will cut you all out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Mr. Melton, ‘for my part I have had so much success, that I + have no objection, by way of change, to be for once eclipsed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well done, Jemmy,’ said Lord Milford. + </p> + <p> + ‘I see, Melton,’ said Mr. Ormsby, ‘you are reconciled to your fate like a + philosopher.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Montacute,’ said Lord St. Patrick, a good-tempered, witty Milesian, + with a laughing eye, ‘when are you going to Jericho?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell me,’ said Tancred, in reply, and rather earnestly, ‘who is that?’ + And he directed the attention of Lord St. Patrick to a young lady, rather + tall, a brilliant complexion, classic features, a profusion of light brown + hair, a face of intelligence, and a figure rich and yet graceful. + </p> + <p> + ‘That is Lady Constance Rawleigh; if you like, I will introduce you to + her. She is my cousin, and deuced clever. Come along!’ + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, in the room leading to the sculpture gallery where they + are dancing, the throng is even excessive. As the two great divisions, + those who would enter the gallery and those who are quitting it, encounter + each other, they exchange flying phrases as they pass. + </p> + <p> + ‘They told me you had gone to Paris! I have just returned. Dear me, how + time flies! Pretty dance, is it not? Very. Do you know whether the + Madlethorpes mean to come up this year? I hardly know; their little girl + is very ill. Ah! so I hear; what a pity, and such a fortune! Such a pity + with such a fortune! How d’ye do? Mr. Coningsby here? No; he’s at the + House. They say he is a very close attendant. It interests him. Well, Lady + Florentina, you never sent me the dances. Pardon, but you will find them + when you return. I lent them to Augusta, and she would copy them. Is it + true that I am to congratulate you? Why? Lady Blanche? Oh! that is a + romance of Easter week. Well, I am really delighted; I think such an + excellent match for both; exactly suited to each other. They think so. + Well, that is one point. How well Lady Everingham is looking! She is quite + herself again. Quite. Tell me, have you seen M. de Talleyrand here? I + spoke to him but this moment. Shall you be at Lady Blair’s to-morrow? No; + I have promised to go to Mrs. Guy Flouncey’s. She has taken Craven + Cottage, and is to be at home every Saturday. Well, if you are going, I + think I shall. I would; everybody will be there.’ + </p> + <p> + Lord Montacute had conversed some time with Lady Constance; then he had + danced with her; he had hovered about her during the evening. It was + observed, particularly by some of the most experienced mothers. Lady + Constance was a distinguished beauty of two seasons; fresh, but adroit. It + was understood that she had refused offers of a high calibre; but the + rejected still sighed about her, and it was therefore supposed that, + though decided, she had the art of not rendering them desperate. One at + least of them was of a rank equal to that of Tancred. She had the + reputation of being very clever, and of being able, if it pleased her, to + breathe scorpions as well as brilliants and roses. It had got about that + she admired intellect, and, though she claimed the highest social + position, that a booby would not content her, even if his ears were + covered with strawberry leaves. + </p> + <p> + In the cloak-room, Tancred was still at her side, and was presented to her + mother, Lady Charmouth. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry to separate,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘And so am I,’ said Lady Constance, smiling; ‘but one advantage of this + life is, we meet our friends every day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not going anywhere to-morrow, where I shall meet you,’ said Tancred, + ‘unless you chance to dine at the Archbishop of York’s.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not going to dine with the Archbishop of York,’ said Lady Constance, + ‘but I am going, where everybody else is going, to breakfast with Mrs. Guy + Flouncey, at Craven Cottage. Why, will not you be there?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not the honour of knowing her,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘That is not of the slightest consequence; she will be very happy to have + the honour of knowing you. I saw her in the dancing-room, but it is not + worth while waiting to speak to her now. You shall receive an invitation + the moment you are awake.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But to-morrow I have an engagement. I have to look at a yacht.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But that you can look at on Monday; besides, if you wish to know anything + about yachts, you had better speak to my brother, Fitz-Heron, who has + built more than any man alive.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps he has one that he wishes to part with?’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no doubt of it. You can ask him tomorrow at Mrs. Guy Flouncey’s.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will. Lady Charmouth’s carriage is called. May I have the honour?’ said + Tancred, offering his arm. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Feminine Diplomatist</i> +</pre> + <p> + THERE is nothing so remarkable as feminine influence. Although the + character of Tancred was not completely formed—for that result + depends, in some degree, upon the effect of circumstances at a certain + time of life, as well as on the impulse of a natural bent—still the + temper of his being was profound and steadfast. He had arrived, in + solitude and by the working of his own thought, at a certain resolution, + which had assumed to his strong and fervent imagination a sacred + character, and which he was determined to accomplish at all costs. He had + brought himself to the point that he would not conceive an obstacle that + should baulk him. He had acceded to the conditions which had been made by + his parents, for he was by nature dutiful, and wished to fulfil + his-purpose, if possible, with their sanction. + </p> + <p> + Yet he had entered society with repugnance, and found nothing in its + general tone with which his spirit harmonised. He was alone in the crowd; + silent, observing, and not charmed. There seemed to him generally a want + of simplicity and repose; too much flutter, not a little affectation. + People met in the thronged chambers, and interchanged brief words, as if + they were always in a hurry. ‘Have you been here long? Where are you going + next?’ These were the questions which seemed to form the staple of the + small talk of a fashionable multitude. Why, too, was there a smile on + every countenance, which often also assumed the character of a grin? No + error so common or so grievous as to suppose that a smile is a necessary + ingredient of the pleasing. There are few faces that can afford to smile. + A smile is sometimes bewitching, in general vapid, often a contortion. But + the bewitching smile usually beams from the grave face. It is then + irresistible. Tancred, though he was unaware of it, was gifted with this + rare spell. He had inherited it from his mother; a woman naturally earnest + and serious, and of a singular simplicity, but whose heart when pleased + spoke in the dimpling sunshine of her cheek with exquisite beauty. The + smiles of the Duchess of Bellamont, however, were like her diamonds, + brilliant, but rarely worn. + </p> + <p> + Tancred had not mounted the staircase of Deloraine House with any + anticipation of pleasure. His thoughts were far away amid cities of the + desert, and by the palmy banks of ancient rivers. He often took refuge in + these exciting and ennobling visions, to maintain himself when he + underwent the ceremony of entering a great house. He was so shy in little + things, that to hear his name sounded from servant to servant, echoing + from landing-place to landing-place, was almost overwhelming. Nothing but + his pride, which was just equal to his reserve, prevented him from often + turning back on the stairs and precipitately retreating. And yet he had + not been ten minutes in Deloraine House, before he had absolutely + requested to be introduced to a lady. It was the first time he had ever + made such a request. + </p> + <p> + He returned home, softly musing. A tone lingered in his ear; he recalled + the countenance of one absent. In his dressing-room he lingered before he + retired, with his arm on the mantel-piece, and gazing with abstraction on + the fire. + </p> + <p> + When his servant called him, late in the morning, he delivered to him a + card from Mrs. Guy Flouncey, inviting him on that day to Craven Cottage, + at three o’clock: ‘déjeûner at four o’clock precisely.’ Tancred took the + card, looked at it, and the letters seemed to cluster together and form + the countenance of Lady Constance. ‘It will be a good thing to go,’ he + said, ‘because I want to know Lord Fitz-Heron; he will be of great use to + me about my yacht.’ So he ordered his carriage at three o’clock. + </p> + <p> + The reader must not for a moment suppose that Mrs. Guy Flouncey, though + she was quite as well dressed, and almost as pretty, as she was when at + Coningsby Castle in 1837, was by any means the same lady who then strove + to amuse and struggled to be noticed. By no means. In 1837, Mrs. Guy + Flouncey was nobody; in 1845, Mrs. Guy Flouncey was somebody, and somebody + of very great importance. Mrs. Guy Flouncey had invaded society, and had + conquered it, gradually, but completely, like the English in India. Social + invasions are not rare, but they are seldom fortunate, or success, if + achieved, is partial, and then only sustained at immense cost, like the + French in Algiers. + </p> + <p> + The Guy Flounceys were not people of great fortune. They had a good + fortune; seven or eight thousand a year. But then, with an air of great + expenditure, even profusion, there was a basis of good management. And a + good fortune with good management, and without that equivocal luxury, a + great country-house, is almost equal to the great fortune of a peer. But + they not only had no country-house, they had no children. And a good + fortune, with good management, no country-house, and no children, is + Aladdin’s lamp. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Guy Flouncey was a sporting character. His wife had impressed upon him + that it was the only way in which he could become fashionable and + acquainted with ‘the best men.’ He knew just enough of the affair not to + be ridiculous; and, for the rest, with a great deal of rattle and apparent + heedlessness of speech and deed, he was really an extremely selfish and + sufficiently shrewd person, who never compromised himself. It is + astonishing with what dexterity Guy Flouncey could extricate himself from + the jaws of a friend, who, captivated by his thoughtless candour and + ostentatiously good heart, might be induced to request Mr. Flouncey to + lend him a few hundreds, only for a few months, or, more diplomatically, + might beg his friend to become his security for a few thousands, for a few + years. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Guy Flouncey never refused these applications; they were exactly those + to which it delighted his heart to respond, because nothing pleased him + more than serving a friend. But then he always had to write a preliminary + letter of preparation to his banker, or his steward, or his confidential + solicitor; and, by some contrivance or other, without offending any one, + rather with the appearance of conferring an obligation, it ended always by + Mr. Guy Flouncey neither advancing the hundreds, nor guaranteeing the + thousands. He had, indeed, managed, like many others, to get the + reputation of being what is called ‘a good fellow;’ though it would have + puzzled his panegyrists to allege a single act of his that evinced a good + heart. This sort of pseudo reputation, whether for good or for evil, is + not uncommon in the world. Man is mimetic; judges of character are rare; + we repeat without thought the opinions of some third person, who has + adopted them without inquiry; and thus it often happens that a proud, + generous man obtains in time the reputation of being ‘a screw,’ because he + has refused to lend money to some impudent spendthrift, who from that + moment abuses him; and a cold-hearted, civil-spoken personage, profuse in + costless services, with a spice of the parasite in him, or perhaps + hospitable out of vanity, is invested with all the thoughtless sympathies + of society, and passes current as that most popular of characters, ‘a good + fellow.’ + </p> + <p> + Guy Flouncey’s dinners began to be talked of among men: it became a sort + of fashion, especially among sporting men, to dine with Mr. Guy Flouncey, + and there they met Mrs. Guy Flouncey. Not an opening ever escaped her. If + a man had a wife, and that wife was a personage, sooner or later, much as + she might toss her head at first, she was sure to visit Mrs. Guy Flouncey, + and, when she knew her, she was sure to like her. The Guy Flounceys never + lost a moment; the instant the season was over, they were at Cowes, then + at a German bath, then at Paris, then at an English country-house, then in + London. + </p> + <p> + Seven years, to such people, was half a century of social experience. They + had half a dozen seasons in every year. Still, it was hard work, and not + rapid. At a certain point they stuck, as all do. Most people, then, give + it up; but patience, Buffon tells us, is genius, and Mrs. Guy Flouncey + was, in her way, a woman of genius. Their dinners were, in a certain + sense, established: these in return brought them to a certain degree into + the dinner world; but balls, at least balls of a high calibre, were few, + and as for giving a ball herself, Mrs. Guy Flouncey could no more presume + to think of that than of attempting to prorogue Parliament. The house, + however, got really celebrated for ‘the best men.’ Mrs. Guy Flouncey + invited all the young dancing lords to dinner. Mothers will bring their + daughters where there are young lords. Mrs. Guy Flouncey had an opera-box + in the best tier, which she took only to lend to her friends; and a box at + the French play, which she took only to bribe her foes. They were both at + everybody’s service, like Mr. Guy Flouncey’s yacht, provided the persons + who required them were members of that great world in which Mrs. Guy + Flouncey had resolved to plant herself. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Guy Flouncey was pretty; she was a flirt on principle; thus she had + caught the Marquess of Beaumanoir, who, if they chanced to meet, always + spoke to her, which gave Mrs. Guy Flouncey fashion. But Mrs. Guy Flouncey + was nothing more than a flirt. She never made a mistake; she was born with + strong social instincts. She knew that the fine ladies among whom, from + the first, she had determined to place herself, were moral martinets with + respect to any one not born among themselves. That which is not observed, + or, if noticed, playfully alluded to in the conduct of a patrician dame, + is visited with scorn and contumely if committed by some ‘shocking woman,’ + who has deprived perhaps a countess of the affections of a husband who has + not spoken to her for years. But if the countess is to lose her husband, + she ought to lose him to a viscountess, at least. In this way the earl is + not lost to ‘society.’ + </p> + <p> + A great nobleman met Mrs. Guy Flouncey at a country-house, and was fairly + captivated by her. Her pretty looks, her coquettish manner, her vivacity, + her charming costume, above all, perhaps, her imperturbable good temper, + pierced him to the heart. The great nobleman’s wife had the weakness to be + annoyed. Mrs. Guy Flouncey saw her opportunity. She threw over the earl, + and became the friend of the countess, who could never sufficiently evince + her gratitude to the woman who would not make love to her husband. This + friendship was the incident for which Mrs. Guy Flouncey had been cruising + for years. Men she had vanquished; they had given her a sort of <i>ton</i> + which she had prudently managed. She had not destroyed herself by any + fatal preference. Still, her fashion among men necessarily made her + unfashionable among women, who, if they did not absolutely hate her, which + they would have done had she had a noble lover, were determined not to + help her up the social ladder. Now she had a great friend, and one of the + greatest of ladies. The moment she had pondered over for years had + arrived. Mrs. Guy Flouncey determined at once to test her position. Mrs. + Guy Flouncey resolved on giving a ball. + </p> + <p> + But some of our friends in the country will say, ‘Is that all? Surely it + required no very great resolution, no very protracted pondering, to + determine on giving a ball! Where is the difficulty? The lady has but to + light up her house, hire the fiddlers, line her staircase with American + plants, perhaps enclose her balcony, order Mr. Gunter to provide plenty of + the best refreshments, and at one o’clock a superb supper, and, with the + company of your friends, you have as good a ball as can be desired by the + young, or endured by the old.’ + </p> + <p> + Innocent friends in the country! You might have all these things. Your + house might be decorated like a Russian palace, blazing with the most + brilliant lights and breathing the richest odours; you might have Jullien + presiding over your orchestra, and a banquet worthy of the Romans. As for + your friends, they might dance until daybreak, and agree that there never + was an entertainment more tasteful, more sumptuous, and, what would seem + of the first importance, more merry. But, having all these things, suppose + you have not a list? You have given a ball, you have not a list. The + reason is obvious: you are ashamed of your guests. You are not in + ‘society.’ + </p> + <p> + But even a list is not sufficient for success. You must also get a day: + the most difficult thing in the world. After inquiring among your friends, + and studying the columns of the <i>Morning Post</i>, you discover that, + five weeks hence, a day is disengaged. You send out your cards; your house + is dismantled; your lights are arranged; the American plants have arrived; + the band, perhaps two bands, are engaged. Mr. Gunter has half dressed your + supper, and made all your ice, when suddenly, within eight-and-forty hours + of the festival which you have been five weeks preparing, the Marchioness + of Deloraine sends out cards for a ball in honour of some European + sovereign who has just alighted on our isle, and means to stay only a + week, and at whose court, twenty years ago, Lord Deloraine was ambassador. + Instead of receiving your list, you are obliged to send messengers in all + directions to announce that your ball is postponed, although you are + perfectly aware that not a single individual would have been present whom + you would have cared to welcome. + </p> + <p> + The ball is postponed; and next day the <i>Morning Post</i> informs us it + is postponed to that day week; and the day after you have circulated this + interesting intelligence, you yourself, perhaps, have the gratification of + receiving an invitation, for the same day, to Lady St. Julians’: with + ‘dancing’ neatly engraved in the corner. You yield in despair; and there + are some ladies who, with every qualification for an excellent + ball-guests, Gunter, American plants, pretty daughters have been watching + and waiting for years for an opportunity of giving it; and at last, quite + hopeless, at the end of the season, expend their funds in a series of + Greenwich banquets, which sometimes fortunately produce the results + expected from the more imposing festivity. + </p> + <p> + You see, therefore, that giving a ball is not that matter-of-course affair + you imagined; and that for Mrs. Guy Flouncey to give a ball and succeed, + completely, triumphantly to succeed, was a feat worthy of that fine social + general. Yet she did it. The means, like everything that is great, were + simple. She induced her noble friend to ask her guests. Her noble friend + canvassed for her as if it were a county election of the good old days, + when the representation of a shire was the certain avenue to a peerage, + instead of being, as it is now, the high road to a poor-law + commissionership. + </p> + <p> + Many were very glad to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Guy Flouncey; many + only wanted an excuse to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Guy Flouncey; they + went to her party because they were asked by their dear friend, Lady + Kingcastle. As for the potentates, there is no disguise on these subjects + among them. They went to Mrs. Guy Flouncey’s ball because one who was + their equal, not only in rank, but in social influence, had requested it + as a personal favour, she herself, when the occasion offered, being + equally ready to advance their wishes. The fact was, that affairs were + ripe for the recognition of Mrs. Guy Flouncey as a member of the social + body. Circumstances had been long maturing. The Guy Flounceys, who, in the + course of their preparatory career, had hopped from Park Crescent to + Portman Square, had now perched upon their ‘splendid mansion’ in Belgrave + Square. Their dinners were renowned. Mrs. Guy Flouncey was seen at all the + ‘best balls,’ and was always surrounded by the ‘best men.’ Though a flirt + and a pretty woman, she was a discreet parvenue, who did not entrap the + affections of noble husbands. Above all, she was the friend of Lady + Kingcastle, who called her and her husband ‘those good Guy Flounceys.’ + </p> + <p> + The ball was given; you could not pass through Belgrave Square that night. + The list was published; it formed two columns of the Morning Post. Lady + Kingcastle was honoured by the friendship of a royal duchess. She put the + friendship to the proof, and her royal highness was seen at Mrs. Guy + Flouncey’s ball. Imagine the reception, the canopy, the scarlet cloth, the + ‘God save the King’ from the band of the first guards, bivouacked in the + hall, Mrs. Guy Flouncey herself performing her part as if she had received + princesses of the blood all her life; so reverent and yet so dignified, so + very calm and yet with a sort of winning, sunny innocence. Her royal + highness was quite charmed with her hostess, praised her much to Lady + Kingcastle, told her that she was glad that she had come, and even stayed + half an hour longer than Mrs. Guy Flouncey had dared to hope. As for the + other guests, the peerage was gutted. The Dictator himself was there, and, + the moment her royal highness had retired, Mrs. Guy Flouncey devoted + herself to the hero. All the great ladies, all the ambassadors, all the + beauties, a full chapter of the Garter, a chorus among the ‘best men’ that + it was without doubt the ‘best ball’ of the year, happy Mrs. Guy Flouncey! + She threw a glance at her swing-glass while Mr. Guy Flouncey, who ‘had not + had time to get anything the whole evening,’ was eating some supper on a + tray in her dressing-room at five o’clock in the morning, and said, ‘We + have done it at last, my love!’ + </p> + <p> + She was right; and from that moment Mrs. Guy Flouncey was asked to all the + great houses, and became a lady of the most unexceptionable <i>ton</i>. + </p> + <p> + But all this time we are forgetting her <i>déjeûner</i>, and that Tancred + is winding his way through the garden lanes of Fulham to reach Craven + Cottage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Coningsbys</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE day was brilliant: music, sunshine, ravishing bonnets, little parasols + that looked like large butterflies. The new phaetons glided up, then + carriages-and-four swept by; in general the bachelors were ensconced in + their comfortable broughams, with their glasses down and their blinds + drawn, to receive the air and to exclude the dust; some less provident + were cavaliers, but, notwithstanding the well-watered roads, seemed a + little dashed as they cast an anxious glance at the rose which adorned + their button-hole, or fancied that they felt a flying black from a London + chimney light upon the tip of their nose. + </p> + <p> + Within, the winding walks dimly echoed whispering words; the lawn was + studded with dazzling groups; on the terrace by the river a dainty + multitude beheld those celebrated waters which furnish flounders to + Richmond and whitebait to Blackwall. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Coningsby shall decide,’ said Lord Beaumanoir. + </p> + <p> + Edith and Lady Theresa Lyle stood by a statue that glittered in the sun, + surrounded by a group of cavaliers; among them Lord Beaumanoir, Lord + Mil-ford, Lord Eugene de Vere. Her figure was not less lithe and graceful + since her marriage, a little more voluptuous; her rich complexion, her + radiant and abounding hair, and her long grey eye, now melting with + pathos, and now twinkling with mockery, presented one of those faces of + witchery which are beyond beauty. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Coningsby shall decide.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the very thing,’ said Edith, ‘that Mrs. Coningsby will never do. + Decision destroys suspense, and suspense is the charm of existence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But suspense may be agony,’ said Lord Eugene de Vere, casting a glance + that would read the innermost heart of Edith. + </p> + <p> + ‘And decision may be despair,’ said Mrs. Coningsby. + </p> + <p> + ‘But we agreed the other night that you were to decide everything for us,’ + said Lord Beaumanoir; ‘and you consented.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I consented the other night, and I retract my consent to-day; and I am + consistent, for that is indecision.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are consistent in being charming,’ said Lord Eugene. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pleasing and original!’ said Edith. ‘By-the-bye, when I consented that + the melancholy Jaques should be one of my aides-de-camp I expected him to + maintain his reputation, not only for gloom but wit. I think you had + better go back to the forest, Lord Eugene, and see if you cannot stumble + upon a fool who may drill you in repartee. How do you do, Lady + Riddlesworth?’ and she bowed to two ladies who seemed inclined to stop, + but Edith added, ‘I heard great applications for you this moment on the + terrace.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ exclaimed the ladies; and they moved on. + </p> + <p> + ‘When Lady Riddlesworth joins the conversation it is like a stoppage in + the streets. I invented a piece of intelligence to clear the way, as you + would call out Fire! or The queen is coming! There used to be things + called <i>vers de société</i>, which were not poetry; and I do not see why + there should not be social illusions which are not fibs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I entirely agree with you,’ said Lord Milford; ‘and I move that we + practise them on a large scale.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Like the verses, they might make life more light,’ said Lady Theresa. + </p> + <p> + ‘We are surrounded by illusions,’ said Lord Eugene, in a melancholy tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘And shams of all descriptions,’ said Edith; ‘the greatest, a man who + pretends he has a broken heart when all the time he is full of fun.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are a great many men who have broken hearts,’ said Lord Beaumanoir, + smiling sorrowfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘Cracked heads are much commoner,’ said Edith, ‘you may rely upon it. The + only man I really know with a broken heart is Lord Fitz-Booby. I do think + that paying Mount-Dullard’s debts has broken his heart. He takes on so; + ‘tis piteous. “My dear Mrs. Coningsby,” he said to me last night, “only + think what that young man might have been; he might have been a lord of + the treasury in ‘35; why, if he had had nothing more in ‘41, why, there’s + a loss of between four and five thousand pounds; but with my claims—Sir + Robert, having thrown the father over, was bound on his own principle to + provide for the son—he might have got something better; and now he + comes to me with his debts, and his reason for paying his debts, too, Mrs. + Coningsby, because he is going to be married; to be married to a woman who + has not a shilling. Why, if he had been in office, and only got 1,500L. a + year, and married a woman with only another 1,500L., he would have had + 3,000L. a year, Mrs. Coningsby; and now he has nothing of his own except + some debts, which he wants me to pay, and settle 3,000L. a year on him + besides.”’ + </p> + <p> + They all laughed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Mrs. Coningsby, with a resemblance which made all start, ‘you + should have heard it with the Fitz-Booby voice.’ + </p> + <p> + The character of a woman rapidly develops after marriage, and sometimes + seems to change, when in fact it is only complete. Hitherto we have known + Edith only in her girlhood, bred up in a life of great simplicity, and + under the influence of a sweet fancy, or an absorbing passion. Coningsby + had been a hero to her before they met, the hero of nursery hours and + nursery tales. Experience had not disturbed those dreams. From the moment + they encountered each other at Millbank, he assumed that place in her + heart which he had long occupied in her imagination; and, after their + second meeting at Paris, her existence was merged in love. All the crosses + and vexations of their early affection only rendered this state of being + on her part more profound and engrossing. + </p> + <p> + But though Edith was a most happy wife, and blessed with two children + worthy of their parents, love exercises quite a different influence upon a + woman when she has married, and especially when she has assumed a social + position which deprives life of all its real cares. Under any + circumstances, that suspense, which, with all its occasional agony, is the + great spring of excitement, is over; but, generally speaking, it will be + found, notwithstanding the proverb, that with persons of a noble nature, + the straitened fortunes which they share together, and manage, and + mitigate by mutual forbearance, are more conducive to the sustainment of a + high-toned and romantic passion, than a luxurious prosperity. + </p> + <p> + The wife of a man of limited fortune, who, by contrivance, by the + concealed sacrifice of some necessity of her own, supplies him with some + slight enjoyment which he has never asked, but which she fancies he may + have sighed for, experiences, without doubt, à degree of pleasure far more + ravishing than the patrician dame who stops her barouche at Storr and + Mortimer’s, and out of her pin-money buys a trinket for the husband whom + she loves, and which he finds, perhaps, on his dressing-table, on the + anniversary of their wedding-day. That’s pretty too and touching, and + should be encouraged; but the other thrills, and ends in an embrace that + is still poetry. + </p> + <p> + The Coningsbys shortly after their marriage had been called to the + possession of a great fortune, for which, in every sense, they were well + adapted. But a great fortune necessarily brings with it a great change of + habits. The claims of society proportionately increase with your income. + You live less for yourselves. For a selfish man, merely looking to his + luxurious ease, Lord Eskdale’s idea of having ten thousand a year, while + the world suppose you have only five, is the right thing. Coningsby, + however, looked to a great fortune as one of the means, rightly employed, + of obtaining great power. He looked also to his wife to assist him in this + enterprise. + </p> + <p> + Edith, from a native impulse, as well as from love for him, responded to + his wish. When they were in the country, Hellingsley was a perpetual + stream and scene of splendid hospitality; there the flower of London + society mingled with all the aristocracy of the county. Leander was often + retained specially, like a Wilde or a Kelly, to renovate the genius of the + habitual chief: not of the circuit, but the kitchen. A noble mansion in + Park Lane received them the moment Parliament assembled. Coningsby was + then immersed in affairs, and counted entirely on Edith to cherish those + social influences which in a public career are not less important than + political ones. The whole weight of the management of society rested on + her. She had to cultivate his alliances, keep together his friends, + arrange his dinner-parties, regulate his engagements. What time for + romantic love? They were never an hour alone. Yet they loved not less; but + love had taken the character of enjoyment instead of a wild bewitchment; + and life had become an airy bustle, instead of a storm, an agony, a + hurricane of the heart. + </p> + <p> + In this change in the disposition, not in the degree, of their affection, + for there was the same amount of sweet solicitude, only it was duly + apportioned to everything that interested them, instead of being + exclusively devoted to each other, the character of Edith, which had been + swallowed up by the absorbing passion, rapidly developed itself amid the + social circumstances. She was endued with great vivacity, a sanguine and + rather saucy spirit, with considerable talents, and a large share of + feminine vanity: that divine gift which makes woman charming. Entirely + sympathising with her husband, labouring with zeal to advance his views, + and living perpetually in the world, all these qualities came to light. + During her first season she had been very quiet, not less observant, + making herself mistress of the ground. It was prepared for her next + campaign. When she evinced a disposition to take a lead, although found + faultless the first year, it was suddenly remembered that she was a + manufacturer’s daughter; and she was once described by a great lady as + ‘that person whom Mr. Coningsby had married, when Lord Monmouth cut him + off with a shilling.’ + </p> + <p> + But Edith had anticipated these difficulties, and was not to be daunted. + Proud of her husband, confident in herself, supported by a great + establishment, and having many friends, she determined to exchange salutes + with these social sharp-shooters, who are scarcely as courageous as they + are arrogant. It was discovered that Mrs. Coningsby could be as malicious + as her assailants, and far more epigrammatic. She could describe in a + sentence and personify in a phrase. The <i>mot</i> was circulated, the <i>nom + de nique</i> repeated. Surrounded by a brilliant band of youth and wit, + even her powers of mimickry were revealed to the initiated. More than one + social tyrant, whom all disliked, but whom none had ventured to resist, + was made ridiculous. Flushed by success and stimulated by admiration, + Edith flattered herself that she was assisting her husband while she was + gratifying her vanity. Her adversaries soon vanished, but the powers that + had vanquished them were too choice to be forgotten or neglected. The tone + of raillery she had assumed for the moment, and extended, in self-defence, + to persons, was adopted as a habit, and infused itself over affairs in + general. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Coningsby was the fashion; she was a wit as well as a beauty; a + fascinating droll; dazzling and bewitching, the idol of every youth. + Eugene de Vere was roused from his premature exhaustion, and at last found + excitement again. He threw himself at her feet; she laughed at him. He + asked leave to follow her footsteps; she consented. He was only one of a + band of slaves. Lord Beaumanoir, still a bachelor, always hovered about + her, feeding on her laughing words with a mild melancholy, and sometimes + bandying repartee with a kind of tender and stately despair. His sister, + Lady Theresa Lyle, was Edith’s great friend. Their dispositions had some + resemblance. Marriage had developed in both of them a frolic grace. They + hunted in couple; and their sport was brilliant. Many things may be said + by a strong female alliance, that would assume quite a different character + were they even to fall from the lips of an Aspasia to a circle of male + votaries; so much depends upon the scene and the characters, the mode and + the manner. + </p> + <p> + The good-natured world would sometimes pause in its amusement, and, after + dwelling with statistical accuracy on the number of times Mrs. Coningsby + had danced the polka, on the extraordinary things she said to Lord Eugene + de Vere, and the odd things she and Lady Theresa Lyle were perpetually + doing, would wonder, with a face and voice of innocence, ‘how Mr. + Coningsby liked all this?’ There is no doubt what was the anticipation by + the good-natured world of Mr. Coningsby’s feelings. But they were quite + mistaken. There was nothing that Mr. Coningsby liked more. He wished his + wife to become a social power; and he wished his wife to be amused. He saw + that, with the surface of a life of levity, she already exercised + considerable influence, especially over the young; and independently of + such circumstances and considerations, he was delighted to have a wife who + was not afraid of going into society by herself; not one whom he was sure + to find at home when he returned from the House of Commons, not + reproaching him exactly for her social sacrifices, but looking a victim, + and thinking that she retained her husband’s heart by being a mope. + Instead of that Con-ingsby wanted to be amused when he came home, and more + than that, he wanted to be instructed in the finest learning in the world. + </p> + <p> + As some men keep up their Greek by reading every day a chapter in the New + Testament, so Con-ingsby kept up his knowledge of the world, by always, + once at least in the four-and-twenty hours, having a delightful + conversation with his wife. The processes were equally orthodox. Exempted + from the tax of entering general society, free to follow his own pursuits, + and to live in that political world which alone interested him, there was + not an anecdote, a trait, a good thing said, or a bad thing done, which + did not reach him by a fine critic and a lively narrator. He was always + behind those social scenes which, after all, regulate the political + performers, knew the springs of the whole machinery, the chang-ings and + the shiftings, the fiery cars and golden chariots which men might mount, + and the trap-doors down which men might fall. + </p> + <p> + But the Marquess of Montacute is making his reverence to Mrs. Guy + Flouncey. + </p> + <p> + There was not at this moment a human being whom that lady was more glad to + see at her <i>déjeûner</i>; but she did not show it in the least. Her + self-possession, indeed, was the finest work of art of the day, and ought + to be exhibited at the Adelaide Gallery. Like all mechanical inventions of + a high class, it had been brought to perfection very gradually, and after + many experiments. A variety of combinations, and an almost infinite number + of trials, must have been expended before the too-startling laugh of + Con-ingsby Castle could have subsided into the haughty suavity of that + sunny glance, which was not familiar enough for a smile, nor foolish + enough for a simper. As for the rattling vein which distinguished her in + the days of our first acquaintance, that had long ceased. Mrs. Guy + Flouncey now seemed to share the prevalent passion for genuine Saxon, and + used only monosyllables; while Fine-ear himself would have been sometimes + at fault had he attempted to give a name to her delicate breathings. In + short, Mrs. Guy Flouncey never did or said anything but in ‘the best + taste.’ It may, however, be a question, whether she ever would have + captivated Lord Monmouth, and those who like a little nature and fun, if + she had made her first advances in this style. But that showed the + greatness of the woman. Then she was ready for anything for promotion. + That was the age of forlorn hopes; but now she was a general of division, + and had assumed a becoming carriage. + </p> + <p> + This was the first <i>déjeûner</i> at which Tancred had been present. He + rather liked it. The scene, lawns and groves and a glancing river, the + air, the music, our beautiful countrywomen, who, with their brilliant + complexions and bright bonnets, do not shrink from the daylight, these are + circumstances which, combined with youth and health, make a morning + festival, say what they like, particularly for the first time, very + agreeable, even if one be dreaming of Jerusalem. Strange power of the + world, that the moment we enter it, our great conceptions dwarf! In youth + it is quick sympathy that degrades them; more advanced, it is the sense of + the ridiculous. But perhaps these reveries of solitude may not be really + great conceptions; perhaps they are only exaggerations; vague, indefinite, + shadowy, formed on no sound principles, founded on no assured basis. + </p> + <p> + Why should Tancred go to Jerusalem? What does it signify to him whether + there be religious truth or political justice? He has youth, beauty, rank, + wealth, power, and all in excess. He has a mind that can comprehend their + importance and appreciate their advantages. What more does he require? + Unreasonable boy! And if he reach Jerusalem, why should he find religious + truth and political justice there? He can read of it in the travelling + books, written by young gentlemen, with the best letters of introduction + to all the consuls. They tell us what it is, a third-rate city in a stony + wilderness. Will the Providence of fashion prevent this great folly about + to be perpetrated by one born to be fashion’s most brilliant subject? A + folly, too, which may end in a catastrophe? His parents, indeed, have + appealed in vain; but the sneer of the world will do more than the + supplication of the father. A mother’s tear may be disregarded, but the + sigh of a mistress has changed the most obdurate. We shall see. At present + Lady Constance Rawleigh expresses her pleasure at Tancred’s arrival, and + his heart beats a little. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Disenchantment</i> +</pre> + <p> + THEY are talking about it,’ said Lord Eskdale to the duchess, as she + looked up to him with an expression of the deepest interest. ‘He asked St. + Patrick to introduce him to her at Deloraine House, danced with her, was + with her the whole evening, went to the breakfast on Saturday to meet her, + instead of going to Blackwall to see a yacht he was after.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If it were only Katherine,’ said the duchess, ‘I should be quite happy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t be uneasy,’ said Lord Eskdale; ‘there will be plenty of Katherines + and Constances, too, before he finishes. The affair is not much, but it + shows, as I foretold, that, the moment he found something more amusing, + his taste for yachting would pass off.’ ‘You are right, you always are.’ + What really was this affair, which Lord Eskdale held lightly? With a + character like Tancred, everything may become important. Profound and yet + simple, deep in self-knowledge yet inexperienced, his reserve, which would + screen him from a thousand dangers, was just the quality which would + insure his thraldom by the individual who could once effectually melt the + icy barrier and reach the central heat. At this moment of his life, with + all the repose, and sometimes even the high ceremony, on the surface, he + was a being formed for high-reaching exploits, ready to dare everything + and reckless of all consequences, if he proposed to himself an object + which he believed to be just and great. This temper of mind would, in all + things, have made him act with that rapidity, which is rashness with the + weak, and decision with the strong. The influence of woman on him was + novel. It was a disturbing influence, on which he had never counted in + those dreams and visions in which there had figured more heroes than + heroines. In the imaginary interviews in which he had disciplined his + solitary mind, his antagonists had been statesmen, prelates, sages, and + senators, with whom he struggled and whom he vanquished. + </p> + <p> + He was not unequal in practice to his dreams. His shyness would have + vanished in an instant before a great occasion; he could have addressed a + public assembly; he was capable of transacting important affairs. These + were all situations and contingencies which he had foreseen, and which for + him were not strange, for he had become acquainted with them in his + reveries. But suddenly he was arrested by an influence for which he was + unprepared; a precious stone made him stumble who was to have scaled the + Alps. Why should the voice, the glance, of another agitate his heart? The + cherubim of his heroic thoughts not only deserted him, but he was left + without the guardian angel of his shyness. He melted, and the iceberg + might degenerate into a puddle. + </p> + <p> + Lord Eskdale drew his conclusions like a clever man of the world, and in + general he would have been right; but a person like Tancred was in much + greater danger of being captured than a common-place youth entering life + with second-hand experience, and living among those who ruled his opinions + by their sneers and sarcasms. A malicious tale by a spiteful woman, the + chance ribaldry of a club-room window, have often been the impure agencies + which have saved many a youth from committing a great folly; but Tancred + was beyond all these influences. If they had been brought to bear on him, + they would rather have precipitated the catastrophe. His imagination would + have immediately been summoned to the rescue of his offended pride; he + would have invested the object of his regard with supernatural qualities, + and consoled her for the impertinence of society by his devotion. + </p> + <p> + Lady Constance was clever; she talked like a married woman, was critical, + yet easy; and having guanoed her mind by reading French novels, had a + variety of conclusions on all social topics, which she threw forth with + unfaltering promptness, and with the well-arranged air of an impromptu. + These were all new to Tancred, and startling. He was attracted by the + brilliancy, though he often regretted the tone, which he ascribed to the + surrounding corruption from which he intended to escape, and almost wished + to save her at the same time. Sometimes Tancred looked unusually serious; + but at last his rare and brilliant smile beamed upon one who really + admired him, was captivated by his intellect, his freshness, his + difference from all around, his pensive beauty and his grave innocence. + Lady Constance was free from affectation; she was frank and natural; she + did not conceal the pleasure she had in his society; she conducted herself + with that dignified facility, becoming a young lady who had already + refused the hands of two future earls, and of the heir of the Clan-Alpins. + </p> + <p> + A short time after the <i>déjeûner</i> at Craven Cottage, Lord Montacute + called on Lady Charmouth. She was at home, and received him with great + cordiality, looking up from her frame of worsted work with a benign + maternal expression; while Lady Constance, who was writing an urgent reply + to a note that had just arrived, said rapidly some agreeable words of + welcome, and continued her task. Tancred seated himself by the mother, + made an essay in that small talk in which he was by no means practised, + but Lady Charmouth helped him on without seeming to do so. The note was at + length dispatched, Tancred of course still remaining at the mother’s side, + and Lady Constance too distant for his wishes. He had nothing to say to + Lady Charmouth; he began to feel that the pleasure of feminine society + consisted in talking alone to her daughter. + </p> + <p> + While he was meditating a retreat, and yet had hardly courage to rise and + walk alone down a large long room, a new guest was announced. Tancred + rose, and murmured good-morning; and yet, somehow or other, instead of + quitting the apartment, he went and seated himself by Lady Constance. It + really was as much the impulse of shyness, which sought a nook of refuge, + as any other feeling that actuated him; but Lady Constance seemed pleased, + and said in a low voice and in a careless tone, ‘’Tis Lady Bran-cepeth; do + you know her? Mamma’s great friend;’ which meant, you need give yourself + no trouble to talk to any one but myself. + </p> + <p> + After making herself very agreeable, Lady Constance took up a book which + was at hand, and said, ‘Do you know this?’ And Tancred, opening a volume + which he had never seen, and then turning to its titlepage, found it was + ‘The Revelations of Chaos,’ a startling work just published, and of which + a rumour had reached him. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ he replied; ‘I have not seen it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will lend it you if you like: it is one of those books one must read. + It explains everything, and is written in a very agreeable style.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It explains everything!’ said Tancred; ‘it must, indeed, be a very + remarkable book!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think it will just suit you,’ said Lady Constance. ‘Do you know, I + thought so several times while I was reading it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To judge from the title, the subject is rather obscure,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘No longer so,’ said Lady Constance. ‘It is treated scientifically; + everything is explained by geology and astronomy, and in that way. It + shows you exactly how a star is formed; nothing can be so pretty! A + cluster of vapour, the cream of the Milky Way, a sort of celestial cheese, + churned into light, you must read it, ‘tis charming.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nobody ever saw a star formed,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps not. You must read the “Revelations;” it is all explained. But + what is most interesting, is the way in which man has been developed. You + know, all is development. The principle is perpetually going on. First, + there was nothing, then there was something; then, I forget the next, I + think there were shells, then fishes; then we came, let me see, did we + come next? Never mind that; we came at last. And the next change there + will be something very superior to us, something with wings. Ah! that’s + it: we were fishes, and I believe we shall be crows. But you must read + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not believe I ever was a fish,’ said Tancred. ‘Oh! but it is all + proved; you must not argue on my rapid sketch; read the book. It is + impossible to contradict anything in it. You understand, it is all + science; it is not like those books in which one says one thing and + another the contrary, and both may be wrong. Everything is proved: by + geology, you know. You see exactly how everything is made; how many worlds + there have been; how long they lasted; what went before, what comes next. + We are a link in the chain, as inferior animals were that preceded us: we + in turn shall be inferior; all that will remain of us will be some relics + in a new red sandstone. This is development. We had fins; we may have + wings.’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred grew silent and thoughtful; Lady Bran-cepeth moved, and he rose at + the same time. Lady Charmouth looked as if it were by no means necessary + for him to depart, but he bowed very low, and then bade farewell to Lady + Constance, who said, ‘We shall meet to-night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was a fish, and I shall be a crow,’ said Tancred to himself, when the + hall door closed on him. ‘What a spiritual mistress! And yesterday, for a + moment, I almost dreamed of kneeling with her at the Holy Sepulchre! I + must get out of this city as quickly as possible; I cannot cope with its + corruption. The acquaintance, however, has been of use to me, for I think + I have got a yacht by it. I believe it was providential, and a trial. I + will go home and write instantly to Fitz-Heron, and accept his offer. One + hundred and eighty tons: it will do; it must.’ + </p> + <p> + At this moment he met Lord Eskdale, who had observed Tancred from the end + of Grosvenor Square, on the steps of Lord Charmouth’s door. This + circumstance ill prepared Lord Eskdale for Tancred’s salutation. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear lord, you are just the person I wanted to meet. You promised to + recommend me a servant who had travelled in the East.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, are you in a hurry?’ said Lord Eskdale, gaining time, and pumping. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should like to get off as soon as practicable.’ ‘Humph!’ said Lord + Eskdale. ‘Have you got a yacht?’ ‘I have.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! So you want a servant?’ he added, after a moment’s pause. + </p> + <p> + ‘I mentioned that, because you were so kind as to say you could help me in + that respect.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I did,’ said Lord Eskdale, thoughtfully. ‘But I want a great many + things,’ continued Tancred. ‘I must make arrangements about money; I + suppose I must get some letters; in fact, I want generally your advice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What are you going to do about the colonel and the rest?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have promised my father to take them,’ said Tancred, ‘though I feel + they will only embarrass me. They have engaged to be ready at a week’s + notice; I shall write to them immediately. If they do not fulfil their + engagement, I am absolved from mine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So you have got a yacht, eh?’ said Lord Eskdale. ‘I suppose you have + bought the Basilisk?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Exactly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She wants a good deal doing to her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Something, but chiefly for show, which I do not care about; but I mean to + get away, and refit, if necessary, at Gibraltar. I must go.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, if you must go,’ said his lordship, and then he added, ‘and in such + a hurry; let me see. You want a firstrate managing man, used to the East, + and letters, and money, and advice. Hem! You don’t know Sidonia?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not at all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is the man to get hold of, but that is so difficult now. He never goes + anywhere. Let me see, this is Monday; to-morrow is post-day, and I dine + with him alone in the City. Well, you shall hear from me on Wednesday + morning early, about everything; but I would not write to the colonel and + his friends just yet.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Tancred Rescues a Lady in Distress</i> +</pre> + <p> + THAT is most striking in London is its vastness. It is the illimitable + feeling that gives it a special character. London is not grand. It + possesses only one of the qualifications of a grand city, size; but it + wants the equally important one, beauty. It is the union of these two + qualities that produced the grand cities, the Romes, the Babylons, the + hundred portals of the Pharaohs; multitudes and magnificence; the millions + influenced by art. Grand cities are unknown since the beautiful has ceased + to be the principle of invention. Paris, of modern capitals, has aspired + to this character; but if Paris be a beautiful city, it certainly is not a + grand one; its population is too limited, and, from the nature of their + dwellings, they cover a comparatively small space. Constantinople is + picturesque; nature has furnished a sublime site, but it has little + architectural splendour, and you reach the environs with a fatal facility. + London overpowers us with its vastness. + </p> + <p> + Place a Forum or an Acropolis in its centre, and the effect of the + metropolitan mass, which now has neither head nor heart, instead of being + stupefying, would be ennobling. Nothing more completely represents a + nation than a public building. A member of Parliament only represents, at + the most, the united constituencies: but the Palace of the Sovereign, a + National Gallery, or a Museum baptised with the name of the country, these + are monuments to which all should be able to look up with pride, and which + should exercise an elevating influence upon the spirit of the humblest. + What is their influence in London? Let us not criticise what all condemn. + But how remedy the evil? What is wanted in architecture, as in so many + things, is a man. Shall we find a refuge in a Committee of Taste? Escape + from the mediocrity of one to the mediocrity of many? We only multiply our + feebleness, and aggravate our deficiencies. But one suggestion might be + made. No profession in England has done its duty until it has furnished + its victim. The pure administration of justice dates from the deposition + of Macclesfield. Even our boasted navy never achieved a great victory + until we shot an admiral. Suppose an architect were hanged? Terror has its + inspiration as well as competition. + </p> + <p> + Though London is vast, it is very monotonous. All those new districts that + have sprung up within the last half-century, the creatures of our + commercial and colonial wealth, it is impossible to conceive anything more + tame, more insipid, more uniform. Pancras is like Mary-le-bone, + Mary-le-bone is like Paddington; all the streets resemble each other, you + must read the names of the squares before you venture to knock at a door. + This amount of building capital ought to have produced a great city. What + an opportunity for architecture suddenly summoned to furnish habitations + for a population equal to that of the city of Bruxelles, and a population, + too, of great wealth. Mary-le-bone alone ought to have produced a + revolution in our domestic architecture. It did nothing. It was built by + Act of Parliament. Parliament prescribed even a façade. It is Parliament + to whom we are indebted for your Gloucester Places, and Baker Streets, and + Harley Streets, and Wimpole Streets, and all those flat, dull, spiritless + streets, resembling each other like a large family of plain children, with + Portland Place and Portman Square for their respectable parents. The + influence of our Parliamentary Government upon the fine arts is a subject + worth pursuing. The power that produced Baker Street as a model for street + architecture in its celebrated Building Act, is the power that prevented + Whitehall from being completed, and which sold to foreigners all the + pictures which the King of England had collected to civilise his people. + </p> + <p> + In our own days we have witnessed the rapid creation of a new metropolitan + quarter, built solely for the aristocracy by an aristocrat. The Belgrave + district is as monotonous as Mary-le-bone; and is so contrived as to be at + the same time insipid and tawdry. + </p> + <p> + Where London becomes more interesting is Charing Cross. Looking to + Northumberland House, and turning your back upon Trafalgar Square, the + Strand is perhaps the finest street in Europe, blending the architecture + of many periods; and its river ways are a peculiar feature and rich with + associations. Fleet Street, with its Temple, is not unworthy of being + contiguous to the Strand. The fire of London has deprived us of the + delight of a real old quarter of the city; but some bits remain, and + everywhere there is a stirring multitude, and a great crush and crash of + carts and wains. The Inns of Court, and the quarters in the vicinity of + the port, Thames Street, Tower Hill, Billingsgate, Wapping, Rotherhithe, + are the best parts of London; they are full of character: the buildings + bear a nearer relation to what the people are doing than in the more + polished quarters. + </p> + <p> + The old merchants of the times of the first Georges were a fine race. They + knew their position, and built up to it. While the territorial + aristocracy, pulling down their family hotels, were raising vulgar streets + and squares upon their site, and occupying themselves one of the new + tenements, the old merchants filled the straggling lanes, which connected + the Royal Exchange with the port of London, with mansions which, if not + exactly equal to the palaces of stately Venice, might at least vie with + many of the hotels of old Paris. Some of these, though the great majority + have been broken up into chambers and counting-houses, still remain + intact. + </p> + <p> + In a long, dark, narrow, crooked street, which is still called a lane, and + which runs from the south side of the street of the Lombards towards the + river, there is one of these old houses of a century past, and which, both + in its original design and present condition, is a noble specimen of its + order. A pair of massy iron gates, of elaborate workmanship, separate the + street from its spacious and airy court-yard, which is formed on either + side by a wing of the mansion, itself a building of deep red brick, with a + pediment, and pilasters, and copings of stone. A flight of steps leads to + the lofty and central doorway; in the middle of the court there is a + garden plot, inclosing a fountain, and a fine plane tree. + </p> + <p> + The stillness, doubly effective after the tumult just quitted, the lulling + voice of the water, the soothing aspect of the quivering foliage, the + noble building, and the cool and capacious quadrangle, the aspect even of + those who enter, and frequently enter, the precinct, and who are generally + young men, gliding in and out, earnest and full of thought, all contribute + to give to this locality something of the classic repose of a college, + instead of a place agitated with the most urgent interests of the current + hour; a place that deals with the fortunes of kings and empires, and + regulates the most important affairs of nations, for it is the + counting-house in the greatest of modern cities of the most celebrated of + modern financiers. + </p> + <p> + It was the visit of Tancred to the City, on the Wednesday morning after he + had met Lord Eskdale, that occasions me to touch on some of the + characteristics of our capital. It was the first time that Tancred had + ever been in the City proper, and it greatly interested him. His visit was + prompted by receiving, early on Wednesday morning, the following letter: + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Tancred: I saw Sidonia yesterday, and spoke to him of what you want. + He is much occupied just now, as his uncle, who attended to affairs here, + is dead, and, until he can import another uncle or cousin, he must steer + the ship, as times are critical. But he bade me say you might call upon + him in the City to-day, at two o’clock. He lives in Sequin Court, near the + Bank. You will have no difficulty in finding it. I recommend you to go, as + he is the sort of man who will really understand what you mean, which + neither your father nor myself do exactly; and, besides, he is a person to + know. + </p> + <p> + ‘I enclose a line which you will send in, that there may be no mistake. I + should tell you, as you are very fresh, that he is of the Hebrew race; so + don’t go on too much about the Holy Sepulchre. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yours faithfully, + </p> + <p> + ‘ESKDALE. + </p> + <p> + ‘Spring Gardens, Wednesday morning.’ + </p> + <p> + It is just where the street is most crowded, where it narrows, and losing + the name of Cheapside, takes that of the Poultry, that the last of a + series of stoppages occurred; a stoppage which, at the end of ten minutes, + lost its inert character of mere obstruction, and developed into the + livelier qualities of the row. There were oaths, contradictions, menaces: + ‘No, you sha’n’t; Yes, I will; No, I didn’t; Yes, you did; No, you + haven’t; Yes, I have;’ the lashing of a whip, the interference of a + policeman, a crash, a scream. Tan-cred looked out of the window of his + brougham. He saw a chariot in distress, a chariot such as would have + become an Ondine by the waters of the Serpentine, and the very last sort + of equipage that you could expect to see smashed in the Poultry. It was + really breaking a butterfly upon a wheel to crush its delicate springs, + and crack its dark brown panels, soil its dainty hammer-cloth, and + endanger the lives of its young coachman in a flaxen wig, and its two tall + footmen in short coats, worthy of Cinderella. + </p> + <p> + The scream, too, came from a fair owner, who was surrounded by clamorous + carmen and city marshals, and who, in an unknown land, was afraid she + might be put in a city compter, because the people in the city had + destroyed her beautiful chariot. Tan-cred let himself out of his brougham, + and not without difficulty contrived, through the narrow and crowded + passage formed by the two lines, to reach the chariot, which was coming + the contrary way to him. Some ruthless officials were persuading a + beautiful woman to leave her carriage, the wheel of which was broken. ‘But + where am I to go?’ she exclaimed. ‘Icannot walk. I will not leave my + carriage until you bring me some conveyance. You ought to punish these + people, who have quite ruined my chariot.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They say it was your coachman’s fault; we have nothing to do with that; + besides, you know who they are. Their employers’ name is on the cart, + Brown, Bugsby, and Co., Limehouse. You can have your redress against + Brown, Bugsby, and Co., Lime-house, if your coachman is not in fault; but + you cannot stop up the way, and you had better get out, and let the + carriage be removed to the Steel-yard.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What am I to do?’ exclaimed the lady with a tearful eye and agitated + face. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have a carriage at hand,’ said Tancred, who at this moment reached her, + ‘and it is quite at your service.’ + </p> + <p> + The lady cast her beautiful eyes, with an expression of astonishment she + could not conceal, at the distinguished youth who thus suddenly appeared + in the midst of insolent carmen, brutal policemen, and all the cynical + amateurs of a mob. Public opinion in the Poultry was against her; her + coachman’s wig had excited derision; the footmen had given themselves + airs; there was a strong feeling against the shortcoats. As for the lady, + though at first awed by her beauty and magnificence, they rebelled against + the authority of her manner. Besides, she was not alone. There was a + gentleman with her, who wore moustaches, and had taken a part in the + proceedings at first, by addressing the carmen in French. This was too + much, and the mob declared he was Don Carlos. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are too good,’ said the lady, with a sweet expression. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/page152.jpg" alt="Page152 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + Tancred opened the door of the chariot, the policemen pulled down the + steps, the servants were told to do the best they could with the wrecked + equipage; in a second the lady and her companion were in Tancred’s + brougham, who, desiring his servants to obey all their orders, + disappeared, for the stoppage at this moment began to move, and there was + no time for bandying compliments. + </p> + <p> + He had gained the pavement, and had made his way as far as the Mansion + House, when, finding a group of public buildings, he thought it prudent to + inquire which was the Bank. + </p> + <p> + ‘That is the Bank,’ said a good-natured man, in a bustle, but taken by + Tancred’s unusual appearance. ‘What do you want? I am going there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not want exactly the Bank,’ replied Tancred, ‘but a place somewhere + near it. Do you happen to know, sir, a place called Sequin Court?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should think I did,’ said the man, smiling. ‘So you are going to + Sidonia’s?’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Wizard of Fortune</i> +</pre> + <p> + TANCRED entered Sequin Court; a chariot with a foreign coronet was at the + foot of the great steps which he ascended. He was received by a fat hall + porter, who would not have disgraced his father’s establishment, and who, + rising with lazy insolence from his hooded chair, when he observed that + Tancred did not advance, asked the new comer what he wanted. ‘I want + Monsieur de Sidonia.’ ‘Can’t see him now; he is engaged.’ ‘I have a note + for him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well, give it me; it will be sent in. You can sit here.’ And the + porter opened the door of a waiting-room, which Tancred declined to enter. + ‘I will wait here, thank you,’ said Tancred, and he looked round at the + old oak hall, on the walls of which were hung several portraits, and from + which ascended one of those noble staircases never found in a modern + London mansion. At the end of the hall, on a slab of porphyry, was a + marble bust, with this inscription on it, ‘<i>Fundator</i>.’ It was the + first Sidonia, by Chantrey. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will wait here, thank you,’ said Tancred, looking round; and then, with + some hesitation, he added, ‘I have an appointment here at two o’clock.’ + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, that hour sounded from the belfry of an old city church that + was at hand, and then was taken up by the chimes of a large German clock + in the hall. + </p> + <p> + ‘It may be,’ said the porter, ‘but I can’t disturb master now; the Spanish + ambassador is with him, and others are waiting. When he is gone, a clerk + will take in your letter with some others that are here.’ + </p> + <p> + At this moment, and while Tancred remained in the hall, various persons + entered, and, without noticing the porter, pursued their way across the + apartment. + </p> + <p> + ‘And where are those persons going?’ inquired Tancred. + </p> + <p> + The porter looked at the enquirer with a blended gaze of curiosity and + contempt, and then negligently answered him without looking in Tancred’s + face, and while he was brushing up the hearth, ‘Some are going to the + counting-house, and some are going to the Bank, I should think.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder if our hall porter is such an infernal bully as Monsieur de + Sidonia’s!’ thought Tancred. + </p> + <p> + There was a stir. ‘The ambassador is coming out,’ said the hall porter; + ‘you must not stand in the way.’ + </p> + <p> + The well-trained ear of this guardian of the gate was conversant with + every combination of sound which the apartments of Sequin Court could + produce. Close as the doors might be shut, you could not rise from your + chair without his being aware of it; and in the present instance he was + correct. A door at the end of the hall opened, and the Spanish minister + came forth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stand aside,’ said the hall porter to Tancred; and, summoning the + servants without, he ushered his excellency with some reverence to his + carriage. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now your letter will go in with the others,’ he said to Tancred, whom for + a few moments he left alone, and then returned, taking no notice of our + young friend, but, depositing his bulky form in his hooded chair, he + resumed the city article of the <i>Times</i>. + </p> + <p> + The letter ran thus: + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Sidonia: This will be given you by my cousin Montacute, of whom I + spoke to you yesterday. He wants to go to Jerusalem, which very much + perplexes his family, for he is an only child. I don’t suppose the danger + is what they imagine. But still there is nothing like experience, and + there is no one who knows so much of these things as yourself. I have + promised his father and mother, very innocent people, whom of all my + relatives, I most affect, to do what I can for him. If, therefore, you can + aid Montacute, you will really serve me. He seems to have character, + though I can’t well make him out. I fear I indulged in the hock yesterday, + for I feel a twinge. Yours faithfully, + </p> + <p> + ‘ESKDALE. + </p> + <p> + ‘Wednesday morning.’ + </p> + <p> + The hall clock had commenced the quarter chimes, when a young man, fair + and intelligent, and wearing spectacles, came into the hall, and, opening + the door of the waiting-room, looked as if he expected to find some one + there; then, turning to the porter, he said, ‘Where is Lord Montacute?’ + </p> + <p> + The porter rose from his hooded chair, and put down the newspaper, but + Tancred had advanced when he heard his name, and bowed, and followed the + young man in spectacles, who invited Tancred to accompany him. + </p> + <p> + Tancred was ushered into a spacious and rather long apartment, panelled + with old oak up to the white coved ceiling, which was richly ornamented. + Four windows looked upon the fountain and the plane tree. A portrait by + Lawrence, evidently of the same individual who had furnished the model to + Chantrey, was over the high, old-fashioned, but very handsome marble + mantel-piece. A Turkey carpet, curtains of crimson damask, some large + tables covered with papers, several easy chairs, against the walls some + iron cabinets, these were the furniture of the room, at one corner of + which was a glass door, which led to a vista of apartments fitted up as + counting-houses, filled with clerks, and which, if expedient, might be + covered by a baize screen, which was now unclosed. + </p> + <p> + A gentleman writing at a table rose as he came in, and extending his hand + said, as he pointed to a seat, ‘I am afraid I have made you come out at an + unusual hour.’ + </p> + <p> + The young man in spectacles in the meanwhile retired; Tancred had bowed + and murmured his compliments: and his host, drawing his chair a little + from the table, continued: ‘Lord Eskdale tells me that you have some + thoughts of going to Jerusalem.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have for some time had that intention.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a pity that you did not set out earlier in the year, and then you + might have been there during the Easter pilgrimage. It is a fine sight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a pity,’ said Tancred; ‘but to reach Jerusalem is with me an object + of so much moment, that I shall be content to find myself there at any + time, and under any circumstances.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is no longer difficult to reach Jerusalem; the real difficulty is the + one experienced by the crusaders, to know what to do when you have arrived + there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the land of inspiration,’ said Tancred, slightly blushing; ‘and + when I am there, I would humbly pray that my course may be indicated to + me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you think that no prayers, however humble, would obtain for you that + indication before your departure?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is not the land of inspiration,’ replied Tancred, timidly. + </p> + <p> + ‘But you have your Church,’ said Sidonia. + </p> + <p> + ‘Which I hold of divine institution, and which should be under the + immediate influence of the Holy Spirit,’ said Tancred, dropping his eyes, + and colouring still more as he found himself already trespassing on that + delicate province of theology which always fascinated him, but which it + had been intimated to him by Lord Eskdale that he should avoid. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it wanting to you, then, in this conjuncture?’ inquired his companion. + </p> + <p> + ‘I find its opinions conflicting, its decrees contradictory, its conduct + inconsistent,’ replied Tancred. ‘I have conferred with one who is esteemed + its most eminent prelate, and I have left him with a conviction of what I + had for some time suspected, that inspiration is not only a divine but a + local quality.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You and I have some reason to believe so,’ said Sidonia. ‘I believe that + God spoke to Moses on Mount Horeb, and you believe that he was crucified, + in the person of Jesus, on Mount Calvary. Both were, at least carnally, + children of Israel: they spoke Hebrew to the Hebrews. The prophets were + only Hebrews; the apostles were only Hebrews. The churches of Asia, which + have vanished, were founded by a native Hebrew; and the church of Rome, + which says it shall last for ever, and which converted this island to the + faith of Moses and of Christ, vanquishing the Druids, Jupiter Olympius, + and Woden, who had successively invaded it, was also founded by a native + Hebrew. Therefore, I say, your suspicion or your conviction is, at least, + not a fantastic one.’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred listened to Sidonia as he spoke with great interest, and with an + earnest and now quite unembarrassed manner. The height of the argument had + immediately surmounted all his social reserve. His intelligence responded + to the great theme that had so long occupied his musing hours; and the + unexpected character of a conversation which, as he had supposed, would + have mainly treated of letters of credit, the more excited him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then,’ said Tancred, with animation, ‘seeing how things are, that I am + born in an age and in a country divided between infidelity on one side and + an anarchy of creeds on the other; with none competent to guide me, yet + feeling that I must believe, for I hold that duty cannot exist without + faith; is it so wild as some would think it, I would say is it + unreasonable, that I should wish to do that which, six centuries ago, was + done by my ancestor whose name I bear, and that I should cross the seas, + and——?’ He hesitated. + </p> + <p> + ‘And visit the Holy Sepulchre,’ said Sidonia. + </p> + <p> + ‘And visit the Holy Sepulchre,’ said Tancred, solemnly; ‘for that, I + confess, is my sovereign thought.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, the crusades were of vast advantage to Europe,’ said Sidonia, ‘and + renovated the spiritual hold which Asia has always had upon the North. It + seems to wane at present, but it is only the decrease that precedes the + new development.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It must be so,’ said Tancred; ‘for who can believe that a country once + sanctified by the Divine Presence can ever be as other lands? Some + celestial quality, distinguishing it from all other climes, must for ever + linger about it. I would ask those mountains, that were reached by angels, + why they no longer receive heavenly visitants. I would appeal to that + Comforter promised to man, on the sacred spot on which the assurance of + solace was made. I require a Comforter. I have appealed to the holy + influence in vain in England. It has not visited me; I know none here on + whom it has descended. I am induced, therefore, to believe that it is part + of the divine scheme that its influence should be local; that it should be + approached with reverence, not thoughtlessly and hurriedly, but with such + difficulties and such an interval of time as a pilgrimage to a spot + sanctified can alone secure.’ + </p> + <p> + Sidonia listened to Tancred with deep attention. Lord Montacute was seated + opposite the windows, so that there was a full light upon the play of the + countenance, the expression of which Sidonia watched, while his keen and + far-reaching vision traced at the same time the formation and development + of the head of his visitor. He recognised in this youth not a vain and + vague visionary, but a being in whom the faculties of reason and + imagination were both of the highest class, and both equally developed. He + observed that he was of a nature passionately affectionate, and that he + was of a singular audacity. He perceived that though, at this moment, + Tancred was as ignorant of the world as a young monk, he possessed all the + latent qualities which in future would qualify him to control society. + When Tancred had finished speaking, there was a pause of a few seconds, + during which Sidonia seemed lost in thought; then, looking up, he said, + ‘It appears to me, Lord Montacute, that what you want is to penetrate the + great Asian mystery.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have touched my inmost thought,’ said Tancred, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + At this moment there entered the room, from the glass door, the same young + man who had ushered Tancred into the apartment. He brought a letter to + Sidonia. Lord Montacute felt confused; his shyness returned to him; he + deplored the unfortunate interruption, but he felt he was in the way. He + rose, and began to say good-morning, when Sidonia, without taking his eyes + off the letter, saw him, and waving his hand, stopped him, saying, ‘I + settled with Lord Eskdale that you were not to go away if anything + occurred which required my momentary attention. So pray sit down, unless + you have engagements.’ And Tancred again seated himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Write,’ continued Sidonia to the clerk, ‘that my letters are twelve hours + later than the despatches, and that the City continued quite tranquil. Let + the extract from the Berlin letter be left at the same time at the + Treasury. The last bulletin?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Consols drooping at half-past two; all the foreign funds lower; shares + very active.’ + </p> + <p> + They were once more alone. ‘When do you propose going?’ ‘I hope in a + week.’ ‘Alone?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear I shall have many attendants.’ ‘That is a pity. Well, when you + arrive at Jerusalem, you will naturally go to the convent of Terra Santa. + You will make there the acquaintance of the Spanish prior, Alonzo Lara. He + calls me cousin; he is a Nuevo of the fourteenth century. Very orthodox; + but the love of the old land and the old language have come out in him, as + they will, though his blood is no longer clear, but has been modified by + many Gothic intermarriages, which was never our case. We are pure + Sephardim. Lara thoroughly comprehends Palestine and all that pertains to + it. He has been there a quarter of a century, and might have been + Archbishop of Seville. You see, he is master of the old as well as the new + learning; this is very important; they often explain each other. Your + bishops here know nothing about these things. How can they? A few + centuries back they were tattooed savages. This is the advantage which + Rome has over you, and which you never can understand. That Church was + founded by a Hebrew, and the magnetic influence lingers. But you will go + to the fountain head. Theology requires an apprenticeship of some thousand + years at least; to say nothing of clime and race. You cannot get on with + theology as you do with chemistry and mechanics. Trust me, there is + something deeper in it. I shall give you a note to Lara; cultivate him, he + is the man you want. You will want others; they will come; but Lara has + the first key.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry to trouble you about such things,’ said Tancred, in a + hesitating voice, ‘but perhaps I may not have the great pleasure to see + you again, and Lord Eskdale said that I was to speak to you about some + letters of credit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! we shall meet before you go. But what you say reminds me of + something. As for money, there is only one banker in Syria; he is + everywhere, at Aleppo, Damascus, Beiroot, Jerusalem. It is Besso. Before + the expulsion of the Egyptians, he really ruled Syria, but he is still + powerful, though they have endeavoured to crush him at Constantinople. I + applied to Metternich about him, and, besides that, he is mine. + </p> + <p> + I shall give you a letter to him, but not merely for your money affairs. I + wish you to know him. He lives in splendour at Damascus, moderately at + Jerusalem, where there is little to do, but which he loves as a residence, + being a Hebrew. I wish you to know him. You will, I am sure, agree with + me, that he is, without exception, the most splendid specimen of the + animal man you ever became acquainted with. His name is Adam, and verily + he looks as if he were in the garden of Eden before the fall. But his soul + is as grand and as fine as his body. You will lean upon this man as you + would on a faithful charger. His divan is charming; you will always find + there the most intelligent people. You must learn to smoke. There is + nothing that Besso cannot do; make him do everything you want; have no + scruples; he will be gratified. Besides, he is one of those who kiss my + signet. These two letters will open Syria to you, and any other land, if + you care to proceed. Give yourself no trouble about any other + preparations.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And how am I to thank you?’ said Tancred, rising; ‘and how am I to + express to you all my gratitude?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What are you going to do with yourself to-morrow?’ said Sidonia. ‘I never + go anywhere; but I have a few friends who are so kind as to come sometimes + to me. There are two or three persons dining with me to-morrow, whom you + might like to meet. Will you do so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall be most proud and pleased.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s well. It is not here; it is in Carlton Gardens; at sunset.’ And + Sidonia continued the letter which he was writing when Tancred entered. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>An Interesting Rencontre</i> +</pre> + <p> + WHEN Tancred returned home, musing, from a visit to Sidonia, he found the + following note: + </p> + <p> + ‘Lady Bertie and Bellair returns Lord Montacute his carriage with a + thousand compliments and thanks. She fears she greatly incommoded Lord + Montacute, but begs to assure him how very sensible she is of his + considerate courtesy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Upper Brook Street, Wednesday.’ + </p> + <p> + The handwriting was of that form of scripture which attracts; refined yet + energetic; full of character. Tancred recognised the titles of Bertie and + Bellair as those of two not inconsiderable earldoms, now centred in the + same individual. Lady Bertie and Bellair was herself a lady of the high + nobility; a daughter of the present Duke of Fitz-Aquitaine; the son of + that duke who was the father-in-law of Lord de Mowbray, and whom Lady + Firebrace, the present Lady Bardolf, and Tadpole, had dexterously + converted to conservatism by persuading him that he was to be Sir Robert’s + Irish viceroy. Lady Bertie and Bellair, therefore, was first-cousin to + Lady Joan Mountchesney, and her sister, who is still Lady Maud + Fitz-Warene. Tancred was surprised that he never recollected to have met + before one so distinguished and so beautiful. His conversation with + Sidonia, however, had driven the little adventure of the morning from his + memory, and now that it was thus recalled to him, he did not dwell upon + it. His being was absorbed in his paramount purpose. The sympathy of + Sidonia, so complete, and as instructive as it was animating, was a + sustaining power which we often need when we are meditating great deeds. + How often, when all seems dark, and hopeless, and spiritless, and tame, + when slight obstacles figure in the cloudy landscape as Alps, and the + rushing cataracts of our invention have subsided into drizzle, a single + phrase of a great man instantaneously flings sunshine on the intellectual + landscape, and the habitual features of power and beauty, over which we + have so long mused in secret confidence and love, resume all their energy + and lustre. + </p> + <p> + The haunting thought that occasionally, notwithstanding his strong will, + would perplex the soul and agitate the heart of Tancred; the haunting + thought that, all this time, he was perhaps the dupe of boyish fantasies, + was laid to-day. Sometimes he had felt, Why does no one sympathise with my + views; why, though they treat them with conventional respect, is it clear + that all I have addressed hold them to be absurd? My parents are pious and + instructed; they are predisposed to view everything I say, or do, or + think, with an even excessive favour. They think me moonstruck. Lord + Eskdale is a perfect man of the world; proverbially shrewd, and celebrated + for his judgment; he looks upon me as a raw boy, and believes that, if my + father had kept me at Eton and sent me to Paris, I should by this time + have exhausted my crudities. The bishop is what the world calls a great + scholar; he is a statesman who, aloof from faction, ought to be accustomed + to take just and comprehensive views; and a priest who ought to be under + the immediate influence of the Holy Spirit. He says I am a visionary. All + this might well be disheartening; but now comes one whom no circumstances + impel to judge my project with indulgence; who would, at the first glance, + appear to have many prejudices arrayed against it, who knows more of the + world than Lord Eskdale, and who appears to me to be more learned than the + whole bench of bishops, and he welcomes my ideas, approves my conclusions, + sympathises with my suggestions; develops, illustrates, enforces them; + plainly intimates that I am only on the threshold of initiation, and would + aid me to advance to the innermost mysteries. + </p> + <p> + There was this night a great ball at Lady Bardolfs, in Belgrave Square. + One should generally mention localities, because very often they indicate + character. Lady Bardolf lived next door to Mrs. Guy Flouncey. Both had + risen in the world, though it requires some esoteric knowledge to + recognise the patrician par-venue; and both had finally settled themselves + down in the only quarter which Lady Bardolf thought worthy of her new + coronet, and Mrs. Guy Flouncey of her new visiting list. + </p> + <p> + Lady Bardolf had given up the old family mansion of the Firebraces in + Hanover Square, at the same time that she had resigned their old title. + Politics being dead, in consequence of the majority of 1841, who, after a + little kicking for the million, satisfactorily assured the minister that + there was no vice in them. + </p> + <p> + Lady Bardolf had chalked out a new career, and one of a still more eminent + and exciting character than her previous pursuit. Lady Bardolf was one of + those ladies—there are several—who entertain the curious idea + that they need only to be known in certain high quarters to be immediately + selected as the principal objects of court favour. Lady Bardolf was always + putting herself in the way of it; she never lost an opportunity; she never + missed a drawing-room, contrived to be at all the court balls, plotted to + be invited to a costume fête, and expended the tactics of a campaign to + get asked to some grand château honoured by august presence. Still Her + Majesty had not yet sent for Lady Bardolf. She was still very good friends + with Lord Masque, for he had social influence, and could assist her; but + as for poor Tadpole, she had sadly neglected him, his sphere being merely + political, and that being no longer interesting. The honest gentleman + still occasionally buzzed about her, slavering portentous stories about + malcontent country gentlemen, mumbling Maynooth, and shaking his head at + Young England. Tadpole was wont to say in confidence, that for his part he + wished Sir Robert had left alone religion and commerce, and confined + himself to finance, which was his forte as long as he had a majority to + carry the projects which he found in the pigeon-holes of the Treasury, and + which are always at the service of every minister. + </p> + <p> + Well, it was at Lady Bardolfs ball, close upon midnight, that Tancred, who + had not long entered, and had not very far advanced in the crowded + saloons, turning his head, recognised his heroine of the morning, his + still more recent correspondent, Lady Bertie and Bellair. She was speaking + to Lord Valentine. It was impossible to mistake her; rapid as had been his + former observation of her face, it was too remarkable to be forgotten, + though the captivating details were only the result of his present more + advantageous inspection. A small head and large dark eyes, dark as her + rich hair which was quite unadorned, a pale but delicate complexion, small + pearly teeth, were charms that crowned a figure rather too much above the + middle height, yet undulating and not without grace. Her countenance was + calm without being grave; she smiled with her eyes. + </p> + <p> + She was for a moment alone; she looked round, and recognised Tancred; she + bowed to him with a beaming glance. Instantly he was at her side. + </p> + <p> + ‘Our second meeting to-day,’ she said, in a low, sweet voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘How came it that we never met before?’ he replied. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have just returned from Paris; the first time I have been out; and, had + it not been for you,’ she added, ‘I should not have been here to-night. I + think they would have put me in prison.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lady Bardolf ought to be very much obliged to me, and so ought the + world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am,’ said Lady Bertie and Bellair. + </p> + <p> + ‘That is worth everything else,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘What a pretty carriage you have! I do not think I shall ever get into + mine again. I am almost glad they have destroyed my chariot. I am sure I + shall never be able to drive in anything else now except a brougham.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why did you not keep mine?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are magnificent; too gorgeous and oriental for these cold climes. You + shower your presents as if you were in the East, which Lord Valentine + tells me you are about to visit. When do you leave us?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think of going immediately.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ said Lady Bertie and Bellair, and her countenance changed. There + was a pause, and then she continued playfully, yet as it were half in + sadness, ‘I almost wish you had not come to my rescue this morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And why?’ ‘Because I do not like to make agreeable acquaintances only to + lose them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think that I am most to be pitied,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are wearied of the world very soon. Before you can know us, you leave + us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not wearied of the world, for indeed, as you say, I know nothing of + it. I am here by accident, as you were in the stoppage to-day. It will + disperse, and then I shall get on.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord Valentine tells me that you are going to realise my dream of dreams, + that you are going to Jerusalem.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Tancred, kindling, ‘you too have felt that want?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But I never can pardon myself for not having satisfied it,’ said Lady + Bertie and Bellair in a mournful tone, and looking in his face with her + beautiful dark eyes. ‘It is the mistake of my life, and now can never be + remedied. But I have no energy. I ought, as a girl, when they opposed my + purpose, to have taken up my palmer’s staff, and never have rested content + till I had gathered my shell on the strand of Joppa.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the right feeling’ said Tancred. ‘I am persuaded we ought all to + go.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But we remain here,’ said the lady, in a tone of suppressed and elegant + anguish; ‘here, where we all complain of our hopeless lives; with not a + thought beyond the passing hour, yet all bewailing its wearisome and + insipid moments.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Our lot is cast in a material age,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘The spiritual can alone satisfy me,’ said Lady Bertie and Bellair. + </p> + <p> + ‘Because you have a soul,’ continued Tancred, with animation, ‘still of a + celestial hue. They are rare in the nineteenth century. Nobody now thinks + about heaven. They never dream of angels. All their existence is + concentrated in steamboats and railways.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are right,’ said the lady, earnestly; ‘and you fly from it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I go for other purposes; I would say even higher ones,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can understand you; your feelings are my own. Jerusalem has been the + dream of my life. I have always been endeavouring to reach it, but somehow + or other I never got further than Paris.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And yet it is very easy now to get to Jerusalem,’ said Tancred; ‘the + great difficulty, as a very remarkable man said to me this morning, is to + know what to do when you are there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who said that to you?’ inquired Lady Bertie and Bellair, bending her + head. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was the person I was going to call upon when I met you; Monsieur de + Sidonia.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Monsieur de Sidonia!’ said the lady, with animation. ‘Ah! you know him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not as much as I could wish. I saw him to-day for the first time. My + cousin, Lord Eskdale, gave me a letter of introduction to him, for his + advice and assistance about my journey. Sidonia has been a great + traveller.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no person I wish to know so much as M. de Sidonia,’ said Lady + Bertie and Bellair. ‘He is a great friend of Lord Eskdale, I think? I must + get Lord Eskdale,’ she added, musingly, ‘to give me a little dinner, and + ask M. de Sidonia to meet me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He never goes anywhere; at least I have heard so,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘He once used to do, and to give us great fêtes. I remember hearing of + them before I was out. We must make him resume them. He is immensely + rich.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say he may be,’ said Tancred. ‘I wonder how a man with his + intellect and ideas can think of the accumulation of wealth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis his destiny,’ said Lady Bertie and Bellair. ‘He can no more + disembarrass himself of his hereditary millions than a dynasty of the + cares of empire. I wonder if he will get the Great Northern. They talked + of nothing else at Paris.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of what?’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! let us talk of Jerusalem!’ said Lady Bertie and Bellair. ‘Ah, here is + Augustus! Let me make you and my husband acquainted.’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred almost expected to see the moustached companion of the morning, + but it was not so. Lord Bertie and Bellair was a tall, thin, + distinguished, withered-looking young man, who thanked Tancred for his + courtesy of the morning with a sort of gracious negligence, and, after + some easy talk, asked Tancred to dine with them on the morrow. He was + engaged, but he promised to call on Lady Bertie and Bellair immediately, + and see some drawings of the Holy Land. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Lord Henry Sympathises</i> +</pre> + <p> + PASSING through a marble antechamber, Tancred was ushered into an + apartment half saloon and half-library; the choicely-bound volumes, which + were not too numerous, were ranged on shelves inlaid in the walls, so that + they ornamented, without diminishing, the apartment. These walls were + painted in encaustic, corresponding with the coved ceiling, which was + richly adorned in the same fashion. A curtain of violet velvet, covering + if necessary the large window, which looked upon a balcony full of + flowers, and the umbrageous Park; an Axminster carpet, manufactured to + harmonise both in colour and design with the rest of the chamber; a + profusion of luxurious seats; a large table of ivory marquetry, bearing a + carved silver bell which once belonged to a pope; a Naiad, whose golden + urn served as an inkstand; some daggers that acted as paper cutters, and + some French books just arrived; a group of beautiful vases recently + released from an Egyptian tomb and ranged on a tripod of malachite: the + portrait of a statesman, and the bust of an emperor, and a sparkling fire, + were all circumstances which made the room both interesting and + comfortable in which Sidonia welcomed Tancred and introduced him to a + guest who had preceded him, Lord Henry Sydney. + </p> + <p> + It was a name that touched Tancred, as it has all the youth of England, + significant of a career that would rescue public life from that strange + union of lax principles and contracted sympathies which now form the + special and degrading features of British politics. It was borne by one + whose boyhood we have painted amid the fields and schools of Eton, and the + springtime of whose earliest youth we traced by the sedgy waters of the + Cam. We left him on the threshold of public life; and, in four years, Lord + Henry had created that reputation which now made him a source of hope and + solace to millions of his countrymen. But they were four years of labour + which outweighed the usual exertions of public men in double that space. + His regular attendance in the House of Commons alone had given him as much + Parliamentary experience as fell to the lot of many of those who had been + first returned in 1837, and had been, therefore, twice as long in the + House. He was not only a vigilant member of public and private committees, + but had succeeded in appointing and conducting several on topics which he + esteemed of high importance. Add to this, that he took an habitual part in + debate, and was a frequent and effective public writer; and we are + furnished with an additional testimony, if that indeed were wanting, that + there is no incentive to exertion like the passion for a noble renown. Nor + should it be forgotten, that, in all he accomplished, he had but one final + purpose, and that the highest. The debate, the committee, the article in + the Journal or the Review, the public meeting, the private research, these + were all means to advance that which he had proposed as the object of his + public life, namely, to elevate the condition of the people. + </p> + <p> + Although there was no public man whose powers had more rapidly ripened, + still it was interesting to observe that their maturity had been faithful + to the healthy sympathies of his earlier years. The boy, whom we have + traced intent upon the revival of the pastimes of the people, had expanded + into the statesman, who, in a profound and comprehensive investigation of + the elements of public wealth, had shown that a jaded population is not a + source of national prosperity. What had been a picturesque emotion had now + become a statistical argument. The material system that proposes the + supply of constant toil to a people as the perfection of polity, had + received a staggering blow from the exertions of a young patrician, who + announced his belief that labour had its rights as well as its duties. + What was excellent about Lord Henry was, that he was not a mere + philanthropist, satisfied to rouse public attention to a great social + evil, or instantly to suggest for it some crude remedy. + </p> + <p> + A scholar and a man of the world, learned in history and not inexperienced + in human nature, he was sensible that we must look to the constituent + principles of society for the causes and the cures of great national + disorders. He therefore went deeply into the question, nor shrank from + investigating how far those disorders were produced by the operation or + the desuetude of ancient institutions, and how far it might be necessary + to call new influences into political existence for their remedy. Richly + informed, still studious, fond of labour and indefatigable, of a gentle + disposition though of an ardent mind, calm yet energetic, very open to + conviction, but possessing an inflexibility amounting even to obstinacy + when his course was once taken, a ready and improving speaker, an apt and + attractive writer, affable and sincere, and with the undesigning faculty + of making friends, Lord Henry seemed to possess all the qualities of a + popular leader, if we add to them the golden ones: high lineage, an + engaging appearance, youth, and a temperament in which the reason had not + been developed to the prejudice of the heart. + </p> + <p> + ‘And when do you start for the Holy Land?’ said Lord Henry to Tancred, in + a tone and with a countenance which proved his sympathy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have clutched my staff, but the caravan lingers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I envy you!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why do you not go?’ + </p> + <p> + Lord Henry slightly shrugged his shoulders, and said, ‘It is too late. I + have begun my work and I cannot leave it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If a Parliamentary career could save this country,’ said Tancred, ‘I am + sure you would be a public benefactor. I have observed what you and Mr. + Con-ingsby and some of your friends have done and said, with great + interest. But Parliament seems to me to be the very place which a man of + action should avoid. A Parliamentary career, that old superstition of the + eighteenth century, was important when there were no other sources of + power and fame. An aristocracy at the head of a people whom they had + plundered of their means of education, required some cultivated tribunal + whose sympathy might stimulate their intelligence and satisfy their + vanity. Parliament was never so great as when they debated with closed + doors. The public opinion, of which they never dreamed, has superseded the + rhetorical club of our great-grandfathers. They know this well enough, and + try to maintain their unnecessary position by affecting the character of + men of business, but amateur men of business are very costly conveniences. + In this age it is not Parliament that does the real work. It does not + govern Ireland, for example. If the manufacturers want to change a tariff, + they form a commercial league, and they effect their purpose. It is the + same with the abolition of slavery, and all our great revolutions. + Parliament has become as really insignificant as for two centuries it has + kept the monarch. O’Connell has taken a good share of its power; Cobden + has taken another; and I am inclined to believe,’ said Tancred, ‘though I + care little about it, that, if our order had any spirit or prescience, + they would put themselves at the head of the people, and take the rest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Coningsby dines here to-day,’ said Sidonia, who, unobserved, had watched + Tancred as he spoke, with a searching glance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Notwithstanding what you say,’ said Lord Henry, smiling, ‘I wish I could + induce you to remain and help us. You would be a great ally.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I go to a land,’ said Tancred, ‘that has never been blessed by that fatal + drollery called a representative government, though Omniscience once + deigned to trace out the polity which should rule it.’ + </p> + <p> + At this moment the servant announced Lord and Lady Marney. + </p> + <p> + Political sympathy had created a close intimacy between Lord Marney and + Coningsby. They were necessary to each other. They were both men entirely + devoted to public affairs, and sitting in different Houses, both young, + and both masters of fortunes of the first class, they were indicated as + individuals who hereafter might take a lead, and, far from clashing, would + co-operate with each other. Through Coningsby the Marneys had become + acquainted with Sidonia, who liked them both, particularly Sybil. Although + received by society with open arms, especially by the high nobility, who + affected to look upon Sybil quite as one of themselves, Lady Marney, + notwithstanding the homage that everywhere awaited her, had already shown + a disposition to retire as much as possible within the precinct of a + chosen circle. + </p> + <p> + This was her second season, and Sybil ventured to think that she had made, + in the general gaieties of her first, a sufficient oblation to the genius + of fashion, and the immediate requirements of her social position. Her + life was faithful to its first impulse. Devoted to the improvement of the + condition of the people, she was the moving spring of the charitable + development of this great city. Her house, without any pedantic effort, + had become the focus of a refined society, who, though obliged to show + themselves for the moment in the great carnival, wear their masks, blow + their trumpets, and pelt the multitude with sugarplums, were glad to find + a place where they could at all times divest themselves of their mummery, + and return to their accustomed garb of propriety and good taste. + </p> + <p> + Sybil, too, felt alone in the world. Without a relation, without an + acquaintance of early and other days, she clung to her husband with a + devotion which was peculiar as well as profound. Egremont was to her more + than a husband and a lover; he was her only friend; it seemed to Sybil + that he could be her only friend. The disposition of Lord Marney was not + opposed to the habits of his wife. Men, when they are married, often + shrink from the glare and bustle of those social multitudes which are + entered by bachelors with the excitement of knights-errant in a fairy + wilderness, because they are supposed to be rife with adventures, and, + perhaps, fruitful of a heroine. The adventure sometimes turns out to be a + catastrophe, and the heroine a copy instead of an original; but let that + pass. + </p> + <p> + Lord Marney liked to be surrounded by those who sympathised with his + pursuit; and his pursuit was politics, and politics on a great scale. The + commonplace career of official distinction was at his command. A great + peer, with abilities and ambition, a good speaker, supposed to be a + Conservative, he might soon have found his way into the cabinet, and, like + the rest, have assisted in registering the decrees of one too powerful + individual. But Lord Marney had been taught to think at a period of life + when he little dreamed of the responsibility which fortune had in store + for him. + </p> + <p> + The change in his position had not altered the conclusions at which he had + previously arrived. He held that the state of England, notwithstanding the + superficies of a material prosperity, was one of impending doom, unless it + were timely arrested by those who were in high places. A man of fine mind + rather than of brilliant talents, Lord Marney found, in the more vivid and + impassioned intelligence of Coningsby, the directing sympathy which he + required. Tadpole looked upon his lordship as little short of insane. ‘Do + you see that man?’ he would say as Lord Marney rode by. ‘He might be Privy + Seal, and he throws it all away for the nonsense of Young England!’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Coningsby entered the room almost on the footsteps of the Marneys. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am in despair about Harry,’ she said, as she gave a finger to Sidonia, + ‘but he told me not to wait for him later than eight. I suppose he is kept + at the House. Do you know anything of him, Lord Henry?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You may make yourself quite easy about him,’ said Lord Henry. ‘He + promised Vavasour to support a motion which he has to-day, and perhaps + speak on it. I ought to be there too, but Charles Buller told me there + would certainly be no division and so I ventured to pair off with him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He will come with Vavasour,’ said Sidonia, ‘who makes up our party. They + will be here before we have seated ourselves.’ + </p> + <p> + The gentlemen had exchanged the usual inquiry, whether there was anything + new to-day, without waiting for the answer. Sidonia introduced Tancred and + Lord Marney. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what have you been doing to-day?’ said Edith to Sybil, by whose side + she had seated herself. ‘Lady Bardolf did nothing last night but gronder + me, because you never go to her parties. In vain I said that you looked + upon her as the most odious of her sex, and her balls the pest of society. + She was not in the least satisfied. And how is Gerard?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, we really have been very uneasy about him,’ said Lady Marney, ‘but + the last bulletin,’ she added, with a smile, ‘announces a tooth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Next year you must give him a pony, and let him ride with my Harry; I + mean my little Harry, Harry of Monmouth I call him; he is so like a + portrait Mr. Coningsby has of his grandfather, the same debauched look.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your dinner is served, sir!’ + </p> + <p> + Sidonia offered his hand to Lady Marney; Edith was attended by Tancred. A + door at the end of the room opened into a marble corridor, which led to + the dining-room, decorated in the same style as the library. It was a + suite of apartments which Sidonia used for an intimate circle like the + present. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Modern Troubadour</i> +</pre> + <p> + THEY seated themselves at a round table, on which everything seemed + brilliant and sparkling; nothing heavy, nothing oppressive. There was + scarcely anything that Sidonia disliked so much as a small table, + groaning, as it is aptly termed, with plate. He shrunk from great masses + of gold and silver; gigantic groups, colossal shields, and mobs of + tankards and flagons; and never used them except on great occasions, when + the banquet assumes an Egyptian character, and becomes too vast for + refinement. At present, the dinner was served on Sèvres porcelain of Rose + du Barri, raised on airy golden stands of arabesque workmanship; a mule + bore your panniers of salt, or a sea-nymph proffered it you on a shell + just fresh from the ocean, or you found it in a bird’s nest; by every + guest a different pattern. In the centre of the table, mounted on a + pedestal, was a group of pages in Dresden china. Nothing could be more gay + than their bright cloaks and flowing plumes, more elaborately exquisite + than their laced shirts and rosettes, or more fantastically saucy than + their pretty affected faces, as each, with extended arm, held a light to a + guest. The room was otherwise illumined from the sides. + </p> + <p> + The guests had scarcely seated themselves when the two absent ones + arrived. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, you did not divide, Vavasour,’ said Lord Henry. + </p> + <p> + ‘Did I not?’ said Vavasour; ‘and nearly beat the Government. You are a + pretty fellow!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was paired.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘With some one who could not stay. Your brother, Mrs. Coningsby, behaved + like a man, sacrificed his dinner, and made a capital speech.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! Oswald, did he speak? Did you speak, Harry?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; I voted. There was too much speaking as it was; if Vavasour had not + replied, I believe we should have won.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But then, my dear fellow, think of my points; think how they laid + themselves open!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A majority is always the best repartee,’ said Coningsby. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been talking with Montacute,’ whispered Lord Henry to Coningsby, + who was seated next to him. ‘Wonderful fellow! You can conceive nothing + richer! Very wild, but all the right ideas; exaggerated of course. You + must get hold of him after dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But they say he is going to Jerusalem.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But he will return.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not know that; even Napoleon regretted that he had ever re-crossed + the Mediterranean. The East is a career.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Vavasour was a social favourite; a poet and a real poet, and a + troubadour, as well as a member of Parliament; travelled, sweet-tempered, + and good-hearted; amusing and clever. With catholic sympathies and an + eclectic turn of mind, Mr. Vavasour saw something good in everybody and + everything, which is certainly amiable, and perhaps just, but disqualifies + a man in some degree for the business of life, which requires for its + conduct a certain degree of prejudice. Mr. Vavasour’s breakfasts were + renowned. Whatever your creed, class, or country, one might almost add + your character, you were a welcome guest at his matutinal meal, provided + you were celebrated. That qualification, however, was rigidly enforced. + </p> + <p> + It not rarely happened that never were men more incongruously grouped. + Individuals met at his hospitable house who had never met before, but who + for years had been cherishing in solitude mutual detestation, with all the + irritable exaggeration of the literary character. Vavasour liked to be the + Amphitryon of a cluster of personal enemies. He prided himself on figuring + as the social medium by which rival reputations became acquainted, and + paid each other in his presence the compliments which veiled their + ineffable disgust. All this was very well at his rooms in the Albany, and + only funny; but when he collected his menageries at his ancestral hall in + a distant county, the sport sometimes became tragic. + </p> + <p> + A real philosopher, alike from his genial disposition and from the + influence of his rich and various information, Vavasour moved amid the + strife, sympathising with every one; and perhaps, after all, the + philanthropy which was his boast was not untinged by a dash of humour, of + which rare and charming quality he possessed no inconsiderable portion. + Vavasour liked to know everybody who was known, and to see everything + which ought to be seen. He also was of opinion that everybody who was + known ought to know him; and that the spectacle, however splendid or + exciting, was not quite perfect without his presence. + </p> + <p> + His life was a gyration of energetic curiosity; an insatiable whirl of + social celebrity. There was not a congregation of sages and philosophers + in any part of Europe which he did not attend as a brother. He was present + at the camp of Kalisch in his yeomanry uniform, and assisted at the + festivals of Barcelona in an Andalusian jacket. He was everywhere, and at + everything; he had gone down in a diving-bell and gone up in a balloon. As + for his acquaintances, he was welcomed in every land; his universal + sympathies seemed omnipotent. Emperor and king, jacobin and carbonaro, + alike cherished him. He was the steward of Polish balls and the vindicator + of Russian humanity; he dined with Louis Philippe, and gave dinners to + Louis Blanc. + </p> + <p> + This was a dinner of which the guests came to partake. Though they + delighted in each other’s society, their meetings were not so rare that + they need sacrifice the elegant pleasures of a refined meal for the + opportunity of conversation. They let that take its chance, and ate and + drank without affectation. Nothing so rare as a female dinner where people + eat, and few things more delightful. On the present occasion some time + elapsed, while the admirable performances of Sidonia’s cook were + discussed, with little interruption; a burst now and then from the ringing + voice of Mrs. Coningsby crossing a lance with her habitual opponent, Mr. + Vavasour, who, however, generally withdrew from the skirmish when a fresh + dish was handed to him. + </p> + <p> + At length, the second course being served, Mrs. Coningsby said, ‘I think + you have all eaten enough: I have a piece of information for you. There is + going to be a costume ball at the Palace.’ + </p> + <p> + This announcement produced a number of simultaneous remarks and + exclamations. ‘When was it to be? What was it to be? An age, or a country; + or an olio of all ages and all countries?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An age is a masquerade,’ said Sidonia. ‘The more contracted the circle, + the more perfect the illusion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no!’ said Vavasour, shaking his head. ‘An age is the thing; it is a + much higher thing. What can be finer than to represent the spirit of an + age?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And Mr. Vavasour to perform the principal part,’ said Mrs. Coningsby. ‘I + know exactly what he means. He wants to dance the polka as Petrarch, and + find a Laura in every partner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have no poetical feeling,’ said Mr. Vavasour, waving his hand. ‘I + have often told you so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will easily find Lauras, Mr. Vavasour, if you often write such + beautiful verses as I have been reading to-day,’ said Lady Marney. + </p> + <p> + ‘You, on the contrary,’ said Mr. Vavasour, bowing, ‘have a great deal of + poetic feeling, Lady Marney; I have always said so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But give us your news, Edith,’ said Coningsby. ‘Imagine our suspense, + when it is a question, whether we are all to look picturesque or + quizzical.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, you want to know whether you can go as Cardinal Mazarin, or the Duke + of Ripperda, Harry. I know exactly what you all are now thinking of; + whether you will draw the prize in the forthcoming lottery, and get + exactly the epoch and the character which suit you. Is it not so, Lord + Montacute? Would not you like to practise a little with your crusados at + the Queen’s ball before you go to the Holy Sepulchre?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would rather hear your description of it,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord Henry, I see, is half inclined to be your companion as a Red-cross + Knight,’ continued Edith. ‘As for Lady Marney, she is the successor of + Mrs. Fry, and would wish, I am sure, to go to the ball as her + representative.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And pray what are you thinking of being?’ said Mr. Vavasour. ‘We should + like very much to be favoured with Mrs. Coningsby’s ideal of herself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Coningsby leaves the ideal to poets. She is quite satisfied to + remain what she is, and it is her intention to do so, though she means to + go to Her Majesty’s ball.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see that you are in the secret,’ said Lord Marney. + </p> + <p> + ‘If I could only keep secrets, I might turn out something.’ said Mrs. + Coningsby. ‘I am the depositary of so much that is occult-joys, sorrows, + plots, and scrapes; but I always tell Harry, and he always betrays me. + Well, you must guess a little. Lady Marney begins.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, we were at one at Turin,’ said Lady Marney, ‘and it was oriental, + Lalla Rookh. Are you to be a sultana?’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Coningsby shook her head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, Edith,’ said her husband; ‘if you know, which I doubt——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! you doubt——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Valentine told me yesterday,’ said Mr. Vavasour, in a mock peremptory + tone, ‘that there would not be a ball.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And Lord Valentine told me yesterday that there would be a ball, and what + the ball would be; and what is more, I have fixed on my dress,’ said Mrs. + Coningsby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Such a rapid decision proves that much antiquarian research is not + necessary,’ said Sidonia. ‘Your period is modern.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Edith, looking at Sidonia, ‘he always finds me out. Well, Mr. + Vavasour, you will not be able to crown yourself with a laurel wreath, for + the gentlemen will wear wigs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Louis Quatorze?’ said her husband. ‘Peel as Louvois.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, Sir Robert would be content with nothing less than <i>Le Grand + Colbert, rue Richelieu, No. 75, grand magasin de nouveautés + très-anciennes: prix fixé, avec quelques rabais.</i>’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A description of Conservatism,’ said Coningsby. + </p> + <p> + The secret was soon revealed: every one had a conjecture and a commentary: + gentlemen in wigs, and ladies powdered, patched, and sacked. Vavasour + pondered somewhat dolefully on the anti-poetic spirit of the age; + Coningsby hailed him as the author of Leonidas. + </p> + <p> + ‘And you, I suppose, will figure as one of the “boys” arrayed against the + great Sir Robert?’ said Mr. Vavasour, with a countenance of mock + veneration for that eminent personage. + </p> + <p> + ‘The “boys” beat him at last,’ said Coningsby; and then, with a rapid + precision and a richness of colouring which were peculiar to him, he threw + out a sketch which placed the period before them; and they began to tear + it to tatters, select the incidents, and apportion the characters. + </p> + <p> + Two things which are necessary to a perfect dinner are noiseless + attendants, and a precision in serving the various dishes of each course, + so that they may all be placed upon the table at the same moment. A + deficiency in these respects produces that bustle and delay which distract + many an agreeable conversation and spoil many a pleasant dish. These two + excellent characteristics were never wanting at the dinners of Sidonia. At + no house was there less parade. The appearance of the table changed as if + by the waving of a wand, and silently as a dream. And at this moment, the + dessert being arranged, fruits and their beautiful companions, flowers, + reposed in alabaster baskets raised on silver stands of filigree work. + </p> + <p> + There was half an hour of merry talk, graceful and gay: a good story, a <i>bon-mot</i> + fresh from the mint, some raillery like summer lightning, vivid but not + scorching. + </p> + <p> + ‘And now,’ said Edith, as the ladies rose to return to the library, ‘and + now we leave you to Maynooth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By-the-bye, what do they say to it in your House, Lord Marney?’ inquired + Henry Sydney, filling his glass. + </p> + <p> + ‘It will go down,’ said Lord Marney. ‘A strong dose for some, but they are + used to potent potions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The bishops, they say, have not made up their minds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fancy bishops not having made up their minds,’ exclaimed Tancred: ‘the + only persons who ought never to doubt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Except when they are offered a bishopric,’ said Lord Marney. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why I like this Maynooth project,’ said Tancred, ‘though otherwise it + little interests me, is, that all the shopkeepers are against it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t tell that to the minister,’ said Coningsby, ‘or he will give up the + measure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, that is the very reason,’ said Vavasour, ‘why, though otherwise + inclined to the grant, I hesitate as to my vote. I have the highest + opinion of the shopkeepers; I sympathise even with their prejudices. They + are the class of the age; they represent its order, its decency, its + industry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you represent them,’ said Coningsby. ‘Vavasour is the quintessence of + order, decency, and industry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You may jest,’ said Vavasour, shaking his head with a spice of solemn + drollery; ‘but public opinion must and ought to be respected, right or + wrong.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean by public opinion?’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘The opinion of the reflecting majority,’ said Vavasour. + </p> + <p> + ‘Those who don’t read your poems,’ said Coningsby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Boy, boy!’ said Vavasour, who could endure raillery from one he had been + at college with, but who was not over-pleased at Coningsby selecting the + present occasion to claim his franchise, when a new man was present like + Lord Montacute, on whom Vavasour naturally wished to produce an + impression. It must be owned that it was not, as they say, very good taste + in the husband of Edith, but prosperity had developed in Coningsby a + native vein of sauciness which it required all the solemnity of the senate + to repress. Indeed, even there, upon the benches, with a grave face, he + often indulged in quips and cranks that convulsed his neighbouring + audience, who often, amid the long dreary nights of statistical imposture, + sought refuge in his gay sarcasms, his airy personalities, and happy + quotations. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not see how there can be opinion without thought,’ said Tancred; + ‘and I do not believe the public ever think. How can they? They have no + time. Certainly we live at present under the empire of general ideas, + which are extremely powerful. But the public have not invented those + ideas. They have adopted them from convenience. No one has confidence in + himself; on the contrary, every one has a mean idea of his own strength + and has no reliance on his own judgment. Men obey a general impulse, they + bow before an external necessity, whether for resistance or action. + Individuality is dead; there is a want of inward and personal energy in + man; and that is what people feel and mean when they go about complaining + there is no faith.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would hold, then,’ said Henry Sydney, ‘that the progress of public + liberty marches with the decay of personal greatness?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It would seem so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But the majority will always prefer public liberty to personal + greatness,’ said Lord Marney. + </p> + <p> + ‘But, without personal greatness, you never would have had public + liberty,’ said Coningsby. + </p> + <p> + ‘After all, it is civilisation that you are kicking against,’ said + Vavasour. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not understand what you mean by civilisation,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘The progressive development of the faculties of man,’ said Vavasour. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, but what is progressive development?’ said Sidonia; ‘and what are + the faculties of man? If development be progressive, how do you account + for the state of Italy? One will tell you it is superstition, indulgences, + and the Lady of Loretto; yet three centuries ago, when all these + influences were much more powerful, Italy was the soul of Europe. The less + prejudiced, a Puseyite for example, like our friend Vavasour, will assure + us that the state of Italy has nothing to do with the spirit of its + religion, but that it is entirely an affair of commerce; a revolution of + commerce has convulsed its destinies. I cannot forget that the world was + once conquered by Italians who had no commerce. Has the development of + Western Asia been progressive? It is a land of tombs and ruins. Is China + progressive, the most ancient and numerous of existing societies? Is + Europe itself progressive? Is Spain a tithe as great as she was? Is + Germany as great as when she invented printing; as she was under the rule + of Charles the Fifth? France herself laments her relative inferiority to + the past. But England flourishes. Is it what you call civilisation that + makes England flourish? Is it the universal development of the faculties + of man that has rendered an island, almost unknown to the ancients, the + arbiter of the world? Clearly not. It is her inhabitants that have done + this; it is an affair of race. A Saxon race, protected by an insular + position, has stamped its diligent and methodic character on the century. + And when a superior race, with a superior idea to work and order, + advances, its state will be progressive, and we shall, perhaps, follow the + example of the desolate countries. All is race; there is no other truth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because it includes all others?’ said Lord Henry. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have said it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As for Vavasour’s definition of civilisation,’ said Coningsby, + ‘civilisation was more advanced in ancient than modern times; then what + becomes of the progressive principle? Look at the great centuries of the + Roman Empire! You had two hundred millions of human beings governed by a + jurisprudence so philosophical that we have been obliged to adopt its + laws, and living in perpetual peace. The means of communication, of which + we now make such a boast, were far more vast and extensive in those days. + What were the Great Western and the London and Birmingham to the Appian + and Flaminian roads? After two thousand five hundred years, parts of these + are still used. A man under the Antonines might travel from Paris to + Antioch with as much ease and security as we go from London to York. As + for free trade, there never was a really unshackled commerce except in the + days when the whole of the Mediterranean coasts belonged to one power. + What a chatter there is now about the towns, and how their development is + cited as the peculiarity of the age, and the great security for public + improvement. Why, the Roman Empire was the empire of great cities. Man was + then essentially municipal.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What an empire!’ said Sidonia. ‘All the superior races in all the + superior climes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But how does all this accord with your and Coningsby’s favourite theory + of the influence of individual character?’ said Vavasour to Sidonia; + ‘which I hold, by-the-bye,’ he added rather pompously, ‘to be entirely + futile.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is individual character but the personification of race,’ said + Sidonia, ‘its perfection and choice exemplar? Instead of being an + inconsistency, the belief in the influence of the individual is a + corollary of the original proposition.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I look upon a belief in the influence of individual character as a + barbarous superstition,’ said Vavasour. + </p> + <p> + ‘Vavasour believes that there would be no heroes if there were a police,’ + said Coningsby; ‘but I believe that civilisation is only fatal to + minstrels, and that is the reason now we have no poets.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How do you account for the Polish failure in 1831?’ said Lord Marney. + ‘They had a capital army, they were backed by the population, but they + failed. They had everything but a man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why were the Whigs smashed in 1834,’ said Coningsby, ‘but because they + had not a man?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is the real explanation of the state of Mexico?’ said Sidonia. ‘It + has not a man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So much for progress since the days of Charles the Fifth,’ said Henry + Sydney. ‘The Spaniards then conquered Mexico, and now they cannot govern + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So much for race,’ said Vavasour. ‘The race is the same; why are not the + results the same?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because it is worn out,’ said Sidonia. ‘Why do not the Ethiopians build + another Thebes, or excavate the colossal temples of the cataracts? The + decay of a race is an inevitable necessity, unless it lives in deserts and + never mixes its blood.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Sweet Sympathy</i> +</pre> + <p> + I AM sorry, my dear mother, that I cannot accompany you; but I must go + down to my yacht this morning, and on my return from Greenwich I have an + engagement.’ + </p> + <p> + This was said about a week after the dinner at Sidonia’s, by Lord + Montacute to the duchess. ‘That terrible yacht!’ thought the duchess. Her + Grace, a year ago, had she been aware of it, would have deemed Tancred’s + engagement as fearful an affair. The idea that her son should have called + every day for a week on a married lady, beautiful and attractive, would + have filled her with alarm amounting almost to horror. Yet such was the + innocent case. It might at the first glance seem difficult to reconcile + the rival charms of the Basilisk and Lady Bertie and Bellair, and to + understand how Tancred could be so interested in the preparations for a + voyage which was to bear him from the individual in whose society he found + a daily gratification. But the truth is, that Lady Bertie and Bellair was + the only person who sympathised with his adventure. + </p> + <p> + She listened with the liveliest concern to his account of all his + progress; she even made many admirable suggestions, for Lady Bertie and + Bellair had been a frequent visitor at Cowes, and was quite initiated in + the mysteries of the dilettante service of the Yacht Club. She was a + capital sailor; at least she always told Tancred so. But this was not the + chief source of sympathy, or the principal bond of union, between them. It + was not the voyage, so much as the object of the voyage, that touched all + the passion of Lady Bertie and Bellair. Her heart was at Jerusalem. The + sacred city was the dream of her life; and, amid the dissipations of May + Fair and the distractions of Belgravia, she had in fact all this time only + been thinking of Jehoshaphat and Sion. Strange coincidence of sentiment—strange + and sweet! + </p> + <p> + The enamoured Montacute hung over her with pious rapture, as they examined + together Mr. Roberts’s Syrian drawings, and she alike charmed and + astonished him by her familiarity with every locality and each detail. She + looked like a beautiful prophetess as she dilated with solemn enthusiasm + on the sacred scene. Tancred called on her every day, because when he + called the first time he had announced his immediate departure, and so had + been authorised to promise that he would pay his respects to her every day + till he went. It was calculated that by these means, that is to say three + or four visits, they might perhaps travel through Mr. Roberts’s views + together before he left England, which would facilitate their + correspondence, for Tancred had engaged to write to the only person in the + world worthy of receiving his letters. But, though separated, Lady Bertie + and Bellair would be with him in spirit; and once she sighed and seemed to + murmur that if his voyage could only be postponed awhile, she might in a + manner become his fellow-pilgrim, for Lord Bertie, a great sportsman, had + a desire to kill antelopes, and, wearied with the monotonous slaughter of + English preserves, tired even of the eternal moors, had vague thoughts of + seeking new sources of excitement amid the snipes of the Grecian marshes, + and the deer and wild boars of the desert and the Syrian hills. + </p> + <p> + While his captain was repeating his inquiries for instructions on the deck + of the Basilisk at Greenwich, moored off the Trafalgar Hotel, Tancred fell + into reveries of female pilgrims kneeling at the Holy Sepulchre by his + side; then started, gave a hurried reply, and drove back quickly to town, + to pass the remainder of the morning in Brook Street. + </p> + <p> + The two or three days had expanded into two or three weeks, and Tancred + continued to call daily on Lady Bertie and Bellair, to say farewell. It + was not wonderful: she was the only person in London who understood him; + so she delicately intimated, so he profoundly felt. They had the same + ideas; they must have the same idiosyncrasy. The lady asked with a sigh + why they had not met before; Tancred found some solace in the thought that + they had at least become acquainted. There was something about this lady + very interesting besides her beauty, her bright intelligence, and her + seraphic thoughts. She was evidently the creature of impulse; to a certain + degree perhaps the victim of her imagination. She seemed misplaced in + life. The tone of the century hardly suited her refined and romantic + spirit. Her ethereal nature seemed to shrink from the coarse reality which + invades in our days even the boudoirs of May Fair. + </p> + <p> + There was something in her appearance and the temper of her being which + rebuked the material, sordid, calculating genius of our reign of Mammon. + </p> + <p> + Her presence in this world was a triumphant vindication of the claims of + beauty and of sentiment. It was evident that she was not happy; for, + though her fair brow always lighted up when she met the glance of Tancred, + it was impossible not to observe that she was sometimes strangely + depressed, often anxious and excited, frequently absorbed in reverie. Yet + her vivid intelligence, the clearness and precision of her thought and + fancy, never faltered. In the unknown yet painful contest, the + intellectual always triumphed. It was impossible to deny that she was a + woman of great ability. + </p> + <p> + Nor could it for a moment be imagined that these fitful moods were merely + the routine intimations that her domestic hearth was not as happy as it + deserved to be. On the contrary, Lord and Lady Bertie and Bellair were the + very best friends; she always spoke of her husband with interest and + kindness; they were much together, and there evidently existed between + them mutual confidence. His lordship’s heart, indeed, was not at + Jerusalem; and perhaps this want of sympathy on a subject of such rare and + absorbing interest might account for the occasional musings of his wife, + taking refuge in her own solitary and devoutly passionate soul. But this + deficiency on the part of his lordship could scarcely be alleged against + him as a very heinous fault; it is far from usual to find a British noble + who on such a topic entertains the notions and sentiments of Lord + Montacute; almost as rare to find a British peeress who could respond to + them with the same fervour and facility as the beautiful Lady Bertie and + Bellair. The life of a British peer is mainly regulated by Arabian laws + and Syrian customs at this moment; but, while he sabbatically abstains + from the debate or the rubber, or regulates the quarterly performance of + his judicial duties in his province by the advent of the sacred festivals, + he thinks little of the land and the race who, under the immediate + superintendence of the Deity, have by their sublime legislation + established the principle of periodic rest to man, or by their deeds and + their dogmas, commemorated by their holy anniversaries, have elevated the + condition and softened the lot of every nation except their own. + </p> + <p> + ‘And how does Tancred get on?’ asked Lord Eskdale one morning of the + Duchess of Bellamont, with a dry smile. ‘I understand that, instead of + going to Jerusalem, he is going to give us a fish dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + The Duchess of Bellamont had made the acquaintance of Lady Bertie and + Bellair, and was delighted with her, although her Grace had been told that + Lord Montacute called upon her every day. The proud, intensely proper, and + highly prejudiced Duchess of Bellamont took the most charitable view of + this sudden and fervent friendship. A female friend, who talked about + Jerusalem, but kept her son in London, was in the present estimation of + the duchess a real treasure, the most interesting and admirable of her + sex. Their intimacy was satisfactorily accounted for by the invaluable + information which she imparted to Tancred; what he was to see, do, eat, + drink; how he was to avoid being poisoned and assassinated, escape fatal + fevers, regularly attend the service of the Church of England in countries + where there were no churches, and converse in languages of which he had no + knowledge. He could not have a better counsellor than Lady Bertie, who had + herself travelled, at least to the Faubourg St. Honoré, and, as Horace + Walpole says, after Calais nothing astonishes. Certainly Lady Bertie had + not been herself to Jerusalem, but she had read about it, and every other + place. The duchess was delighted that Tancred had a companion who + interested him. With all the impulse of her sanguine temperament, she had + already accustomed herself to look upon the long-dreaded yacht as a toy, + and rather an amusing one, and was daily more convinced of the prescient + shrewdness of her cousin, Lord Eskdale. + </p> + <p> + Tancred was going to give them a fish dinner! A what? A sort of banquet + which might have served for the marriage feast of Neptune and Amphitrite, + and be commemorated by a constellation; and which ought to have been + administered by the Nereids and the Naiads; terrines of turtle, pools of + water <i>souchée</i>, flounders of every hue, and eels in every shape, + cutlets of salmon, salmis of carp, ortolans represented by whitebait, and + huge roasts carved out of the sturgeon. The appetite is distracted by the + variety of objects, and tantalised by the restlessness of perpetual + solicitation; not a moment of repose, no pause for enjoyment; eventually, + a feeling of satiety, without satisfaction, and of repletion without + sustenance; till, at night, gradually recovering from the whirl of the + anomalous repast, famished yet incapable of flavour, the tortured memory + can only recall with an effort, that it has dined off pink champagne and + brown bread and butter! + </p> + <p> + What a ceremony to be presided over by Tancred of Montacute; who, if he + deigned to dine at all, ought to have dined at no less a round table than + that of King Arthur. What a consummation of a sublime project! What a + catastrophe of a spiritual career! A Greenwich party and a tavern bill! + </p> + <p> + All the world now is philosophical, and therefore they can account for + this disaster. Without doubt we are the creatures of circumstances; and, + if circumstances take the shape of a charming woman, who insists upon + sailing in your yacht, which happens to to be at Blackwall or Greenwich, + it is not easy to discover how the inevitable consequences can be avoided. + It would hardly do, off the Nore, to present your mistress with a sea-pie, + or abruptly remind your farewell friends and sorrowing parents of their + impending loss by suddenly serving up soup hermetically sealed, and + roasting the embalmed joint, which ought only to have smoked amid the + ruins of Thebes or by the cataracts of Nubia. + </p> + <p> + There are, however, two sides of every picture; a party may be pleasant, + and even a fish dinner not merely a whirl of dishes and a clash of plates. + The guests may be not too numerous, and well assorted; the attendance not + too devoted, yet regardful; the weather may be charming, which is a great + thing, and the giver of the dinner may be charmed, and that is everything. + </p> + <p> + The party to see the Basilisk was not only the most agreeable of the + season, but the most agreeable ever known. They all said so when they came + back. Mr. Vavasour, who was there, went to all his evening parties; to the + assembly by the wife of a minister in Carlton Terrace; to a rout by the + wife of the leader of opposition in Whitehall; to a literary soirée in + Westminster, and a brace of balls in Portman and Belgrave Squares; and + told them all that they were none of them to be compared to the party of + the morning, to which, it must be owned, he had greatly contributed by his + good humour and merry wit. Mrs. Coningsby declared to every one that, if + Lord Monta-cute would take her, she was quite ready to go to Jerusalem; + such a perfect vessel was the Basilisk, and such an admirable sailor was + Mrs. Coningsby, which, considering that the river was like a mill-pond, + according to Tancred’s captain, or like a mirror, according to Lady Bertie + and Bellair, was not surprising. The duke protested that he was quite glad + that Mon-tacute had taken to yachting, it seemed to agree with him so + well; and spoke of his son’s future movements as if there were no such + place as Palestine in the world. The sanguine duchess dreamed of Cowes + regattas, and resolved to agree to any arrangement to meet her son’s + fancy, provided he would stay at home, which she convinced herself he had + now resolved to do. + </p> + <p> + ‘Our cousin is so wise,’ she said to her husband, as they were returning. + ‘What could the bishop mean by saying that Tancred was a visionary? I + agree with you, George, there is no counsellor like a man of the world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish M. de Sidonia had come,’ said Lady Bertie and Bellair, gazing from + the window of the Trafalgar on the moonlit river with an expression of + abstraction, and speaking in a tone almost of melancholy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I also wish it, since you do,’ said Tancred. ‘But they say he goes + nowhere. It was almost presumptuous in me to ask him, yet I did so because + you wished it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never shall know him,’ said Lady Bertie and Bellair, with some + vexation. + </p> + <p> + ‘He interests you,’ said Tancred, a little piqued. + </p> + <p> + ‘I had so many things to say to him,’ said her ladyship. + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ said Tancred; and then he continued, ‘I offered him every + inducement to come, for I told him it was to meet you; but perhaps if he + had known that you had so many things to say to him, he might have + relented.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So many things! Oh! yes. You know he has been a great traveller; he has + been everywhere; he has been at Jerusalem.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fortunate man!’ exclaimed Tancred, half to himself. ‘Would I were there!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would we were there, you mean,’ said Lady Bertie, in a tone of exquisite + melody, and looking at Tancred with her rich, charged eyes. + </p> + <p> + His heart trembled; he was about to give utterance to some wild words, but + they died upon his lips. Two great convictions shared his being: the + absolute necessity of at once commencing his pilgrimage, and the + persuasion that life, without the constant presence of this sympathising + companion, must be intolerable. What was to be done? In his long reveries, + where he had brooded over so many thoughts, some only of which he had as + yet expressed to mortal ear, Tancred had calculated, as he believed, every + combination of obstacle which his projects might have to encounter; but + one, it now seemed, he had entirely omitted, the influence of woman. Why + was he here? Why was he not away? Why had he not departed? The reflection + was intolerable; it seemed to him even disgraceful. The being who would be + content with nothing less than communing with celestial powers in sacred + climes, standing at a tavern window gazing on the moonlit mudbanks of the + barbarous Thames, a river which neither angel nor prophet had ever + visited! Before him, softened by the hour, was the Isle of Dogs! The Isle + of Dogs! It should at least be Cyprus! + </p> + <p> + The carriages were announced; Lady Bertie and Bellair placed her arm in + his. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Crusader Receives a Shock</i> +</pre> + <p> + TANCRED passed a night of great disquiet. His mind was agitated, his + purposes indefinite; his confidence in himself seemed to falter. Where was + that strong will that had always sustained him? that faculty of instant + decision which had given such vigour to his imaginary deeds? A shadowy + haze had suffused his heroic idol, duty, and he could not clearly + distinguish either its form or its proportions. Did he wish to go to the + Holy Land or not? What a question? Had it come to that? Was it possible + that he could whisper such an enquiry, even to his midnight soul? He did + wish to go to the Holy Land; his purpose was not in the least faltering; + he most decidedly wished to go to the Holy Land, but he wished also to go + thither in the company of Lady Bertie and Bellair. + </p> + <p> + Tancred could not bring himself to desert the only being perhaps in + England, excepting himself, whose heart was at Jerusalem; and that being a + woman! There seemed something about it unknightly, unkind and cowardly, + almost base. Lady Bertie was a heroine worthy of ancient Christendom + rather than of enlightened Europe. In the old days, truly the good old + days, when the magnetic power of Western Asia on the Gothic races had been + more puissant, her noble yet delicate spirit might have been found beneath + the walls of Ascalon or by the purple waters of Tyre. When Tancred first + met her, she was dreaming of Palestine amid her frequent sadness; he could + not, utterly void of all self-conceit as he was, be insensible to the fact + that his sympathy, founded on such a divine congeniality, had often chased + the cloud from her brow and lightened the burthen of her drooping spirit. + If she were sad before, what would she be now, deprived of the society of + the only being to whom she could unfold the spiritual mysteries of her + romantic soul? Was such a character to be left alone in this world of + slang and scrip; of coarse motives and coarser words? Then, too, she was + so intelligent and so gentle; the only person who understood him, and + never grated for an instant on his high ideal. Her temper also was the + sweetest in the world, eminent as her generous spirit. She spoke of others + with so much kindness, and never indulged in that spirit of detraction or + that love of personal gossip which Tancred had frankly told her he + abhorred. Somehow or other it seemed that their tastes agreed on + everything. + </p> + <p> + The agitated Tancred rose from the bed where the hope of slumber was vain. + The fire in his dressing-room was nearly extinguished; wrapped in his + chamber robe, he threw himself into a chair, which he drew near the + expiring embers, and sighed. + </p> + <p> + Unhappy youth! For you commences that great hallucination, which all must + prove, but which fortunately can never be repeated, and which, in mockery, + we call first love. The physical frame has its infantile disorders; the + cough which it must not escape, the burning skin which it must encounter. + The heart has also its childish and cradle malady, which may be fatal, but + which, if once surmounted, enables the patient to meet with becoming power + all the real convulsions and fevers of passion that are the heirloom of + our after-life. They, too, may bring destruction; but, in their case, the + cause and the effect are more proportioned. The heroine is real, the + sympathy is wild but at least genuine, the catastrophe is that of a ship + at sea which sinks with a rich cargo in a noble venture. + </p> + <p> + In our relations with the softer sex it cannot be maintained that + ignorance is bliss. On the contrary, experience is the best security for + enduring love. Love at first sight is often a genial and genuine + sentiment, but first love at first sight is ever eventually branded as + spurious. Still more so is that first love which suffuses less rapidly the + spirit of the ecstatic votary, when he finds that by degrees his feelings, + as the phrase runs, have become engaged. Fondness is so new to him that he + has repaid it with exaggerated idolatry, and become intoxicated by the + novel gratification of his vanity. Little does he suspect that all this + time his seventh heaven is but the crapulence of self-love. In these + cases, it is not merely that everything is exaggerated, but everything is + factitious. Simultaneously, the imaginary attributes of the idol + disappearing, and vanity being satiated, all ends in a crash of + iconoclastic surfeit. + </p> + <p> + The embers became black, the night air had cooled the turbulent blood of + Lord Montacute, he shivered, returned to his couch, and found a deep and + invigorating repose. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, about two hours after noon, Tancred called on Lady + Bertie. As he drove up to the door, there came forth from it the foreigner + who was her companion in the city fray when Tancred first saw her and went + to her rescue. He recognised Lord Montacute, and bowed with much ceremony, + though with a certain grace and bearing. He was a man whose wrinkled + visage strangely contrasted with his still gallant figure, scrupulously + attired; a blue frock-coat with a ribboned button-hole, a well-turned + boot, hat a little too hidalgoish, but quite new. There was something + respectable and substantial about him, notwithstanding his moustaches, and + a carriage a degree too debonair for his years. He did not look like a + carbonaro or a refugee. Who could he be? + </p> + <p> + Tancred had asked himself this question before. This was not the first + time that he had encountered this distinguished foreigner since their + first meeting. Tancred had seen him before this, quitting the door of Lord + Bertie and Bellair; had stumbled over him before this, more than once, on + the staircase; once, to his surprise, had met him as he entered the + personal saloon of Lady Bertie. As it was evident, on that occasion, that + his visit had been to the lady, it was thought necessary to say something, + and he had been called the Baron, and described, though in a somewhat + flurried and excited manner, as a particular friend, a person in whom they + had the most entire confidence, who had been most kind to them at Paris, + putting them in the way of buying the rarest china for nothing, and who + was now over here on some private business of his own, of great + importance. The Bertie and Bellairs felt immense interest in his + exertions, and wished him every success; Lord Bertie particularly. It was + not at all surprising, considering the innumerable kindnesses they had + experienced at his hands, was it? + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing more natural,’ replied Tancred; and he turned the conversation. + </p> + <p> + Lady Bertie was much depressed this morning, so much so that it was + impossible for Tancred not to notice her unequal demeanour. Her hand + trembled as he touched it; her face, flushed when he entered, became + deadly pale. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are not well,’ he said. ‘I fear the open carriage last night has made + you already repent our expedition.’ + </p> + <p> + She shook her head. It was not the open carriage, which was delightful, + nor the expedition, which was enchanting, that had affected her. Would + that life consisted only of such incidents, of barouches and whitebait + banquets! Alas! no, it was not these. But she was nervous, her slumbers + had been disquieted, she had encountered alarming dreams; she had a + profound conviction that something terrible was impending over her. And + Tancred took her hand, to prevent, if possible, what appeared to be + inevitable hysterics. But Lady Bertie and Bellair was a strong-minded + woman, and she commanded herself. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can bear anything,’ said Tancred, in a trembling voice, ‘but to see you + unhappy.’ And he drew his chair nearer to hers. + </p> + <p> + Her face was hid, her beautiful face in her beautiful hand. There was + silence and then a sigh. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear lady,’ said Lord Montacute. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is it?’ murmured Lady Bertie and Bellair. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why do you sigh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because I am miserable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no, don’t use such words,’ said the distracted Tancred. ‘You must + not be miserable; you shall not be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Can I help it? Are we not about to part?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We need not part,’ he said, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you will remain?’ she said, looking up, and her dark brown eyes were + fixed with all their fascination on the tortured Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘Till we all go,’ he said, in a soothing voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘That can never be,’ said Lady Bertie; ‘Augustus will never hear of it; he + never could be absent more than six weeks from London, he misses his clubs + so. If Jerusalem were only a place one could get at, something might be + done; if there were a railroad to it for example.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A railroad!’ exclaimed Tancred, with a look of horror. ‘A railroad to + Jerusalem!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I suppose there never can be one,’ continued Lady Bertie, in a musing + tone. ‘There is no traffic. And I am the victim,’ she added, in a + thrilling voice; I am left here among people who do not comprehend me, and + among circumstances with which I can have no sympathy. But go, Lord + Montacute, go, and be happy, alone. I ought to have been prepared for all + this; you have not deceived me. You told me from the first you were a + pilgrim, but I indulged in a dream. I believe that I should not only visit + Palestine, but even visit it with you.’ And she leant back in her chair + and covered her face with her hands. + </p> + <p> + Tancred rose from his seat, and paced the chamber. His heart seemed to + burst. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is all this?’ he thought. ‘How came all this to occur? How has + arisen this singular combination of unforeseen causes and undreamed-of + circumstances, which baffles all my plans and resolutions, and seems, as + it were, without my sanction and my agency, to be taking possession of my + destiny and life? I am bewildered, confounded, incapable of thought or + deed.’ + </p> + <p> + His tumultuous reverie was broken by the sobs of Lady Bertie. + </p> + <p> + ‘By heaven, I cannot endure this!’ said Tancred, advancing. ‘Death seems + to me preferable to her un-happiness. Dearest of women!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not call me that,’ she murmured. ‘I can bear anything from your lips + but words of fondness. And pardon all this; I am not myself to-day. I had + thought that I had steeled myself to all, to our inevitable separation; + but I have mistaken myself, at least miscalculated my strength. It is + weak; it is very weak and very foolish, but you must pardon it. I am too + much interested in your career to wish you to delay your departure a + moment for my sake. I can bear our separation, at least I think I can. I + shall quit the world, for ever. I should have done so had we not met. I + was on the point of doing so when we did meet, when, when my dream was at + length realised. Go, go; do not stay. Bless you, and write to me, if I be + alive to receive your letters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot leave her,’ thought the harrowed Tancred. ‘It never shall be + said of me that I could blight a woman’s life, or break her heart.’ But, + just as he was advancing, the door opened, and a servant brought in a + note, and, without looking at Tancred, who had turned to the window, + disappeared. The desolation and despair which had been impressed on the + countenance of Lady Bertie and Bellair vanished in an instant, as she + recognised the handwriting of her correspondent. They were succeeded by an + expression of singular excitement. She tore open the note; a stupor seemed + to spread over her features, and, giving a faint shriek, she fell into a + swoon. + </p> + <p> + Tancred rushed to her side; she was quite insensible, and pale as + alabaster. The note, which was only two lines, was open and extended in + her hands. It was from no idle curiosity, but it was impossible for + Tancred not to read it. He had one of those eagle visions that nothing + could escape, and, himself extremely alarmed, it was the first object at + which he unconsciously glanced in his agitation to discover the cause and + the remedy for this crisis. The note ran thus: + </p> + <p> + <i>‘3 o’clock.’ The Narrow Gauge has won. We are utterly done; and Snicks + tells me you bought five hundred more yesterday, at ten. Is it possible?</i> + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>f.</i>’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it possible?’ echoed Tancred, as, entrusting Lady Bertie to her maid, + he rapidly descended the staircase of her mansion. He almost ran to Davies + Street, where he jumped into a cab, not permitting the driver to descend + to let him in. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where to?’ asked the driver. + </p> + <p> + ‘The city.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What part?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind; near the Bank.’ + </p> + <p> + Alighting from the cab, Tancred hurried to Sequin Court and sent in his + card to Sidonia, who in a few moments received him. As he entered the + great financier’s room, there came out of it the man called in Brook + Street the Baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, how did your dinner go off?’ said Sidonia, looking with some + surprise at the disturbed countenance of Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘It seems very ridiculous, very impertinent I fear you will think it,’ + said Tancred, in a hesitating confused manner, ‘but that person, that + person who has just left the room; I have a particular reason, I have the + greatest desire, to know who that person is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is a French capitalist,’ replied Sidonia, with a slight smile, ‘an + eminent French capitalist, the Baron Villebecque de Château Neuf. He wants + me to support him in a great railroad enterprise in his country: a new + line to Strasbourg, and looks to a great traffic, I suppose, in pasties. + But this cannot much interest you. What do you want really to know about + him? I can tell you everything. I have been acquainted with him for years. + He was the intendant of Lord Monmouth, who left him thirty thousand + pounds, and he set up upon this at Paris as a millionaire. He is in the + way of becoming one, has bought lands, is a deputy and a baron. He is + rather a favourite of mine,’ added Sidonia, ‘and I have been able, + perhaps, to assist him, for I knew him long before Lord Monmouth did, in a + very different position from that which he now fills, though not one for + which I have less respect. He was a fine comic actor in the courtly parts, + and the most celebrated manager in Europe; always a fearful speculator, + but he is an honest fellow, and has a good heart.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is a great friend of Lady Bertie and Bellair,’ said Tancred, rather + hesitatingly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Naturally,’ said Sidonia. + </p> + <p> + ‘She also,’ said Tancred, with a becalmed countenance, but a palpitating + heart, ‘is, I believe, much interested in railroads?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is the most inveterate female gambler in Europe,’ said Sidonia, + ‘whatever shape her speculations take. Villebecque is a great ally of + hers. He always had a weakness for the English aristocracy, and remembers + that he owed his fortune to one of them. Lady Bertie was in great + tribulation this year at Paris: that was the reason she did not come over + before Easter; and Villebecque extricated her from a scrape. He would + assist her now if he could. By-the-bye, the day that I had the pleasure of + making your acquaintance, she was here with Villebecque, an hour at my + door, but I could not see her; she pesters me, too, with her letters. But + I do not like feminine finance. I hope the worthy baron will be discreet + in his alliance with her, for her affairs, which I know, as I am obliged + to know every one’s, happen to be at this moment most critical.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am trespassing on you,’ said Tancred, after a painful pause, ‘but I am + about to set sail.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To-morrow; to-day, if I could; and you were so kind as to promise me——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A letter of introduction and a letter of credit. I have not forgotten, + and I will write them for you at once.’ And Sidonia took up his pen and + wrote: + </p> + <p> + A Letter of Introduction. + </p> + <p> + To Alonzo Lara, Spanish Prior, at the Convent of Terra Santa at Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + ‘Most holy Father: The youth who will deliver to you this is a pilgrim who + aspires to penetrate the great Asian mystery. Be to him what you were to + me; and may the God of Sinai, in whom we all believe, guard over you, and + prosper his enterprise! + </p> + <p> + ‘Sidonia. ‘London, May, 1845.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You can read Spanish,’ said Sidonia, giving him the letter. ‘The other I + shall write in Hebrew, which you will soon read.’ + </p> + <p> + A Letter of Credit. + </p> + <p> + To Adam Besso at Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + ‘London, May, 1845. ‘My good Adam: If the youth who bears this require + advances, let him have as much gold as would make the right-hand lion on + the first step of the throne of Solomon the king; and if he want more, let + him have as much as would form the lion that is on the left; and so on, + through every stair of the royal seat. For all which will be responsible + to you the child of Israel, who among the Gentiles is called + </p> + <p> + ‘Sidonia.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Jerusalem by Moonlight</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE broad moon lingers on the summit of Mount Olivet, but its beam has + long left the garden of Gethsemane and the tomb of Absalom, the waters of + Kedron and the dark abyss of Jehoshaphat. Full falls its splendour, + however, on the opposite city, vivid and defined in its silver blaze. A + lofty wall, with turrets and towers and frequent gates, undulates with the + unequal ground which it covers, as it encircles the lost capital of + Jehovah. It is a city of hills, far more famous than those of Rome: for + all Europe has heard of Sion and of Calvary, while the Arab and the + Assyrian, and the tribes and nations beyond, are as ignorant of the + Capitolian and Aventine Mounts as they are of the Malvern or the Chiltern + Hills. + </p> + <p> + The broad steep of Sion crowned with the tower of David; nearer still, + Mount Moriah, with the gorgeous temple of the God of Abraham, but built, + alas! by the child of Hagar, and not by Sarah’s chosen one; close to its + cedars and its cypresses, its lofty spires and airy arches, the moonlight + falls upon Bethesda’s pool; further on, entered by the gate of St. + Stephen, the eye, though ‘tis the noon of night, traces with ease the + Street of Grief, a long winding ascent to a vast cupolaed pile that now + covers Calvary, called the Street of Grief because there the most + illustrious of the human, as well as of the Hebrew, race, the descendant + of King David, and the divine Son of the most favoured of women, twice + sank under that burden of suffering and shame which is now throughout all + Christendom the emblem of triumph and of honour; passing over groups and + masses of houses built of stone, with terraced roofs, or surmounted with + small domes, we reach the hill of Salem, where Melchisedek built his + mystic citadel; and still remains the hill of Scopas, where Titus gazed + upon Jerusalem on the eve of his final assault. Titus destroyed the + temple. The religion of Judaea has in turn subverted the fanes which were + raised to his father and to himself in their imperial capital; and the God + of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob is now worshipped before every altar in + Rome. + </p> + <p> + Jerusalem by moonlight! ‘Tis a fine spectacle, apart from all its + indissoluble associations of awe and beauty. The mitigating hour softens + the austerity of a mountain landscape magnificent in outline, however + harsh and severe in detail; and, while it retains all its sublimity, + removes much of the savage sternness of the strange and unrivalled scene. + A fortified city, almost surrounded by ravines, and rising in the centre + of chains of far-spreading hills, occasionally offering, through their + rocky glens, the gleams of a distant and richer land! + </p> + <p> + The moon has sunk behind the Mount of Olives, and the stars in the darker + sky shine doubly bright over the sacred city. The all-pervading stillness + is broken by a breeze that seems to have travelled over the plain of + Sharon from the sea. It wails among the tombs, and sighs among the cypress + groves. The palm-tree trembles as it passes, as if it were a spirit of + woe. Is it the breeze that has travelled over the plain of Sharon from the + sea? + </p> + <p> + Or is it the haunting voice of prophets mourning over the city that they + could not save? Their spirits surely would linger on the land where their + Creator had deigned to dwell, and over whose impending fate Omnipotence + had shed human tears. From this Mount! Who can but believe that, at the + midnight hour, from the summit of the Ascension, the great departed of + Israel assemble to gaze upon the battlements of their mystic city? There + might be counted heroes and sages, who need shrink from no rivalry with + the brightest and the wisest of other lands; but the lawgiver of the time + of the Pharaohs, whose laws are still obeyed; the monarch, whose reign has + ceased for three thousand years, but whose wisdom is a proverb in all + nations of the earth; the teacher, whose doctrines have modelled civilised + Europe; the greatest of legislators, the greatest of administrators, and + the greatest of reformers; what race, extinct or living, can produce three + such men as these? + </p> + <p> + The last light is extinguished in the village of Bethany. The wailing + breeze has become a moaning wind; a white film spreads over the purple + sky; the stars are veiled, the stars are hid; all becomes as dark as the + waters of Kedron and the valley of Jehosha-phat. The tower of David merges + into obscurity; no longer glitter the minarets of the mosque of Omar; + Bethesda’s angelic waters, the gate of Stephen, the street of sacred + sorrow, the hill of Salem, and the heights of Scopas can no longer be + discerned. Alone in the increasing darkness, while the very line of the + walls gradually eludes the eye, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a + beacon light. + </p> + <p> + And why is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre a beacon light? Why, when is + it already past the noon of darkness, when every soul slumbers in + Jerusalem, and not a sound disturbs the deep repose, except the howl of + the wild dog crying to the wilder wind; why is the cupola of the sanctuary + illumined, though the hour has long since been numbered when pilgrims + there kneel and monks pray? + </p> + <p> + An armed Turkish guard are bivouacked in the court of the Church; within + the Church itself, two brethren of the convent of Terra Santa keep holy + watch and ward; while, at the tomb beneath, there kneels a solitary youth, + who prostrated himself at sunset, and who will there pass unmoved the + whole of the sacred night. + </p> + <p> + Yet the pilgrim is not in communion with the Latin Church; neither is he + of the Church Armenian, or the Church Greek; Maronite, Coptic, or + Abyssinian; these also are Christian churches which cannot call him child. + </p> + <p> + He comes from a distant and a northern isle to bow before the tomb of a + descendant of the kings of Israel, because he, in common with all the + people of that isle, recognises in that sublime Hebrew incarnation the + presence of a Divine Redeemer. Then why does he come alone? It is not that + he has availed himself of the inventions of modern science to repair first + to a spot which all his countrymen may equally desire to visit, and thus + anticipate their hurrying arrival. Before the inventions of modern + science, all his countrymen used to flock hither. Then why do they not + now? Is the Holy Land no longer hallowed? Is it not the land of sacred and + mysterious truths? The land of heavenly messages and earthly miracles? The + land of prophets and apostles? Is it not the land upon whose mountains the + Creator of the Universe parleyed with man, and the flesh of whose anointed + race He mystically assumed, when He struck the last blow at the powers of + evil? Is it to be believed that there are no peculiar and eternal + qualities in a land thus visited, which distinguish it from all others? + That Palestine is like Normandy or Yorkshire, or even Attica or Rome. + </p> + <p> + There may be some who maintain this; there have been some, and those, too, + among the wisest and the wittiest of the northern and western races, who, + touched by a presumptuous jealousy of the long predominance of that + oriental intellect to which they owed their civilisation, would have + persuaded themselves and the world that the traditions of Sinai and + Calvary were fables. Half a century ago, Europe made a violent and + apparently successful effort to disembarrass itself of its Asian faith. + The most powerful and the most civilised of its kingdoms, about to conquer + the rest, shut up its churches, desecrated its altars, massacred and + persecuted their sacred servants, and announced that the Hebrew creeds + which Simon Peter brought from Palestine, and which his successors + revealed to Clovis, were a mockery and a fiction. What has been the + result? In every city, town, village, and hamlet of that great kingdom, + the divine image of the most illustrious of Hebrews has been again raised + amid the homage of kneeling millions; while, in the heart of its bright + and witty capital, the nation has erected the most gorgeous of modern + temples, and consecrated its marble and golden walls to the name, and + memory, and celestial efficacy of a Hebrew woman. + </p> + <p> + The country of which the solitary pilgrim, kneeling at this moment at the + Holy Sepulchre, was a native, had not actively shared in that insurrection + against the first and second Testament which distinguished the end of the + eighteenth century. But, more than six hundred years before, it had sent + its king, and the flower of its peers and people, to rescue Jerusalem from + those whom they considered infidels! and now, instead of the third + crusade, they expend their superfluous energies in the construction of + railroads. + </p> + <p> + The failure of the European kingdom of Jerusalem, on which such vast + treasure, such prodigies of valour, and such ardent belief had been + wasted, has been one of those circumstances which have tended to disturb + the faith of Europe, although it should have carried convictions of a very + different character. The Crusaders looked upon the Saracens as infidels, + whereas the children of the desert bore a much nearer affinity to the + sacred corpse that had, for a brief space, consecrated the Holy Sepulchre, + than any of the invading host of Europe. The same blood flowed in their + veins, and they recognised the divine missions both of Moses and of his + great successor. In an age so deficient in physiological learning as the + twelfth century, the mysteries of race were unknown. Jerusalem, it cannot + be doubted, will ever remain the appanage either of Israel or of Ishmael; + and if, in the course of those great vicissitudes which are no doubt + impending for the East, there be any attempt to place upon the throne of + David a prince of the House of Coburg or Deuxponts, the same fate will + doubtless await him as, with all their brilliant qualities and all the + sympathy of Europe, was the final doom of the Godfreys, the Baldwins, and + the Lusignans. + </p> + <p> + Like them, the ancestor of the kneeling pilgrim had come to Jerusalem with + his tall lance and his burnished armour; but his descendant, though not + less daring and not less full of faith, could profit by the splendid but + fruitless achievements of the first Tancred de Montacute. Our hero came on + this new crusade with an humble and contrite spirit, to pour forth his + perplexities and sorrows on the tomb of his Redeemer, and to ask counsel + of the sacred scenes which the presence of that Redeemer and his great + predecessors had consecrated. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Gathering of Sages</i> +</pre> + <p> + NEAR the gate of Sion there is a small, still, hilly street, the houses of + which, as is general in the East, present to the passenger, with the + exception of an occasional portal, only blank walls, built, as they are at + Jerusalem, of stone, and very lofty. These walls commonly enclose a court, + and, though their exterior offers always a sombre and often squalid + appearance, it by no means follows that within you may not be welcomed + with cheerfulness and even luxury. + </p> + <p> + At this moment a man in the Syrian dress, turban and flowing robe, is + passing through one of the gateways of this street, and entering the large + quadrangle to which it leads. It is surrounded by arcades; on one side + indications of commerce, piles of chests, cases, and barrels; the other + serving for such simple stables as are sufficient in the East. Crossing + this quadrangle, the stranger passed by a corridor into a square garden of + orange and lemon trees and fountains. This garden court was surrounded by + inhabited chambers, and, at the end of it, passing through a low arch at + the side, and then mounting a few steps, he was at once admitted into a + spacious and stately chamber. Its lofty ceiling was vaulted and lightly + painted in arabesque; its floor was of white marble, varied with mosaics + of fruit and flowers; it was panelled with cedar, and in six of the + principal panels were Arabic inscriptions emblazoned in blue and gold. At + the top of this hall, and ranging down its two sides, was a divan or seat, + raised about one foot from the ground, and covered with silken cushions; + and the marble floor before this divan was spread at intervals with small + bright Persian carpets. + </p> + <p> + In this chamber some half dozen persons were seated in the Eastern + fashion, and smoking either the choice tobaccoes of Syria through the + cherry-wood or jasmine tube of a Turkish or Egyptian chibouque, or + inhaling through rose-water the more artificial flavour of the nargileh, + which is the hookah of the Levant. If a guest found his pipe exhausted, he + clapped his hands, and immediately a negro page appeared, dressed in + scarlet or in white, and, learning his pleasure, returned in a few + moments, and bowing presented him with a fresh and illumined chibouque. At + intervals, these attendants appeared without a summons, and offered cups + of Mocha coffee or vases of sherbet. + </p> + <p> + The lord of this divan, who was seated at the upper end of the room, + reclining on embroidered cushions of various colours, and using a nargileh + of fine workmanship, was a man much above the common height, being at + least six feet two without his red cap of Fez, though so well + proportioned, that you would not at the first glance give him credit for + such a stature. He was extremely handsome, retaining ample remains of one + of those countenances of blended regularity and lustre which are found + only in the cradle of the human race. Though he was fifty years of age, + time had scarcely brought a wrinkle to his still brilliant complexion, + while his large, soft, dark eyes, his arched brow, his well-proportioned + nose, his small mouth and oval cheek presented altogether one of those + faces which, in spite of long centuries of physical suffering and moral + degradation, still haunt the cities of Asia Minor, the isles of Greece, + and the Syrian coasts. It is the archetype of manly beauty, the tradition + of those races who have wandered the least from Paradise; and who, + notwithstanding many vicissitudes and much misery, are still acted upon by + the same elemental agencies as influenced the Patriarchs; are warmed by + the same sun, freshened by the same air, and nourished by the same earth + as cheered and invigorated and sustained the earlier generations. The + costume of the East certainly does not exaggerate the fatal progress of + time; if a figure becomes too portly, the flowing robe conceals the + incumbrance which is aggravated by a western dress; he, too, who wears a + turban has little dread of grey hairs; a grizzly beard indeed has few + charms, but whether it were the lenity of time or the skill of his barber + in those arts in which Asia is as experienced as Europe, the beard of the + master of the divan became the rest of his appearance, and flowed to his + waist in rich dark curls, lending additional dignity to a countenance of + which the expression was at the same time grand and benignant. + </p> + <p> + Upon the right of the master of the divan was, smoking a jasmine pipe, + Scheriff Effendi, an Egyptian merchant, of Arab race, a dark face in a + white turban, mild and imperturbable, and seated as erect on his crossed + legs as if he were administering justice; a remarkable contrast to the + individual who was on the left of the host, who might have been mistaken + for a mass of brilliant garments huddled together, had not the gurgling + sound of the nargileh occasionally assured the spectator that it was + animated by human breath. This person was apparently lying on his back, + his face hid, his form not to be traced, a wild confusion of shawls and + cushions, out of which, like some wily and dangerous reptile, glided the + spiral involutions of his pipe. Next to the invisible sat a little wiry + man with a red nose, sparkling eyes, and a white beard. His black turban + intimated that he was a Hebrew, and indeed he was well known as Barizy of + the Tower, a description which he had obtained from his residence near the + Tower of David, and which distinguished him from his cousin, who was + called Barizy of the Gate. Further on an Armenian from Stamboul, in his + dark robes and black protuberant head-dress, resembling a colossal + truffle, solaced himself with a cherry stick which reminded him of the + Bosphorus, and he found a companion in this fashion in the young officer + of a French brig-of-war anchored at Beiroot, and who had obtained leave to + visit the Holy Land, as he was anxious to see the women of Bethlehem, of + whose beauty he had heard much. + </p> + <p> + As the new comer entered the hall, he shuffled off his slippers at the + threshold, and then advancing, and pressing a hand to his brow, his mouth + and his heart, a salutation which signifies that in thought, speech, and + feeling he was faithful to his host, and which salutation was immediately + returned, he took his seat upon the divan, and the master of the house, + letting the flexible tube of his nargileh fall on one of the cushions, and + clapping his hands, a page immediately brought a pipe to the new guest. + This was Signor Pasqualigo, one of those noble Venetian names that every + now and then turn up in the Levant, and borne in the present case by a + descendant of a family who for centuries had enjoyed a monopoly of some of + the smaller consular offices of the Syrian coast. Signor Pasqualigo had + installed his son as deputy in the ambiguous agency at Jaffa, which he + described as a vice-consulate, and himself principally resided at + Jerusalem, of which he was the prime gossip, or second only to his rival, + Barizy of the Tower. He had only taken a preliminary puff of his + chibouque, to be convinced that there was no fear of its being + extinguished, before he said, + </p> + <p> + ‘So there was a fine pilgrimage last night; the Church of the Holy + Sepulchre lighted up from sunset to sunrise, an extra guard in the court, + and only the Spanish prior and two brethren permitted to enter. It must be + 10,000 piastres at least in the coffers of the Terra Santa. Well, they + want something! It is a long time since we have had a Latin pilgrim in El + Khuds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And they say, after all, that this was not a Latin pilgrim,’ said Barizy + of the Tower. + </p> + <p> + ‘He could not have been one of my people,’ said the Armenian, ‘or he never + would have gone to the Holy Sepulchre with the Spanish prior.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Had he been one of your people,’ said Pasqualigo, ‘he could not have paid + 10,000 piastres for a pilgrimage.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure a Greek never would,’ said Barizy, ‘unless he were a Russian + prince.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And a Russian does not care much for rosaries unless they are made of + diamonds,’ said Pasqualigo. + </p> + <p> + ‘As far as I can make out this morning,’ said Barizy of the Tower, ‘it is + a brother of the Queen of England.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was thinking it might be that,’ said Pasqualigo, nettled at his rival’s + early information, ‘the moment I heard he was an Englishman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The English do not believe in the Holy Sepulchre,’ said the Armenian, + calmly. + </p> + <p> + ‘They do not believe in our blessed Saviour,’ said Pasqualigo, ‘but they + do believe in the Holy Sepulchre.’ + </p> + <p> + Pasqualigo’s strong point was theology, and there were few persons in + Jerusalem who on this head ventured to maintain an argument with him. + </p> + <p> + ‘How do you know that the pilgrim is an Englishman?’ asked their host. + </p> + <p> + ‘Because his servants told me so,’ said Pasqualigo. + </p> + <p> + ‘He has got an English general for the principal officer of his + household,’ said Barizy, ‘which looks like blood royal; a very fine man, + who passes the whole day at the English consulate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They have taken a house in the Via Dolorosa,’ said Pasqualigo. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of Hassan Nejed?’ continued Barizy of the Tower, clutching the words out + of his rival’s grasp; ‘Hassan asked five thousand piastres per month, and + they gave it. What think you of that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He must indeed be an Englishman,’ said Scheriff Effendi, taking his pipe + slowly from his mouth. There was a dead silence when he spoke; he was much + respected. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is very young,’ said Barizy of the Tower; ‘younger than the Queen, + which is one reason why he is not on the throne, for in England the eldest + always succeeds, except in moveables, and those always go to the + youngest.’ + </p> + <p> + Barizy of the Tower, though he gave up to Pasqualigo in theology, partly + from delicacy, being a Jew, would yield to no man in Jerusalem in his + knowledge of law. + </p> + <p> + ‘If he goes on at this rate,’ said the Armenian, ‘he will soon spend all + his money; this place is dearer than Stamboul.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no fear of his spending all his money,’ said their host, ‘for + the young man has brought me such a letter that if he were to tell me to + rebuild the temple, I must do it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And who is this young man, Besso?’ exclaimed the Invisible, starting up, + and himself exhibiting a youthful countenance; fair, almost effeminate, no + beard, a slight moustache, his features too delicate, but his brow finely + arched, and his blue eye glittering with fire. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is an English lord,’ said Besso, ‘and one of the greatest; that is all + I know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And why does he come here?’ inquired the youth. ‘The English do not make + pilgrimages.’ ‘Yet you have heard what he has done.’ ‘And why is this + silent Frenchman smoking your Latakia,’ he continued in a low voice. ‘He + comes to Jerusalem at the same time as this Englishman. There is more in + this than meets our eye. You do not know the northern nations. They exist + only in political combinations. You are not a politician, my Besso. Depend + upon it, we shall hear more of this Englishman, and of his doing something + else than praying at the Holy Sepulchre.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It may be so, most noble Emir, but as you say, I am no politician.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would that you were, my Besso! It would be well for you and for all of + us. See now,’ he added in a whisper, ‘that apparently inanimate mass, + Scheriff Effendi—that man has a political head, he understands a + combination, he is going to smuggle me five thousand English muskets into + the desert, he will deliver them to a Bedouin tribe, who have engaged to + convey them safely to the Mountain. There, what do you think of that, my + Besso? Do you know now what are politics? Tell the Rose of Sharon of it. + She will say it is beautiful. Ask the Rose what she thinks of it, my + Besso.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I shall see her to-morrow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have done well; have I not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are satisfied; that is well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not quite, my Besso; but I can be satisfied if you please. You see that + Scheriff Effendi there, sitting like an Afrite; he will not give me the + muskets unless I pay him for them; and the Bedouin chief, he will not + carry the arms unless I give him 10,000 piastres. Now, if you will pay + these people for me, my Besso, and deduct the expenses from my Lebanon + loan when it is negotiated, that would be a great service. Now, now, my + Besso, shall it be done?’ he continued with the coaxing voice and with the + wheedling manner of a girl. ‘You shall have any terms you like, and I will + always love you so, my Besso. Let it be done, let it be done! I will go + down on my knees and kiss your hand before the Frenchman, which will + spread your fame throughout Europe, and make Louis Philippe take you for + the first man in Syria, if you will do it for me. Dear, dear Besso, you + will pay that old camel Scheriff Ef-fendi for me, will you not? and please + the Rose of Sharon as much as me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My prince,’ said Besso, ‘have a fresh pipe; I never can transact business + after sunset.’ + </p> + <p> + The reader will remember that Sidonia had given Tancred a letter of credit + on Besso. He is the same Besso who was the friend at Jerusalem of + Contarini Fleming, and this is the same chamber in which Contarini, his + host, and others who were present, inscribed one night, before their final + separation, certain sentences in the panels of the walls. The original + writing remains, but Besso, as we have already seen, has had the sentences + emblazoned in a manner more permanent and more striking to the eye. They + may, however, be both seen by all those who visit Jerusalem, and who enjoy + the flowing hospitality and experience the boundless benevolence of this + prince of Hebrew merchants. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Gethsemane</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE Christian convents form one of the most remarkable features of modern + Jerusalem. There are three principal ones; the Latin Convent of Terra + Santa, founded, it is believed, during the last crusade, and richly + endowed by the kings of Christendom; the Armenian and the Greek convents, + whose revenues are also considerable, but derived from the numerous + pilgrims of their different churches, who annually visit the Holy + Sepulchre, and generally during their sojourn reside within the walls of + their respective religious houses. To be competent to supply such + accommodation, it will easily be apprehended that they are of considerable + size. They are in truth monastic establishments of the first class, as + large as citadels, and almost as strong. Lofty stone walls enclose an area + of acres, in the centre of which rises an irregular mass of buildings and + enclosures; courts of all shapes, galleries of cells, roofs, terraces, + gardens, corridors, churches, houses, and even streets. Sometimes as many + as five thousand pilgrims have been lodged, fed, and tended during Easter + in one of these convents. + </p> + <p> + Not in that of Terra Santa, of which a Protestant traveller, passing for a + pilgrim, is often the only annual guest; as Tancred at present. In a + whitewashed cell, clean, and sufficiently airy and spacious, Tancred was + lying on an iron bedstead, the only permanent furniture of the chamber, + with the exception of a crucifix, but well suited to the fervent and + procreative clime. He was smoking a Turkish pipe, which stretched nearly + across the apartment, and his Italian attendant, Baroni, on one knee, was + arranging the bowl. ‘I begin rather to like it,’ said Tancred. ‘I am sure + you would, my lord. In this country it is like mother’s milk, nor is it + possible to make way without it. ‘Tis the finest tobacco of Latakia, the + choicest in the world, and I have smoked all. I begged it myself from + Signor Besso, whose divan is renowned, the day I called on him with your + lordship’s letter.’ + </p> + <p> + Saying this, Baroni quickly rose (a man from thirty-two to thirty-five); + rather under the middle height, slender, lithe, and pliant; a long black + beard, cleared off his chin when in Europe, and concealed under his + cravat, but always ready for the Orient; whiskers closely shaved but + strongly marked, sallow, an aquiline nose, white teeth, a sparkling black + eye. His costume entirely white, fashion Mamlouk, that is to say, trousers + of a prodigious width, and a light jacket; a white shawl wound round his + waist, enclosing his dagger; another forming his spreading turban. + Temperament, remarkable vivacity modified by extraordinary experience. + </p> + <p> + Availing himself of the previous permission of his master, Baroni, having + arranged the pipe, seated himself cross-legged on the floor. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what are they doing about the house?’ inquired Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘They will be all stowed to-day,’ replied Baroni. ‘I shall not quit this + place, ‘said Tancred; ‘I wish to be quite undisturbed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be not alarmed, my lord; they are amused. The colonel never quits the + consulate; dines there every day, and tells stories about the Peninsular + war and the Bellamont cavalry, just as he did on board. Mr. Bernard is + always with the English bishop, who is delighted to have an addition to + his congregation, which is not too much, consisting of his own family, the + English and Prussian consuls, and five Jews, whom they have converted at + twenty piastres a-week; but I know they are going to strike for wages. As + for the doctor, he has not a minute to himself. The governor’s wife has + already sent for him; he has been admitted to the harem; has felt all + their pulses without seeing any of their faces, and his medicine chest is + in danger of being exhausted before your lordship requires its aid.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Take care that they are comfortable,’ said Tancred. ‘And what does your + lordship wish to do today?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must go to Gethsemane.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis the shot of an arrow; go out by the gate of Sion, pass through the + Turkish cemetery, cross the Kedron, which is so dry this weather that you + may do so in your slippers, and you will find the remnant of an olive + grove at the base of the mount.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You talk as if you were giving a direction in London.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I knew London as well as I know Jerusalem! This is not a very + great place, and I think I have been here twenty times. Why, I made eight + visits here in ‘40 and ‘41; twice from England, and six times from Egypt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Active work!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! those were times! If the Pasha had taken M. de Sidonia’s advice, in + ‘41, something would have happened in this city——’ And here + Baroni pulled up: ‘Your lordship’s pipe draws easy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well. And when was your first visit here, Baroni?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When M. de Sidonia travelled. I came in his suite from Naples, eighteen + years ago, the next Annunciation of our blessed Lady,’ and he crossed + himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘You must have been very young then?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Young enough; but it was thought, I suppose, that I could light a pipe. + We were seven when we left Naples, all picked men; but I was the only one + who was in Paraguay with M. de Sidonia, and that was nearly the end of our + travels, which lasted five years.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what became of the rest?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Got ill or got stupid; no mercy in either case with M. de Sidonia, packed + off instantly, wherever you may be; whatever money you like, but go you + must. If you were in the middle of the desert, and the least grumbling, + you would be spliced on a camel, and a Bedouin tribe would be hired to + take you to the nearest city, Damascus or Jerusalem, or anywhere, with an + order on Signor Besso, or some other signor, to pay them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you were never invalided?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never; I was young and used to tumble about as long as I can remember + day; but it was sharp practice sometimes; five years of such work as few + men have been through. It educated me and opened my mind amazingly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It seems to have done so,’ said Tancred, quietly. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after this, Tancred, attended by Baroni, passed the gate of Sion. + Not a human being was visible, except the Turkish sentries. It was + midsummer, but no words and no experience of other places can convey an + idea of the canicular heat of Jerusalem. Bengal, Egypt, even Nubia, are + nothing to it; in these countries there are rivers, trees, shade, and + breezes; but Jerusalem at midday in midsummer is a city of stone in a land + of iron with a sky of brass. The wild glare and savage lustre of the + landscape are themselves awful. We have all read of the man who had lost + his shadow; this is a shadowless world. Everything is so flaming and so + clear, that it would remind one of a Chinese painting, but that the scene + is one too bold and wild for the imagination of the Mongol race. + </p> + <p> + ‘There,’ said Baroni, pointing to a group of most ancient olive trees at + the base of the opposite hill, and speaking as if he were showing the way + to Kensington, ‘there is Gethsemane; the path to the right leads to + Bethany.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Leave me now,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + There are moments when we must be alone, and Tancred had fixed upon this + hour for visiting Gethsemane, because he felt assured that no one would be + stirring. Descending Mount Sion, and crossing Kedron, he entered the + sacred grove. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Lady of Bethany</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE sun had been declining for some hours, the glare of the earth had + subsided, the fervour of the air was allayed. A caravan came winding round + the hills, with many camels and persons in rich, bright Syrian dresses; a + congregation that had assembled at the Church of the Ascension on Mount + Olivet had broken up, and the side of the hill was studded with brilliant + and picturesque groups; the standard of the Crescent floated on the Tower + of David; there was the clang of Turkish music, and the governor of the + city, with a numerous cavalcade, might be discerned on Mount Moriah, + caracoling without the walls; a procession of women bearing classic vases + on their heads, who had been fetching the waters of Siloah from the well + of Job, came up the valley of Jehosha-phat, to wind their way to the gate + of Stephen and enter Jerusalem by the street of Calvary. + </p> + <p> + Tancred came forth from the garden of Gethsemane, his face was flushed + with the rapt stillness of pious ecstasy; hours had vanished during his + passionate reverie, and he stared upon the declining sun. + </p> + <p> + ‘The path to the right leads to Bethany.’ The force of association brought + back the last words that he had heard from a human voice. And can he sleep + without seeing Bethany? He mounts the path. What a landscape surrounds him + as he moves! What need for nature to be fair in a scene like this, where + not a spot is visible that is not heroic or sacred, consecrated or + memorable; not a rock that is not the cave of prophets; not a valley that + is not the valley of heaven-anointed kings; not a mountain that is not the + mountain of God! + </p> + <p> + Before him is a living, a yet breathing and existing city, which Assyrian + monarchs came down to besiege, which the chariots of Pharaohs encompassed, + which Roman Emperors have personally assailed, for which Saladin and Coeur + de Lion, the desert and Christendom, Asia and Europe, struggled in rival + chivalry; a city which Mahomet sighed to rule, and over which the Creator + alike of Assyrian kings and Egyptian Pharaohs and Roman Caesars, the + Framer alike of the desert and of Christendom, poured forth the full + effusion of His divinely human sorrow. + </p> + <p> + What need of cascade and of cataract, the deep green turf, the foliage of + the fairest trees, the impenetrable forest, the abounding river, mountains + of glaciered crest, the voice of birds, the bounding forms of beauteous + animals; all sights and sounds of material loveliness that might become + the delicate ruins of some archaic theatre, or the lingering fanes of some + forgotten faith? They would not be observed as the eye seized on Sion and + Calvary; the gates of Bethlehem and Damascus; the hill of Titus; the + Mosque of Mahomet and the tomb of Christ. The view of Jerusalem is the + history of the world; it is more, it is the history of earth and of + heaven. + </p> + <p> + The path winding round the southern side of the Mount of Olives at length + brought Tancred in sight of a secluded village, situate among the hills on + a sunny slope, and shut out from all objects excepting the wide landscape + which immediately faced it; the first glimpse of Arabia through the + ravines of the Judæan hills; the rapid Jordan quitting its green and happy + valley for the bitter waters of Asphaltites, and, in the extreme distance, + the blue mountains of Moab. + </p> + <p> + Ere he turned his reluctant steps towards the city, he was attracted by a + garden, which issued, as it were, from a gorge in the hills, so that its + limit was not perceptible, and then spread over a considerable space, + comparatively with the inclosures in its vicinity, until it reached the + village. It was surrounded by high stone walls, which every now and then + the dark spiral forms of a cypress or a cedar would overtop, and in the + more distant and elevated part rose a tall palm tree, bending its graceful + and languid head, on which the sunbeam glittered. It was the first palm + that Tancred had ever seen, and his heart throbbed as he beheld that fair + and sacred tree. + </p> + <p> + As he approached the garden, Tancred observed that its portal was open: he + stopped before it, and gazed upon its walks of lemon trees with delight + and curiosity. Tancred had inherited from his mother a passion for + gardens; and an eastern garden, a garden in the Holy Land, such as + Gethsemane might have been in those days of political justice when + Jerusalem belonged to the Jews; the occasion was irresistible; he could + not withstand the temptation of beholding more nearly a palm tree; and he + entered. + </p> + <p> + Like a prince in a fairy tale, who has broken the mystic boundary of some + enchanted pleasaunce, Tancred traversed the alleys which were formed by + the lemon and pomegranate tree, and sometimes by the myrtle and the rose. + His ear caught the sound of falling water, bubbling with a gentle noise; + more distinct and more forcible every step that he advanced. The walk in + which he now found himself ended in an open space covered with roses; + beyond them a gentle acclivity, clothed so thickly with a small bright + blue flower that it seemed a bank of turquoise, and on its top was a kiosk + of white marble, gilt and painted; by its side, rising from a group of + rich shrubs, was the palm, whose distant crest had charmed Tancred without + the gate. + </p> + <p> + In the centre of the kiosk was the fountain, whose alluring voice had + tempted Tancred to proceed further than he had at first dared to project. + He must not retire without visiting the waters which had been speaking to + him so long. Following the path round the area of roses, he was conducted + to the height of the acclivity, and entered the kiosk; some small + beautiful mats were spread upon its floor, and, reposing upon one of them, + Tancred watched the bright clear water as it danced and sparkled in its + marble basin. + </p> + <p> + The reader has perhaps experienced the effect of falling water. Its + lulling influence is proverbial. In the present instance, we must remember + that Tancred had been exposed to the meridian fervour of a Syrian sun, + that he had been the whole day under the influence of that excitement + which necessarily ends in exhaustion; and that, in addition to this, he + had recently walked some distance; it will not, therefore, be looked upon + as an incident improbable or astonishing, that Lord Montacute, after + pursuing for some time that train of meditation which was his custom, + should have fallen asleep. + </p> + <p> + His hat had dropped from his head; his rich curls fell on his outstretched + arm that served as a pillow for a countenance which in the sweet dignity + of its blended beauty and stillness might have become an archangel; and, + lying on one of the mats, in an attitude of unconscious gracefulness, + which a painter might have transferred to his portfolio, Tancred sank into + a deep and dreamless repose. