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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Corianton, by B. H. Roberts
+
+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: Corianton
+       A Nephite Story
+
+Author: B. H. Roberts
+
+Release Date: April 27, 2011 [EBook #35974]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CORIANTON ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by the Mormon Texts Project,
+http://bencrowder.net/books/mtp. Volunteers: Stephen
+Bruington, Byron Clark, Ben Crowder, Lili DeForest, Eric
+Heaps, Tod Robbins.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CORIANTON
+
+A Nephite Story
+
+
+BY B. H. ROBERTS
+
+
+
+
+COPYRIGHTED BY
+B. H. ROBERTS
+1902
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+Corianton was first published as a serial in the Contributor, 1889. At
+that time the story was well received by a large circle of readers and
+the Author was urged by many of his friends to continue in that line
+of composition, as much good might come of it. A call came to engage
+in other work, however, and the delightful field just entered had to
+be abandoned. During the years that have intervened since the first
+publication of the story, many have inquired if Corianton would not
+appear in booklet form, to which the Author always replied in the
+affirmative, but without being able to say when the time of
+publication would come. Since the simple Nephite story, however,
+promises to become famous through Mr. O. U. Bean's dramatization of
+it, many--I may say very many--have expressed a desire of forming the
+acquaintance of Corianton as he first appeared; and hence the Author
+presents Corianton, the Nephite.
+
+
+
+
+CORIANTON.
+
+
+CHAPTER ONE.
+
+THE PRISONER.
+
+
+The summer's sun was just struggling through the mists that overhung
+the eastern horizon, and faintly gilding the towers and housetops of
+Zarahemla, as a party of seven horsemen, evidently weary with the
+night's travel, were seen slowly moving along the foot of the hill
+Manti, in the direction of the above named city.
+
+The manner in which the party traveled was evidently by
+pre-arrangement, and for a purpose. Two rode in advance and two in the
+rear, while the other three rode abreast, the one in the middle being
+closely guarded by those who rode beside him. A second look showed
+that his arms were securely bound behind him, and the guard on each
+side held the powerful horse he rode by means of a strap of raw-hide
+fastened to the bridle. The prisoner was the most, in fact the only
+person of striking appearance in the little cavalcade, the others
+being rather heavy, dull men of serious countenance; the prisoner,
+however, had an air of boldness and cool defiance which contrasted
+sharply with the humble aspect of his guards. He sat his horse with an
+easy grace which gave less evidence of fatigue from the long ride
+through the sultry night than that exhibited by his guards; the man,
+indeed, seemed especially adapted for endurance. The head, too, was
+massive and the countenance striking; the brilliancy of the bold black
+eyes challenged contest or flashed back defiance, while the peculiar
+expression about the mouth, half scornful smile, half sneer, seemed to
+breathe contempt for all things on which he looked.
+
+The party now came in full view of the city. "At last," with mocked
+solemnity, exclaimed he that was bound, "the soldiers of Christ and
+their prisoner behold the holy city, where dwells the great
+prophet--even God's High Priest, who smites with the words of his
+mouth, and with the breath of his lips slays the wicked!" and the
+speaker laughed scornfully, but his guards made no reply.
+
+"Methinks ye soldiers of the king that is to be, give scant homage to
+a shrine so holy as this--why, think men, this is the abode of God's
+vicegerent, the headquarters of heaven on earth so to speak! And yet
+ye move on in full view of this holy shrine unbowed! Down slaves, and
+worship the place of my sanctuary--so run the words of holy prophets,
+is it not so?"
+
+Still no answer.
+
+"Yet uncovered and unbowed? Ah, I forgot, you are from the land of
+Gideon, where dwells another of these holy prophets--and, it may be,
+that to worship at this shrine would be treason to your own High
+Priest! O, thou bright-eyed goddess of liberty, what distraction, what
+fears must disturb the breasts of the poor, craven wretches who
+worship aught but thee!"
+
+Further remarks of the scoffer were cut short by the guards in advance
+urging their horses into a brisk gallop, an example followed by the
+rest of the party. The good broad road, down which they dashed, sloped
+gently from the western base of the hill Manti to the gate in the east
+wall of the city. The road had been cut through a primeval forest, and
+the strips of woodland on either side of it, still untouched by the
+woodman's ax, made of it a grand avenue. Here and there to the right
+and left were lanes leading off to the fields beyond, toward which
+agricultural laborers were slowly moving to begin the toil of the day.
+These turned to look with unconcealed wonder upon the strange party as
+it dashed past them, and some few turned back to the city, bent on
+finding out who the prisoner was and what was afoot.
+
+As the party drew rein near the gate, two guards armed with heavy
+swords and long spears, challenged their entrance, and demanded their
+business.
+
+"Great God!" exclaimed the prisoner, "and this is the people who boast
+of their freedom! This is the free city of Zarahemla! and yet here
+stands the minions of the High Priest and the Chief Judge to question
+whence ye come and why!"
+
+"We come from the city of Gideon," said one of the guards of the
+prisoner, in answer to the questions, "we have in charge Korihor, the
+anti-Christ, who seeks to destroy religion and subvert all government;
+we"--
+
+"Thou liest, almost as well as a high priest," broke in the prisoner;
+"I seek but to root out of men's minds the false traditions of the
+fathers concerning God and Christ, and to make them free! I only"--
+
+"You will do well," quietly replied he whom he had interrupted, "to
+make your defense before the High Priest and Chief Judge of the city,
+and not before your own and the city guards." Then turning to the
+guards of the gate he continued: "We have brought Korihor from the
+city of Gideon where he was tried"--
+
+"For his virtues," broke in the prisoner.--
+
+--"for his offenses," continued the guard, not heeding the
+interruption, "but the Chief Judge at Gideon hath sent him to the
+Chief Judge of the whole land in this city, to hear his case, and
+he"--
+
+"And God's High Priest," spoke up the prisoner, "I charge thee, guard,
+leave not out the holy prophet, I long to meet in sharp contest the
+vicegerent on earth of your Christ that is to be--'according to the
+holy prophets.'"
+
+"Well, then, we seek the High Priest and Chief Judge before whom this
+man is to be tried," said the guard, evidently vexed with the mocking
+tone of the scoffer.
+
+"Pass on," said the guard at the gate: "Com," said he to his
+companion, "conduct these men to the Judgment Hall, give their
+prisoner to the keeper of the prison, then direct them to the house of
+the chief judge; I shall wait until you return; and I pray God that
+this bold man may be silenced, for before now he hath disturbed the
+quiet of our city not a little."