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/frontis2_p26.jpg" alt="Frontis2-p26 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + He woke refreshed and renovated, but quite insensible of all that had + recently occurred. He stretched his limbs; something seemed to embarrass + him; he found himself covered with a rich robe. He was about to rise, + resting on his arm, when turning his head he beheld the form of a woman. + </p> + <p> + She was young, even for the East; her stature rather above the ordinary + height, and clothed in the rich dress usual among the Syrian ladies. She + wore an amber vest of gold-embroidered silk, fitting closely to her shape, + and fastening with buttons of precious stones from the bosom to the waist, + there opening like a tunic, so that her limbs were free to range in her + huge Mamlouk trousers, made of that white Cashmere a shawl of which can be + drawn through a ring. These, fastened round her ankles with clasps of + rubies, fell again over her small slippered feet. Over her amber vest she + had an embroidered pelisse of violet silk, with long hanging sleeves, + which showed occasionally an arm rarer than the costly jewels which + embraced it; a many-coloured Turkish scarf inclosed her waist; and then, + worn loosely over all, was an outer pelisse of amber Cashmere, lined with + the fur of the white fox. At the back of her head was a cap, quite unlike + the Greek and Turkish caps which we are accustomed to see in England, but + somewhat resembling the head-dress of a Mandarin; round, not flexible, + almost flat; and so thickly in-crusted with pearls, that it was impossible + to detect the colour of the velvet which covered it. Beneath it descended + two broad braids of dark brown hair, which would have swept the ground had + they not been turned half-way up, and there fastened with bunches of + precious stones; these, too, restrained the hair which fell, in rich + braids, on each side of her face. + </p> + <p> + That face presented the perfection of oriental beauty; such as it existed + in Eden, such as it may yet occasionally be found among the favoured races + in the favoured climes, and such as it might have been found abundantly + and for ever, had not the folly and malignity of man been equal to the + wisdom and beneficence of Jehovah. The countenance was oval, yet the head + was small. The complexion was neither fair nor dark, yet it possessed the + brilliancy of the north without its dryness, and the softness peculiar to + the children of the sun without its moisture. A rich, subdued and equable + tint overspread this visage, though the skin was so transparent that you + occasionally caught the streaky splendour of some vein like the dappled + shades in the fine peel of beautiful fruit. + </p> + <p> + But it was in the eye and its overspreading arch that all the Orient + spake, and you read at once of the starry vaults of Araby and the + splendour of Chaldean skies. Dark, brilliant, with pupil of great size and + prominent from its socket, its expression and effect, notwithstanding the + long eyelash of the desert, would have been those of a terrible + fascination had not the depth of the curve in which it reposed softened + the spell and modified irresistible power by ineffable tenderness. This + supreme organisation is always accompanied, as in the present instance, by + a noble forehead, and by an eyebrow of perfect form, spanning its space + with undeviating beauty; very narrow, though its roots are invisible. + </p> + <p> + The nose was small, slightly elevated, with long oval nostrils fully + developed. The small mouth, the short upper lip, the teeth like the + neighbouring pearls of Ormuz, the round chin, polished as a statue, were + in perfect harmony with the delicate ears, and the hands with nails shaped + like almonds. + </p> + <p> + Such was the form that caught the eye of Tan-cred. She was on the opposite + side of the fountain, and stood gazing on him with calmness, and with a + kind of benignant curiosity: The garden, the kiosk, the falling waters, + recalled the past, which flashed over his mind almost at the moment when + he beheld the beautiful apparition. Half risen, yet not willing to remain + until he was on his legs to apologise for his presence, Tancred, still + leaning on his arm and looking up at his unknown companion, said, ‘Lady, I + am an intruder.’ + </p> + <p> + The lady, seating herself on the brink of the fountain, and motioning at + the same time with her hand to Tancred not to rise, replied, ‘We are so + near the desert that you must not doubt our hospitality.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was tempted by the first sight of a palm tree to a step too bold; and + then sitting by this fountain, I know not how it was——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You yielded to our Syrian sun,’ said the lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘It has been the doom of many; but you, I trust, will not find it fatal. + Walking in the garden with my maidens, we observed you, and one of us + covered your head. If you remain in this land you should wear the turban.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This garden seems a paradise,’ said Tancred. ‘I had not thought that + anything so fair could be found among these awful mountains. It is a spot + that quite becomes Bethany.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You Franks love Bethany?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Naturally; a place to us most dear and interesting.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray, are you of those Franks who worship a Jewess; or of those other who + revile her, break her images, and blaspheme her pictures?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I venerate, though I do not adore, the mother of God,’ said Tancred, with + emotion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! the mother of Jesus!’ said his companion. ‘He is your God. He lived + much in this village. He was a great man, but he was a Jew; and you + worship him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you do not worship him?’ said Tancred, looking up to her with an + inquiring glance, and with a reddening cheek. + </p> + <p> + ‘It sometimes seems to me that I ought,’ said the lady, ‘for I am of his + race, and you should sympathise with your race.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are, then, a Hebrew?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am of the same blood as Mary whom you venerate, but do not adore.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You just now observed,’ said Tancred, after a momentary pause, ‘that it + sometimes almost seems to you that you ought to acknowledge my Lord and + Master. He made many converts at Bethany, and found here some of his + gentlest disciples. I wish that you had read the history of his life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have read it. The English bishop here has given me the book. It is a + good one, written, I observe, entirely by Jews. I find in it many things + with which I agree; and if there be some from which I dissent, it may be + that I do not comprehend them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are already half a Christian!’ said Tancred, with animation. + </p> + <p> + ‘But the Christianity which I draw from your book does not agree with the + Christianity which you practise,’ said the lady, ‘and I fear, therefore, + it may be heretical.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Christian Church would be your guide.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which?’ inquired the lady; ‘there are so many in Jerusalem. There is the + good bishop who presented me with this volume, and who is himself a + Hebrew: he is a Church; there is the Latin Church, which was founded by a + Hebrew; there is the Armenian Church, which belongs to an Eastern nation + who, like the Hebrews, have lost their country and are scattered in every + clime; there is the Abyssinian Church, who hold us in great honour, and + practise many of our rites and ceremonies; and there are the Greek, the + Maronite, and the Coptic Churches, who do not favour us, but who do not + treat us as grossly as they treat each other. In this perplexity it may be + wise to remain within the pale of a church older than all of them, the + church in which Jesus was born and which he never quitted, for he was born + a Jew, lived a Jew, and died a Jew; as became a Prince of the House of + David, which you do and must acknowledge him to have been. Your sacred + genealogies prove the fact; and if you could not establish it, the whole + fabric of your faith falls to the ground.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I had no confidence in any Church,’ said Tancred, with agitation, ‘I + would fall down before God and beseech him to enlighten me; and, in this + land,’ he added, in a tone of excitement, ‘I cannot believe that the + appeal to the Mercy-seat would be made in vain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But human wit ought to be exhausted before we presume to invoke divine + interposition,’ said the lady. ‘I observe that Jesus was as fond of asking + questions as of performing miracles; an inquiring spirit will solve + mysteries. Let me ask you: you think that the present state of my race is + penal and miraculous?’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred gently bowed assent. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why do you?’ asked the lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the punishment ordained for their rejection and crucifixion of the + Messiah.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where is it ordained?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon our heads and upon our children be his blood.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The criminals said that, not the judge. Is it a principle of your + jurisprudence to permit the guilty to assign their own punishment? They + might deserve a severer one. Why should they transfer any of the + infliction to their posterity? What evidence have you that Omnipotence + accepted the offer? It is not so announced in your histories. Your + evidence is the reverse. He, whom you acknowledge as omnipotent, prayed to + Jehovah to forgive them on account of their ignorance. But, admit that the + offer was accepted, which in my opinion is blasphemy, is the cry of a + rabble at a public execution to bind a nation? There was a great party in + the country not disinclined to Jesus at the time, especially in the + provinces where he had laboured for three years, and on the whole with + success; are they and their children to suffer? But you will say they + became Christians. Admit it. We were originally a nation of twelve tribes; + ten, long before the advent of Jesus, had been carried into captivity and + scattered over the East and the Mediterranean world; they are probably the + source of the greater portion of the existing Hebrews; for we know that, + even in the time of Jesus, Hebrews came up to Jerusalem at the Passover + from every province of the Roman Empire. What had they to do with the + crucifixion or the rejection?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The fate of the Ten Tribes is a deeply interesting question,’ said + Tancred; ‘but involved in, I fear, inexplicable-obscurity. In England + there are many who hold them to be represented by the Afghans, who state + that their ancestors followed the laws of Moses. But perhaps they ceased + to exist and were blended with their conquerors.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Hebrews have never blended with their conquerors,’ said the lady, + proudly. ‘They were conquered frequently, like all small states situate + amid rival empires. Syria was the battlefield of the great monarchies. + Jerusalem has not been conquered oftener than Athens, or treated worse; + but its people, unhappily, fought too bravely and rebelled too often, so + at last they were expatriated. I hold that, to believe that the Hebrew + communities are in a principal measure the descendants of the Ten Tribes, + and of the other captivities preceding Christ, is a just, and fair, and + sensible inference, which explains circumstances that otherwise could not + be explicable. But let that pass. We will suppose all the Jews in all the + cities of the world to be the lineal descendants of the mob who shouted at + the crucifixion. Yet another question! My grandfather is a Bedouin sheikh, + chief of one of the most powerful tribes of the desert. My mother was his + daughter. He is a Jew; his whole tribe are Jews; they read and obey the + five books, live in tents, have thousands of camels, ride horses of the + Nedjed breed, and care for nothing except Jehovah, Moses, and their mares. + Were they at Jerusalem at the crucifixion, and does the shout of the + rabble touch them? Yet my mother marries a Hebrew of the cities, and a + man, too, fit to sit on the throne of King Solomon; and a little Christian + Yahoor with a round hat, who sells figs at Smyrna, will cross the street + if he see her, lest he should be contaminated by the blood of one who + crucified his Saviour; his Saviour being, by his own statement, one of the + princes of our royal house. No; I will never become a Christian, if I am + to eat such sand! It is not to be found in your books. They were written + by Jews, men far too well acquainted with their subject to indite such + tales of the Philistines as these!’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred looked at her with deep interest as her eye flashed fire, and her + beautiful cheek was for a moment suffused with the crimson cloud of + indignant passion; and then he said, ‘You speak of things that deeply + interest me, or I should not be in this land. But tell me: it cannot be + denied that, whatever the cause, the miracle exists; and that the Hebrews, + alone of the ancient races, remain, and are found in every country, a + memorial of the mysterious and mighty past.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Their state may be miraculous without being penal. But why miraculous? Is + it a miracle that Jehovah should guard his people? And can He guard them + better than by endowing them with faculties superior to those of the + nations among whom they dwell?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot believe that merely human agencies could have sustained a career + of such duration and such vicissitudes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As for human agencies, we have a proverb: “The will of man is the servant + of God.” But if you wish to make a race endure, rely upon it you should + expatriate them. Conquer them, and they may blend with their conquerors; + exile them, and they will live apart and for ever. To expatriate is purely + oriental, quite unknown to the modern world. We were speaking of the + Armenians, they are Christians, and good ones, I believe.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have understood very orthodox.’ ‘Go to Armenia, and you will not find + an Armenian. They, too, are an expatriated nation, like the Hebrews. The + Persians conquered their land, and drove out the people. The Armenian has + a proverb: “In every city of the East I find a home.” They are everywhere; + the rivals of my people, for they are one of the great races, and little + degenerated: with all our industry, and much of our energy; I would say, + with all our human virtues, though it cannot be expected that they should + possess our divine qualities; they have not produced Gods and prophets, + and are proud that they can trace up their faith to one of the obscurest + of the Hebrew apostles, and who never knew his great master.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But the Armenians are found only in the East,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said the lady, with a sarcastic smile; ‘it is exile to Europe, then, + that is the curse: well, I think you have some reason. I do not know much + of your quarter of the globe: Europe is to Asia what America is to Europe. + But I have felt the winds of the Exuine blowing up the Bosphorus; and, + when the Sultan was once going to cut off our heads for helping the + Egyptians, I passed some months at Vienna. Oh! how I sighed for my + beautiful Damascus!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And for your garden at Bethany?’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘It did not exist then. This is a recent creation,’ said the lady. ‘I have + built a nest in the chink of the hills, that I might look upon Arabia; and + the palm tree that invited you to honour my domain was the contribution of + my Arab grandfather to the only garden near Jerusalem. But I want to ask + you another question. What, on the whole, is the thing most valued in + Europe?’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred pondered; and, after a slight pause, said, ‘I think I know what + ought to be most valued in Europe; it is something very different from + what I fear I must confess is most valued there. My cheek burns while I + say it; but I think, in Europe, what is most valued is money.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On the whole,’ said the lady, ‘he that has most money there is most + honoured?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Practically, I apprehend so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which is the greatest city in Europe?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Without doubt, the capital of my country, London.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Greater I know it is than Vienna; but is it greater than Paris?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps double the size of Paris.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And four times that of Stamboul! What a city! Why ‘tis Babylon! How rich + the most honoured man must be there! Tell me, is he a Christian?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe he is one of your race and faith.’ ‘And in Paris; who is the + richest man in Paris?’ ‘The brother, I believe, of the richest man in + London.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know all about Vienna,’ said the lady, smiling. ‘Cæsar makes my + countrymen barons of the empire, and rightly, for it would fall to pieces + in a week without their support. Well, you must admit that the European + part of the curse has not worked very fatally.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not see,’ said Tancred thoughtfully, after a short pause, ‘that the + penal dispersion of the Hebrew nation is at all essential to the great + object of the Christian scheme. If a Jew did not exist, that would equally + have been obtained.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what do you hold to be the essential object of the Christian scheme?’ + ‘The Expiation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said the lady, in a tone of much solemnity, ‘that is a great idea; + in harmony with our instincts, with our traditions, our customs. It is + deeply impressed upon the convictions of this land. Shaped as you + Christians offer the doctrine, it loses none of its sublimity; or its + associations, full at the same time of mystery, power, and solace. A + sacrificial Mediator with Jehovah, that expiatory intercessor born from + the chosen house of the chosen people, yet blending in his inexplicable + nature the divine essence with the human elements, appointed before all + time, and purifying, by his atoning blood, the myriads that preceded and + the myriads that will follow us, without distinction of creed or clime, + this is what you believe. I acknowledge the vast conception, dimly as my + brain can partially embrace it. I understand thus much: the human race is + saved; and, without the apparent agency of a Hebrew prince, it could not + have been saved. Now tell me: suppose the Jews had not prevailed upon the + Romans to crucify Jesus, what would have become of the Atonement?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot permit myself to contemplate such contingencies,’ said Tancred. + ‘The subject is too high for me to touch with speculation. I must not even + consider an event that had been pre-ordained by the Creator of the world + for countless ages.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said the lady; ‘pre-ordained by the Creator of the world for + countless ages! Where, then, was the inexpiable crime of those who + fulfilled the beneficent intention? The holy race supplied the victim and + the immolators. What other race could have been entrusted with such a + consummation? Was not Abraham prepared to sacrifice even his son? And with + such a doctrine, that embraces all space and time; nay more, chaos and + eternity; with divine persons for the agents, and the redemption of the + whole family of man for the subject; you can mix up the miserable + persecution of a single race! And this is practical, not doctrinal + Christianity. It is not found in your Christian books, which were all + written by Jews; it must have been made by some of those Churches to which + you have referred me. Persecute us! Why, if you believe what you profess, + you should kneel to us! You raise statues to the hero who saves a country. + We have saved the human race, and you persecute us for doing it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am no persecutor,’ said Tancred, with emotion; ‘and, had I been so, my + visit to Bethany would have cleansed my heart of such dark thoughts.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have some conclusions in common,’ said his companion, rising. ‘We + agree that half Christendom worships a Jewess, and the other half a Jew. + Now let me ask one more question. Which is the superior race, the + worshipped or the worshippers?’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred looked up to reply, but the lady had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Fakredeen and the Rose of Sharon</i> +</pre> + <p> + BEFORE Tancred could recover from his surprise, the kiosk was invaded by a + crowd of little grinning negro pages, dressed in white tunics, with red + caps and slippers. They bore a number of diminutive trays of ebony inlaid + with tortoiseshell, and the mother-o’-pearl of Joppa, and covered with a + great variety of dishes. It was in vain that he would have signified to + them that he had no wish to partake of the banquet, and that he attempted + to rise from his mat. They understood nothing that he said, but always + grinning and moving about him with wonderful quickness, they fastened a + napkin of the finest linen, fringed with gold, round his neck, covered the + mats and the border of the fountain with their dishes and vases of + differently-coloured sherbets, and proceeded, notwithstanding all his + attempts at refusal, to hand him their dainties in due order. + Notwithstanding his present tone of mind, which was ill-adapted to any + carnal gratification, Tancred had nevertheless been an unusual number of + hours without food. He had made during the period no inconsiderable + exertion, and was still some distance from the city. Though he resigned + himself perforce to the care of his little attendants, their solicitude + therefore was not inappropriate. He partook of some of their dishes, and + when he had at length succeeded in conveying to them his resolution to + taste no more, they cleared the kiosk with as marvellous a celerity as + they had stored it, and then two of them advanced with a nargileh and a + chibouque, to offer their choice to their guest. Tan-cred placed the + latter for a moment to his mouth, and then rising, and making signs to the + pages that he would now return, they danced before him in the path till he + had reached the other side of the area of roses, and then, with a hundred + bows, bending, they took their leave of him. + </p> + <p> + The sun had just sunk as Tancred quitted the garden: a crimson glow, + shifting, as he proceeded, into rich tints of purple and of gold, suffused + the stern Judæan hills, and lent an almost supernatural lustre to the + landscape; lighting up the wild gorges, gilding the distant glens, and + still kindling the superior elevations with its living blaze. The air, yet + fervid, was freshened by a slight breeze that came over the wilderness + from the Jordan, and the big round stars that were already floating in the + skies were the brilliant heralds of the splendour of a Syrian night. The + beauteous hour and the sacred scene were alike in unison with the heart of + Tancred, softened and serious. He mused in fascinated reverie over the + dazzling incident of the day. Who was this lady of Bethany, who seemed not + unworthy to have followed Him who had made her abiding place so memorable? + Her beauty might have baffled the most ideal painter of the fair Hebrew + saints. Raffaelle himself could not have designed a brow of more delicate + supremacy. Her lofty but gracious bearing, the vigour of her clear, frank + mind, her earnestness, free from all ecstasy and flimsy enthusiasm, but + founded in knowledge and deep thought, and ever sustained by exact + expression and ready argument, her sweet witty voice, the great and + all-engaging theme on which she was so content to discourse, and which + seemed by right to belong to her: all these were circumstances which + wonderfully affected the imagination of Tancred. + </p> + <p> + He was lost in the empyrean of high abstraction, his gaze apparently fixed + on the purple mountains, and the golden skies, and the glittering orbs of + coming night, which yet in truth he never saw, when a repeated shout at + length roused him. It bade him stand aside on the narrow path that winds + round the Mount of Olives from Jerusalem to Bethany, and let a coming + horseman pass. The horseman was the young Emir who was a guest the night + before in the divan of Besso. Though habited in the Mamlouk dress, as if + only the attendant of some great man, huge trousers and jacket of crimson + cloth, a white turban, a shawl round his waist holding his pistols and + sabre, the horse he rode was a Kochlani of the highest breed., By him was + a running footman, holding his nargileh, to which the Emir frequently + applied his mouth as he rode along. He shot a keen glance at Tancred as he + passed by, and then throwing his tube to his attendant, he bounded on. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, we must not forget the lady of Bethany after she so + suddenly disappeared from the kiosk. Proceeding up her mountain garden, + which narrowed as she advanced, and attended by two female slaves, who had + been in waiting without the kiosk, she was soon in that hilly chink in + which she had built her nest; a long, low pavilion, with a shelving roof, + and surrounded by a Saracenic arcade; the whole painted in fresco; a + golden pattern of flowing fancy on a white ground. If there were door or + window, they were entirely concealed by the blinds which appeared to cover + the whole surface of the building. Stepping into the arcade, the lady + entered the pavilion by a side portal, which opened by a secret spring, + and which conducted her into a small corridor, and this again through two + chambers, in both of which were many females, who mutely saluted her + without rising from their employments. + </p> + <p> + Then the mistress entered a more capacious and ornate apartment. Its + ceiling, which described the horseshoe arch of the Saracens, was encrusted + with that honeycomb work which is peculiar to them, and which, in the + present instance, was of rose colour and silver. Mirrors were inserted in + the cedar panels of the walls; a divan of rose-coloured silk surrounded + the chamber, and on the thick soft carpet of many colours, which nearly + covered the floor, were several cushions surrounding an antique marble + tripod of wreathed serpents. The lady, disembarrassing herself of her + slippers, seated herself on the divan in the fashion of her country; one + of her attendants brought a large silver lamp, which diffused a delicious + odour as well as a brilliant light, and placed it on the tripod; the other + clapped her hands, and a band of beautiful girls entered the room, bearing + dishes of confectionery, plates of choice fruits, and vases of delicious + sherbets. The lady, partaking of some of these, directed, after a short + time, that they should be offered to her immediate attendants, who + thereupon kissed their hands with a grave face, and pressed them to their + hearts. Then one of the girls, leaving the apartment for a moment, + returned with a nargileh of crystal, set by the most cunning artists of + Damascus in a framework of golden filigree crusted with precious stones. + She presented the flexible silver tube, tipped with amber, to the lady, + who, waving her hand that the room should be cleared, smoked a confection + of roses and rare nuts, while she listened to a volume read by one of her + maidens, who was seated by the silver lamp. + </p> + <p> + While they were thus employed, an opposite curtain to that by which they + had entered was drawn aside, and a woman advanced, and whispered some + words to the lady, who seemed to signify her assent. Immediately, a tall + negro of Dongola, richly habited in a flowing crimson vest, and with a + large silver collar round his neck, entered the hall, and, after the usual + salutations of reverence to the lady, spoke earnestly in a low voice. The + lady listened with great attention, and then, taking out her tablets from + her girdle, she wrote a few words and gave a leaf to the tall negro, who + bowed and retired. Then she waved her hand, and the maiden who was reading + closed her book, rose, and, pressing her hand to her heart, retired. + </p> + <p> + It seemed that the young Emir had arrived at the pavilion, and prayed + that, without a moment’s delay, he might speak with the Lady of Bethany. + </p> + <p> + The curtain was again withdrawn, a light step was heard, the young man who + had recently passed Tancred on the road to Jerusalem bounded into the + room. + </p> + <p> + ‘How is the Rose of Sharon?’ he exclaimed. He threw himself at her feet, + and pressed the hem of her garment to his lips with an ecstasy which it + would have been difficult for a bystander to decide whether it were + mockery or enthusiasm, or genuine feeling, which took a sportive air to + veil a devotion which it could not conceal, and which it cared not too + gravely to intimate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, Fakredeen!’ said the lady, ‘and when did you leave the Mountain?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I arrived at Jerusalem yesterday by sunset; never did I want to see you + so much. The foreign consuls have stopped my civil war, which cost me a + hundred thousand piastres. We went down to Beiroot and signed articles of + peace; I thought it best to attend to escape suspicion. However, there is + more stirring than you can conceive: never had I such combinations! First, + let me shortly tell you what I have done, then what I wish you to do. I + have made immense hits, but I am also in a scrape.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That I think you always are,’ said the lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘But you will get me out of it, Rose of Sharon! You always do, brightest + and sweetest of friends! What an alliance is ours! My invention, your + judgment; my combinations, your criticism. It must carry everything before + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not see that it has effected much hitherto,’ said the lady.’ + However, give me your mountain news. What have you done?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In the first place,’ said Fakredeen, ‘until this accursed peace intrigue + of the foreign consuls, which will not last as long as the carnival, the + Mountain was more troubled than ever, and the Porte, backed up by Sir + Canning, is obstinate against any prince of our house exercising the + rule.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you call that good news?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It serves. In the first place it keeps my good uncle, the Emir Bescheer + and his sons, prisoners at the Seven Towers. Now, I will tell you what I + have done. I have sent to my uncle and offered him two hundred thousand + piastres a year for his life and that of his sons, if they will represent + to the Porte that none but a prince of the house of Shehaab can possibly + pacify and administer Lebanon, and that, to obtain this necessary end, + they are ready to resign their rights in favour of any other member of the + family.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What then?’ said the Lady of Bethany, taking her nargileh from her mouth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, then,’ said Fakredeen, ‘I am by another agent working upon Riza + Pasha to this effect, that of all the princes of the great house of + Shehaab, there is none so well adapted to support the interests of the + Porte as the Emir Fakredeen, and for these three principal reasons: in the + first place, because he is a prince of great qualities——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your proof of them to the vizir would be better than your assertion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Exactly,’ said Fakredeen. ‘I prove them by my second reason, which is a + guaranty to his excellency of the whole revenue of the first year of my + princedom, provided I receive the berat.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can tell you something,’ said the lady, ‘Riza shakes a little. He is + too fond of first-fruits. His nomination will not be popular.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes it will, when the divan takes into consideration the third reason for + my appointment,’ said the prince. ‘Namely, that the Emir Fakredeen is the + only prince of the great house of Shehaab who is a good Mussulman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You a good Mussulman! Why, I thought you had sent two months ago + Archbishop Murad to Paris, urging King Louis to support you, because, + amongst other reasons, being a Christian prince, you would defend the + faith and privileges of the Maronites.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And devote myself to France,’ said Fakredeen. ‘It is very true, and an + excellent combination it is, if we could only bring it to bear, which I do + not despair of, though affairs, which looked promising at Paris, have + taken an unfortunate turn of late.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry for that,’ said the lady, ‘for really, Fakredeen, of all your + innumerable combinations, that did seem to me to be the most practical. I + think it might have been worked. The Maronites are powerful; the French + nation is interested in them; they are the link between France and Syria; + and you, being a Christian prince as well as an emir of the most + illustrious house, with your intelligence and such aid as we might give + you, I think your prospects were, to say the least, fair.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, as to being a Christian prince, Eva, you must remember I aspire to a + dominion where I have to govern the Maronites who are Christians, the + Metoualis who are Mahometans, the Ansareys who are Pagans, and the Druses + who are nothing. As for-myself, my house, as you well know, is more + ancient even than that of Othman. We are literally descended from the + standard-bearer of the Prophet, and my own estates, as well as those of + the Emir Bes-cheer, have been in our registered possession for nearly + eight hundred years. Our ancestors became Christians to conciliate the + Maronites. Now tell me: in Europe, an English or French prince who wants a + throne never hesitates to change his religion, why should I be more nice? + I am of that religion which gives me a sceptre; and if a Frank prince + adopts a new creed when he quits London or Paris, I cannot understand why + mine may not change according to the part of the mountain through which I + am passing. What is the use of belonging to an old family unless to have + the authority of an ancestor ready for any prejudice, religious or + political, which your combinations may require?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Fakredeen,’ said the lady, shaking her head, ‘you have no + self-respect.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No Syrian has; it won’t do for us. You are an Arabian; it will do for the + desert. Self-respect, too, is a superstition of past centuries, an affair + of the Crusades. It is not suited to these times; it is much too arrogant, + too self-conceited, too egotistical. No one is important enough to have + self-respect. Don’t you see?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You boast of being a prince inferior to none in the antiquity of your + lineage, and, as far as the mere fact is concerned, you are justified in + your boast. I cannot comprehend how one who feels this pride should deign + to do anything that is not princely.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A prince!’ exclaimed Fakredeen. ‘Princes go for nothing now, without a + loan. Get me a loan, and then you turn the prince into a government. + That’s the thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will never get a loan till you are Emir of Lebanon,’ said the lady. + ‘And you have shown me to-day that the only chance you have is failing + you, for, after all, Paris was your hope. What has crossed you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In the first place,’ said Fakredeen, ‘what can the French do? After + having let the Egyptians be driven out, fortunately for me, for their + expulsion ruined my uncle, the French will never take the initiative in + Syria. All that I wanted of them was, that they should not oppose Riza + Pasha in his nomination of me. But to secure his success a finer move was + necessary. So I instructed Archbishop Murad, whom they received very well + at Paris, to open secret communications over the water with the English. + He did so, and offered to cross and explain in detail to their ministers. + I wished to assure them in London that I was devoted to their interests; + and I meant to offer to let the Protestant missionaries establish + themselves in the mountain, so that Sir Canning should have received + instructions to support my nomination by Riza. Then you see, I should have + had the Porte, England, and France. The game was won. Can you believe it? + Lord Aberdeen enclosed my agent’s letter to Guizot. I was crushed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And disgraced. You deserved it. You never will succeed. Intrigue will be + your ruin, Fakredeen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Intrigue!’ exclaimed the prince, starting from the cushion near the + tripod, on which he sat, speaking with great animation and using, as was + his custom, a superfluity of expression, both of voice and hands and eyes, + ‘intrigue! It is life! It is the only thing! How do you think Guizot and + Aberdeen got to be ministers without intrigue? Or Riza Pasha himself? How + do you think Mehemet Ali got on? Do you believe Sir Canning never + intrigues? He would be recalled in a week if he did not. Why, I have got + one of his spies in my castle at this moment, and I make him write home + for the English all that I wish them not to believe. Intrigue! Why, + England won India by intrigue. Do you think they are not intriguing in the + Punjaub at this moment? Intrigue has gained half the thrones of Europe: + Greece, France, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Russia. If you wish to produce a + result, you must make combinations; and you call combinations, Eva, + intrigue!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And this is the scrape that you are in,’ said the lady. ‘I do not see how + I can help you out of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pardon; this is not the scrape: and here comes the point on which I need + your aid, daughter of a thousand sheikhs! I can extricate myself from the + Paris disaster, even turn it to account. I have made an alliance with the + patriarch of the Lebanon, who manages affairs for the Emir Bescheer. The + patriarch hates Murad, whom you see I was to have made patriarch. I am to + declare the Archbishop an unauthorised agent, an adventurer, and my letter + to be a forgery. The patriarch is to go to Stamboul, with his long white + beard, and put me right with France, through De Bourqueney, with whom he + has relations in favour of the Emir Bescheer; my uncle is to be thrown + over; all the Maronite chiefs are to sign a declaration supplicating the + Porte to institute me; nay, the declaration is signed——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And the Druses? Will not this Maronite manifestation put you wrong with + the Druses?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I live among the Druses, you see,’ said Fakredeen, shaking his head, and + looking with his glittering eye a thousand meanings. ‘The Druses love me. + They know that I am one of themselves. They will only think that I have + made the Maronites eat sand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what have you really done for the Maronites to gain all this?’ asked + the lady, quietly. + </p> + <p> + ‘There it is,’ said Fakredeen, speaking in an affected whisper, ‘the + greatest stroke of state that ever entered the mind of a king without a + kingdom, for I am resolved that the mountain shall be a royalty I You + remember when Ibrahim Pasha laid his plans for disarming the Lebanon, the + Maronites, urged by their priests, fell into the snare, while the Druses + wisely went with their muskets and scimitars, and lived awhile with the + eagle and the antelope. This has been sand to the Maronites ever since. + The Druses put their tongues in their cheek whenever they meet, and treat + them as so many women. The Porte, of course, will do nothing for the + Maronites; they even take back the muskets which they lent them for the + insurrection. Well, as the Porte will not arm them, I have agreed to do + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis done; at least the caravan is laden; we only want a guide. And this + is why I am at Jerusalem. Scheriff Effendi, who met me here yesterday, has + got me five thousand English muskets, and I have arranged with the Bedouin + of Zoalia to carry them to the mountain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have indeed Solomon’s signet, my dear Fakredeen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would that I had; for then I could pay two hundred thousand piastres to + that Egyptian camel, Scheriff Effendi, and he would give me up my muskets, + which now, like a true son of Eblis, he obstinately retains.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And this is your scrape, Fakredeen. And how much have you towards the + sum?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a piastre; nor do I suppose I shall ever see, until I make a great + financial stroke, so much of the sultan’s gold as is on one of the gilt + balls of roses in your nargileh. My crops are sold for next year, my + jewels are gone, my studs are to be broken up. There is not a cur in the + streets of Beiroot of whom I have not borrowed money. Riza Pasha is a + sponge that would dry the sea of Galilee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a great thing to have gained the Patriarch of Lebanon,’ said the + lady; ‘I always felt that, as long as that man was against you, the + Maronites never could be depended on. And yet these arms; after all, they + are of no use, for you would not think of insurrection!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; but they can quarrel with the Druses, and cut each other’s throats, + and this will make the mountain more unmanageable than ever, and the + English will have no customers for their calicoes, don’t you see? Lord + Palmerston will arraign the minister in the council. I shall pay off + Aberdeen for enclosing the Archbishop’s letter to Guizot. Combination upon + combination! The calico merchants will call out for a prince of the house + of Shehaab! Riza will propose me; Bourqueney will not murmur, and Sir + Canning, finding he is in a mess, will sign a fine note of words about the + peace of Europe and the prosperity of Lebanon, and ‘tis finished.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And my father, you have seen him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have seen him,’ said the young Emir, and he cast his eyes on the + ground. + </p> + <p> + ‘He has done so much,’ said Eva. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ask him to do more, Rose of Sharon,’ said Fakredeen, like a child about + to cry for a toy, and he threw himself on his knees before Eva, and kept + kissing her robe. ‘Ask him to do more,’ he repeated, in a suppressed tone + of heart-rending cajolery; ‘he can refuse you nothing. Ask him, ask him, + Eva! I have no friend in the world but you; I am so desolate. You have + always been my friend, my counsellor, my darling, my ruby, my pearl, my + rose of Rocnabad! Ask him, Eva; never mind my faults; you know me by + heart; only ask him!’ + </p> + <p> + She shook her head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell him that you are my sister, that I am his son, that I love you so, + that I love him so; tell him anything. Say that he ought to do it because + I am a Hebrew.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A what?’ said Eva. + </p> + <p> + ‘A Hebrew; yes, a Hebrew. I am a Hebrew by blood, and we all are by + faith.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou son of a slave!’ exclaimed the lady, ‘thou masquerade of humanity! + Christian or Mussulman, Pagan or Druse, thou mayest figure as; but spare + my race, Fakredeen, they are fallen——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But not so base as I am. It may be true, but I love you, Eva, and you + love me; and if I had as many virtues as yourself, you could not love me + more; perhaps less. Women like to feel their superiority; you are as + clever as I am, and have more judgment; you are generous, and I am + selfish; honourable, and I am a villain; brave, and I am a coward; rich, + and I am poor. Let that satisfy you, and do not trample on the fallen;’ + and Fakredeen took her hand and bedewed it with his tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Fakredeen,’ said Eva, ‘I thought you spoke in jest, as I did.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How can a man jest, who has to go through what I endure!’ said the young + Emir, in a desponding tone, and still lying at her feet. ‘O, my more than + sister, ‘tis hell! The object I propose to myself would, with the greatest + resources, be difficult; and now I have none.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Relinquish it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When I am young and ruined! When I have the two greatest stimulants in + the world to action, Youth and Debt! No; such a combination is never to be + thrown away. Any young prince ought to win the Lebanon, but a young prince + in debt ought to conquer the world!’ and the Emir sprang from the floor, + and began walking about the apartment. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think, Eva,’ he said, after a moment’s pause, and speaking in his usual + tone, ‘I think you really might do something with your father; I look upon + myself as his son; he saved my life. And I am a Hebrew; I was nourished by + your mother’s breast, her being flows in my veins; and independent of all + that, my ancestor was the standard-bearer of the Prophet, and the Prophet + was the descendant of Ishmael, and Ishmael and Israel were brothers. I + really think, between my undoubted Arabian origin and being your + foster-brother, that I may be looked upon as a Jew, and that your father + might do something for me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whatever my father will do, you and he must decide together,’ said Eva; + ‘after the result of my last interference, I promised my father that I + never would speak to him on your affairs again; and you know, therefore, + that I cannot. You ought not to urge me, Fakredeen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you are angry with me,’ he exclaimed, and again seated himself at her + feet. ‘You were saying in your heart, he is the most selfish of beings. It + is true, I am. But I have glorious aspirations at least. I am not content + to live like my fathers in a beautiful palace, amid my woods and + mountains, with Kochlani steeds, falcons that would pull down an eagle, + and nargilehs of rubies and emeralds. I want something more than troops of + beautiful slaves, music and dances. I want Europe to talk of me. I am + wearied of hearing nothing but Ibrahim Pasha, Louis Philippe, and + Palmerston. I, too, can make combinations; and I am of a better family + than all three, for Ibrahim is a child of mud, a Bourbon is not equal to a + Shehaab, and Lord Palmerston only sits in the Queen’s second chamber of + council, as I well know from an Englishman who was at Beiroot, and with + whom I have formed some political relations, of which perhaps some day you + will hear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, we have arrived at a stage of your career, Fakredeen, in which no + combination presents itself; I am powerless to assist you; my resources, + never very great, are quite exhausted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said the Emir, ‘the game is yet to be won. Listen, Rose of Sharon, + for this is really the point on which I came to hold counsel. A young + English lord has arrived at Jerusalem this week or ten days past; he is of + the highest dignity, and rich enough to buy the grand bazaar of Damascus; + he has letters of credit on your father’s house without any limit. No one + can discover the object of his mission. I have some suspicions; there is + also a French officer here who never speaks; I watch them both. The + Englishman, I learnt this morning, is going to Mount Sinai. It is not a + pilgrimage, because the English are really neither Jews nor Christians, + but follow a sort of religion of their own, which is made every year by + their bishops, one of whom they have sent to Jerusalem, in what they call + a parliament, a college of muftis; you understand. Now lend me that ear + that is like an almond of Aleppo! I propose that one of the tribes that + obey your grandfather shall make this Englishman prisoner as he traverses + the desert. You see? Ah! Rose of Sharon, I am not yet beat; your Fakredeen + is not the baffled boy that, a few minutes ago, you looked as if you + thought him. I defy Ibrahim, or the King of France, or Palmerston himself, + to make a combination superior to this. What a ransom! The English lord + will pay Scheriff Effendi for his five thousand muskets, and for their + conveyance to the mountain besides.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Besso, the Banker</i> +</pre> + <p> + IN ONE of those civil broils at Damascus which preceded the fall of the + Janissaries, an Emir of the house of Shehaab, who lost his life in the + fray, had, in the midst of the convulsion, placed his infant son in the + charge of the merchant Besso, a child most dear to him, not only because + the babe was his heir, but because his wife, whom he passionately loved, a + beautiful lady of Antioch and of one of the old families of the country, + had just sacrificed her life in giving birth to their son. + </p> + <p> + The wife of Besso placed the orphan infant at her own breast, and the + young Fakredeen was brought up in every respect as a child of the house; + so that, for some time, he looked upon the little Eva, who was three years + younger than himself, as his sister. When Fakredeen had attained an age of + sufficient intelligence for the occasion and the circumstances, his real + position was explained to him; but he was still too young for the + communication to effect any change in his feelings, and the idea that Eva + was not his sister only occasioned him sorrow, until his grief was + forgotten when he found that the change made no difference in their lives + or their love. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the violent death of the father of Fakredeen, affairs had + become more tranquil, and Besso had not neglected the interests of his + charge. The infant was heir to a large estate in the Lebanon; a fine + castle, an illimitable forest, and cultivated lands, whose produce, + chiefly silk, afforded a revenue sufficient to maintain the not + inconsiderable state of a mountain prince. + </p> + <p> + When Fakredeen was about ten years of age, his relative the Emir Bescheer, + who then exercised a sovereign and acknowledged sway over all the tribes + of the Lebanon, whatever their religion or race, signified his pleasure + that his kinsman should be educated at his court, in the company of his + sons. So Fakredeen, with many tears, quitted his happy home at Damascus, + and proceeded to Beteddeen, the beautiful palace of his uncle, situate + among the mountains in the neighbourhood of Beiroot. This was about the + time that the Egyptians were effecting the conquest of Syria, and both the + Emir Bescheer, the head of the house of Shehaab as well as Prince of the + Mountain, and the great commercial confederation of the brothers Besso, + had declared in favour of the invader, and were mainly instrumental to the + success of Mehemet Ali. Political sympathy, and the feelings of mutual + dependence which united the Emir Bescheer and the merchant of Damascus, + rendered the communications between the families so frequent that it was + not difficult for the family of Besso to cherish those sentiments of + affection which were strong and lively in the heart of the young + Fakredeen, but which, under any circumstances, depend so much on sustained + personal intercourse. Eva saw a great deal of her former brother, and + there subsisted between them a romantic friendship. He was their frequent + guest at Damascus and was proud to show her how he excelled in his martial + exercises, how skilful he was with his falcon, and what horses of pure + race he proudly rode. + </p> + <p> + In the year ‘39, Fakredeen being then fifteen years of age, the country + entirely tranquil, even if discontented, occupied by a disciplined army of + 80,000 men, commanded by captains equal it was supposed to any + conjuncture, the Egyptians openly encouraged by the greatest military + nation of Europe, the Turks powerless, and only secretly sustained by the + countenance of the ambassador of the weakest government that ever tottered + in England, a government that had publicly acknowledged that it had + forfeited the confidence of the Parliament which yet it did not dissolve; + everything being thus in a state of flush and affluent prosperity, and + both the house of Shehaab and the house of Besso feeling, each day more + strongly, how discreet and how lucky they had been in the course which + they had adopted, came the great Syrian crash! + </p> + <p> + Whatever difference of opinion may exist as to the policy pursued by the + foreign minister of England, with respect to the settlement of the Turkish + Empire in 1840-41, none can be permitted, by those, at least, competent to + decide upon such questions, as to the ability with which that policy was + accomplished. When we consider the position of the minister at home, not + only deserted by Parliament, but abandoned by his party and even forsaken + by his colleagues; the military occupation of Syria by the Egyptians; the + rabid demonstration of France; that an accident of time or space, the + delay of a month or the gathering of a storm, might alone have baffled all + his combinations, it is difficult to fix upon a page in the history of + this country which records a superior instance of moral intrepidity. The + bold conception and the brilliant performance were worthy of Chatham; but + the domestic difficulties with which Lord Palmerston had to struggle place + the exploit beyond the happiest achievement of the elder Pitt. Throughout + the memorable conjuncture, Lord Palmerston, however, had one great + advantage, which was invisible to the millions; he was served by a most + vigilant and able diplomacy. The superiority of his information concerning + the state of Syria to that furnished to the French minister was the real + means by which he baffled the menaced legions of our neighbours. A timid + Secretary of State in the position of Lord Palmerston, even with such + advantages, might have faltered; but the weapon was placed in the hands of + one who did not shrink from its exercise, and the expulsion of the + Egyptians from Turkey remains a great historic monument alike of + diplomatic skill and administrative energy. + </p> + <p> + The rout of the Egyptians was fatal to the Emir Bescheer, and it seemed + also, for a time, to the Damascus branch of the family of Besso. But in + these days a great capitalist has deeper roots than a sovereign prince, + unless he is very legitimate. The Prince of the Mountain and his sons were + summoned from their luxurious and splendid Beteddeen to Constantinople, + where they have ever since remained prisoners. Young Fakredeen, the moment + he heard of the fall of Acre, rode out with his falcon, as if for the + pastime of a morning, and the moment he was out of sight made for the + desert, and never rested until he reached the tents of the children of + Rechab, where he placed himself under the protection of the grandfather of + Eva. + </p> + <p> + As for the merchant himself, having ships at his command, he contrived to + escape with his wife and his young daughter to Trieste, and he remained in + the Austrian dominions between three and four years. At length the + influence of Prince Metternich, animated by Sidonia, propitiated the + Porte. Adarfi Besso, after making his submission at Stamboul, and + satisfactorily explaining his conduct to Riza Pasha, returned to his + country, not substantially injured in fortune, though the northern clime + had robbed him of his Arabian wife; for his brothers, who, as far as + politics were concerned, had ever kept in the shade, had managed affairs + in the absence of the more prominent member of their house, and, in truth, + the family of Besso were too rich to be long under a cloud. The Pasha of + Damascus found his revenue fall very short without their interference; and + as for the Divan, the Bessoes could always find a friend there if they + chose. The awkwardness of the Syrian catastrophe was, that it was so + sudden and so unexpected that there was then no time for those + satisfactory explanations which afterwards took place between Adam Besso + and Riza. + </p> + <p> + Though the situation of Besso remained, therefore, unchanged after the + subsidence of the Syrian agitation, the same circumstance could not be + predicated of the position of his foster-child. Fakredeen possessed all + the qualities of the genuine Syrian character in excess; vain, + susceptible, endowed with a brilliant though frothy imagination, and a + love of action so unrestrained that restlessness deprived it of energy, + with so fine a taste that he was always capricious, and so ingenious that + he seemed ever inconsistent. His ambition was as high as his apprehension + was quick. He saw everything and understood everybody in a flash; and + believed that everything that was said or done ought to be made to + contribute to his fortunes. Educated in the sweet order, and amid the + decorous virtues of the roof of Besso, Fakredeen, who, from his + susceptibility, took the colour of his companions, even when he thought + they were his tools, had figured for ten years as a soft-hearted and + somewhat timid child, dependent on kind words, and returning kindness with + a passionate affection. + </p> + <p> + His change to the palace of his uncle developed his native qualities, + which, under any accidents, could not perhaps have been long restrained, + but which the circumstances of the times brought to light, and matured + with a celerity peculiar to the East. The character of Fakredeen was + formed amid the excitement of the Syrian invasion and its stirring + consequences. At ten years of age he was initiated in all the mysteries of + political intrigue. His startling vivacity and the keen relish of his + infant intelligence for all the passionate interests of men amused and + sometimes delighted his uncle. Everything was spoken before him; he lived + in the centre of intrigues which were to shake thrones, and perhaps to + form them. He became habituated to the idea that everything could be + achieved by dexterity, and that there was no test of conduct except + success. To dissemble and to simulate; to conduct confidential + negotiations with contending powers and parties at the same time; to be + ready to adopt any opinion and to possess none; to fall into the public + humour of the moment, and to evade the impending catastrophe; to look upon + every man as a tool, and never do anything which had not a definite though + circuitous purpose; these were his political accomplishments; and, while + he recognised them as the best means of success, he found in their + exercise excitement and delight. To be the centre of a maze of manoeuvres + was his empyrean. He was never without a resource. + </p> + <p> + Stratagems came to him as naturally as fruit comes to a tree. He lived in + a labyrinth of plans, and he rejoiced to involve some one in the + perplexities which his magic touch could alone unravel. Fakredeen had no + principle of any kind; he had not a prejudice; a little superstition, + perhaps, like his postponing his journey because a hare crossed his path. + But, as for life and conduct in general, forming his opinions from the + great men of whom he had experience, princes, pashas, and some others, and + from the great transactions with which he was connected, he was convinced + that all was a matter of force or fraud. Fakredeen preferred the latter, + because it was more ingenious, and because he was of a kind and passionate + temperament, loving beauty and the beautiful, apt to idealise everything, + and of too exquisite a taste not to shrink with horror from an unnecessary + massacre. + </p> + <p> + Though it was his profession and his pride to simulate and to dissemble, + he had a native ingenuousness which was extremely awkward and very + surprising, for, the moment he was intimate with you, he told you + everything. Though he intended to make a person his tool, and often + succeeded, such was his susceptibility, and so strong were his sympathetic + qualities, that he was perpetually, without being aware of it, showing his + cards. The victim thought himself safe, but the teeming resources of + Fakredeen were never wanting, and some fresh and brilliant combination, as + he styled it, often secured the prey which so heedlessly he had nearly + forfeited. Recklessness with him was a principle of action. He trusted + always to his fertile expedients if he failed, and ran the risk in the + meanwhile of paramount success, the fortune of those who are entitled to + be rash. With all his audacity, which was nearly equal to his craft, he + had no moral courage; and, if affairs went wrong, and, from some accident, + exhaustion of the nervous system, the weather, or some of those slight + causes which occasionally paralyse the creative mind, he felt without a + combination, he would begin to cry like a child, and was capable of any + action, however base and humiliating, to extricate himself from the + impending disaster. + </p> + <p> + Fakredeen had been too young to have fatally committed himself during the + Egyptian occupation. The moment he found that the Emir Bescheer and his + sons were prisoners at Constantinople, he returned to Syria, lived quietly + at his own castle, affected popularity among the neighbouring chieftains, + who were pleased to see a Shehaab among them, and showed himself on every + occasion a most loyal subject of the Porte. At seventeen years of age, + Fakredeen was at the head of a powerful party, and had opened relations + with the Divan. The Porte looked upon him with confidence, and although + they intended, if possible, to govern Lebanon in future themselves, a + young prince of a great house, and a young prince so perfectly free from + all disagreeable antecedents, was not to be treated lightly. All the + leaders of all the parties of the mountain frequented the castle of + Fakredeen, and each secretly believed that the prince was his pupil and + his tool. There was not one of these men, grey though some of them were in + years and craft, whom the innocent and ingenuous Fakredeen did not bend as + a nose of wax, and, when Adam Besso returned to Syria in ‘43, he found his + foster-child by far the most considerable person in the country, and all + parties amid their doubts and distractions looking up to him with hope and + confidence. He was then nineteen years of age, and Eva was sixteen. + Fakredeen came instantly to Damascus to welcome them, hugged Besso, wept + like a child over his sister, sat up the whole night on the terrace of + their house smoking his nargileh, and telling them all his secrets without + the slightest reserve: the most shameful actions of his career as well as + the most brilliant; and finally proposed to Besso to raise a loan for the + Lebanon, ostensibly to promote the cultivation of mulberries, really to + supply arms to the discontented population who were to make Fakredeen and + Eva sovereigns of the mountain. It will have been observed, that to supply + the partially disarmed tribes of the mountain with weapons was still, + though at intervals, the great project of Fakredeen, and to obtain the + result in his present destitution of resources involved him in endless + stratagems. His success would at the same time bind the tribes, already + well affected to him, with unalterable devotion to a chief capable of such + an undeniable act of sovereignty, and of course render them + proportionately more efficient instruments in accomplishing his purpose. + It was the interest of Fakredeen that the Lebanon should be powerful and + disturbed. + </p> + <p> + Besso, who had often befriended him, and who had frequently rescued him + from the usurers of Beiroot and Sidon, lent a cold ear to these + suggestions. The great merchant was not inclined again to embark in a + political career, or pass another three or four years away from his Syrian + palaces and gardens. He had seen the most powerful head that the East had + produced for a century, backed by vast means, and after having apparently + accomplished his purpose, ultimately recoil before the superstitious fears + of Christendom, lest any change in Syria should precipitate the solution + of the great Eastern problem. He could not believe that it was reserved + for Fakredeen to succeed in that which had baffled Mehemet Ali. + </p> + <p> + Eva took the more sanguine view that becomes youth and woman. She had + faith in Fakredeen. Though his position was not as powerful as that of the + great viceroy, it was, in her opinion, more legitimate. He seemed + indicated as the natural ruler of the mountain. She had faith, too, in his + Arabian origin. With Eva, what is called society assumed the character of + a continual struggle between Asia and the North. She dreaded the idea + that, after having escaped the crusaders, Syria should fall first under + the protection, and then the colonisation of some European power. A link + was wanted in the chain of resistance which connected the ranges of + Caucasus with the Atlas. She idealised her foster-brother into a hero, and + saw his standard on Mount Lebanon, the beacon of the oriental races, like + the spear of Shami, or the pavilion of Abd-el-Kader. Eva had often + influenced her father for the advantage of Fakredeen, but at last even Eva + felt that she should sue in vain. + </p> + <p> + A year before, involved in difficulties which it seemed no combination + could control, and having nearly occasioned the occupation of Syria by a + united French and English force, Fakredeen burst out a-cry-ing like a + little boy, and came whimpering to Eva, as if somebody had broken his toy + or given him a beating. Then it was that Eva had obtained for him a final + assistance from her father, the condition being, that this application + should be the last. + </p> + <p> + Eva had given him jewels, had interested other members of her family in + his behalf, and effected for him a thousand services, which only a + kind-hearted and quick-witted woman could devise. While Fakredeen + plundered her without scruple and used her without remorse, he doted on + her; he held her intellect in absolute reverence; a word from her guided + him; a look of displeasure, and his heart ached. As long as he was under + the influence of her presence, he really had no will, scarcely an idea of + his own. He spoke only to elicit her feelings and opinions. He had a + superstition that she was born under a fortunate star, and that it was + fatal to go counter to her. But the moment he was away, he would disobey, + deceive, and, if necessary, betray her, loving her the same all the time. + But what was to be expected from one whose impressions were equally quick + and vivid, who felt so much for himself, and so much for others, that his + life seemed a perpetual re-action between intense selfishness and morbid + sensibility? + </p> + <p> + Had Fakredeen married Eva, the union might have given him some steadiness + of character, or at least its semblance. The young Emir had greatly + desired this alliance, not for the moral purpose that we have intimated, + not even from love of Eva, for he was totally insensible to domestic joys, + but because he wished to connect himself with great capitalists, and hoped + to gain the Lebanon loan for a dower. But this alliance was quite out of + the question. The hand of Eva was destined, according to the custom of the + family, for her cousin, the eldest son of Besso of Aleppo. The engagement + had been entered into while she was at Vienna, and it was then agreed that + the marriage should take place soon after she had completed her eighteenth + year. The ceremony was therefore at hand; it was to occur within a few + months. + </p> + <p> + Accustomed from an early period of life to the contemplation of this + union, it assumed in the eyes of Eva a character as natural as that of + birth or death. It never entered her head to ask herself whether she liked + or disliked it. It was one of those inevitable things of which we are + always conscious, yet of which we never think, like the years of our life + or the colour of our hair. Had her destiny been in her own hands, it is + probable that she would not have shared it with Fakredeen, for she had + never for an instant entertained the wish that there should be any change + in the relations which subsisted between them. According to the custom of + the country, it was to Besso that Fakredeen had expressed his wishes and + his hopes. The young Emir made liberal offers: his wife and children might + follow any religion they pleased; nay, he was even ready to conform + himself to any which they fixed upon. He attempted to dazzle Besso with + the prospect of a Hebrew Prince of the Mountains. ‘My daughter,’ said the + merchant, ‘would certainly, under any circumstances, marry one of her own + faith; but we need not say another word about it; she is betrothed, and + has been engaged for some years, to her cousin.’ + </p> + <p> + When Fakredeen, during his recent visit to Bethany, found that Eva, + notwithstanding her Bedouin blood, received his proposition for kidnapping + a young English nobleman with the utmost alarm and even horror, he + immediately relinquished it, diverted her mind from the contemplation of a + project on her disapproval of which, notwithstanding his efforts at + distraction, she seemed strangely to dwell, and finally presented her with + a new and more innocent scheme in which he required her assistance. + According to Fakredeen, his new English acquaintance at Beiroot, whom he + had before quoted, was ready to assist him in the fulfilment of his + contract, provided he could obtain sufficient time from Scheriff Effendi; + and what he wished Eva to do was personally to request the Egyptian + merchant to grant time for this indulgence. This did not seem to Eva an + unreasonable favour for her foster-brother to obtain, though she could + easily comprehend why his previous irregularities might render him an + unsuccessful suitor to his creditor. Glad that it was still in her power + in some degree to assist him, and that his present project was at least a + harmless one, Eva offered the next day to repair to the city and see + Scheriff Effendi on his business. Pressing her hand to his heart, and + saluting her with a thousand endearing names, the Emir quitted the Rose of + Sharon with the tears in his grateful eyes. + </p> + <p> + Now the exact position of Fakredeen was this: he had induced the Egyptian + merchant to execute the contract for him by an assurance that Besso would + be his security for the venture, although the peculiar nature of the + transaction rendered it impossible for Besso, in his present delicate + position, personally to interfere in it. To keep up appearances, + Fakredeen, with his usual audacious craft, had appointed Scheriff Effendi + to meet him at Jerusalem, at the house of Besso, for the completion of the + contract; and accordingly, on the afternoon of the day preceding his visit + to Bethany, Fakredeen had arrived at Jerusalem without money, and without + credit, in order to purchase arms for a province. + </p> + <p> + The greatness of the conjuncture, the delightful climate, his sanguine + temperament, combined, however, to sustain him. As he traversed his + delicious mountains, with their terraces of mulberries, and olives, and + vines, lounged occasionally for a short time at the towns on the coast, + and looked in at some of his creditors to chatter charming delusions, or + feel his way for a new combination most necessary at this moment, his + blood was quick and his brain creative; and although he had ridden nearly + two hundred miles when he arrived at the ‘Holy City,’ he was fresh and + full of faith that ‘something would turn up.’ His Egyptian friend, awfully + punctual, was the first figure that welcomed him as he entered the divan + of Besso, where the young Emir remained in the position which we have + described, smoking interminable nargilehs while he revolved his affairs, + until the conversation respecting the arrival of Tancred roused him from + his brooding meditation. + </p> + <p> + It was not difficult to avoid Scheriff Effendi for a while. The following + morning, Fakredeen passed half a dozen hours at the bath, and then made + his visit to Eva with the plot which had occurred to him the night before + at the divan, and which had been matured this day while they were + shampooing him. The moment that, baffled, he again arrived at Jerusalem, + he sought his Egyptian merchant, and thus addressed him: ‘You see, + Effendi, that you must not talk on this business to Besso, nor can Besso + talk to you about it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good!’ said the Effendi. + </p> + <p> + ‘But, if it be managed by another person to your satisfaction, it will be + as well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One grain is like another.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It will be managed by another person to your satisfaction.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Rose of Sharon is the same in this business as her father?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is a ruby and she is a pearl.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Rose of Sharon will see you to-morrow about this business.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Rose of Sharon may ask you for time to settle everything; she has to + communicate with other places. You have heard of such a city as Aleppo?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If Damascus be an eye, Aleppo is an ear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t trouble the Rose of Sharon, Effendi, with any details if she speaks + to you; but be content with all she proposes. She will ask, perhaps, for + three months; women are nervous; they think robbers may seize the money on + its way, or the key of the chest may not be found when it is wanted; you + understand? Agree to what she proposes; but, between ourselves, I will + meet you at Gaza on the day of the new moon, and it is finished.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good.’ + </p> + <p> + Faithful to her promise, at an early hour of the morrow, Eva, wrapped in a + huge and hooded Arab cloak, so that her form could not in the slightest + degree be traced, her face covered with a black Arab mask, mounted her + horse; her two female attendants, habited in the same manner, followed + their mistress; before whom marched her janissary armed to the teeth, + while four Arab grooms walked on each side of the cavalcade. In this way, + they entered Jerusalem by the gate of Sion, and proceeded to the house of + Besso. Fakredeen watched her arrival. He was in due time summoned to her + presence, where he learned the success of her mission. + </p> + <p> + ‘Scheriff Effendi,’ she said, ‘has agreed to keep the arms for three + months, you paying the usual rate of interest on the money. This is but + just. May your new friend at Beiroot be more powerful than I am, and as + faithful!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Beautiful Rose of Sharon! who can be like you! You inspire me; you always + do. I feel persuaded that I shall get the money long before the time has + elapsed.’ And, so saying, he bade her farewell, to return, as he said, + without loss of time to Beiroot. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Capture of the New Crusader</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE dawn was about to break in a cloudless sky, when Tancred, accompanied + by Baroni and two servants, all well armed and well mounted, and by + Hassan, a sheikh of the Jellaheen Bedouins, tall and grave, with a long + spear tufted with ostrich feathers in his hand, his musket slung at his + back, and a scimitar at his side, quitted Jerusalem by the gate of + Bethlehem. + </p> + <p> + If it were only to see the sun rise, or to become acquainted with nature + at hours excluded from the experience of civilisation, it were worth while + to be a traveller. There is something especially in the hour that precedes + a Syrian dawn, which invigorates the frame and elevates the spirit. One + cannot help fancying that angels may have been resting on the mountain + tops during the night, the air is so sweet and the earth so still. Nor, + when it wakes, does it wake to the maddening cares of Europe. The beauty + of a patriarchal repose still lingers about its existence in spite of its + degradation. Notwithstanding all they have suffered during the European + development, the manners of the Asiatic races generally are more in + harmony with nature than the complicated conventionalisms which harass + their fatal rival, and which have increased in exact proportion as the + Europeans have seceded from those Arabian and Syrian creeds that redeemed + them from their primitive barbarism. + </p> + <p> + But the light breaks, the rising beam falls on the gazelles still bounding + on the hills of Judah, and gladdens the partridge which still calls among + the ravines, as it did in the days of the prophets. About half-way between + Jerusalem and Bethlehem, Tancred and his companions halted at the tomb of + Rachel: here awaited them a chosen band of twenty stout Jellaheens, the + subjects of Sheikh Hassan, their escort through the wildernesses of Arabia + Petræa. The fringed and ribbed kerchief of the desert, which must be + distinguished from the turban, and is woven by their own women from the + hair of the camel, covered the heads of the Bedouins; a short white gown, + also of home manufacture, and very rude, with a belt of cords, completed, + with slippers, their costume. + </p> + <p> + Each man bore a musket and a dagger. + </p> + <p> + It was Baroni who had made the arrangement with Sheikh Hassan. Baroni had + long known him as a brave and faithful Arab. In general, these contracts + with the Bedouins for convoy through the desert are made by Franks through + their respective consuls, but Tancred was not sorry to be saved from the + necessity of such an application, as it would have excited the attention + of Colonel Brace, who passed his life at the British Consulate, and who + probably would have thought it necessary to put on the uniform of the + Bellamont yeomanry cavalry, and have attended the heir of Montacute to + Mount Sinai. Tancred shuddered at the idea of the presence of such a being + at such a place, with his large ruddy face, his swaggering, sweltering + figure, his flourishing whiskers, and his fat hands. + </p> + <p> + It was the fifth morn after the visit of Tancred to Bethany, of which he + had said nothing to Baroni, the only person at his command who could + afford or obtain any information as to the name and quality of her with + whom he had there so singularly become acquainted. He was far from + incurious on the subject; all that he had seen and all that he had heard + at Bethany greatly interested him. But the reserve which ever controlled + him, unless under the influence of great excitement, a reserve which was + the result of pride and not of caution, would probably have checked any + expression of his wishes on this head, even had he not been under the + influence of those feelings which now absorbed him. A human being, + animated by the hope, almost by the conviction, that a celestial + communication is impending over his destiny, moves in a supernal sphere, + which no earthly consideration can enter. The long musings of his voyage + had been succeeded on the part of Tancred, since his arrival in the Holy + Land, by one unbroken and impassioned reverie, heightened, not disturbed, + by frequent and solitary prayer, by habitual fasts, and by those exciting + conferences with Alonza Lara, in which he had struggled to penetrate the + great Asian mystery, reserved however, if indeed ever expounded, for a + longer initiation than had yet been proved by the son of the English + noble. + </p> + <p> + After a week of solitary preparation, during which he had interchanged no + word, and maintained an abstinence which might have rivalled an old + eremite of Engedi, Tancred had kneeled before that empty sepulchre of the + divine Prince of the house of David, for which his ancestor, Tancred de + Montacute, six hundred years before, had struggled with those followers of + Mahound, who, to the consternation and perplexity of Christendom, + continued to retain it. Christendom cares nothing for that tomb now, has + indeed forgotten its own name, and calls itself enlightened Europe. But + enlightened Europe is not happy. Its existence is a fever, which it calls + progress. Progress to what? + </p> + <p> + The youthful votary, during his vigils at the sacred tomb, had received + solace but not inspiration. No voice from heaven had yet sounded, but his + spirit was filled with the sanctity of the place, and he returned to his + cell to prepare for fresh pilgrimages. + </p> + <p> + One day, in conference with Lara, the Spanish Prior had let drop these + words: ‘Sinai led to Calvary; it may be wise to trace your steps from + Calvary to Sinai.’ + </p> + <p> + At this moment, Tancred and his escort are in sight of Bethlehem, with the + population of a village but the walls of a town, situate on an eminence + overlooking a valley, which seems fertile after passing the stony plain of + Rephaim. The first beams of the sun, too, were rising from the mountains + of Arabia and resting on the noble convent of the Nativity. + </p> + <p> + From Bethlehem to Hebron, Canaan is still a land of milk and honey, though + not so rich and picturesque as in the great expanse of Palestine to the + north of the Holy City. The beauty and the abundance of the promised land + may still be found in Samaria and Galilee; in the magnificent plains of + Esdraelon, Zabulon, and Gennesareth; and ever by the gushing waters of the + bowery Jordan. + </p> + <p> + About an hour after leaving Bethlehem, in a secluded valley, is one of the + few remaining public works of the great Hebrew Kings, It is in every + respect worthy of them. I speak of those colossal reservoirs cut out of + the native rock and fed by a single spring, discharging their waters into + an aqueduct of perforated stone, which, until a comparatively recent + period, still conveyed them to Jerusalem. They are three in number, of + varying lengths from five to six hundred feet, and almost as broad; their + depth, still undiscovered. They communicate with each other, so that the + water of the uppermost reservoir, flowing through the intermediate one, + reached the third, which fed the aqueduct. They are lined with a hard + cement like that which coats the pyramids, and which remains uninjured; + and it appears that hanging gardens once surrounded them. The Arabs still + call these reservoirs the pools of Solomon, nor is there any reason to + doubt the tradition. Tradition, perhaps often more faithful than written + documents, is a sure and almost infallible guide in the minds of the + people where there has been no complicated variety of historic incidents + to confuse and break the chain of memory; where their rare revolutions + have consisted of an eruption once in a thousand years into the cultivated + world; where society has never been broken up, but their domestic manners + have remained the same; where, too, they revere truth, and are rigid in + its oral delivery, since that is their only means of disseminating + knowledge. + </p> + <p> + There is no reason to doubt that these reservoirs were the works of + Solomon. This secluded valley, then, was once the scene of his imaginative + and delicious life. Here were his pleasure gardens; these slopes were + covered with his fantastic terraces, and the high places glittered with + his pavilions. The fountain that supplied these treasured waters was + perhaps the ‘sealed fountain,’ to which he compared his bride; and here + was the garden palace where the charming Queen of Sheba vainly expected to + pose the wisdom of Israel, as she held at a distance before the most + dexterous of men the two garlands of flowers, alike in form and colour, + and asked the great king, before his trembling court, to decide which of + the wreaths was the real one. + </p> + <p> + They are gone, they are vanished, these deeds of beauty and these words of + wit! The bright and glorious gardens of the tiaraed poet and the royal + sage, that once echoed with his lyric voice, or with the startling truths + of his pregnant aphorisms, end in this wild and solitary valley, in which + with folded arms and musing eye of long abstraction, Tancred halts in his + ardent pilgrimage, nor can refrain from asking himself, ‘Can it, then, be + true that all is vanity?’ + </p> + <p> + Why, what, is this desolation? Why are there no more kings whose words are + the treasured wisdom of countless ages, and the mention of whose name to + this moment thrills the heart of the Oriental, from the waves of the + midland ocean to the broad rivers of the farthest Ind? Why are there no + longer bright-witted queens to step out of their Arabian palaces and pay + visits to the gorgeous ‘house of the forest of Lebanon,’ or to where + Baalbec, or Tadmor in the wilderness, rose on those plains now strewn with + the superb relics of their inimitable magnificence? + </p> + <p> + And yet some flat-nosed Frank, full of bustle and puffed up with + self-conceit (a race spawned perhaps in the morasses of some Northern + forest hardly yet cleared), talks of Progress! Progress to what, and from + whence? Amid empires shrivelled into deserts, amid the wrecks of great + cities, a single column or obelisk of which nations import for the prime + ornament of their mud-built capitals, amid arts forgotten, commerce + annihilated, fragmentary literatures and populations destroyed, the + European talks of progress, because, by an ingenious application of some + scientific acquirements, he has established a society which has mistaken + comfort for civilisation. + </p> + <p> + The soft beam of the declining sun fell upon a serene landscape; gentle + undulations covered with rich shrubs or highly cultivated corn-fields and + olive groves; sometimes numerous flocks; and then vineyards fortified with + walls and with watch-towers, as in the time of David, whose city Tancred + was approaching. Hebron, too, was the home of the great Sheikh Abraham; + and the Arabs here possess his tomb, which no Christian is permitted to + visit. It is strange and touching, that the children of Ishmael should + have treated the name and memory of the Sheikh Abraham with so much + reverence and affection. But the circumstance that he was the friend of + Allah appears with them entirely to have outweighed the recollection of + his harsh treatment of their great progenitor. Hebron has even lost with + them its ancient Judæan name, and they always call it, in honour of the + tomb of the Sheikh, the ‘City of a Friend.’ + </p> + <p> + About an hour after Hebron, in a fair pasture, and near an olive grove, + Tancred pitched his tent, prepared on the morrow to quit the land of + promise, and approach that ‘great and terrible wilderness where there was + no water.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The children of Israel,’ as they were called according to the custom then + and now universally prevalent among the Arabian tribes (as, for example, + the Beni Kahtan, Beni Kelb, Beni Salem, Beni Sobh, Beni Ghamed, Beni + Seydan, Beni Ali, Beni Hateym, all adopting for their description the name + of their founder), the ‘children of Israel’ were originally a tribe of + Arabia Petrasa. Under the guidance of sheikhs of great ability, they + emerged from their stony wilderness and settled on the Syrian border. + </p> + <p> + But they could not maintain themselves against the disciplined nations of + Palestine, and they fell back to their desert, which they found + intolerable. Like some of the Bedouin tribes of modern times in the rocky + wastes contiguous to the Red Sea, they were unable to resist the + temptations of the Egyptian cities; they left their free but distressful + wilderness, and became Fellaheen. The Pharaohs, however, made them pay for + their ready means of sustenance, as Mehemet Ali has made the Arabs of our + days who have quitted the desert to eat the harvests of the Nile. They + enslaved them, and worked them as beasts of burden. But this was not to be + long borne by a race whose chiefs in the early ages had been favoured by + Jehovah; the patriarch Emirs, who, issuing from the Caucasian cradle of + the great races, spread over the plains of Mesopotamia, and disseminated + their illustrious seed throughout the Arabian wilderness. Their fiery + imaginations brooded over the great traditions of their tribe, and at + length there arose among them one of those men whose existence is an epoch + in the history of human nature: a great creative spirit and organising + mind, in whom the faculties of conception and of action are equally + balanced and possessed in the highest degree; in every respect a man of + the complete Caucasian model, and almost as perfect as Adam when he was + just finished and placed in Eden. + </p> + <p> + But Jehovah recognised in Moses a human instrument too rare merely to be + entrusted with the redemption of an Arabian tribe from a state of + Fellaheen to Bedouin existence. And, therefore, he was summoned to be the + organ of an eternal revelation of the Divine will, and his tribe were + appointed to be the hereditary ministers of that mighty and mysterious + dispensation. + </p> + <p> + It is to be noted, although the Omnipotent Creator might have found, had + it pleased him, in the humblest of his creations, an efficient agent for + his purpose, however difficult and sublime, that Divine Majesty has never + thought fit to communicate except with human beings of the very highest + powers. They are always men who have manifested an extraordinary aptitude + for great affairs, and the possession of a fervent and commanding genius. + They are great legislators, or great warriors, or great poets, or orators + of the most vehement and impassioned spirit. Such were Moses, Joshua, the + heroic youth of Hebron, and his magnificent son; such, too, was Isaiah, a + man, humanly speaking, not inferior to Demosthenes, and struggling for a + similar and as beautiful a cause, the independence of a small state, + eminent for its intellectual power, against the barbarian grandeur of a + military empire. All the great things have been done by the little + nations. It is the Jordan and the Ilyssus that have civilised the modern + races. An Arabian tribe, a clan of the Ægean, have been the promulgators + of all our knowledge; and we should never have heard of the Pharaohs, of + Babylon the great and Nineveh the superb, of Cyrus and of Xerxes, had not + it been for Athens and Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + Tancred rose with the sun from his encampment at Hebron, to traverse, + probably, the same route pursued by the spies when they entered the Land + of Promise. The transition from Canaan to the stony Arabia is not abrupt. + A range of hills separates Palestine from a high but level country similar + to the Syrian desert, sandy in some places, but covered in all with grass + and shrubs; a vast expanse of downs. Gradually the herbage disappears, and + the shrubs are only found tufting the ridgy tops of low undulating + sandhills. Soon the sand becomes stony, and no trace of vegetation is ever + visible excepting occasionally some thorny plant. Then comes a land which + alternates between plains of sand and dull ranges of monotonous hills + covered with loose flints; sometimes the pilgrim winds his way through + their dull ravines, sometimes he mounts the heights and beholds a prospect + of interminable desolation. + </p> + <p> + For three nights had Tancred encamped in this wilderness, halting at some + spot where they could find some desert shrubs that might serve as food for + the camels and fuel for themselves. His tent was soon pitched, the night + fires soon crackling, and himself seated at one with the Sheikh and + Baroni, he beheld with interest and amusement the picturesque and flashing + groups around him. Their fare was scant and simple: bread baked upon the + spot, the dried tongue of a gazelle, the coffee of the neighbouring Mocha, + and the pipe that ever consoles, if indeed the traveller, whatever his + hardships, could need any sustenance but his own high thoughts in such a + scene, canopied, too, by the most beautiful sky and the most delicious + climate in the world. + </p> + <p> + They were in the vicinity of Mount Seir; on the morrow they were to + commence the passage of the lofty range which stretches on to Sinai. The + Sheikh, who had a feud with a neighbouring tribe, and had been anxious and + vigilant while they crossed the open country, riding on with an advanced + guard before his charge, reconnoitring from sandhill to sandhill, often + creeping up and lying on his breast, so as not to be visible to the enemy, + congratulated Tancred that all imminent danger was past. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not that I am afraid of them,’ said Hassan, proudly; ‘but we must kill + them or they will kill us.’ Hassan, though Sheikh of his own immediate + family and followers, was dependent on the great Sheikh of the Jellaheen + tribe, and was bound to obey his commands in case the complete clan were + summoned to congregate in any particular part of the desert. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/page2_083.jpg" alt="Page2-083 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + On the morrow they commenced their passage of the mountains, and, after + clearing several ranges found themselves two hours after noon in a defile + so strangely beautiful that to behold it would alone have repaid all the + exertions and perils of the expedition. It was formed by precipitous rocks + of a picturesque shape and of great height, and of colours so brilliant + and so blended that to imagine them you must fancy the richest sunset you + have ever witnessed, and that would be inferior, from the inevitable + defect of its fleeting character. Here the tints, sometimes vivid, + sometimes shadowed down, were always equally fair: light blue heights, + streaked, perhaps, with scarlet and shaded off to lilac or purple; a cleft + of bright orange; a broad peach-coloured expanse, veined in delicate + circles and wavy lines of exquisite grace; sometimes yellow and purple + stripes; sometimes an isolated steep of every hue flaming in the sun, and + then, like a young queen on a gorgeous throne, from a vast rock of + crimson, and gold rose a milk-white summit. The frequent fissures of this + defile were filled with rich woods of oleander and shrubs of every shade + of green, from which rose acacia, and other trees unknown to Tancred. Over + all this was a deep and cloudless sky, and through it a path winding amid + a natural shrubbery, which princes would have built colossal + conservatories to preserve. + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis a scene of enchantment that has risen to mock us in the middle of + the desert,’ exclaimed the enraptured pilgrim; ‘surely it must vanish even + as we gaze!’ + </p> + <p> + About half-way up the defile, when they had traversed it for about a + quarter of an hour, Sheikh Hassan suddenly galloped forward and hurled his + spear with great force at an isolated crag, the base of which was covered + with oleanders, and then looking back he shouted to his companions. + Tancred and the foremost hurried up to him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here are tracks of horses and camels that have entered the valley thus + far and not passed through it. They are fresh; let all be prepared.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are twenty-five men well armed,’ said Baroni. ‘It is not the Tyahas + that will attack such a band.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nor are they the Gherashi or the Mezeines,’ said the Sheikh, ‘for we know + what they are after, and we are brothers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They must be Alouins,’ said an Arab. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the little caravan was apparently land-locked, the defile + again winding; but presently it became quite straight, and its termination + was visible, though at a considerable distance. + </p> + <p> + ‘I see horsemen,’ said the Sheikh; ‘several of them advance; they are not + Alouins.’ + </p> + <p> + He rode forward to meet them, accompanied by Tancred and Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘Salaam,’ said the Sheikh, ‘how is it?’ and then he added, aside to + Baroni, ‘They are strangers; why are they here?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aleikoum! We know where you come from,’ was the reply of one of the + horsemen. ‘Is that the brother of the Queen of the English? Let him ride + with us, and you may go on in peace.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is my brother,’ said Sheikh Hassan, ‘and the brother of all here. + There is no feud between us. Who are you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are children of Jethro, and the great Sheikh has sent us a long way to + give you salaam. Your desert here is not fit for the camel that your + Prophet cursed. Come, let us finish our business, for we wish to see a + place where there are palm trees.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are these children of Eblis?’ said Sheikh Hassan to Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the day of judgment,’ said Baroni, looking pale; ‘such a thing has + not happened in my time. I am lost.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do these people say?’ inquired Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is but one God,’ said Sheikh Hassan, whose men had now reached him, + ‘and Mahomet is his Prophet. Stand aside, sons of Eblis, or you shall bite + the earth which curses you!’ + </p> + <p> + A wild shout from every height of the defile was the answer. They looked + up, they looked round; the crest of every steep was covered with armed + Arabs, each man with his musket levelled. + </p> + <p> + ‘My lord,’ said Baroni, ‘there is something hidden in all this. This is + not an ordinary desert foray. You are known, and this tribe comes from a + distance to plunder you;’ and then he rapidly detailed what had already + passed. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is your force, sons of Eblis?’ said the Sheikh to the horsemen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Count your men, and your muskets, and your swords, and your horses, and + your camels; and if they were all double, they would not be our force. Our + great Sheikh would have come in person with ten thousand men, were not + your wilderness here fit only for Giaours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell the young chief,’ said the Sheikh to Baroni, ‘that I am his brother, + and will shed the last drop of my blood in his service, as I am bound to + do, as much as he is bound to give me ten thousand piastres for the + journey, and ask him what he wishes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Demand to know distinctly what these men want,’ said Tancred to Baroni, + who then conferred with them. + </p> + <p> + ‘They want your lordship,’ said Baroni, ‘whom they call the brother of the + Queen of the English; their business is clearly to carry you to their + great Sheikh, who will release you for a large ransom.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And they have no feud with the Jellaheens?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘None; they are strangers; they come from a distance for this purpose; nor + can it be doubted that this plan has been concocted at Jerusalem.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Our position, I fear, is fatal in this defile,’ said Tancred; ‘it is + bitter to be the cause of exposing so many brave men to almost inevitable + slaughter. Tell them, Baroni, that I am not the brother of the Queen of + the English; that they are ridiculously misled, and that their aim is + hopeless, for all that will be ransomed will be my corpse.’ + </p> + <p> + Sheikh Hassan sat on his horse like a statue, with his spear in his hand + and his eye on his enemy; Baroni, advancing to the strange horsemen, who + were in position about ten yards from Tancred and his guardian, was soon + engaged in animated conversation. He did all that an able diplomatist + could effect; told lies with admirable grace, and made a hundred + propositions that did not commit his principal. He assured them very + heartily that Tancred was not the brother of the Queen of the English; + that he was only a young Sheikh, whose father was alive, and in possession + of all the flocks and herds, camels and horses; that he had quarrelled + with his father; that his father, perhaps, would not be sorry if he were + got rid of, and would not give a hundred piastres to save his life. Then + he offered, if he would let Tancred pass, himself to go with them as + prisoner to their great Sheikh, and even proposed Hassan and half his men + for additional hostages, whilst some just and equitable arrangement could + be effected. All, however, was in vain. The enemy had no discretion; dead + or alive, the young Englishman must be carried to their chief. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can do nothing,’ said Baroni, returning; ‘there is something in all + this which I do not understand. It has never happened in my time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is, then, but one course to be taken,’ said Tancred; ‘we must + charge through the defile. At any rate we shall have the satisfaction of + dying like men. Let us each fix on our opponent. That audacious-looking + Arab in a red kefia shall be my victim, or my destroyer. Speak to the + Sheikh, and tell him to prepare his men. Freeman and Trueman,’ said + Tancred, looking round to his English servants, ‘we are in extreme peril; + I took you from your homes; if we outlive this day, and return to + Montacute, you shall live on your own land.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind us, my lord: if it wern’t for those rocks we would beat these + niggers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you all ready?’ said Tancred to Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘We are all ready.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I commend my soul to Jesus Christ, and to the God of Sinai, in whose + cause I perish.’ So saying, Tancred shot the Arab in the red kefia through + the head, and with his remaining pistol disabled another of the enemy. + This he did, while he and his band were charging, so suddenly and so + boldly, that those immediately opposed to them were scattered. There was a + continuous volley, however, from every part of the defile, and the scene + was so involved in smoke that it was impossible for Tancred to see a yard + around him; still he galloped on and felt conscious that he had + companions, though the shouting was so great that it was impossible to + communicate. The smoke suddenly drifting, Tancred caught a glimpse of his + position; he was at the mouth of the defile, followed by several of his + men, whom he had not time to distinguish, and awaited by innumerable foes. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let us sell our lives dearly!’ was all that he could exclaim. His sword + fell from his wounded arm; his horse, stabbed underneath, sank with him to + the ground. He was overpowered and bound. ‘Every drop of his blood,’ + exclaimed the leader of the strange Arabs, ‘is worth ten thousand + piastres.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Plans for Rescue</i> +</pre> + <p> + ‘WHERE is Besso?’ said Barizy of the Tower, as the Consul Pasqualigo + entered the divan of the merchant, about ten days after the departure of + Tancred from Jerusalem for Mount Sinai. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where is Besso? I have already smoked two chibouques, and no one has + entered except yourself. I suppose you have heard the news?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who has not? It is in every one’s mouth.’ ‘What have you heard?’ asked + Barizy of the Tower, with an air of malicious curiosity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Some things that everybody knows,’ replied Pasqualigo, ‘and some things + that nobody knows.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah, hah!’ said Barizy of the Tower, pricking up his ears, and preparing + for one of those diplomatic encounters of mutual pumping, in which he and + his rival were practised. ‘I suppose you have seen somebody, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Somebody has been seen,’ replied Pasqualigo, and then he busied himself + with his pipe just arrived. + </p> + <p> + ‘But nobody has seen somebody who was on the spot?’ said Barizy. + </p> + <p> + ‘It depends upon what you mean by the spot,’ replied Pasqualigo. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your information is second-hand,’ observed Barizy. + </p> + <p> + ‘But you acknowledge it is correct?’ said Pasqualigo, more eagerly. + </p> + <p> + ‘It depends upon whether your friend was present——’ and here + Barizy hesitated. + </p> + <p> + ‘It does,’ said Pasqualigo. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then he was present?’ said Barizy. + </p> + <p> + ‘He was.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then he knows,’ said Barizy, eagerly, ‘whether the young English prince + was murdered intentionally or by hazard.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A—h,’ said Pasqualigo, whom not the slightest rumour of the affair + had yet reached, ‘that is a great question.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But everything depends upon it,’ said Barizy. ‘If he was killed + accidentally, there will be negotiations, but the business will be + compromised; the English want Cyprus, and they will take it as + compensation. If it is an affair of malice prepense, there will be war, + for the laws of England require war if blood royal be spilt.’ + </p> + <p> + The Consul Pasqualigo looked very grave; then, withdrawing his lips for a + moment from his amber mouthpiece, he observed, ‘It is a crisis.