+
+As the party passed through the massive gateway, Korihor turned to
+look back at the guard, and raising his voice, said to the crowd which
+had gathered there rather than to the one whom he addressed, "Guard,
+tell your good people as they pass in and out of the city, that
+Korihor, their friend, who would see them free, is in bonds for
+liberty's sake, and is soon to be tried before an imperious High
+Priest and a tyrant judge, for honest disbelief in the foolish
+traditions of their fathers--tell them this, and ask them if the time
+has came when all men must be slaves to superstition!" There was an
+instant buzz of excitement in the crowd, for Korihor was not unknown
+in Zarahemla. A few months before he had been through that city and
+had spoken boldly against the prophets and the traditions respecting
+the coming and Atonement of Christ. Since then he had been traveling
+through the land of Jershon among the people of Ammon, there he met
+with little success; for that people bound him and banished him from
+their lands. From thence he went into the land of Gideon where he
+sought, as in other places, to stir up sedition. He was brought before
+the High Priest and Chief Judge of that city, and they being in doubt
+as to what they ought to do with him, bound him and sent him to the
+High Priest over the whole church, and to the Chief Judge of the whole
+land, both of whom resided in the city of Zarahemla.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWO.
+
+ZARAHEMLA.
+
+
+The city of Zarahemla which our party of horsemen and their prisoner
+had entered, was the capital and metropolis of the Nephite Republic.
+Its exact location cannot be definitely fixed. According to the Book
+of Mormon it was situated on the west bank of tho river Sidon, a noble
+stream, supposed to be identical with the river Magdalena. It rises in
+the great mountain chain of western South America, and flows directly
+north through an immense valley to the sea. The city Zarahemla was
+originally founded by the descendants of a colony of Jews that escaped
+from Jerusalem, after the destruction of that city by King
+Nebuchadnezzar, early in the sixth century B. C. With the colony of
+Jews that escaped was Mulek, the son of King Zedekiah, and the colony
+took its name from him. They landed in the northern continent of the
+western world and afterwards drifted southward into the valley of
+Sidon, and there founded a city, but what name they gave it is not
+known. Having brought no records with them from Jerusalem, and being
+in possession of none of those incentives to the preservation of
+civilization, it is not surprising that they deteriorated to
+semi-civilized and irreligious conditions. Serious wars broke out
+among them at times, but they preserved themselves a people, and by
+the year 200 B. C., had become very numerous. It was about this time
+that their chief city was discovered by a migrating host of Nephites
+from the South, led by Mosiah I, whom God had commanded to gather
+together the more righteous part of the people of Nephi and take them
+into the land northward. A double purpose was served in this movement:
+first, the righteous Nephites were relieved from the oppressions
+practiced upon them by their more vicious brethren; second, they
+carried enlightenment, and especially the knowledge of God, to a
+numerous people. At the time of the arrival of the Nephites in the
+valley of the Sidon, one Zarahemla was the recognized leader of the
+descendants of the people of Mulek. It was a Nephite custom to name
+their cities after the men who founded them, and the surrounding
+country after the name of the chief city therein. In this instance the
+Nephites doubtless named the city after the chief man they found
+there, "Zarahemla," and the surrounding country "the land of
+Zarahemla." But as suggested, this may not have been the name of the
+city previous to the advent of the Nephites. The two peoples readily
+united under the form of government known at that time among the
+Nephites, viz., a limited and at times elective monarchy. Mosiah, the
+Nephite leader, became king of the united people. He caused that the
+people of Zarahemla should be taught in the knowledge of their
+forefathers; and in reverence for the God of Israel. Both peoples were
+greatly benefited by this union. The people of Zarahemla so
+strengthened the Nephites in numbers as to make them strong enough to
+resist any attempted invasion of Lamanites; while to the people of
+Zarahemla the Nephites brought their civilization, their ideas of
+government, and enlightenment through means of education.
+
+At the time of the opening of our story, 75 B. C., something of a
+republican form of government or reign of Judges had supplanted the
+before mentioned monarchy. King Mosiah I. was succeeded by his son
+Benjamin, and he by his son, under the title of Mosiah II. It was the
+reign of the last mentioned king that the remarkable revolution took
+place which resulted in the establishment of the Nephite Republic in
+place of the kingly form of government which under various
+modifications had existed from the first Nephi, until about 91 B. C.,
+or some sixteen years previous to the events recorded in the preceding
+chapter. The revolution seems to have occurred at that time in
+consequence of the sons of the second Mosiah refusing to accept the
+kingly dignity. They had consecrated their lives to the service of the
+Church, and had departed on missionary expeditions among the
+Lamanites. The good King Mosiah II was fearful that if the people
+elected a king, as was their light under certain contingencies, his
+sons might subsequently seek to take possession of the throne they had
+abdicated, and thus bring on civil war. In his anxiety to avoid the
+possibility of so great a calamity he proposed a change in the
+constitution by which the kingly form of government should be
+abolished, and a species of republic established in its place. The
+principal feature of the new constitution was the provision for the
+election of a Chief Judge and subordinate Judges, graded most likely
+according to the importance of the city or district of country over
+which their administration extended. All the judges were endowed with
+executive as well as judicial power; from the subordinate judges
+appeals could be taken to the superior judges; while an easy means of
+impeachment was provided as a corrective of corrupt administration.
+The revolution proposed was carried out peacefully under the wise
+supervision of Mosiah II, who stipulated, when proposing the
+constitutional change, that he would continue as king until his death,
+at which event the new government was to go into force. The first
+election was held within the lifetime of Mosiah II. Alma, the
+presiding High Priest of the Church, was elected Chief Judge, so that
+he united in his person both priestly and civil power. Alma was a
+remarkable character. He was the son of the Nephite High Priest of the
+same name. In his youthful days he had been exceedingly wayward, and
+had united with the sons of King Mosiah II, in their efforts to
+overthrow what they called the superstition of their fathers. Being
+young men of marked abilities and pleasing address, the mischief they
+did was appalling. The very pillars of the Church seem to be shaken by
+their audacious boldness of declamation against it. And it was only
+through the visitation of an angel who appeared before them in all the
+glorious brightness, of that heaven from which he had descended, and
+the administration of sharp reproofs, that they were turned from their
+sinful ways, and stopped from persecuting the Church of Christ. As is
+frequently the case with characters of this description, from being
+violent scoffers of religion and bitter enemies of the Church, they
+became ardent supporters of both, and, as already stated, the sons of
+Mosiah II, abdicated their right to the Nephite throne and consecrated
+their lives to the service of the Church, of which Alma became the
+High Priest upon the death of his father, Alma; and, as we have seen,
+was made Chief Judge also of the republic. He did not hold the double
+office long, however; for finding that the office of Chief Judge so
+occupied his time that it forced neglect upon his duties as High
+Priest, he resigned his civil position after eight years of service,
+that he might devote himself exclusively to his ministerial calling.
+Nephihah was elected to the office of Chief Judge, and held that
+position at the opening of our story. By this action of Alma's the
+office of High Priest was separated from that of Chief Judge, still
+there appears to have been some participation in the affairs of
+government by the High Priest.  Not that there was a union of church
+and state as that term is usually understood, for the Church was
+recognized as being separated from the state; but while they were
+distinct societies, they were close neighbors, and nearly interested
+in one another; they lived separate, but not estranged; and each
+helped the other at need. And hence it happened that the High Priest
+at times sat with the Chief Judge in cases involving the interests of
+the Church.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THREE.
+
+THE BROTHERS.
+
+
+Meantime our party passed down one of the principal streets of the
+ancient city, into the market square. Here many were engaged in
+unpacking fruits and vegetables from huge baskets strapped across the
+backs of asses, and arranging them under awnings to preserve them from
+the scorching rays of the sun. In the richest profusion were piles of
+fruits and vegetables, luscious grapes and fragrant bananas, lemons,
+limes, figs, dates, bread-fruit and a variety of vegetables such as
+the tropics alone can produce. Purchasers were already thronging to
+the market, and as our party from the city of Gideon passed on,
+Korihor shouted to them, as he had done to the crowd at the gate,
+which resulted in quickly gathering a throng of men who eagerly
+questioned the guards as to the man's offense--"alleged offense, you
+mean," he cried, "for I am guilty of no crime, except we have fallen
+on those evil days to which the idle traditions of our fathers tend,
+when to disbelieve the words of ancient dotards styling themselves
+prophets, and giving expression to one's honest thoughts has become a
+crime; or when resisting the oppression of judges, who ever have one
+ear turned to a priest to learn what superstition teaches is the word
+of God, be a wrong; and when to be the friend of liberty, a foe to
+tyranny whether in priest or judge--and an enemy to an enslaving
+superstition, is considered worthy of bonds and the prison."
+
+This and much more that he said as he passed along, surrounded by his
+guards, produced no little excitement in the crowd, for in those
+ancient days and distant climes, as well as in our own day those who
+persuaded men they were not well governed had many willing followers;
+and then as now demagogues, blasphemers and the enemies of law and
+order knew what a tower of strength the cry of freedom gave to a
+cause, however unworthy or destructive of the very thing in the
+interest of which, ostensibly, they worked.
+
+Having passed through the marketsquare and through a narrow, irregular
+street, with massive, two-story stone houses on either side, which
+marked the most ancient part of the city, the guards suddenly turned
+to the right into a large square, on one side of which stood an
+immense structure of hewn stone with a wide, high porch, supported by
+massive pillars, and approached by a broad flight of stone steps. This
+was the Hall of Justice, as indicated in an inscription carved in the
+stone above the porch. To the right of the building extended a high
+stone wall in which was hung a heavy wooden door, plentifully studded
+with iron spikes. To this door the guard who had led the party from
+the east gate of the city directed his footsteps, and taking a small
+wooden mallet suspended by a chain fastened to the door post, he
+struck the door three smart blows, and a moment later a small wicket
+in the upper part of the door was opened and a harsh voice demanded
+what was wanted.
+
+"A guard of horsemen from the city of Gideon bring with them to the
+judgment seat of the High Priest and Chief Judge, one Korihor, charged
+with seeking to breed sedition and subvert the government; they
+deliver him to the care of the keeper of the prison--open the door and
+admit him at once--the people are becoming excited and may raise a
+tumult." The latter clause of the sentence was delivered hurriedly and
+in an undertone. There was a profuse rattling of chains, the falling
+of an iron bar, and the door swung open with a grating sound. Meantime
+the guards of Korihor had assisted him to dismount and with their
+prisoner before them, and leading their horses, passed into the
+prison-yard. A number of men pressed close after them, but were denied
+admittance by the gate keeper, who drove them back and closed and
+barred the door.
+
+Seeing Korihor safely bestowed, and their horses cared for, the guards
+from Gideon were conducted across the square fronting the Hall of
+Justice, to the house of the Chief Judge, and presented to him the
+communication or commitment from the High Priest and Chief Judge of
+Gideon.
+
+The crowd which had been attracted by the unusual spectacle of the
+small cavalcade passing through their streets, and the animated
+speeches of the prisoner, still lingered in the public square,
+gathered in groups, discussing the events of the morning. "I tell
+you," said a hard visaged man to a group of listeners standing near
+the center of the square,--"I tell you there is too much truth in the
+complaints of Korihor. The High Priests and the Chief Judges are
+becoming too arbitrary in their rulings; there's too much said about
+law and order and not enough regard paid to personal liberty."
+
+"Tut, man," said a voice from the outskirts of the group, "whenever
+has a disturber of the peace, a blasphemer of God, an enemy to
+religion come amongst us but what he has taken refuge behind the cry
+of 'liberty?' So did Nehor in the first year of the reign of the
+judges; so did Amlici five years later; and Korihor is such as they
+were, and with like cunning adopts their cry of 'liberty,' when in
+reality his principles lead to the destruction of freedom and all its
+safeguards. Believe me friends," he continued, addressing the crowd
+among whom there began to be great agitation--"Believe me, not every
+one that cries out against God, religion and the law is a friend to
+freedom, they are always its enemies. The law stands watch and guard
+over your rights and liberties; by that Korihor will be judged and
+justice rendered. In the meantime let not your minds be carried away
+by the persuasions of men whose business is agitation, who prosper by
+violence, and thrive on tumults." So saying, the young man, for such
+he was, putting his arm about a still younger man who stood at his
+side, walked away. The crowd also began to break up, the man who had
+been harangueing it when interrupted, muttering that it could only be
+expected that the sons of the High Priest would defend the oppressions
+of their father; they themselves were interested.
+
+As the two young men were crossing the square, the younger said to his
+brother: "Notwithstanding what you said just now to the crowd,
+Shiblon, and the truth of it in general, I think this treatment of
+Korihor is too harsh. Our law protects a man in his belief and in the
+expression of it; and though Korihor hath a proud bearing and holds
+what you believe to be dangerous views, still I think the officers at
+Gideon exceeded their jurisdiction in sending him bound to this city."
+
+"Holds what I believe to be dangerous views! And do not you believe
+them to be dangerous? Corianton, I fear the spirit of unbelief, the
+moral and spiritual poison that the orations of this same man infused
+into your soul when he first appeared in our city, hath not yet been
+worked out." The hot blood rushed to the temples of Corianton at this
+accusation, and he replied with some warmth, not unmixed with
+bitterness: "It has not been the fault of brother Helaman or yourself,
+then, for I have heard little else since his departure from Zarahemla
+but your lame arguments in support of the shadowy traditions of our
+fathers about the coming of Messiah and his Atonement."