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It will be a crisis,’ said Barizy of the Tower, excited by finding his + rival a listener, ‘but not for a long time. The crisis has not commenced. + The first question is: to whom does the desert belong; to the Porte, or to + the Viceroy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It depends upon what part of the desert is in question,’ said Pasqualigo. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course the part where it took place. I say the Arabian desert belongs + to the Viceroy; my cousin, Barizy of the Gate, says “No, it belongs to the + Porte.” Raphael Tafna says it belongs to neither. The Bedouins are + independent.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But they are not recognised,’ said the Consul Pasqualigo. ‘Without a + diplomatic existence, they are nullities. England will hold all the + recognise powers in the vicinity responsible. You will see! The murder of + an English prince, under such circumstances too, will not pass unavenged. + The whole of the Turkish garrison of the city will march out directly into + the desert.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Arabs care shroff for your Turkish garrison of the city,’ said + Barizy, with great derision. + </p> + <p> + ‘They are eight hundred strong,’ said Pasqualigo. + </p> + <p> + ‘Eight hundred weak, you mean. No, as Raphael Tafna was saying, when + Mehemet. Ali was master, the tribes were quiet enough. But the Turks could + never manage the Arabs, even in their best days. If the Pasha of Damascus + were to go himself, the Bedouins would unveil his harem while he was + smoking his nargileh.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then England will call upon the Egyptians,’ said the Consul. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah!’ said Barizy of the Tower, ‘have I got you at last? Now comes your + crisis, I grant you. The English will send a ship of war with a protocol, + and one of their lords who is a sailor: that is the way. They will call + upon the pasha to exterminate the tribe who have murdered the brother of + their queen; the pasha will reply, that when he was in Syria the brothers + of queens were never murdered, and put the protocol in his turban. This + will never satisfy Palmerston; he will order——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Palmerston has nothing to do with it,’ screamed out Pasqualigo; ‘he is no + longer Reis Effendi; he is in exile; he is governor of the Isle of Wight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think I do not know that?’ said Barizy of the Tower; ‘but he will + be recalled for this purpose. The English will not go to war in Syria + without Palmerston. Palmerston will have the command of the fleet as well + as of the army, that no one shall say “No” when he says “Yes.” The English + will not do the business of the Turks again for nothing. They will take + this city; they will keep it. They want a new market for their cottons. + Mark me: England will never be satisfied till the people of Jerusalem wear + calico turbans.’ + </p> + <p> + Let us inquire also with Barizy of the Tower, where was Besso? Alone in + his private chamber, agitated and troubled, awaiting the return of his + daughter from the bath; and even now, the arrival may be heard of herself + and her attendants in the inner court. + </p> + <p> + ‘You want me, my father?’ said Eva, as she entered. ‘Ah! you are + disturbed. What has happened?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The tenth plague of Pharaoh, my child,’ replied Besso, in a tone of great + vexation. ‘Since the expulsion of Ibrahim, there has been nothing which + has crossed me so much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fakredeen?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no; ‘tis nothing to do with him, poor boy; but of one as young, and + whose interests, though I know him not, scarcely less concern me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know him not; ‘tis not then my cousin. You perplex me, my father. + Tell me at once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the most vexatious of all conceivable occurrences,’ replied Besso, + ‘and yet it is about a person of whom you never heard, and whom I never + saw; and yet there are circumstances connected with him. Alas! alas! you + must know, my Eva, there is a young Englishman here, and a young English + lord, of one of their princely families——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes!’ said Eva, in a subdued but earnest tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘He brought me a letter from the best and greatest of men,’ said Besso, + with much emotion, ‘to whom I, to whom we, owe everything: our fortunes, + our presence here, perhaps our lives. There was nothing which I was not + bound to do for him, which I was not ready and prepared to do. I ought to + have guarded over him; to have forced my services on his acceptance; I + blame myself now when it is too late. But he sent me his letter by the + Intendant of his household, whom I knew. I was fearful to obtrude myself. + I learnt he was fanatically Christian, and thought perhaps he might shrink + from my acquaintance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what has happened?’ inquired Eva, with an agitation which proved her + sympathy with her father’s sorrow. + </p> + <p> + ‘He left the city some days ago to visit Sinai; well armed and properly + escorted. He has been waylaid in the wilderness and captured after a + bloody struggle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A bloody struggle?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; they of course would gladly not have fought, but, though entrapped + into an ambush, the young Englishman would not yield, but fought with + desperation. His assailants have suffered considerably; his own party + comparatively little, for they were so placed; surrounded, you understand, + in a mountain defile, that they might have been all massacred, but the + fear of destroying their prize restrained at first the marksmen on the + heights; and, by a daring and violent charge, the young Englishman and his + followers forced the pass, but they were overpowered by numbers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And he wounded?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope not severely. But you have heard nothing. They have sent his + Intendant to Jerusalem with a guard of Arabs to bring back his ransom. + What do you think they want?’ + </p> + <p> + Eva signified her inability to conjecture. + </p> + <p> + ‘Two millions of piastres!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Two millions of piastres! Did you say two? ‘Tis a great sum; but we might + negotiate. They would accept less, perhaps much less, than two millions of + piastres.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If it were four millions of piastres, I must pay it,’ said Besso. ‘’Tis + not the sum alone that so crosses me. The father of this young noble is a + great prince, and could doubtless pay, without serious injury to himself, + two millions of piastres for the ransom of his son; but that’s not it. He + comes here; he is sent to me. I was to care for him, think for him, guard + over him: I have never even seen him; and he is wounded, plundered, and a + prisoner!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But if he avoided you, my father?’ murmured Eva, with her eyes fixed upon + the ground. + </p> + <p> + ‘Avoided me!’ said Besso; ‘he never thought of me but as of a Jew banker, + to whom he would send his servant for money when he needed it. Was I to + stand on punctilios with a great Christian noble? I ought to have waited + at his gate every day when he came forth, and bowed to the earth, until it + pleased him to notice me; I ought——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no, my father! you are bitter. This youth is not such as you + think; at least, in all probability is not,’ said Eva. ‘You hear he is + fanatically Christian; he may be but deeply religious, and his thoughts at + this moment may rest on other things than the business of the world. He + who makes pilgrimage to Sinai can scarcely think us so vile as you would + intimate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What will he think of those whom he is among? Here is the wound, Eva! + Guess, then, child, who has shot this arrow. ‘Tis my father!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O traitor! traitor!’ said Eva, quickly covering her face with her hands. + ‘My terror was prophetic! There is none so base!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, nay,’ said Besso; ‘these, indeed, are women’s words. The great + Sheikh in this has touched me nearly, but I see no baseness in it. He + could not know the intimate relation that should subsist between me and + this young Englishman. He has captured him in the desert, according to the + custom of his tribe. Much as Amalek may injure me, I must acquit him of + treason and of baseness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes,’ said Eva, with an abstracted air. ‘You misconceive me. I was + thinking of others; and what do you purpose, my father?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘First, to clear myself of the deep stain that I now feel upon my life,’ + said Besso. ‘This Englishman comes to Jerusalem with an unbounded credit + on my house: he visits the wilderness, and is made prisoner by my + father-in-law, who is in ambush in a part of the desert which his tribe + never frequents, and who sends to me for a princely ransom for his + captive. + </p> + <p> + These are the apparent circumstances. These are the facts. There is but + one inference from them. I dare say ‘tis drawn already by all the gossips + of the city: they are hard at it, I doubt not, at this moment, in my own + divan, winking their eyes and shrugging their shoulders, while they are + smoking my choice tobacco, and drinking my sherbet of pomegranate. And can + I blame them?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A pure conscience may defy city gossips.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A pure conscience must pay the ransom out of my own coffers. I am not + over fond of paying two millions of piastres, or even half, for one whose + shadow never fell upon my threshold. And yet I must do it: do it for my + father-in-law, the Sheikh of the Recha-bites, whose peace I made with + Mehemet Ali, for whom I gained the guardianship of the Mecca caravan + through the Syrian desert for five years, who has twelve thousand camels + which he made by that office. Oh, were it not for you, my daughter, I + would curse the hour that I ever mixed my blood with the children of + Jethro. After all, if the truth were known, they are sons of Ishmael.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, dear father, say not such things. You will send to the great + Sheikh; he will listen——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I send to the great Sheikh! You know not your grandfather, and you know + not me. The truth is, the Sheikh and myself mutually despise each other, + and we have never met without parting in bitterness. No, no; I would + rather pay the ransom myself than ask a favour of the great Sheikh. But + how can I pay the ransom, even if I chose? This young Englishman is a + fiery youth: he will not yield even to an ambush and countless odds. Do + you think a man who charges through a defile crowned with matchlocks, and + shoots men through the head, as I am told he did, in the name of Christ, + will owe his freedom to my Jewish charity? He will burn the Temple first. + This young man has the sword of Gideon. You know little of the world, Eva, + and nothing of young Englishmen. There is not a race so proud, so wilful, + so rash, and so obstinate. They live in a misty clime, on raw meats, and + wines of fire. They laugh at their fathers, and never say a prayer. They + pass their days in the chase, gaming, and all violent courses. They have + all the power of the State, and all its wealth; and when they can wring no + more from their peasants, they plunder the kings of India.’ ‘But this + young Englishman, you say, is pious?’ said Eva. + </p> + <p> + Ah! this young Englishman; why did he come here? What is Jerusalem to him, + or he to Jerusalem? His Intendant, himself a prisoner, waits here. I must + see him; he is one of the people of my patron, which proves our great + friend’s interest in this youth. O day thrice cursed! day of a thousand + evil eyes! day of a new captivity——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My father, my dear father, these bursts of grief do not become your fame + for wisdom. We must inquire, we must hold counsel. Let me see the + Intendant of this English youth, and hear more than I have yet learnt. I + cannot think that affairs are so hopeless as you paint them: I will + believe that there is a spring near.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Parleyings</i> +</pre> + <p> + IN AN almost circular valley, surrounded by mountains, Amalek, great + Sheikh of the Rechabite Bedouins, after having crossed the peninsula of + Petrasa from the great Syrian desert, pitched his camp amid the + magnificent ruins of an ancient Idumæan city. The pavilion of the chief, + facing the sunset, was raised in the arena of an amphitheatre cut out of + the solid rock and almost the whole of the seats of which were entire. The + sides of the mountains were covered with excavated tombs and temples, and, + perhaps, dwelling-places; at any rate, many of them were now occupied by + human beings. Fragments of columns were lying about, and masses of unknown + walls. From a defile in the mountains issued a stream, which wound about + in the plain, its waters almost hid, but its course beautifully indicated + by the undulating shrubbery of oleanders, fig-trees, and willows. On one + side of these, between the water and the amphitheatre, was a crescent of + black tents, groups of horses, and crouching camels. Over the whole scene + the sunset threw a violet hue, while the moon, broad and white, floated + over the opposite hills. + </p> + <p> + The carpet of the great Sheikh was placed before his pavilion, and, seated + on it alone, and smoking a chibouque of date wood, the patriarch + ruminated. He had no appearance of age, except from a snowy beard, which + was very long: a wiry man, with an unwrinkled face; dark, regular, and + noble features, beautiful teeth. Over his head, a crimson kefia, ribbed + and fringed with gold; his robe was of the same colour, and his boots were + of red leather; the chief of one of the great tribes, and said, when they + were united, to be able to bring ten thousand horsemen into the field. + </p> + <p> + One at full gallop, with a long spear, at this moment darted from the + ravine, and, without stopping to answer several who addressed him, hurried + across the plain, and did not halt until he reached the Sheikh. + </p> + <p> + ‘Salaam, Sheikh of Sheikhs, it is done; the brother of the Queen of the + English is your slave.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good!’ said Sheikh Amalek, very gravely, and taking his pipe from his + mouth. ‘May your mother eat the hump of a young camel! When will they be + here?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They will be the first shadows of the moon.’ ‘Good! is the brother of the + Queen with Sheikh Salem?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is only one God: Sheikh Salem will never drink leban again, unless + he drink it in Paradise.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly, there is only one God. What! has he fallen asleep into the + well of Nummula?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; but we have seen many evil eyes. Four hares crossed our path this + morning. Our salaam to the English prince was not a salaam of peace. The + brother of the Queen of the English is no less than an Antar. He will + fight, yea or nay; and he has shot Sheikh Salem through the head.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is but one God, and His will be done. I have lost the apple of mine + eye. The Prince of the English is alive?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is alive.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good! camels shall be given to the widow of Sheikh Salem, and she shall + be married to a new husband. Are there other deeds of Gin?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One grape will not make a bunch, even though it be a great one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let truth always be spoken. Let your words flow as the rock of Moses.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is only one God: if you call to Ibrahim-ben-Hassan, to Molgrabi + Teuba, and Teuba-ben-Amin, they will not be roused from their sleep: there + are also wounds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell all the people there is only one God: it is the Sheikh of the + Jeilaheens that has done these deeds of Gin?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let truth always be spoken; my words shall flow as the rock of Moses. The + Sheikh of the Jeilaheens counselled the young man not to fight, but the + young man is a very Zatanai. Certainly there are many devils, but there is + no devil like a Frank in a round hat.’ + </p> + <p> + The evening advanced; the white moon, that had only gleamed, now + glittered; the necks of the camels looked tall and silvery in its beam. + The night-fires began to blaze, the lamps to twinkle in the crescent of + dark tents. There was a shout, a general stir, the heads of spears were + seen glistening in the ravine. They came; a winding line of warriors. + Some, as they emerged into the plain, galloped forward and threw their + spears into the air; but the main body preserved an appearance of + discipline, and proceeded at a slow pace to the pavilion of the Sheikh. A + body of horsemen came first; then warriors on dromedaries; Sheikh Hassan + next, grave and erect as if nothing had happened, though he was wounded, + and followed by his men, disarmed, though their chief retained his spear. + Baroni followed. He was unhurt, and rode between two Bedouins, with whom + he continually conversed. After them, the bodies of Sheikh Salem and his + comrades, covered with cloaks and stowed on camels. And then came the + great prize, Tancred, mounted on a dromedary, his right arm bound up in a + sling which Baroni had hastily made, and surrounded and followed by a + large troop of horsemen, who treated him with the highest consideration, + not only because he was a great prince, whose ransom could bring many + camels to their tribe, but because he had shown those feats of valour + which the wild desert honours. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding his wound, which, though slight, began to be painful, and + the extreme vexation of the whole affair, Tancred could not be insensible + to the strange beauty of the scene which welcomed him. He had read of + these deserted cities, carved out of the rocks of the wilderness, and once + the capitals of flourishing and abounding kingdoms. + </p> + <p> + They stopped before the pavilion of the great Sheikh; the arena of the + amphitheatre became filled with camels, horses, groups of warriors; many + mounted on the seats, that they might overlook the scene, their arms and + shawled heads glistening in the silver blaze of the moon or the ruddy + flames of the watch-fires. They assisted Tancred to descend, they ushered + him with courtesy to their chief, who made room for Tancred on his own + carpet, and motioned that he should be seated by his side. A small carpet + was placed for Sheikh Hassan, and another for Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘Salaam, brother of many queens, all that you see is yours; Salaam Sheikh + Hassan, we are brothers. Salaam,’ added Amalek, looking at Baroni, ‘they + tell me that you can speak our language, which is beautiful as the moon + and many palm trees; tell the prince, brother of many queens, that he + mistook the message that I sent him this morning, which was an invitation + to a feast, not to a war. Tell him we are brothers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell the Sheikh,’ said Tancred, ‘that I have no appetite for feasting, + and desire to be informed why he has made me a prisoner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell the prince, brother of many queens, that he is not a prisoner, but a + guest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ask the Sheikh, then, whether we can depart at once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell the prince, brother of many queens, that it would be rude in me to + let him depart to-night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ask the Sheikh whether I may depart in the morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell the prince that, when the morning comes, he will find I am his + brother.’ So saying, the great Sheikh took his pipe from his mouth and + gave it to Tancred: the greatest of distinctions. In a few moments, pipes + were also brought to Sheikh Hassan and Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘No harm can come to you, my lord, after smoking that pipe,’ said Baroni. + ‘We must make the best of affairs. I have been in worse straits with M. de + Sidonia. What think you of Malay pirates? These are all gentlemen.’ + </p> + <p> + While Baroni was speaking, a young man slowly and with dignity passed + through the bystanders, advanced, and, looking very earnestly at Tancred, + seated himself on the same carpet as the grand Sheikh. This action alone + would have betokened the quality of the newcomer, had not his kefia, + similar to that of Sheikh Amalek, and his whole bearing, clearly denoted + his princely character. He was very young; and Tancred, while he was + struck by his earnest gaze, was attracted by his physiognomy, which, + indeed, from its refined beauty and cast of impassioned intelligence, was + highly interesting. + </p> + <p> + Preparations all this time had been making for the feast. Half a dozen + sheep had been given to the returning band; everywhere resounded the + grinding of coffee; men passed, carrying pitchers of leban and panniers of + bread cakes hot from their simple oven. The great Sheikh, who had asked + many questions after the oriental fashion: which was the most powerful + nation, England or France; what was the name of a third European nation of + which he had heard, white men with flat noses in green coats; whether the + nation of white men with flat noses in green coats could have taken Acre + as the English had, the taking of Acre being the test of military prowess; + how many horses the Queen of the English had, and how many slaves; whether + English pistols are good; whether the English drink wine; whether the + English are Christian giaours or Pagan giaours? and so on, now invited + Tancred, Sheikh Hassan, and two or three others, to enter his pavilion and + partake of the banquet. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Sheikh must excuse me,’ said Tancred to Baroni; ‘I am wearied and + wounded. Ask if I can retire and have a tent.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you wounded?’ said the young Sheikh, who was sitting on the carpet of + Amalek, and speaking, not only in a tone of touching sympathy, but in the + language of Franguestan. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not severely,’ said Tancred, less abruptly than he had yet spoken, for + the manner and the appearance of the youth touched him, ‘but this is my + first fight, and perhaps I make too much of it. However, my arm is painful + and stiff, and indeed, you may conceive after all this, I could wish for a + little repose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The great Sheikh has allotted you a compartment of his pavilion,’ said + the youth; ‘but it will prove a noisy resting-place, I fear, for a wounded + man. I have a tent here, an humbler one, but which is at least tranquil. + Let me be your host!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are most gracious, and I should be much inclined to be your guest, + but I am a prisoner,’ he said, haughtily, ‘and cannot presume to follow my + own will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will arrange all,’ said the youth, and he conversed with Sheikh Amalek + for some moments. Then they all rose, the young man advancing to Tancred, + and saying in a sweet coaxing voice, ‘You are under my care. I will not be + a cruel gaoler; I could not be to you.’ So saying, making their reverence + to the great Sheikh, the two young men retired together from the arena. + Baroni would have followed them, when the youth stopped him, saying, with + decision, ‘The great Sheikh expects your presence; you must on no account + be absent. I will tend your chief: you will permit me?’ he inquired in a + tone of sympathy, and then, offering to support the arm of Tancred, he + murmured, ‘It kills me to think that you are wounded.’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred was attracted to the young stranger: his prepossessing appearance, + his soft manners, the contrast which they afforded to all around, and to + the scenes and circumstances which Tancred had recently experienced, were + winning. Tancred, therefore, gladly accompanied him to his pavilion, which + was pitched outside the amphitheatre, and stood apart. Notwithstanding the + modest description of his tent by the young Sheikh, it was by no means + inconsiderable in size, for it possessed several compartments, and was of + a different colour and fashion from those of the rest of the tribe. + Several steeds were picketed in Arab fashion near its entrance, and a + group of attendants, smoking and conversing with great animation, were + sitting in a circle close at hand. They pressed their hands to their + hearts as Tancred and his host passed them, but did not rise. Within the + pavilion, Tancred found a luxurious medley of cushions and soft carpets, + forming a delightful divan; pipes and arms, and, to his great surprise, + several numbers of a French newspaper published at Smyrna. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ exclaimed Tancred, throwing himself on the divan, ‘after all I have + gone through to-day, this is indeed a great and an unexpected relief.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis your own divan,’ said the young Arab, clapping his hands; ‘and when + I have given some orders for your comfort, I shall only be your guest, + though not a distant one.’ He spoke some words in Arabic to an attendant + who entered, and who returned very shortly with a silver lamp fed with + palm oil, which he placed on the ground. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have two poor Englishmen here,’ said Tancred, ‘my servants; they must + be in sad straits; unable to speak a word——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will give orders that they shall attend you. In the meantime you must + refresh yourself, however lightly, before you repose.’ At this moment + there entered the tent several attendants with a variety of dishes, which + Tancred would have declined, but the young Sheikh, selecting one of them, + said, ‘This, at least, I must urge you to taste, for it is a favourite + refreshment with us after great fatigue, and has some properties of great + virtue.’ So saying, he handed to Tancred a dish of bread, dates, and + prepared cream, which Tancred, notwithstanding his previous want of + relish, cheerfully admitted to be excellent. After this, as Tancred would + partake of no other dish, pipes were brought to the two young men, who, + reclining on the divan, smoked and conversed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of all the strange things that have happened to me to-day,’ said Tancred, + ‘not the least surprising, and certainly the most agreeable, has been + making your acquaintance. Your courtesy has much compensated me for the + rude treatment of your tribe; but, I confess, such refinement is what, + under any circumstances, I should not have expected to find among the + tents of the desert, any more than this French journal.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not an Arab,’ said the young man, speaking slowly and with an air of + some embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ exclaimed Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a Christian prince.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A prince of the Lebanon, devoted to the English, and one who has suffered + much in their cause.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are not a prisoner here, like myself?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I am here, seeking some assistance for those sufferers who should be + my subjects, were I not deprived of my sceptre, and they of a prince whose + family has reigned over and protected them for more than seven centuries. + The powerful tribe of which Sheikh Amalek is the head often pitch their + tents in the great Syrian desert, in the neighbourhood of Damascus, and + there are affairs in which they can aid my unhappy people.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a great position, yours,’ said Tancred, in an animated tone, ‘at + the same time a Syrian and a Christian prince!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said the young Emir, eagerly, ‘if the English would only understand + their own interests, with my co-operation Syria might be theirs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The English!’ said Tancred, ‘why should the English take Syria?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘France will take it if they do not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope not,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘But something must be done,’ said the Emir. ‘The Porte never could govern + it. Do you think anybody in Lebanon really cares for the Pasha of + Damascus? If the Egyptians had not disarmed the mountain, the Turks would + be driven out of Syria in a week.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A Syrian and a Christian prince!’ said Tancred, musingly. ‘There are + elements in that position stronger than the Porte, stronger than England, + stronger than united Europe. Syria was a great country when France and + England were forests. The tricolour has crossed the Alps and the Rhine, + and the flag of England has beaten even the tricolour; but if I were a + Syrian prince, I would raise the cross of Christ and ask for the aid of no + foreign banner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I could only raise a loan,’ said the Emir, ‘I could do without France + and England.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A loan!’ exclaimed Tancred; ‘I see the poison of modern liberalism has + penetrated even the desert. Believe me, national redemption is not an + affair of usury.’ + </p> + <p> + At this moment there was some little disturbance without the tent, which + it seems was occasioned by the arrival of Tancred’s servants, Freeman and + True-man. These excellent young men persisted in addressing the Arabs in + their native English, and, though we cannot for a moment believe that they + fancied themselves understood, still, from a mixture of pride and + perverseness peculiarly British, they continued their valuable discourse + as if every word told, or, if not apprehended, was a striking proof of the + sheer stupidity of their new companions. The noise became louder and + louder, and at length Freeman and Trueman entered. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Tancred, ‘and how have you been getting on?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, my lord, I don’t know,’ said Freeman, with a sort of jolly sneer; + ‘we have been dining with the savages.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are not savages, Freeman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, my lord, they have not much more clothes, anyhow; and as for knives + and forks, there is not such a thing known.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As for that, there was not such a thing known as a fork in England little + more than two hundred years ago, and we were not savages then; for the + best part of Montacute Castle was built long before that time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish we were there, my lord!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say you do: however, we must make the best of present + circumstances. I wanted to know, in the first place, whether you had food; + as for lodging, Mr. Baroni, I dare say, will manage something for you; and + if not, you had better quarter yourselves by the side of this tent. With + your own cloaks and mine, you will manage very well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, my lord. We have brought your lordship’s things with us. I + don’t know what I shall do to-morrow about your lordship’s boots. The + savages have got hold of the bottle of blacking and have been drinking it + like anything.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind my boots,’ said Tancred, ‘we have got other things to think of + now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I told them what it was,’ said Freeman, ‘but they went on just the same.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Obstinate dogs!’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think they took it for wine, my lord,’ said Trueman. ‘I never see such + ignorant creatures.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You find now the advantage of a good education, Trueman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, my lord, we do, and feel very grateful to your lordship’s honoured + mother for the same. When we came down out of the mountains and see those + blazing fires, if I didn’t think they were going to burn us alive, unless + we changed our religion! I said the catechism as hard as I could the whole + way, and felt as much like a blessed martyr as could be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well,’ said Tancred, ‘I dare say they will spare our lives. I + cannot much assist you here; but if there be anything you particularly + want, I will try and see what can be done.’ + </p> + <p> + Freeman and Trueman looked at each other, and their speaking faces held + common consultation. At length, the former, with some slight hesitation, + said, ‘We don’t like to be troublesome, my lord, but if your lordship + would ask for some sugar for us; we cannot drink their coffee without + sugar.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Suspense</i> +</pre> + <p> + ‘I WOULD not mention it to your lordship last night,’ said Baroni; ‘I + thought enough had happened for one day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But now you think I am sufficiently fresh for new troubles.’ ‘He spoke it + in Hebrew, that myself and Sheikh Hassan should not understand him, but I + know something of that dialect.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In Hebrew! And why in Hebrew?’ ‘They follow the laws of Moses, this + tribe.’ ‘Do you mean that they are Jews?’ ‘The Arabs are only Jews upon + horseback,’ said Baroni. ‘This tribe, I find, call themselves Rechabites.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ exclaimed Tancred, and he began to muse. ‘I have heard of that name + before. Is it possible,’ thought he, ‘that my visit to Bethany should have + led to this captivity?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This affair must have been planned at Jerusalem,’ said Baroni; ‘I saw + from the first it was not a common foray. These people know everything. + They will send immediately to Besso; they know he is your banker, and that + if you want to build the Temple, he must pay for it, and unless a most + immoderate ransom is given, they will carry us all into the interior of + the desert.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what do you counsel?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In this, as in all things, to gain time; and principally because I am + without resource, but with time expedients develop themselves. Naturally, + what is wanted will come; expediency is a law of nature. The camel is a + wonderful animal, but the desert made the camel. I have already impressed + upon the great Sheikh that you are not a prince of the blood; that your + father is ruined, that there has been a murrain for three years among his + herds and flocks; and that, though you appear to be travelling for + amusement, you are, in fact, a political exile. All these are grounds for + a reduced ransom. At present he believes nothing that I say, because his + mind has been previously impressed with contrary and more cogent + representations, but what I say will begin to work when he has experienced + some disappointment, and the period of re-action arrives. Re-action is the + law of society; it is inevitable. All success depends upon seizing it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It appears to me that you are a great philosopher, Baroni,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘I travelled five years with M. de Sidonia,’ said Baroni. ‘We were in + perpetual scrapes, often worse than this, and my master moralised upon + every one of them. I shared his adventures, and I imbibed some of his + wisdom; and the consequence is, that I always ought to know what to say, + and generally what to do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, here at least is some theatre for your practice; though, as far as + I can form an opinion, our course is simple, though ignominious. We must + redeem ourselves from captivity. If it were only the end of my crusade, + one might submit to it, like Coeur de Lion, after due suffering; but + occurring at the commencement, the catastrophe is mortifying, and I doubt + whether I shall have heart enough to pursue my way. Were I alone, I + certainly would not submit to ransom. I would look upon captivity as one + of those trials that await me, and I would endeavour to extricate myself + from it by courage and address, relying ever on Divine aid; but I am not + alone. I have involved you in this mischance, and these poor Englishmen, + and, it would seem, the brave Hassan and his tribe. I can hardly ask you + to make the sacrifice which I would cheerfully endure; and therefore it + seems to me that we have only one course—to march under the forks.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘With submission,’ said Baroni, ‘I cannot agree with any of your + lordship’s propositions. You take an extreme view of our case. Extreme + views are never just; something always turns up which disturbs the + calculations formed upon their decided data. This something is + circumstance. Circumstance has decided every crisis which I have + experienced, and not the primitive facts on which we have consulted. Rest + assured that circumstance will clear us now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see no room, in our situation, for the accidents on which you rely,’ + said Tancred. ‘Circumstance, as you call it, is the creature of cities, + where the action of a multitude, influenced by different motives, produces + innumerable and ever-changing combinations; but we are in the desert. The + great Sheikh will never change his mind any more than his habits of life, + which are the same as his ancestors pursued thousands of years ago; and, + for an identical reason, he is isolated and superior to all influences.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Something always turns up,’ said Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘It seems to me that we are in a <i>cul-de-sac</i>,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is always an outlet; one can escape from a <i>cul-de-sac</i> by a + window.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think it would be advisable to consult the master of this tent?’ + said Tancred, in a lower tone. ‘He is very friendly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Emir Fakredeen,’ said Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that his name?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So I learnt last night. He is a prince of the house of Shehaab; a great + house, but fallen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is a Christian,’ said Tancred, earnestly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he?’ said Baroni carelessly; ‘I have known a good many Shehaabs, and + if you will tell me their company, I will tell you their creed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He might give us some advice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No doubt of it, my lord; if advice could break our chains, we should soon + be free; but in these countries my only confidant is my camel. Assuming + that this affair is to end in a ransom, what we want now is to change the + impressions of the great Sheikh respecting your wealth. This can only be + done from the same spot where the original ideas emanated. I must induce + him to permit me to accompany his messenger to Besso. This mission will + take time, and he who gains time gains everything, as M. de Sidonia said + to me when the savages were going to burn us alive, and there came on a + thunder-storm which extinguished their fagots.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You must really tell me your history some day, Baroni,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘When my mission has failed. It will perhaps relieve your imprisonment; at + present, I repeat, we must work for a moderate ransom, instead of the + millions of which they talk, and during the negotiation take the chance of + some incident which will more agreeably free us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I despair of that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not, for it is presumptuous to believe that man can foresee the + future, which will be your lordship’s case, if you owe your freedom only + to your piastres.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But they say that everything is calculation, Baroni.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Baroni, with energy, ‘everything is adventure.’ + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the Emir Fakredeen was the prey of contending emotions. + Tancred had from the first, and in an instant, exercised over his + susceptible temperament that magnetic influence to which he was so + strangely subject. In the heart of the wilderness and in the person of his + victim, the young Emir suddenly recognised the heroic character which he + had himself so vaguely and, as it now seemed to him, so vainly attempted + to realise. The appearance and the courage of Tancred, the thoughtful + repose of his manner, his high bearing amid the distressful circumstances + in which he was involved, and the large views which the few words that had + escaped from him on the preceding evening would intimate that he took of + public transactions, completely captivated Fakredeen, who seemed at length + to have found the friend for whom he had often sighed; the steadfast and + commanding spirit, whose control, he felt conscious, was often required by + his quick but whimsical temperament. And in what relation did he stand to + this being whom he longed to press to his heart, and then go forth with + him and conquer the world? It would not bear contemplation. The arming of + the Maronites became quite a secondary object in comparison with obtaining + the friendship of Tancred. Would that he had not involved himself in this + conspiracy! and yet, but for this conspiracy, Tancred and himself might + never have met. It was impossible to grapple with the question; + circumstances must be watched, and some new combination formed to + extricate both of them from their present perplexed position. + </p> + <p> + Fakredeen sent one of his attendants in the morning to offer Tancred + horses, should his guest, as is the custom of Englishmen, care to explore + the neighbouring ruins which were celebrated; but Tancred’s wound kept him + confined to his tent. Then the Emir begged permission to pay him a visit, + which was to have lasted only a quarter of an hour; but when Fakredeen had + once established himself in the divan with his nargileh, he never quitted + it. It would have been difficult for Tancred to have found a more + interesting companion; impossible to have made an acquaintance more + singularly unreserved. His frankness was startling. Tancred had no + experience of such self-revelations; such a jumble of sublime aspirations + and equivocal conduct; such a total disregard of means, such complicated + plots, such a fertility of perplexed and tenebrous intrigue! The animated + manner and the picturesque phrase, too, in which all this was + communicated, heightened the interest and effect. Fakredeen sketched a + character in a sentence, and you knew instantly the individual whom he + described without any personal knowledge. Unlike the Orientals in general, + his gestures were as vivid as his words. He acted the interviews, he + achieved the adventures before you. His voice could take every tone and + his countenance every form. In the midst of all this, bursts of plaintive + melancholy; sometimes the anguish of a sensibility too exquisite, + alternating with a devilish mockery and a fatal absence of all + self-respect. + </p> + <p> + ‘It appears to me,’ said Tancred, when the young Emir had declared his + star accursed, since, after the ceaseless exertions of years, he was still + as distant as ever from the accomplishment of his purpose, ‘it appears to + me that your system is essentially erroneous. I do not believe that + anything great is ever effected by management. All this intrigue, in which + you seem such an adept, might be of some service in a court or in an + exclusive senate; but to free a nation you require something more vigorous + and more simple. This system of intrigue in Europe is quite old-fashioned. + It is one of the superstitions left us by the wretched eighteenth century, + a period when aristocracy was rampant throughout Christendom; and what + were the consequences? All faith in God or man, all grandeur of purpose, + all nobility of thought, and all beauty of sentiment, withered and + shrivelled up. Then the dexterous management of a few individuals, base or + dull, was the only means of success. But we live in a different age: there + are popular sympathies, however imperfect, to appeal to; we must recur to + the high primeval practice, and address nations now as the heroes, and + prophets, and legislators of antiquity. If you wish to free your country, + and make the Syrians a nation, it is not to be done by sending secret + envoys to Paris or London, cities themselves which are perhaps both doomed + to fall; you must act like Moses and Mahomet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you forget the religions,’ said Fakredeen. ‘I have so many religions + to deal with. If my fellows were all Christians, or all Moslemin, or all + Jews, or all Pagans, I grant you, something might be effected: the cross, + the crescent, the ark, or an old stone, anything would do: I would plant + it on the highest range in the centre of the country, and I would carry + Damascus and Aleppo both in one campaign; but I am debarred from this + immense support; I could only preach nationality, and, as they all hate + each other worse almost than they do the Turks, that would not be very + inviting; nationality, without race as a plea, is like the smoke of this + nargileh, a fragrant puff. Well, then, there remains only personal + influence: ancient family, vast possessions, and traditionary power: mere + personal influence can only be maintained by management, by what you + stigmatise as intrigue; and the most dexterous member of the Shehaab + family will be, in the long run, Prince of Lebanon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And if you wish only to be Prince of Lebanon, I dare say you may + succeed,’ said Tancred, ‘and perhaps with much less pains than you at + present give yourself. But what becomes of all your great plans of an hour + ago, when you were to conquer the East, and establish the independence of + the Oriental races?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ exclaimed Fakredeen with a sigh, ‘these are the only ideas for which + it is worth while to live.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The world was never conquered by intrigue: it was conquered by faith. + Now, I do not see that you have faith in anything.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Faith,’ said Fakredeen, musingly, as if his ear had caught the word for + the first time, ‘faith! that is a grand idea. If one could only have faith + in something and conquer the world!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘See now,’ said Tancred, with unusual animation, ‘I find no charm in + conquering the world to establish a dynasty: a dynasty, like everything + else, wears out; indeed, it does not last as long as most things; it has a + precipitate tendency to decay. There are reasons; we will not now dwell on + them. One should conquer the world not to enthrone a man, but an idea, for + ideas exist for ever. But what idea? There is the touchstone of all + philosophy! Amid the wreck of creeds, the crash of empires, French + revolutions, English reforms, Catholicism in agony, and Protestantism in + convulsions, discordant Europe demands the keynote, which none can sound. + If Asia be in decay, Europe is in confusion. Your repose may be death, but + our life is anarchy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am thinking,’ said Fakredeen, thoughtfully, ‘how we in Syria could + possibly manage to have faith in anything; I had faith in Mehemet Ali, but + he is a Turk, and that upset him. If, instead of being merely a rebellious + Pasha, he had placed himself at the head of the Arabs, and revived the + Caliphate, you would have seen something. Head the desert and you may do + anything. But it is so difficult. If you can once get the tribes out of + it, they will go anywhere. See what they did when they last came forth. It + is a simoom, a kamsin, fatal, irresistible. They are as fresh, too, as + ever. The Arabs are always young; it is the only race that never withers. + I am an Arab myself; from my ancestor who was the standard-bearer of the + Prophet, the consciousness of race is the only circumstance that sometimes + keeps up my spirit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am an Arab only in religion,’ said Tancred, ‘but the consciousness of + creed sustains me. I know well, though born in a distant and northern + isle, that the Creator of the world speaks with man only in this land; and + that is why I am here.’ + </p> + <p> + The young Emir threw an earnest glance at his companion, whose + countenance, though grave, was calm. ‘Then you have faith?’ said + Fakredeen, inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have passive faith,’ said Tancred. ‘I know that there is a Deity who + has revealed his will at intervals during different ages; but of his + present purpose I feel ignorant, and therefore I have not active faith; I + know not what to do, and should be reduced to a mere spiritual + slothfulness, had I not resolved to struggle with this fearful necessity, + and so embarked in this great pilgrimage which has so strangely brought us + together.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you have your sacred books to consult?’ said Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘There were sacred books when Jehovah conferred with Solomon; there was a + still greater number of sacred books when Jehovah inspired the prophets; + the sacred writings were yet more voluminous when the Creator ordained + that there should be for human edification a completely new series of + inspired literature. Nearly two thousand years have passed since the last + of those works appeared. It is a greater interval than elapsed between the + writings of Malachi and the writings of Matthew.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The prior of the Maronite convent, at Mar Hanna, has often urged on me, + as conclusive evidence of the falseness of Mahomet’s mission, that our + Lord Jesus declared that after him “many false prophets should arise,” and + warned his followers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There spoke the Prince of Israel,’ said Tancred, ‘not the universal + Redeemer. He warned his tribe against the advent of false Messiahs, no + more. Far from terminating by his coming the direct communication between + God and man, his appearance was only the herald of a relation between the + Creator and his creatures more fine, more permanent, and more express. The + inspiring and consoling influence of the Paraclete only commenced with the + ascension of the Divine Son. In this fact, perhaps, may be found a + sufficient reason why no written expression of the celestial will has + subsequently appeared. But, instead of foreclosing my desire for express + communication, it would, on the contrary, be a circumstance to authorise + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then how do you know that Mahomet was not inspired?’ said Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Far be it from me to impugn the divine commission of any of the seed of + Abraham,’ replied Tancred. ‘There are doctors of our church who recognise + the sacred office of Mahomet, though they hold it to be, what divine + commissions, with the great exception, have ever been, limited and local.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God has never spoken to a European?’ said Fakredeen, inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you are a European?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And your inference is just,’ said Tancred, in an agitated voice, and with + a changing countenance. ‘It is one that has for some time haunted my soul. + In England, when I prayed in vain for enlightenment, I at last induced + myself to believe that the Supreme Being would not deign to reveal His + will unless in the land which his presence had rendered holy; but since I + have been a dweller within its borders, and poured forth my passionate + prayers at all its holy places, and received no sign, the desolating + thought has sometimes come over my spirit, that there is a qualification + of blood as well as of locality necessary for this communion, and that the + favoured votary must not only kneel in the Holy Land but be of the holy + race.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am an Arab,’ said Fakredeen. ‘It is something.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I were an Arab in race as well as in religion,’ said Tancred, ‘I would + not pass my life in schemes to govern some mountain tribes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll tell you,’ said the Emir, springing from his divan, and flinging the + tube of his nargileh to the other end of the tent: ‘the game is in our + hands, if we have energy. There is a combination which would entirely + change the whole ‘face of the world, and bring back empire to the East. + Though you are not the brother of the Queen of the English, you are + nevertheless a great English prince, and the Queen will listen to what you + say; especially if you talk to her as you talk to me, and say such fine + things in such a beautiful voice. Nobody ever opened my mind like you. You + will magnetise the Queen as you have magnetised me. Go back to England and + arrange this. You see, gloze it over as they may, one thing is clear, it + is finished with England. There are three things which alone must destroy + it. Primo, O’Connell appropriating to himself the revenues of half of Her + Majesty’s dominions. Secondo, the cottons; the world begins to get a + little disgusted with those cottons; naturally everybody prefers silk; I + am sure that the Lebanon in time could supply the whole world with silk, + if it were properly administered. Thirdly, steam; with this steam your + great ships have become a respectable Noah’s ark. The game is up; Louis + Philippe can take Windsor Castle whenever he pleases, as you took Acre, + with the wind in his teeth. It is all over, then. Now, see a <i>coup + d‘état</i> that saves all. You must perform the Portuguese scheme on a + great scale; quit a petty and exhausted position for a vast and prolific + empire. Let the Queen of the English collect a great fleet, let her stow + away all her treasure, bullion, gold plate, and precious arms; be + accompanied by all her court and chief people, and transfer the seat of + her empire from London to Delhi. There she will find an immense empire + ready made, a firstrate army, and a large revenue. In the meantime I will + arrange with Mehemet Ali. + </p> + <p> + He shall have Bagdad and Mesopotamia, and pour the Bedouin cavalry into + Persia. I will take care of Syria and Asia Minor. The only way to manage + the Afghans is by Persia and by the Arabs. We will acknowledge the Empress + of India as our suzerain, and secure for her the Levantine coast. If she + like, she shall have Alexandria as she now has Malta: it could be + arranged. Your Queen is young; she has an <i>avenir</i>. Aberdeen and Sir + Peel will never give her this advice; their habits are formed. They are + too old, too <i>rusés</i>. But, you see! the greatest empire that ever + existed; besides which she gets rid of the embarrassment of her Chambers! + And quite practicable; for the only difficult part, the conquest of India, + which baffled Alexander, is all done!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Pilgrim to Mount Sinai</i> +</pre> + <p> + IT WAS not so much a conviction as a suspicion that Tancred had conveyed + to the young Emir, when the pilgrim had confessed that the depressing + thought sometimes came over him, that he was deficient in that + qualification of race which was necessary for the high communion to which + he aspired. Four-and-twenty hours before he was not thus dejected. Almost + within sight of Sinai, he was still full of faith. But his vexatious + captivity, and the enfeebling consequences of this wound, dulled his + spirit. Alone, among strangers and foes, in pain and in peril, and without + that energy which finds excitement in difficulty, and can mock at danger, + which requires no counsellor but our own quick brain, and no champion but + our own right arm, the high spirit of Tancred for the first time flagged. + As the twilight descended over the rocky city, its sculptured tombs and + excavated temples, and its strewn remains of palaces and theatres, his + heart recurred with tenderness to the halls and towers of Montacute and + Bellamont, and the beautiful affections beneath those stately roofs, that, + urged on, as he had once thought, by a divine influence, now, as he was + half tempted to credit, by a fantastic impulse, he had dared to desert. + Brooding in dejection, his eyes were suffused with tears. + </p> + <p> + It was one of those moments of amiable weakness which make us all akin, + when sublime ambition, the mystical predispositions of genius, the solemn + sense of duty, all the heaped-up lore of ages, and the dogmas of a high + philosophy alike desert us, or sink into nothingness. The voice of his + mother sounded in his ear, and he was haunted by his father’s anxious + glance. Why was he there? Why was he, the child of a northern isle, in the + heart of the Stony Arabia, far from the scene of his birth and of his + duties? A disheartening, an awful question, which, if it could not be + satisfactorily answered by Tancred of Montacute, it seemed to him that his + future, wherever or however passed, must be one of intolerable bale. + </p> + <p> + Was he, then, a stranger there? uncalled, unexpected, intrusive, + unwelcome? Was it a morbid curiosity, or the proverbial restlessness of a + satiated aristocrat, that had drawn him to these wilds? What wilds? Had he + no connection with them? Had he not from his infancy repeated, in the + congregation of his people, the laws which, from the awful summit of these + surrounding mountains, the Father of all had Himself delivered for the + government of mankind? These Arabian laws regulated his life. And the + wanderings of an Arabian tribe in this ‘great and terrible wilderness,’ + under the immediate direction of the Creator, sanctified by His miracles, + governed by His counsels, illumined by His presence, had been the first + and guiding history that had been entrusted to his young intelligence, + from which it had drawn its first pregnant examples of human conduct and + divine interposition, and formed its first dim conceptions of the + relations between man and God. Why, then, he had a right to be here! He + had a connection with these regions; they had a hold upon him. He was not + here like an Indian Brahmin, who visits Europe from a principle of + curiosity, however rational or however refined. The land which the Hindoo + visits is not his land, nor his father’s land; the laws which regulate it + are not his laws, and the faith which fills its temples is not the + revelation that floats upon his sacred Ganges. But for this English youth, + words had been uttered and things done, more than thirty centuries ago, in + this stony wilderness, which influenced his opinions and regulated his + conduct every day of his life, in that distant and seagirt home, which, at + the time of their occurrence, was not as advanced in civilisation as the + Polynesian groups or the islands of New Zealand. The life and property of + England are protected by the laws of Sinai. The hard-working people of + England are secured in every seven days a day of rest by the laws of + Sinai. And yet they persecute the Jews, and hold up to odium the race to + whom they are indebted for the sublime legislation which alleviates the + inevitable lot of the labouring multitude! + </p> + <p> + And when that labouring multitude cease for a while from a toil which + equals almost Egyptian bondage, and demands that exponent of the mysteries + of the heart, that soother of the troubled spirit, which poetry can alone + afford, to whose harp do the people of England fly for sympathy and + solace? Who is the most popular poet in this country? Is he to be found + among the Mr. Wordsworths and the Lord Byrons, amid sauntering reveries or + monologues of sublime satiety? Shall we seek him among the wits of Queen + Anne? Even to the myriad-minded Shakespeare can we award the palm? No; the + most popular poet in England is the sweet singer of Israel. Since the days + of the heritage, when every man dwelt safely under his vine and under his + fig tree, there never was a race who sang so often the odes of David as + the people of Great Britain. + </p> + <p> + Vast as the obligations of the whole human family are to the Hebrew race, + there is no portion of the modern population so much indebted to them as + the British people. It was ‘the sword of the Lord and of Gideon’ that won + the boasted liberties of England; chanting the same canticles that cheered + the heart of Judah amid their glens, the Scotch, upon their hillsides, + achieved their religious freedom. + </p> + <p> + Then why do these Saxon and Celtic societies persecute an Arabian race, + from whom they have adopted laws of sublime benevolence, and in the pages + of whose literature they have found perpetual delight, instruction, and + consolation? That is a great question, which, in an enlightened age, may + be fairly asked, but to which even the self-complacent nineteenth century + would find some difficulty in contributing a reply. Does it stand thus? + Independently of their admirable laws which have elevated our condition, + and of their exquisite poetry which has charmed it; independently of their + heroic history which has animated us to the pursuit of public liberty, we + are indebted to the Hebrew people for our knowledge of the true God and + for the redemption from our sins. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I have a right to be here,’ said Tancred of Montacute, as his eyes + were fixed in abstraction on the stars of Arabia; ‘I am not a travelling + dilettante, mourning over a ruin, or in ecstasies at a deciphered + inscription. I come to the land whose laws I obey, whose religion I + profess, and I seek, upon its sacred soil, those sanctions which for ages + were abundantly accorded. The angels who visited the Patriarchs, and + announced the advent of the Judges, who guided the pens of Prophets and + bore tidings to the Apostles, spoke also to the Shepherds in the field. I + look upon the host of heaven; do they no longer stand before the Lord? + Where are the Cherubim, where the Seraphs? Where is Michael the Destroyer? + Gabriel of a thousand missions?’ + </p> + <p> + At this moment, the sound of horsemen recalled Tancred from his reverie, + and, looking up, he observed a group of Arabs approaching him, three of + whom were mounted. Soon he recognised the great Sheikh Amalek, and Hassan, + the late commander of his escort. The young Syrian Emir was their + companion. This was a visit of hospitable ceremony from the great Sheikh + to his distinguished prisoner. Amalek, pressing his hand to his heart, + gave Tancred the salute of peace, and then, followed by Hassan, who had + lost nothing of his calm self-respect, but who conducted himself as if he + were still free, the great Sheikh seated himself on the carpet that was + spread before the tent, and took the pipe, which was immediately offered + him by Freeman and Trueman, following the instructions of an attendant of + the Emir Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + After the usual compliments and some customary observations about horses + and pistols, Fakredeen, who had seated himself close to Tancred, with a + kind of shrinking cajolery, as if he were seeking the protection of some + superior being, addressing Amalek in a tone of easy assurance, which + remarkably contrasted with the sentimental deference he displayed towards + his prisoner, said: + </p> + <p> + ‘Sheikh of Sheikhs, there is but one God: now is it Allah, or Jehovah?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The palm tree is sometimes called a date tree,’ replied Amalek, ‘but + there is only one tree.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good,’ said Fakredeen, ‘but you do not pray to Allah?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I pray as my fathers prayed,’ said Amalek. + </p> + <p> + ‘And you pray to Jehovah?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is said.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sheikh Hassan,’ said the Emir, ‘there is but one God, and his name is + Jehovah. Why do you not pray to Jehovah?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Truly there is but one God,’ said Sheikh Hassan, ‘and Mahomet is his + Prophet. He told my fathers to pray to Allah, and to Allah I pray.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is Mahomet the prophet of God, Sheikh of Sheikhs?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It may be,’ replied Amalek, with a nod of assent. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why do you not pray as Sheikh Hassan?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because Moses, without doubt the prophet of God,—for all believe in + him, Sheikh Hassan, and Emir Fakredeen, and you too, Prince, brother of + queens,—married into our family and taught us to pray to Jehovah. + There may be other prophets, but the children of Jethro would indeed ride + on asses were they not content with Moses.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you have his five books?’ inquired Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘We had them from the beginning, and we shall keep them to the end.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you learnt in them that Moses married the daughter of Jethro?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did I learn in them that I have wells and camels? We want no books to + tell us who married our daughters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And yet it is not yesterday that Moses fled from Egypt into Midian?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not yesterday for those who live in cities, where they say at one + gate that it is morning, and at another it is night. Where men tell lies, + the deed of the dawn is the secret of sunset. But in the desert nothing + changes; neither the acts of a man’s life, nor the words of a man’s lips. + We drink at the same well where Moses helped Zipporah, we tend the same + flocks, we live under the same tents; our words have changed as little as + our waters, our habits, or our dwellings. What my father learnt from those + before him, he delivered to me, and I have told it to my son. What is time + and what is truth, that I should forget that a prophet of Jehovah married + into my house?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where little is done, little is said,’ observed Sheikh Hassan, ‘and + silence is the mother of truth. + </p> + <p> + Since the Hegira, nothing has happened in Arabia, and before that was + Moses, and before him the giants.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let truth always be spoken,’ said Amalek; ‘your words are a flowing + stream, and the children of Rechab and the tribes of the Senites never + joined him of Mecca, for they had the five books, and they said, “Is not + that enough?” They withdrew to the Syrian wilderness, and they multiplied. + But the sons of Koreidha, who also had the five books, but who were not + children of Rechab, but who came into the desert near Medina after + Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed El Khuds, they first joined him of Mecca, and + then they made war on him, and he broke their bows and led them into + captivity; and they are to be found in the cities of Yemen to this day; + the children of Israel who live in the cities of Yemen are the tribe of + Koreidha.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Unhappy sons of Koreidha, who made war upon the Prophet, and who live in + cities!’ said Sheikh Hassan, taking a fresh pipe. + </p> + <p> + ‘And perhaps,’ said the young Emir, ‘if you had not been children of + Jethro, you might have acknowledged him of Mecca, Sheikh of Sheikhs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is but one God,’ said Amalek; ‘but there may be many prophets. It + becomes not a son of jethro to seek other than Moses. But I will not say + that the Koran comes not from God, since it was written by one who was of + the tribe of Koreish, and the tribe of Koreish are the lineal descendants + of Ibrahim.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you believe that the Word of God could come only to the seed of + Abraham?’ asked Tancred, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I and my fathers have watered our flocks in the wilderness since time + was,’ replied Amalek; ‘we have seen the Pharaohs, and Nebuchadnezzar, and + Iskander, and the Romans, and the Sultan of the French: they conquered + everything except us; and where are they? They are sand. Let men doubt of + unicorns: but of one thing there can be no doubt, that God never spoke + except to an Arab.’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred covered his face with his hands. Then, after a few moments’ pause, + looking up, he said, ‘Sheikh of Sheikhs, I am your prisoner; and was, when + you captured me, a pilgrim to Mount Sinai, a spot which, in your belief, + is not less sacred than in mine. We are, as I have learned, only two days’ + journey from that holy place. Grant me this boon, that I may at once + proceed thither, guarded as you will. I pledge you the word of a Christian + noble, that I will not attempt to escape. Long before you have received a + reply from Jerusalem, I shall have returned; and whatever may be the + result of the visit of Baroni, I shall, at least, have fulfilled my + pilgrimage.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Prince, brother of queens,’ replied Amalek, with that politeness which is + the characteristic of the Arabian chieftains; ‘under my tents you have + only to command; go where you like, return when you please. My children + shall attend you as your guardians, not as your guards.’ And the great + Sheikh rose and retired. + </p> + <p> + Tancred re-entered his tent, and, reclining, fell into a reverie of + distracting thoughts. The history of his life and mind seemed with a + whirling power to pass before him; his birth, in clime unknown to the + Patriarchs; his education, unconsciously to himself, in an Arabian + literature; his imbibing, from his tender infancy, oriental ideas and + oriental creeds; the contrast that the occidental society in which he had + been reared presented to them; his dissatisfaction with that social + system; his conviction of the growing melancholy of enlightened Europe, + veiled, as it may be, with sometimes a conceited bustle, sometimes a + desperate shipwreck gaiety, sometimes with all the exciting empiricism of + science; his perplexity that, between the Asian revelation and the + European practice there should be so little conformity, and why the + relations between them should be so limited and imperfect; above all, his + passionate desire to penetrate the mystery of the elder world, and share + its celestial privileges and divine prerogative. Tancred sighed. + </p> + <p> + He looked round; some one had gently drawn his hand. It was the young Emir + kneeling, his beautiful blue eyes bedewed with tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are unhappy, said Fakredeen, in a tone of plaintiveness. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the doom of man,’ replied Tancred; ‘and in my position sadness + should not seem strange.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The curse of ten thousand mothers on those who made you a prisoner; the + curse of twenty thousand mothers on him who inflicted on you a wound!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis the fortune of life,’ said Tancred, more cheerfully; ‘and in truth I + was perhaps thinking of other things.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know why I trouble you when your heart is dark?’ said the young + Emir. ‘See now, if you will it, you are free. The great Sheikh has + consented that you should go to Sinai. I have two dromedaries here, + fleeter than the Kamsin. At the well of Mokatteb, where we encamp for the + night, I will serve raki to the Bedouins; I have some with me, strong + enough to melt the snow of Lebanon; if it will not do, they shall smoke + some timbak, that will make them sleep like pashas. I know this desert as + a man knows his father’s house; we shall be at Hebron before they untie + their eyelids. Tell me, is it good?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Were I alone,’ said Tancred, ‘without a single guard, I must return.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because I have pledged the word of a Christian noble.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To a man who does not believe in Christ. Faugh! Is it not itself a sin to + keep faith with heretics?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But is he one?’ said Tancred. ‘He believes in Moses; he disbelieves in + none of the seed of Abraham. He is of that seed himself! Would I were such + a heretic as Sheikh Amalek!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you will only pay me a visit in the Lebanon, I would introduce you to + our patriarch, and he would talk as much theology with you as you like. + For my own part it is not a kind of knowledge that I have much cultivated; + you know I am peculiarly situated, we have so many religions on the + mountain; but time presses; tell me, my prince, shall Hebron be our + point?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If Amalek believed in Baal, I must return,’ said Tancred; ‘even if it + were to certain death. Besides, I could not desert my men; and Baroni, + what would become of him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We could easily make some plan that would extricate them. Dismiss them + from your mind, and trust yourself to me. I know nothing that would + delight me more than to baulk these robbers of their prey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should not talk of such things,’ said Tancred; ‘I must remain here, or + I must return.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What can you want to do on Mount Sinai?’ murmured the prince rather + pettishly. ‘Now if it were Mount Lebanon, and you had a wish to employ + yourself, there is an immense field! We might improve the condition of the + people; we might establish manufactures, stimulate agriculture extend + commerce get an appalto of the silk, buy it all up at sixty piastres per + oke, and sell it at Marseilles at two hundred and at the same time advance + the interests of true religion as much as you please.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>In the Valley of the Shadow</i> +</pre> + <p> + THEN days had elapsed since the capture of Tancred; Amalek and his Arabs + were still encamped in the rocky city; the beams of the early sun were + just rising over the crest of the amphitheatre, when four horsemen, who + were recognised as the children of Rechab, issued from the ravine. They + galloped over the plain, shouted, and threw their lances in the air. From + the crescent of black tents came forth the warriors, some mounted their + horses and met their returning brethren, others prepared their welcome. + The horses neighed, the camels stirred their long necks. All living things + seemed conscious that an event had occurred. + </p> + <p> + The four horsemen were surrounded by their brethren; but one of them, + giving and returning blessings, darted forward to the pavilion of the + great Sheikh. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you brought camels, Shedad, son of Amroo?’ inquired one of the + welcomers to the welcomed. + </p> + <p> + ‘We have been to El Khuds,’ was the reply. ‘What we have brought back is a + seal of Solomon. + </p> + <p> + ‘From Mount Seir to the City of the Friend, what have you seen in the + joyful land?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We found the sons of Hamar by the well-side of Jumda; we found the marks + of many camels in the pass of Gharendel, and the marks in the pass of + Gharendel were not the marks of the camels of the Beni-Hamar.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I had a dream, and the children of Tora said to me, “Who art thou in the + hands of our father’s flocks? Are none but the sons of Rechab to drink the + sweet waters of Edom?” Methinks the marks in the pass of Gharendel were + the marks of the camels of the children of Tora.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is a feud between the Beni-Tora and the Beni-Hamar,’ replied the + other Arab, shaking his head. ‘The Beni-Tora are in the wilderness of + Akiba, and the Beni-Hamar have burnt their tents and captured their camels + and their women. This is why the sons of Hamar are watering their flocks + by the well of Jumda.’ + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, the caravan, of which the four horsemen were the advanced + guard, issued from the pass into the plain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Shedad, son of Amroo,’ exclaimed one of the Bedouins, ‘what! have you + captured an harem?’ For he beheld dromedaries and veiled women. + </p> + <p> + The great Sheikh came forth from his pavilion and sniffed the morning air; + a dignified smile played over his benignant features, and once he smoothed + his venerable beard. + </p> + <p> + ‘My son-in-law is a true son of Israel,’ he murmured complacently to + himself. ‘He will trust his gold only to his own blood.’ + </p> + <p> + The caravan wound about the plain, then crossed the stream at the + accustomed ford, and approached the amphitheatre. + </p> + <p> + The horsemen halted, some dismounted, the dromedaries knelt down, Baroni + assisted one of the riders from her seat; the great Sheikh advanced and + said, ‘Welcome in the name of God! welcome with a thousand blessings!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I come in the name of God; I come with a thousand blessings,’ replied the + lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘And with a thousand something else,’ thought Amalek to himself; but the + Arabs are so polished that they never make unnecessary allusions to + business. + </p> + <p> + ‘Had I thought the Queen of Sheba was going to pay me a visit,’ said the + great Sheikh, ‘I would have brought the pavilion of Miriam. How is the + Rose of Sharon?’ he continued, as he ushered Eva into his tent. ‘How is + the son of my heart; how is Besso, more generous than a thousand kings?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Speak not of the son of thy heart,’ said Eva, seating herself on the + divan. ‘Speak not of Besso, the generous and the good, for his head is + strewn with ashes, and his mouth is full of sand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is this?’ thought Amalek. ‘Besso is not ill, or his daughter would + not be here. This arrow flies not straight. Does he want to scrape my + piastres? These sons of Israel that dwell in cities will mix their pens + with our spears. I will be obstinate as an Azafeer camel.’ + </p> + <p> + Slaves now entered, bringing coffee and bread, the Sheikh asking questions + as they ate, as to the time Eva quitted Jerusalem, her halting-places in + the desert, whether she had met with any tribes; then he offered to his + granddaughter his own chibouque, which she took with ceremony, and + instantly returned, while they brought her aromatic nargileh. + </p> + <p> + Eva scanned the imperturbable countenance of her grandfather: calm, + polite, benignant, she knew the great Sheikh too well to suppose for a + moment that its superficial expression was any indication of his innermost + purpose. Suddenly she said, in a somewhat careless tone, ‘And why is the + Lord of the Syrian pastures in this wilderness, that has been so long + accursed?’ + </p> + <p> + The great Sheikh took his pipe from his mouth, and then slowly sent forth + its smoke through his nostrils, a feat of which he was proud. Then he + placidly replied: ‘For the same reason that the man named Baroni made a + visit to El Khuds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The man named Baroni came to demand succour for his lord, who is your + prisoner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And also to obtain two millions of piastres,’ added Amalek. + </p> + <p> + ‘Two millions of piastres! Why not at once ask for the throne of Solomon?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which would be given, if required,’ rejoined Amalek. ‘Was it not said in + the divan of Besso, that if this Prince of Franguestan wished to rebuild + the Temple, the treasure would not be wanting?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Said by some city gossip,’ said Eva, scornfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘Said by your father, daughter of Besso, who, though he lives in cities, + is not a man who will say that almonds are pearls.’ + </p> + <p> + Eva controlled her countenance, though it was difficult to conceal her + mortification as she perceived how well informed her grandfather was of + all that passed under their roof, and of the resources of his prisoner. It + was necessary, after the last remark of the great Sheikh, to take new + ground, and, instead of dwelling, as she was about to do, on the + exaggeration of public report, and attempting to ridicule the vast + expectations of her host, she said, in a soft tone, ‘You did not ask me + why Besso was in such affliction, father of my mother?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are many sorrows: has he lost ships? If a man is in sound health, + all the rest are dreams. And Besso needs no hakeem, or you would not be + here, my Rose of Sharon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The light may have become darkness in our eyes, though we may still eat + and drink,’ said Eva. ‘And that has happened to Besso which might have + turned a child’s hair grey in its cradle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who has poisoned his well? Has he quarrelled with the Porte?’ said the + Sheikh, without looking at her. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not his enemies who have pierced him in the back.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Humph,’ said the great Sheikh. + </p> + <p> + ‘And that makes his heart more heavy,’ said Eva. + </p> + <p> + ‘He dwells too much in walls,’ said the great Sheikh. ‘He should have + ridden into the desert, instead of you, my child. He should have brought + the ransom himself; ‘and the great Sheikh sent two curling streams out of + his nostrils. + </p> + <p> + ‘Whoever be the bearer, he is the payer,’ said Eva. ‘It is he who is the + prisoner, not this son of Franguestan, who, you think, is your captive.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your father wishes to scrape my piastres,’ said the great Sheikh, in a + stern voice, and looking his granddaughter full in the face. + </p> + <p> + ‘If he wanted to scrape piastres from the desert,’ said Eva, in a sweet + but mournful voice, ‘would Besso have given you the convoy of the Hadj + without condition or abatement?’ + </p> + <p> + The great Sheikh drew a long breath from his chibouque. After a momentary + pause, he said, ‘In a family there should ever be unity and concord; above + all things, words should not be dark. How much will the Queen of the + English give for her brother? + </p> + <p> + ‘He is not the brother of the Queen of the English,’ said Eva. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not when he is my spoil, in my tent,’ said Amalek, with a cunning smile; + ‘but put him on a round hat in a walled city, and then he is the brother + of the Queen of the English.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whatever his rank, he is the charge of Besso, my father and your son,’ + said Eva; ‘and Besso has pledged his heart, his life, and his honour, that + this young prince shall not be hurt. For him he feels, for him he speaks, + for him he thinks. Is it to be told in the bazaars of Franguestan that his + first office of devotion was to send this youth into the desert to be + spoiled by the father of his wife?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why did my daughters marry men who live in cities?’ exclaimed the old + Sheikh. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why did they marry men who made your peace with the Egyptian, when not + even the desert could screen you? Why did they marry men who gained you + the convoy of the Hadj, and gave you the milk of ten thousand camels?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Truly, there is but one God in the desert and in the city,’ said Amalek. + ‘Now, tell me, Rose of Sharon, how many piastres have you brought me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you be in trouble, Besso will aid you as he has done; if you wish to + buy camels, Besso will assist you as before; but if you expect ransom for + his charge, whom you ought to have placed on your best mare of Nedgid, + then I have not brought a para.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is clearly the end of the world,’ said Amalek, with a savage sigh. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why I am here,’ said Eva, ‘I am only the child of your child, a woman + without spears; why do you not seize me and send to Besso? He must ransom + me, for I am the only offspring of his loins. Ask for four millions of + piastres I He can raise them. Let him send round to all the cities of + Syria, and tell his brethren that a Bedouin Sheikh has made his daughter + and her maidens captive, and, trust me, the treasure will be forthcoming. + He need not say it is one on whom he has lavished a thousand favours, + whose visage was darker than the simoom when he made the great Pasha smile + on him; who, however he may talk of living in cities now, could come + cringing to El Sham to ask for the contract of the Hadj, by which he had + gained ten thousand camels; he need say nothing of all this, and, least of + all, need he say that the spoiler is his father!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is this Prince of Franguestan to thee and thine?’ said Amalek. ‘He + comes to our land like his brethren, to see the sun and seek for treasure + in our ruins, and he bears, like all of them, some written words to your + father, saying, “Give to this man what he asks, and we will give to your + people what they ask.” I understand all this: they all come to your father + because he deals in money, and is the only man in Syria who has money. + What he pays, he is again paid. Is it not so, Eva? Daughter of my blood, + let there not be strife between us; give me a million piastres, and a + hundred camels to the widow of Sheikh Salem, and take the brother of the + Queen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Camels shall be given to the widow of Sheikh Salem,’ said Eva, in a + conciliatory voice; ‘but for this ransom of which you speak, my father, it + is not a question as to the number of piastres. If you want a million of + piastres, shall it be said that Besso would not lend, perhaps give, them + to the great Sheikh he loves? But, you see, my father of fathers, piastres + and this Frank stranger are not of the same leaven. Name them not + together, I pray you; mix not their waters. It concerns the honour, and + welfare, and safety, and glory of Besso that you should cover this youth + with a robe of power, and place him upon your best dromedary, and send him + back to El Khuds.’ The great Sheikh groaned. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have I opened a gate that I am unable to close?’ he at length said. ‘What + is begun shall be finished. Have the children of Rechab been brought from + the sweet wells of Costal to this wilderness ever accursed to fill their + purses with stones? Will they not return and say that my beard is too + white? Yet do I wish that this day was finished. Name then at once, my + daughter, the piastres that you will give; for the prince, the brother of + queens, may to-morrow be dust.’ ‘How so?’ eagerly inquired Eva. ‘He is a + Mejnoun,’ replied Amalek. ‘After the man named Baroni departed for El + Khuds, the Prince of Franguestan would not rest until he visited Gibel + Mousa, and I said “Yes” to all his wishes. Whether it were his wound + inflamed by his journey, or grief at his captivity, for these Franks are + the slaves of useless sorrow, he returned as wild as Kais, and now lies in + his tent, fancying he is still on Mount Sinai. ‘Tis the fifth day of the + fever, and Shedad, the son of Amroo, tells me that the sixth will be fatal + unless we can give him the gall of a phoenix, and such a bird is not to be + found in this part of Arabia. + </p> + <p> + Now, you are a great hakeem, my child of children; go then to the young + prince, and see what can be done: for if he die, we can scarcely ransom + him, and I shall lose the piastres, and your father the backsheesh which I + meant to have given him on the transaction.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is very woful,’ murmured Eva to herself, and not listening to the + latter observations of her grandfather. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the curtain of the pavilion was withdrawn, and there stood + before them Fakredeen. The moment his eyes met those of Eva, he covered + his face with both his hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘How is the Prince of Franguestan?’ inquired Amalek. + </p> + <p> + The young Emir advanced, and threw himself at the feet of Eva. ‘We must + entreat the Rose of Sharon to visit him,’ he said, ‘for there is no hakeem + in Arabia equal to her. Yes, I came to welcome you, and to entreat you to + do this kind office for the most gifted and the most interesting of + beings;’ and he looked up in her face with a supplicating glance. + </p> + <p> + ‘And you too, are you fearful,’ said Eva, in atone of tender reproach, + ‘that by his death you may lose your portion of the spoil?’ + </p> + <p> + The Emir gave a deprecating glance of anguish, and then, bending his head, + pressed his lips to the Bedouin robes which she wore. ‘’Tis the most + unfortunate of coincidences, but believe me, dearest of friends, ‘tis only + a coincidence. I am here merely by accident; I was hunting, I was——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will make me doubt your intelligence as well as your good faith,’ + said Eva, ‘if you persist in such assurances.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! if you but knew him,’ exclaimed Fakredeen, ‘you would believe me when + I tell you that I am ready to sacrifice even my life for his. Far from + sharing the spoil,’ he added, in a rapid and earnest whisper, ‘I had + already proposed, and could have insured, his escape; when he went to + Sinai, to that unfortunate Sinai. I had two dromedaries here, + thoroughbred; we might have reached Hebron before——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You went with him to Sinai?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He would not suffer it; he desired, he said, to be silent and to be + alone. One of the Bedouins, who accompanied him, told me that they halted + in the valley, and that he went up alone into the mountain, where he + remained a day and night. When he returned hither, I perceived a great + change in him. His words were quick, his eye glittered like fire; he told + me that he had seen an angel, and in the morning he was as he is now. I + have wept, I have prayed for him in the prayers of every religion, I have + bathed his temples with liban, and hung his tent with charms. O Rose of + Sharon! Eva, beloved, darling Eva, I have faith in no one but in you. See + him, I beseech you, see him! If you but knew him, if you had but listened + to his voice, and felt the greatness of his thoughts and spirit, it would + not need that I should make this entreaty. But, alas! you know him not; + you have never listened to him; you have never seen him; or neither he, + nor I, nor any of us, would have been here, and have been thus.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The New Crusader in Peril</i> +</pre> + <p> + NOTWITHSTANDING all the prescient care of the Duke and Duchess of + Bellamont, it was destined that the stout arm of Colonel Brace should not + wave by the side of their son when he was first attacked by the enemy, and + now that he was afflicted by a most severe if not fatal illness, the + practised skill of the Doctor Roby was also absent. Fresh exemplification + of what all of us so frequently experience, that the most sagacious and + matured arrangements are of little avail; that no one is present when he + is wanted, and that nothing occurs as it was foreseen. Nor should we + forget that the principal cause of all these mischances might perhaps be + recognised in the inefficiency of the third person whom the parents of + Tancred had, with so much solicitude and at so great an expense, secured + to him as a companion and counsellor in his travels. It cannot be denied + that if the theological attainments of the Rev. Mr. Bernard had been of a + more profound and comprehensive character, it is possible that Lord + Montacute might have deemed it necessary to embark upon this new crusade, + and ultimately to find himself in the deserts of Mount Sinai. However this + may be, one thing was certain, that Tancred had been wounded without a + single sabre of the Bellamont yeomanry being brandished in his defence; + was now lying dangerously ill in an Arabian tent, without the slightest + medical assistance; and perhaps was destined to quit this world, not only + without the consolation of a priest of his holy Church, but surrounded by + heretics and infidels. + </p> + <p> + ‘We have never let any of the savages come near my lord,’ said Freeman to + Baroni, on his, return. + </p> + <p> + ‘Except the fair young gentleman,’ added True-man, ‘and he is a Christian, + or as good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is a prince,’ said Freeman, reproachfully. ‘Have I not told you so + twenty times? He is what they call in this country a Hameer, and lives in + a castle, where he wanted my lord to visit him. I only wish he had gone + with my lord to Mount Siny; I think it would have come to more good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has been very attentive to my lord all the time,’ said Trueman; + ‘indeed, he has never quitted my lord night or day; and only left his side + when we heard the caravan had returned.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have seen him,’ said Baroni; ‘and now let us enter the tent.’ + </p> + <p> + Upon the divan, his head supported by many cushions, clad in a Syrian robe + of the young Emir, and partly covered with a Bedouin cloak, lay Tancred, + deadly pale, his eyes open and fixed, and apparently unconscious of their + presence. He was lying on his back, gazing on the roof of the tent, and + was motionless. Fakredeen had raised his wounded arm, which had fallen + from the couch, and had supported it with a pile made of cloaks and + pillows. The countenance of Tancred was much changed since Baroni last + beheld him; it was greatly attenuated, but the eyes glittered with an + unearthly fire. + </p> + <p> + ‘We don’t think he has ever slept,’ said Freeman, in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + ‘He did nothing but talk to himself the first two days,’ said Trueman; + ‘but yesterday he has been more quiet.’ + </p> + <p> + Baroni advanced to the divan behind the head of Tancred, so that he might + not be observed, and then, letting himself fall noiselessly on the carpet, + he touched with a light finger the pulse of Lord Montacute. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is not too much blood here,’ he said, shaking his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t think it is hopeless?’ said Freeman, beginning to blubber. + </p> + <p> + ‘And all the great doings of my lord’s coming of age to end in this!’ said + Trueman. ‘They sat down only two less than a hundred at the steward’s + table for more than a week!’ + </p> + <p> + Baroni made a sign to them to leave the tent. ‘God of my fathers!’ he + said, still seated on the ground, his arms folded, and watching Tancred + earnestly with his bright black eyes; ‘this is a bad business. This is + death or madness, perhaps both. What will M. de Sidonia say? He loves not + men who fail. All will be visited on me. I shall be shelved. In Europe + they would bleed him, and they would kill him; here they will not bleed + him, and he may die. Such is medicine, and such is life! Now, if I only + had as much opium as would fill the pipe of a mandarin, that would be + something. God of my fathers! this is a bad business.’ + </p> + <p> + He rose softly; he approached nearer to Tancred, and examined his + countenance more closely; there was a slight foam upon the lip, which he + gently wiped away. + </p> + <p> + ‘The brain has worked too much,’ said Baroni to himself. ‘Often have I + watched him pacing the deck during our voyage; never have I witnessed an + abstraction so prolonged and so profound. He thinks as much as M. de + Sidonia, and feels more. There is his weakness. The strength of my master + is his superiority to all sentiment. No affections and a great brain; + these are the men to command the world. No affections and a little brain; + such is the stuff of which they make petty villains. And a great brain and + a great heart, what do they make? Ah! I do not know. The last, perhaps, + wears off with time; and yet I wish I could save this youth, for he ever + attracts me to him.’ + </p> + <p> + Thus he remained for some time seated on the carpet by the side of the + divan, revolving in his mind every possible expedient that might benefit + Tancred, and finally being convinced that none was in his power. What + roused him from his watchful reverie was a voice that called his name very + softly, and, looking round, he beheld the Emir Fakredeen on tiptoe, with + his finger on his mouth. Baroni rose, and Fakredeen inviting him with a + gesture to leave the tent, he found without the lady of the caravan. + </p> + <p> + ‘I want the Rose of Sharon to see your lord,’ said the young Emir, very + anxiously, ‘for she is a great hakeem among our people.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps in the desert, where there is none to be useful, I might not be + useless,’ said Eva, with some reluctance and reserve. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hope has only one arrow left,’ said Baroni, mournfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it indeed so bad?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! save him, Eva, save him!’ exclaimed Fakredeen, distractedly. + </p> + <p> + She placed her finger on her lip. + </p> + <p> + ‘Or I shall die,’ continued Fakredeen; ‘nor indeed have I any wish to + live, if he depart from us.’ + </p> + <p> + Eva conversed apart for a few minutes with Baroni, in a low voice, and + then drawing aside the curtain of the tent, they entered. + </p> + <p> + There was no change in the appearance of Tancred, but as they approached + him he spoke. Baroni dropped into his former position, Fakredeen fell upon + his knees, Eva alone was visible when the eyes of Tancred met hers. His + vision was not unconscious of her presence; he stared at her with + intentness. The change in her dress, however, would, in all probability, + have prevented his recognising her even under indifferent circumstances. + She was habited as a Bedouin girl; a leathern girdle encircled her blue + robe, a few gold coins were braided in her hair, and her head was covered + with a fringed kefia. + </p> + <p> + Whatever was the impression made upon Tancred by this unusual apparition, + it appeared to be only transient. His glance withdrawn, his voice again + broke into incoherent but violent exclamations. Suddenly he said, with + more moderation, but with firmness and distinctness, ‘I am guarded by + angels.’ + </p> + <p> + Fakredeen shot a glance at Eva and Baroni, as if to remind them of the + tenor of the discourse for which he had prepared them. + </p> + <p> + After a pause he became somewhat violent, and seemed as if he would have + waved his wounded arm; but Baroni, whose eye, though himself unobserved, + never quitted his charge, laid his finger upon the arm, and Tancred did + not struggle. Again he spoke of angels, but in a milder and mournful tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Methinks you look like one,’ thought Eva, as she beheld his spiritual + countenance lit up by a superhuman fire. + </p> + <p> + After a few minutes, she glanced at Baroni, to signify her wish to leave + the tent, and he rose and accompanied her. Fakredeen also rose, with + streaming eyes, and making the sign of the cross. + </p> + <p> + ‘Forgive me,’ he said to Eva, ‘but I cannot help it. Whenever I am in + affliction I cannot help remembering that I am a Christian.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish you would remember it at all times,’ said Eva, ‘and then, perhaps, + none of us need have been here;’ and then not waiting for his reply, she + addressed herself to Baroni. ‘I agree with you,’ she said. ‘If we cannot + give him sleep, he will soon sleep for ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, give him sleep, Eva,’ said Fakredeen, wringing his hands; ‘you can do + anything.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose,’ said Baroni, ‘it is hopeless to think of finding any opium + here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Utterly,’ said Eva; ‘its practice is quite unknown among them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Send for some from El Khuds,’ said Fakredeen. ‘Idle!’ said Baroni; ‘this + is an affair of hours, not of days.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, but I will go,’ exclaimed Fakredeen; ‘you do not know what I can do + on one of my dromedaries! I will——’ + </p> + <p> + Eva placed her hand on his arm without looking at him, and then continued + to address Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘Through the pass I several times observed a small white and yellow flower + in patches. I lost it as we advanced, and yet I should think it must have + followed the stream. If it be, as I think, but I did not observe it with + much attention, the flower of the mountain arnica, I know a preparation + from that shrub which has a marvellous action on the nervous system.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure it is the mountain arnica, and I am sure it will cure him,’ + said Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Time presses,’ said Eva to Baroni. ‘Call my I maidens to our aid; and + first of all let us examine the borders of the stream.’ + </p> + <p> + While his friends departed to exert themselves, Fakredeen remained behind, + and passed his time partly in watching Tancred, partly in weeping, and + partly in calculating the amount of his debts. This latter was a frequent, + and to him inexhaustible, source of interest and excitement. His creative + brain was soon lost in reverie. He conjured up Tancred restored to health, + a devoted friendship between them, immense plans, not inferior + achievements, and inexhaustible resources. Then, when he remembered that + he was himself the cause of the peril of that precious life on which all + his future happiness and success were to depend, he cursed himself. + Involved as were the circumstances in which he habitually found himself + entangled, the present complication was certainly not inferior to any of + the perplexities which he had hitherto experienced. + </p> + <p> + He was to become the bosom friend of a being whom he had successfully + plotted to make a prisoner and plunder, and whose life was consequently + endangered; he had to prevail on Amalek to relinquish the ransom which had + induced the great Sheikh to quit his Syrian pastures, and had cost the + lives of some of his most valuable followers; while, on the other hand, + the new moon was rapidly approaching, when the young Emir had appointed to + meet Scheriff Effendi at Gaza, to receive the arms and munitions which + were to raise him to empire, and for which he had purposed to pay by a + portion of his share in the great plunder which he had himself projected. + His baffled brain whirled with wild and impracticable combinations, till, + at length, frightened and exhausted, he called for his nargileh, and + sought, as was his custom, serenity from its magic tube. In this wise more + than three hours had elapsed, the young Emir was himself again, and was + calculating the average of the various rates of interest in every town in + Syria, from Gaza to Aleppo, when Baroni returned, bearing in his hand an + Egyptian vase. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have found the magic flowers?’ asked Fakredeen, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + ‘The flowers of arnica, noble Emir, of which the Lady Eva spoke. I wish + the potion had been made in the new moon; however, it has been blessed. + Two things alone now are wanting, that my lord should drink it, and that + it should cure him.’ + </p> + <p> + It was not yet noon when Tancred quaffed the potion. He took it without + difficulty, though apparently unconscious of the act. As the sun reached + its meridian height, Tancred sank into a profound slumber. Fakredeen + rushed away to tell Eva, who had now retired into the innermost apartments + of the pavilion of Amalek; Baroni never quitted the tent of his lord. The + sun set; the same beautiful rosy tint suffused the tombs and temples of + the city as on the evening of their first forced arrival: still Tancred + slept. The camels returned from the river, the lights began to sparkle in + the circle of black tents: still Tancred slept. He slept during the day, + and he slept during the twilight, and, when the night came, still Tancred + slept. The silver lamp, fed by the oil of the palm tree, threw its + delicate white light over the couch on which he rested. Mute, but ever + vigilant, Fakredeen and Baroni gazed on their friend and master: still + Tancred slept. + </p> + <p> + It seemed a night that would never end, and, when the first beam of the + morning came, the Emir and his companion mutually recognised on their + respective countenances an expression of distrust, even of terror. Still + Tancred slept; in the same posture and with the same expression, unmoved + and pale. Was it, indeed, sleep? Baroni touched his wrist, but could find + no pulse; Fakredeen held his bright dagger over the mouth, yet its + brilliancy was not for a moment clouded. But he was not cold. + </p> + <p> + The brow of Baroni was knit with deep thought, and his searching eye fixed + upon the recumbent form; Fakredeen, frightened, ran away to Eva. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am frightened, because you are frightened,’ said Fakredeen, ‘whom + nothing ever alarms. O Rose of Sharon! why are you so pale?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a stain upon our tents if this youth be lost,’ said Eva in a low + voice, yet attempting to speak with calmness. + </p> + <p> + ‘But what is it on me!’ exclaimed Fakredeen, distractedly. ‘A stain! I + shall be branded like Cain. No, I will never enter Damascus again, or any + of the cities of the coast. I will give up all my castles to my cousin + Francis El Kazin, on condition that he does not pay my creditors. I will + retire to Mar Hanna. I will look upon man no more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be calm, my Fakredeen; there is yet hope; my responsibility at this + moment is surely not lighter than yours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you did not know him, Eva!’ exclaimed Fakredeen, passionately; ‘you + never listened to him! He cannot be to you what he is to me. I loved him!’ + </p> + <p> + She pressed her finger to her lips, for they had arrived at the tent of + Tancred. The young Emir, drying his streaming eyes, entered first, and + then came back and ushered in Eva. They stood together by the couch of + Tancred. The expression of distress, of suffering, of extreme tension, + which had not marred, but which, at least, had mingled with the spiritual + character of his countenance the previous day, had disappeared. If it were + death, it was at least beautiful. Softness and repose suffused his + features, and his brow looked as if it had been the temple of an immortal + spirit. + </p> + <p> + Eva gazed upon the form with a fond, deep melancholy; Fakredeen and Baroni + exchanged glances. Suddenly Tancred moved, heaved a deep sigh, and opened + his dark eyes. The unnatural fire which had yesterday lit them up had + fled. Calmly and thoughtfully he surveyed those around him, and then he + said, ‘The Lady of Bethany!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Angel’s Message</i> +</pre> + <p> + BETWEEN the Egyptian and the Arabian deserts, formed by two gulfs of the + Erythraean Sea, is a peninsula of granite mountains. It seems as if an + ocean of lava, when its waves were literally running mountains high, had + been suddenly commanded to stand still. These successive summits, with + their peaks and pinnacles, enclose a series of valleys, in general stern + and savage, yet some of which are not devoid of pastoral beauty. There may + be found brooks of silver brightness, and occasionally groves of palms and + gardens of dates, while the neighbouring heights command sublime + landscapes, the opposing mountains of Asia and Afric, and the blue bosom + of two seas. On one of these elevations, more than five thousand feet + above the ocean, is a convent; again, nearly three thousand feet above + this convent, is a towering peak, and this is Mount Sinai. + </p> + <p> + On the top of Mount Sinai are two ruins, a Christian church and a + Mahometan mosque. In this, the sublimest scene of Arabian glory, Israel + and Ishmael alike raised their altars to the great God of Abraham. + </p> + <p> + Why are they in ruins? Is it that human structures are not to be endured + amid the awful temples of nature and revelation; and that the column and + the cupola crumble into nothingness in sight of the hallowed Horeb and on + the soil of the eternal Sinai? + </p> + <p> + Ascending the mountain, about half way between the convent and the utmost + height of the towering peak, is a small plain surrounded by rocks. In its + centre are a cypress tree and a fountain. This is the traditional scene of + the greatest event of time. + </p> + <p> + Tis night; a solitary pilgrim, long kneeling on the sacred soil, slowly + raises his agitated glance to the starry vault of Araby, and, clasping his + hands in the anguish of devotion, thus prays:— + </p> + <p> + ‘O Lord God of Israel, Creator of the Universe, ineffable Jehovah! a child + of Christendom, I come to thine ancient Arabian altars to pour forth the + heart of tortured Europe. Why art thou silent? Why no longer do the + messages of thy renovating will descend on earth? Faith fades and duty + dies. A profound melancholy has fallen on the spirit of man. The priest + doubts, the monarch cannot rule, the multitude moans and toils, and calls + in its frenzy upon unknown gods. If this transfigured mount may not again + behold Thee; if not again, upon thy sacred Syrian plains, Divinity may + teach and solace men; if prophets may not rise again to herald hope; at + least, of all the starry messengers that guard thy throne, let one appear, + to save thy creatures from a terrible despair!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/page2_157.jpg" alt="Page2-157 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + A dimness suffused the stars of Arabia; the surrounding heights, that had + risen sharp and black in the clear purple air, blended in shadowy and + fleeting masses, the huge branches of the cypress tree seemed to stir, and + the kneeling pilgrim sank upon the earth senseless and in a trance. + </p> + <p> + And there appeared to him a form; a shape that should be human, but vast + as the surrounding hills. Yet such was the symmetry of the vision that the + visionary felt his littleness rather than the colossal proportions of the + apparition. It was the semblance of one who, though not young, was still + untouched by time; a countenance like an oriental night, dark yet + lustrous, mystical yet clear. Thought, rather than melancholy, spoke from + the pensive passion of his eyes, while on his lofty forehead glittered a + star that threw a solemn radiance on the repose of his majestic features. + </p> + <p> + ‘Child of Christendom,’ said the mighty form, as he seemed slowly to wave + a sceptre fashioned like a palm tree, ‘I am the angel of Arabia, the + guardian spirit of that land which governs the world; for power is neither + the sword nor the shield, for these pass away, but ideas, which are + divine. The thoughts of all lands come from a higher source than man, but + the intellect of Arabia comes from the Most High. Therefore it is that + from this spot issue the principles which regulate the human destiny. + </p> + <p> + ‘That Christendom which thou hast quitted, and over whose expiring + attributes thou art a mourner, was a savage forest while the cedars of + Lebanon, for countless ages, had built the palaces of mighty kings. Yet in + that forest brooded infinite races that were to spread over the globe, and + give a new impulse to its ancient life. It was decreed that, when they + burst from their wild woods, the Arabian principles should meet them on + the threshold of the old world to guide and to civilise them. All had been + prepared. The Cæsars had conquered the world to place the Laws of Sinai on + the throne of the Capitol, and a Galilean Arab advanced and traced on the + front of the rude conquerors of the Caesars the subduing symbol of the + last development of Arabian principles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet again, and Europe is in the throes of a great birth. The multitudes + again are brooding; but they are not now in the forest; they are in the + cities and in the fertile plains. Since the first sun of this century + rose, the intellectual colony of Arabia, once called Christendom, has been + in a state of partial and blind revolt. Discontented, they attributed + their suffering to the principles to which they owed all their happiness, + and in receding from which they had become proportionately miserable. They + have hankered after other gods than the God of Sinai and of Calvary, and + they have achieved only desolation. Now they despair. But the eternal + principles that controlled barbarian vigour can alone cope with morbid + civilisation. The equality of man can only be accomplished by the + sovereignty of God. The longing for fraternity can never be satisfied but + under the sway of a common father. The relations between Jehovah and his + creatures can be neither too numerous nor too near. In the increased + distance between God and man have grown up all those developments that + have made life mournful. Cease, then, to seek in a vain philosophy the + solution of the social problem that perplexes you. Announce the sublime + and solacing doctrine of theocratic equality. Fear not, faint not, falter + not. Obey the impulse of thine own spirit, and find a ready instrument in + every human being.’ + </p> + <p> + A sound, as of thunder, roused Tancred from his trance. He looked around + and above. There rose the mountains sharp and black in the clear purple + air; there shone, with undimmed lustre, the Arabian stars; but the voice + of the angel still lingered in his ear. He descended the mountain: at its + base, near the convent, were his slumbering guards, some steeds, and + crouching camels. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Fakredeen is Curious</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE beautiful daughter of Besso, pensive and abstracted, played with her + beads in the pavilion of her grandfather. Two of her maidens, who had + attended her, in a corner of this inner compartment, accompanied the wild + murmur of their voices on a stringed instrument, which might in the old + days have been a psaltery. They sang the loves of Antar and of Ibla, of + Leila and of Mejnoun; the romance of the desert, tales of passion and of + plunder, of the rescue of women and the capture of camels, of heroes with + a lion heart, and heroines brighter and softer than the moon. + </p> + <p> + The beautiful daughter of Besso, pensive and abstracted, played with her + beads in the pavilion of her grandfather. Why is the beautiful daughter of + Besso pensive and abstracted? What thoughts are flitting over her mind, + silent and soft, like the shadows of birds over the sunshiny earth? + </p> + <p> + Something that was neither silent nor soft disturbed the lady from her + reverie; the voice of the great Sheikh, in a tone of altitude and + harshness, with him most usual. He was in an adjacent apartment, vowing + that he would sooner eat the mother of some third person, who was + attempting to influence him, than adopt the suggestion offered. Then there + were softer and more persuasive tones from his companion, but evidently + ineffectual. Then the voices of both rose together in emulous clamour—one + roaring like a bull, the other shrieking like some wild bird; one full of + menace, and the other taunting and impertinent. All this was followed by a + dead silence, which continuing, Eva assumed that the Sheikh and his + companion had quitted his tent. While her mind was recurring to those + thoughts which occupied them previously to this outbreak, the voice of + Fakredeen was heard outside her tent, saying, ‘Rose of Sharon, let me come + into the harem;’ and, scarcely waiting for permission, the young Emir, + flushed and excited, entered, and almost breathless threw himself on the + divan. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who says I am a coward?’ he exclaimed, with a glance of devilish mockery. + ‘I may run away sometimes, but what of that? I have got moral courage, the + only thing worth having since the invention of gunpowder. The beast is not + killed, but I have looked into the den; ‘tis something. Courage, my + fragrant Rose, have faith in me at last. I may make an imbroglio + sometimes, but, for getting out of a scrape, I would back myself against + any picaroon in the Levant; and that is saying a good deal.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Another imbroglio?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no! the same; part of the great blunder. You must have heard us + raging like a thousand Afrites. I never knew the great Sheikh so wild.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And why?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He should take a lesson from Mehemet Ali,’ continued the Emir. ‘Giving up + Syria, after the conquest, was a much greater sacrifice than giving up + plunder which he has not yet touched. And the great Pasha did it as + quietly as if he were marching into Stamboul instead, which he might have + done if he had been an Arab instead of a Turk. Everything comes from + Arabia, my dear Eva, at least everything that is worth anything. We two + ought to thank our stars every day that we were born Arabs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And the great Sheikh still harps upon this ransom?’ inquired Eva. + </p> + <p> + ‘He does, and most unreasonably. For, after all, what do we ask him to + give up? a bagatelle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hardly that,’ said Eva; ‘two millions of piastres can scarcely be called + a bagatelle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not two millions of piastres,’ said Fakre-deen; ‘there is your + fallacy, ‘tis the same as your grandfather’s. In the first place, he would + have taken one million; then half belonged to me, which reduces his share + to five hundred thousand; then I meant to have borrowed his share of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Borrowed his share!’ said Eva. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course I should have allowed him interest, good interest. What could + the great Sheikh want five hundred thousand piastres for? He has camels + enough; he has so many horses that he wants to change some with me for + arms at this moment. Is he to dig a hole in the sand by a well-side to put + his treasure in, like the treasure of Solomon; or to sew up his bills of + exchange in his turban? The thing is ridiculous, I never contemplated, for + a moment, that the great Sheikh should take any hard piastres out of + circulation, to lock them up in the wilderness. It might disturb the + currency of all Syria, upset the exchanges, and very much injure your + family, Eva, of whose interests I am never unmindful. I meant the great + Sheikh to invest his capital; he might have made a good thing of it. I + could have afforded to pay him thirty per cent, for his share, and made as + much by the transaction myself; for you see, as I am paying sixty per + cent, at Beiroot, Tripoli, Latakia, and every accursed town of the coast + at this moment. The thing is clear; and I wish you would only get your + father to view it in the same light, and we might do immense things! Think + of this, my Rose of Sharon, dear, dear Eva, think of this; your father + might make his fortune and mine too, if he would only lend me money at + thirty per cent.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You frighten me always, Fakredeen, by these allusions to your affairs. + Can it be possible that they are so very bad!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good, Eva, you mean good. I should be incapable of anything, if it were + not for my debts. I am naturally so indolent, that if I did not remember + in the morning that I was ruined, I should never be able to distinguish + myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You never will distinguish yourself,’ said Eva; ‘you never can, with + these dreadful embarrassments.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I not?’ said Fakredeen, triumphantly. ‘What are my debts to my + resources? That is the point. You cannot judge of a man by only knowing + what his debts are; you must be acquainted with his resources.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But your estates are mortgaged, your crops sold, at least you tell me + so,’ said Eva, mournfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘Estates! crops! A man may have an idea worth twenty estates, a principle + of action that will bring him in a greater harvest than all Lebanon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A principle of action is indeed precious,’ said Eva; ‘but although you + certainly have ideas, and very ingenious ones, a principle of action is + exactly the thing which I have always thought you wanted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I have got it at last,’ said Fakredeen; ‘everything comes if a man + will only wait.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what is your principle of action?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Faith.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In yourself? Surely in that respect you have not hitherto been + sceptical?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; in Mount Sinai.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In Mount Sinai!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You may well be astonished; but so it is. The English prince has been to + Mount Sinai, and he has seen an angel. What passed between them I do not + yet know; but one thing is certain, he is quite changed by the interview. + He is all for action: so far as I can form an opinion in the present crude + state of affairs, it is not at all impossible that he may put himself at + the head of the Asian movement. If you have faith, there is nothing you + may not do. One thing is quite settled, that he will not at present return + to Jerusalem, but, for change of air and other reasons, make a visit with + me to Canobia.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He seems to have great purpose in him,’ said Eva, with an air of some + constraint. + </p> + <p> + ‘By-the-bye,’ said Fakredeen, ‘how came you, Eva, never to tell me that + you were acquainted with him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Acquainted with him?’ said Eva. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; he recognised you immediately when he recovered himself, and he has + admitted to me since that he has seen you before, though I could not get + much out of him about it. He will talk for ever about Arabia, faith, war, + and angels; but, if you touch on anything personal, I observe he is always + very shy. He has not my fatal frankness. Did you know him at Jerusalem?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I met him by hazard for a moment at Bethany. I neither asked then, nor + did he impart to me, his name. How then could I tell you we were + acquainted? or be aware that the stranger of my casual interview was this + young Englishman whom you have made a captive?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush!’ said Fakredeen, with an air of real or affected alarm. ‘He is + going to be my guest at my principal castle. What do you mean by captive? + You mean whom I have saved from captivity, or am about to save? + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, that would appear to be the real question to which you ought to + address yourself at this moment,’ said Eva. ‘Were I you, I should postpone + the great Asian movement until you had disembarrassed yourself from your + present position, rather an equivocal one both for a patriot and a + friend.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! I’ll manage the great Sheikh,’ said Fakredeen, carelessly. ‘There is + too much plunder in the future for Amalek to quarrel with me. When he + scents the possibility of the Bedouin cavalry being poured into Syria and + Asia Minor, we shall find him more manageable. The only thing now is to + heal the present disappointment by extenuating circumstances. If I could + screw up a few thousand piastres for backsheesh,’ and he looked Eva in the + face, ‘or could put anything in his way! What do you think, Eva?’ + </p> + <p> + Eva shook her head. + </p> + <p> + ‘What an obstinate Jew dog he is!’ said Fakre-deen. ‘His rapacity is + revolting!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An obstinate Jew dog!’ exclaimed Eva, rising, her eyes flashing, her + nostrils dilating with contemptuous rage. The manner of Fakredeen had not + pleased her this morning. His temper, was very uncertain, and, when + crossed, he was deficient in delicacy. Indeed, he was too selfish, with + all his sensibility and refined breeding, to be ever sufficiently + considerate of the feelings of others. He was piqued also that he had not + been informed of the previous acquaintance of Eva and Tancred. Her reason + for not apprising him of their interview at Bethany, though not easily + impugnable, was not as satisfactory to his understanding as to his ear. + Again, his mind and heart were so absorbed at this moment by the image of + Tancred, and he was so entirely under the influence of his own idealised + conceptions of his new and latest friend, that, according to his custom, + no other being could interest him. Although he was himself the sole cause + of all the difficult and annoying circumstances in which he found himself + involved, the moment that his passions and his interests alike required + that Tancred should be free and uninjured, he acted, and indeed felt, as + if Amalek alone were responsible for the capture and the detention of Lord + Montacute. + </p> + <p> + The young Emir indeed was, at this moment, in one of those moods which had + often marred his popularity, but in which he had never indulged towards + Eva before. She had, throughout his life, been the commanding influence of + his being. He adored and feared her, and knew that she loved, and rather + despised him. But Eva had ceased to be the commanding influence over + Fakredeen. At this moment Fakredeen would have sacrificed the whole family + of Besso to secure the devotion of Tancred; and the coarse and rude + exclamation to which he had given vent, indicated the current of his + feelings and the general tenor of his mind. + </p> + <p> + Eva knew him by heart. Her clear sagacious intellect, acting upon an + individual whom sympathy and circumstances had combined to make her + comprehend, analysed with marvellous facility his complicated motives, and + in general successfully penetrated his sovereign design. + </p> + <p> + ‘An obstinate Jew dog!’ she exclaimed; ‘and who art thou, thou jackal of + this lion! who should dare to speak thus? Is it not enough that you have + involved us all in unspeakable difficulty and possible disgrace, that we + are to receive words of contumely from lips like yours? One would think + that you were the English Consul arrived here to make a representation in + favour of his countryman, instead of being the individual who planned his + plunder, occasioned his captivity, and endangered his life! It is a pity + that this young noble is not acquainted with your claims to his + confidence.’ + </p> + <p> + The possibility that in a moment of irritation Eva might reveal his + secret, some rising remorse at what he had said, and the superstitious + reverence with which he still clung to her, all acting upon Fakredeen at + the same time, he felt that he had gone too far, and thereupon he sprang + from the divan, on which he had been insolently lolling, and threw himself + at the feet of his foster-sister, whimpering and kissing her slippers, and + calling her, between his sobs, a thousand fond names. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a villain,’ he said, ‘but you know it; you have always known it. For + God’s sake, stand by me now; ‘tis my only chance. You are the only being I + love in the world, except your family. You know how I respect them. Is not + Besso my father? And the great Sheikh, I honour the great Sheikh. He is + one of my allies. Even this accursed business proves it. Besides, what do + you mean, by words of contumely from my lips? Am I not a Jew myself, or as + good? Why should I insult them? I only wish we were in the Land’ of + Promise, instead of this infernal wilderness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well, let us consult together,’ said Eva, ‘reproaches are barren.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Eva,’ said Fakredeen, ‘I am not reproaching you; but if, the evening + I was at Bethany, you had only told me that you had just parted with this + Englishman, all this would not have occurred.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How do you know that I had then just parted with this Englishman?’ said + Eva, colouring and confused. + </p> + <p> + ‘Because I marked him on the road. I little thought then that he had been + in your retreat. I took him for some Frank, looking after the tomb of + Lazarus.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I found him in my garden,’ said Eva, not entirely at her ease, ‘and sent + my attendants to him.’ + </p> + <p> + Fakredeen was walking up and down the tent, and seemed lost in thought. + Suddenly he stopped and said, ‘I see it all; I have a combination that + will put all right.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Put all right?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘See, the day after to-morrow I have appointed to meet a friend of mine at + Gaza, who has a caravan that wants convoy through the desert to the + mountain. The Sheikh of Sheikhs shall have it. It will be as good as ten + thousand piastres. That will be honey in his mouth. He will forget the + past, and our English friend can return with you and me to El Khuds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall not return to El Khuds,’ said Eva. ‘The great Sheikh will convoy + me to Damascus, where I shall remain till I go to Aleppo.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May you never reach Aleppo!’ said Fakredeen, with a clouded countenance, + for Eva in fact alluded to her approaching marriage with her cousin. + </p> + <p> + ‘But after all,’ resumed Eva, wishing to change the current of his + thoughts, ‘all these arrangements, so far as I am interested, depend upon + the success of my mission to the great Sheikh. If he will not release my + father’s charge, the spears of his people will never guard me again. And I + see little prospect of my success; nor do I think ten thousand piastres, + however honestly gained, will be more tempting than the inclination to + oblige our house.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ten thousand piastres is not much,’ said Fakredeen. ‘I give it every + three months for interest to a little Copt at Beiroot, whose property I + will confiscate the moment I have the government of the country in my + hands. But then I only add my ten thousand piastres to the amount of my + debt. Ten thousand piastres in coin are a very different affair. They will + jingle in the great Sheikh’s purse. His people will think he has got the + treasure of Solomon. It will do; he will give them all a gold kaireen + apiece, and they will braid them in their girls’ hair.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It will scarcely buy camels for Sheikh Salem’s widow,’ said Eva. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will manage that,’ said Fakredeen. ‘The great Sheikh has camels enough, + and I will give him arms in exchange.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Arms at Canobia will not reach the stony wilderness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; but I have got arms nearer at hand; that is, my friend, my friend + whom I am going to meet at Gaza, has some; enough, and to spare. By the + Holy Sepulchre, I see it!’ said Fakredeen. ‘I tell you how I will manage + the whole business. The great Sheikh wants arms; well, I will give him + five hundred muskets for the ransom, and he shall have the convoy besides. + He’ll take it. I know him. He thinks now all is lost, and, when he finds + that he is to have a jingling purse and English muskets enough to conquer + Tadmor, he will close.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But how are we to get these arms?’ said Eva. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, Scheriff Effendi, to be sure. You know I am to meet him at Gaza the + day after to-morrow, and receive his five thousand muskets. Well, five + hundred for the great Sheikh will make them four thousand five hundred; no + great difference.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Scheriff Effendi!’ said Eva, with some surprise. ‘I thought I had + obtained three months’ indulgence for you with Scheriff Effendi.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! yes—no,’ said Fakredeen, blushing. ‘The fact is, Eva, darling, + beloved Eva, it is no use telling any more lies. I only asked you to speak + to Scheriff Effendi to obtain time for me about payment to throw you off + the scent, as you so strongly disapproved of my buccaneering project. But + Scheriff Effendi is a camel. I was obliged to agree to meet him at Gaza on + the new moon, pay him his two hundred thousand piastres, and receive the + cargo. Well, I turn circumstances to account. The great Sheikh will convey + the muskets to the mountains.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But who is to pay for them?’ inquired Eva. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, if men want to head the Asian movement, they must have muskets,’ + said Fakredeen; ‘and, after all, as we are going to save the English + prince two millions of piastres, I do not think he can object to paying + Scheriff Effendi for his goods; particularly as he will have the muskets + for his money.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Tancred’s Recovery</i> +</pre> + <p> + TANCRED rapidly recovered. On the second day after his recognition of Eva, + he had held that conversation with Fakredeen which had determined the + young Emir not to lose a moment in making the effort to induce Amalek to + forego his ransom, the result of which he had communicated to Eva on their + subsequent interview. On the third day, Tancred rose from his couch, and + would even have quitted the tent, had not Baroni dissuaded him. He was the + more induced to do so, for on this day he missed his amusing companion, + the Emir. It appeared from the account of Baroni, that his highness had + departed at dawn, on his dromedary, and without an attendant. According to + Baroni, nothing was yet settled either as to the ransom or the release of + Tancred. It seemed that the great Sheikh had been impatient to return to + his chief encampment, and nothing but the illness of Tancred would + probably have induced him to remain in the Stony Arabia as long as he had + done. The Lady Eva had not, since her arrival at the ruined city, + encouraged Baroni in any communication on the subject which heretofore + during their journey had entirely occupied her consideration, from which + he inferred that she had nothing very satisfactory to relate; yet he was + not without hope, as he felt assured that Eva would not have remained a + day were she convinced that there was no chance of effecting her original + purpose. The comparative contentment of the great Sheikh at this moment, + her silence, and the sudden departure of Fakredeen, induced Baroni to + believe that there was yet something on the cards, and, being of a + sanguine disposition, he sincerely encouraged his master, who, however, + did not appear to be very desponding. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Emir told me yesterday that he was certain to arrange everything,’ + said Tancred, ‘without in any way compromising us. We cannot expect such + an adventure to end like a day of hunting. Some camels must be given, and, + perhaps, something else. I am sure the Emir will manage it all, especially + with the aid and counsel of that beauteous Lady of Bethany, in whose + wisdom and goodness I have implicit faith.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have more faith in her than in the Emir,’ said Baroni. ‘I never know + what these Shehaabs are after. Now, he has not gone to El Khuds this + morning; of that I am sure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am under the greatest obligations to the Emir Fakredeen,’ said Tancred, + ‘and independently of such circumstances, I very much like him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know nothing against the noble Emir,’ said Baroni, ‘and I am sure he + has been extremely polite and attentive to your lordship; but still those + Shehaabs, they are such a set, always after something!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is ardent and ambitious,’ said Tancred, ‘and he is young. Are these + faults? Besides, he has not had the advantage of our stricter training. He + has been without guides; and is somewhat undisciplined, and self-formed. + But he has a great and interesting position, and is brilliant and + energetic. Providence may have appointed him to fulfil great ends.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A Shehaab will look after the main chance,’ said Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘But his main chance may be the salvation of his country,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing can save his country,’ said Baroni. ‘The Syrians were ever + slaves.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not call them slaves now,’ said Tancred; ‘why, they are armed and + are warlike! All that they want is a cause.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And that they never will have,’ said Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The East is used up.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not more used up than when Mahomet arose,’ said Tancred. ‘Weak and + withering as may be the government of the Turks, it is not more feeble and + enervated than that of the Greek empire and the Chosroes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know anything about them,’ replied Baroni; ‘but I know there is + nothing to be done with the people here. I have seen something of them,’ + said Baroni. ‘M. de Sidonia tried to do something in ‘39, and, if there + had been a spark of spirit or of sense in Syria, that was the time, but——’ + and here Baroni shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + ‘But what was your principle of action in ‘39?’ inquired Tancred, + evidently interested. + </p> + <p> + ‘The only principle of action in this world,’ said Baroni; ‘we had plenty + of money; we might have had three millions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And if you had had six, or sixteen, your efforts would have been equally + fruitless. I do not believe in national regeneration in the shape of a + foreign loan. Look at Greece! And yet a man might climb Mount Carmel, and + utter three words which would bring the Arabs again to Grenada, and + perhaps further.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They have no artillery,’ said Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘And the Turks have artillery and cannot use it,’ said Lord Montacute. + ‘Why, the most favoured part of the globe at this moment is entirely + defenceless; there is not a soldier worth firing at in Asia except the + Sepoys. The Persian, Assyrian, and Babylonian monarchies might be gained + in a morning with faith and the flourish of a sabre.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would have the Great Powers interfering,’ said Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘What should I care for the Great Powers, if the Lord of Hosts were on my + side!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, to be sure they could not do much at Bagdad or Ispahan.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Work out a great religious truth on the Persian and Mesopotamian plains, + the most exuberant soils in the world with the scantiest population,—it + would revivify Asia. It must spread. The peninsula of Arabia, when in + action, must always command the peninsula of the Lesser Asia. Asia + revivified would act upon Europe. The European comfort, which they call + civilisation, is, after all, confined to a very small space: the island of + Great Britain, France, and the course of a single river, the Rhine. The + greater part of Europe is as dead as Asia, without the consolation of + climate and the influence of immortal traditions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I just found time, my lord, when I was at Jerusalem, to call in at the + Consulate, and see the Colonel,’ said Baroni; ‘I thought it as well to + explain the affair a little to him. I found that even the rumour of our + mischance had not reached him; so I said enough to prevent any alarm when + it arrived; he will believe that we furnished him with the priority of + intelligence, and he expects your daily return.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You did well to call; we know not what may happen. I doubt, however, + whether I shall return to Jerusalem. If affairs are pleasantly arranged + here, I think of visiting the Emir, at his castle of Canobia. A change of + air must be the best thing for me, and Lebanon, by his account, is + delicious at this season. Indeed, I want air, and I must go out now, + Baroni; I cannot stay in this close tent any longer; the sun has set, and + there is no longer any fear of those fatal heats of which you are in such + dread for me.’ + </p> + <p> + It was the first night of the new moon, and the white beams of the young + crescent were just beginning to steal over the lately flushed and + empurpled scene. The air was still glowing, and the evening breeze, which + sometimes wandered through the ravines from the gulf of Akabah, had not + yet arrived. Tancred, shrouded in his Bedouin cloak, and accompanied by + Baroni, visited the circle of black tents, which they found almost empty, + the whole band, with the exception of the scouts, who are always on duty + in an Arab encampment, being assembled in the ruins of the amphitheatre, + in whose arena, opposite to the pavilion of the great Sheikh, a celebrated + poet was reciting the visit of Antar to the temple of the + fire-worshippers, and the adventures of that greatest of Arabian heroes + among the effeminate and astonished courtiers of the generous and + magnificent Nushirvan. + </p> + <p> + The audience was not a scanty one, for this chosen detachment of the + children of Rechab had been two hundred strong, and the great majority of + them were now assembled; some seated as the ancient Idumæans, on the still + entire seats of the amphitheatre; most squatted in groups upon the ground, + though at a respectful distance from the poet; others standing amid the + crumbling pile and leaning against the tall dark fragments just beginning + to be silvered by the moonbeam; but in all their countenances, their + quivering features, their flashing eyes, the mouth open with absorbing + suspense, were expressed a wild and vivid excitement, the heat of + sympathy, and a ravishing delight. + </p> + <p> + When Antar, in the tournament, overthrew the famous Greek knight, who had + travelled from Constantinople to beard the court of Persia; when he caught + in his hand the assassin spear of the Persian satrap, envious of his + Arabian chivalry, and returned it to his adversary’s heart; when he + shouted from his saddle that he was the lover of Ibla and the horseman of + the age, the audience exclaimed with rapturous earnestness, ‘It is true, + it is true!’ although they were guaranteeing the assertions of a hero who + lived, and loved, and fought more than fourteen hundred years before. + Antar is the Iliad of the desert; the hero is the passion of the Bedouins. + They will listen for ever to his forays, when he raised the triumphant cry + of his tribe, ‘Oh! by Abs; oh! by Adnan,’ to the narratives of the camels + he captured, the men he slew, and the maidens to whose charms he was + indifferent, for he was ‘ever the lover of Ibla.’ What makes this great + Arabian invention still more interesting is, that it was composed at a + period antecedent to the Prophet; it describes the desert before the + Koran; and it teaches us how little the dwellers in it were changed by the + introduction and adoption of Islamism. + </p> + <p> + As Tancred and his companion reached the amphitheatre, a ringing laugh + resounded. + </p> + <p> + ‘Antar is dining with the King of Persia after his victory,’ said Baroni; + ‘this is a favourite scene with the Arabs. Antar asks the courtiers the + name of every dish, and whether the king dines so every day. He bares his + arms, and chucks the food into his mouth without ever moving his jaws. + They have heard this all their lives, but always laugh at it with the same + heartiness. Why, Shedad, son of Amroo,’ continued Baroni to an Arab near + him, ‘you have listened to this ever since you first tasted liban, and it + still pleases you!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am never wearied with listening to fine language,’ said the Bedouin; + ‘perfumes are always sweet, though you may have smelt them a thousand + times.’ + </p> + <p> + Except when there was some expression of feeling elicited by the + performance, a shout or a laugh, the silence was absolute. Not a whisper + could be heard; and it was in a muffled tone that Baroni intimated to + Tancred that the great Sheikh was present, and that, as this was his first + appearance since his illness, he must pay his respects to Amalek. So + saying, and preceding Tancred, in order that he might announce his + arrival, Baroni approached the pavilion. The great Sheikh welcomed Tancred + with a benignant smile, motioned to him to sit upon his carpet; rejoiced + that he was recovered; hoped that he should live a thousand years; gave + him his pipe, and then, turning again to the poet, was instantly lost in + the interest of his narrative. Baroni, standing as near Tancred as the + carpet would permit him, occasionally leant over and gave his lord an + intimation of what was occurring. + </p> + <p> + After a little while, the poet ceased. Then there was a general hum and + great praise, and many men said to each other, ‘All this is true, for my + father told it to me before.’ The great Sheikh, who was highly pleased, + ordered his slaves to give the poet a cup of coffee, and, taking from his + own vest an immense purse, more than a foot in length, he extracted from + it, after a vast deal of research, one of the smallest of conceivable + coins, which the poet pressed to his lips, and, notwithstanding the + exiguity of the donation, declared that God was great. + </p> + <p> + ‘O Sheikh of Sheikhs,’ said the poet, ‘what I have recited, though it is + by the gift of God, is in fact written, and has been ever since the days + of the giants; but I have also dipped my pen into my own brain, and now I + would recite a poem which I hope some day may be suspended in the temple + of Mecca. It is in honour of one who, were she to rise to our sight, would + be as the full moon when it rises over the desert. Yes, I sing of Eva, the + daughter of Amalek (the Bedouins always omitted Besso in her genealogy), + Eva, the daughter of a thousand chiefs. May she never quit the tents of + her race! May she always ride upon Nejid steeds and dromedaries, with + harness of silver! May she live among us for ever! May she show herself to + the people like a free Arabian maiden!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are the thoughts of truth,’ said the delighted Bedouins to one + another; ‘every word is a pearl.’ + </p> + <p> + And the great Sheikh sent a slave to express his Wish that Eva and her + maidens should appear. So she came to listen to the ode which the poet had + composed in her honour. He had seen palm trees, but they were not as tall + and graceful as Eva; he had beheld the eyes of doves and antelopes, but + they were not as bright and soft as hers; he had tasted the fresh springs + in the wilderness, but they were not more welcome than she; and the soft + splendour of the desert moon was not equal to her brow. She was the + daughter of Amalek, the daughter of a thousand chiefs. Might she live for + ever in their tents; ever ride on Nejid steeds and on dromedaries with + silver harness; ever show herself to the people like a free Arabian + maiden! + </p> + <p> + The poet, after many variations on this theme, ceased amid great plaudits. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is a true poet,’ said an Arab, who was, like most of his brethren, a + critic; ‘he is in truth a second Antar.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If he had recited these verses before the King of Persia, he would have + given him a thousand camels,’ replied his neighbour, gravely. + </p> + <p> + ‘They ought to be suspended in the temple of Mecca,’ said a third. + </p> + <p> + ‘What I most admire is his image of the full moon; that cannot be-too + often introduced,’ said a fourth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Truly the moon should ever shine,’ said a fifth. ‘Also in all truly fine + verses there should be palm trees and fresh springs.’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred, to whom Baroni had conveyed the meaning of the verses, was also + pleased; having observed that, on a previous occasion, the great Sheikh + had rewarded the bard, Tancred ventured to take a chain, which he + fortunately chanced to wear, from, his neck, and sent it to the poet of + Eva. This made a great sensation, and highly delighted the Arabs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Truly this is the brother of queens,’ they whispered to each other. + </p> + <p> + Now the audience was breaking up and dispersing, and Tancred, rising, + begged permission of his host to approach Eva, who was seated at the + entrance of the pavilion, somewhat withdrawn from them. + </p> + <p> + ‘If I were a poet,’ said Tancred, bending before her, ‘I would attempt to + express my gratitude to the Lady of Bethany. I hope,’ he added, after a + moment’s pause, ‘that Baroni laid my message at your feet. When I begged + your permission to thank you in person to-morrow, I had not imagined that + I should have been so wilful as to quit the tent tonight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It will not harm you,’ said Eva; ‘our Arabian nights bear balm.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I feel it,’ said Tancred; ‘this evening will complete the cure you so + benignantly commenced.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mine were slender knowledge and simple means,’ said Eva; ‘but I rejoice + that they were of use, more especially as I learn that we are all + interested in your pilgrimage. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Emir Fakredeen has spoken to you?’ said Tancred, inquiringly, and + with a countenance a little agitated. + </p> + <p> + ‘He has spoken to me of some things for which our previous conversation + had not entirely unprepared me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Tancred, musingly, ‘our previous conversation. It is not very + long ago since I slumbered by the side of your fountain, and yet it seems + to me an age, an age of thought and events.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet even then your heart was turned towards our unhappy Asia,’ said the + Lady of Bethany. + </p> + <p> + ‘Unhappy Asia! Do you call it unhappy Asia! This land of divine deeds and + divine thoughts! Its slumber is more vital than the waking life of the + rest of the globe, as the dream of genius is more precious than the vigils + of ordinary men. Unhappy Asia, do you call it? It is the unhappiness of + Europe over which I mourn.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Europe, that has conquered Hindustan, protects Persia and Asia Minor, + affects to have saved Syria,’ said Eva, with some bitterness. ‘Oh! what + can we do against Europe?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Save it,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘We cannot save ourselves; what means have we to save others?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The same you have ever exercised, Divine Truth. Send forth a great + thought, as you have done before, from Mount Sinai, from the villages of + Galilee, from the deserts of Arabia, and you may again remodel all their + institutions, change their principles of action, and breathe a new spirit + into the whole scope of their existence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have sometimes dreamed such dreams,’ murmured Eva, looking down. ‘No, + no,’ she exclaimed, raising her head, after a moment’s pause, ‘it is + impossible. Europe is too proud, with its new command over nature, to + listen even to prophets. Levelling mountains, riding without horses, + sailing without winds, how can these men believe that there is any power, + human or divine, superior to themselves?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As for their command over nature,’ said Tancred, ‘let us see how it will + operate in a second deluge. Command over nature! Why, the humblest root + that serves for the food of man has mysteriously withered throughout + Europe, and they are already pale at the possible consequences. This + slight eccentricity of that nature which they boast they can command has + already shaken empires, and may decide the fate of nations. No, gentle + lady, Europe is not happy. Amid its false excitement, its bustling + invention, and its endless toil, a profound melancholy broods over its + spirit and gnaws at its heart. In vain they baptise their tumult by the + name of progress; the whisper of a demon is ever asking them, “Progress, + from whence and to what?” Excepting those who still cling to your Arabian + creeds, Europe, that quarter of the globe to which God has never spoken, + Europe is without consolation.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Freedom</i> +</pre> + <p> + THREE or four days had elapsed since the departure of Fakredeen, and + during each of them Tancred saw Eva; indeed, his hours were much passed in + the pavilion of the great Sheikh, and, though he was never alone with the + daughter of Besso, the language which they spoke, unknown to those about + them, permitted them to confer without restraint on those subjects in + which they were interested. Tancred opened his mind without reserve to + Eva, for he liked to test the soundness of his conclusions by her clear + intelligence. Her lofty spirit harmonised with his own high-toned soul. He + found both sympathy and inspiration in her heroic purposes. Her passionate + love of her race, her deep faith in the destiny and genius of her Asian + land, greatly interested him. To his present position she referred + occasionally, but with reluctance; it seemed as if she thought it unkind + entirely to pass it over, yet that to be reminded of it was not + satisfactory. Of Fakredeen she spoke much and frequently. She expressed + with frankness, even with warmth, her natural and deep regard for him, the + interest she took in his career, and the high opinion she entertained of + his powers; but she lamented his inventive restlessness, which often + arrested action, and intimated how much he might profit by the counsels of + a friend more distinguished for consistency and sternness of purpose. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of all this, Fakredeen returned. He came in the early + morning, and immediately repaired to the pavilion of the great Sheikh, + with whom he was long closeted. Baroni first brought the news to Tancred, + and subsequently told him that the quantity of nargilehs smoked by the + young Emir indicated not only a prolonged, but a difficult, controversy. + Some time after this, Tancred, lounging in front of his tent, and watching + the shadows as they stole over the mountain tombs, observed Fakredeen + issue from the pavilion of Amalek. His flushed and radiant countenance + would seem to indicate good news. As he recognised Tancred, he saluted him + in the Eastern fashion, hastily touching his heart, his lip, and his brow. + When he had reached Tancred, Fakredeen threw himself in his arms, and, + embracing him, whispered in an agitated voice on the breast of Lord + Montacute, ‘Friend of my heart, you are free!’ + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Amalek announced to his tribe that at sunset the + encampment would break up, and they would commence their return to the + Syrian wilderness, through the regions eastward of the Dead Sea. The Lady + Eva would accompany them, and the children of Rechab were to have the + honour of escorting her and her attendants to the gates of Damascus. A + detachment of five-and-twenty Beni-Rechab were to accompany Fakredeen and + Tancred, Hassan and his Jellaheens, in a contrary direction of the desert, + until they arrived at Gaza, where they were to await further orders from + the young Emir. + </p> + <p> + No sooner was this intelligence circulated than the silence which had + pervaded the desert ruins at once ceased. Men came out of every tent and + tomb. All was bustle and noise. They chattered, they sang, they talked to + their horses, they apprised their camels of the intended expedition. They + declared that the camels had consented to go; they anticipated a + prosperous journey; they speculated on what tribes they might encounter. + </p> + <p> + It required all the consciousness of great duties, all the inspiration of + a great purpose, to sustain Tancred under this sudden separation from Eva. + Much he regretted that it was not also his lot to traverse the Syrian + wilderness, but it was not for him to interfere with arrangements which he + could neither control nor comprehend. All that passed amid the ruins of + this desert city was as incoherent and restless as the incidents of a + dream; yet not without the bright passages of strange fascination which + form part of the mosaic of our slumbering reveries. At dawn a prisoner, at + noon a free man, yet still, from his position, unable to move without + succour, and without guides; why he was captured, how he was enfranchised, + alike mysteries; Tancred yielded without a struggle to the management of + that individual who was clearly master of the situation. Fakredeen decided + upon everything, and no one was inclined to impugn the decrees of him + whose rule commenced by conferring freedom. + </p> + <p> + It was only half an hour to sunset. The advanced guard of the children of + Rechab, mounted on their dromedaries, and armed with lances, had some + hours ago quitted the ruins. The camels, laden with the tents and baggage, + attended by a large body of footmen with matchlocks, and who, on occasion, + could add their own weight to the burden of their charge, were filing + through the mountains; some horsemen were galloping about the plain and + throwing the jereed; a considerable body, most of them dismounted, but + prepared for the seat, were collected by the river side; about a dozen + steeds of the purest race, one or two of them caparisoned, and a couple of + dromedaries, were picketed before the pavilion of the great Sheikh, which + was not yet struck, and about which some grooms were squatted, drinking + coffee, and every now and then turning to the horses, and addressing them + in tones of the greatest affection and respect. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly one of the grooms jumped up and said, ‘He comes;’ and then going + up to a bright bay mare, whose dark prominent eye equalled in brilliancy, + and far exceeded in intelligence, the splendid orbs of the antelope, he + addressed her, and said, ‘O Diamond of Derayeh, the Princess of the desert + can alone ride on thee!’ + </p> + <p> + There came forth from his pavilion the great Amalek, accompanied by some + of his Sheikhs; there came forth from the pavilion Eva, attended by her + gigantic Nubian and her maidens; there came forth from the pavilion the + Emir Fakredeen and Lord Mon-tacute. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is but one God,’ said the great Sheikh as he pressed his hand to + his heart, and bade farewell to the Emir and his late prisoner. ‘May he + guard over us all!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Truly there is but one God,’ echoed the attendant Sheikhs. ‘May you find + many springs!’ + </p> + <p> + The maidens were placed on their dromedaries; the grooms, as if by magic, + had already struck the pavilion of their Sheikh, and were stowing it away + on the back of a camel; Eva, first imprinting on the neck of the mare a + gentle embrace, vaulted into the seat of the Diamond of Derayeh, which she + rode in the fashion of Zenobia. To Tancred, with her inspired brow, her + cheek slightly flushed, her undulating figure, her eye proud of its + dominion over the beautiful animal which moved its head with haughty + satisfaction at its destiny, Eva seemed the impersonation of some young + classic hero going forth to conquer a world. + </p> + <p> + Striving to throw into her countenance and the tones of her voice a + cheerfulness which was really at this moment strange to them, she said, + ‘Farewell, Fakredeen!’ and then, after a moment’s hesitation, and looking + at Tancred with a faltering glance which yet made his heart tremble, she + added, ‘Farewell, Pilgrim of Sinai.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Romantic Story of Baroni</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE Emir of the Lebanon and his English friend did not depart from the + desert city until the morrow, Fakredeen being so wearied by his journey + that he required repose. + </p> + <p> + Unsustained by his lively conversation, Tancred felt all the depression + natural to his position; and, restless and disquieted, wandered about the + valley in the moonlight, recalling the vanished images of the past. After + some time, unable himself to sleep, and finding Baroni disinclined to + slumber, he reminded his attendant of the promise he had once given at + Jerusalem, to tell something of his history. Baroni was a lively narrator, + and, accompanied by his gestures, his speaking glance, and all the + pantomime of his energetic and yet controlled demeanour, the narrative, as + he delivered it, would have been doubtless much more amusing than the + calmer form in which, upon reflection, we have thought fit to record some + incidents which the reader must not in any degree suppose to form merely + an episode in this history. With this observation we solicit attention to + </p> + <p> + <i>The history of the Baroni family.</i> + </p> + <p> + BEING A CHAPTER IN THE LIFE OF SIDONIA. I. + </p> + <p> + ‘I had no idea that you had a garrison here,’ said Sidonia, as the distant + sounds of martial music were wafted down a long, ancient street, that + seemed narrower than it was from the great elevation of its + fantastically-shaped houses, into the principal square in which was + situate his hotel. The town was one of the least frequented of Flanders; + and Sidonia, who was then a youth, scarcely of twenty summers, was on his + rambling way to Frankfort, where he then resided. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not the soldiers,’ said the Flemish maiden in attendance, and who + was dressed in one of those pretty black silk jackets that seem to blend + so well with the sombre yet picturesque dwellings of the Spanish + Netherlands. ‘It is not the soldiers, sir; it is only the Baroni family.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And who are the Baroni family?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are Italians, sir, and have been here this week past, giving some + representations.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of what kind?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hardly know, sir, only I have heard that they are very beautiful. There + is tumbling, I know for certain; and there was the Plagues of Egypt; but I + believe it changes every night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you have not yet seen them?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no, sir, it is not for such as me; the second places are half a + franc!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what is your name?’ said Sidonia. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thérèse; at your service, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You shall go and see the Baroni family to-night, Thérèse, if your + mistress will let you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure she would if you would ask her, sir,’ said Thérèse, looking + down and colouring with delight. The little jacket seemed very agitated. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here they come!’ said Sidonia, looking out of the window on the great + square. + </p> + <p> + A man, extremely good-looking and well made, in the uniform of a marshal + of France, his cocked hat fringed and plumed, and the colour of his coat + almost concealed by its embroidery, played a clarionet like a master; four + youths of a tender age, remarkable both for their beauty and their grace, + dressed in very handsome scarlet uniforms, with white scarfs, performed + upon French horns and similar instruments with great energy and apparent + delight; behind them an honest Blouse, hired for the occasion, beat the + double drum. + </p> + <p> + ‘Two of them are girls,’ said Thérèse; ‘and they are all the same family, + except the drummer, who belongs, I hear, to Ypres. Sometimes there are six + of them, two little ones, who, I suppose, are left at home to-day; they + look quite like little angels; the boy plays the triangle and his sister + beats a tambourine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are great artists,’ murmured Sidonia to himself, as he listened to + their performance of one of Donizetti’s finest compositions. The father + stood in the centre of the great square, the other musicians formed a + circle round him; they continued their performance for about ten minutes + to a considerable audience, many of whom had followed them, while the rest + had collected at their appearance. There was an inclination in the curious + multitude to press around the young performers, who would have been in a + great degree hidden from general view by this discourteous movement, and + even the sound of their instruments in some measure suppressed. Sidonia + marked with interest the calm and commanding manner with which, under + these circumstances, the father controlled the people. They yielded in an + instant to his will: one tall blacksmith seemed scarcely to relish his + somewhat imperious demeanour, and stood rooted to the ground; but Baroni, + placing only one hand on the curmudgeon’s brawny shoulder, while he still + continued playing on his instrument with the other, whirled him away like + a puppet. The multitude laughed, and the disconcerted blacksmith slunk + away. + </p> + <p> + When the air was finished, Baroni took off his grand hat, and in a loud + voice addressed the assembled people, informing them that this evening, in + the largest room of the Auberge of St. Nicholas, there would be a variety + of entertainments, consisting of masterpieces of strength and agility, + dramatic recitations, dancing and singing, to conclude with the mystery of + the Crucifixion of our blessed Lord and Saviour; in which all the actors + in that memorable event, among others the blessed Virgin, the blessed St. + Mary Magdalene, the Apostles, Pontius Pilate, the High Priest of the Jews, + and many others, would appear, all to be represented by one family. + </p> + <p> + The speaker having covered himself, the band again formed and passed the + window of Sidonia’s hotel, followed by a stream of idle amateurs, animated + by the martial strain, and attracted by the pleasure of hearing another + fine performance at the next quarter of the town, where the Baroni family + might halt to announce the impending amusements of the evening. + </p> + <p> + The moon was beginning to glitter, when Sidonia threw his cloak around + him, and asked the way to the Auberge of St. Nicholas. It was a large, + ungainly, whitewashed house, at the extremity of a suburb where the + straggling street nearly ceased, and emptied itself into what in England + would have been called a green. The many windows flared with lights, the + doorway was filled with men smoking, and looking full of importance, as + if, instead of being the usual loungers of the tavern, they were about to + perform a principal part in the exhibition; they made way with respectful + and encouraging ceremony to any one who entered to form part of the + audience, and rated with sharp words, and sometimes a ready cuff, a mob of + little boys who besieged the door, and implored every one who entered to + give them tickets to see the Crucifixion. ‘It’s the last piece,’ they + perpetually exclaimed, ‘and we may come in for five sous a head.’ + </p> + <p> + Sidonia mounted the staircase, and, being a suitor for a ticket for the + principal seats, was received with a most gracious smile by a pretty + woman, fair-faced and arch, with a piquant nose and a laughing blue eye, + who sat at the door of the room. It was a long and rather narrow + apartment; at the end, a stage of rough planks, before a kind of curtain, + the whole rudely but not niggardly lighted. Unfortunately for the Baroni + family, Sidonia found himself the only first-class spectator. There was a + tolerable sprinkling of those who paid half a franc for their amusement. + These were separated from the first row, which Sidonia alone was to + occupy; in the extreme distance was a large space not fitted up with + benches, where the miscellaneous multitude, who could summon up five sous + apiece later in the evening, to see the Crucifixion, were to be stowed. + </p> + <p> + ‘It hardly pays the lights,’ said the pretty woman at the door. ‘We have + not had good fortune in this town. It seems hard, when there is so much + for the money, and the children take such pains in going the rounds in the + morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you are Madame Baroni?’ said Sidonia. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; I am the mother,’ she replied. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should have thought you had been their sister,’ said Sidonia. + </p> + <p> + ‘My eldest son is fifteen! I often wish that he was anything else but what + he is, but we do not like to separate. We are all one family, sir, and + that makes us bear many things.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I think I know a way to increase your audience,’ said Sidonia. + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed! I am sure it is very kind of you to say so much; we have not met + with a gentleman like you the whole time we have been here.’ + </p> + <p> + Sidonia descended the stairs; the smoking amateurs made way for him with + great parade, and pushed back with equal unkindness the young and wistful + throng who still hovered round the portal. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t you see the gentleman wants to go by? Get back, you boys!’ + </p> + <p> + Sidonia halted on the doorway, and, taking advantage of a momentary pause, + said, ‘All the little boys are to come in free.’ + </p> + <p> + What a rush! + </p> + <p> + The performances commenced by the whole of the Baroni family appearing in + a row, and bowing to the audience. The father was now dressed in a Greek + costume, which exhibited to perfection his compact frame: he looked like + the captain of a band of Palikari; on his left appeared the mother, who, + having thrown off her cloak, seemed a sylph or a sultana, for her bonnet + had been succeeded by a turban. The three girls were on her left hand, and + on the right of her husband were their three brothers. The eldest son, + Francis, resembled his father, or rather was what his father must have + been in all the freshness of boyhood; the same form of blended strength + and symmetry; the same dark eye, the same determined air and regular + features which in time would become strongly marked. The second boy, + Alfred, about eleven, was delicate, fair, and fragile, like his mother; + his sweet countenance, full of tenderness, changed before the audience + with a rapid emotion. The youngest son, Michel, was an infant of four + years, and with his large blue eyes and long golden hair, might have + figured as one of the seraphs of Murillo. + </p> + <p> + There was analogy in the respective physical appearances of the brothers + and the sisters. The eldest girl, Josephine, though she had only counted + twelve summers, was in stature, and almost in form, a woman. She was + strikingly handsome, very slender, and dark as night. Adelaide, in colour, + in look, in the grace of every gesture, and in the gushing tenderness of + her wild, yet shrinking glance, seemed the twin of Alfred. The little + Carlotta, more than two years older than Michel, was the miniature of her + mother, and had a piquant coquettish air, mixed with an expression of + repose in one so young quite droll, like a little opera dancer. The father + clapped his hands, and all, except himself, turned round, bowed to the + audience, and retired, leaving Baroni and his two elder children. Then + commenced a variety of feats of strength. Baroni stretched forth his right + arm, and Josephine, with a bound, instantly sprang upon his shoulder; + while she thus remained, balancing herself only on her left leg, and + looking like a flying Victory, her father stretched forth his left arm, + and Francis sprang upon the shoulder opposite to his sister, and formed + with her a group which might have crowned a vase. Infinite were the + postures into which, for more than half an hour, the brother and sister + threw their flexible forms, and all alike distinguished for their agility, + their grace, and their precision. At length, all the children, with the + exception of Carlotta, glided from behind the curtain, and clustered + around their father with a quickness which baffled observation. Alfred and + Adelaide suddenly appeared, mounted upon Josephine and Francis, who had + already resumed their former positions on the shoulders of their father, + and stood immovable with outstretched arms, while their brother and sister + balanced themselves above. This being arranged, Baroni caught up the young + Michel, and, as it were, flung him up on high; Josephine received the + urchin, and tossed him up to Adelaide, and in a moment the beautiful child + was crowning the living pyramid, his smiling face nearly touching the + rough ceiling of the chamber, and clapping his little hands with practised + triumph, as Baroni walked about the stage with the breathing burden. + </p> + <p> + He stopped, and the children disappeared from his shoulders, like birds + from a tree when they hear a sound. He clapped his hands, they turned + round, bowed, and vanished. + </p> + <p> + ‘As this feat pleases you,’ said the father, ‘and as we have a gentleman + here to-night who has proved himself a liberal patron of artists, I will + show you something that I rarely exhibit; I will hold the whole of the + Baroni family with my two hands;’ and hereupon addressing some + stout-looking fellows among his audience, he begged them to come forward + and hold each end of a plank that was leaning against the wall, one which + had not been required for the quickly-constructed stage. This they did + with some diffidence, and with that air of constraint characteristic of + those who have been summoned from a crowd to perform something which they + do not exactly comprehend. + </p> + <p> + ‘Be not afraid, my good friends,’ said Baroni to them, as Francis lightly + sprang on one end of the plank, and Josephine on the other; then Alfred + and Adelaide skipped up together at equal distances; so that the four + children were now standing in attitude upon the same basis, which four + stout men endeavoured, with difficulty, to keep firm. At that moment + Madame Baroni, with the two young children, came from behind the curtain, + and vaulted exactly on the middle of the board, so that the bold Michel on + the one side, and the demure Carlotta on the other, completed the group. + ‘Thank you, my friends,’ said Baroni, slipping under the plank, which was + raised to a height which just admitted him to pass under it, ‘I will + release you,’ and with his outstretched hands he sustained the whole + burthen, the whole of the Baroni family supported by the father. + </p> + <p> + After this there was a pause of a few minutes, the stage was cleared and + Baroni, in a loose great-coat, appeared at its side with a violin. He + played a few bars, then turning to the audience, said with the same + contemptuous expression, which always distinguished him when he addressed + them, ‘Now you are going to hear a scene from a tragedy of the great + Racine, one of the greatest tragedy writers that ever existed, if you may + never have heard him; but if you were at Paris, and went to the great + theatre, you would find that what I am telling you is true.’ And Josephine + advanced, warmly cheered by the spectators, who thought that they were + going to have some more tumbling. She advanced, however, as Andromache. It + seemed to Sidonia that he had never listened to a voice more rich and + passionate, to an elocution more complete; he gazed with admiration on her + lightning glance and all the tumult of her noble brow. As she finished, he + applauded her with vehemence. He was standing near to her father leaning + against the wall. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your daughter is a great actress,’ he said to Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘I sometimes think so,’ said the father, turning round with some courtesy + to Sidonia, whom he recognised as the liberal stranger who had so kindly + increased his meagre audience; ‘I let her do this to please herself. She + is a good girl, but very few of the respectable savages here speak French. + However, she likes it. Adelaide is now going to sing; that will suit them + better.’ + </p> + <p> + Then there were a few more bars scraped on the violin, and Adelaide, + glowing rather than blushing, with her eyes first on the ground and then + on the ceiling, but in all her movements ineffable grace, came forward and + courtesied. She sang an air of Auber and of Bellini: a voice of the rarest + quality, and, it seemed to Sidonia, promising almost illimitable power. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your family is gifted,’ he said to Baroni, as he applauded his second + daughter as warmly as the first; and the audience applauded her too. + </p> + <p> + ‘I sometimes think so. They are all very good. I am afraid, however, that + this gift will not serve her much. The good-natured savages seem pleased. + Carlotta now is going to dance; that will suit them better. She has had + good instruction. Her mother was a dancer.’ + </p> + <p> + And immediately, with her lip a little curling, a look of complete + self-possession, willing to be admired, yet not caring to conceal her + disgust, the little Carlotta advanced, and, after pointing her toe, threw + a glance at her father to announce that he might begin. He played with + more care and energy than for the other sisters, for Carlotta was + exceedingly wilful and imperious, and, if the music jarred, would often + stop, shrug her shoulders, and refuse to proceed. Her mother doted on her; + even the austere Baroni, who ruled his children like a Pasha, though he + loved them, was a little afraid of Carlotta. + </p> + <p> + The boards were coarse and rough, some even not sufficiently tightened, + but it seemed to Sidonia, experienced as he was in the schools of Paris, + London, and Milan, that he had never witnessed a more brilliant facility + than that now displayed by this little girl. Her soul, too, was entirely + in her art; her countenance generally serious and full of thought, yet + occasionally, when a fine passage had been successfully achieved, radiant + with triumph and delight. She was cheered, and cheered, and cheered; but + treated the applause, when she retired, with great indifference. + Fortunately, Sidonia had a rose in his button-hole, and he stepped forward + and presented it to her. This gratified Carlotta, who bestowed on him a + glance full of coquetry. + </p> + <p> + ‘And now,’ said Baroni, to the people, ‘you are going to see the + crucifixion of Jesus Christ: all the tableaux are taken from pictures by + the most famous artists that ever lived, Raphael, Rubens, and others. + Probably you never heard of them. I can’t help that; it is not my fault; + all I can say is, that if you go to the Vatican and other galleries, you + may see them. There will be a pause of ten minutes, for the children want + rest.’ + </p> + <p> + Now there was a stir and a devouring of fruit; Baroni, who was on the + point of going behind the curtain, came forward, and there was silence + again to listen to him. + </p> + <p> + ‘I understand,’ he said, roughly, ‘there is a collection going to be made + for the children; mind, I ask no one to subscribe to it; no one obliges me + by giving anything to it; it is for the children and the children alone, + they have it to spend, that is all.’ + </p> + <p> + The collectors were Michel and Adelaide. Michel was always successful at a + collection. He was a great favourite, and wonderfully bold; he would push + about in the throng like a Hercules, whenever anyone called out to him to + fetch a Hard. Adelaide, who carried the box, was much too retiring, and + did not like the business at all; but it was her turn, and she could not + avoid it. No one gave them more than a sou. It is due, however, to the + little boys who were admitted free, to state that they contributed + handsomely; indeed, they expended all the money they had in the exhibition + room, either in purchasing fruit, or in bestowing backsheesh on the + performers. + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Encore un liard pour Michel</i>,’ was called out by several of them, + in order to make Michel rush back, which he did instantly at the exciting + sound, ready to overwhelm the hugest men in his resistless course. + </p> + <p> + At last, Adelaide, holding the box in one hand and her brother by the + other, came up to Sidonia, and cast her eyes upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + ‘For Michel,’ said Sidonia, dropping a five-franc piece into the box. + </p> + <p> + ‘A piece of a hundred sous!’ said Michel. + </p> + <p> + ‘And a piece of a hundred sous for yourself and each of your brothers and + sisters, Adelaide,’ said Sidonia, giving her a purse. + </p> + <p> + Michel gave a shout, but Adelaide blushed very much, kissed his hand, and + skipped away. When she had got behind the curtain, she jumped on her + father’s neck, and burst into tears. Madame Baroni, not knowing what had + occurred, and observing that Sidonia could command from his position a + view of what was going on in their sanctuary, pulled the curtain, and + deprived Sidonia of a scene which interested him. + </p> + <p> + About ten minutes after this, Baroni again appeared in his rough + great-coat, and with his violin. He gave a scrape or two, and the audience + became orderly. He played an air, and then turning to Sidonia, looking at + him with great scrutiny, he said, ‘Sir, you are a prince.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On the contrary,’ said Sidonia, ‘I am nothing; I am only an artist like + yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Baroni, ‘an artist like myself! I thought so. You have taste. + And what is your line? Some great theatre, I suppose, where even if one is + ruined, one at least has the command of capital. ‘Tis a position. I have + none. But I have no rebels in my company, no traitors. With one mind and + heart we get on, and yet sometimes——’ and here a signal near + him reminded him that he must be playing another air, and in a moment the + curtain separated in the middle, and exhibited a circular stage on which + there were various statues representing the sacred story. + </p> + <p> + There were none of the usual means and materials of illusion at hand; + neither space, nor distance, nor cunning lights; it was a confined tavern + room with some glaring tapers, and Sidonia himself was almost within arm’s + reach of the performers. Yet a representation more complete, more finely + conceived, and more perfectly executed, he had never witnessed. It was + impossible to credit that these marble forms, impressed with ideal grace, + so still, so sad, so sacred, could be the little tumblers, who, but + half-an-hour before, were disporting on the coarse boards at his side. + </p> + <p> + The father always described, before the curtain was withdrawn, with a sort + of savage terseness, the subject of the impending scene. The groups did + not continue long; a pause of half a minute, and the circular stage + revolved, and the curtain again closed. This rapidity of representation + was necessary, lest delay should compromise the indispensable + immovable-ness of the performers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now,’ said Baroni, turning his head to the audience, and slightly + touching his violin, ‘Christ falls under the weight of the cross.’ And + immediately the curtain parted, and Sidonia beheld a group in the highest + style of art, and which though deprived of all the magic of colour, almost + expressed the passion of Correggio. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is Alfred,’ said Baroni, as Sidonia evinced his admiration. ‘He + chiefly arranges all this, under my instructions. In drapery his talent is + remarkable.’ + </p> + <p> + At length, after a series of representations, which were all worthy of + being exhibited in the pavilions of princes, Baroni announced the last + scene. + </p> + <p> + ‘What you are going to see now is the Descent from the Cross; it is after + Rubens, one of the greatest masters that ever lived, if you ever heard of + such a person,’ he added, in a grumbling voice, and then turning to + Sidonia, he said, ‘This crucifixion is the only thing which these savages + seem at all to understand; but I should like you, sir, as you are an + artist, to see the children in some Greek or Roman story: Pygmalion, or + the Death of Agrippina. I think you would be pleased.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot be more pleased than I am now,’ said Sidonia. ‘I am also + astonished.’ + </p> + <p> + But here Baroni was obliged to scrape his fiddle, for the curtain moved. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a triumph of art,’ said Sidonia, as he beheld the immortal group of + Rubens reproduced with a precision and an exquisite feeling which no + language can sufficiently convey, or too much extol. + </p> + <p> + The performances were over, the little artists were summoned to the front + scene to be applauded, the scanty audience were dispersing: Sidonia + lingered. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are living in this house, I suppose?’ he said to Baroni. + </p> + <p> + Baroni shook his head. ‘I can afford no roof except my own.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And where is that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On four wheels, on the green here. We are vagabonds, and, I suppose, must + always be so; but, being one family, we can bear it. I wish the children + to have a good supper to-night, in honour of your kindness. I have a good + deal to do. I must put these things in order,’ as he spoke he was working; + ‘there is the grandmother who lives with us; all this time she is alone, + guarded, however, by the dog. I should like them to have meat to-night, if + I can get it. Their mother cooks the supper. Then I have got to hear them + say their prayers. All this takes time, particularly as we have to rise + early, and do many things before we make our first course through the + city.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will come and see you to-morrow,’ said Sidonia, ‘after your first + progress.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An hour after noon, if you please,’ said Baroni. ‘It is pleasant for me + to become acquainted with a fellow artist, and one so liberal as + yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your name is Baroni,’ said Sidonia, looking at him earnestly. + </p> + <p> + ‘My name is Baroni.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An Italian name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I come from Cento.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, we shall meet to-morrow. Good night, Baroni. I am going, to send + you some wine for your supper, and take care the grandmamma drinks my + health.’ + </p> + <p> + II. + </p> + <p> + It was a sunny morn: upon the green contiguous to the Auberge of St. + Nicholas was a house upon wheels, a sort of monster omnibus, its huge + shafts idle on the ground, while three fat Flemish horses cropped the + surrounding pasture. From the door of the house were some temporary steps, + like an accommodation ladder, on which sat Baroni, dressed something like + a Neapolitan fisherman, and mending his clarionet; the man in the blouse + was eating his dinner, seated between the shafts, to which also was + fastened the little dog, often the only garrison, except the grandmother, + of this strange establishment. + </p> + <p> + The little dog began barking vociferously, and Baroni, looking up, + instantly bade him be quiet. It was Sidonia whose appearance in the + distance had roused the precautionary voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Sidonia, ‘I heard your trumpets this morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The grandmother sleeps,’ said Baroni, taking off his cap, and slightly + rising. ‘The rest also are lying down after their dinner. Children will + never repose unless there are rules, and this with them is invariable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But your children surely cannot be averse to repose, for they require + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Their blood is young,’ continued Baroni, still mending his clarionet; + ‘they are naturally gay, except my eldest son. He is restless, but he is + not gay.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He likes his art?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not too much; what he wants is to travel, and, after all, though we are + always moving, the circle is limited.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; you have many to move. And can this ark contain them all?’ said + Sidonia, seating himself on some timber that was at hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘With convenience even,’ replied Baroni; ‘but everything can be effected + by order and discipline. I rule and regulate my house like a ship. In a + vessel, there is not as much accommodation for the size as in a house of + this kind; yet nowhere is there more decency and cleanliness than on board + ship.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have an obedient crew,’ said Sidonia, ‘and that is much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; when they wake my children say their prayers, and then they come to + embrace me and their mother. This they have never omitted during their + lives. I have taught them from their birth to obey God and to honour their + parents. These two principles have made them a religious and moral family. + They have kept us united, and sustained us under severe trials.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet such talents as you all possess,’ said Sidonia, ‘should have exempted + you from any very hard struggle, especially when united, as apparently in + your case, with well-ordered conduct.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It would seem that they should,’ said Baroni, ‘but less talents than we + possess would, probably, obtain as high a reward. The audiences that we + address have little feeling for art, and all these performances, which you + so much applauded last night, would not, perhaps, secure even the feeble + patronage we experience, if they were not preceded by some feats of + agility or strength.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have never appealed to a higher class of audience?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; my father was a posture-master, as his father was before him. These + arts are traditionary in our family, and I care not to say for what length + of time and from what distant countries we believe them to have been + received by us. My father died by a fall from a tight rope in the midst of + a grand illumination at Florence, and left me a youth. I count now only + sixty-and-thirty summers. I married, as soon as I could, a dancer at + Milan. We had no capital, but our united talents found success. We loved + our children; it was necessary to act with decision, or we should have + been separated and trampled into the mud. Then I devised this house and + wandering life, and we exist in general as you see us. In the winter, if + our funds permit it, we reside in some city, where we educate our children + in the arts which they pursue. The mother can still dance, sings prettily, + and has some knowledge of music. For myself, I can play in some fashion + upon every instrument, and have almost taught them as much; I can paint, + too, a scene, compose a group, and with the aid of my portfolio of prints, + have picked up more knowledge of the costume, of different centuries than + you would imagine. If you see Josephine to-night in the Maid of Orleans + you would perhaps be surprised. A great judge, like yourself a real + artist, once told me at Bruxelles, that the grand opera could not produce + its equal.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can credit it,’ said Sidonia, ‘for I perceive in Josephine, as well as + indeed in all your children, a rare ability!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will be frank,’ said Baroni, looking at Sidonia very earnestly, and + laying down his clarionet. ‘I conclude from what you said last night, and + the interest that you take in the children, that you are something in our + way, though on a great scale. I apprehend you are looking out for + novelties for the next season, and sometimes in the provinces things are + to be found. If you will take us to London or Paris, I will consent to + receive no remuneration if the venture fail; all I shall then require will + be a decent maintenance, which you can calculate beforehand: if the + speculation answer, I will not demand more than a third of the profits, + leaving it to your own liberality to make me any regalo in addition, that + you think proper.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A very fair proposal,’ said Sidonia. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it a bargain?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must think over it,’ said Sidonia. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well; God prosper your thoughts, for, from what I see of you, you are a + man I should be proud to work with.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, we may yet be comrades.’ + </p> + <p> + The children appeared at the door of the house, and, not to disturb their + father, vaulted down. They saluted Sidonia with much respect, and then + withdrew to some distance. The mother appeared at the door, and, leaning + down, whispered something to Baroni, who, after a little hesitation, said + to Sidonia, ‘The grandmother is awake; she has a wish to thank you for + your kindness to the children. It will not trouble you; merely a word; but + women have their fancies, and we like always to gratify her, because she + is much alone and never complains.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By all means,’ said Sidonia. + </p> + <p> + Whereupon they ushered forward a venerable woman with a true Italian face; + hair white as snow, and eyes still glittering with fire, with features + like a Roman bust, and an olive complexion. Sidonia addressed her in + Italian, which greatly pleased her. She was profuse, even solemn, in her + thanks to him; she added, she was sure, from all that she had heard of + him, if he took the children with him, he would be kind to them. + </p> + <p> + ‘She has overheard something I said to my wife,’ said Baroni, a little + embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure I should be kind to them,’ said Sidonia, ‘for many reasons, and + particularly for one;’ and he whispered something in Baroni’s ear. + </p> + <p> + Baroni started from his seat with a glowing cheek, but Sidonia, looking at + his watch and promising to attend their evening performance, bade them + adieu. + </p> + <p> + III. + </p> + <p> + The performances were more meagrely attended this evening than even on the + preceding one, but had they been conducted in the royal theatre of a + capital, they could not have been more elaborate, nor the troupe have + exerted themselves with greater order and effect. It mattered not a jot to + them whether their benches were thronged or vacant; the only audience for + whom the Baroni family cared was the foreign manager, young, generous, and + speculative, whom they had evidently without intention already pleased, + and whose good opinion they resolved to-night entirely to secure. And in + this they perfectly succeeded. Josephine was a tragic muse; all of them, + even to little Carlotta, performed as if their destiny depended on the + die. Baroni would not permit the children’s box to be carried round + to-night, as he thought it an unfair tax on the generous stranger, whom he + did not the less please by this well-bred abstinence. As for the mediaeval + and historic groups, Sidonia could recall nothing equal to them; and what + surprised him most was the effect produced by such miserable materials. It + seemed that the whole was effected with some stiffened linen and paper; + but the divine touch of art turned everything to gold. One statue of Henri + IV. with his flowing plume, and his rich romantic dress, was quite + striking. It was the very plume that had won at Ivry, and yet was nothing + more than a sheet of paper cut and twisted by the plastic finger of little + Alfred. + </p> + <p> + There was to be no performance on the morrow; the niggard patronage of the + town had been exhausted. Indeed, had it not been for Sidonia, the little + domestic troupe would, ere this, have quitted the sullen town, where they + had laboured so finely, and achieved such an ungracious return. On the + morrow Baroni was to ride one of the fat horses over to Berg, a + neighbouring town of some importance, where there was even a little + theatre to be engaged, and if he obtained the permission of the mayor, and + could make fair terms, he proposed to give there a series of + representations. The mother was to stay at home and take care of the + grandmother; but the children, all the children, were to have a holiday, + and to dine with Sidonia at his hotel. + </p> + <p> + It would have been quite impossible for the most respectable burgher, even + of the grand place of a Flemish city, to have sent his children on a visit + in trim more neat, proper, and decorous, than that in which the Baroni + family figured on the morrow, when they went to pay their respects to + their patron. The girls were in clean white frocks with little black silk + jackets, their hair beautifully tied and plaited, and their heads + uncovered, according to the fashion of the country: not an ornament or + symptom of tawdry taste was visible; not even a necklace, although they + necessarily passed their lives in fanciful or grotesque attire; the boys, + in foraging caps all of the same fashion, were dressed in blouses of + holland, with bands and buckles, their broad shirt collars thrown over + their shoulders. It is astonishing, as Baroni said, what order and + discipline will do; but how that wonderful house upon wheels contrived to + contain all these articles of dress, from the uniform of the marshal of + France to the diminutive blouse of little Michel, and how their wearers + always managed to issue from it as if they came forth from the most + commodious and amply-furnished mansion, was truly yet pleasingly + perplexing. Sidonia took them all in a large landau to see a famous + château a few miles off, full of pictures and rich old furniture, and + built in famous gardens. This excursion would have been delightful to + them, if only from its novelty, but, as a substitute for their daily + progress through the town, it offered an additional gratification. + </p> + <p> + The behaviour of these children greatly interested and pleased Sidonia. + Their conduct to each other was invariably tender and affectionate: their + carriage to him, though full of respect, never constrained, and touched by + an engaging simplicity. Above all, in whatever they did or said, there was + grace. They did nothing awkwardly; their voices were musical; they were + merry without noise, and their hearts sparkled in their eyes. + </p> + <p> + ‘I begin to suspect that these youthful vagabonds, struggling for life, + have received a perfect education,’ thought the ever-musing Sidonia, as he + leaned back in the landau, and watched the group that he had made so + happy. ‘A sublime religious principle sustains their souls; a tender + morality regulates their lives; and with the heart and the spirit thus + developed, they are brought up in the pursuit and production of the + beautiful. It is the complete culture of philosophic dreams!’ + </p> + <p> + IV. + </p> + <p> + The children had never sat down before to a regular dinner, and they told + Sidonia 50. Their confession added a zest to the repast. He gave them + occasional instructions, and they listened as if they were receiving + directions for a new performance. They were so quick and so tractable, + that their progress was rapid; and at the second course Josephine was + instructing Michel, and Alfred guiding the rather helpless but always + self-composed Carlotta. After dinner, while Sidonia helped them to + sugar-plums, he without effort extracted from each their master wish. + Josephine desired to be an actress, while Adele confessed that, though she + sighed for the boards, her secret aspirations were for the grand opera. + Carlotta thought the world was made to dance. + </p> + <p> + ‘For my part,’ said Francis, the eldest son, ‘I have no wish to be idle; + but there are two things which I have always desired: first, that I should + travel; and, secondly, that nobody should ever know me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what would Alfred wish to be?’ said Sidonia. + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, sir, if it did not take me from my brothers and sisters, I should + certainly wish to be a painter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Michel has not yet found out what he wishes,’ said Sidonia. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish to play upon the horn,’ said Michel, with great determination. + </p> + <p> + When Sidonia embraced them before their departure, he gave each of the + girls a French shawl; to Francis he gave a pair of English pistols, to + guard him when he travelled; Alfred received a portfolio full of drawings + of costume. It only arrived after dinner, for the town was too poor to + supply anything good enough for the occasion, and Sidonia had sent a + special messenger, the day before, for it to Lille. Michel was the + guardian of a basket laden with good things, which he was to have the + pleasure of dividing among the Baroni family. ‘And if your papa come back + to-night,’ said Sidonia to Josephine, ‘tell him I should like to have a + word with him.’ + </p> + <p> + V. + </p> + <p> + Sidonia had already commenced that habit which, during subsequent years, + he has so constantly and successfully pursued, namely, of enlisting in his + service all the rare talent which he found lying common and unappropriated + in the great wilderness of the world, no matter if the object to which it + would apply might not immediately be in sight. The conjuncture would + arrive when it would be wanted. Thus he generally had ready the right + person for the occasion; and, whatever might be the transaction, the human + instrument was rarely wanting. Independent of the power and advantage + which this system gave him, his abstract interest in intellect made the + pursuit delightful to him. He liked to give ability of all kinds its + scope. Nothing was more apt to make him melancholy, than to hear of + persons of talents dying without having their chance. A failure is + nothing; it may be deserved, or it may be remedied. In the first instance, + it brings self-knowledge; in the second, it develops a new combination + usually triumphant. But incapacity, from not, having a chance of being + capable, is a bitter lot, which Sidonia was ever ready to alleviate. + </p> + <p> + The elder Baroni possessed Herculean strength, activity almost as + remarkable, a practised courage, and a controlling mind. He was in the + prime of manhood, and spoke several languages. He was a man, according to + Sidonia’s views, of high moral principle, entirely trustworthy. He was too + valuable an instrument to allow to run to seed as the strolling manager of + a caravan of tumblers; and it is not improbable that Sidonia would have + secured his services, even if he had not become acquainted with the Baroni + family. But they charmed him. In every member of it he recognised + character, and a predisposition which might even be genius. He resolved + that every one of them should have a chance. + </p> + <p> + When therefore Baroni, wearied and a little disgusted with an unpromising + journey, returned from Berg in the evening, and, in consequence of the + message of his children, repaired instantly to the hotel of Sidonia, his + astonishment was great when he found the manager converted into a + millionaire, and that too the most celebrated in Europe. But no language + can convey his wonder when he learnt the career that was proposed to him, + and the fortunes that were carved out for his children. He himself was to + repair, with all his family, except Josephine and her elder brother, at + once to Vienna, where he was to be installed into a post of great + responsibility and emolument. He was made superintendent of the couriers + of the house of Sidonia in that capital, and especially of those that + conveyed treasure. Though his duties would entail frequent absences on + him, he was to be master of a constant and complete establishment. Alfred + was immediately to become a pupil of the Academy of Painters, and Carlotta + of that of dancing; the talents of Michel were to be watched, and to be + reported to Sidonia at fitting periods. As for Adele, she was consigned to + a lady who had once been a celebrated prima donna, with whom she was to + pursue her studies, although still residing under the paternal roof. + ‘Josephine will repair to Paris at once with her brother,’ said Sidonia. + ‘My family will guard over her. She will enjoy her brother’s society until + I commence my travels. He will then accompany me.’ + </p> + <p> + It is nearly twenty years since these incidents occurred, and perhaps the + reader may feel not altogether uninterested in the subsequent fate of the + children of Baroni. Mademoiselle Josephine is at this moment the glory of + the French stage; without any question the most admirable tragic actress + since Clairon, and inferior not even to her. The spirit of French tragedy + has risen from the imperial couch on which it had long slumbered since her + appearance, at the same time classical and impassioned, at once charmed + and commanded the most refined audience in Europe. Adele, under the name + of Madame Baroni, is the acknowledged Queen of Song in London, Paris, + Berlin, and St. Petersburg; while her younger sister, Carlotta Baroni, + shares the triumphs, and equals the renown, of a Taglioni and a Cerito. At + this moment, Madame Baroni performs to enthusiastic audiences in the first + opera of her brother Michel, who promises to be the rival of Meyerbeer and + Mendelssohn; all delightful intelligence to meet the ear of the + soft-hearted Alfred, who is painting the new chambers of the Papal palace, + a Cavaliere, decorated with many orders, and the restorer of the once + famous Roman school. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thus,’ continued Baroni to Tancred, ‘we have all succeeded in life + because we fell across a great philosopher, who studied our + predisposition. As for myself, I told M. de Sidonia that I wished to + travel and to be unknown, and so he made of me a secret agent.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is something most interesting,’ said Tancred, ‘in this idea of a + single family issuing from obscurity, and disseminating their genius + through the world, charming mankind with so many spells. How fortunate for + you all that Sidonia had so much feeling for genius!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And some feeling for his race,’ said Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘How?’ said Tancred, startled. + </p> + <p> + ‘You remember he whispered something in my father’s ear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I remember.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He spoke it in Hebrew, and he was understood.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You do not mean that you, too, are Jews?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pure Sephardim, in nature and in name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But your name surely is Italian?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good Arabic, my lord. Baroni; that is, the son of Aaron; the name of old + clothesmen in London, and of caliphs at Bagdad.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Mountains of Lebanon</i> +</pre> + <p> + HOW do you like my forest?’ asked Fakredeen of Tancred, as, while + descending a range of the Lebanon, an extensive valley opened before them, + covered with oak trees, which clothed also, with their stout trunks, their + wide-spreading branches, and their rich starry foliage, the opposite and + undulating hills, one of which was crowned with a convent. ‘It is the only + oak forest in Syria. It will serve some day to build our fleet.’ + </p> + <p> + At Gaza, which they had reached by easy journeys, for Fakredeen was very + considerate of the health of Tancred, whose wound had scarcely healed, and + over whom he watched with a delicate solicitude which would have almost + become a woman, the companions met Scheriff Effendi. The magic signature + of Lord Montacute settled the long-vexed question of the five thousand + muskets, and secured also ten thousand piastres for the commander of the + escort to deliver to his chief. The children of Rechab, in convoy of the + precious charge, certain cases of which were to be delivered to the great + Sheikh, and the rest to be deposited in indicated quarters of the Lebanon, + here took leave of the Emir and his friend, and pursued their course to + the north of Hebron and the Dead Sea, in the direction of the Hauraan, + where they counted, if not on overtaking the great Sheikh, at least on the + additional security which his neighbourhood would ensure them. Their late + companions remained at Gaza, awaiting Tancred’s yacht, which Baroni + fetched from the neighbouring Jaffa. A favourable breeze soon carried them + from Gaza to Beiroot, where they landed, and where Fakredeen had the + political pleasure of exhibiting his new and powerful ally, a prince, an + English prince, the brother perhaps of a queen, unquestionably the owner + of a splendid yacht, to the admiring eye of all his, at the same time, + credulous and rapacious creditors. + </p> + <p> + The air of the mountains invigorated Tancred. His eyes had rested so long + on the ocean and the desert, that the effect produced on the nerves by the + forms and colours of a more varied nature were alone reviving. + </p> + <p> + There are regions more lofty than the glaciered crests of Lebanon; + mountain scenery more sublime, perhaps even more beautiful: its peaks are + not lost in the clouds like the mysterious Ararat; its forests are not as + vast and strange as the towering Himalaya; it has not the volcanic + splendour of the glowing Andes; in lake and in cataract it must yield to + the European Alps; but for life, vigorous, varied, and picturesque, there + is no highland territory in the globe that can for a moment compare with + the great chain of Syria. + </p> + <p> + Man has fled from the rich and servile plains, from the tyranny of the + Turk and from Arabian rapine, to clothe the crag with vines, and rest + under his fig tree on the mountain top. An ingenious spirit, unwearied + industry, and a bland atmosphere have made a perpetual garden of the + Syrian mountains. Their acclivities sparkle with terraces of corn and + fruit. Castle and convent crown their nobler heights, and flat-roofed + villages nestle amid groves of mulberry trees. Among these mountains we + find several human races, several forms of government, and several schemes + of religion, yet everywhere liberty: a proud, feudal aristocracy; a + conventual establishment, which in its ramifications recalls the middle + ages; a free and armed peasantry, whatever their creed, Emirs on Arabian + steeds, bishops worthy of the Apostles, the Maronite monk, the horned + head-gear of the Druses. + </p> + <p> + Some of those beautiful horses, for which Fakredeen was celebrated, had + awaited the travellers at Beiroot. The journey through the mountain was to + last three days before they reached Canobia. They halted one night at a + mountain village, where the young Emir was received with enthusiastic + devotion, and on the next at a small castle belonging to Fakredeen, and + where resided one of his kinsmen. Two hours before sunset, on the third + day, they were entering the oak forest to which we referred, and through + whose glades they journeyed for about half an hour. On arriving at the + convent-crowned height opposite, they beheld an expanse of country; a + small plain amid the mountains; in many parts richly cultivated, studded + by several hamlets, and watered by a stream, winding amid rich shrubberies + of oleander. + </p> + <p> + Almost in the middle of this plain, on a height superior to the immediate + elevations which bounded it, rose a mountain of gradual ascent, covered + with sycamores, and crowned by a superb Saracenic castle. + </p> + <p> + ‘Canobia!’ said Fakredeen to Tancred, ‘which I hope you never will quit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It would be difficult,’ rejoined Tancred, animated. ‘I have seldom seen a + sight more striking and more beautiful.’ + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Freeman and Trueman, who were far in the rear amid + Fakredeen’s attendants, exchanged congratulating glances of blended + surprise and approbation. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is the first gentleman’s seat I have seen since we left England,’ + said Freeman. + </p> + <p> + ‘There must have been a fine coming of age here,’ rejoined Trueman. + </p> + <p> + ‘As for that,’ replied Freeman, ‘comings of age depend in a manner upon + meat and drink. They ain’t in noways to be carried out with coffee and + pipes. Without oxen roasted whole, and broached hogsheads, they ain’t in a + manner legal.’ + </p> + <p> + A horseman, who was ahead of the Emir and Tancred, now began beating with + a stick on two small tabors, one on each side of his saddle, and thus + announced to those who were already on the watch, the approach of their + lord. It was some time, however, before the road, winding through the + sycamore trees and gradually ascending, brought them to the outworks of + the castle, of which, during their progress, they enjoyed a variety of + views. It was a very extensive pile, in excellent condition, and + apparently strongly fortified. A number of men, in showy dresses and with + ornamented arms, were clustered round the embattled gateway, which + introduced the travellers into a quadrangle of considerable size, and of + which the light and airy style pleasingly and suitably contrasted with the + sterner and more massive character of the exterior walls. A fountain rose + in the centre of the quadrangle which was surrounded by arcades. Ranged + round this fountain, in a circle, were twenty saddled steeds of the + highest race, each held by a groom, and each attended by a man-at-arms. + All pressed their hands to their hearts as the Emir entered, but with a + gravity of countenance which was never for a moment disturbed. Whether + their presence were habitual, or only for the occasion, it was + unquestionably impressive. Here the travellers dismounted, and Fakredeen + ushered Tancred through a variety of saloons, of which the furniture, + though simple, as becomes the East, was luxurious, and, of its kind, + superb; floors of mosaic marbles, bright carpets, arabesque ceilings, + walls of carved cedar, and broad divans of the richest stuffs of Damascus. + </p> + <p> + ‘And this divan is for you,’ said Fakredeen, showing Tancred into a + chamber, which opened upon a flower-garden shaded by lemon trees. ‘I am + proud of my mirror,’ he added, with some exultation, as he called + Tancred’s attention to a large French looking-glass, the only one in + Lebanon. ‘And this,’ added Fakredeen, leading Tancred through a suite of + marble chambers, ‘this is your bath.’ + </p> + <p> + In the centre of one chamber, fed by a perpetual fountain, was a large + alabaster basin, the edges of which were strewn with flowers just culled. + The chamber was entirely of porcelain; a golden flower on a ground of + delicate green. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will send your people to you,’ said Fakredeen; ‘but, in the meantime, + there are attendants here who are, perhaps, more used to the duty;’ and, + so saying, he clapped his hands, and several servants appeared, bearing + baskets of curious linen, whiter than the snow of Lebanon, and a variety + of robes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Strange Ceremonies.</i> +</pre> + <p> + IT HAS been long decreed that no poet may introduce the Phoenix. Scylla + and Charybdis are both successfully avoided even by provincial rhetoric. + The performance of Hamlet with the part of Hamlet omitted, and Mahomet’s + unhappy coffin, these are illustrations that have long been the + prerogative of dolts and dullards. It is not for a moment to be tolerated + that an oasis should be met with anywhere except in the desert. + </p> + <p> + We sadly lack a new stock of public images. The current similes, if not + absolutely counterfeit, are quite worn out. They have no intrinsic value, + and serve only as counters to represent the absence of ideas. The critics + should really call them in. In the good old days, when the superscription + was fresh, and the mint mark bright upon the metal, we should have + compared the friendship of two young men to that of Damon and Pythias. + These were individuals then still well known in polite society. If their + examples have ceased to influence, it cannot be pretended that the + extinction of their authority has been the consequence of competition. Our + enlightened age has not produced them any rivals. + </p> + <p> + Of all the differences between the ancients and ourselves, none more + striking than our respective ideas of friendship. Grecian friendship was + indeed so ethereal, that it is difficult to define its essential + qualities. They must be sought rather in the pages of Plato, or the moral + essays of Plutarch perhaps, and in some other books not quite as well + known, but not less interesting and curious. As for modern friendship, it + will be found in clubs. It is violent at a house dinner, fervent in a + cigar shop, full of devotion at a cricket or a pigeon-match, or in the + gathering of a steeple-chase. The nineteenth century is not entirely + sceptical on the head of friendship, but fears ‘tis rare. A man may have + friends, but then, are they sincere ones? Do not they abuse you behind + your back, and blackball you at societies where they have had the honour + to propose you? It might philosophically be suggested that it is more + agreeable to be abused behind one’s back than to one’s face; and, as for + the second catastrophe, it should not be forgotten that if the sincere + friend may occasionally put a successful veto on your election, he is + always ready to propose you again. Generally speaking, among sensible + persons it would seem that a rich man deems that friend a sincere one who + does not want to borrow his money; while, among the less favoured with + fortune’s gifts, the sincere friend is generally esteemed to be the + individual who is ready to lend it. + </p> + <p> + As we must not compare Tancred and Fakredeen to Damon and Pythias, and as + we cannot easily find in Pall Mall or Park Lane a parallel more modish, we + must be content to say, that youth, sympathy, and occasion combined to + create between them that intimacy which each was prompt to recognise as + one of the principal sources of his happiness, and which the young Emir, + at any rate, was persuaded must be as lasting as it was fervent and + profound. + </p> + <p> + Fakredeen was seen to great advantage among his mountains. He was an + object of universal regard, and, anxious to maintain the repute of which + he was proud, and which was to be the basis of his future power, it seemed + that he was always in a gracious and engaging position. Brilliant, + sumptuous, and hospitable, always doing something kind, or saying + something that pleased, the Emirs and Sheikhs, both Maronite and Druse, + were proud of the princely scion of their greatest house, and hastened to + repair to Ca-nobia, where they were welcome to ride any of his two hundred + steeds, feast on his flocks, quaff his golden wine of Lebanon, or smoke + the delicate tobaccos of his celebrated slopes. + </p> + <p> + As for Tancred, his life was novel, interesting, and exciting. The + mountain breezes soon restored his habitual health; his wound entirely + healed; each day brought new scenes, new objects, new characters; and + there was ever at his side a captivating companion, who lent additional + interest to all he saw and heard by perpetually dwelling on the great + drama which they were preparing, and in which all these personages and + circumstances were to perform their part and advance their purpose. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Fakredeen proposed to himself two objects: the first was, + to bring together the principal chiefs of the mountain, both Maronite and + Druse, and virtually to carry into effect at Ca-nobia that reconciliation + between the two races which had been formally effected at Beiroot, in the + preceding month of June, by the diplomatic interference of the Great + Powers, and through the signature of certain articles of peace to which we + have alluded. His second object was to increase his already considerable + influence with these personages, by exhibiting to them, as his guest and + familiar friend, an English prince, whose presence could only be accounted + for by duties too grave for ordinary envoys, and who was understood to + represent, in their fullest sense, the wealth and authority of the richest + and most potent of nations. + </p> + <p> + The credulous air of Syria was favourable to the great mystification in + which Lord Montacute was an unconscious agent. It was as fully believed in + the mountain, by all the Habeishes and the Eldadahs, the Kazins and the + Elvasuds, the Elheires, and the Hai-dars, great Maronite families, as well + as by the Druse Djinblats and their rivals, the House of Yezbeck, or the + House of Talhook, or the House of Abuneked, that the brother of the Queen + of England was a guest at Canobia as it was in the stony wilderness of + Petrsea. Ahmet Raslan the Druse and Butros Kerauney the Maronite, who + agreed upon no other point, were resolved on this. And was it wonderful, + for Butros had already received privately two hundred muskets since the + arrival of Tancred, and Raslan had been promised in confidence a slice of + the impending English loan by Fakredeen? + </p> + <p> + The extraordinary attention, almost homage, which the Emir paid his guest + entirely authorised these convictions, although they could justify no + suspicion on the part of Tancred. The natural simplicity of his manners, + indeed, and his constitutional reserve, recoiled from the state and + ceremony with which he found himself frequently surrounded and too often + treated; but Fakredeen peremptorily stopped his remonstrances by assuring + him that it was the custom of the country, and that every one present + would be offended if a guest of distinction were not entertained with this + extreme respect. It is impossible to argue against the customs of a + country with which you are not acquainted, but coming home one day from a + hawking party, a large assembly of the most influential chieftains, + Fakredeen himself bounding on a Kochlani steed, and arrayed in a dress + that would have become Solyman the Magnificent, Tancred about to dismount, + the Lord of Canobia pushed forward, and, springing from his saddle, + insisted on holding the stirrup of Lord Montacute. + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot permit this,’ said Tancred, reddening, and keeping his seat. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you do not, there is not a man here who will not take it as a personal + insult,’ said the Emir, speaking rapidly between his teeth, yet affecting + to smile. ‘It has been the custom of the mountain for more than seven + hundred years.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very strange,’ thought Tancred, as he complied and dismounted. + </p> + <p> + All Syria, from Gaza to the Euphrates, is feudal. The system, generally + prevalent, flourishes in the mountain region even with intenseness. An + attempt to destroy feudalism occasioned the revolt against the Egyptians + in 1840, and drove Mehemet Ali from the country which had cost him so much + blood and treasure. Every disorder that has subsequently occurred in Syria + since the Turkish restoration may be traced to some officious + interposition or hostile encroachment in this respect. The lands of + Lebanon are divided into fifteen Mookatas, or feudal provinces, and the + rights of the mookatadgis, or landlords, in these provinces, are power of + punishment not extending to death, service in war, and labour in peace, + and the collection of the imperial revenue from the population, who are in + fact their vassals, on which they receive a percentage from the Porte. The + administration of police, of the revenue, and indeed the whole internal + government of Lebanon, are in the hands of the mookatadgis, or rather of + the most powerful individuals of this class, who bear the titles of Emirs + and Sheikhs, some of whom are proprietors to a very great extent, and many + of whom, in point of race and antiquity of established family, are + superior to the aristocracy of Europe. + </p> + <p> + There is no doubt that the founders of this privileged and territorial + class, whatever may be the present creeds of its members, Moslemin, + Maronite, or Druse, were the old Arabian conquerors of Syria. The Turks, + conquerors in their turn, have succeeded in some degree in the plain to + the estates and immunities of the followers of the first caliphs; but the + Ottomans never substantially prevailed in the Highlands, and their + authority has been recognised mainly by management, and as a convenient + compromise amid the rivalries of so many local ambitions. + </p> + <p> + Always conspicuous among the great families of the Lebanon, during the + last century and a half preeminent, has been the House of Shehaab, + possessing entirely one of the provinces, and widely disseminated and + powerfully endowed in several of the others. Since the commencement of the + eighteenth century, the virtual sovereignty of the country has been + exercised by a prince of this family, under the title of Chief Emir. The + chiefs of all the different races have kissed the hand of a Shehaab; he + had the power of life and death, could proclaim war and confer honours. Of + all this family, none were so supreme as the Emir Bescheer, who governed + Lebanon during the Egyptian invasion, and to whose subdolous career and + its consequences we have already referred. When the Turks triumphed in + 1840, the Emir Bescheer was deposed, and with his sons sent prisoner to + Constantinople. The Porte, warned at that time by the too easy invasion of + Syria and the imminent peril which it had escaped, wished itself to assume + the government of Lebanon, and to garrison the passes with its troops; but + the Christian Powers would not consent to this proposition, and therefore + Kassim Shehaab was called to the Chief Emirate. Acted upon by the + patriarch of the Maronites, Kassim, who was a Christian Shehaab, + countenanced the attempts of his holiness to destroy the feudal privileges + of the Druse mookatadgis, while those of the Maronites were to be + retained. This produced the civil war of 1841 in Lebanon, which so + perplexed and scandalised England, and which was triumphantly appealed to + by France as indubitable evidence of the weakness and unpopularity of the + Turks, and the fruitlessness of our previous interference. The Turks had + as little to do with it as M. Guizot or Lord Palmerston; but so limited is + our knowledge upon these subjects that the cry was successful, and many + who had warmly supported the English minister during the previous year, + and probably in equal ignorance of the real merits of the question, began + now to shake their heads and fear that we had perhaps been too + precipitate. + </p> + <p> + The Porte adroitly took advantage of the general anarchy to enforce the + expediency of its original proposition, to which the Great Powers, + however, would not assent. Kassim was deposed, after a reign of a few + months, amid burning villages and their slaughtered inhabitants; and, as + the Porte was resolved not to try another Shehaab, and the Great Powers + were resolved not to trust the Porte, diplomacy was obliged again to + interfere, and undertake to provide Lebanon with a government. + </p> + <p> + It was the interest of two parties, whose cooperation was highly essential + to the settlement of this question, to prevent the desired adjustment, and + these were the Turkish government and the family of Shehaab and their + numerous adherents. Anarchy was an argument in the mouth of each, that the + Lebanon must be governed by the Porte, or that there never could be + tranquillity without a Shehaab prince. The Porte in general contented + itself with being passive and watching the fray, while the agents of the + Great Powers planned and promulgated their scheme of polity. The Shehaabs + were more active, and their efforts were greatly assisted by the European + project which was announced. + </p> + <p> + The principal feature of this administrative design was the institution of + two governors of Lebanon, called Caimacams, one of whom was to be a + Maronite and govern the Maronites, and the other a Druse and govern his + fellow-countrymen. Superficially, this seemed fair enough, but reduced + into practice the machinery would not work. For instance, the populations + in many places were blended. Was a Druse Caimacam to govern the Christians + in his district? Was the government of the two Caimacams to be sectarian + or geographical? Should the Christian Caimacam govern all the Christians, + and the Druse Caimacam govern all the Druses of the Lebanon? Or should the + Christian Caimacam govern the Christian Mook-atas, as well as such Druses + as lived mixed with the Christians in the Christian Mookatas, and the + Druse Caimacam in the Druse country exercise the same rights? + </p> + <p> + Hence arose the terms of mixed Druses and mixed Christians; mixed Druses + meaning Druses living in the Christian country, and mixed Christians those + living in the Druse country. Such was the origin of the mixed population + question, which entirely upset the project of Downing Street; happy spot, + where they draw up constitutions for Syria and treaties for China with the + same self-complacency and the same success! + </p> + <p> + Downing Street (1842) decided upon the sectarian government of the + Lebanon. It was simple, and probably satisfactory, to Exeter Hall; but + Downing Street was quite unaware, or had quite forgotten, that the feudal + system prevailed throughout Lebanon. The Christians in the Druse districts + were vassals of Druse lords. The direct rule of a Christian Caimacam was + an infringement on all the feudal rights of the Djinblats and Yezbecks, of + the Talhooks and the Abdel-Maleks. It would be equally fatal to the feudal + rights of the Christian chiefs, the Kazins and the El-dadahs, the Elheires + and the El Dahers, as regarded their Druse tenantry, unless the impossible + plan of the patriarch of the Maronites, which had already produced a civil + war, had been adopted. Diplomacy, therefore, seemed on the point of at + length succeeding in uniting the whole population of Lebanon in one + harmonious action, but unfortunately against its own project. + </p> + <p> + The Shehaab party availed themselves of these circumstances with great + dexterity and vigour. The party was powerful. The whole of the Maronites, + a population of more than 150,000, were enrolled in their ranks. The Emir + Bescheer was of their faith; so was the unfortunate Kassim. True, there + were several Shehaab princes who were Moslemin, but they might become + Christians, and they were not Druses, at least only two or three of them. + The Maronite clergy exercised an unquestioned influence over their flocks. + It was powerfully organised: a patriarch, numerous monasteries, nine + prelates, and an active country priesthood. + </p> + <p> + Previously to the civil war of 1841, the feeling of the Druses had been + universally in favour of the Shehaabs. The peril in which feudalism was + placed revived their ancient sentiments. A Shehaab committee was + appointed, with perpetual sittings at Deir el Kamar, the most considerable + place in the Lebanon; and, although it was chiefly composed of Christians, + there were several Druses at least in correspondence with it. But the most + remarkable institution which occurred about this time (1844) was that of + ‘Young Syria.’ It flourishes: in every town and village of Lebanon there + is a band of youth who acknowledge the title, and who profess nationality + as their object, though, behind that plea, the restoration of the House of + Shehaab generally peeps out. + </p> + <p> + Downing Street, frightened, gave up sectarian diplomacy, and announced the + adoption of the geographical principle of government. The Druses, now that + their feudal privileges were secured, cooled in their ardour for + nationality. The Shehaabs, on the other hand, finding that the Druses were + not to be depended on, changed their note. ‘Is it to be tolerated for a + moment, that a Christian should be governed by a Druse? Were it a Moslem, + one might bear it; these things will happen; but a Druse, who adores a + golden calf, worshippers of Eblis! One might as well be governed by a + Jew.’ + </p> + <p> + The Maronite patriarch sent 200,000 piastres to his children to buy arms; + the superior of the convent of Maashmooshi forwarded little less, saying + it was much better to spend their treasure in helping the Christians than, + in keeping it to be plundered by the Druses. Bishop Tubia gave his bond + for a round sum, but afterwards recalled it; Bishop Joseph Djezini came + into Sidon with his pockets full, and told the people that a prince of the + House of Shehaab would soon be at their head, but explained on a + subsequent occasion that he went thither merely to distribute charity. + </p> + <p> + In this state of affairs, in May, 1845, the civil war broke out. The + Christians attacked the Druses in several districts on the same day. The + attack was unprovoked, and eventually unsuccessful. Twenty villages were + seen burning at the same time from Beiroot. The Druses repulsed the + Christians and punished them sharply; the Turkish troops, at the + instigation of the European authorities, marched into the mountain and + vigorously interfered. The Maronites did not show as much courage in the + field as in the standing committee at Deir el Kamar, but several of the + Shehaab princes who headed them, especially the Emir Kais, maintained the + reputation of their house and displayed a brilliant courage. The Emir + Fakre-deen was at Canobia at the time of the outbreak, which, as it often + happens, though not unpremeditated, was unexpected. He marched to the + scene of action at the head of his troops, and, when he found that Kais + had been outflanked and repulsed, that the Maronites were disheartened in + proportion to their previous vanity and insolence, and that the Turkish + forces had interfered, he assumed the character of mediator. Taking + advantage of the circumstances and the alarm of all parties at the + conjuncture and its yet unascertained consequences, he obtained for the + Maronites a long-promised indemnity from the Porte for the ravages of the + Druses in the civil war of 1841, which the Druses had been unable to pay, + on condition that they should accept the geographical scheme of + government; and, having signed, with other Emirs and Sheikhs, the ten + articles of peace, he departed, as we have seen, on that visit to + Jerusalem which exercised such control over the career of Lord Monta-cute, + and led to such strange results and such singular adventures. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Festivities in Canobia</i> +</pre> + <p> + GALLOPED up the winding steep of Canobia the Sheikh Said Djinblat, one of + the most popular chieftains of the Druses; amiable and brave, trustworthy + and soft-mannered. Four of his cousins rode after him: he came from his + castle of Mooktara, which was not distant. He was in the prime of manhood, + tall and lithe; enveloped in a burnous which shrouded his dark eye, his + white turban, and his gold-embroidered vests; his long lance was couched + in its rest, as he galloped up the winding steep of Canobia. + </p> + <p> + Came slowly, on steeds dark as night, up the winding steep of Canobia, + with a company of twenty men on foot armed with muskets and handjars, the + two ferocious brothers Abuneked, Nasif and Hamood. Pale is the cheek of + the daughters of Maron at the fell name of Abuneked. The Abunekeds were + the Druse lords of the town of Deir el Kamar, where the majority of the + inhabitants were Christian. When the patriarch tried to deprive the Druses + of their feudal rights, the Abunekeds attacked and sacked their own town + of Deir el Kamar. The civil war being terminated, and it being agreed, in + the settlement of the indemnities from the Druses to the Maronites, that + all plunder still in possession of the plunderers should be restored, + Nasif Abuneked said, ‘I have five hundred silver horns, and each of them I + took from the head of a Christian woman. Come and fetch them.’ + </p> + <p> + But all this is forgotten now; and least of all should it be remembered by + the meek-looking individual who is at this moment about to ascend the + winding steep of Canobia. Riding on a mule, clad in a coarse brown woollen + dress, in Italy or Spain we should esteem him a simple Capuchin, but in + truth he is a prelate, and a prelate of great power; Bishop Nicodemus, to + wit, prime councillor of the patriarch, and chief prompter of those + measures that occasioned the civil war of 1841. A single sacristan walks + behind him, his only retinue, and befitting his limited resources; but the + Maronite prelate is recompensed by universal respect; his vanity is + perpetually gratified, and, when he appears, Sheikh and peasant are alike + proud to kiss the hand which his reverence is ever prompt to extend. + </p> + <p> + Placed on a more eminent stage, and called upon to control larger + circumstances, Bishop Nicodemus might have rivalled the Bishop of Autun; + so fertile was he in resource, and so intuitive was his knowledge of men. + As it was, he wasted his genius in mountain squabbles, and in regulating + the discipline of his little church; suspending priests, interdicting + monks, and inflicting public penance on the laity. He rather resembled De + Retz than Talleyrand, for he was naturally turbulent and intriguing. He + could under no circumstances let well alone. He was a thorough Syrian, at + once subtle and imaginative. Attached to the House of Shehaab by policy, + he was devoted to Fakredeen as much by sympathy as interest, and had + contrived the secret mission of Archbishop Murad to Europe, which had so + much perplexed M. Guizot, Lord Cowley, and Lord Aberdeen; and which + finally, by the intervention of the same Bishop Nicodemus, Fakredeen had + disowned. + </p> + <p> + Came caracoling up the winding steep of Canobia a troop of horsemen, + showily attired, and riding steeds that danced in the sunny air. These + were the princes Kais and Abdullah Shehaab, and Francis El Kazin, whom the + Levantines called Caseno, and the principal members of the Young Syria + party; some of them beardless Sheikhs, but all choicely mounted, and each + holding on his wrist a falcon; for this was the first day of the year that + they might fly. But those who cared not to seek a quarry in the partridge + or the gazelle, might find the wild boar or track the panther in the + spacious woods of Canobia. + </p> + <p> + And the Druse chief of the House of Djezbek, who for five hundred years + had never yielded precedence to the House of Djinblat, and Sheikh Fahour + Kangé, who since the civil war had never smoked a pipe with a Maronite, + but who now gave the salaam of peace to the crowds of Habeishs and + Dahdahes who passed by; and Butros Keramy, the nephew of the patriarch, + himself a great Sheikh, who inhaled his nargileh as he rode, and who + looked to the skies and puffed forth his smoke whenever he met a son of + Eblis; and the House of Talhook, and the House of Abdel-Malek and a swarm + of Elvasuds, and Elheires, and El Dahers, Emirs and Sheikhs on their + bounding steeds, and musketeers on foot, with their light jackets and bare + legs and wooden sandals, and black slaves, carrying vases and tubes; + everywhere a brilliant and animated multitude, and all mounting the + winding steep of Canobia. + </p> + <p> + The great court of the castle was crowded with men and horses, and fifty + mouths at once were drinking at the central basin; the arcades were full + of Sheikhs, smoking and squatted on their carpets, which in general they + had spread in this locality in preference to the more formal saloons, + whose splendid divans rather embarrassed them; though even these chambers + were well attended, the guests principally seated on the marble floors + covered with their small bright carpets. The domain immediately around the + castle was also crowded with human beings. The moment anyone arrived, his + steed was stabled or picketed; his attendants spread his carpet, sought + food for him, which was promptly furnished, with coffee and sherbets, and + occasionally wine; and when he had sufficiently refreshed himself, he + lighted his nargileh. + </p> + <p> + Everywhere there was a murmur, but no uproar; a stir, but no tumult. And + what was most remarkable amid these spears and sabres, these muskets, + handjars, and poniards, was the sweet and perpetually recurring Syrian + salutation of ‘Peace.’ + </p> + <p> + Fakredeen, moving about in an immense turban, of the most national and + unreformed style, and covered with costly shawls and arms flaming with + jewels, recognised and welcomed everyone. He accosted Druse and Maronite + with equal cordiality, talked much with Said Djinblat, whom he specially + wished to gain, and lent one of his choicest steeds to the Djezbek, that + he might not be offended. The Talhook and the Abdel-Malek could not be + jealous of the Habeish and the Eldadah. He kissed the hand of Bishop + Nicodemus, but then he sent his own nargileh to the Emir Ahmet Raslan, who + was Caimacam of the Druses. + </p> + <p> + In this strange and splendid scene, Tancred, dressed in a velvet + shooting-jacket built in St. James’ Street and a wide-awake which had been + purchased at Bellamont market, and leaning on a rifle which was the + masterpiece of Purday, was not perhaps the least interesting personage. + The Emirs and Sheikhs, notwithstanding the powers of dissimulation for + which the Orientals are renowned, their habits of self-restraint, and + their rooted principle never to seem surprised about anything, have a + weakness in respect to arms. After eyeing Tancred for a considerable time + with imperturbable countenances, Francis El Kazin sent to Fakredeen to + know whether the English prince would favour them by shooting an eagle. + This broke the ice, and Fakredeen came, and soon the rifle was in the + hands of Francis El Kazin. Sheikh Said Djinblat, who would have died + rather than have noticed the rifle in the hands of Tancred, could not + resist examining it when in the possession of a brother Sheikh. Kais + Shehaab, several Habeishes and Elda-dahs gathered round; exclamations of + wonder and admiration arose; sundry asseverations that God was great + followed. + </p> + <p> + Freeman and Trueman, who were at hand, were summoned to show their lord’s + double-barrelled gun, and his pistols with hair-triggers. This they did, + with that stupid composure and dogged conceit which distinguish English + servants in situations which must elicit from all other persons some + ebullition of feeling. + </p> + <p> + Exchanging between themselves glances of contempt at the lords of Lebanon, + who were ignorant of what everybody knows, they exhibited the arms without + the slightest interest or anxiety to make the Sheikhs comprehend them; + till Tancred, mortified at their brutality, himself interfered, and, + having already no inconsiderable knowledge of the language of the country, + though, from his reserve, Fakredeen little suspected the extent of his + acquirements, explained felicitously to his companions the process of the + arms; and then taking his rifle, and stepping out upon the terrace, he + levelled his piece at a heron which was soaring at a distance of upwards + of one hundred yards, and brought the bird down amid the applause both of + Maronite and Druse. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is sent here, I understand,’ said Butros Keramy, ‘to ascertain for the + Queen of the English whether the country is in favour of the Shehaabs. + Could you believe it, but I was told yesterday at Deir el Kamar, that the + English consul has persuaded the Queen that even the patriarch was against + the Shehaabs?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it possible?’ said Rafael Farah, a Maronite of the House of Eldadah. + ‘It must be the Druses who circulate these enormous falsehoods.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush!’ said Young Syria, in the shape of Francis El Kazin, ‘there is no + longer Maronite or Druse: we are all Syrians, we are brothers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then a good many of my brothers are sons of Eblis,’ said Butros Keramy. + ‘I hope he is not my father.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Truly, I should like to see the mountain without the Maronite nation,’ + said Rafael Farah. ‘That would be a year without rain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And mighty things your Maronite nation has done!’ rejoined Francis El + Kazin. ‘If there had been the Syrian nation instead of the Maronite + nation, and the Druse nation, and half a dozen other nations besides, + instead of being conquered by Egypt in 1832, we should have conquered + Egypt ourselves long ago, and have held it for our farm. We have done + mighty things truly with our Maronite nation!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To hear an El Kazin speak against the Maronite nation!’ exclaimed Rafael + Farah, with a look of horror; ‘a natipn that has two hundred convents!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And a patriarch,’ said Butros Keramy, ‘very much respected even by the + Pope of Rome.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And who were disarmed like sheep,’ said Francis. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not because we were beaten,’ said Butros, who was brave enough. + </p> + <p> + ‘We were persuaded to that,’ said Rafael. + </p> + <p> + ‘By our monks,’ said Francis; ‘the convents you are so proud of.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They were deceived by sons of Eblis,’ said Butros. ‘I never gave up my + arms. I have some pieces now, that, although they are not as fine as those + of the English prince, could pick a son of Eblis off behind a rock, + whether he be Egyptian or Druse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush!’ said Francis El Kazin. ‘You love our host, Butros; these are not + words that will please him——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Or me, my children,’ said Bishop Nicodemus. ‘This is a great day for + Syria! to find the chiefs of both nations assembled at the castle of a + Shehaab. Why am I here but to preach peace and love? And Butros Keramy, my + friend, my dearly beloved brother Butros, if you wish to please the + patriarch, your uncle, who loves you so well, you will no longer call + Druses sons of Eblis.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What are we to call them?’ asked Rafael Farah, pettishly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Brothers,’ replied Bishop Nicodemus; ‘misguided, but still brothers. This + is not a moment for brawls, when the great Queen of the English has sent + hither her own brother to witness the concord of the mountain.’ + </p> + <p> + Now arose the sound of tabors, beaten without any attempt at a tune, but + with unremitting monotony, then the baying of many hounds more distant. + There was a bustle. Many Sheikhs slowly rose; their followers rushed + about; some looked at their musket locks, some poised their pikes and + spears, some unsheathed their handjars, examined their edge, and then + returned them to their sheath. Those who were in the interior of the + castle came crowding into the great court, which, in turn, poured forth + its current of population into the table-land about the castle. Here, held + by grooms, or picketed, were many steeds. The mares of the Emir Fakredeen + were led about by his black slaves. Many of the Sheikhs, mounted, prepared + for the pastime that awaited them. + </p> + <p> + There was to be a grand chase in the oak forest, through part of which + Tancred had already travelled, and which spread over a portion of the + plain and the low hilly country that encompassed it. Three parties, + respectively led by the Emir Fakredeen, and the Caimacams of the two + nations, were to penetrate into this forest at different and distant + points, so that the sport was spread over a surface of many miles. The + heads of the great houses of both nations accompanied the Emir of Canobia; + their relatives and followers, by the exertions of Francis El Kazin and + Young Syria, were in general so disturbed that the Maronites were under + the command of the Emir Raslan, the Druse Caimacam, while the Druses + followed the Emir Hai-dar. This great hunting party consisted of more than + eight hundred persons, about half of whom were mounted, but all were + armed; even those who held the dogs in leash were entitled to join in the + sport with the same freedom as the proudest Sheikh. The three leaders + having mounted and bowed gracefully to each other, the cavalcades + separated and descended into the plain. The moment they reached the level + country, the horsemen shouted and dispersed, galloping in all directions, + and many of them throwing their spears; but, in a short time, they had + collected again under their respective leaders, and the three distinct + bodies, each a moving and many-coloured mass, might be observed from the + castled heights, each instant diminishing in size and lustre, until they + vanished at different points in the distance, and were lost amid the + shades of the forest. + </p> + <p> + For many hours throughout this region nothing was heard but the firing of + guns, the baying of hounds, the shouting of men; not a human being was + visible, except some groups of women in the villages, with veils suspended + on immense silver horns, like our female headgear of the middle ages. + By-and-by, figures were seen stealing forth from the forest, men on foot, + one or two, then larger parties; some reposed on the plain, some returned + to the villages, some re-ascended the winding steeps of Canobia. The + firing, the shouting, the baying had become more occasional. Now a wearied + horseman picked his slow way over the plain; then came forth a brighter + company, still bounding along. And now they issued, but slowly and in + small parties, from various and opposite quarters of the woodland. A great + detachment, in a certain order, were then observed to cross the plain, and + approach the castle. They advanced very gradually, for most of them were + on foot, and joining together, evidently carried burdens; they were + preceded and followed by a guard of cavalry. Soon it might be perceived + that the produce of the chase was arriving: twenty-five wild boars carried + on litters of green branches; innumerable gazelles borne by their victors; + transfixed by four spears, and carried by four men, a hyena. + </p> + <p> + Not very long after this caravan had reached the castle, the firing, which + had died away, recommenced; the sounds were near at hand; there was a + volley, and almost simultaneously there issued from various parts of the + forest the great body of the hunt. They maintained no order on their + return, but dispersed over the plain, blending together, galloping their + steeds, throwing their lances, and occasionally firing a shot. Fakredeen + and his immediate friends rode up to the Caimacam of the Druses, and they + offered each other mutual congratulations on the sport of the morning. + They waited for the Caimacam of the Maronites, who, however, did not long + detain them; and, when he appeared, their suites joined, and, cantering + off at a brisk pace, they soon mounted in company the winding steeps of + Canobia. + </p> + <p> + The kitchen of Canobia was on a great scale, though simple as it was vast. + It was formed for the occasion. About fifty square pits, some four feet in + length, and about half as deep, had been dug on the table-land in the + vicinity of the castle. At each corner of each pit was a stake, and the + four supported a rustic gridiron of green wood, suspended over each pit, + which was filled with charcoal, and which yielded an equal and continuous + heat to the animal reposing on the gridiron: in some instances a wild + boar, in others a sheep—occasionally a couple of gazelles. The sheep + had been skinned, for there had been time for the operation; but the game + had only been split open, cleared out, and laid on its back, with its feet + tied to each of the stakes, so as to retain its position. While this + roasting was going on, they filled the stomachs of the animals with lemons + gashed with their daggers, and bruised pomegranates, whose fragrant juice, + uniting with the bubbling fat, produced an aromatic and rosy gravy. The + huntsmen were the cooks, but the greatest order was preserved; and though + the Emirs and the great Sheikhs, heads of houses, retiring again to their + divans, occupied themselves with their nargilehs, many a mookatadgi mixed + with the servants and the slaves, and delighted in preparing this + patriarchal banquet, which indeed befitted a castle and a forest. Within + the walls they prepared rice, which they piled on brazen and pewter + dishes, boiled gallons of coffee, and stewed the liver of the wild boars + and the gazelles in the golden wine of Lebanon. + </p> + <p> + The way they dined was this. Fakredeen had his carpet spread on the marble + floor of his principal saloon, and the two Caimacams, Tancred and Bishop + Nicodemus, Said Djinblat, the heads of the Houses of Djezbek, Talhook, and + Abdel-Malek, Hamood Abune-ked, and five Maronite chieftains of equal + consideration, the Emirs of the House of Shehaab, the Habeish, and the + Eldadah, were invited to sit with him. Round the chamber which opened to + the air, other chieftains were invited to spread their carpets also; the + centre was left clear. The rest of the Sheikhs and rhookatadgis + established themselves in small parties, grouped in the same fashion, in + the great court and under the arcades, taking care to leave free egress + and regress to the fountain. The retainers feasted, when all was over, in + the open air. + </p> + <p> + Every man found his knife in his girdle, forks were unknown. Fakredeen + prided himself on his French porcelain, which the Djinblats, the Talhooks, + and the Abunekeds glanced at very queerly. This European luxury was + confined to his own carpet. There was, however, a considerable supply of + Egyptian earthenware, and dishes of pewter and brass. The retainers, if + they required a plate, found one in the large flat barley cake with which + each was supplied. For the principal guests there was no want of coarse + goblets of Bohemian glass; delicious water abounded in vases of porous + pottery, which might be blended, if necessary, with the red or white wine + of the mountain. The rice, which had been dressed with a savoury sauce, + was eaten with wooden spoons by those who were supplied with these + instruments; but in general the guests served themselves by handfuls. + </p> + <p> + Ten men brought in a framework of oaken branches placed transversely, then + covered with twigs, and over these, and concealing everything, a bed, + fully an inch thick, of mulberry leaves. Upon this fragrant bier reposed a + wild boar; and on each side of him reclined a gazelle. Their bodies had + closed the moment their feet had been loosened from the stakes, so that + the gravy was contained within them. It required a most skilful carver not + to waste this precious liquid. The chamber was filled with an invigorating + odour as the practised hand of Habas of Deir el Kamar proceeded to the + great performance. His instruments were a silver cup, a poniard, and a + handjar. Making a small aperture in the side of the animal, he adroitly + introduced the cup, and proportionately baled out the gravy to a group of + plates that were extended to him; then, plunging in the long poniard on + which he rested, he made an incision with the keen edge and broad blade of + the handjar, and sent forth slice after slice of white fat and ruby flesh. + </p> + <p> + The same ceremony was performing in the other parts of the castle. Ten of + the pits had been cleared of their burden to appease the first cravings of + the appetite of the hunters. The fires had been replenished, the gridirons + again covered, and such a supply kept up as should not only satisfy the + chieftains, but content their followers. Tancred could not refrain from + contrasting the silent, business-like way in which the Shehaabs, the + Talhooks, the Djinblats, and the Habeish performed the great operation + that was going on, with the conversation which is considered an + indispensable accompaniment of a dinner in Fran-guestan; for we must no + longer presume to call Europe by its beautiful oriental name of + Christendom. The Shehaabs, the Talhooks, the Djinblats, and the Habeish + were sensible men, who were of opinion that if you want to talk you should + not by any means eat, since from such an attempt at a united performance + it generally results that you neither converse nor refresh yourself in a + satisfactory manner. + </p> + <p> + There can be no question that, next to the corroding cares of Europeans, + principally occasioned by their love of accumulating money which they + never enjoy, the principal cause of the modern disorder of dyspepsia + prevalent among them is their irrational habit of interfering with the + process of digestion by torturing attempts at repartee, and racking their + brain at a moment when it should be calm, to remind themselves of some + anecdote so appropriate that they have forgotten it. It has been supposed + that the presence of women at our banquets has occasioned this fatal and + inopportune desire to shine; and an argument has been founded on this + circumstance in favour of their exclusion from an incident which, on the + whole, has a tendency to impair that ideal which they should always study + and cherish. It may be urged that if a woman eats she may destroy her + spell; and that, if she will not eat, she destroys our dinner. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding all this, and without giving any opinion on this latter + point, it should be remembered that at dinners strictly male, where there + is really no excuse for anything of the kind, where, if you are a person + of ascertained position, you are invited for that position and for nothing + else, and where, if you are not a person of ascertained position, the more + agreeable you make yourself the more you will be hated, and the less + chance you will have of being asked there again, or anywhere else, still + this fatal frenzy prevails; and individuals are found who, from soup to + coffee, from egg to apple, will tell anecdotes, indulge in jests, or, in a + tone of levity approaching to jesting, pour forth garrulous secret history + with which everyone is acquainted, and never say a single thing which is + new that is not coolly invented for the occasion. + </p> + <p> + The princes of the Houses of Shehaab, Kais, and Assaad, and Abdullah, the + Habeish and the Eldadah, the great Houses of the Druses, the Djinblat and + the Yezbek, the Abuneked, the Talhook, and the Abdel-Malek, were not of + this school. Silently, determinedly, unceasing, unsatiated, they proceeded + with the great enterprise on which they had embarked. If the two nations + were indeed to be united, and form a great whole under the sceptre of a + Shehaab, let not this banquet pass like the hypocritical hospitality of + ordinary life, where men offer what they desire not to be accepted by + those who have no wish to receive. This, on the contrary, was a real + repast, a thing to be remembered. Practice made the guests accustomed to + the porcelain of Paris and the goblets of Prague. Many was the goodly + slice of wild boar, succeeded by the rich flesh of the gazelle, of which + they disposed. There were also wood-pigeons, partridges, which the + falconers had brought down, and quails from the wilderness. At length they + called again for rice, a custom which intimated that their appetite for + meat was satisfied, and immediately Nubian slaves covered them with towels + of fine linen fringed with gold, and, while they held their hands over the + basin, poured sweet waters from the ewer. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Butros Keramy opened his heart to Rafael Farah. + </p> + <p> + ‘I begin,’ said Butros, quaffing a cup of the Vino d’Oro, ‘to believe in + nationality.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It cannot be denied,’ said Rafael Farah, judiciously shaking his head, + ‘that the two nations were once under the same prince. If the great powers + would agree to a Shehaab, and we could sometimes meet together in the + present fashion, there is no saying, prejudices might wear off.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall it ever be said that I am of the same nation as Hamood Abuneked?’ + said Butros. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! it is very dreadful,’ said Rafael; ‘a man who has burned convents!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And who has five hundred Maronite horns in his castle,’ said Butros. + </p> + <p> + ‘But suppose he restores them?’ said Francis El Kazin. + </p> + <p> + ‘That would make a difference,’ said Rafael Farah. + </p> + <p> + ‘There can be no difference while he lives,’ said Butros. + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear ‘tis an affair of blood,’ said Rafael Farah. + </p> + <p> + ‘Taking horns was never an affair of blood,’ said Francis El Kazin. + </p> + <p> + ‘What should be an affair of blood,’ said Butros, ‘if——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But nothing else but taking horns can be proved,’ said Francis El Kazin. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is a good deal in that!’ said Rafael Farah. + </p> + <p> + After confectionery which had been prepared by nuns, and strong waters + which had been distilled by the hands of priors, the chieftains praised + God, and rose, and took their seats on the divan, when immediately + advanced a crowd of slaves, each bearing a nargileh, which they presented + to the guests. Then gradually the conversation commenced. It was entirely + confined to the exploits of the day, which had been rich in the heroic + feats of forest huntsmen. There had been wild boars, too, as brave as + their destroyers; some slight wounds, some narrow escapes. Sheikh Said + Djinblat inquired of Lord Montacute whether there were hyenas in England, + but was immediately answered by the lively and well-informed Kais Shehaab, + who apprised him that there were only lions and unicorns. Bishop + Nicodemus, who watched the current of observations, began telling hunting + stories of the time of the Emir Bescheer, when that prince resided at his + splendid castle of Bteddeen, near Deir el Kamar. This was to recall the + days when the mountain had only one ruler, and that ruler a Shehaab, and + when the Druse lords were proud to be classed among his most faithful + subjects. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime smoking had commenced throughout the castle, but this did + not prevent the smokers from drinking raki as well as the sober juice of + Mocha. Four hundred men, armed with nargileh or chibouque, inhaling and + puffing with that ardour and enjoyment which men, after a hard day’s + hunting, and a repast of unusual solidity, can alone experience! Without + the walls, almost as many individuals were feasting in the open air; + brandishing their handjars as they cut up the huge masses of meat before + them, plunging their eager hands into the enormous dishes of rice, and + slaking their thirst by emptying at a draught a vase of water, which they + poured aloft as the Italians would a flask of wine or oil. + </p> + <p> + ‘And the most curious thing,’ said Freeman to Trueman, as they established + themselves under a pine tree, with an ample portion of roast meat, and + armed with their traveling knives and forks, ‘and the most curious thing + is, that they say these people are Christians! Who ever heard of + Christians wearing turbans?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Or eating without knives and forks?’ added True-man. + </p> + <p> + ‘It would astonish their weak minds in the steward’s room at Bellamont, if + they could see all this, John,’ said Mr. Freeman, pensively. ‘A man who + travels has very great advantages.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And very great hardships too,’ said Trueman. ‘I don’t care for work, but + I do like to have my meals regular.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is not bad picking, though,’ said Mr. Freeman; ‘they call it + gazelle, which I suppose is the foreign for venison.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you called this venison at Bellamont,’ said Trueman, ‘they would look + very queer in the steward’s room.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bellamont is Bellamont, and this place is this place, John,’ said Mr. + Freeman. ‘The Hameer is a noble gentleman, every inch of him, and I am + very glad my lord has got a companion of his own kidney. It is much better + than monks and hermits, and low people of that sort, who are not by no + means fit company for somebody I could mention, and might turn him into a + papist into the bargain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That would be a bad business,’ said Trueman; ‘my lady could never abide + that. It would be better that he should turn Turk.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not sure it wouldn’t,’ said Mr. Freeman. ‘It would be in a manner + more constitutional. The Sultan of Turkey may send an Ambassador to our + Queen, but the Pope of Rome may not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should not like to turn Turk,’ said Trueman, very thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know what you are thinking of, John,’ said Mr. Freeman, in a serious + tone. ‘You are thinking, if anything were to happen to either of us in + this heathen land, where we should get Christian burial.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord love you, Mr. Freeman, no, I wasn’t. I was thinking of a glass of + ale.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ sighed Freeman, ‘it softens the heart to think of such things away + from home, as we are. Do you know, John, there are times when I feel very + queer, there are indeed. I catched myself a singing “Sweet Home” one + night, among those savages in the wilderness. One wants consolation, John, + sometimes, one does, indeed; and, for my part, I do miss the family + prayers and the home-brewed.’ + </p> + <p> + As the twilight died away, they lighted immense bonfires, as well to cheer + them during their bivouac, as to deter any adventurous panther, stimulated + by the savoury odours, or hyena, breathing fraternal revenge, from + reconnoitring their encampment. By degrees, however, the noise of the + revellers without subsided, and at length died away. Having satisfied + their hunger, and smoked their chibouques, often made from the branch + which they had cut since their return from hunting, with the bud still + alive upon the fresh green tube, they wrapped themselves in their cloaks + and sheepskins, and sunk into a deep and well-earned repose. + </p> + <p> + Within, the Sheikhs and mookatadgis gradually, by no means simultaneously, + followed their example. Some, taking off their turbans and loosening their + girdles, ensconced themselves under the arcades, lying on their carpets, + and covered with their pelisses and cloaks; some strolled into the divaned + chambers, which were open to all, and more comfortably stowed themselves + upon the well-stuffed cushions; others, overcome with fatigue and their + revel, were lying in deep sleep, outstretched in the open court, and + picturesque in the blazing moonlight. + </p> + <p> + The hunting party was to last three days, and few intended to leave + Canobia on the morrow; but it must not be supposed that the guests + experienced any very unusual hardships in what the reader may consider a + far from satisfactory mode of passing their night. To say nothing of the + warm and benignant climate, the Easterns have not the custom of retiring + or rising with the formality of the Occidental nations. They take their + sleep when they require it, and meet its embrace without preparation. One + cause of this difference undoubtedly is, that the Orientals do not connect + the business of the toilet with that of rest. The daily bath, with its + elaborate processes, is the spot where the mind ponders on the colour of a + robe or the fashion of a turban; the daily bath, which is the principal + incident of Oriental habits, and which can scarcely be said to exist among + our own. + </p> + <p> + Fakredeen had yielded even his own chambers to his friends. Every divan in + Canobia was open, excepting the rooms of Tancred. These were sacred, and + the Emir had requested his friend to receive him as a guest during the + festival, and apportion him one of his chambers. The head of the House of + Talhook was asleep with the tube of his nargileh in his mouth; the Yezbek + had unwound his turban, cast off his sandals, wrapped himself in his + pelisses, and fairly turned in; Bishop Nicodemus was kneeling in a corner + and kissing a silver cross; and Hamood Abu-neked had rolled himself up in + a carpet, and was snoring as if he were blowing through one of the horns + of the Maronites. Fakredeen shot a glance at Tancred, instantly + recognised. Then, rising and giving the salaam of peace to his guests, the + Emir and his English friend made their escape down a corridor, at the + bottom of which was one of the few doors that could be found in the castle + of Canobia. Baroni received them, on the watch lest some cruising Sheikh + should appropriate their resting-place. The young-moon, almost as young + and bright as it was two months before at Gaza, suffused with lustre the + beautiful garden of fruit and flowers without. Under the balcony, Baroni + had placed a divan with many cushions, a lamp with burning coffee, and + some fresh nargilehs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank God, we are alone!’ exclaimed Fakredeen. ‘Tell me, my Tancred, what + do you think of it all?’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Fakredeen’s Debts</i> +</pre> + <p> + IT HAS been a great day,’ said Tancred ‘not to be forgotten.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; but what do you think of them? Are they the fellows I described; the + men that might conquer the world?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To conquer the world depends on men not only being good soldiers, but + being animated by some sovereign principle that nothing can resist,’ + replied Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘But that we have got,’ rejoined Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘But have they got it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We can give it to them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not so sure of that. It seems to me that we are going to establish a + theocratic equality by the aid of the feudal system.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is to say, their present system,’ replied Fakredeen. ‘Islamism was + propagated by men who were previously idolaters, and our principle may be + established by those whose practice at the present time is directly + opposed to it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I still cling to my first idea of making the movement from the desert,’ + said Tancred: ‘the Arabians are entirely unsophisticated; they are now as + they were in the time of Mahomet, of Moses, of Abraham: a sublime devotion + is natural to them, and equality, properly developed, is in fact the + patriarchal principle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But these are Arabians,’ said Fakredeen; ‘I am an Arabian; there is not a + mookatadgi, whatever his present creed, who does not come from Yemen, or + the Hedjaz, or the Nejid.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is a great qualification,’ said Tancred, musingly. + </p> + <p> + ‘And, see what men these are!’ continued Fakredeen, with great animation. + ‘Lebanon can send forth more than fifty thousand well-armed, and yet let + enough stay at home to guard the mulberry trees and the women. Then you + can keep them for nothing; a Bedouin is not more temperate than a Druse, + if he pleases: he will get through a campaign on olives and cheese; they + do not require even tents; they bivouac in a sheepskin.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And yet,’ said Tancred, ‘though they have maintained themselves, they + have done nothing; now, the Arabs have always succeeded.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will tell you how that is,’ said Fakredeen. ‘It is very true that we + have not done much, and that, when we descended into the plain, as we did + in ‘63, under the Emir Yousef, we were beat, beaten back even by the + Mutualis; it is that we have no cavalry. They have always contrived to + enlist the great tribes of the Syrian desert against us, as for instance, + under Daher, of whom you must have heard: it was that which has prevented + our development; but we have always maintained ourselves. Lebanon is the + key of Syria, and the country was never unlocked unless we pleased. But + this difficulty is now removed. Through Amalek we shall have the desert on + our side; he is omnipotent in the Syrian wilderness; and if he sends + messengers through Petræa to Derayeh, the Nejid, and through the Hedjaz, + to Yemen and Oman, we could easily get a cavalry as efficient and not less + numerous than our foot.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The instruments will be found,’ said Tancred, ‘for it is decreed that the + deed should be done. But the favour of Providence does not exempt man from + the exercise of human prudence. On the contrary, it is an agent on whose + co-operation they are bound to count. I should like to see something of + the great Syrian cities. I should like also to see Bagdad. It appears to + me, at the first glance, that the whole country to the Euphrates might be + conquered in a campaign; but then I want to know how far artillery is + necessary, whether it be indispensable. Then again, the Lesser Asia; we + should never lose sight of the Lesser Asia as the principal scene of our + movements; the richest regions in the world, almost depopulated, and a + position from which we might magnetise Europe. But suppose the Turks, + through Lesser Asia, conquer Lebanon, while we are overrunning the + Babylonian and Assyrian monarchies? That will never do. I see your + strength here with your own people and the Druses, and I do not underrate + their qualities: but who is to garrison the north of Syria? Who is to keep + the passes of the North? What population have you to depend on between + Tripoli and Antioch, or between Aleppo and Adanah? Of all this I know + nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + Fakredeen had entirely imbibed the views of Tancred; he was sincere in his + professions, fervent in his faith. A great feudal proprietor, he was + prepared to forsake his beautiful castle, his farms and villages, his + vineyards, and mulberry orchards, and forests of oaks, to assist in + establishing, by his voice and his sabre, a new social system, which was + to substitute the principle of association for that of dependence as the + foundation of the Commonwealth, under the sanction and superintendence of + the God of Sinai and of Calvary. True it was that the young Syrian Emir + intended, that among the consequences of the impending movement should be + his enthronement on one of the royal seats of Asia. But we should do him + injustice, were we to convey the impression that his ardent co-operation + with Tancred at this moment was impelled merely, or even principally, by + these coarsely selfish considerations. Men certainly must be governed, + whatever the principle of the social system, and Fakredeen felt born with + a predisposition to rule. + </p> + <p> + But greater even than his desire for empire was his thirst for action. He + was wearied with the glittering cage in which he had been born. He panted + for a wider field and a nobler theatre, interests more vast and incidents + more dazzling and comprehensive; he wished to astonish Europe instead of + Lebanon, and to use his genius in baffling and controlling the thrones and + dominations of the world, instead of managing the simple Sheikhs and Emirs + of his mountains. His castle and fine estates were no sources of + satisfaction to him. On the contrary, he viewed Canobia with disgust. It + entailed duties, and brought no excitement. He was seldom at home and only + for a few passing days: continued residence was intolerable to his + restless spirit. He passed his life in perpetual movement, scudding about + on the fleetest dromedaries, and galloping over the deserts on steeds of + the highest race. + </p> + <p> + Though proud of his ancient house, and not unequal, when necessary, to the + due representation of his position, unlike the Orientals in general, he + disliked pomp, and shrank from the ceremony which awaited him. His + restless, intriguing, and imaginative spirit revelled in the incognito. He + was perpetually in masquerade; a merchant, a Mamlouk, a soldier of + fortune, a Tartar messenger, sometimes a pilgrim, sometimes a dervish, + always in pursuit of some improbable but ingenious object, or lost in the + mazes of some fantastic plot. He enjoyed moving alone without a single + attendant; and seldom in his mountains, he was perpetually in Egypt, + Bagdad, Cyprus, Smyrna, and the Syrian cities. He sauntered away a good + deal of his time indeed in the ports and towns of the coast, looking after + his creditors; but this was not the annoyance to him which it would be to + most men. + </p> + <p> + Fakredeen was fond of his debts; they were the source indeed of his only + real excitement, and he was grateful to them for their stirring powers. + The usurers of Syria are as adroit and callous as those of all other + countries, and possess no doubt all those repulsive qualities which are + the consequence of an habitual control over every generous emotion. But, + instead of viewing them with feelings of vengeance or abhorrence, + Fakredeen studied them unceasingly with a fine and profound investigation, + and found in their society a deep psychological interest. His own + rapacious soul delighted to struggle with their rapine, and it charmed him + to baffle with his artifice their fraudulent dexterity. He loved to enter + their houses with his glittering eye and face radiant with innocence, and, + when things were at the very worst and they remorseless, to succeed in + circumventing them. In a certain sense, and to a certain degree, they were + all his victims. True, they had gorged upon his rents and menaced his + domains; but they had also advanced large sums, and he had so involved one + with another in their eager appetite to prey upon his youth, and had so + complicated the financial relations of the Syrian coast in his own + respect, that sometimes they tremblingly calculated that the crash of + Fakredeen must inevitably be the signal of a general catastrophe. + </p> + <p> + Even usurers have their weak side; some are vain, some envious; Fakredeen + knew how to titillate their self-love, or when to give them the + opportunity of immolating a rival. Then it was, when he had baffled and + deluded them, or, with that fatal frankness of which he sometimes + blushingly boasted, had betrayed some sacred confidence that shook the + credit of the whole coast from Scanderoon to Gaza, and embroiled + individuals whose existence depended on their mutual goodwill, that, + laughing like one of the blue-eyed hyenas of his forests, he galloped away + to Canobia, and, calling for his nargileh, mused in chuckling calculation + over the prodigious sums he owed to them, formed whimsical and airy + projects for his quittance, or delighted himself by brooding over the + memory of some happy expedient or some daring feat of finance. + </p> + <p> + ‘What should I be without my debts?’ he would sometimes exclaim; ‘dear + companions of my life that never desert me! All my knowledge of human + nature is owing to them: it is in managing my affairs that I have sounded + the depths of the human heart, recognised all the combinations of human + character, developed my own powers, and mastered the resources of others. + What expedient in negotiation is unknown to me? What degree of endurance + have I not calculated? What play of the countenance have I not observed? + Yes, among my creditors, I have disciplined that diplomatic ability that + shall some day confound and control cabinets. O, my debts, I feel your + presence like that of guardian angels! If I be lazy, you prick me to + action; if elate, you subdue me to reflection; and thus it is that you + alone can secure that continuous yet controlled energy which conquers + mankind.’ + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding all this, Fakredeen had grown sometimes a little wearied + even of the choice excitement of pecuniary embarrassment. It was too often + the same story, the adventures monotonous, the characters identical. He + had been plundered by every usurer in the Levant, and in turn had taken + them in. He sometimes delighted his imagination by the idea of making them + disgorge; that is to say, when he had established that supremacy which he + had resolved sooner or later to attain. Although he never kept an account, + his memory was so faithful that he knew exactly the amount of which he had + been defrauded by every individual with whom he had had transactions. He + longed to mulct them, to the service of the State, in the exact amount if + their unhallowed appropriations. He was too good a statesman ever to + confiscate; he confined himself to taxation. Confiscation is a blunder + that destroys public credit: taxation, on the contrary, improves it, and + both come to the same thing. + </p> + <p> + That the proud soul of Tancred of Montacute, with its sublime aspirations, + its inexorable purpose, its empyrean ambition, should find a votary in one + apparently so whimsical, so worldly, and so worthless, may at the first + glance seem improbable; yet a nearer and finer examination may induce us + to recognise its likelihood. Fakredeen had a brilliant imagination and a + passionate sensibility; his heart was controlled by his taste, and, when + that was pleased and satisfied, he was capable of profound feeling and of + earnest conduct. Moral worth had no abstract charms for him, and he could + sympathise with a dazzling reprobate; but virtue in an heroic form, lofty + principle, and sovereign duty invested with all the attributes calculated + to captivate his rapid and refined perception, exercised over him a + resistless and transcendent spell. The deep and disciplined intelligence + of Tancred, trained in all the philosophy and cultured with all the + knowledge of the West, acted with magnetic power upon a consciousness the + bright vivacity of which was only equalled by its virgin ignorance of all + that books can teach, and of those great conclusions which the studious + hour can alone elaborate. Fakredeen hung upon his accents like a bee, + while Tancred poured forth, without an effort, the treasures of his stored + memory and long musing mind. He went on, quite unconscious that his + companion was devoid of that previous knowledge, which, with all other + persons, would have been a preliminary qualification for a profitable + comprehension of what he said. Fakredeen gave him no hint of this: the + young Emir trusted to his quick perception to sustain him, although his + literary training was confined to an Arabic grammar, some sentences of + wise men, some volumes of poetry, and mainly and most profitably to the + clever Courier de Smyrne, and occasionally a packet of French journals + which he obtained from a Levantine consul. + </p> + <p> + It was therefore with a feeling not less than enthusiastic that Fakredeen + responded to the suggestive influence of Tancred. The want that he had + long suffered from was supplied, and the character he had long mused over + had appeared. Here was a vast theory to be reduced to practice, and a + commanding mind to give the leading impulse. However imperfect may have + been his general conception of the ideas of Tancred, he clearly + comprehended that their fulfilment involved his two great objects, change + and action. Compared with these attainments on a great scale, his present + acquisition and position sank into nothingness. A futurity consisting of a + Syrian Emirate and a mountain castle figured as intolerable, and + Fakredeen, hoping all things and prepared for anything, flung to the winds + all consideration for his existing ties, whether in the shape of domains + or of debts. + </p> + <p> + The imperturbable repose, the grave and thoughtful daring, with which + Tancred developed his revolutionary projects, completed the power with + which he could now dispose of the fate of the young Emir. Sometimes, in + fluttering moments of disordered reverie, Fakredeen had indulged in dreams + of what, with his present companion, it appeared was to be the ordinary + business of their lives, and which he discussed with a calm precision + which alone half convinced Fakredeen of their feasibility. It was not for + an impassioned votary to intimate a difficulty; but if Fakredeen, to + elicit an opinion, sometimes hinted an adverse suggestion, the objection + was swept away in an instant by an individual whose inflexible will was + sustained by the conviction of divine favour. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The People of Ansarey</i> +</pre> + <p> + DO YOU know anything of a people in the north of this country, called the + Ansarey?’ inquired Tancred of Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, my lord; and no one else. They hold the mountainous country about + Antioch, and will let no one enter it; a very warlike race; they beat back + the Egyptians; but Ibrahim Pasha loaded his artillery with piastres the + second time he attacked them, and they worked very well with the Pasha + after that.’ ‘Are they Moslemin?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very easy to say what they are not, and that is about the extent of + any knowledge that we have of them; they are not Moslemin, they are not + Christians, they are not Druses, and they are not Jews, and certainly they + are not Guebres, for I have spoken of them to the Indians at Djedda, who + are fire-worshippers, and they do not in any degree acknowledge them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what is their race? Are they Arabs?’ ‘I should say not, my lord; for + the only one I ever saw was more like a Greek or an Armenian than a son of + the desert.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have seen one of them?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was at Damascus: there was a city brawl, and M. de Sidonia saved the + life of a man, who turned out to be an Ansarey, though disguised. They + have secret agents at most of the Syrian cities. They speak Arabic; but I + have heard M. de Sidonia say they have also a language of their own.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder he did not visit them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The plague raged at Aleppo when we were there, and the Ansarey were + doubly rigid in their exclusion of all strangers from their country.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And this Ansarey at Damascus, have you ever seen anything of him since?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; I have been at Damascus several times since I travelled with M. de + Sidonia, and I have sometimes smoked a nargileh with this man: his name is + Dar-kush, and he deals in drugs.’ + </p> + <p> + Now this was the reason that induced Tancred to inquire of Baroni + respecting the Ansarey. The day before, which was the third day of the + great hunting party at Canobia, Fakredeen and Tancred had found themselves + alone with Hamood Abuneked, and the lord of Canobia had thought it a good + occasion to sound this powerful Sheikh of the Druses. Hamood was rough, + but frank and sincere. He was no enemy of the House of Shehaab; but the + Abunekeds had suffered during the wars and civil conflicts which had of + late years prevailed in Lebanon, and he was evidently disinclined to mix + in any movement which was not well matured and highly promising of + success. Fakredeen, of course, concealed his ulterior purpose from the + Druse, who associated with the idea of union between the two nations + merely the institution of a sole government under one head, and that head + a Shehaab, probably dwelling at Canobia. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have fought by the side of the Emir Bescheer,’ said Hamood, ‘and would + he were in his palace of Bteddeen at this moment! And the Abunekeds rode + with the Emir Yousef against Djezzar. It is not the House of Abuneked that + would say there should be two weak nations when there might be one strong + one. But what I say is sealed with the signet of truth; it is known to the + old, and it is remembered by the wise; the Emir Bescheer has said it to me + as many times as there are oranges on that tree, and the Emir Yousef has + said it to my father. The northern passes are not guarded by Maronite or + by Druse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And as long as they are not guarded by us?’ said Fakredeen, inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + ‘We may have a sole prince and a single government,’ continued Hamood, + ‘and the houses of the two nations may be brothers, but every now and then + the Osmanli will enter the mountain, and we shall eat sand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And who holds the northern passes, noble Sheikh?’ inquired Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘Truly, I believe,’ replied Hamood, ‘very sons of Eblis, for the whole of + that country is in the hands of Ansarey, and there never has been evil in + the mountain that they have not been against us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They never would draw with the Shehaabs,’ said Fakredeen; ‘and I have + heard the Emir Bescheer say that, if the Ansarey had acted with him, he + would have baffled, in ‘40, both the Porte and the Pasha.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was the same in the time of the Emir Yousef,’ said Sheikh Hamood. + ‘They can bring twenty-five thousand picked men into the plain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I suppose, if it were necessary, would not be afraid to meet the + Osmanli in Anatoly?’ said Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘If the Turkmans or the Kurds would join them,’ said Sheikh Hamood, ‘there + is nothing to prevent their washing their horses’ feet in the Bosphorus.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is strange,’ said Fakredeen, ‘but frequently as I have been at Aleppo + and Antioch, I have never been in their country. I have always been warned + against it, always kept from it, which indeed ought to have prompted my + earliest efforts, when I was my own master, to make them a visit. But, I + know not how it is, there are some prejudices that do stick to one. I have + a prejudice against the Ansarey, a sort of fear, a kind of horror. ‘Tis + vastly absurd. I suppose my nurse instilled it into me, and frightened me + with them when I would not sleep. Besides, I had an idea that they + particularly hated the Shehaabs. I recollect so well the Emir Bescheer, at + Bteddeen, bestowing endless imprecations on them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He made many efforts to win them, though,’ said Sheikh Hamood, ‘and so + did the Emir Yousef.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you think without them, noble Sheikh,’ said Tancred, ‘that Syria is + not secure?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think, with them and peace with the desert, that Syria might defy Turk + and Egyptian.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And carry the war into the enemy’s quarters, if necessary?’ said + Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘If they would let us alone, I am content to leave them,’ said Hamood. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem!’ said the Emir Fakredeen. ‘Do you see that gazelle, noble Sheikh? + How she bounds along! What if we follow her, and the pursuit should lead + us into the lands of the Ansarey?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It would be a long ride,’ said Sheikh Hamood. ‘Nor should I care much to + trust my head in a country governed by a woman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A woman!’ exclaimed Tancred and Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘They say as much,’ said Sheikh Hamood; ‘perhaps it is only a coffee-house + tale.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never heard it before,’ said Fakredeen. ‘In the time of my uncle, + Elderidis was Sheikh. I have heard indeed that the Ansarey worship a + woman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then they would be Christians,’ said Sheikh Hamood, ‘and I never heard + that.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Laurellas</i> +</pre> + <p> + IT WAS destined that Napoleon should never enter Rome, and Mahomet never + enter Damascus. What was the reason of this? They were not uninterested in + those cities that interest all. The Emperor selected from the capital of + the Cæsars the title of his son; the Prophet, when he beheld the crown of + Syria, exclaimed that it was too delightful, and that he must reserve his + paradise for another world. Buonaparte was an Italian, and must have often + yearned after the days of Rome triumphant. The son of Abdallah was + descended from the patriarchs, whose progenitor had been moulded out of + the red clay of the most ancient city in the world. Absorbed by the + passionate pursuit of the hour, the two heroes postponed a gratification + which they knew how to appreciate, but which, with all their success, all + their power, and all their fame, they were never permitted to indulge. + What moral is to be drawn from this circumstance? That we should never + lose an occasion. Opportunity is more powerful even than conquerors and + prophets. + </p> + <p> + The most ancient city of the world has no antiquity. This flourishing + abode is older than many ruins, yet it does not possess one single + memorial of the past. In vain has it conquered or been conquered. Not a + trophy, a column, or an arch, records its warlike fortunes. Temples have + been raised here to unknown gods and to revealed Divinity; all have been + swept away. Not the trace of a palace or a prison, a public bath, a hall + of justice, can be discovered in this wonderful city, where everything has + been destroyed, and where nothing has decayed. + </p> + <p> + Men moralise among ruins, or, in the throng and tumult of successful + cities, recall past visions of urban desolation for prophetic warning. + London is a modern Babylon; Paris has aped imperial Rome, and may share + its catastrophe. But what do the sages say to Damascus? It had municipal + rights in the days when God conversed with Abraham. Since then, the kings + of the great monarchies have swept over it; and the Greek and the Roman, + the Tartar, the Arab, and the Turk have passed through its walls; yet it + still exists and still flourishes; is full of life, wealth, and enjoyment. + Here is a city that has quaffed the magical elixir and secured the + philosopher’s stone, that is always young and always rich. As yet, the + disciples of progress have not been able exactly to match this instance of + Damascus, but it is said that they have great faith in the future of + Birkenhead. + </p> + <p> + We moralise among ruins: it is always when the game is played that we + discover the cause of the result. It is a fashion intensely European, the + habit of an organisation that, having little imagination, takes refuge in + reason, and carefully locks the door when the steed is stolen. A community + has crumbled to pieces, and it is always accounted for by its political + forms, or its religious modes. There has been a deficiency in what is + called checks in the machinery of government; the definition of the + suffrage has not been correct; what is styled responsibility has, by some + means or other, not answered; or, on the other hand, people have believed + too much or too little in a future state, have been too much engrossed by + the present, or too much absorbed in that which was to come. But there is + not a form of government which Damascus has not experienced, excepting the + representative, and not a creed which it has not acknowledged, excepting + the Protestant. Yet, deprived of the only rule and the only religion that + are right, it is still justly described by the Arabian poets as a pearl + surrounded by emeralds. + </p> + <p> + Yes, the rivers of Damascus still run and revel within and without the + walls, of which the steward of Sheikh Abraham was a citizen. They have + encompassed them with gardens, and filled them with fountains. They gleam + amid their groves of fruit, wind through their vivid meads, sparkle-among + perpetual flowers, gush from the walls, bubble in the courtyards, dance + and carol in the streets: everywhere their joyous voices, everywhere their + glancing forms, filling the whole world around with freshness, and + brilliancy, and fragrance, and life. One might fancy, as we track them in + their dazzling course, or suddenly making their appearance in every spot + and in every scene, that they were the guardian spirits of the city. You + have explained them, says the utilitarian, the age and flourishing + fortunes of Damascus: they arise from its advantageous situation; it is + well supplied with water. + </p> + <p> + Is it better supplied than the ruins of contiguous regions? Did the Nile + save Thebes? Did the Tigris preserve Nineveh? Did the Euphrates secure + Babylon? + </p> + <p> + Our scene lies in a chamber vast and gorgeous. The reader must imagine a + hall, its form that of a rather long square, but perfectly proportioned. + Its coved roof, glowing with golden and scarlet tints, is highly carved in + the manner of the Saracens, such as we may observe in the palaces of + Moorish Spain and in the Necropolis of the Mamlouk Sultans at Cairo, deep + recesses of honeycomb work, with every now and then pendants of daring + grace hanging like stalactites from some sparry cavern. This roof is + supported by columns of white marble, fashioned in the shape of palm + trees, the work of Italian artists, and which forms arcades around the + chamber. Beneath these arcades runs a noble divan of green and silver + silk, and the silken panels of the arabesque walls have been covered with + subjects of human interest by the finest artists of Munich. The marble + floor, with its rich mosaics, was also the contribution of Italian genius, + though it was difficult at the present moment to trace its varied, + graceful, and brilliant designs, so many were the sumptuous carpets, the + couches, sofas, and cushions that were spread about it. There were indeed + throughout the chamber many indications of furniture, which are far from + usual even among the wealthiest and most refined Orientals: Indian tables, + vases of china, and baskets of agate and porcelain filled with flowers. + From one side, the large Saracenic windows of this saloon, which were not + glazed, but covered only when required by curtains of green and silver + silk, now drawn aside, looked on a garden; vistas of quivering trees, + broad parterres of flowers, and everywhere the gleam of glittering + fountains, which owned, however, fealty to the superior stream that + bubbled in the centre of the saloon, where four negroes, carved in black + marble, poured forth its refreshing waters from huge shells of pearl, into + the vast circle of a jasper basin. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the chamber was enlivened by the presence of many + individuals. Most of these were guests; one was the master of the columns + and the fountains; a man much above the middle height, though as well + proportioned as his sumptuous hall; admirably handsome, for beauty and + benevolence blended in the majestic countenance of Adam Besso. To-day his + Syrian robes were not unworthy of his palace; the cream-white shawl that + encircled his brow with its ample folds was so fine that the merchant who + brought it to him carried it over the ocean and the desert in the hollow + shell of a pomegranate. In his girdle rested a handjar, the sheath of + which was of a rare and vivid enamel, and the hilt entirely of brilliants. + </p> + <p> + A slender man of middle size, who, as he stood by Besso, had a diminutive + appearance, was in earnest conversation with his host. This personage was + adorned with more than one order, and dressed in the Frank uniform of one + of the Great Powers, though his head was shaven, for he wore a tarboush or + red cap, although no turban. This gentleman was Signor Elias de Laurella, + a wealthy Hebrew merchant at Damascus, and Austrian consul-general <i>ad + honorem</i>; a great man, almost as celebrated for his diplomatic as for + his mercantile abilities; a gentleman who understood the Eastern question; + looked up to for that, but still more, in that he was the father of the + two prettiest girls in the Levant. + </p> + <p> + The Mesdemoiselles de Laurella, Thérèse and Sophonisbe, had just completed + their education, partly at Smyrna, the last year at Marseilles. This had + quite turned their heads; they had come back with a contempt for Syria, + the bitterness of which was only veiled by the high style of European + nonchalance, of which they had a supreme command, and which is, perhaps, + our only match for Eastern repose. The Mesdemoiselles de Laurella were + highly accomplished, could sing quite ravishingly, paint fruits and + flowers, and drop to each other, before surrounding savages, mysterious + allusions to feats in ballrooms, which, alas! no longer could be achieved. + They signified, and in some degree solaced, their intense disgust at their + present position by a haughty and amusingly impassable demeanour, which + meant to convey their superiority to all surrounding circumstances. One of + their favourite modes of asserting this pre-eminence was wearing the Frank + dress, which their father only did officially, and which no female member + of their family had ever assumed, though Damascus swarmed with Laurellas. + Nothing in the dreams of Madame Carson, or Madame Camille, or Madame + Devey, nothing in the blazoned pages of the Almanachs des Dames and Belle + Assemblée, ever approached the Mdlles. Laurella, on a day of festival. It + was the acme. Nothing could be conceived beyond it; nobody could equal it. + It was taste exaggerated, if that be possible; fashion baffling pursuit, + if that be permitted. It was a union of the highest moral and material + qualities; the most sublime contempt and the stiffest cambric. Figure to + yourself, in such habiliments, two girls, of the same features, the same + form, the same size, but of different colour: a nose turned up, but + choicely moulded, large eyes, and richly fringed; fine hair, beautiful + lips and teeth, but the upper lip and the cheek bones rather too long and + high, and the general expression of the countenance, when not affected, + more sprightly than intelligent. Thérèse was a brunette, but her eye + wanted softness as much as the blue orb of the brilliant Sophonisbe. + Nature and Art had combined to produce their figures, and it was only the + united effort of two such first-rate powers that could have created + anything so admirable. + </p> + <p> + This was the first visit of the Mesdemoiselles Laurella to the family of + Besso, for they had only returned from Marseilles at the beginning of the + year, and their host had not resided at Damascus until the summer was much + advanced. Of course they were well acquainted by reputation with the great + Hebrew house of which the lord of the mansion was the chief. They had been + brought up to esteem it the main strength and ornament of their race and + religion. But the Mesdemoiselles Laurella were ashamed of their race, and + not fanatically devoted to their religion, which might be true, but + certainly was not fashionable. Thérèse, who was of a less sanguineous + temperament than her sister, affected despair and unutterable humiliation, + which permitted her to say before her own people a thousand disagreeable + things with an air of artless frankness. The animated Sophonisbe, on the + contrary, was always combating prejudice, felt persuaded that the Jews + would not be so much disliked if they were better known; that all they had + to do was to imitate as closely as possible the habits and customs of the + nation among whom they chanced to live; and she really did believe that + eventually, such was the progressive spirit of the age, a difference in + religion would cease to be regarded, and that a respectable Hebrew, + particularly if well dressed and well mannered, might be able to pass + through society without being discovered, or at least noticed. + Consummation of the destiny of the favourite people of the Creator of the + universe! + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding their practised nonchalance, the Mesdemoiselles Laurella + were a little subdued when they entered the palace of Besso, still more so + when they were presented to its master, whose manner, void of all art, yet + invested with a natural dignity, asserted in an instant its superiority. + Eva, whom they saw for the first time, received them like a queen, and in + a dress which offered as complete a contrast to their modish attire as the + beauty of her sublime countenance presented to their pretty and sparkling + visages. + </p> + <p> + Madame Laurella, the mother of these young ladies, would in Europe have + been still styled young. She was a Smyrniote, and had been a celebrated + beauty. The rose had since then too richly expanded, but even now, with + her dark eyelash charged with yamusk, her cheek touched with rouge, and + her fingers tipped with henna, her still fine hair exaggerated by art or + screened by her jewelled turban, she would have been a striking personage, + even if it had not been for the blaze of jewels with which she was + suffused and environed. The existence of this lady was concentred in her + precious gems. An extreme susceptibility on this head is very prevalent + among the ladies of the Levant, and the quantity of jewels that they + accumulate far exceeds the general belief. Madame Laurella was without a + rival in this respect, and resolved to maintain her throne; diamonds alone + did not satisfy her; immense emeralds, rubies as big as pigeons’ eggs, + prodigious ropes of pearls, were studded and wound about every part of her + rich robes. Every finger glittered, and bracelets flashed beneath her + hanging sleeves. She sat in silent splendour on a divan, now and then + proudly moving a fan of feathers, lost in criticism of the jewels of her + friends, and in contemplation of her own. + </p> + <p> + A young man, tall and well-looking, dressed as an Oriental, but with an + affected, jerking air, more French than Syrian, moved jauntily about the + room, speaking to several persons for a short time, shrugging his + shoulders and uttering commonplaces as if they were poignant + originalities. This was Hillel Besso, the eldest son of the Besso of + Aleppo, and the intended husband of Eva. Hillel, too, had seen the world, + passed a season at Pera, where he had worn the Frank dress, and, + introduced into the circles by the lady of the Austrian Internuncio, had + found success and enjoyed himself. He had not, however, returned to Syria + with any of the disgust shared by the Mesdemoiselles Laurella. Hillel was + neither ashamed of his race nor his religion: on the contrary, he was + perfectly satisfied with this life, with the family of Besso in general, + and with himself particularly. Hillel was a little philosophical, had read + Voltaire, and, free from prejudices, conceived himself capable of forming + correct opinions. He listened smiling and in silence to Eva asserting the + splendour and superiority of their race, and sighing for the restoration + of their national glory, and then would say, in a whisper to a friend, and + with a glance of epigrammatic airiness, ‘For my part, I am not so sure + that we were ever better off than we are.’ + </p> + <p> + He stopped and conversed with Thérèse Laurella, who at first was + unbending, but when she found that he was a Besso, and had listened to one + or two anecdotes which indicated personal acquaintance not only with + ambassadors but with ambassadors’ ladies, she began to relax. In general, + however, the rest of the ladies did not speak, or made only observations + to each other in a hushed voice. Conversation is not the accomplishment of + these climes and circles. They seemed content to show their jewels to + their neighbours. There was a very fat lady, of prodigious size, the wife + of Signor Yacoub Picholoroni, who was also a consul, but not a + consul-general <i>in honorem</i>. She looked like a huge Chinese idol; a + perpetual smile played upon her immense good-natured cheeks, and her + little black eyes twinkled with continuous satisfaction. There were the + Mourad Farhis and the Nas-sim Farhis. There were Moses Laurella and his + wife, who shone with the reflected splendour of the great Laurellas, but + who were really very nice people; sensible and most obliging, as all + travellers must have found them. Moses Laurella was vice-consul to his + brother. The Farhis had no diplomatic lustre, but they were great + merchants, and worked with the House of Besso in all their enterprises. + They had married two sisters, who were also their cousins. Madame Mourad + Farhi was in the zenith of her renowned beauty; in the gorgeous Smyrniote + style, brilliant yet languid, like a panther basking in the sunshine. Her + sister also had a rich countenance, and a figure like a palm tree, while + her fine brow beamed alike with intelligence and beauty. Madame, Nassim + was highly cultured, enthusiastic for her race, and proud of the + friendship of Eva, of which she was worthy. + </p> + <p> + There were also playing about the room three or four children of such + dazzling beauty and such ineffable grace that no pen can picture their + seraphic glances or gestures of airy frolic. Sometimes serious, from + exhaustion not from thought; sometimes wild with the witchery of infant + riot; a laughing girl with hair almost touching the ground, and large grey + eyes bedewed with lustrous mischief, tumbles over an urchin who rises + doubtful whether to scream or shout; sometimes they pull the robe of Besso + while he talks, who goes on, as if unconscious of the interruption; + sometimes they rush up to their mother or Eva for an embrace; sometimes + they run up to the fat lady, look with wondering gravity in her face, and + then, bursting into laughter, scud away. These are the children of a + sister of Hillel Besso, brought to Damascus for change of air. Their + mother is also here, sitting at the side of Eva: a soft and pensive + countenance, watching the children with her intelligent blue eyes, or + beckoning to them with a beautiful hand. + </p> + <p> + The men in general remained on their legs apart, conversing as if they + were on the Bourse. + </p> + <p> + Now entered, from halls beyond of less dimensions, but all decorated with + similar splendour, a train of servants, two of whom carried between them a + large broad basket of silver filigree, filled with branches of the palm + tree entwined with myrtle, while another bore a golden basket of a + different shape, and which was filled with citrons just gathered. These + they handed to the guests, and each guest took a branch with the right + hand and a citron with the left. The conversation of Besso with Elias + Laurella had been broken by their entrance, and a few minutes afterwards, + the master of the house, looking about, held up his branch, shook it with + a rustling sound, and immediately Eva was at his side. + </p> + <p> + The daughter of Besso wore a vest of white silk, fitting close to her + shape and descending to her knees; it was buttoned with large diamonds and + restrained by a girdle of pearls; anklets of brilliants peeped also, every + now and then, from beneath her large Mamlouk trousers of rose-coloured + silk that fell over her slippers, powdered with diamonds. Over her vest + she wore the Syrian jacket, made of cherry-coloured velvet, its open arms + and back richly embroidered, though these were now much concealed by her + outer pelisse, a brocade of India, massy with gold, and yet relieved from + heaviness by the brilliancy of its light blue tint and the dazzling + fantasy of its pattern. This was loosely bound round her waist by a + Moorish scarf of the colour of a blood-red orange, and bordered with a + broad fringe of precious stones. Her head-dress was of the same fashion as + when we first met her in the kiosk of Bethany, except that, on this + occasion, her Syrian cap on the back of her head was covered only with + diamonds, and only with diamonds was braided her long dark hair. + </p> + <p> + ‘They will never come,’ said Besso to his daughter. ‘It was one of his + freaks. We will not wait.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure, my father, they will come,’ said Eva, earnestly. And indeed, + at this very moment, as she stood at his side, holding in one hand her + palm branch, which was reposing on her bosom, and in the other her fresh + citron, the servants appeared again, ushering in two guests who had just + arrived. One was quite a stranger, a young man dressed in the European + fashion; the other was recognised at once by all present as the Emir of + Canobia. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Feast of Tabernacles</i> +</pre> + <p> + EVA had withdrawn from her father to her former remote position, the + moment that she had recognised the two friends, and was, therefore, not in + hearing when her father received them, and said, ‘Welcome, noble stranger! + the noble Emir here, to whom a thousand welcomes, told me that you would + not be averse from joining a festival of my people.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would seize any opportunity to pay my respects to you,’ replied + Tancred; ‘but this occasion is most agreeable to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And when, noble traveller, did you arrive at Esh Sham?