+
+"I am sorry to find you in this mood my brother," replied Shiblon,
+"and it grieves me to hear you speak so lightly of things that are
+sacred; but if too much restraint has been thrown upon the liberty of
+Korihor by the authorities of Gideon, you know full well that justice
+will be done him in the court of our father and the Chief Judge--you
+know that no oppression is countenanced by them."
+
+At this moment the guard from the gate who had conducted those in
+charge of Korihor to the presence of the Chief Judge passed them, and
+in answer to a question from Corianton replied that the case of
+Korihor was appointed to be heard on the morrow.
+
+"It is the time of day," said Shiblon to his brother, "appointed for
+the meeting of the priesthood, to consider the mission about to be
+appointed to the Zoramites. Our father sent me to find you and bring
+you to the council, for I think he wishes you to be a party to the
+undertaking."
+
+"You may go, brother, but I will not," replied Corianton. "I have no
+relish for these dull councils, and as for converting the Zoramites,
+they may be as nearly right in their theology as yourself or our
+father, for aught I know; the whole subject is so wrapt in mystery
+that we can at least afford to be liberal, and not bind men and thrust
+them into prison for daring to assert their unbelief in these
+mysterious things."
+
+"But it is the express wish of father that you should attend this
+council," said Shiblon, "out of respect for him, will you not come?"
+
+"Say, to our good father the Priest, that I am gone to visit one who
+is cast into prison for the cause of liberty." Then seeing the pained
+expression in his brother's face, his manner changed, and placing his
+hand affectionately on his shoulder he said: "Shiblon, go thou to the
+council, and give no further thought to me; let me follow the bent of
+my own mind. Your steady patience; your deep conviction as to the
+truth of the traditions of our fathers: your wisdom and goodness make
+you a fitting minister for God, if such a being there is; you are
+destined to become a pillar in the church; not so with me; my wild
+love of liberty can ill brook the restraints of the gospel or the
+priesthood, and the skepticism ingrained in my very nature
+disqualifies me for the work I could readily believe you were designed
+to support. But I'll none of it, until I see some manifestation of the
+power of God spoken of so frequently by our father and of which the
+scriptures speak on nearly every page; so farewell." Turning on his
+heel, he bent his footsteps in the direction of the prison gate, while
+Shiblon with a troubled heart stood gazing after him.
+
+"David had his Absalom, Lehi, his Laman, and this my brother, my
+father's darling son, seems destined to wring my father's heart, as
+they did theirs. Oh! why is it, that those formed in the very
+prodigality of nature--endowed with a heaven-born intelligence--
+genius--must be cursed with a doubting, rebellious spirit that weighs
+down all their better parts, and wrecks the hopes, built on what their
+talents promise? Oh, that some good angel would my brother meet, as
+was my father met, shake off his doubting fears, and give him back to
+us converted to the truth and pledged to its maintenance, as was my
+father! Then how would shine that master power within him which
+overawes men's minds or bends them to his purpose! Brother, flout me,
+resist me how you will; I'll follow you through all your fortunes
+good or ill, and win you yet to God and truth!"
+
+With these words on his lips, and this pious purpose in his heart,
+Shiblon, the son of Alma the Priest, directed his steps to the council
+chamber.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOUR.
+
+IN THE HALL OF JUSTICE.
+
+
+The next morning the sun shone more brightly than on the day before.
+Through the night a terrific storm had raged. Black clouds burdened
+with moisture had been split by vivid flashes of lightning, and poured
+down all their floods. But with the approach of light the storm
+ceased, the clouds parted and drifted into great cumulous heaps
+lightened to snowy whiteness by the glorious morning sun. The air was
+fresh and pure, the electric storm having dispelled the mists and fogs
+so common to the tropics.
+
+Long before the sun had reached midway between his rising and high
+noon, the open square before the Hall of Justice was filled with
+groups of men, some boisterously disputing the rightfulness of
+Korihor's treatment, and others with equal warmth defending the action
+of the authorities of Gideon.
+
+The Hall of Justice was crowded to overflowing with men anxious to see
+and hear the man, who had by a few leaps and bounds sprung into
+notoriety. The hall within was circular in form, with tiers of stone
+seats rising one above the other, their regularity broken only by
+three promenades extending three-fourths of the way around the
+building. The entrance was through two wide double doors in the south,
+along a walk leading into a circular space, around which ranged the
+first row of seats, and from which ran flights of steps leading to the
+seats and promenades above. On the west side was a spacious platform
+with two seats well to the back of it, raised on a dais, evidently
+intended for the high officials of the state.
+
+A murmur that commenced near the entrance and then extended to all
+parts of the house, gave notice that some one of importance--perhaps
+some of the chief actors in what was to take place that day--were
+entering. Two men walking side by side and preceded by two guards and
+followed by two, passed up the short flight of steps to the platform,
+and occupied the seats before mentioned. One of them was still in the
+prime of manhood, with a full beard and glossy black hair. The eyes
+were deep set and black, the forehead low and broad, the lower part of
+the face square and heavy. The stature of the man was in keeping with
+the face; below the common height, broad shouldered and ungraceful,
+the whole aspect was stern, almost harsh--such was Nephihah, the Chief
+Judge of the whole land. His companion, the High Priest, was a
+different type of man; tall in person, slightly stooped with age, a
+high receding forehead, and hair of silvery whiteness. In that face
+one could see compassion, patience, tenderness--all the qualities in
+fact that go to make up the highly spiritual temperament. But, as one
+may say, back of the indications of those qualities stood others of
+sterner character. The closely compressed lips, together with the
+whole form and movement was expressive of determination; while the
+light that flashed from the eyes when animated, bespoke a quick spirit
+within. But now as he takes his seat by the side of the Chief Judge,
+his whole air is calmness, almost sadness; and indeed, care had drawn
+many and deep lines in the noble face of Alma.
+
+Neither of these officers, though the foremost men in the great
+Nephite Republic, wore any badge of office; but was dressed very
+similar to hundreds of common people in the hall. The dress consisted
+of a sort of tunic drawn over a close fitting under garment, gathered
+in at the waist by a girdle and extending to the knees, but leaving
+the arms and legs bare. Over the tunic was generally thrown a light
+robe, very often of rich material and varying in color to suit the
+taste of the wearer; on the feet sandals were worn, fastened to the
+feet and legs by broad thongs of tanned deer hide--such was the male
+dress of that period among the Nephites. The chief judge's tunic was
+of light brown, with a dull red robe thrown over the shoulders. The
+tunic of the high priest was white and his robe a light blue gathered
+in graceful folds about his person.