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But this morning; we were last from Hasbeya.’ Tancred then inquired after + Eva, and Besso led him to his daughter. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the arrival of the new guests made a considerable + sensation in the chamber, especially with the Mesdemoiselles Laurella. A + young prince of the Lebanon, whatever his religion, was a distinguished + and agreeable accession to their circle, but in Tancred they recognised a + being at once civilised and fashionable, a Christian who could dance the + polka. Refreshing as springs in the desert to their long languishing eyes + were the sight of his white cravat and his boots of Parisian polish. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is one of our great national festivals,’ said Eva, slightly waving her + palm branch; ‘the celebration of the Hebrew vintage, the Feast of + Tabernacles.’ + </p> + <p> + The vineyards of Israel have ceased to exist, but the eternal law enjoins + the children of Israel still to celebrate the vintage. A race that persist + in celebrating their vintage, although they have no fruits to gather, will + regain their vineyards. What sublime inexorability in the law! But what + indomitable spirit in the people! + </p> + <p> + It is easy for the happier Sephardim, the Hebrews who have never quitted + the sunny regions that are laved by the Midland Ocean; it is easy for + them, though they have lost their heritage, to sympathise, in their + beautiful Asian cities or in their Moorish and Arabian gardens, with the + graceful rights that are, at least, an homage to a benignant nature. But + picture to yourself the child of Israel in the dingy suburb or the squalid + quarter of some bleak northern town, where there is never a sun that can + at any rate ripen grapes. Yet he must celebrate the vintage of purple + Palestine! The law has told him, though a denizen in an icy clime, that he + must dwell for seven days in a bower, and that he must build it of the + boughs of thick trees; and the Rabbins have told him that these thick + trees are the palm, the myrtle, and the weeping willow. Even Sarmatia may + furnish a weeping willow. The law has told him that he must pluck the + fruit of goodly trees, and the Rabbins have explained that goodly fruit on + this occasion is confined to the citron. Perhaps, in his despair, he is + obliged to fly to the candied delicacies of the grocer. His mercantile + connections will enable him, often at considerable cost, to procure some + palm leaves from Canaan, which he may wave in his synagogue while he + exclaims, as the crowd did when the Divine descendant of David entered + Jerusalem, ‘Hosanna in the highest!’ + </p> + <p> + There is something profoundly interesting in this devoted observance of + Oriental customs in the heart of our Saxon and Sclavonian cities; in these + descendants of the Bedouins, who conquered Canaan more than three thousand + years ago, still celebrating that success which secured their forefathers, + for the first time, grapes and wine. + </p> + <p> + Conceive a being born and bred in the Judenstrasse of Hamburg or + Frankfort, or rather in the purlieus of our Houndsditch or Minories, born + to hereditary insult, without any education, apparently without a + circumstance that can develop the slightest taste, or cherish the least + sentiment for the beautiful, living amid fogs and filth, never treated + with kindness, seldom with justice, occupied with the meanest, if not the + vilest, toil, bargaining for frippery, speculating in usury, existing for + ever under the concurrent influence of degrading causes which would have + worn out, long ago, any race that was not of the unmixed blood of + Caucasus, and did not adhere to the laws of Moses; conceive such a being, + an object to you of prejudice, dislike, disgust, perhaps hatred. The + season arrives, and the mind and heart of that being are filled with + images and passions that have been ranked in all ages among the most + beautiful and the most genial of human experience; filled with a subject + the most vivid, the most graceful, the most joyous, and the most + exuberant; a subject which has inspired poets, and which has made gods; + the harvest of the grape in the native regions of the Vine. + </p> + <p> + He rises in the morning, goes early to some White-chapel market, purchases + some willow boughs for which he has previously given a commission, and + which are brought, probably, from one of the neighbouring rivers of Essex, + hastens home, cleans out the yard of his miserable tenement, builds his + bower, decks it, even profusely, with the finest flowers and fruits that + he can procure, the myrtle and the citron never forgotten, and hangs its + roof with variegated lamps. After the service of his synagogue, he sups + late with his wife and his children in the open air, as if he were in the + pleasant villages of Galilee, beneath its sweet and starry sky. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps, as he is giving the Keedush, the Hebrew blessing to the Hebrew + meal, breaking and distributing the bread, and sanctifying, with a + preliminary prayer, the goblet of wine he holds, the very ceremony which + the Divine Prince of Israel, nearly two thousand years ago, adopted at the + most memorable of all repasts, and eternally invested with eucharistic + grace; or, perhaps, as he is offering up the peculiar thanksgiving of the + Feast of Tabernacles, praising Jehovah for the vintage which his children + may no longer cull, but also for His promise that they may some day again + enjoy it, and his wife and his children are joining in a pious Hosanna, + that is, Save us! a party of Anglo-Saxons, very respectable men, + ten-pounders, a little elevated it may be, though certainly not in honour + of the vintage, pass the house, and words like these are heard: + </p> + <p> + ‘I say, Buggins, what’s that row?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! it’s those cursed Jews! we’ve a lot of ‘em here. It is one of their + horrible feasts. The Lord Mayor ought to interfere. However, things are + not as bad as they used to be: they used always to crucify little boys at + these hullabaloos, but now they only eat sausages made of stinking pork.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure,’ replies his companion, ‘we all make progress.’ + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, a burst of music sounds from the gardens of Besso of + Damascus. He advances, and invites Tancred and the Emir to follow him, + and, without any order or courtesy to the softer sex, who, on the + contrary, follow in the rear, the whole company step out of the Saracenic + windows into the gardens. The mansion of Besso, which was of great extent, + appeared to be built in their midst. No other roof or building was in any + direction visible, yet the house was truly in the middle of the city, and + the umbrageous plane trees alone produced that illimitable air which is + always so pleasing and effective. The house, though lofty for an eastern + mansion, was only one story in height, yet its front was covered with an + external and double staircase. This, after a promenade in the garden, the + guests approached and mounted. It led to the roof or terrace of the house, + which was of great size, an oblong square, and which again was a garden. + Myrtle trees of a considerable height, and fragrant with many flowers, + were arranged in close order along the four sides of this roof, forming a + barrier which no eye from the city beneath or any neighbouring terrace + could penetrate. This verdant bulwark, however, opened at each corner of + the roof, which was occupied by a projecting pavilion of white marble, a + light cupola of chequered carving supported by wreathed columns. From + these pavilions the most charming views might be obtained of the city and + the surrounding country: Damascus, itself a varied mass of dark green + groves, white minarets, bright gardens, and hooded domes; to the south and + east, at the extremity of its rich plain, the glare of the desert; to the + west the ranges of the Lebanon; while the city was backed on the north by + other mountain regions which Tancred had not yet penetrated. + </p> + <p> + In the centre of the terrace was a temporary structure of a peculiar + character. It was nearly forty feet long, half as many broad, and + proportionately lofty. Twelve palm trees clustering with ripe fruit, and + each of which seemed to spring from a flowering hedge of myrtles, + supported a roof formed with much artifice of the braided boughs of trees. + These, however, only furnished an invisible framework, from which were + suspended the most beautiful and delicious fruits, citron and pomegranate, + orange, and fig, and banana, and melon, in such thickness and profusion + that they formed, as it were, a carved ceiling of rich shades and glowing + colours, like the Saracenic ceiling of the mansion, while enormous bunches + of grapes every now and then descended like pendants from the main body of + the roof. The spaces between the palm trees were filled with a natural + trellis-work of orange trees in fruit and blossom, leaving at intervals + arches of entrance, whose form was indicated by bunches of the sweetest + and rarest flowers. + </p> + <p> + Within was a banqueting-table covered with thick white damask silk, with a + border of gold about a foot in breadth, and before each guest was placed a + napkin of the same fashion. The table, however, lacked none of the + conveniences and luxuries and even ornaments of Europe. What can withstand + the united influence of taste, wealth, and commerce? The choicest + porcelain of France, golden goblets chiselled in Bond Street, and the + prototypes of which had perhaps been won at Goodwood or Ascot, mingled + with the rarest specimens of the glass of Bohemia, while the triumphant + blades of Sheffield flashed in that very Syrian city whose skill in + cutlery had once been a proverb. Around the table was a divan of + amber-coloured satin with many cushions, so arranged that the guests might + follow either the Oriental or the European mode of seating themselves. + Such was the bower or tabernacle of Besso of Damascus, prepared to + celebrate the seventh day of his vintage feast. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Eva’s Affianced Bridegroom</i> +</pre> + <p> + WE OUGHT to have met at Jerusalem,’ said Tancred to Besso, on whose right + hand he was seated, ‘but I am happy to thank you for all your kindness, + even at Damascus.’ ‘My daughter tells me you are not uninterested in our + people, which is the reason I ventured to ask you here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot comprehend how a Christian can be uninterested in a people who + have handed down to him immortal truths.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All the world is not as sensible of the obligation as yourself, noble + traveller.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But who are the world? Do you mean the inhabitants of Europe, which is a + forest not yet cleared; or the inhabitants of Asia, which is a ruin about + to tumble?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The railroads will clear the forest,’ said Besso. ‘And what is to become + of the ruin?’ asked Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘God will not forget His land.’ ‘That is the truth; the government of this + globe must be divine, and the impulse can only come from Asia.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If your government only understood the Eastern question!’ said Mr. + Consul-General Laurella, pricking up his ears at some half phrase that he + had caught, and addressing Tancred across the table. ‘It is more simple + than you imagine, and before you return to England to take your seat in + your Parliament, I should be very happy to have some conversation with + you. + </p> + <p> + I think I could tell you some things——’ and he gave a glance + of diplomatic mystery. Tancred bowed. + </p> + <p> + ‘For my part,’ said Hillel Besso, shrugging his shoulders, and speaking in + an airy tone, ‘it seems to me that your Eastern question is a great + imbroglio that only exists in the cabinets of diplomatists. Why should + there be any Eastern question? All is very well as it is. At least we + might be worse: I think we might be worse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am so happy to find myself once more among you,’ whispered Fakredeen to + his neighbour, Madame Mourad Farhi. ‘This is my real home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All here must be happy and honoured to see you, too, noble Emir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And the good Signor Mourad: I am afraid I am not a favourite of his?’ + pursued Fakredeen, meditating a loan. + </p> + <p> + ‘I never heard my husband speak of you, noble Emir, but with the greatest + consideration.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no man I respect so much,’ said Fakredeen; ‘no one in whom I + have such a thorough confidence. Excepting our dear host, who is really my + father, there is no one on whose judgment I would so implicitly rely. Tell + him all that, my dear Madame Mourad, for I wish him to respect me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I admire his hair so much,’ whispered Thérèse Laurella, in an audible + voice to her sister, across the broad form of the ever-smiling Madame + Picholoroni. ‘Tis such a relief after our dreadful turbans.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And his costume, so becoming! I wonder how any civilised being can wear + the sort of things we see about us. ‘Tis really altogether like a wardrobe + of the Comédie.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Sophonisbe,’ said the sensible Moses Laurella, ‘I admire the Franks + very much; they have many qualities which I could wish our Levantines + shared; but I confess that I do not think that their strong point is their + costume.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, my dear uncle!’ said Thérèse; ‘look at that beautiful white cravat. + What have we like it? So simple, so distinguished! Such good taste! And + then the boots. Think of our dreadful slippers! powdered with pearls and + all sorts of trash of that kind, by the side of that lovely French + polish.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He must be terribly <i>ennuyé</i> here,’ said Thérèse to Sophonisbe, with + a look of the initiated. + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, I should think so: no balls, not an opera; I quite pity him. What + could have induced him to come here?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should think he must be attached to some one,’ said Thérèse: ‘he looks + unhappy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is not a person near him with whom he can have an idea in common.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Except Mr. Hillel Besso,’ said Thérèse. ‘He appears to be quite + enlightened. I spoke to him a little before dinner. He has been a winter + at Pera, and went to all the balls.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord Palmerston understood the Eastern question to a certain degree,’ + said Mr. Consul-General Laurella; ‘but, had I been in the service of the + Queen of England, I could have told him some things;’ and he mysteriously + paused. + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot endure this eternal chatter about Palmerston,’ said the Emir, + rather pettishly. ‘Are there no other statesmen in the world besides + Palmerston? And what should he know about the Eastern question, who never + was in the East?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, noble Emir, these are questions of the high diplomacy. They cannot be + treated unless by the cabinets which have traditions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I could settle the Eastern question in a month, if I were disposed,’ said + Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Consul-General Laurella smiled superciliously, and then said, ‘But the + question is, what is the Eastern question?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For my part,’ said Hillel Besso, in a most epigrammatic manner, ‘I do not + see the use of settling anything.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Eastern question is, who shall govern the Mediterranean?’ said the + Emir. ‘There are only two powers who can do it: Egypt and Syria. As for + the English, the Russians, the Franks, your friends the Austrians, they + are strangers. They come, and they will go; but Syria and Egypt will + always remain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Egypt has tried, and failed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then let Syria try, and succeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you visit Egypt before you return from the East, noble sir?’ asked + Besso, of Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not thought of my return; but I should not be sorry to visit + Egypt. It is a country that rather perplexes us in Europe. It has + undergone great changes.’ + </p> + <p> + Besso shook his head, and slightly smiled. + </p> + <p> + ‘Egypt,’ said he, ‘never changes. ‘Tis the same land as in the days of the + Pharaohs: governed on their principles of political economy, with a Hebrew + for prime minister.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A Hebrew for prime minister!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Even so: Artim Bey, the present prime minister of Egypt, formerly the + Pasha’s envoy at Paris, and by far the best political head in the Levant, + is not only the successor but the descendant of Joseph.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He must be added then to your friend M. de Sidonia’s list of living + Hebrew statesmen,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘We have our share of the government of the world,’ said Besso. + </p> + <p> + ‘It seems to me that you govern every land except your own.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That might have been done in ‘39,’ said Besso musingly; ‘but why speak of + a subject which can little interest you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Can little interest me!’ exclaimed Tancred. ‘What other subject should + interest me? More than six centuries ago, the government of that land + interested my ancestor, and he came here to achieve it.’ + </p> + <p> + The stars were shining before they quitted the Arabian tabernacle of + Besso. The air was just as soft as a sweet summer English noon, and quite + as still. The pavilions of the terrace and the surrounding bowers were + illuminated by the varying tints of a thousand lamps. Bright carpets and + rich cushions were thrown about for those who cared to recline; the + brothers Farhi, for example, and indeed most of the men, smoking + inestimable nargilehs. The Consul-General Laurella begged permission to + present Lord Montacute to his daughters Thérèse and Sophonisbe, who, + resolved to show to him that Damascus was not altogether so barbarous as + he deemed it, began talking of new dances and the last opera. Tancred + would have found great difficulty in sustaining his part in the + conversation, had not the young ladies fortunately been requested to + favour those present with a specimen of the art in which they excelled, + which they did after much solicitation, vowing that they had no voice + to-night, and that it was impossible at all times to sing except in a + chamber. + </p> + <p> + ‘For my part,’ said Hillel Besso, with an extremely piquant air, ‘music in + a chamber is very charming, but I think also in the open air it is not so + bad.’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred took advantage of this movement to approach Eva, who was + conversing, as they took their evening walk, with the soft-eyed sister of + Hillel and Madame Nassim Farhi; a group of women that the drawing-rooms of + Europe and the harems of Asia could perhaps not have rivalled. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Mesdemoiselles Laurella are very accomplished,’ said Tancred, ‘but at + Damascus I am not content to hear anything but sackbuts and psalteries.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But in Europe your finest music is on the subjects of our history,’ said + Eva. + </p> + <p> + ‘Naturally,’ said Tancred, ‘music alone can do justice to such themes. + They baffle the uninspired pen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is a prayer which the Mesdemoiselles Laurella once sang, a prayer + of Moses in Egypt,’ said Madame Nassim, somewhat timidly. ‘It is very + fine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish they would favour us with it,’ said Eva; ‘I will ask Hillel to + request that kindness;’ and she beckoned to Hillel, who sauntered toward + her, and listened to her whispered wish with a smile of supercilious + complacency. + </p> + <p> + ‘At present they are going to favour us with Don Pasquale,’ he said, + shrugging his shoulders. ‘A prayer is a very fine thing, but for my part, + at this hour, I think a serenade is not so bad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And how do you like my father?’ said Eva to Tancred in a hesitating tone, + and yet with a glance of blended curiosity and pride. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is exactly what Sidonia prepared me for; worthy not only of being your + father, but the father of mankind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Moslemin say that we are near paradise at Damascus,’ said Madame + Nassim, ‘and that Adam was fashioned out of our red earth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He much wished to see you,’ said Eva, ‘and your meeting is as unexpected + as to him it is agreeable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We ought to have met long before,’ said Tancred. ‘When I first arrived at + Jerusalem, I ought to have hastened to his threshold. The fault and the + misfortune were mine. I scarcely deserved the happiness of knowing you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am happy we have all met, and that you now understand us a little. When + you go back to England, you will defend us when we are defamed? You will + not let them persecute us, as they did a few years back, because they said + we crucified their children at the feast of our passover?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall not go back to England,’ said Tancred, colouring; ‘and if you are + persecuted, I hope I shall be able to defend you here.’ + </p> + <p> + The glowing sky, the soft mellow atmosphere, the brilliant surroundings, + and the flowers and flashing gems, rich dresses and ravishing music, and + every form of splendour and luxury, combined to create a scene that to + Tancred was startling, as well from its beauty as its novel character. A + rich note of Thérèse Laurella for an instant arrested their conversation. + They were silent while it lingered on their ear. Then Tancred said to the + soft-eyed sister of Hillel, ‘All that we require here to complete the + spell are your beautiful children.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They sleep,’ said the lady, ‘and lose little by not being present, for, + like the Queen of Sheba, I doubt not they are dreaming of music and + flowers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They say that the children of our race are the most beautiful in the + world,’ said Eva, ‘but that when they grow up, they do not fulfil the + promise of their infancy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That were scarcely possible,’ said the soft-eyed mother. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the sense of shame that comes on them and dims their lustre,’ said + Eva. ‘Instead of joyous-ness and frank hilarity, anxiety and a shrinking + reserve are soon impressed upon the youthful Hebrew visage. It is the seal + of ignominy. The dreadful secret that they are an expatriated and + persecuted race is soon revealed to them, at least among the humbler + classes. The children of our house are bred in noble thoughts, and taught + self-respect. Their countenances will not change.’ + </p> + <p> + And the countenance from whose beautiful mouth issued those gallant words, + what of that? It was one that might wilder the wisest. Tancred gazed upon + it with serious yet fond abstraction. All heavenly and heroic thoughts + gathered around the image of this woman. From the first moment of their + meeting at Bethany to this hour of sacred festival, all the passages of + his life in which she had been present flashed through his mind. For a + moment he was in the ruins of the Arabian desert, and recalled her glance + of sweet solicitude, when, recovered by her skill and her devotion, he + recognised the fair stranger whose words had, ere that, touched the + recesses of his spirit, and attuned his mind to high and holiest + mysteries. Now again their eyes met; an ineffable expression suffused the + countenance of Lord Monta-cute. He sighed. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Hillel and Fakredeen advanced with a hurried air of gaiety. + Hillel offered his hand to Eva with jaunty grace, exclaiming at the same + time, ‘Ladies, if you like to follow us, you shall see a casket just + arrived from Marseilles, and which Eva will favour me by carrying to + Aleppo. It was chosen for me by the Lady of the Austrian Internuncio, who + is now at Paris. For my part, I do not see much advantage in the + diplomatic corps, if occasionally they do not execute a commission for + one.’ + </p> + <p> + Hillel hurried Eva away, accompanied by his sister and Madame Nassim. + Tancred and Fakredeen remained behind. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who is this man?’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis her affianced,’ said the Emir; ‘the man who has robbed me of my + natural bride. It is to be hoped, however, that, when she is married, + Besso will adopt me as his son, which in a certain sense I am, having been + fostered by his wife. If he do not leave me his fortune, he ought at least + to take up all my bills in Syria. Don’t you think so, my Tancred?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What?’ said Tancred, with a dreamy look. + </p> + <p> + There was a burst of laughter in the distance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, come,’ said Fakredeen, ‘see how they are all gathering round the + marriage casket. Even Nassim Farhi has risen. I must go and talk to him: + he has impulses, that man, at least compared with his brother; Mourad is a + stone, a precious stone though, and you cannot magnetise him through his + wife, for she has not an idea; but Madame Nassim is immensely mesmeric. + Come, come, Tancred.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I follow.’ + </p> + <p> + But instead of following his friend, Tancred entered one of the marble + pavilions that jutted out from each corner of the terraced roof, and + commanded splendid views of the glittering and gardened city. The moon had + risen over that unrivalled landscape; the white minarets sparkled in its + beam, and the vast hoods of the cupolaed mosques were suffused with its + radiancy or reposed in dark shadow, almost as black as the cypress groves + out of which they rose. In the extreme distance, beyond the fertile plain, + was the desert, bright as the line of the sea, while otherwise around him + extended the chains of Lebanon and of the North. + </p> + <p> + The countenance of Tancred was more than serious, it was sad, as, leaning + against one of the wreathed marble pillars, he sighed and murmured: ‘If I + were thou, most beautiful Damascus, Aleppo should not rob me of such a + gem! But I must tear up these thoughts from my heart by their roots, and + remember that I am ordained for other deeds.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Discussion About Scammony</i> +</pre> + <p> + AFTER taking the bath on his arrival at Damascus, having his beard + arranged by a barber of distinction, and dressing himself in a fresh white + suit, as was his custom when in residence, with his turban of the same + colour arranged a little aside, for Baroni was scrupulous as to his + appearance, he hired a donkey and made his way to the great bazaar. The + part of the city through which he proceeded was very crowded and bustling: + narrow streets, with mats slung across, to shield from the sun the + swarming population beneath. His accustomed step was familiar with every + winding of the emporium of the city; he threaded without hesitation the + complicated mazes of those interminable arcades. Now he was in the street + of the armourers, now among the sellers of shawls; the prints of + Manchester were here unfolded, there the silks of India; sometimes he + sauntered by a range of shops gay with yellow papooshes and scarlet + slippers, and then hurried by the stalls and shelves stored with the fatal + frippery of the East, in which it is said the plague in some shape or + other always lurks and lingers. This locality, however, indicated that + Baroni was already approaching the purlieus of the chief places; the great + population had already much diminished, the brilliancy of the scene much + dimmed; there was no longer the swarm of itinerant traders who live by + promptly satisfying the wants of the visitors to the bazaar in the shape + of a pipe or an ice, a cup of sherbet or of coffee, or a basket of + delicious fruit. The passengers were few, and all seemed busy: some + Armenians, a Hebrew physician and his page, the gliding phantoms of some + winding-sheets, which were in fact women. + </p> + <p> + Baroni turned into an arcade, well built, spacious, airy, and very neatly + fitted up. This was the bazaar of the dealers in drugs. Here, too, spices + are sold, all sorts of dye-woods, and especially the choice gums for which + Arabia is still celebrated, and which Syria would fain rival by the + aromatic juices of her pistachio and her apricot trees. + </p> + <p> + Seated on what may be called his counter, smoking a nargileh, in a + mulberry-coloured robe bordered with fur, and a dark turban, was a + middle-aged man of sinister countenance and air, a long hook nose and a + light blue eye. + </p> + <p> + ‘Welcome, Effendi,’ he said, when he observed Baroni; ‘many welcomes! And + how long have you been at Esh Sham?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not too long,’ said Baroni; ‘and have you been here since my last visit?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here and there,’ said the man, offering him his pipe. + </p> + <p> + ‘And how are our friends in the mountains?’ said Baroni, touching the tube + with his lips and returning it. + </p> + <p> + ‘They live,’ said the man. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s something,’ said Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you been in the land of the Franks?’ said the man. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am always in the land of the Franks,’ said Baroni, ‘and about.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t know any one who wants a parcel of scammony?’ said the man. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know that I don’t,’ said Baroni, mysteriously. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have a very fine parcel,’ said the man; ‘it is very scarce.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No starch or myrrh in it?’ asked Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think I am a Jew?’ said the man. + </p> + <p> + ‘I never could make out what you were, friend Darkush; but as for + scammony, I could throw a good deal of business in your way at this + moment, to say nothing of galls and tragacanth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As for tragacanth,’ said Darkush, ‘it is known that no one in Esh Sham + has pure tragacanth except me; as for galls, every foundling in Syria + thinks he can deal in afis, but is it afis of Moussoul, Effendi?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What you say are the words of truth, good Darkush; I could recommend you + with a safe conscience. I dreamt last night that there would many piastres + pass between us this visit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is the use of friends unless they help you in the hour of + adversity?’ exclaimed Darkush. + </p> + <p> + ‘You speak ever the words of truth. I am myself in a valley of dark + shadows. I am travelling with a young English capitani, a prince of many + tails, and he has declared that he will entirely extinguish my existence + unless he pays a visit to the Queen of the Ansarey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let him first pay a visit to King Soliman in the cities of the Gin,’ said + Darkush, doggedly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not sure that he will not, some time or other,’ replied Baroni, ‘for + he is a man who will not take nay. But now let us talk of scammony,’ he + added, vaulting on the counter, and seating himself by the side of + Darkush; ‘one might get more by arranging this visit to your mountains + than by enjoying an appalto of all its gums, friend Darkush; but if it + cannot be, it cannot be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It cannot be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let us talk, then, of scammony. You remember my old master, Darkush?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are many things that are forgotten, but he is not one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This capitani with whom I travel, this prince of many tails, is his + friend. If you serve me now, you serve also him who served you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are things that can be done, and there are things that cannot be + done.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let us talk, then, of scammony. But fifteen years ago, when we first met, + friend Darkush, you did not say nay to M. de Sidonia. It was the plague + alone that stopped us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The snow on the mountain is not the same snow as fifteen years ago, + Effendi. All things change!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let us talk, then, of scammony. The Ansarey have friends in other lands, + but if they will not listen to them, many kind words will be lost. Things + also might happen which would make everybody’s shadow longer, but if there + be no sun, their shadows cannot be seen.’ + </p> + <p> + Darkush shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + ‘If the sun of friendship does not illumine me,’ resumed Baroni, ‘I am + entirely lost in the bottomless vale. Truly, I would give a thousand + piastres if I could save my head by taking the capitani to your + mountains.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The princes of Franguestan cannot take off heads,’ observed Darkush. ‘All + they can do is to banish you to islands inhabited by demons.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But the capitani of whom I speak is prince of many tails, is the brother + of queens. Even the great Queen of the English, they say, is his sister.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He who serves queens may expect backsheesh.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you serve a queen, Darkush?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which is the reason I cannot give you a pass for the mountains, as I + would have done, fifteen years ago, in the time of her father.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are her commands, then, so strict?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That she should see neither Moslem nor Christian. She is at war with + both, and will be for ever, for the quarrel between them is beyond the + power of man to remove.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what may it be?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That you can learn only in the mountains of the Ansarey,’ said Darkush, + with a malignant smile. + </p> + <p> + Baroni fell into a musing mood. After a few moments’ thought, he looked + up, and said: ‘What you have told me, friend Darkush, is very interesting, + and throws light on many things. This young prince, whom I serve, is a + friend to your race, and knows well why you are at war both with Moslem + and Christian, for he is so himself. But he is a man sparing of words, + dark in thought, and terrible to deal with. Why he wishes to visit your + people I dared not inquire, but now I guess, from what you have let fall, + that he is an Ansarey himself. He has come from a far land merely to visit + his race, a man who is a prince among the people, to whom piastres are as + water. I doubt not he has much to say to your Queen: things might have + happened that would have lengthened all our shadows; but never mind, what + cannot be, cannot be: let us talk, then, of scammony.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You think he is one?’ said Darkush, in a lower tone, and looking very + inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do,’ said Baroni. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what do you mean by one?’ said Darkush. + </p> + <p> + ‘That is exactly the secret which I never could penetrate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot give a pass to the mountains,’ said Darkush, ‘but the sympathy + of friends is a river flowing in a fair garden. If this prince, whose + words and thoughts are dark, should indeed be one—— Could I + see him, Effendi?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a subject on which I dare not speak to him,’ said Baroni. ‘I hinted + at his coming here: his brow was the brow of Eblis, his eye flashed like + the red lightning of the Kamsin: it is impossible! What cannot be done, + cannot be done. He must return to the land of his fathers, unseen by your + Queen, of whom he is perhaps a brother; he will live, hating alike Moslem + and Christian, but he will banish me for ever to islands of many demons.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Queen shall know of these strange things,’ said Darkush, ‘and we will + wait for her words.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wait for the Mecca caravan!’ exclaimed Baroni. ‘You know not the child of + storms, who is my master, and that is ever a reason why I think he must be + one of you. For had he been softened by Christianity or civilised by the + Koran——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Unripe figs for your Christianity and your Koran!’ exclaimed Darkush. ‘Do + you know what we think of your Christianity and your Koran?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Baroni, quietly. ‘Tell me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will learn in our mountains,’ said Darkush. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you mean to let me go there?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If the Queen permit you,’ said Darkush. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is three hundred miles to your country, if it be an hour’s journey,’ + said Baroni. ‘What with sending the message and receiving the answer, to + say nothing of the delays which must occur with a woman and a queen in the + case, the fountains of Esh Sham will have run dry before we hear that our + advance is forbidden.’ + </p> + <p> + Darkush shook his head, and yet smiled. + </p> + <p> + ‘By the sunset of to-morrow, Effendi, I could say, ay or nay. Tell me what + scammony you want, and it shall be done.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Write down in your tablets how much you can let me have,’ said Baroni, + ‘and I will pay you for it to-morrow. As for the goods themselves, you may + keep them for me, until I ask you for them; perhaps the next time I travel + with a capitani who is one of yourselves.’ + </p> + <p> + Darkush threw aside the tube of his nargileh, and, putting his hand very + gently into the breast of his robe, he drew out a pigeon, dove-coloured, + but with large bright black eyes. The pigeon seemed very knowing and very + proud, as he rested on his master’s two fingers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah, hah! my Karaguus, my black-eyes,’ exclaimed Darkush. ‘What, is he + going on a little journey to somebody! Yes, we can trust Karaguus, for he + is one of us. Effendi, to-morrow at sunset, at your khan, for the bazaar + will be closed, you shall hear from me.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER L. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Mysterious Mountains</i> +</pre> + <p> + AT THE black gorge of a mountain pass sat, like sentries, two horsemen. + Their dress was that of the Kurds: white turbans, a black shirt girt with + cords, on their backs a long lance, by their sides a crooked sword, and in + their girdles a brace of pistols. + </p> + <p> + Before them extended a wide, but mountainous landscape: after the small + and very rugged plain on the brink of which they were posted, many hilly + ridges, finally a lofty range. The general character of the scene was + severe and savage; the contiguous rocks were black and riven, the hills + barren and stony, the granite peaks of the more eminent heights uncovered, + except occasionally by the snow. Yet, notwithstanding the general aridity + of its appearance, the country itself was not unfruitful. The concealed + vegetation of the valleys was not inconsiderable, and was highly + cherished; the less precipitous cliffs, too, were cut into terraces, and + covered with artificial soil. The numerous villages intimated that the + country was well populated. The inhabitants produced sufficient wine and + corn for their own use, were clothed in garments woven by themselves, and + possessed some command over the products of other countries by the gums, + the bees’-wax, and the goats’ wool which they could offer in exchange. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have seen two eagles over Gibel Kiflis twice this morning,’ said one of + the horsemen to his companion. ‘What does that portend?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A good backsheesh for our Queen, comrade. If these children of + Franguestan can pay a princess’s dower to visit some columns in the + desert, like Tadmor, they may well give us the golden keys of their + treasury when they enter where none should go but those who are——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But they say that this Frank is one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It has never been known that there were any among the Franks,’ replied + his comrade, shaking his head. ‘The Franks are all Nazareny, and, before + they were Nazareny, they were savages, and lived in caves.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But Keferinis has given the word that all are to guard over the strangers + as over the Queen herself, and that one is a prince, who is unquestionably + one of us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My father had counted a hundred and ten years when he left us, Azaz, and + he had twenty-four children, and when he was at the point of death he told + us two things: one was, never to forget what we were; and the other, that + never in his time had one like us ever visited our country.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eagles again fly over Gibel Kiflis: methinks the strangers must be at + hand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May their visit lead to no evil to them or to us!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you misgivings?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are alone among men: let us remain so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are right. I was once at Haleb (Aleppo); I will never willingly find + myself there again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Give me the mountains, the mountains of our fathers, and the beautiful + things that can be seen only by one of us!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are not to be found in the bazaars of Haleb; in the gardens of + Damascus they are not to be sought.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! who is like the Queen who reigns over us? I know to whom she is to be + compared, but I will not say; yet you too know, my brother in arms.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; there are things which are not known in the bazaars of Haleb; in the + gardens of Damascus they are not to be sought.’ + </p> + <p> + Karaguus, the black-eyed pigeon, brought tidings to the Queen of the + Ansarey, from her agent Darkush, that two young princes, one a Syrian, the + other a Frank, wished to enter her territories to confer with her on grave + matters, and that he had reason to believe that one of the princes, the + Frank, strange, incredible as it might sound, was one of themselves. On + the evening of the next day, very weary, came Ruby-lips, the brother of + Black-eyes, with the reply of her Majesty, ordering Darkush to grant the + solicited pass, but limiting the permission of entrance into her dominions + to the two princes and two attendants. As one of these, Baroni figured. + They did not travel very rapidly. Tancred was glad to seize the occasion + to visit Hameh and Aleppo on his journey. + </p> + <p> + It was after quitting the latter city, and crossing the river Koweik, that + they approached the region which was the object of their expedition. What + certainly did not contribute to render their progress less difficult and + dangerous was the circumstance that war at this moment was waged between + the Queen of the Ansarey and the Pasha of Aleppo. The Turkish potentate + had levied tribute on some villages which owned her sway, and which, as he + maintained, were not included in the ancient composition paid by the + Ansarey to the Porte in full of all demands. The consequence was, that + parties of the Ansarey occasionally issued from their passes and scoured + the plain of Aleppo. There was also an understanding between the Ansarey + and the Kurds, that, whenever any quarrel occurred between the + mountaineers and the Turks, the Kurds, who resembled the inhabitants of + the mountain in their general appearance, should, under the title of + Ansarey, take this opportunity of ravage. Darkush, however, had given + Baroni credentials to the secret agent of the Ansarey at Aleppo; and, with + his instructions and assistance, the difficulties, which otherwise might + have been insuperable, were overcome; and thus it was that the sentries + stationed at the mouth of the black ravine, which led to the fortress + palace of the Queen, were now hourly expecting the appearance of the + princes. + </p> + <p> + A horseman at full gallop issued from the hills, and came bounding over + the stony plain; he shouted to the sentries as he passed them, announcing + the arrival of the strangers, and continued his pace through the defile. + Soon afterwards appeared the cavalcade of the princes; themselves, their + two attendants, and a party of horsemen with white turbans and long + lances. + </p> + <p> + Tancred and Fakredeen rode horses of a high race. But great as is the + pleasure of being well mounted, it was not that circumstance alone which + lit up their eyes with even unwonted fire, and tinged their cheeks with a + triumphant glow. Their expedition had been delightful; full of adventure, + novelty, and suspense. They had encountered difficulties and they had + overcome them. They had a great purpose, they were on the eve of a + stirring incident. They were young, daring, and brilliant. + </p> + <p> + ‘A strong position,’ said Tancred, as they entered the defile. + </p> + <p> + ‘O! my Tancred, what things we have seen together!’ exclaimed Fakredeen. + ‘And what is to follow?’ + </p> + <p> + The defile was not long, and it was almost unbending. It terminated in a + table-land of very limited extent, bounded by a rocky chain, on one of the + front and more moderate elevations of which was the appearance of an + extensive fortification; though, as the travellers approached it, they + perceived that, in many instances, art had only availed itself of the + natural advantages of the position, and that the towers and turrets were + carved out of the living rock which formed the impregnable bulwarks and + escarpments. + </p> + <p> + The cavalcade, at a quick pace, soon gained the ascending and winding road + that conducted them to a tall and massy gateway, the top of which was + formed of one prodigious stone. The iron portal opening displayed a + covered way cut out of the rock, and broad enough to permit the entrance + of two horsemen abreast. This way was of considerable length, and so dark + that they were obliged to be preceded by torch-bearers. Thence they issued + into a large courtyard, the sunshine of which was startling and almost + painful, after their late passage. The court was surrounded by buildings + of different styles and proportions; the further end, and, as it were, + centre of the whole, being a broad, square, and stunted brick tower, + immediately behind which rose the granite peaks of the mountains. + </p> + <p> + There were some horsemen in the court, and many attendants on foot, who + came forward and assisted the guests to alight. Tancred and Fakredeen did + not speak, but exchanged glances which expressed their secret thoughts. + Perhaps they were of the same opinion as Baroni, that, difficult as it was + to arrive there, it might not be more easy to return. However, God is + great! a consolatory truth that had sustained Baroni under many trials. + </p> + <p> + They were ushered into a pavilion at the side of the court, and thence + into a commodious divan, which opened upon another and smaller court, in + which were some acacia trees. As usual, pipes and coffee were brought. + Baroni was outside, with the other attendant, stowing away the luggage. A + man plainly but neatly dressed, slender and wrinkled, with a stooping gait + but a glittering eye, came into the chamber, and, in a hushed voice, with + many smiles, much humility, but the lurking air of a master, welcomed them + to Gindarics. Then, seating himself on the divan, he clapped his hands, + and an attendant brought him his nargileh. + </p> + <p> + ‘I presume,’ said Tancred, ‘that the Emir and myself have the honour of + conversing with the Lord Keferinis.’ Thus he addressed this celebrated + eunuch, who is prime minister of the Queen of the Ansarey. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Prince of England,’ replied Keferinis, bowing, and speaking in a very + affected voice, and in a very affected manner, ‘must not expect the + luxuries of the world amid these mountains. Born in London, which is + surrounded by the sea, and with an immense slave population at your + command, you have advantages with which the Ansarey cannot compete, + unjustly deprived, as they have been, of their port; and unable, in the + present diminished supply of the markets, to purchase slaves as heretofore + from the Turkmans and the Kurds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose the Russians interfere with your markets?’ said Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘The noble Emir of the Lebanon has expressed himself with infinite + exactitude,’ said Keferinis. ‘The Russians now entirely stock their harems + from the north of Asia.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Lord Keferinis has been a great traveller, I apprehend?’ said + Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Prince of England has expressed himself with extreme exactitude, and + with flattering grace,’ replied Keferinis. ‘I have indeed visited all the + Syrian cities, except Jerusalem, which no one wishes to see, and which,’ + he added, in a sweet calm tone, ‘is unquestionably a place fit only for + hogs.’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred started, but repressed himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you been in Lebanon?’ asked Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Noble Emir, I have been the guest of princes of your illustrious house. + Conversations have passed between me and the Emir Bescheer,’ he added, + with a significant look. ‘Perhaps, had events happened which did not + occur, the great Emir Bescheer might not at this moment have been a + prisoner at Stamboul, among those who, with infinite exactitude, may be + described as the most obscene sons of very intolerable barbarians.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And why did not you and the Emir Bescheer agree?’ inquired Fakredeen, + eagerly. ‘Why has there never been a right understanding between your + people and the House of Shehaab? United, we should not only command Syria, + but we might do more: we might control Asia itself!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The noble Emir has expressed himself with inexpressible grace. The power + of the Ansarey cannot be too highly estimated!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it true that your sovereign can bring five and twenty thousand men + into the field?’ asked Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘Five and twenty thousand men,’ replied Keferinis, with insinuating + courtesy, ‘each of whom could beat nine Maronites, and consequently three + Druses.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Five and twenty thousand figs for your five and twenty thousand men!’ + exclaimed Fakredeen laughing. + </p> + <p> + At this moment entered four pages and four maidens bringing sweetmeats + from the Queen, and goblets of iced water. They bowed; Keferinis indicated + their purpose, and when they had fulfilled their office they disappeared; + but the seasonable interruption had turned the conversation, and prevented + Fakredeen making a sharp retort. Now they talked of the Queen, who, + Keferinis said, would be graciously pleased not to see them to-day, and + might not even see them for a week, which agreeable intelligence was + communicated in the most affable manner, as if it were good news, or a + compliment at least. + </p> + <p> + ‘The name of the Queen’s father was Suedia,’ said Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘The name of the Queen’s father was Suedia,’ replied Keferinis. + </p> + <p> + ‘And the name of the Queen’s mother——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is of no consequence,’ observed Keferinis, ‘for she was a slave, and not + one of us, and therefore may with singular exactitude be described as + nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is she the first Queen who has reigned over the Ansarey?’ inquired + Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘The first since we have settled in these mountains,’ replied Keferinis. + </p> + <p> + ‘And where were you settled before?’ inquired Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Truly,’ replied Keferinis, ‘in cities which never can be forgotten, and + therefore need never be mentioned.’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred and Fakredeen were very desirous of learning the name of the + Queen, but were too well-bred directly to make the inquiry of Keferinis. + They had endeavoured to obtain the information as they travelled along, + but although every Ansarey most obligingly answered their inquiry, they + invariably found, on comparing notes, that every time they were favoured + with a different piece of information. At last, Baroni informed them that + it was useless to pursue their researches, as he was, from various + reasons, convinced that no Ansarey was permitted to give any information + of his country, race, government, or creed, although he was far too civil + ever to refuse an apparently satisfactory answer to every question. As for + Keferinis, although he was very conversable, the companions observed that + he always made it a rule to dilate upon subjects and countries with which + he had no acquaintance, and he expressed himself in so affected a manner, + and with such an amplification of useless phraseology, that, though he was + always talking, they seemed at the end of the day to be little more + acquainted with the Ansarey and their sovereign than when Baroni first + opened the subject of their visit to Darkush at Damascus. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Queen of the Ansarey</i> +</pre> + <p> + AWAY, away, Cypros! I can remain no more; my heart beats so.’ ‘Sweet + lady,’ replied Cypros, ‘it is surprise that agitates you.’ ‘Is it + surprise, Cypros? I did not know it was surprise. Then I never was + surprised before.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think they were surprised, sweet lady,’ said Cypros, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush, you are laughing very loud, my Cypros.’ ‘Is that laughter, sweet + lady? I did not know it was laughter. Then I never laughed before.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would they should know nothing either of our smiles or of our sighs, my + Cypros.’ + </p> + <p> + She who said this was a girl of eighteen summers; her features very Greek, + her complexion radiant, hair dark as night, and eyes of the colour of the + violet. Her beautiful countenance, however, was at this moment nearly + shrouded by her veil, although no one could possibly behold it, excepting + her attendant, younger even than herself, and fresh and fair as a flower. + </p> + <p> + They were hurrying along a wooden gallery, which led, behind the upper + part of the divan occupied by the travellers, to the great square central + tower of the quadrangle, which we have already noticed, and as the truth + must always, or at least eventually, come out, it shall not be concealed + that, availing themselves of a convenient, perhaps irresistible position, + the fair fugitives had peeped into the chamber, and had made even minute + observations on its inhabitants with impunity. Suddenly, Fakredeen rising + from his seat, a panic had seized them and they hurried away. + </p> + <p> + The gallery led to a flight of steps, and the flight of steps into the + first of several chambers without decoration, and with no other furniture + than an Eastern apartment always offers, the cushioned seat, which + surrounds at least two-thirds of the room. At length they entered a small + alcove, rudely painted in arabesque, but in a classic Ionic pattern; the + alcove opened into a garden, or rather court of myrtles with a fountain. + An antelope, an Angora cat, two Persian greyhounds, were basking on the + sunny turf, and there were many birds about, in rude but capacious cages. + </p> + <p> + ‘We are safe,’ said the lady, dropping on the divan; ‘I think we must have + been seen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That was clearly impossible,’ said Cypros. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, we must be seen at last,’ said the lady. ‘Heigho! I never shall be + able to receive them, if my heart beat so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would let them wait a few days, sweet lady,’ said Cypros, ‘and then you + would get more used to them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall never be more used to them. Besides, it is rude and inhospitable + not to see them. Yesterday there was an excuse: they were wearied, or I + had a right to suppose they were, with their travelling; and to-day, there + ought to be an excuse for not receiving them to-day. What is it, Cypros?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say they will be quite content, if to-day you fix the time when + you will receive them, sweet lady.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But I shall not be content, Cypros. Having seen them once, I wish to see + them again, and one cannot always be walking by accident in the gallery.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I would see them to-day, sweet lady. Shall I send for the noble + Keferinis?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I were Cypros, and you were—— Hark! what is that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis only the antelope, sweet lady.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought it was—— Now tell me, my Cypros, which of these two + princes do you think is he who is one of us?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, really, sweet lady, I think they are both so handsome!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet so unlike,’ said the lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, they are unlike,’ said Cypros, ‘and yet——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The fair one has a complexion almost as radiant as your own, sweet lady.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And eyes as blue: no, they are too light. And so, as there is a likeness, + you think he is the one?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure I wish they were both belonging to us,’ said Cypros. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, me!’ said the lady, ‘’Tis not the bright-faced prince whom I hold to + be one of us. No, no, my Cypros. Think awhile, sweet girl. The visage, the + head of the other, have you not seen them before? Have you not seen + something like them? That head so proudly placed upon the shoulders; that + hair, that hyacinthine hair, that lofty forehead, that proud lip, that + face so refined and yet so haughty, does it not recall anything? Think, + Cypros; think!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It does, sweet lady.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell me; whisper it to me; it is a name not to be lightly mentioned.’ + </p> + <p> + Cypros advanced, and bending her head, breathed a word in the ear of the + lady, who instantly, blushing deeply, murmured with a faint smile, ‘Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is he, then,’ said Cypros, ‘who is one of us.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>A Royal Audience</i> +</pre> + <p> + OUR travellers were speculating, not very sanguinely, on the possible + resources which Gindarics might supply for the amusement of a week, when, + to their great relief, they were informed by Keferinis, that the Queen had + fixed noon, on this the day after their arrival, to receive them. And + accordingly at that time some attendants, not accompanying, however, the + chief minister, waited on Tancred and Fakredeen, and announced that they + were commanded to usher them to the royal presence. Quitting their + apartments, they mounted a flight of steps, which led to the wooden + gallery, along which they pursued their course. At its termination were + two sentries with their lances. Then they descended a corresponding flight + of stairs and entered a chamber where they were received by pages; the + next room, of larger size, was crowded, and here they remained for a few + minutes. Then they were ushered into the presence. + </p> + <p> + The young Queen of the Ansarey could not have received them with an air + more impassive had she been holding a levée at St. James’. Seated on her + divan, she was clothed in a purple robe; her long dark hair descended over + her shoulders, and was drawn off her white forehead, which was bound with + a broad circlet of pure gold, and of great antiquity. On her right hand + stood Keferinis, the captain of her guard, and a priestly-looking person + with a long white beard, and then at some distance from these three + personages, a considerable number of individuals, between whose appearance + and that of her ordinary subjects there was little difference. On her left + hand were immediately three female attendants, young and pretty; at some + distance from them, a troop of female slaves; and again, at a still + further distance, another body of her subjects in their white turbans and + their black dresses. The chamber was spacious, and rudely painted in the + Ionic style. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is most undoubtedly requested, and in a vein of the most condescending + friendship, by the perfectly irresistible Queen, that the princes should + be seated,’ said Keferinis, and accordingly Tancred occupied his allotted + seat on the right of the Queen, though at some distance, and the young + Emir filled his on the left. Fakredeen was dressed in Syrian splendour, a + blaze of shawls and jewelled arms; but Tancred retained on this, as he had + done on every other occasion, the European dress, though in the present + instance it assumed a somewhat more brilliant shape than ordinary, in the + dark green regimentals, the rich embroidery, and the flowing plume of the + Bellamont yeomanry cavalry. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are a prince of the English,’ said the Queen to Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am an Englishman,’ he replied, ‘and a subject of our Queen, for we also + have the good fortune to be ruled over by the young and the fair.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My fathers and the House of Shehaab have been ever friends,’ she + continued, turning to Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘May they ever continue so!’ he replied. ‘For if the Shehaabs and the + Ansarey are of one mind, Syria is no longer earth, but indeed paradise.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You live much in ships?’ said the Queen, turning to Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘We are an insular people,’ he answered, somewhat confusedly, but the + perfectly-informed Keferinis came to the succour both of Tancred and of + his sovereign. + </p> + <p> + ‘The English live in ships only during six months of the year, principally + when they go to India, the rest entirely at their country houses.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ships are required to take you to India?’ said her Majesty. + </p> + <p> + Tancred bowed assent. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is your Queen about my age?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She was as young as your Majesty when she began to reign.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And how long has she reigned?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Some seven years or so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Has she a castle?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Her Majesty generally resides in a very famous castle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very strong, I suppose?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Strong enough.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Emir Bescheer remains at Stamboul?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is now, I believe, at Brusa,’ replied Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Does he like Brusa?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not as much at Stamboul.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is Stamboul the largest city in the world?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I apprehend by no means,’ said Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is larger?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘London is larger, the great city of the English, from which the prince + comes; Paris is also larger, but not so large as London.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How many persons are there in Stamboul?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘More than half a million.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you seen Antakia (Antioch)?’ the Queen inquired of Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not yet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have seen Beiroot?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Antakia is not nearly so great a place as Beiroot,’ said the Queen; ‘yet + once Antakia was much larger than Stamboul; as large, perhaps, as your + great city.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And far more beautiful than either,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you have heard of these things!’ exclaimed the Queen, with much + animation. ‘Now tell me, why is Antakia no longer a great city, as great + as Stamboul and the city of the English, and far more beautiful?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a question that might perplex the wise,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not wise,’ said the Queen, looking earnestly at Tancred, ‘yet I + could solve it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would that your Majesty would deign to do so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are things to be said, and there are things not to be said,’ was + the reply, and the Queen looked at Keferinis. + </p> + <p> + ‘Her Majesty has expressed herself with infinite exactitude and with + condescending propriety,’ said the chief minister. + </p> + <p> + The Queen was silent for a moment, thoughtful, and then waved gracefully + her hands; whereupon the chamber was immediately cleared. The princes, + instructed by Keferinis, alone remained, with the exception of the + minister, who, at the desire of his sovereign, now seated himself, but not + on the divan. He sat opposite to the Queen on the floor. + </p> + <p> + ‘Princes,’ said the Queen, ‘you are welcome to Gindarics, where nobody + ever comes. For we are people who wish neither to see nor to be seen. We + are not like other people, nor do we envy other people. I wish not for the + ships of the Queen of the English, and my subjects are content to live as + their fathers lived before them. Our mountains are wild and barren; our + vales require for their cultivation unceasing toil. We have no gold or + silver, no jewels; neither have we silk. But we have some beautiful and + consoling thoughts, and more than thoughts, which are shared by all of us + and open to all of us, and which only we can value or comprehend. When + Darkush, who dwells at Damascus, and was the servant of my father, sent to + us the ever-faithful messenger, and said that there were princes who + wished to confer with us, he knew well it was vain to send here men who + would talk of the English and the Egyptians, of the Porte and of the + nations of Fran-guestan. These things to us are like the rind of fruit. + Neither do we care for cottons, nor for things which are sought for in the + cities of the plains, and it may be, noble Emir, cherished also in the + mountains of Lebanon. This is not Lebanon, but the mountains of the + Ansarey, who are as they have ever been, before the name of Turk or + English was known in Syria, and who will remain as they are, unless that + happens which may never happen, but which is too beautiful not to believe + may arrive. Therefore I speak to you with frankness, princes of strange + countries: Dar-kush, the servant of my father, and also mine, told me, by + the ever-faithful messenger, that it was not of these things, which are to + us like water spilt on sand, that you wished to confer, but that there + were things to be said which ought to be uttered. Therefore it is I sent + back the faithful messenger, saying, “Send then these princes to + Gindarics, since their talk is not of things which come and go, making a + noise on the coast and in the cities of the plains, and then passing + away.” These we infinitely despise; but the words of truth uttered in the + spirit of friendship will last, if they be grave, and on matters which + authorise journeys made by princes to visit queens.’ + </p> + <p> + Her Majesty ceased, and looked at Keferinis, who bowed profound + approbation. Tancred and Fakre-deen, also exchanged glances, but the Emir + waved his hand, signifying his wish that Tancred should reply, who, after + a moment’s hesitation, with an air of great deference, thus ventured to + express himself: + </p> + <p> + ‘It seems to me and to my friend, the Prince of the Lebanon, that we have + listened to the words of wisdom. They are in every respect just. We know + not, ourselves, Darkush, but he was rightly informed when he apprised your + Majesty that it was not upon ordinary topics, either political or + commercial, that we desired to visit Gindarics. Nor was it out of such + curiosity as animates travellers. For we are not travellers, but men who + have a purpose which we wish to execute. The world, that, since its + creation, has owned the spiritual supremacy of Asia, which is but natural, + since Asia is the only portion of the world which the Creator of that + world has deigned to visit, and in which he has ever conferred with man, + is unhappily losing its faith in those ideas and convictions that hitherto + have governed the human race. We think, therefore, the time has arrived + when Asia should make one of its periodical and appointed efforts to + reassert that supremacy. But though we are acting, as we believe, under a + divine impulse, it is our duty to select the most fitting human agents to + accomplish a celestial mission. We have thought, therefore, that it should + devolve on Syria and Arabia, countries in which our God has even dwelt, + and with which he has been from the earliest days in direct and regular + communication, to undertake the solemn task. Two races of men, alike free, + one inhabiting the desert, the other the mountains, untainted by any of + the vices of the plains, and the virgin vigour of their intelligence not + dwarfed by the conventional superstitions of towns and cities, one + prepared at once to supply an unrivalled cavalry, the other an army ready + equipped of intrepid foot-soldiers, appear to us to be indicated as the + natural and united conquerors of the world. We wish to conquer that world, + with angels at our head, in order that we may establish the happiness of + man by a divine dominion, and crushing the political atheism that is now + desolating existence, utterly extinguish the grovelling tyranny of + self-government.’ + </p> + <p> + The Queen of the Ansarey listened with deep and agitated attention to + Tancred. When he had concluded, she said, after a moment’s pause, ‘I + believe also in the necessity of the spiritual supremacy of our Asia. And + since it has ceased, it seems not to me that man and man’s life have been + either as great or as beautiful as heretofore. What you have said assures + me that it is well that you have come hither. But when you speak of + Arabia, of what God is it you speak?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I speak of the only God, the Creator of all things, the God who spoke on + the Arabian Mount Sinai, and expiated our sins upon the Syrian Mount + Calvary.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is also Mount Olympus,’ said the Queen, ‘which is in Anatolia. Once + the gods dwelt there.’—‘The gods of poets,’ said Tancred. ‘No; the + gods of the people; who loved the people, and whom the people loved.’ + </p> + <p> + There was a pause, broken by the Queen, who, looking at her minister, + said, ‘Noble Keferinis, the thoughts of these princes are divine, and in + every respect becoming celestial things. Is it not well that the gates of + the beautiful and the sacred should not be closed?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In every sense, irresistible Queen, it is well that the gates of the + beautiful and the sacred should not be closed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then let them bring garlands. Princes,’ the Queen continued, ‘what the + eye of no stranger has looked upon, you shall now behold. This also is + Asian and divine.’ + </p> + <p> + Immediately the chamber again filled. The Queen, looking at the two + princes and bowing, rose from her seat. They instantly followed her + example. One came forward, offering to the Queen, and then to each of + them, a garland. Garlands were also taken by Keferinis and a few others. + Cypros and her companions walked first, then Keferinis and one who had + stood near the royal divan; the Queen, between her two guests, followed, + and after her a small and ordered band. + </p> + <p> + They stopped before a lofty portal of bronze, evidently of ancient art.’ + This opened into a covered and excavated way, in some respects similar to + that which had led them directly to the castle of Gin-darics; but, + although obscure, not requiring artificial light, yet it was of no + inconsiderable length. It emerged upon a platform cut out of the natural + rock; on all sides were steep cliffs, above them the bright blue sky. The + ravine appeared to be closed on every side. + </p> + <p> + The opposite cliff, at the distance of several hundred yards, reached by a + winding path, presented, at first, the appearance of the front of an + ancient temple; and Tancred, as he approached it, perceived that the hand + of art had assisted the development of an imitation of nature: a pediment, + a deep portico, supported by Ionic columns, and a flight of steps, were + carved out of the cliff, and led into vast caverns, which art also had + converted into lofty and magnificent chambers. When they had mounted the + steps, the Queen and her companions lifted their garlands to the skies, + and joined in a chorus, solemn and melodious, but which did not sound as + the language of Syria. Passing through the portico, Tancred found himself + apparently in a vast apartment, where he beheld a strange spectacle. + </p> + <p> + At the first glance it seemed that, ranged on blocks of the surrounding + mountains, were a variety of sculptured figures of costly materials and + exquisite beauty; forms of heroic majesty and ideal grace; and, themselves + serene and unimpassioned, filling the minds of the beholders with awe and + veneration. It was not until his eye was accustomed to the atmosphere, and + his mind had in some degree recovered from the first strange surprise, + that Tancred gradually recognised the fair and famous images over which + his youth had so long and so early pondered. Stole over his spirit the + countenance august, with the flowing beard and the lordly locks, sublime + on his ivory throne, in one hand the ready thunderbolt, in the other the + cypress sceptre; at his feet the watchful eagle with expanded wings: stole + over the spirit of the gazing pilgrim, each shape of that refined and + elegant hierarchy made for the worship of clear skies and sunny lands; + goddess and god, genius and nymph, and faun, all that the wit and heart of + man can devise and create, to represent his genius and his passion, all + that the myriad developments of a beautiful nature can require for their + personification. A beautiful and sometimes flickering light played over + the sacred groups and figures, softening the ravages of time, and + occasionally investing them with, as it were, a celestial movement. + </p> + <p> + ‘The gods of the Greeks!’ exclaimed Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘The gods of the Ansarey,’ said the Queen; ‘the gods of my fathers!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am filled with a sweet amazement,’ murmured Tancred. ‘Life is stranger + than I deemed. My soul is, as it were, unsphered.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yet you know them to be gods,’ said the Queen; ‘and the Emir of the + Lebanon does not know them to be gods?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I feel that they are such,’ said Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘How is this, then?’ said the Queen. ‘How is it that you, the child of a + northern isle——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Should recognise the Olympian Jove,’ said Tancred. ‘It seems strange; but + from my earliest youth I learnt these things.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, then,’ murmured the Queen to herself, and with an expression of the + greatest satisfaction, ‘Dar-kush was rightly informed; he is one of us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I behold then, at last, the gods of the Ansarey,’ said Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘All that remains of Antioch, noble Emir; of Anti-och the superb, with its + hundred towers, and its sacred groves and fanes of flashing beauty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Unhappy Asia!’ exclaimed the Emir; ‘thou hast indeed fallen!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When all was over,’ said the Queen; ‘when the people refused to + sacrifice, and the gods, indignant, quitted earth, I hope not for ever, + the faithful few fled to these mountains with the sacred images, and we + have cherished them. I told you we had beautiful and consoling thoughts, + and more than thoughts. All else is lost, our wealth, our arts, our + luxury, our invention, all have vanished. The niggard earth scarcely + yields us a subsistence; we dress like Kurds, feed hardly as well; but if + we were to quit these mountains, and wander like them on the plains with + our ample flocks, we should lose our sacred images, all the traditions + that we yet cherish in our souls, that in spite of our hard lives preserve + us from being barbarians; a sense of the beautiful and the lofty, and the + divine hope that, when the rapidly consummating degradation of Asia has + been fulfilled, mankind will return again to those gods who made the earth + beautiful and happy; and that they, in their celestial mercy, may revisit + that world which, without them, has become a howling wilderness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lady,’ said Tancred, with much emotion, ‘we must, with your permission, + speak of these things. My heart is at present too full.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come hither,’ said the Queen, in a voice of great softness; and she led + Tancred away. + </p> + <p> + They entered a chamber of much smaller dimensions, which might be looked + upon as a chapel annexed to the cathedral or Pantheon which they had + quitted. At each end of it was a statue. They paused before one. It was + not larger than life, of ivory and gold; the colour purer than could + possibly have been imagined, highly polished, and so little injured, that + at a distance the general effect was not in the least impaired. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know that?’ asked the Queen, as she looked at the statue, and then + she looked at Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘I recognise the god of poetry and light,’ said Tancred; ‘Phoebus Apollo.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Our god: the god of Antioch, the god of the sacred grove! Who could look + upon him, and doubt his deity!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is this indeed the figure,’ murmured Tancred, ‘before which a hundred + steers have bled? before which libations of honeyed wine were poured from + golden goblets? that lived in a heaven of incense?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you know all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Angels watch over us!’ said Tancred, ‘or my brain will turn. And who is + this?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One before whom the pilgrims of the world once kneeled. This is the + Syrian goddess; the Venus of our land, but called among us by a name + which, by her favour, I also bear, Astarte.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Fakredeen’s Plots</i> +</pre> + <p> + AND when did men cease from worshipping them?’ asked Fakredeen of Tancred; + ‘before the Prophet?’ ‘When truth descended from Heaven in the person of + Christ Jesus.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But truth had descended from Heaven before Jesus,’ replied Fakredeen; + ‘since, as you tell me, God spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, and since then + to many of the prophets and the princes of Israel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of whom Jesus was one,’ said Tancred; ‘the descendant of King David as + well as the Son of God. But through this last and greatest of their + princes it was ordained that the inspired Hebrew mind should mould and + govern the world. Through Jesus God spoke to the Gentiles, and not to the + tribes of Israel only. That is the great worldly difference between Jesus + and his inspired predecessors. Christianity is Judaism for the multitude, + but still it is Judaism, and its development was the death-blow of the + Pagan idolatry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gentiles,’ murmured Fakredeen; ‘Gentiles! you are a Gentile, Tancred?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas! I am,’ he answered, ‘sprung from a horde of Baltic pirates, who + never were heard of during the greater annals of the world, a descent + which I have been educated to believe was the greatest of honours. What we + should have become, had not the Syro-Arabian creeds formed our minds, I + dare not contemplate. Probably we should have perished in mutual + destruction. However, though rude and modern Gentiles, unknown to the + Apostles, we also were in time touched with the sacred symbol, and + originally endowed with an organisation of a high class, for our ancestors + wandered from Caucasus; we have become kings and princes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What a droll thing is history,’ said Fakredeen. ‘Ah! if I were only + acquainted with it, my education would be complete. Should you call me a + Gentile?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have great doubts whether such an appellation could be extended to the + descendants of Ishmael. I always look upon you as a member of the sacred + race. It is a great thing for any man; for you it may tend to empire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was Julius Cæsar a Gentile?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Unquestionably.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And Iskander?’ (Alexander of Macedon.) + </p> + <p> + ‘No doubt; the two most illustrious Gentiles that ever existed, and + representing the two great races on the shores of the Mediterranean, to + which the apostolic views were first directed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, their blood, though Gentile, led to empire,’ said Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘But what are their conquests to those of Jesus Christ?’ said Tancred, + with great animation. ‘Where are their dynasties? where their subjects? + They were both deified: who burns incense to them now? Their descendants, + both Greek and Roman, bow before the altars of the house of David. The + house of David is worshipped at Rome itself, at every seat of great and + growing empire in the world, at London, at St. Petersburg, at New York. + Asia alone is faithless to the Asian; but Asia has been overrun by Turks + and Tatars. For nearly five hundred years the true Oriental mind has been + enthralled. Arabia alone has remained free and faithful to the divine + tradition. From its bosom we shall go forth and sweep away the moulding + remnants of the Tataric system; and then, when the East has resumed its + indigenous intelligence, when angels and prophets again mingle with + humanity, the sacred quarter of the globe will recover its primeval and + divine supremacy; it will act upon the modern empires, and the + faint-hearted faith of Europe, which is but the shadow of a shade, will + become as vigorous as befits men who are in sustained communication with + the Creator.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But suppose,’ said Fakredeen, in a captious tone that was unusual with + him, ‘suppose, when the Tataric system is swept away, Asia reverts to + those beautiful divinities that we beheld this morning?’ + </p> + <p> + More than once, since they quitted the presence of Astarte, had Fakredeen + harped upon this idea. From that interview the companions had returned + moody and unusually silent. Strange to say, there seemed a tacit + understanding between them to converse little on that subject which mainly + engrossed their minds. Their mutual remarks on Astarte were few and + constrained; a little more diffused upon the visit to the temple; but they + chiefly kept up the conventional chat of companionship by rather + commonplace observations on Keferinis and other incidents and persons + comparatively of little interest and importance. + </p> + <p> + After their audience, they dined with the minister, not exactly in the + manner of Downing Street, nor even with the comparative luxury of Canobia; + but the meal was an incident, and therefore agreeable. A good pilaff was + more acceptable than some partridges dressed with oil and honey: but all + Easterns are temperate, and travel teaches abstinence to the Franks. + Neither Fakredeen nor Tancred were men who criticised a meal: bread, rice, + and coffee, a bird or a fish, easily satisfied them. The Emir affected the + Moslem when the minister offered him the wine of the mountains, which was + harsh and rough after the delicious Vino d’Oro of Lebanon; but Tancred + contrived to drink the health of Queen Astarte without any wry expression + of countenance. + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe,’ said Keferinis, ‘that the English, in their island of London, + drink only to women; the other natives of Franguestan chiefly pledge men; + we look upon both as barbarous.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At any rate, you worship the god of wine,’ remarked Tancred, who never + attempted to correct the self-complacent minister. ‘I observed to-day the + statue of Bacchus.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bacchus!’ said Keferinis, with a smile, half of inquiry, half of + commiseration. ‘Bacchus: an English name, I apprehend! All our gods came + from the ancient Antakia before either the Turks or the English were heard + of. Their real names are in every respect sacred; nor will they be + uttered, even to the Ansarey, until after the divine initiation has been + performed in the perfectly admirable and inexpressibly delightful + mysteries,’ which meant, in simpler tongue, that Keferinis was entirely + ignorant of the subject on which he was talking. + </p> + <p> + After their meal, Keferinis, proposing that in the course of the day they + should fly one of the Queen’s hawks, left them, when the conversation, of + which we have given a snatch, occurred. Yet, as we have observed, they + were on the whole moody and unusually silent. Fakredeen in particular was + wrapped in reverie, and when he spoke, it was always in reference to the + singular spectacle of the morning. His musing forced him to inquiry, + having never before heard of the Olympian heirarchy, nor of the woods of + Daphne, nor of the bright lord of the silver bow. + </p> + <p> + Why were they moody and silent? + </p> + <p> + With regard to Lord Montacute, the events of the morning might + sufficiently account for the gravity of his demeanour, for he was + naturally of a thoughtful and brooding temperament. This unexpected + introduction to Olympus was suggestive of many reflections to one so + habituated to muse over divine influences. Nor need it be denied that the + character of the Queen greatly interested him. Her mind was already + attuned to heavenly thoughts. She already believed that she was fulfilling + a sacred mission. Tancred could not be blind to the importance of such a + personage as Astarte in the great drama of divine regeneration, which was + constantly present to his consideration. Her conversion might be as + weighty as ten victories. He was not insensible to the efficacy of + feminine influence in the dissemination of religious truth, nor unaware + how much the greatest development of the Arabian creeds, in which the + Almighty himself deigned to become a personal actor, was assisted by the + sacred spell of woman. It is not the Empress Hélène alone who has + rivalled, or rather surpassed, the exploits of the most illustrious + apostles. The three great empires of the age, France, England, and Russia, + are indebted for their Christianity to female lips. We all remember the + salutary influence of Clotilde and Bertha which bore the traditions of the + Jordan to the Seine and the Thames: it should not be forgotten that to the + fortunate alliance of Waldimir, the Duke of Moscovy, with the sister of + the Greek Emperor Basil, is to be ascribed the remarkable circumstance, + that the intellectual development of all the Russias has been conducted on + Arabian principles. It was the fair Giselle, worthy successor of the + softhearted women of Galilee, herself the sister of the Emperor Henry the + Second, who opened the mind of her husband, the King of Hungary, to the + deep wisdom of the Hebrews, to the laws of Moses and the precepts of + Jesus. Poland also found an apostle and a queen in the sister of the Duke + of Bohemia, and who revealed to the Sarmatian Micislas the ennobling + mysteries of Sinai and of Calvary. + </p> + <p> + Sons of Israel, when you recollect that you created Christendom, you may + pardon the Christians even their <i>autos da fè!</i> + </p> + <p> + Fakredeen Shehaab, Emir of Canobia, and lineal descendant of the + standard-bearer of the Prophet, had not such faith in Arabian principles + as to dream of converting the Queen of the Ansarey. Quite the reverse; the + Queen of the Ansarey had converted him. From the first moment he beheld + Astarte, she had exercised over him that magnetic influence of which he + was peculiarly susceptible, and by which Tancred at once attracted and + controlled him. But Astarte added to this influence a power to which the + Easterns in general do not very easily bow: the influence of sex. With the + exception of Eva, woman had never guided the spirit or moulded the career + of Fakredeen; and, in her instance, the sovereignty had been somewhat + impaired by that acquaintance of the cradle, which has a tendency to + enfeeble the ideal, though it may strengthen the affections. But Astarte + rose upon him commanding and complete, a star whose gradual formation he + had not watched, and whose unexpected brilliancy might therefore be more + striking even than the superior splendour which he had habitually + contemplated. Young, beautiful, queenly, impassioned, and eloquent, + surrounded by the accessories that influence the imagination, and invested + with fascinating mystery, Fakredeen, silent and enchanted, had yielded his + spirit to Astarte, even before she revealed to his unaccustomed and + astonished mind the godlike forms of her antique theogony. Eva and Tancred + had talked to him of gods; Astarte had shown them to him. All visible + images of their boasted divinities of Sinai and of Calvary with which he + was acquainted were enshrined over the altars of the convents of Lebanon. + He contrasted those representations without beauty or grace, so mean, and + mournful, and spiritless, or if endued with attributes of power, more + menacing than majestic, and morose rather than sublime, with those shapes + of symmetry, those visages of immortal beauty, serene yet full of + sentiment, on which he had gazed that morning with a holy rapture. The + Queen had said that, besides Mount Sinai and Mount Calvary, there was also + Mount Olympus. It was true; even Tancred had not challenged her assertion. + And the legends of Olympus were as old as, nay, older than, those of the + convent or the mosques. + </p> + <p> + This was no mythic fantasy of the beautiful Astarte; the fond tradition of + a family, a race, even a nation. These were not the gods merely of the + mountains: they had been, as they deserved to be, the gods of a great + world, of great nations, and of great men. They were the gods of Alexander + and of Caius Julius; they were the gods under whose divine administration + Asia had been powerful, rich, luxurious and happy. They were the gods who + had covered the coasts and plains with magnificent cities, crowded the + midland ocean with golden galleys, and filled the provinces that were now + a chain of wilderness and desert with teeming and thriving millions. No + wonder the Ansarey were faithful to such deities. The marvel was why men + should ever have deserted them. But man had deserted them, and man was + unhappy. All, Eva, Tancred, his own consciousness, the surrounding + spectacles of his life, assured him that man was unhappy, degraded, or + discontented; at all events, miserable. He was not surprised that a Syrian + should be unhappy, even a Syrian prince, for he had no career; he was not + surprised that the Jews were unhappy, because they were the most + persecuted of the human race, and in all probability, very justly so, for + such an exception as Eva proved nothing; but here was an Englishman, + young, noble, very rich, with every advantage of nature and fortune, and + he had come out to Syria to tell them that all Europe was as miserable as + themselves. What if their misery had been caused by their deserting those + divinities who had once made them so happy? + </p> + <p> + A great question; Fakredeen indulged in endless combinations while he + smoked countless nargilehs. If religion were to cure the world, suppose + they tried this ancient and once popular faith, so very popular in Syria. + The Queen of the Ansarey could command five-and-twenty thousand approved + warriors, and the Emir of the Lebanon could summon a host, if not as + disciplined, far more numerous. Fakredeen, in a frenzy of reverie, became + each moment more practical. Asian supremacy, cosmopolitan regeneration, + and theocratic equality, all gradually disappeared. An independent Syrian + kingdom, framed and guarded by a hundred thousand sabres, rose up before + him; an established Olympian religion, which the Druses, at his + instigation, would embrace, and toleration for the Maronites till he could + bribe Bishop Nicodemus to arrange a general conformity, and convert his + great principal from the Patriarch into the Pontiff of Antioch. The Jews + might remain, provided they negotiated a loan which should consolidate the + Olympian institutions and establish the Gentile dynasty of Fakredeen and + Astarte. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Astarte is Jealous</i> +</pre> + <p> + WHEN Fakredeen bade Tancred as usual good-night, his voice was different + from its accustomed tones; he had replied to Tancred with asperity several + times during the evening; and when he was separated from his companion, he + felt relieved. All unconscious of these changes and symptoms was the heir + of Bellamont. + </p> + <p> + Though grave, one indeed who never laughed and seldom smiled, Tancred was + blessed with the rarest of all virtues, a singularly sweet temper. He was + grave, because he was always thinking, and thinking of great deeds. But + his heart was soft, and his nature most kind, and remarkably regardful of + the feelings of others. To wound them, however unintentionally, would + occasion him painful disturbance. Though naturally rapid in the perception + of character, his inexperience of life, and the self-examination in which + he was so frequently absorbed, tended to blunt a little his observation of + others. With a generous failing, which is not uncommon, he was prepared to + give those whom he loved credit for the virtues which he himself + possessed, and the sentiments which he himself extended to them. Being + profound, steadfast, and most loyal in his feelings, he was incapable of + suspecting that his elected friend could entertain sentiments towards him + less deep, less earnest, and less faithful. The change in the demeanour of + the Emir was, therefore, unnoticed by him. And what might be called the + sullen irritability of Fakredeen was encountered with the usual gentleness + and total disregard of self which always distinguished the behaviour of + Lord Montacute. + </p> + <p> + The next morning they were invited by Astarte to a hawking party, and, + leaving the rugged ravines, they descended into a softer and more + cultivated country, where they found good sport. Fakredeen was an + accomplished falconer, and loved to display his skill before the Queen. + Tancred was quite unpractised, but Astarte seemed resolved that he should + become experienced in the craft among her mountains, which did not please + the Emir, as he caracoled in sumptuous dress on a splendid steed, with the + superb falcon resting on his wrist. + </p> + <p> + The princes dined again with Keferinis; that, indeed, was to be their + custom during their stay; afterwards, accompanied by the minister, they + repaired to the royal divan, where they had received a general invitation. + Here they found Astarte alone, with the exception of Cypros and her + companions, who worked with their spindles apart; and here, on the pretext + of discussing the high topics on which they had repaired to Gindarics, + there was much conversation on many subjects. Thus passed one, two, and + even three days; thus, in general, would their hours be occupied at + Gindarics. In the morning the hawks, or a visit to some green valley, + which was blessed with a stream and beds of oleander, and groves of acacia + or sycamore. Fakredeen had no cause to complain of the demeanour of + Astarte towards him, for it was most gracious and encouraging. Indeed, he + pleased her; and she was taken, as many had been, by the ingenuous + modesty, the unaffected humility, the tender and touching deference of his + manner; he seemed to watch her every glance, and hang upon her every + accent: his sympathy with her was perfect; he agreed with every sentiment + and observation that escaped her. Blushing, boyish, unsophisticated, yet + full of native grace, and evidently gifted with the most amiable + disposition, it was impossible not to view with interest, and even regard, + one so young and so innocent. + </p> + <p> + But while the Emir had no cause to be dissatisfied with the demeanour of + Astarte to himself, he could not be unaware that her carriage to Tancred + was different, and he doubted whether the difference was in his favour. He + hung on the accents of Astarte, but he remarked that the Queen hung upon + the accents of Tancred, who, engrossed with great ideas, and full of a + great purpose, was unconscious of what did not escape the lynx-like glance + of his companion. However, Fakredeen was not, under any circumstances, + easily disheartened; in the present case, there were many circumstances to + encourage him. This was a great situation; there was room for + combinations. He felt that he was not unfavoured by Astarte; he had + confidence, and a just confidence, in his power of fascination. He had to + combat a rival, who was, perhaps, not thinking of conquest; at any rate, + who was unconscious of success. Even had he the advantage, which Fakredeen + was not now disposed to admit, he might surely be baffled by a competitor + with a purpose, devoting his whole intelligence to his object, and + hesitating at no means to accomplish it. + </p> + <p> + Fakredeen became great friends with Keferinis. He gave up his time and + attentions much to that great personage; anointed him with the most + delicious flattery, most dexterously applied; consulted him on great + affairs which had no existence; took his advice on conjunctures which + never could occur; assured Keferinis that, in his youth, the Emir Bescheer + had impressed on him the importance of cultivating the friendly feelings + and obtaining the support of the distinguished minister of the Ansarey; + gave him some jewels, and made him enormous promises. + </p> + <p> + On the fourth day of the visit, Fakredeen found himself alone with + Astarte, at least, without the presence of Tancred, whom Keferinis had + detained in his progress to the royal apartment. The young Emir had pushed + on, and gained an opportunity which he had long desired. + </p> + <p> + They were speaking of the Lebanon; Fakredeen had been giving Astarte, at + her request, a sketch of Canobia, and intimating his inexpressible + gratification were she to honour his castle with a visit; when, somewhat + abruptly, in a suppressed voice, and in a manner not wholly free from + embarrassment, Astarte said, ‘What ever surprises me is, that Darkush, who + is my servant at Damascus, should have communicated, by the faithful + messenger, that one of the princes seeking to visit Gindarics was of our + beautiful and ancient faith; for the Prince of England has assured me that + nothing was more unfounded or indeed impossible; that the faith, ancient + and beautiful, never prevailed in the land of his fathers; and that the + reason why he was acquainted with the god-like forms is, that in his + country it is the custom (custom to me most singular, and indeed + incomprehensible) to educate the youth by teaching them the ancient poems + of the Greeks, poems quite lost to us, but in which are embalmed the + sacred legends.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We ought never to be surprised at anything that is done by the English,’ + observed Fakredeen; ‘who are, after all, in a certain sense, savages. + Their country produces nothing; it is an island, a mere rock, larger than + Malta, but not so well fortified. Everything they require is imported from + other countries; they get their corn from Odessa, and their wine from the + ports of Spain. I have been assured at Beiroot that they do not grow even + their own cotton, but that I can hardly believe. Even their religion is an + exotic; and as they are indebted for that to Syria, it is not surprising + that they should import their education from Greece.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor people!’ exclaimed the Queen; ‘and yet they travel; they wish to + improve themselves?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Darkush, however,’ continued Fakredeen, without noticing the last + observation of Astarte, ‘was not wrongly informed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not wrongly informed?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No: one of the princes who wished to visit Gindarics was, in a certain + sense, of the ancient and beautiful faith, but it was not the Prince of + the English.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What are these pigeons that you are flying without letters!’ exclaimed + Astarte, looking very perplexed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! beautiful Astarte,’ said Fakredeen, with a sigh; ‘you did not know my + mother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How should I know your mother, Emir of the castles of Lebanon? Have I + ever left these mountains, which are dearer to me than the pyramids of + Egypt to the great Pasha? Have I ever looked upon your women, Maronite or + Druse, walking in white sheets, as if they were the children of ten + thousand ghouls; with horns on their heads, as if they were the wild + horses of the desert?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ask Keferinis,’ said Fakredeen, still sighing; ‘he has been at Bteddeen, + the court of the Emir Bescheer. He knew my mother, at least by memory. My + mother, beautiful Astarte, was an Ansarey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your mother was an Ansarey!’ repeated Astarte, in a tone of infinite + surprise; ‘your mother an Ansarey? Of what family was she a child?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ replied Fakredeen, ‘there it is; that is the secret sorrow of my + life. A mystery hangs over my mother, for I lost both my parents in + extreme childhood; I was at her heart,’ he added, in a broken voice, ‘and + amid outrage, tumult, and war. Of whom was my mother the child? I am here + to discover that, if possible. Her race and her beautiful religion have + been the dream of my life. All I have prayed for has been to recognise her + kindred and to behold her gods.