+
+At a signal from the Chief Judge one of the guards left the hall and
+soon returned, conducting to the platform Korihor and the guards who
+brought him from Gideon, a few others following--friends of the
+accused. Among the latter there was one whose graceful form towered
+above the rest, whose step was more firm, and whose every limb and
+feature and movement seemed conscious of power and pride. As he
+followed Korihor up the steps to the platform and stood near him, the
+High Priest started from his seat--there was a convulsive twitching of
+the fine features, and then the tears stole silently down his furrowed
+cheeks. He had recognized his son Corianton, as the follower of this
+unbeliever. He was aware that his son had called upon him the day
+before, knew that he had expressed some sympathy for him, but he was
+not prepared to see him thus openly identify himself with the cause of
+the scoffer against God.
+
+As Korihor took his place before the Chief Judge the latter unrolled a
+parchment which contained the charges against him, as set forth by the
+authorities of Gideon.
+
+"Korihor," said he, the voice was strong and harsh, "you are charged,
+by the authorities of the land of Gideon with having sought to stir up
+sedition, disrupt the government and destroy religion. It doth not
+appear, however, that you have set on foot any definite movement, or
+organization looking to the accomplishment of these unworthy purposes.
+It cannot be said you are guilty of any overt act in pursuance of your
+pernicious doctrines, but have merely agitated for them by your
+speeches. Our law cannot punish a man for his belief nor for the
+expression of it, therefore it is our decision that you be set at
+liberty. However, it becomes my duty to caution you that the path you
+tread is filled with danger, both to yourself and those you may induce
+to follow you. Let me remind you that our present system of government
+has been most fruitful of happiness to the people, and holds out to
+them the fairest promise of future good; and he who becomes its enemy,
+becomes the enemy of the people, and in the end must come to sorrow.
+Let not, therefore, your love of notoriety, or any other motive,
+betray you into seeking it, by paths so pregnant with danger to
+yourself should you fail, and so disastrous to the public weal should
+you succeed. You are acquitted before the law of the land; but the
+High Priest may have some advice for you."
+
+"Acquitted by the law of the land--now I suppose I am to be tried by
+the law of--heaven!" said Korihor. "Well, we've heard from earth, now
+we are ready to hear from heaven--what a pity the other place,"
+pointing significantly downward, "is not also represented, we would
+then have a trinity of you to hear from. Proceed heaven!" said he,
+turning to the High Priest.
+
+"Korihor," said the High Priest, "your speech ill becomes your
+intelligence, your"--
+
+"What, has a priest turned flatterer, can a priest speak to an
+opponent in fair, well-seeming words? You know well to whom you
+speak-one who will not kneel in the dust before you-one who fears
+neither you nor your gods, but whose soul abhors you both, and is free
+from your superstition and the slavish submission it begets, else we
+should have had thunder from 'God's mouthpiece,' and not the
+mellifluous tones breathing softly--'Korihor, your speech ill becomes
+your intelligence;' but go on, speak as is your wont, I despise your
+flattery as I defy your power."
+
+"Think not I meant to flatter," continued the High Priest, unmoved by
+the rude interruption, "for I meant to say, had you listened
+patiently, that your utterances are but the vain repetition of what
+others of like temperament have said before you. You scarcely do more
+that repeat, parrot-like, the catch phrases of Nehor and Amlici, your
+immediate predecessors in this ribaldry of blasphemy."
+
+This was a conclusion of the sentence Korihor had scarcely expected,
+and the scoffer felt that his impetuosity had placed him at a
+disadvantage.
+
+"Why do you go about to destroy the people's belief in God and their
+hope in Christ?" continued the High Priest.
+
+"To undeceive them, to free them from a groveling superstition, which
+bows down their souls that they dare not assert their rights and
+liberties, nor raise their heads in manly pride, nor gratify their
+appetites, lest they offend the God of your tradition--a being who
+never has been seen or known, nor ever will be. I seek to strike off
+the servile chains, with which your priests have loaded them, in order
+to bring to pass your own designs--that you may glut yourselves with
+the labors of their hands, and hold them at your mercy. I would see
+men free from superstition, acknowledging no power more potent than
+their own, I would teach them that intelligent management is
+providence, that genius is God; that this life--so far as we
+know--terminates existence, and therefore they should encompass all
+the pleasure possible, by enjoying what the appetites and passions
+crave. I tell thee, proud priest, now playing at humility," he
+exclaimed with sudden vehemence, "your religion is slavery; your
+priesthood, a fraud; your Christ, a delusion: your God, a lie!"
+
+The great audience grew breathless at the fierce denunciation, and
+then the calm but strong voice of the High Priest rang through the
+hall--"Could a deception, a lie produce such supreme joy in the hearts
+of men as the faith of this people in God does?"
+
+"Yea it could, and the proof of it is in that it does; but the joy
+this people think they have is not joy; man never tastes joy until he
+breaks away from all restraint, and feels himself accountable to no
+one for his actions, then and then only is he capable of joy."
+
+"'Tis a lying spirit prompts thee so to answer," replied Alma, "for
+never while sense and judgment keep their seat in the mind of man can
+he cast off restraint, or become dead to the sense of moral
+responsibility; therefore what you would call joy would be the wild
+delirium of the madman or the drunken--long may this people be
+preserved from such joy as this--its spirit is drawn from hell, its
+effect is destruction. Equally false is your statement that the
+priests glut themselves on the labors of the people. From the
+commencement of the reign of the judges, seventeen years since, until
+now, I have labored with my own hands for my support; and
+notwithstanding all my travels for the Church, and labors in it, I
+have never received even one senine for my labors, nor have my
+brethren, save it were in the judgment seat; and then we have received
+only according to the law for our time. What doth it profit us to
+labor in the Church, then, but to declare the truth, that we might
+have happiness in the prosperity of our people?"
+
+The scoffer was silent at the calmness of the high priest; something
+in the manner of Alma moved him strangely, but he stared boldly in the
+face of the speaker. Corianton, however, manifested more uneasiness,
+for under the calm exterior he saw the spirit in his father awakening.
+
+"Korihor," said the High Priest, and there was an intensity in the
+voice now which thrilled the whole assembly, "you mock at religion,
+you deny the existence of God, but I testify to you there is a God,
+and now will you deny his existence or blaspheme his name?"
+
+"Yea, that I will! What, thinkest thou because a High Priest says in
+solemn tones, 'I tell thee, Korihor, there is a God,' that I will
+crouch at his feet and confess what ye would call my sins, and like an
+echo say 'amen' to your testimony? By the gods, if such there be, you
+must think my spirit easily over-awed! I tell thee no, there is no
+God--ye have no evidence that there is--give me proof of his
+existence--let me see a manifestation of his power--show me a sign!"
+
+"All things testify of his existence. The traditions of our fathers
+affirm it"--
+
+"The traditions of our fathers!" contemptuously broke in Korihor, "I
+demand a living sign, and you talk to me of tradition!"
+
+--"The written testimony of many of the prophets from the beginning of
+the world to the time our fathers left Jerusalem, as recorded upon the
+brass plates they brought with them into this land, prove his
+existence; the testimony of all the holy prophets that God hath raised
+up to minister to this people declare it; and back of these witnesses
+stands all nature--the earth with its wealth of fruits and flowers and
+vegetation and animal life; the rains which make it fruitful, the
+glorious sun, which kisses its fruits and grains to ripeness; day and
+night, seed-time and harvest--all proclaim the Creator and his
+goodness and wisdom and love! The existence and harmonious movement
+through space of many other worlds than ours in such exact order and
+regularity, proclaim his power and glory; and more than all, the still
+small voice of the Spirit of God, testifying to the secret soul of man
+of the being of God and man's accountability to him--all these things
+united give ample proof of God's existence and power and majesty. Yet
+there stands a man," and he pointed his finger at Korihor, and
+addressed himself to the audience, "who denies there is any proof;
+turns from all this and impiously demands a sign!"
+
+The scoffer stood awed before the awful form of the priest; and well
+indeed he might, for he had risen in delivering the above; his face
+shone with intelligence, his eyes reflected the light of heaven, his
+voice trembled with the power of God; and the form drawn up to its
+fall height was magnificently grand.
+
+"I--I do not say--there is--no God," faltered Korihor in subdued,
+husky tones, and trembling from fear--"I do not believe there is,--I
+will not believe"--recovering some of his boldness--"except ye show me
+a sign!"
+
+"Then this shall be thy sign--I tell thee, in the name of God, thou
+shalt be dumb and never speak again!"
+
+The voice was trumpet toned now, and seemed to shake the building and
+the whole audience had started to its feet. There was a half stifled
+exclamation from the scoffer, and he wildly clutched the air; his eyes
+seemed bursting from their sockets and his face was purple with his
+effort to speak. Those who had stood with him drew back as if by
+instinct, and he stood alone writhing under his curse. Exhausted at
+last by violent contortions of his whole frame, he became more calm;
+and in answer to the question by the Chief Judge--
+
+"Art thou now convinced of the existence of God?"
+
+He wrote an answer, saying that he was; that he knew there was a God,
+but the devil had deceived him by appearing to him as an angel of
+light, that he had taught his words because they were pleasing to the
+carnal mind, and his success made him believe, finally, that they were
+true. He pleaded piteously that the High Priest would remove the
+curse, but Alma replied:
+
+"If this curse should be taken from thee, thou wouldst again lead away
+the hearts of this people; therefore it shall be unto thee, even as
+the Lord will."
+
+Korihor looked around him, but no one gave him recognition as a
+friend; those who had accompanied him into the hall stood terror
+stricken, and amazement was depicted in every countenance. He realized
+that he was deserted in this his extremity, and with a gurgling cry he
+fled from the hall and the city.
+
+The vast audience which had breathlessly witnessed this remarkable
+scene and the demonstration of the power of God, began to break up,
+and quietly leave the hall, each person too deeply impressed with what
+he had witnessed to speak to his neighbor. The Chief Judge and the
+High Priest were among the last to depart. As the latter was
+approaching the door his robe was clutched, and turning round he stood
+face to face with his wayward son--Corianton.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIVE.
+
+THE NEW CONVERT.
+
+
+For a moment father and son faced each other, but neither spoke. The
+proud head of Corianton was bowed, his lips quivered with emotion. The
+father held out his hand, and the young man grasped it. "Father," he
+said, in humbled tone, "I have sinned against God, and against thee; I
+pray you pardon me, and ask thy God to pardon me, too."
+
+"Corianton, thy rebellion against God is in truth a grievous sin. But
+youth is thoughtless and wayward, impatient of restraint, easily
+misled, and often, too, by generous impulses. The high sounding
+phrase, the reckless plea for unbridled license, miscalled liberty, of
+which men of Korihor's type well know the influence, the mocking jests
+at sober, righteous lives, the boldness which dares mock at sacred
+things, and bid defiance even to God, hath in it a false daring which
+captures inconsiderate youth, and works its ruin. I do remember my own
+youth, Corianton, and how in my mad folly I threw away restraint,
+consorted with the wicked, mocked the righteous, and impiously
+blasphemed the name of God, and afflicted my noble father's soul as
+thou hast mine--but I forgive thee," hastily added the Priest, as a
+great sob escaped his son, "as he did me; and so far as my earnest
+prayer can pluck down God's forgiveness on thy head, be assured, my
+son, my most dear son, God shall forgive thee, too." With these words
+ho fondly embraced Corianton, and a few moments later they left the
+Hall of Justice together.
+
+At the house of the High Priest they found Ammon, Aaron, Omner and
+Himni, and also Helaman and Shiblon, the two elder sons of Alma. The
+first four persons named were the sons of Mosiah, the last king of the
+Nephites, at whose death the reign of the judges began. These men had
+been the companions of Alma from his boyhood, and together in their
+youthful days they had been recklessly wicked and sought the
+destruction of the Church, as already detailed in chapter two. After
+their conversion they had traveled to and fro through all the land of
+the Nephites, seeking to undo the mischief they had done; and then
+performed glorious missions among the Lamanites where the power of God
+had been wondrously manifested to the converting of many of that
+people to the truth. Often separated in their labors, cast into
+prisons, surrounded by dangers, threatened by mobs, weary, foot-sore,
+hungry--now received into palaces and hailed almost as Gods, now
+outcasts, without a place to lay their heads--they experienced all the
+changes, the successes, and the vicissitudes of missionary life, but
+through all of it they were faithful to God, and held each other in
+fondest remembrance.
+
+The present occasion of their meeting together was to determine what
+steps should be taken in relation to the Zoramites, a people who had
+dissented from the Nephites and had established themselves at
+Antionum, south of the land Gershon, and bordering on the lands
+occupied by the Lamanites; and it was feared they would become
+confederate with the Lamanites and create trouble. The meeting held on
+the subject the day before had been interrupted by the Chief Judge
+sending for Alma to consult over the case of Korihor. Now they had met
+to conclude the business thus interrupted.
+
+Alma was warmly greeted by his brethren, who had witnessed the scene
+in the Hall of Justice; and all expressed their gratitude to God for
+the great manifestation of his power, and the vindication of his
+cause.