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is very interesting,’ murmured the Queen. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is more than interesting,’ sighed Fakredeen. ‘Ah! beautiful Astarte! + if you knew all, if you could form even the most remote idea of what I + have suffered for this unknown faith;’ and a passionate tear quivered on + the radiant cheek of the young prince. + </p> + <p> + ‘And yet you came here to preach the doctrines of another,’ said Astarte. + </p> + <p> + ‘I came here to preach the doctrines of another!’ replied Fakredeen, with + an expression of contempt; his nostril dilated, his lip curled with scorn. + ‘This mad Englishman came here to preach the doctrines of another creed, + and one with which it seems to me, he has as little connection as his + frigid soil has with palm trees. They produce them, I am told, in houses + of glass, and they force their foreign faith in the same manner; but, + though they have temples, and churches, and mosques, they confess they + have no miracles; they admit that they never produced a prophet; they own + that no God ever spoke to their people, or visited their land; and yet + this race, so peculiarly favoured by celestial communication, aspire to be + missionaries!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have much misapprehended you,’ said Astarte; ‘I thought you were both + embarked in a great cause.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, you learnt that from Darkush!’ quickly replied Fakredeen. ‘You see, + beautiful Astarte, that I have no personal acquaintance with Darkush. It + was the intendant of my companion who was his friend; and it is through + him that Darkush has learnt anything that he has communicated. The + mission, the project, was not mine; but when I found my comrade had the + means, which had hitherto evaded me, of reaching Gindarics, I threw no + obstacles in his crotchety course. On the contrary, I embraced the + opportunity even with fervour, and far from discouraging my friend from + views to which I know he is fatally, even ridiculously, wedded, I looked + forward to this expedition as the possible means of diverting his mind + from some opinions, and, I might add, some influences, which I am + persuaded can eventually entail upon him nothing but disappointment and + disgrace.’ And here Fakredeen shook his head, with that air of + confidential mystery which so cleverly piques curiosity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Whatever may be his fate,’ said Astarte, in a tone of seriousness, ‘the + English prince does not seem to me to be a person who could ever + experience disgrace.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no,’ quickly replied his faithful friend; ‘of course I did not speak + of personal dishonour. He is extremely proud and rash, and not in any way + a practical man; but he is not a person who ever would do anything to be + sent to the bagnio or the galleys. What I mean by disgrace is, that he is + mixed up with transactions, and connected with persons who will damage, + cheapen, in a worldly sense dishonour him, destroy all his sources of + power and influence. For instance, now, in his country, in England, a Jew + is never permitted to enter England; they may settle in Gibraltar, but in + England, no. Well, it is perfectly well known among all those who care + about these affairs, that this enterprise of his, this + religious-politico-military adventure, is merely undertaken because he + happens to be desperately enamoured of a Jewess at Damascus, whom he + cannot carry home as his bride.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Enamoured of a Jewess at Damascus!’ said Astarte, turning pale. + </p> + <p> + ‘To folly, to frenzy; she is at the bottom of the whole of this affair; + she talks Cabala to him, and he Nazareny to her; and so, between them, + they have invented this grand scheme, the conquest of Asia, perhaps the + world, with our Syrian sabres, and we are to be rewarded for our pains by + eating passover cakes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What are they?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Festival bread of the Hebrews, made in the new moon, with the milk of + he-goats.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What horrors!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What a reward for conquest!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Will the Queen of the English let one of her princes marry a Jewess?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never; he will be beheaded, and she will be burnt alive, eventually; but, + in the meantime, a great deal of mischief may occur, unless we stop it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It certainly should be stopped.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What amuses me most in this affair,’ continued Fakredeen, ‘is the cool + way in which this Englishman comes to us for our assistance. First, he is + at Canobia, then at Gindarics; we are to do the business, and Syria is + spoken of as if it were nothing. Now the fact is, Syria is the only + practical feature of the case. There is no doubt that, if we were all + agreed, if Lebanon and the Ansarey were to unite, we could clear Syria of + the Turks, conquer the plain, and carry the whole coast in a campaign, and + no one would ever interfere to disturb us. Why should they? The Turks + could not, and the natives of Fran-guestan would not. Leave me to manage + them. There is nothing in the world I so revel in as hocus-sing Guizot and + Aberdeen. You never heard of Guizot and Aberdeen? They are the two Reis + Effendis of the King of the French and the Queen of the English. I sent + them an archbishop last year, one of my fellows, Archbishop Murad, who led + them a pretty dance. They nearly made me King of the Lebanon, to put an + end to disturbances which never existed except in the venerable Murad’s + representations.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘These are strange things! Has she charms, this Jewess? Very beautiful, I + suppose?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Englishman vows so; he is always raving of her; talks of her in his + sleep.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As you say, it would indeed be strange to draw our sabres for a Jewess. + Is she dark or fair?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think, when he writes verses to her, he always calls her a moon or a + star; that smacks nocturnal and somewhat sombre.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I detest the Jews; but I have heard their women are beautiful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We will banish them all from our kingdom of Syria,’ said Fakredeen, + looking at Astarte earnestly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, if we are to make a struggle, it should be for something. There have + been Syrian kingdoms.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And shall be, beauteous Queen, and you shall rule them. I believe now the + dream of my life will be realised.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, what’s that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My mother’s last aspiration, the dying legacy of her passionate soul, + known only to me, and never breathed to human being until this moment.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you recollect your mother?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was my nurse, long since dead, who was the depositary of the + injunction, and in due time conveyed it to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what was it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To raise, at Deir el Kamar, the capital of our district, a marble temple + to the Syrian goddess.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Beautiful idea!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It would have drawn back the mountain to the ancient faith; the Druses + are half-prepared, and wait only my word.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But the Nazareny bishops,’ said the Queen, ‘whom you find so useful, what + will they say?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What did the priests and priestesses of the Syrian goddess say, when + Syria became Christian? They turned into bishops and nuns. Let them turn + back again.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Capture of a Harem</i> +</pre> + <p> + TANCRED and Fakredeen had been absent from Gindarics for two or three + days, making an excursion in the neighbouring districts, and visiting + several of those chieftains whose future aid might be of much importance + to them. Away from the unconscious centre of many passions and intrigues, + excited by the novelty of their life, sanguine of the ultimate triumph of + his manoeuvres, and at times still influenced by his companion, the + demeanour of the young Emir of Lebanon to his friend resumed something of + its wonted softness, confidence, and complaisance. They were once more in + sight of the wild palace-fort of Astarte; spurring their horses, they + dashed before their attendants over the plain, and halted at the huge + portal of iron, while the torches were lit, and preparations were made for + the passage of the covered way. + </p> + <p> + When they entered the principal court, there were unusual appearances of + some recent and considerable occurrence: groups of Turkish soldiers, + disarmed, reclining camels, baggage and steeds, and many of the armed + tribes of the mountain. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is all this?’ inquired Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis the harem of the Pasha of Aleppo,’ replied a warrior, ‘captured on + the plain, and carried up into the mountains to our Queen of queens.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The war begins,’ said Fakredeen, looking round at Tancred with a + glittering eye. + </p> + <p> + ‘Women make war on women,’ he replied. + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis the first step,’ said the Emir, dismounting; ‘I care not how it + comes. Women are at the bottom of everything. If it had not been for the + Sultana Mother, I should have now been Prince of the Mountain.’ + </p> + <p> + When they had regained their apartments the lordly Keferinis soon + appeared, to offer them his congratulations on their return. The minister + was peculiarly refined and mysterious this morning, especially with + respect to the great event, which he involved in so much of obscurity, + that, after much conversation, the travellers were as little acquainted + with the occurrence as when they entered the courtyard of Gindarics. + </p> + <p> + ‘The capture of a pasha’s harem is not water spilt on sand, lordly + Keferinis,’ said the Emir. ‘We shall hear more of this.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What we shall hear,’ replied Keferinis, ‘is entirely an affair of the + future; nor is it in any way to be disputed that there are few men who do + not find it more difficult to foretell what is to happen than to remember + what has taken place.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We sometimes find that memory is as rare a quality as prediction,’ said + Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘In England,’ replied the lordly Keferinis; ‘but it is never to be + forgotten, and indeed, on the contrary, should be entirely recollected, + that the English, being a new people, have nothing indeed which they can + remember.’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred bowed. + </p> + <p> + ‘And how is the most gracious lady, Queen of queens?’ inquired Fakredeen. + </p> + <p> + ‘The most gracious lady, Queen of queens,’ replied Keferinis, very + mysteriously, ‘has at this time many thoughts.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If she require any aid,’ said Fakredeen, ‘there is not a musket in + Lebanon that is not at her service.’ + </p> + <p> + Keferinis bent his head, and said, ‘It is not in any way to be disputed + that there are subjects which require for their management the application + of a certain degree of force, and the noble Emir of the Lebanon has + expressed himself in that sense with the most exact propriety; there are + also subjects which are regulated by the application of a certain number + of words, provided they were well chosen, and distinguished by an + inestimable exactitude. It does not by any means follow that from what has + occurred there will be sanguinary encounters between the people of the + gracious lady, Queen of queens, and those that dwell in plains and cities; + nor can it be denied that war is a means by which many things are brought + to a final conjuncture. At the same time courtesy has many charms, even + for the Turks, though it is not to be denied, or in any way concealed, + that a Turk, especially if he be a pasha, is, of all obscene and utter + children of the devil, the most entirely contemptible and thoroughly to be + execrated.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I were the Queen, I would not give up the harem,’ said Fakredeen; ‘and + I would bring affairs to a crisis. The garrison at Aleppo is not strong; + they have been obliged to march six regiments to Deir el Kamar, and, + though affairs are comparatively tranquil in Lebanon for the moment, let + me send a pigeon to my cousin Francis El Kazin, and young Syria will get + up such a stir that old Wageah Pasha will not spare a single man. I will + have fifty bonfires on the mountain near Beiroot in one night, and Colonel + Rose will send off a steamer to Sir Canning to tell him there is a revolt + in the Lebanon, with a double despatch for Aberdeen, full of smoking + villages and slaughtered women!’ and the young Emir inhaled his nargileh + with additional zest as he recollected the triumphs of his past + mystifications. + </p> + <p> + At sunset it was announced to the travellers that the Queen would receive + them. Astarte appeared much gratified by their return, was very gracious, + although in a different way, to both of them, inquired much as to what + they had seen and what they had done, with whom they had conversed, and + what had been said. At length she observed, ‘Something has also happened + at Gindarics in your absence, noble princes. Last night they brought part + of a harem of the Pasha of Aleppo captive hither. This may lead to + events.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have already ventured to observe to the lordly Keferinis,’ said + Fakredeen, ‘that every lance in the Lebanon is at your command, gracious + Queen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have lances,’ said Astarte; ‘it is not of that I was thinking. Nor + indeed do I care to prolong a quarrel for this capture. If the Pasha will + renounce the tribute of the villages, I am for peace; if he will not, we + will speak of those things of which there has been counsel between us. I + do not wish this affair of the harem to be mixed up with what has preceded + it. My principal captive is a most beautiful woman, and one, too, that + greatly interests and charms me. She is not a Turk, but, I apprehend, a + Christian lady of the cities. She is plunged in grief, and weeps sometimes + with so much bitterness that I quite share her sorrow; but it is not so + much because she is a captive, but because some one, who is most dear to + her, has been slain in this fray. I have visited her, and tried to console + her; and begged her to forget her grief and become my companion. But + nothing soothes her, and tears flow for ever from eyes which are the most + beautiful I ever beheld.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is the land of beautiful eyes,’ said Tancred, and Astarte almost + unconsciously glanced at the speaker. + </p> + <p> + Cypros, who had quitted the attendant maidens immediately on the entrance + of the two princes, after an interval, returned. There was some excitement + on her countenance as she approached her mistress, and addressed Astarte + in a hushed but hurried tone. It seemed that the fair captive of the Queen + of the Ansarey had most unexpectedly expressed to Cypros her wish to + repair to the divan of the Queen, although, the whole day, she had + frequently refused to descend. Cypros feared that the presence of the two + guests of her mistress might prove an obstacle to the fulfilment of this + wish, as the freedom of social intercourse that prevailed among the + Ansarey was unknown even among the ever-veiled women of the Maronites and + Druses. But the fair captive had no prejudices on this head, and Cypros + had accordingly descended to request the royal permission, or consult the + royal will. Astarte spoke to Keferinis, who listened with an air of great + profundity, and finally bowed assent, and Cypros retired. + </p> + <p> + Astarte had signified to Tancred her wish that he should approach her, + while Keferinis at some distance was engaged in earnest conversation with + Fakredeen, with whom he had not had previously the opportunity of being + alone. His report of all that had transpired in his absence was highly + favourable. The minister had taken the opportunity of the absence of the + Emir and his friend to converse often and amply about them with the Queen. + The idea of an united Syria was pleasing to the imagination of the young + sovereign. The suggestion was eminently practicable. It required no + extravagant combinations, no hazardous chances of fortune, nor fine + expedients of political skill. A union between Fakredeen and Astarte at + once connected the most important interests of the mountains without + exciting the alarm or displeasure of other powers. The union was as + legitimate as it would ultimately prove irresistible. It ensured a + respectable revenue and a considerable force; and, with prudence and + vigilance, the occasion would soon offer to achieve all the rest. On the + next paroxysm in the dissolving empire of the Ottomans, the plain would be + occupied by a warlike population descending from the mountains that + commanded on one side the whole Syrian coast, and on the other all the + inland cities from Aleppo to Damascus. + </p> + <p> + The eye of the young Emir glittered with triumph as he listened to the + oily sentences of the eunuch. ‘Lebanon,’ he whispered, ‘is the key of + Syria, my Keferinis, never forget that; and we will lock up the land. Let + us never sleep till this affair is achieved. You think she does not dream + of a certain person, eh? I tell you, he must go, or we must get rid of + him: I fear him not, but he is in the way; and the way should be smooth as + the waters of El Arish. Remember the temple to the Syrian goddess at Deir + el Kamar, my Keferinis! The religion is half the battle. How I shall + delight to get rid of my bishops and those accursed monks: drones, + drivellers, bigots, drinking my golden wine of Canobia, and smoking my + delicate Latakia. You know not Canobia, Keferinis; but you have heard of + it. You have been at Bted-deen? Well, Bteddeen to Canobia is an Arab moon + to a Syrian sun. The marble alone at Canobia cost a million of piastres. + The stables are worthy of the steeds of Solomon. You may kill anything you + like in the forest, from panthers to antelopes. Listen, my Keferinis, let + this be done, and done quickly, and Canobia is yours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you ever dream?’ said Astrate to Tancred. ‘They say that life is a + dream.’ ‘I sometimes wish it were. Its pangs are too acute for a shadow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you have no pangs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I had a dream when you were away, in which I was much alarmed,’ said + Astarte. ‘Indeed!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought that Gindarics was taken by the Jews. I suppose you have talked + of them to me so much that my slumbering memory wandered.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a resistless and exhaustless theme,’ said Tancred; ‘for the + greatness and happiness of everything, Gindarics included, are comprised + in the principles of which they were the first propagators.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nevertheless, I should be sorry if my dream came to be true,’ said + Astarte. + </p> + <p> + ‘May your dreams be as bright and happy as your lot, royal lady!’ said + Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘My lot is not bright and happy,’ said the Queen; ‘once I thought it was, + but I think so no longer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But why?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish you could have a dream and find out,’ said the Queen. ‘Disquietude + is sometimes as perplexing as pleasure. Both come and go like birds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Like the pigeon you sent to Damascus,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! why did I send it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because you were most gracious, lady.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because I was very rash, noble prince.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When the great deeds are done to which this visit will lead, you will not + think so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not born for great deeds; I am a woman, and I am content with + beautiful ones.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You still dream of the Syrian goddess,’ said Tan-cred. + </p> + <p> + ‘No; not of the Syrian goddess. Tell me: they say the Hebrew women are + very lovely, is it so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They have that reputation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But do you think so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have known some distinguished for their beauty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do they resemble the statue in our temple?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Their style is different,’ said Tancred; ‘the Greek and the Hebrew are + both among the highest types of the human form.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you prefer the Hebrew?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not so discriminating a critic,’ said Tancred; ‘I admire the + beautiful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, here comes my captive,’ said the Queen; ‘if you like, you shall + free her, for she wonderfully takes me. She is a Georgian, I suppose, and + bears the palm from all of us. I will not presume to contend with her: she + would vanquish, perhaps, even that fair Jewess of whom, I hear, you are so + enamoured.’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred started, and would have replied, but Cypros advanced at this + moment with her charge, who withdrew her veil as she seated herself, as + commanded, before the Queen. She withdrew her veil, and Fakredeen and + Tancred beheld Eva! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Eva a Captive</i> +</pre> + <p> + IN ONE of a series of chambers excavated in the mountains, yet connected + with the more artificial portion of the palace, chambers and galleries + which in the course of ages had served for many purposes, sometimes of + security, sometimes of punishment; treasuries not unfrequently, and + occasionally prisons; in one of these vast cells, feebly illumined from + apertures above, lying on a rude couch with her countenance hidden, + motionless and miserable, was the beautiful daughter of Besso, one who had + been bred in all the delights of the most refined luxury, and in the + enjoyment of a freedom not common in any land, and most rare among the + Easterns. + </p> + <p> + The events of her life had been so strange and rapid during the last few + days that, even amid her woe, she revolved in her mind their startling + import. It was little more than ten days since, under the guardianship of + her father, she had commenced her journey from Damascus to Aleppo. When + they had proceeded about half way, they were met at the city of Horns by a + detachment of Turkish soldiers, sent by the Pasha of Aleppo, at the + request of Hillel Besso, to escort them, the country being much troubled + in consequence of the feud with the Ansarey. Notwithstanding these + precautions, and although, from the advices they received, they took a + circuitous and unexpected course, they were attacked by the mountaineers + within half a day’s journey of Aleppo; and with so much strength and + spirit, that their guards, after some resistance, fled and dispersed, + while Eva and her attendants, after seeing her father cut down in her + defence, was carried a prisoner to Gindarics. + </p> + <p> + Overwhelmed by the fate of her father, she was at first insensible to her + own, and was indeed so distracted that she delivered herself up to + despair. She was beginning in some degree to collect her senses, and to + survey her position with some comparative calmness, when she learnt from + the visit of Cypros that Fakredeen and Tancred were, by a strange + coincidence, under the same roof as herself. Then she recalled the kind + sympathy and offers of consolation that had been evinced and proffered to + her by the mistress of the castle, to whose expressions at the time she + had paid but an imperfect attention. Under these circumstances she + earnestly requested permission to avail herself of a privilege, which had + been previously offered and refused, to become the companion, rather than + the captive, of the Queen of the Ansarey; so that she might find some + opportunity of communicating with her two friends, of inquiring about her + father, and of consulting with them as to the best steps to be adopted in + her present exigency. + </p> + <p> + The interview, from which so much was anticipated, had turned out as + strange and as distressful as any of the recent incidents to which it was + to have brought balm and solace. Recognised instantly by Tancred and the + young Emir, and greeted with a tender respect, almost equal to the + surprise and sorrow which they felt at beholding her, Astarte, hitherto so + unexpectedly gracious to her captive, appeared suddenly agitated, excited, + haughty, even hostile. The Queen had immediately summoned Fakredeen to her + side, and there passed between them some hurried and perturbed + explanations; subsequently she addressed some inquiries to Tancred, to + which he replied without reserve. Soon afterwards, Astarte, remaining + intent and moody, the court was suddenly broken up; Keferinis signifying + to the young men that they should retire, while Astarte, without bestowing + on them her usual farewell, rose, and, followed by her maidens, quitted + the chamber. As for Eva, instead of returning to one of the royal + apartments which had been previously allotted to her, she was conducted to + what was in fact a prison. + </p> + <p> + There she had passed the night and a portion of the ensuing day, visited + only by Cypros, who, when Eva would have inquired the cause of all this + mysterious cruelty and startling contrast to the dispositions which had + preceded it, only shook her head and pressed her finger to her lip, to + signify the impossibility of her conversing with her captive. + </p> + <p> + It was one of those situations where the most gifted are deserted by their + intelligence; where there is as little to guide as to console; where the + mystery is as vast as the misfortune; and the tortured apprehension finds + it impossible to grapple with irresistible circumstances. + </p> + <p> + In this state, the daughter of Besso, plunged in a dark reverie, in which + the only object visible to her mind’s eye was the last glance of her dying + father, was roused from her approaching stupor by a sound, distinct, yet + muffled, as if some one wished to attract her attention, without startling + her by too sudden an interruption. She looked up; again she heard the + sound, and then, in a whispered tone, her name—— + </p> + <p> + ‘Eva!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush!’ said a figure, stealing into the caverned chamber, and then + throwing off his Syrian cloak, revealing to her one whom she recognised. + </p> + <p> + ‘Fakredeen,’ she said, starting from her couch, ‘what is all this?’ + </p> + <p> + The countenance of Fakredeen was distressed and agitated; there was an + expression of alarm, almost of terror, stamped upon his features. + </p> + <p> + ‘You must follow me,’ he said; ‘there is not a moment to lose; you must + fly!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why and whither?’ said Eva. ‘This capture is one of plunder not of + malice, or was so a few hours back. It is not sorrow for myself that + overwhelmed me. But yesterday, the sovereign of these mountains treated me + with a generous sympathy, and, if it brought me no solace, it was only + because events have borne, I fear, irremediable woe. And now I suddenly + find myself among my friends; friends, who, of all others, I should most + have wished to encounter at this moment, and all is changed. I am a + prisoner, under every circumstance of harshness, even of cruelty, and you + speak to me as if my life, my immediate existence, was in peril.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But why?’ + </p> + <p> + Fakredeen wrung his hands, and murmured, ‘Let us go.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I scarcely care to live,’ said Eva; ‘and I will not move until you give + me some clue to all this mystery.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then, she is jealous of you; the Queen, Astarte; she is jealous of + you with the English prince, that man who has brought us all so many + vexations.’ ‘Is it he that has brought us so many vexations?’ replied Eva. + ‘The Queen jealous of me, and with the English prince! ‘Tis very strange. + We scarcely exchanged a dozen sentences together, when all was disturbed + and broken up. Jealous of me! Why, then, was she anxious that I should + descend to her divan? This is not the truth, Fakredeen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not all; but it is the truth; it is, indeed. The Queen is jealous of you: + she is in love with Tancred; a curse be on him and her both! and somebody + has told her that Tancred is in love with you.’ ‘Somebody! When did they + tell her?’ ‘Long ago; long ago. She knew, that is, she had been told, that + Tancred was affianced to the daughter of Besso of Damascus; and so this + sudden meeting brought about a crisis. I did what I could to prevent it; + vowed that you were only the cousin of the Besso that she meant; did + everything, in short, I could to serve and save you; but it was of no use. + She was wild, is wild, and your life is in peril.’ + </p> + <p> + Eva mused a moment. Then, looking up, she said, ‘Fakredeen, it is you who + told the Queen this story. You are the somebody who has invented this + fatal falsehood. What was your object I care not to inquire, knowing full + well, that, if you had an object, you never would spare friend or foe. + Leave me. I have little wish to live; but I believe in the power of truth. + I will confront the Queen and tell her all. She will credit what I say; if + she do not, I can meet my fate; but I will not, now or ever, entrust it to + you.’ + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Fakredeen burst into a flood of passionate tears, and, throwing + himself on the ground, kissed Eva’s feet, and clung to her garments which + he embraced, sobbing, and moaning, and bestowing on her endless phrases of + affection, mixed with imprecations on his own head and conduct. + </p> + <p> + ‘O Eva! my beloved Eva, sister of my soul, it is of no use telling you any + lies! Yes, I am that villain and that idiot who has brought about all this + misery, misery enough to turn me mad, and which, by a just retribution, + has destroyed all the brilliant fortunes which were at last opening on me. + This Frank stranger was the only bar to my union with the sovereign of + these mountains, whose beauty you have witnessed, whose power, combined + with my own, would found a kingdom. I wished to marry her. You cannot be + angry with me, Eva, for that. You know very well that, if you had married + me yourself, we should neither of us have been in the horrible situation + in which we now find ourselves. Ah! that would have been a happy union! + But let that pass. I have always been the most unfortunate of men; I have + never had justice done me. Well, she loved this prince of Franguestan. I + saw it; nothing escapes me. I let her know that he was devoted to another. + Why I mentioned your name I cannot well say; perhaps because it was the + first that occurred to me; perhaps because I have a lurking suspicion that + he really does love you. The information worked. + </p> + <p> + My own suit prospered. I bribed her minister. He is devoted to me. All was + smiling. How could I possibly have anticipated that you would ever arrive + here! When I saw you, I felt that all was lost. I endeavoured to rally + affairs, but it was useless. Tan-cred has no finesse; his replies + neutralised, nay, destroyed, all my counter representations. The Queen is + a whirlwind. She is young; she has never been crossed in her life. You + cannot argue with her when her heart is touched. In short, all is ruined;’ + and Fakredeen hid his weeping face in the robes of Eva. ‘What misery you + prepare for yourself, and for all who know you!’ exclaimed Eva. ‘But that + has happened which makes me insensible to further grief.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; but listen to what I say, and all will go right. I do not care in + the least for my own disappointment. That now is nothing. It is you, it is + of you only that I think, whom I wish to save. Do not chide me: pardon me, + pardon me, as you have done a thousand times; pardon and pity me. I am so + young and really so inexperienced; after all, I am only a child; besides, + I have not a friend in the world except you. I am a villain, a fool; all + villains are. I know it. But I cannot help it. I did not make myself. The + question now is, How are we to get out of this scrape? How are we to save + your life?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you really mean, Fakredeen, that my life is in peril?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I do,’ said the Emir, crying like a child. + </p> + <p> + ‘You do not know the power of truth, Fakredeen. You have no confidence in + it. Let me see the Queen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Impossible!’ he said, starting up, and looking very much alarmed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because, in the first place, she is mad. Keferinis, that is, her + minister, one of my creatures, and the only person who can manage her, + told me this moment that it was a perfect Kamsin, and that, if he + approached her again, it would be at his own risk; and, in the second + place, bad as things are, they would necessarily be much worse if she saw + you, because (and it is of no use concealing it any longer) she thinks you + already dead.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dead! Already dead!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And where is your friend and companion?’ said Eva. ‘Does he know of these + horrors?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No one knows of them except myself. The Queen sent for me last night to + speak to me of the subject generally. It was utterly vain to attempt to + disabuse her; it would only have compromised all of us. She would only + have supposed the truth to be an invention for the moment. I found your + fate sealed. In my desperation, the only thing that occurred to me was to + sympathise with her indignation and approve of all her projects. She + apprised me that you should not live four-and-twenty hours. I rather + stimulated her vengeance, told her in secresy that your house had nearly + effected my ruin, and that there was no sacrifice I would not make, and no + danger that I would not encounter, to wreak on your race my long-cherished + revenge. I assured her that I had been watching my opportunity for years. + Well, you see how it is, Eva; she consigned to me the commission which she + would have whispered to one of her slaves. I am here with her cognisance; + indeed, by this time she thinks ‘tis all over. You comprehend?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are to be my executioner?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; I have undertaken that office in order to save your life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I care not to save my life. What is life to me, since he perhaps is gone + who gave me that life, and for whom alone I lived!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Eva! Eva! don’t distract me; don’t drive me absolutely mad! When a man + is doing what I am for your sake, giving up a kingdom, and more than a + kingdom, to treat him thus! But you never did me justice.’ And Fakredeen + poured forth renewed tears. ‘Keferinis is in my pay; I have got the signet + of the covered way. Here are two Mamlouk dresses; one you must put on. + ‘Without the gates are two good steeds, and in eight-and-forty hours we + shall be safe, and smiling again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall never smile again,’ said Eva. ‘No, Fakredeen,’ she added, after a + moment’s pause, ‘I will not fly, and you cannot fly. Can you leave alone + in this wild place that friend, too faithful, I believe, whom you have + been the means of leading hither?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind him,’ said the Emir. ‘I wish we had never seen him. He is + quite safe. She may keep him a prisoner perhaps. What then? He makes so + discreet a use of his liberty that a little durance will not be very + injurious. His life will be safe enough. Cutting off his head is not the + way to gain his heart. But time presses. Come, my sister, my beloved Eva! + In a few hours it may not be in my power to effect all this. Come, think + of your father, of his anxiety, his grief. One glimpse of you will do him + more service than the most cunning leech.’ + </p> + <p> + Eva burst into passionate tears. ‘He will never see us again. I saw him + fall; never shall I forget that moment!’ and she hid her face in her + hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘But he lives,’ said Fakredeen. ‘I have been speaking to some of the + Turkish prisoners. They also saw him fall; but he was borne off the field, + and, though insensible, it was believed that the wound was not fatal. + Trust me, he is at Aleppo.’ ‘They saw him borne off the field?’ ‘Safe, + and, if not well, far from desperate.’ ‘O God of my fathers!’ said Eva, + falling on her knees; ‘thine is indeed a mercy-seat!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes; there is nothing like the God of your fathers, Eva. If you knew + the things that are going on in this place, even in these vaults and + caverns, you would not tarry here an instant. They worship nothing but + graven images, and the Queen has fallen in love with Tancred, because he + resembles a marble statue older than the times of the pre-Adamite Sultans. + Come, come!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But how could they know that he was far from desperate?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will show you the man who spoke to him,’ said Fakredeen; ‘he is only + with our horses. You can ask him any questions you like. Come, put on your + Mamlouk dress, every minute is golden.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There seems to me something base in leaving him here alone,’ said Eva. + ‘He has eaten our salt, he is the child of our tents, his blood will be + upon our heads.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then, fly for his sake,’ said Fakredeen; ‘here you cannot aid him; + but when you are once in safety, a thousand things may be done for his + assistance. I could return, for example.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, Fakredeen,’ said Eva, stopping him, and speaking in a solemn tone, + ‘if I accompany you, as you now require, will you pledge me your word, + that the moment we pass the frontier you will return to him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I swear it, by our true religion, and by my hopes of an earthly crown.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0057" id="link2HCH0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Message of the Pasha</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE sudden apparition of Eva at Gindarics, and the scene of painful + mystery by which it was followed, had plunged Tancred into the greatest + anxiety and affliction. It was in vain that, the moment they had quitted + the presence of Astarte, he appealed to Fakredeen for some explanation of + what had occurred, and for some counsel as to the course they should + immediately pursue to assist one in whose fate they were both so deeply + interested. The Emir, for the first time since their acquaintance, seemed + entirely to have lost himself. He looked perplexed, almost stunned; his + language was incoherent, his gestures those of despair. Tancred, while he + at once ascribed all this confused demeanour to the shock which he had + himself shared at finding the daughter of Besso a captive, and a captive + under circumstances of doubt and difficulty, could not reconcile such + distraction, such an absence of all resources and presence of mind, with + the exuberant means and the prompt expedients which in general were the + characteristics of his companion, under circumstances the most difficult + and unforeseen. + </p> + <p> + When they had reached their apartments, Fakredeen threw himself upon the + divan and moaned, and, suddenly starting from the couch, paced the chamber + with agitated step, wringing his hands. All that Tan-cred could extract + from him was an exclamation of despair, an imprecation on his own head, + and an expression of fear and horror at Eva having fallen into the hands + of pagans and idolaters. + </p> + <p> + It was in vain also that Tancred endeavoured to communicate with + Keferinis. The minister was invisible, not to be found, and the night + closed in, when Tancred, after fruitless counsels with Baroni, and many + united but vain efforts to open some communication with Eva, delivered + himself not to repose, but to a distracted reverie over the present + harassing and critical affairs. + </p> + <p> + When the dawn broke, he rose and sought Fakredeen, but, to his surprise, + he found that his companion had already quitted his apartment. An unusual + stillness seemed to pervade Gindarics this day; not a person was visible. + Usually at sunrise all were astir, and shortly afterwards Keferinis + generally paid a visit to the guests of his sovereign; but this day + Keferinis omitted the ceremony, and Tancred, never more anxious for + companions and counsellors, found himself entirely alone; for Baroni was + about making observations, and endeavouring to find some clue to the + position of Eva. + </p> + <p> + Tancred had resolved, the moment that it was practicable, to solicit an + audience of Astarte on the subject of Eva, and to enter into all the + representations respecting her which, in his opinion, were alone necessary + to secure for her immediately the most considerate treatment, and + ultimately a courteous release. + </p> + <p> + The very circumstance that she was united to the Emir of Canobia by ties + so dear and intimate, and was also an individual to whom he himself was + indebted for such generous aid and such invaluable services, would, he of + course assumed, independently of her own interesting personal qualities, + enlist the kind feelings of Astarte in her favour. The difficulty was to + obtain this audience of Astarte, for neither Fakredeen nor Keferinis was + to be found, and no other means of achieving the result were obvious. + </p> + <p> + About two hours before noon, Baroni brought word that he had contrived to + see Cypros, from whom he gathered that Astarte had repaired to the great + temple of the gods. Instantly, Tancred resolved to enter the palace, and + if possible to find his way to the mysterious sanctuary. That was a course + by no means easy; but the enterprising are often fortunate, and his + project proved not to be impossible. He passed through the chambers of the + palace, which were entirely deserted, and with which he was familiar, and + he reached without difficulty the portal of bronze, which led to the + covered way that conducted to the temple, but it was closed. Baffled and + almost in despair, a distant chorus reached his ear, then the tramp of + feet, and then slowly the portal opened. He imagined that the Queen was + returning; but, on the contrary, pages and women and priests swept by + without observing him, for he was hidden by one of the opened valves, but + Astarte was not there; and, though the venture was rash, Tancred did not + hesitate, as the last individual in the procession moved on, to pass the + gate. The portal shut instantly with a clang, and Tancred found himself + alone and in comparative darkness. His previous experience, however, + sustained him. His eye, fresh from the sunlight, at first wandered in + obscurity, but by degrees, habituated to the atmosphere, though dim, the + way was sufficiently indicated, and he advanced, till the light became + each step more powerful, and soon he emerged upon the platform, which + faced the mountain temple at the end of the ravine: a still and wondrous + scene, more striking now, if possible, when viewed alone, with his heart + the prey of many emotions. How full of adventure is life! It is monotonous + only to the monotonous. There may be no longer fiery dragons, magic rings, + or fairy wands, to interfere in its course and to influence our career; + but the relations of men are far more complicated and numerous than of + yore; and in the play of the passions, and in the devices of creative + spirits, that have thus a proportionately greater sphere for their action, + there are spells of social sorcery more potent than all the necromancy of + Merlin or Friar Bacon. + </p> + <p> + Tancred entered the temple, the last refuge of the Olympian mind. It was + race that produced these inimitable forms, the idealised reflex of their + own peculiar organisation. Their principles of art, practised by a + different race, do not produce the same results. Yet we shut our eyes to + the great truth into which all truths merge, and we call upon the Pict, or + the Sarmatian, to produce the forms of Phidias and Praxiteles. + </p> + <p> + Not devoid of that awe which is caused by the presence of the solemn and + the beautiful, Tancred slowly traced his steps through the cavern + sanctuary. No human being was visible. Upon his right was the fane to + which Astarte led him on his visit of initiation. He was about to enter + it, when, kneeling before the form of the Apollo of Antioch, he beheld the + fair Queen of the Ansarey, motionless and speechless, her arms crossed + upon her breast, and her eyes fixed upon her divinity, in a dream of + ecstatic devotion. + </p> + <p> + The splendour of the ascending sun fell full upon the statue, suffusing + the ethereal form with radiancy, and spreading around it for some space a + broad and golden halo. As Tancred, recognising the Queen, withdrew a few + paces, his shadow, clearly defined, rested on the glowing wall of the rock + temple. Astarte uttered an exclamation, rose quickly from her kneeling + position, and, looking round, her eyes met those of Lord Montacute. + Instantly she withdrew her gaze, blushing deeply. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was about to retire,’ murmured Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘And why should you retire?’ said Astarte, in a soft voice, looking up. + </p> + <p> + ‘There are moments when solitude is sacred.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am too much alone: often, and of late especially, I feel a painful + isolation.’ + </p> + <p> + She moved forward, and they re-entered together the chief temple, and then + emerged into the sunlight. They stood beneath the broad Ionic portico, + beholding the strange scene around. Then it was that Tancred, observing + that Astarte cared not to advance, and deeming the occasion very + favourable to his wishes, proceeded to explain to her the cause of his + venturing to intrude on her this morning. He spoke with that earnestness, + and, if the phrase may be used, that passionate repose, which + distinguished him. He enlarged on the character of Besso, his great + virtues, his amiable qualities, his benevolence and unbounded generosity; + he sought in every way to engage the kind feelings of Astarte in favour of + his family, and to interest her in the character of Eva, on which he + dilated with all the eloquence of his heart. Truly, he almost did justice + to her admirable qualities, her vivid mind, and lofty spirit, and heroic + courage; the occasion was too delicate to treat of the personal charms of + another woman, but he did not conceal his own deep sense of obligation to + Eva for her romantic expedition to the desert in his behalf. + </p> + <p> + ‘You can understand then,’ concluded Tancred, ‘what must have been my + astonishment and grief when I found her yesterday a captive. It was some + consolation to me to remember in whose power she had fallen, and I hasten + to throw myself at your feet to supplicate for her safety and her + freedom.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I can understand all this,’ said Astarte, in a low tone. + </p> + <p> + Tancred looked at her. Her voice had struck him with pain; her countenance + still more distressed him. Nothing could afford a more complete contrast + to the soft and glowing visage that a few moments before he had beheld in + the fane of Apollo. She was quite pale, almost livid; her features, of + exquisite shape, had become hard and even distorted; all the bad passions + of our nature seemed suddenly to have concentred in that face which + usually combined perfect beauty of form with an expression the most + gentle, and in truth most lovely. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I can understand all this,’ said Astarte, ‘but I shall not exercise + any power which I may possess to assist you in violating the laws of your + country, and outraging the wishes of your sovereign.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Violating the laws of my country!’ exclaimed Tancred, with a perplexed + look. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I know all. Your schemes truly are very heroic and very flattering + to our self-love. We are to lend our lances to place on the throne of + Syria one who would not be permitted to reside in your own country, much + less to rule in it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of whom, of what, do you speak?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I speak of the Jewess whom you would marry,’ said Astarte, in a hushed + yet distinct voice, and with a fell glance, ‘against all laws, divine and + human.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of your prisoner?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well you may call her my prisoner; she is secure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it possible you can believe that I even am a suitor of the daughter of + Besso?’ said Tancred, earnestly. ‘I wear the Cross, which is graven on my + heart, and have a heavenly mission to fulfil, from which no earthly + thought shall ever distract me. But even were I more than sensible to her + charms and virtues, she is affianced, or the same as affianced; nor have I + the least reason to suppose that he who will possess her hand does not + command her heart.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Affianced?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not only affianced, but, until this sad adventure, on the very point of + being wedded. She was on her way from Damascus to Aleppo, to be united to + her cousin, when she was brought hither, where she will, I trust, not long + remain your prisoner.’ + </p> + <p> + The countenance of Astarte changed; but, though it lost its painful and + vindictive expression, it did not assume one of less distress. After a + moment’s pause, she murmured, ‘Can this be true?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who could have told you otherwise?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An enemy of hers, of her family,’ continued Astarte, in a low voice, and + speaking as if absorbed in thought; ‘one who admitted to me his + long-hoarded vengeance against her house.’ + </p> + <p> + Then turning abruptly, she looked Tancred full in the face, with a glance + of almost fierce scrutiny. His clear brow and unfaltering eye, with an + expression of sympathy and even kindness on his countenance, met her + searching look. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ she said; ‘it is impossible that you can be false.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why should I be false? or what is it that mixes up my name and life with + these thoughts and circumstances?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why should you be false? Ah! there it is,’ said Astarte, in a sweet and + mournful voice. ‘What are any of us to you!’ And she wept. + </p> + <p> + ‘It grieves me to see you in sorrow,’ said Tancred, approaching her, and + speaking in a tone of kindness. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am more than sorrowful: this unhappy lady——’ and the voice + of Astarte was overpowered by her emotion. + </p> + <p> + ‘You will send her back in safety and with honour to her family,’ said + Tancred, soothingly. ‘I would fain believe her father has not fallen. My + intendant assures me that there are Turkish soldiers here who saw him + borne from the field. A little time, and their griefs will vanish. You + will have the satisfaction of having acted with generosity, with that good + heart which characterises you; and as for the daughter of Besso, all will + be forgotten as she gives one hand to her father and the other to her + husband.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is too late,’ said Astarte in an almost sepulchral voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is too late! The daughter of Besso is no more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Jesu preserve us!’ exclaimed Tancred, starting. ‘Speak it again: what is + it that you say?’ + </p> + <p> + Astarte shook her head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Woman!’ said Tancred, and he seized her hand, but his thoughts were too + wild for utterance, and he remained pallid and panting. + </p> + <p> + ‘The daughter of Besso is no more; and I do not lament it, for you loved + her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, grief ineffable!’ said Tancred, with a groan, looking up to heaven, + and covering his face with his hands: ‘I loved her, as I loved the stars + and sunshine.’ Then, after a pause, he turned to Astarte, and said, in a + rapid voice, ‘This dreadful deed; when, how, did it happen?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it so dreadful?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Almost as dreadful as such words from woman’s lips. A curse be on the + hour that I entered these walls!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no!’ said Astarte, and she seized his arm distractedly. ‘No, no! + No curse!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not true!’ said Tancred. ‘It cannot be true! She is not dead.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would she were not, if her death is to bring me curses.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell me when was this?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An hour ago, at least.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not believe it. There is not an arm that would have dared to touch + her. Let us hasten to her. It is not too late.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas! it is too late,’ said Astarte. ‘It was an enemy’s arm that + undertook the deed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An enemy! What enemy among your people could the daughter of Besso have + found?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A deadly one, who seized the occasion offered to a long cherished + vengeance; one who for years has been alike the foe and the victim of her + race and house. There is no hope!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am indeed amazed. Who could this be?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your friend; at least, your supposed friend, the Emir of the Lebanon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fakredeen?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have said it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The assassin and the foe of Eva!’ exclaimed Tancred, with a countenance + relieved yet infinitely perplexed. ‘There must be some great misconception + in all this. Let us hasten to the castle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He solicited the office,’ said Astarte; ‘he wreaked his vengeance, while + he vindicated my outraged feelings.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By murdering his dearest friend, the only being to whom he is really + devoted, his more than friend, his foster-sister, nursed by the same + heart; the ally and inspiration of his life, to whom he himself was a + suitor, and might have been a successful one, had it not been for the + custom of her religion and her race, which shrink from any connection with + strangers and with Nazarenes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘His foster-sister!’ exclaimed Astarte. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Cypros appeared in the distance, hastening to Astarte with + an agitated air. Her looks were disturbed; she was almost breathless when + she reached them; she wrung her hands before she spoke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Royal lady!’ at length she said, ‘I hastened, as you instructed me, at + the appointed hour, to the Emir Fakredeen, but I learnt that he had + quitted the castle. + </p> + <p> + Then I repaired to the prisoner; but, woe is me! she is not to be found.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not to be found!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The raiment that she wore is lying on the floor of her prison. Methinks + she has fled.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She has fled with him who was false to us all,’ said Astarte, ‘for it was + the Emir of the Lebanon who long ago told me that you were affianced to + the daughter of Besso, and who warned me against joining in any enterprise + which was only to place upon the throne of Syria one whom the laws of your + own country would never recognise as your wife.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Intriguer!’ said Tancred. ‘Vile and inveterate intriguer!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is well,’ said Astarte. ‘My spirit is more serene.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would that Eva were with any one else!’ said Tancred, thoughtfully, and + speaking, as it were, to himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your thoughts are with the daughter of Besso,’ said Astarte. ‘You wish to + follow her, to guard her, to restore her to her family.’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred looked round and caught the glance of the Queen of the Ansarey, + mortified, yet full of affection. + </p> + <p> + ‘It seems to me,’ he said, ‘that it is time for me to terminate a visit + that has already occasioned you, royal lady, too much vexation.’ + </p> + <p> + Astarte burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me go,’ she said, ‘you want a throne; this is a rude one, yet accept + it. You require warriors, the Ansarey are invincible. My castle is not + like those palaces of Antioch of which we have often talked, and which + were worthy of you, but Gindarics is impregnable, and will serve you for + your headquarters until you conquer that world which you are born to + command.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been the unconscious agent in petty machinations,’ said Tancred. + ‘I must return to the desert to recover the purity of my mind. It is + Arabia alone that can regenerate the world.’ + </p> + <p> + At this moment Cypros, who was standing apart, waved her scarf, and + exclaimed, ‘Royal lady, I perceive in the distance the ever-faithful + messenger;’ whereupon Astarte looked up, and, as yet invisible to the + inexperienced glance of Tancred, recognised what was an infinitely small + dusky speck, each moment becoming more apparent, until at length a bird + was observed by all of them winging its way towards the Queen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it the ever-faithful Karaguus,’ said Astarte; ‘or is it Ruby-lips that + ever brings good news?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is Karaguus,’ said Cypros, as the bird drew nearer and nearer; ‘but it + is not Karaguus of Damascus. By the ring on its neck, it is Karaguus of + Aleppo.’ + </p> + <p> + The pigeon now was only a few yards above the head of the Queen. Fatigued, + but with an eye full of resolution, it fluttered for a moment, and then + fell upon her bosom. Cypros advanced and lifted its weary wing, and untied + the cartel which it bore, brief words, but full of meaning, and a terrible + interest. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Pasha, at the head of five thousand regular troops, leaves Haleb + to-morrow to invade our land.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Go,’ said Astarte to Tancred; ‘to remain here is now dangerous. Thanks to + the faithful messenger, you have time to escape with ease from that land + which you scorned to rule, and which loved you too well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot leave it in the hour of peril,’ said Tancred. ‘This invasion of + the Ottomans may lead to results of which none dream. I will meet them at + the head of your warriors!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0058" id="link2HCH0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Three Letters of Cabala</i> +</pre> + <p> + IS THERE any news?’ asked Adam Besso of Issachar, the son of Selim, the + most cunning leech at Aleppo, and who by day and by night watched the + couch which bore the suffering form of the pride and mainstay of the + Syrian Hebrews. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is news, but it has not yet arrived,’ replied Issachar, the son of + Selim, a man advanced in life, but hale, with a white beard, a bright eye, + and a benignant visage. + </p> + <p> + ‘There are pearls in the sea, but what are they worth?’ murmured Besso. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have taken a Cabala,’ said Issachar, the son of Selim, ‘and three times + that I opened the sacred book, there were three words, and the initial + letter of each word is the name of a person who will enter this room this + day, and every person will bring news.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But what news?’ sighed Besso. ‘The news of Tophet and of ten thousand + demons?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have taken a Cabala,’ said Issachar, the son of Selim, ‘and the news + will be good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To whom and from whom? Good to the Pasha, but not to me! good to the + people of Haleb, but not, perhaps, to the family of Besso.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God will guard over his own. In the meanwhile, I must replace this + bandage, noble Besso. Let me rest your arm upon this cushion and you will + endure less pain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas! worthy Issachar, I have wounds deeper than any you can probe.’ + </p> + <p> + The resignation peculiar to the Orientals had sustained Besso under his + overwhelming calamity. He neither wailed nor moaned. Absorbed in a + brooding silence, he awaited the result of the measures which had been + taken for the release of Eva, sustained by the chance of success, and + caring not to survive if encountering failure. The Pasha of Aleppo, long + irritated by the Ansarey, and meditating for some time an invasion of + their country, had been fired by the all-influential representations of + the family of Besso instantly to undertake a step which, although it had + been for some time contemplated, might yet, according to Turkish custom, + have been indefinitely postponed. Three regiments of the line, disciplined + in the manner of Europe, some artillery, and a strong detachment of + cavalry, had been ordered at once to invade the contiguous territory of + the Ansarey. Hillel Besso had accompanied the troops, leaving his uncle + under his paternal roof, disabled by his late conflict, but suffering from + wounds which in themselves were serious rather than perilous. + </p> + <p> + Four days had elapsed since the troops had quitted Aleppo. It was the part + of Hillel, before they had recourse to hostile movements, to obtain, if + possible, the restoration of the prisoners by fair means; nor were any + resources wanting to effect this purpose. A courier had arrived at Aleppo + from Hillel, apprising Adam Besso that the Queen of the Ansarey had not + only refused to give up the prisoners, but even declared that Eva had been + already released; but Hillel concluded that this was merely trifling. This + parleying had taken place on the border; the troops were about to force + the passes on the following day. + </p> + <p> + About an hour before sunset, on the very same day that Issachar, the son + of Selim, had taken more than one Cabala, some horsemen, in disorder, were + observed from the walls by the inhabitants of Aleppo, galloping over the + plain. They were soon recognised as the cavalry of the Pasha, the + irregular heralds, it was presumed, of a triumph achieved. Hillel Besso, + covered with sweat and dust, was among those who thus early arrived. He + hastened at a rapid pace through the suburb of the city, scattering random + phrases to those who inquired after intelligence as he passed, until he + reached the courtyard of his own house. + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis well,’ he observed, as he closed the gate. ‘A battle is a fine + thing, but, for my part, I am not sorry to find myself at home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is that?’ inquired Adam Besso, as a noise reached his ear. + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis the letter of the first Cabala,’ replied Issachar, the son of Selim. + </p> + <p> + ‘Uncle, it is I,’ said Hillel, advancing. + </p> + <p> + ‘Speak,’ said Adam Besso, in an agitated voice; ‘my sight is dark.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas, I am alone!’ said Hillel. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bury me in Jehoshaphat,’ murmured Besso, as he sank back. + </p> + <p> + ‘But, my uncle, there is hope.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Speak, then, of hope,’ replied Besso, with sudden vehemence, and starting + from his pillow. + </p> + <p> + ‘Truly I have seen a child of the mountains, who persists in the tale that + our Eva has escaped.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An enemy’s device! Are the mountains ours? Where are the troops?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Were the mountains ours, I should not be here, my uncle. Look from the + ramparts, and you will soon see the plain covered with the troops, at + least with all of them who have escaped the matchlocks and the lances of + the Ansarey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are they such sons of fire?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When the Queen of the Ansarey refused to deliver up the prisoners, and + declared that Eva was not in her power, the Pasha resolved to penetrate + the passes, in two detachments, on the following morning. The enemy was + drawn up in array to meet us, but fled after a feeble struggle. Our + artillery seemed to carry all before it. But,’ continued Hillel, shrugging + his shoulders, ‘war is not by any means a commercial transaction. It + seemed that, when we were on the point of victory, we were in fact + entirely defeated. The enemy had truly made a feigned defence, and had + only allured us into the passes, where they fired on us from the heights, + and rolled down upon our confused masses huge fragments of rock. Our + strength, our numbers, and our cannon, only embarrassed us; there arose a + confusion; the troops turned and retreated. And, when everything was in + the greatest perplexity, and we were regaining the plain, our rear was + pursued by crowds of cavalry, Kurds, and other Giaours, who destroyed our + men with their long lances, uttering horrible shouts. For my own part, I + thought all was over, but a good horse is not a bad thing, and I am here, + my uncle, having ridden for twenty hours, nearly, without a pause.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And when did you see this child of the mountains who spoke of the lost + one?’ asked Besso, in a low and broken voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘On the eve of the engagement,’ said Hillel. ‘He had been sent to me with + a letter, but, alas! had been plundered on his way by our troops, and the + letter had been destroyed or lost. Nevertheless, he induced them to permit + him to reach my tent, and brought these words, that the ever adorable had + truly quitted the mountains, and that the lost letter had been written to + that effect by the chieftain of the Ansarey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is there yet hope! What sound is that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis the letter of the second Cabala,’ said Issachar, the son of Selim. + </p> + <p> + And at this moment entered the chamber a faithful slave, who made signs to + the physician, upon which Issachar rose, and was soon engaged in earnest + conversation with him who had entered, Hillel tending the side of Besso. + After a few minutes, Issachar approached the couch of his patient, and + said, ‘Here is one, my lord and friend, who brings good tidings of your + daughter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God of my fathers!’ exclaimed Besso, passionately, and springing up. + </p> + <p> + ‘Still, we must be calm,’ said Issachar; ‘still, we must be calm.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me see him,’ said Besso. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is one you know, and know well,’ said Issachar. ‘It is the Emir + Fakredeen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The son of my heart,’ said Besso, ‘who brings me news that is honey in my + mouth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am here, my father of fathers,’ said Fakredeen, gliding to the side of + the couch. + </p> + <p> + Besso grasped his hand, and looked at him earnestly in the face. ‘Speak of + Eva,’ he at length said, in a voice of choking agitation. + </p> + <p> + ‘She is well, she is safe. Yes, I have saved her,’ said Fakredeen, burying + his face in the pillow, exhausted by emotion. ‘Yes, I have not lived in + vain.’ ‘Your flag shall wave on a thousand castles,’ said Besso. ‘My child + is saved, and she is saved by the brother of her heart. Entirely has the + God of our fathers guarded over us. Henceforth, my Fakredeen, you have + only to wish: we are the same.’ And Besso sank down almost insensible; + then he made a vain effort to rise again, murmuring ‘Eva!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She will soon be here,’ said Fakredeen; ‘she only rests awhile after many + hardships.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Will the noble Emir refresh himself after his long journey?’ said Hillel. + </p> + <p> + ‘My heart is too elate for the body to need relief,’ said the Emir. + </p> + <p> + ‘That may be very true,’ said Hillel. ‘At the same time, for my part, I + have always thought that the body should be maintained as well as the + spirit.’ ‘Withdraw from the side of the couch,’ said Issachar, the son of + Selim, to his companions. ‘My lord and friend has swooned.’ + </p> + <p> + Gradually the tide of life returned to Besso, gradually the heart beat, + the hand grew warm. At length he slowly opened his eyes, and said, ‘I have + been dreaming of my child, even now I see her.’ + </p> + <p> + Yes, so vivid had been the vision that even now, restored entirely to + himself, perfectly conscious of the locality and the circumstances that + surrounded him, knowing full well that he was in his brother’s house at + Aleppo, suffering and disabled, keenly recalling his recent interview with + Fakredeen, notwithstanding all these tests of inward and outward + perception, still before his entranced and agitated vision hovered the + lovely visage of his daughter, a little paler than usual, and an uncommon + anxiety blended with its soft expression, but the same rich eyes and fine + contour of countenance that her father had so often gazed on with pride, + and recalled in her absence with brooding fondness. ‘Even now I see her,’ + said Besso. + </p> + <p> + He could say no more, for the sweetest form in the world had locked him in + her arms. + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis the letter of the third Cabala,’ said Issachar, the son of Selim. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0059" id="link2HCH0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Tancred Returns to Jerusalem</i> +</pre> + <p> + TANCRED had profited by his surprise by the children of Rechab in the + passes of the Stony Arabia, and had employed the same tactics against the + Turkish force. By a simulated defence on the borders, and by the careful + dissemination of false intelligence, he had allowed the Pasha and his + troops to penetrate the mountains, and principally by a pass which the + Turks were assured by their spies that the Ansarey had altogether + neglected. The success of these manoeuvres had been as complete as the + discomfiture and rout of the Turks. Tancred, at the head of the cavalry, + had pursued them into the plain, though he had halted, for an instant, + before he quitted the mountains, to send a courier to Astarte from himself + with the assurance of victory, and the horsetails of the Pasha for a + trophy. + </p> + <p> + It so happened, however, that, while Tancred, with very few attendants, + was scouring the plain, and driving before him a panic-struck multitude, + who, if they could only have paused and rallied, might in a moment have + overwhelmed him, a strong body of Turkish cavalry, who had entered the + mountains by a different pass from that in which the principal engagement + had taken place, but who, learning the surprise and defeat of the main + body, had thought it wise to retreat in order and watch events, debouched + at this moment from the high country into the plain and in the rear of + Tancred. Had they been immediately recognised by the fugitives, it would + have been impossible for Tancred to escape; but the only impression of the + routed Turks was, that a reinforcement had joined their foe, and their + disorder was even increased by the appearance in the distance of their own + friends. This misapprehension must, however, in time, have been at least + partially removed; but Baroni, whose quick glance had instantly detected + the perilous incident, warned Tancred immediately. + </p> + <p> + ‘We are surrounded, my lord; there is only one course to pursue. To regain + the mountains is impossible; if we advance, we enter only a hostile + country, and must be soon overpowered. We must make for the Eastern + desert.’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred halted and surveyed the scene: he had with him not twenty men. The + Turkish cavalry, several hundreds strong, had discovered their quarry, and + were evidently resolved to cut off their retreat. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well,’ said Tancred, ‘we are well mounted, we must try the mettle of + our steeds. Farewell, Gindaricâ! Farewell, gods of Olympus! To the desert, + which I ought never to have quitted!’ and, so speaking, he and his band + dashed towards the East. + </p> + <p> + Their start was, so considerable that they baffled their pursuers, who, + however, did not easily relinquish their intended prey. Some shots in the + distance, towards nightfall, announced that the enemy had given up the + chase. After three hours of the moon, Tancred and his companions rested at + a well not far from a village, where they obtained some supplies. An hour + before dawn, they again pursued their way over a rich flat country, + uninclosed, yet partially cultivated, with, every now and then, a village + nestling in a jungle of Indian fig. + </p> + <p> + It was the commencement of December, and the country was very parched; but + the short though violent season of rain was at hand: this renovates in the + course of a week the whole face of Nature, and pours into little more than + that brief space the supplies which in other regions are distributed + throughout the year. On the third day, before sunset, the country having + gradually become desolate and deserted, consisting of vast plains covered + with herds, with occasionally some wandering Turkmans or Kurds, Tancred + and his companions came within sight of a broad and palmy river, a branch + of the Euphrates. + </p> + <p> + The country round, far as the eye could range, was a kind of downs covered + with a scanty herbage, now brown with heat and age. When Tancred had + gained an undulating height, and was capable of taking a more extensive + survey of the land, it presented, especially towards the south, the same + features through an illimitable space. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Syrian desert!’ said Baroni; ‘a fortnight later, and we shall see + this land covered with flowers and fragrant with aromatic herbs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My heart responds to it,’ said Tancred. ‘What is Damascus, with all its + sumptuousness, to this sweet liberty?’ + </p> + <p> + Quitting the banks of the river, they directed their course to the south, + and struck as it were into the heart of the desert; yet, on the morrow, + the winding waters again met them. And now there opened on their sight a + wondrous scene: as far as the eye could reach innumerable tents; strings + of many hundred camels going to, or returning from, the waters; groups of + horses picketed about; processions of women with vases on their heads + visiting the palmy banks; swarms of children and dogs; spreading flocks; + and occasionally an armed horseman bounding about the environs of the vast + encampment. + </p> + <p> + Although scarcely a man was visible when Tancred first caught a glimpse of + this Arabian settlement, a band of horsemen suddenly sprang from behind a + rising ground and came galloping up to them to reconnoitre and to inquire. + </p> + <p> + ‘We are brothers,’ said Baroni, ‘for who should be the master of so many + camels but the lord of the Syrian pastures?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is but one God,’ said the Bedouin, ‘and none are lords of the + Syrian pastures but the children of Rechab.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Truly, there is only one God,’ said Baroni; ‘go tell the great Sheikh + that his friend the English prince has come here to give him a salaam of + peace.’ + </p> + <p> + Away bounded back the Bedouins, and were soon lost in the crowded + distance. + </p> + <p> + ‘All is right,’ said Baroni; ‘we shall sup to-night under the pavilion of + Amalek.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I visit him then, at length, in his beautiful pastures,’ said Tancred; + ‘but, alas! I visit him alone.’ + </p> + <p> + They had pulled up their horses, and were proceeding leisurely towards the + encampment, when they observed a cavalcade emerging from the outer + boundary of the settlement. This was Amalek himself, on one of his steeds + of race, accompanied by several of his leading Sheikhs, coming to welcome + Tancred to his pavilion in the Syrian pastures. A joyful satisfaction + sparkled in the bright eyes of the old chieftain, as, at a little + distance, he waved his hand with graceful dignity, and then pressed it to + his heart. + </p> + <p> + ‘A thousand salaams,’ he exclaimed, when he had reached Tancred; ‘there is + but one God. I press you to my heart of hearts. There are also other + friends, but they are not here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Salaam, great Sheikh! I feel indeed we are brothers. There are friends of + whom we must speak, and indeed of many things.’ + </p> + <p> + Thus conversing and riding side by side, Amalek and Tancred entered the + camp. Nearly five thousand persons were collected together in this + wilderness, and two thousand warriors were prepared at a moment’s notice + to raise their lances in the air. There were nearly as many horses, and + ten times as many camels. This wilderness was the principal and favourite + resting-place of the great Sheikh of the children of Rechab, and the + abundant waters and comparatively rich pasturage permitted him to gather + around him a great portion of his tribe. + </p> + <p> + The lamps soon gleamed, and the fires soon blazed; sheep were killed, + bread baked, coffee pounded, and the pipe of honour was placed in the + hands of Tancred. For an Arabian revel, the banquet was long and rather + elaborate. By degrees, however, the guests stole away; the women ceased to + peep through the curtains; and the children left off asking Baroni to give + them backsheesh. At length, Amalek and Tancred being left alone, the great + Sheikh, who had hitherto evinced no curiosity as to the cause of the + presence of his guest, said, ‘There is a time for all things, for eating + and for drinking, also for prayers. There is, also, a season to ask + questions. Why is the brother of the Queen of the English in the Syrian + desert?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is much to tell, and much to inquire,’ said Tancred; ‘but before I + speak of myself, let me know whether you can get me tidings of Eva, the + daughter of Besso.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is she not living in rooms with many divans?’ said Amalek. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas!’ said Tancred, ‘she was a prisoner, and is now a fugitive.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What children of Gin have done this deed? Are there strange camels + drinking at my wells? Is it some accursed Kurd that has stolen her sheep; + or some Turkman, blacker than night, that has hankered after her + bracelets?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing of all this, yet more than all this. All shall be told to you, + great Sheikh, yet before I speak, tell me again, can you get me tidings of + Eva, the daughter of Besso?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Can I fire an arrow that will hit its mark?’ said Amalek; ‘tell me the + city of Syria where Eva the daughter of Besso may be found, and I will + send her a messenger that would reach her even in the bath, were she + there.’ + </p> + <p> + Tancred then gave the great Sheikh a rapid sketch of what had occurred to + Eva, and expressed his fear that she might have been intercepted by the + Turkish troops. Amalek decided that she must be at Aleppo, and, instantly + summoning one of his principal men, he gave instructions for the departure + of a trusty scout in that direction. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ere the tenth day shall have elapsed,’ said the great Sheikh, ‘we shall + have sure tidings. And now let me know, prince of England, by what strange + cause you could have found yourself in the regions of those children of + hell, the Ansarey, who, it is well known, worship Eblis in every obscene + form.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a long tale,’ said Tancred, ‘but I suppose it must be told; but now + that you have relieved my mind by sending to Aleppo, I can hardly forget + that I have ridden for more than three days, and with little pause. I am + not, alas! a true Arab, though I love Arabia and Arabian thoughts; and, + indeed, my dear friend, had we not met again, it is impossible to say what + might have been my lot, for I now feel that I could not have much longer + undergone the sleepless toil I have of late encountered. If Eva be safe, I + am content, or would wish to feel so; but what is content, and what is + life, and what is man? Indeed, great Sheikh, the longer I live and the + more I think——’ and here the chibouque dropped gently from + Tancred’s mouth, and he himself sunk upon the carpet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0060" id="link2HCH0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>The Road to Bethany</i> +</pre> + <p> + BESSO is better,’ said the Consul Pasqualigo to Barizy of the Tower, as he + met him on a December morning in the Via Dolorosa. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, but he is by no means well,’ quickly rejoined Barizy. ‘The physician + of the English prince told me——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has not seen the physician of the English prince!’ screamed + Pasqualigo, triumphantly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know that,’ said Barizy, rallying; ‘but the physician of the English + prince says for flesh-wounds——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are no flesh-wounds,’ said the Consul Pasqualigo. ‘They have all + healed; ‘tis an internal shock.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For internal shocks,’ said Barizy of the Tower, ‘there is nothing like + rosemary stewed with salt, and so keep on till it simmers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is very well for a bruise,’ said the Consul Pasqualigo. + </p> + <p> + ‘A bruise is a shock,’ said Barizy of the Tower. + </p> + <p> + ‘Besso should have remained at Aleppo,’ said the Consul. + </p> + <p> + ‘Besso always comes to Jerusalem when he is indisposed,’ said Barizy; ‘as + he well says, ‘tis the only air that can cure him; and, if he cannot be + cured, why, at least, he can be buried in the Valley of Je-hoshaphat.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is not at Jerusalem,’ said the Consul Pasqualigo, maliciously. + </p> + <p> + ‘How do you mean?’ said Barizy, somewhat confused. ‘I am now going to + inquire after him, and smoke some of his Latakia.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is at Bethany,’ said the Consul. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem!’ said Barizy, mysteriously. ‘Bethany! Will that marriage come off + now, think you? I always fancy, when, eh?——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She will not marry till her father has recovered,’ said the Consul. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is a curious story,’ said Barizy. ‘The regular troops beaten by the + Kurds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They were not Kurds,’ said the Consul Pasqualigo. ‘They were Russians in + disguise. Some cannon have been taken, which were cast at St. Petersburg; + and, besides, there is a portfolio of state papers found on a Cossack, + habited as a Turkman, which betrays all. The documents are to be published + in numbers, with explanatory commentaries. Consul-General Laurella writes + from Damascus that the Eastern question is more alive than ever. We are on + the eve of great events.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t say so?’ said Barizy of the Tower, losing his presence of mind + from this overwhelming superiority of information. ‘I always thought so. + Palmerston will never rest till he gets Jerusalem.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The English must have markets,’ said the Consul Pasqualigo. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very just,’ said Barizy of the Tower. ‘There will be a great opening + here. I think of doing a little myself in cottons; but the house of Besso + will monopolise everything.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think the English can do much here,’ said the Consul, shaking his + head. ‘What have we to give them in exchange? The people here had better + look to Austria, if they wish to thrive. The Austrians also have cottons, + and they are Christians. They will give you their cottons, and take your + crucifixes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think I can deal in crucifixes,’ said Barizy of the Tower. + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell you what, if you won’t, your cousin Barizy of the Gate will. I + know he has given a great order to Bethlehem.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The traitor!’ exclaimed Barizy of the Tower. ‘Well, if people will + purchase crucifixes and nothing else, they must be supplied. Commerce + civilises man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who is this?’ exclaimed the Consul Pasqualigo. + </p> + <p> + A couple of horsemen, well mounted, but travel-worn, and followed by a + guard of Bedouins, were coming up the Via Dolorosa, and stopped at the + house of Hassan Nejid. + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis the English prince,’ said Barizy of the Tower. ‘He has been absent + six months; he has been in Egypt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To see the temples of the fire-worshippers, and to shoot crocodiles. They + all do that,’ said the Consul Pasqualigo. + </p> + <p> + ‘How glad he must be to get back to Jerusalem,’ said Barizy of the Tower. + ‘There may be larger cities, but there are certainly none so beautiful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The most beautiful city in the world is the city of Venice,’ said + Pasqualigo. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have never been there,’ said Barizy. + </p> + <p> + ‘But it was built principally by my ancestors,’ said the Consul, ‘and I + have a print of it in my hall.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never heard that Venice was comparable to Jerusalem,’ said Barizy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Jerusalem is, in every respect, an abode fit for swine, compared with + Venice,’ said Pasqualigo. + </p> + <p> + ‘I would have you to know, Monsieur Pasqualigo, who call yourself consul, + that the city of Jerusalem is not only the city of God, but has ever been + the delight and pride of man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pish!’ said Pasqualigo. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poh!’ said Barizy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not at all surprised that Besso got out of it as soon as he possibly + could.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would not dare to say these things in his presence,’ said Barizy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who says “dare” to the representative of a European Power!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I say “dare” to the son of the janissary of the Austrian Vice-Consul at + Sidon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will hear more of this,’ said Pasqualigo, fiercely. ‘I shall make a + representation to the Inter-nonce at Stamboul.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You had better go there yourself, as you are tired of El Khuds.’ + </p> + <p> + Pasqualigo, not having a repartee ready, shot at his habitual comrade a + glance of withering contempt, and stalked away. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Tancred dismounted and entered for the first time his + house at Jerusalem, of which he had been the nominal tenant for half a + year. Baroni was quite at home, as he knew the house in old days, and had + also several times visited, on this latter occasion, the suite of Tancred. + Freeman and True-man, who had been forwarded on by the British Consul at + Beiroot, like bales of goods, were at their post, bowing as if their + master had just returned from a club. But none of the important members of + the body were at this moment at hand. Colonel Brace was dining with the + English Consul on an experimental plum-pudding, preliminary to the + authentic compound, which was to appear in a few days. It was supposed to + be the first time that a Christmas pudding had been concocted at + Jerusalem, and the excitement in the circle was considerable. The Colonel + had undertaken to supervise the preparation, and had been for several days + instilling the due instructions into a Syrian cook, who had hitherto only + succeeded in producing a result which combined the specific gravity of + lead with the general flavour and appearance of a mass of kneaded dates, + in a state of fermentation after a lengthy voyage. The Rev. Mr. Bernard + was at Bethlehem, assisting the Bishop in catechising some converts who + had passed themselves off as true children of Israel, but who were in + fact, older Christians than either of their examinants, being descendants + of some Nestorian families, who had settled in the south of Palestine in + the earlier ages of Christianity. As for Dr. Roby, he was culling simples + in the valley of the Jordan; and thus it happened that, when Tancred at + length did evince some disposition to settle down quietly under his own + roof, and avail himself of the services and society of his friends, not + one of them was present to receive and greet him. Tancred roamed about the + house, surveyed his court and garden, sighed, while Baroni rewarded and + dismissed their escort. ‘I know not how it is,’ he at length said to his + intendant, ‘but I never could have supposed that I could have felt so sad + and spiritless at Jerusalem.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the reaction, my lord, after a month’s wandering in the desert. It + is always so: the world seems tame.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am disappointed that Besso is not here. I am most anxious to see him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I send for the Colonel, my lord?’ said Baroni, shaking Tancred’s + Arabian cloak. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I think I should let him return naturally,’ said Tancred; ‘sending + for him is a scene; and I do not know why, Baroni, but I feel—I feel + unstrung. I am surprised that there are no letters from England; and yet I + am rather glad too, for a letter——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Received some months after its date,’ said Baroni, ‘is like the visit of + a spectre. I shudder at the sight of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Heigho!’ said Tancred, stretching his arm, and half-speaking to himself, + ‘I wish the battle of Gindarics had never ceased, but that, like some hero + of enchantment, I had gone on for ever fighting.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! there is nothing like action,’ said Baroni, unscrewing his pistols. + </p> + <p> + ‘But what action is there in this world?’ said Tancred. ‘The most + energetic men in Europe are mere busybodies. Empires are now governed like + parishes, and a great statesman is only a select vestryman. And they are + right: unless we bring man nearer to heaven, unless government become + again divine, the insignificance of the human scheme must paralyse all + effort.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem!’ said Baroni, kneeling down and opening Tancred’s rifle-case. The + subject was getting a little too deep for him. ‘I perceive,’ he said to + himself, ‘that my lord is very restless. There is something at the bottom + of his mind which, perhaps, he does not quite comprehend himself; but it + will come out.’ Tancred passed the day alone in reading, or walking about + his room with an agitated and moody step. Often when his eye rested on the + page, his mind wandered from the subject, and he was frequently lost in + profound and protracted reverie. The evening drew on; he retired early to + his room, and gave orders that he was not to be disturbed. At a later + hour, Colonel Brace returned, having succeeded in his principal + enterprise, and having also sung the national anthem. He was greatly + surprised to hear that Lord Montacute had returned; but Baroni succeeded + in postponing the interview until the morrow. An hour after the Colonel, + the Rev. Mr. Bernard returned from Bethlehem. He was in great tribulation, + as he had been pursued by some of the vagabonds of that ruffianly + district; a shot had even been fired after him; but this was only to + frighten him. The fact is, the leader of the band was his principal + catechumen, who was extremely desirous of appropriating a very splendid + copy of the Holy Writings, richly bound, and adorned with massy golden + clasps, which the Duchess of Bellamont had presented to the Rev. Mr. + Bernard before his departure, and which he always, as a sort of homage to + one whom he sincerely respected, displayed on any eminent instance of + conversion. + </p> + <p> + The gates of the city were closed when Dr. Roby returned, laden with many + rare balsams. The consequence was, he was obliged to find quarters in a + tomb in the valley of Jehoshaphat. As his attendant was without food, when + his employer had sunk into philosophic repose, he supped off the precious + herbs and roots, and slaked his thirst with a draught from the fountain of + Siloah. + </p> + <p> + Tancred passed a night of agitating dreams. Sometimes he was in the starry + desert, sometimes in the caverned dungeons of Gindarics. Then, again, the + scene changed to Bellamont Castle, but it would seem that Fakredeen was + its lord; and when Tancred rushed forward to embrace his mother, she + assumed the form of the Syrian goddess, and yet the face was the face of + Eva. Though disturbed, he slept, and when he woke, he was for a moment + quite unconscious of being at Jerusalem. Although within a week of + Christmas, no sensible difference had yet occurred in the climate. The + golden sun succeeded the silver moon, and both reigned in a clear blue + sky. You may dine at night on the terrace of your house at Jerusalem in + January, and find a serene and benignant atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + Tancred rose early; no one was stirring in the house except the native + servants, and Mr. Freeman, who was making a great disturbance about hot + water. Tancred left a message with this gentleman for the Colonel and his + companions, begging that they might all meet at breakfast, and adding that + he was about to stroll for half an hour. Saying this, he quitted the + house, and took his way by the gate of Stephen to the Mount of Olives. + </p> + <p> + It was a delicious morn, wonderfully clear, and soft, and fresh. It seemed + a happy and a thriving city, that forlorn Jerusalem, as Tancred, from the + heights of Olivet, gazed upon its noble buildings, and its cupolaed houses + of freestone, and its battlemented walls and lofty gates. Nature was fair, + and the sense of existence was delightful. It seemed to Tancred that a + spicy gale came up the ravines of the wilderness, from the farthest + Arabia. + </p> + <p> + Lost in prolonged reverie, the hours flew on. The sun was mounting in the + heavens when Tancred turned his step, but, instead of approaching the + city, he pursued a winding path in an opposite direction. That path led to + Bethany. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0061" id="link2HCH0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LXI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Arrival of the Duke and Duchess</i> +</pre> + <p> + THE crest of the palm tree in the garden of Eva glittered in the declining + sun; and the lady of Bethany sat in her kiosk on the margin of the + fountain, unconsciously playing with a flower, and gazing in abstraction + on the waters. She had left Tancred with her father, now convalescent. + They had passed the morning together, talking over the strange events that + had occurred since they first became acquainted on this very spot; and now + the lady of Bethany had retired to her own thoughts. + </p> + <p> + A sound disturbed her; she looked up and recognised Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘I could not refrain from seeing the sun set on Arabia,’ he said; ‘I had + almost induced the noble Besso to be my companion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The year is too old,’ said Eva, not very composed. + </p> + <p> + ‘They should be midsummer nights,’ said Tancred, ‘as on my first visit + here; that hour thrice blessed!’ ‘We know not what is blessed in this + world,’ said Eva, mournfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘I feel I do,’ murmured Tancred; and he also seated himself on the margin + of the fountain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of all the strange incidents and feelings that we have been talking over + this day,’ said Eva, ‘there seems to me but one result; and that is, + sadness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is certainly not joy,’ said Tancred. + </p> + <p> + ‘There comes over me a great despondency,’ said Eva, ‘I know not why, my + convictions are as profound as they were, my hopes should not be less + high, and yet——’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what?’ said Tancred, in a low, sweet voice, for she hesitated. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have a vague impression,’ said Eva, sorrowfully, ‘that there have been + heroic aspirations wasted, and noble energies thrown away; and yet, + perhaps,’ she added, in a faltering tone, ‘there is no one to blame. + Perhaps, all this time, we have been dreaming over an unattainable end, + and the only source of deception is our own imagination.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My faith is firm,’ said Tancred; ‘but if anything could make it falter, + it would be to find you wavering.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps it is the twilight hour,’ said Eva, with a faint smile. ‘It + sometimes makes one sad.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no sadness where there is sympathy,’ said Tancred, in a low + voice. ‘I have been, I am sad, when I am alone: but when I am with you, my + spirit is sustained, and would be, come what might.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And yet——’ said Eva; and she paused. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your feelings cannot be what they were before all this happened; when you + thought only of a divine cause, of stars, of angels, and of our peculiar + and gifted land. No, no; now it is all mixed up with intrigue, and + politics, and management, and baffled schemes, and cunning arts of men. + You may be, you are, free from all this, but your faith is not the same. + You no longer believe in Arabia.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, thou to me art Arabia,’ said Tancred, advancing and kneeling at her + side. ‘The angel of Arabia, and of my life and spirit! Talk not to me of + faltering faith: mine is intense. Talk not to me of leaving a divine + cause: why, thou art my cause, and thou art most divine! O Eva! deign to + accept the tribute of my long agitated heart! Yes, I too, like thee, am + sometimes full of despair; but it is only when I remember that I love, and + love, perhaps, in vain!’ + </p> + <p> + He had clasped her hand; his passionate glance met her eye, as he looked + up with adoration to a face infinitely distressed. Yet she withdrew not + her hand, as she murmured, with averted head, ‘We must not talk of these + things; we must not think of them. You know all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know of nothing, I will know of nothing, but of my love.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are those to whom I belong; and to whom you belong. Yes,’ she said, + trying to withdraw her hand, ‘fly, fly from me, son of Europe and of + Christ!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a Christian in the land of Christ,’ said Tancred, ‘and I kneel to a + daughter of my Redeemer’s race. Why should I fly?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! this is madness!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Say, rather, inspiration,’ said Tancred, ‘for I will not quit this + fountain by which we first met until I am told, as you now will tell me,’ + he added, in a tone of gushing tenderness, ‘that our united destinies + shall advance the sovereign purpose of our lives. Talk not to me of + others, of those who have claims on you or on myself. I have no kindred, + no country, and, as for the ties that would bind you, shall such + world-worn bonds restrain our consecrated aim? Say but you love me, and I + will trample them to the dust.’ + </p> + <p> + The head of Eva fell upon his shoulder. He impressed an embrace upon her + cheek. It was cold, insensible. Her hand, which he still held, seemed to + have lost all vitality. Overcome by contending emotions, the principle of + life seemed to have deserted her. Tancred laid her reclining figure with + gentleness on the mats of the kiosk; he sprinkled her pale face with some + drops from the fountain; he chafed her delicate hand. Her eyes at length + opened, and she sighed. He placed beneath her head some of the cushions + that were at hand. Recovering, she slightly raised herself, leant upon the + marble margin of the fountain, and looked about her with a wildered air. + </p> + <p> + At this moment a shout was heard, repeated and increased; soon the sound + of many voices and the tramp of persons approaching. The vivid but brief + twilight had died away. Almost suddenly it had become night. The voices + became more audible, the steps were at hand. Tancred recognised his name, + frequently repeated. Behold a crowd of many persons, several of them + bearing torches. There was Colonel Brace in the van; on his right was the + Rev. Mr. Bernard; on his left, was Dr. Roby. Freeman and Trueman and + several guides and native servants were in the rear, most of them + proclaiming the name of Lord Montacute. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am here,’ said Tancred, advancing from the kiosk, pale and agitated. + ‘Why am I wanted?’ + </p> + <p> + Colonel Brace began to explain, but all seemed to speak at the same time. + </p> + <p> + The Duke and Duchess of Bellamont had arrived at Jerusalem. <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0012" id="linkimage-0012"> + <!-- IMG --></a> <a href="images/front_backplate.jpg">ENLARGE</a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/front_backplate_th.jpg" alt="Front-backplate " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Tancred, by Benjamin Disraeli + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TANCRED *** + +***** This file should be named 20004-h.htm or 20004-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/0/0/0/20004/ + +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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