+
+"The most happy fruit of this issue," said Alma, "is that it gives
+back to us my son Corianton; who, at first, stood with the unbeliever,
+but now has seen a demonstration of God's power, to the conversion of
+his soul." At this announcement the brethren gathered about Corianton
+and warmly embraced him, thanking God for his deliverance from
+darkness.
+
+It was finally arranged that Alma, Ammon, Aaron, Omner together with
+Shiblon and Corianton, should go on a mission to the Zoramites; that
+Himni should remain to preside over the church at Zarahemla, assisted
+by Helaman.
+
+As the council was breaking up, Alma suggested that he would like to
+take with him on this mission Amulek and Zeezrom, but they were in the
+city of Melek, west of Zarahemla. Corianton volunteered to go after
+them, and Shiblon expressed a willingness to accompany him. That
+afternoon they started.
+
+En route they passed through several villages, and on such occasions
+were everywhere questioned in relation to the curse which had fallen
+upon Korihor, of which they had heard conflicting rumors. The young
+men gave to those inquiring correct information, though Corianton in
+testifying to the existence of God, and to the truth, was not always
+as humble or merciful to those who were not yet converted as was
+conformable to the spirit of the gospel, or consistent with the
+position which he himself had so lately occupied. It is ever thus with
+your new convert; by his actions and by his words you would be led to
+think, if you did not know better, that he was the last sinner God was
+waiting to bring into his fold before he damned the rest. Shiblon
+observed these faults in his brother, but knowing his haughty spirit,
+which could ill brook restraint, he resolved to remain silent, and let
+those older correct him.
+
+Finding Amulek and Zeezrom, they delivered their message from the
+council of the priesthood in Zarahemla, and both these worthy men
+returned with them to that city, and from thence the party took its
+journey to Antionum, the chief city of the Zoramites.
+
+Of that journey it is necessary to say but little. It occupied eight
+days, the party going on foot, driving with them but two asses, on
+which were packed the tents, food and other necessary articles for the
+comfort of the party. For the sons of Mosiah and Alma, who were all
+experienced missionaries, and had passed through many trying scenes
+together, as also, indeed, had Amulek and Zeezroni, it was a glorious
+reunion; and many and various were the adventures and special
+manifestations of the power of God related. To the younger men,
+Shiblon and Corianton, it was a feast of spiritual food--the
+conversation of these servants of God.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIX.
+
+THE ZORAMITES.
+
+
+The sun was slowly sinking in the western sky, as the party of
+missionaries presented themselves at the main entrance to the city
+Antionum, the gateway of the north wall. They were permitted to pass
+in unchallenged, and inquired out a lodging house, where they all
+stayed together. Uninformed as to the exact nature of the heresy of
+the Zoramites, they had resolved to avoid proclaiming their mission,
+until they should become acquainted with the nature of the errors it
+was their hope to correct.
+
+The day following their entrance into the city was the holy day of the
+Zoramites, when they repaired to the synagogues, of which there were
+many, to worship. The interior of their places of worship was
+gorgeously decorated. Near the center of each rose a stand, the top of
+which extended half the height from the floor to the ceiling. The
+stand proper rested on a sort of frustum of a cone. Up the sides were
+several flights of steps, and at the top of the frustum was standing
+room for a number of people; but in the stand proper there was room
+for but one. Each in his turn ascended the single flight of steps to
+the top of this holy stand--Rameumptom they called it--and stretching
+forth his hands towards heaven, exclaimed in solemn tones:
+
+        Holy, Holy, Holy God!
+      Thou art God, There is no God beside.
+    Spirit Bright, and Everlasting--
+    The same to-day and ever more.
+    Separate are we from men--
+    Elected us hast Thou and made us holy,
+    While all beside thou hast condemned;
+    For which, Most High, and Holy God we give Thee thanks--
+    That we are not as other men.
+    Separated are we from false traditions of the Christ--
+    That deep blasphemy of corrupted Nephites,
+    Who know not Thee as Spirit-God:
+    But as a man expect to see Thee
+    Come on earth, and all mankind redeemed!
+    For deliverance from such traditions vile
+    Most High and Holy God--I give Thee thanks!
+      Amen, amen, amen!
+
+At the conclusion of every distinct thought in the above prayer, the
+company of worshippers at the top of the frustum would cry
+aloud--"Amen, amen!" And at the conclusion of the prayer an unseen
+choir accompanied by instruments, chanted selected and slightly
+altered passages of the above prayer such as--
+
+"Holy, holy God! Thou art God. Thou are holy. Thou are spirit, and
+ever shall be--Holy is thy name! Amen! amen!"
+
+Such was their form of worship, such their set prayers, as witnessed
+that day by Alma and his fellow missionaries.
+
+After witnessing this mixture of impiety and hypocrisy,
+self-glorification, and abasement of those not of them. Alma thought
+it not necessary to wait longer in commencing the work, and hence,
+that night he laid hands upon the heads of his associates, blessed
+them and set them apart for the accomplishment of the work in hand.
+The next morning they separated for the better prosecution of their
+enterprise. They took no thought of themselves, what they should eat,
+or where they should be lodged. They preached in the synagogues, in
+private houses, and even in the streets.
+
+No one in the beginning of this work was more zealous, or more
+successful than Corianton. Indeed it was his success that began to
+work a great mischief; for it filled him with pride and boasting in
+his own strength. By the force of his brilliancy, and a kind of genius
+for controversy, he discomfited the Zoramites, and exposed the
+shallowness of their principles to the great delight of the multitude
+who, though they believed not the message he was delivering, were
+immensely pleased with the youthful orator.
+
+There were fundamental truths of the gospel, however, to which
+Corianton himself was not converted; the atonement of Christ, the
+resurrection, the justice of God in punishing the wicked, being among
+them. He found, as many since his day have found, that seeing a single
+manifestation of the power of God--a miracle--had not removed all the
+difficulties in the way of a sound faith in the gospel; and in his own
+mind he began to find ways of accounting for the destruction of
+Korihor's speech--his own excitement, the mysterious magnetism of his
+father which swayed men's minds, a power which he flattered himself he
+had inherited, notwithstanding his unbelief.
+
+One day about sunset, while in this frame of mind, as he was passing
+down one of the main thoroughfares of Antionum, he saw a poor,
+wretched object begging of those who passed him on the street. He was
+miserably clad and filthy, his form emaciated and trembling with
+weakness, but there was something in the profile of the face, a
+resemblance to a countenance which lived in Corianton's recollection,
+that attracted his attention. As he approached nearer he observed a
+wildness about the man, occasioned by desperate efforts at speech,
+resulting only in harsh, disconnected and unintelligible mumbling. To
+his astonishment, it was Korihor. The form was wasted, the features
+shrunken almost past recognition, and insanity glared from his wild
+eyes. Corianton gazed in pity upon him, and Korihor returned that look
+with one of puzzled wonder. Then as the mists and confusion of his
+mind cleared up for the moment, he recognized his former, and what he
+accounted his false friend, and with a wild shriek fled out into the
+street, looking back at Corianton as he ran with an air expressive of
+horror. At that moment a troop of horsemen was passing down the
+street, and so sudden had been the poor half maniac's flight from the
+presence of Corianton, that he threw himself in front of the horsemen,
+and before they could check their speed or change their course, he was
+knocked down and trampled upon.
+
+A crowd quickly gathered around the bruised and bleeding form. His
+case was notorious in Antionum, and it was generally believed that his
+dumbness was brought upon him through sorcery; hence, even while he
+was shunned by the people, there were many who sympathized with him,
+so far, at least, as execrating those who had been the means, as they
+thought, of bringing the evil upon him. Corianton ran to the man and
+raised him to a sitting posture, but he never regained consciousness;
+a few painful gasps, and the body sank back into the arms of the young
+man, limp and lifeless. One of the guards of the city came up to the
+crowd, and, recognizing the body as that of the dumb, half-crazed
+beggar, he took charge of it, and finally interred it.
+
+As Corianton walked away with the mangled form of the once bold
+anti-Christ vividly pictured in his mind, he muttered half
+aloud--"This is one of the judgments of God--cruel, infinitely cruel!
+He above all others could have been generous and have pardoned him
+before his justice," and he fairly hissed the word, "had turned to
+cruelty!"
+
+By this time he had reached his lodgings, one of the finest palaces in
+all that city, and strange enough, it was the home of one of the chief
+Zoramites who had been especially pleased, or at least feigned to be
+especially pleased, with Corianton, and had invited him to make his
+house his home. At the entrance to the walk leading up to the house,
+he was met by a woman, who asked if he was one of the Nephite prophets
+that had come to preach the doctrines of the Nephites to the
+Zoramites. Corianton answered that he was of that party. "And is your
+name Corianton?"
+
+"Yes, that is my name."
+
+"Then at last I have found you!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVEN.
+
+JOAN.
+
+
+Was the woman who accosted Corianton at the gate of his lodging,
+young, beautiful? He could not tell; the twilight had deepened too
+much into the shadow of night, to permit him to see clearly; but there
+was a fascination in the full, sweet tones of her voice, and he was
+thrilled by the touch of her soft hand, as she laid it gently on his
+arm, as if to detain him while asking the questions with which the
+last chapter closed.
+
+"You are going to Seantum's?"
+
+"Yes, that is where I lodge."
+
+"I will go with you."
+
+He hesitated, and was not a little astonished at her perfect
+self-possession, which, to his thinking, bordered on boldness. It must
+be remembered that among the Nephites, one of the chief
+characteristics of their women, so far as one is able to judge from
+their annals, was modesty--an excellent thing in woman, when not
+feigned or prudish. The freedom, therefore, with which this woman had
+accosted him, a perfect stranger, and now proposed to go with him,
+uninvited, to the place where he lodged, was a boldness to which
+Corianton was unaccustomed. She observed that he hesitated, and broke
+out into a light, silvery laugh.
+
+"Ah, I forgot," she said, in an apologizing tone, yet with a touch of
+mockery in it, "thou art one of the prophets, perhaps a solemn one,
+and unacquainted with our people, and my manners are too bold. But
+Seantum, with whom you lodge, is a near kinsman--my father's brother;
+now, will you throw open the gate, and allow me to go in with you?"
+
+He complied with her request mechanically, and in silence, for he knew
+not what to say. As they approached the house he again felt that soft
+hand laid gently on his arm, and the same sweet voice said, almost
+pleadingly: "Let us not go into the house yet, the evening is
+beautiful; see, the moon is just peeping over the tree tops, and
+floods the earth with her soft light--let us walk in the garden." She
+had retained her hold upon his arm, and obeying her will rather than
+his own, he turned down a path leading away from the house.
+
+The house of Seantum was situated at the southern outskirts of the
+city, in the midst of a spacious and splendid garden. There were
+extensive lawns, studded with tropical trees, several species of palms
+and plantain; the cocoa trees standing in groups, their great tufts of
+gigantic leaves rustling in the moonlight at the height of sixty and
+seventy feet; banana and papaw trees growing side by side in rows
+along the walks, and back of them in irregular order stood
+pomegranates, while here and there were clumps of lindens,
+interspersed with sumach and cashew, and a great variety of evergreen
+shrubbery. Here side by side, and in fine contrast, were
+rhododendrons, with their rose-colored flowers, and the coffee shrub
+with its clusters of delicate white blossoms. Other flowers and
+flowering trees there were in great profusion--the fragrant eglantine,
+the elegant, airy though thorny acacia, and now and then an aloe
+plant, and, ah, rare sight! several of them were in full bloom; these,
+with splendid magnolias, mingled their odors; and burdened the air
+with ambrosial fragrance, which, with the chirrup and hum of insect
+life, the gentle whispering wind, stealing softly through shrubbery
+and tree, and all kissed to beauty by the glorious moonlight, made up
+a night such as lovers love, and love's young dream expands.
+
+"You are not at all curious," said Corianton's new-found companion.
+"You have not yet asked my name, nor why I am here, nor what it is I
+want with you--you have not spoken half a dozen words since we
+met--you smile, do you mean by that I have not given you a chance to
+say more?"
+
+"Such were my thoughts, lady, but I would know your name, and am most
+curious to know what you would with me."
+
+By this they had reached a lakelet at the lower end of the garden,
+from whose moist beach grew several gigantic mango and sycamore trees.
+They had passed in the shadow of one of the latter whose inclining
+trunk extended far out over the water-lily bedecked lake. Half seating
+herself on the inclined tree, she raised her hand to clutch a grape
+vine that drooped from a branch above, and as she did so the ample
+folds of her sleeve slipped back and left uncovered a beautiful white
+arm.  And now Corianton noticed for the first time that the form was
+supple and finely proportioned. Her head, too, had been covered with a
+kind of mantilla which had also partly shrouded her face; this fell
+back now, revealing a face of uncommon loveliness, and a profusion of
+brown hair.
+
+"You must know then, sir prophet," she said with a light air, "that I
+am Joan, from Siron; my father is a Nephite by birth, but when young
+met with my mother, taken captive during a war with your people. He
+fell in love with the captive, married her and she induced him to go
+with her to her people. They settled in Siron where they lived happily
+until my mother died. My father still lives, and has never been
+entirely rid of the traditions of the Nephites, and hearing that a
+party of Nephite prophets were preaching in Antionum, it was his wish
+that I should come to our kinsman Seantum, find you, and ask that you
+would also preach in Siron."
+
+"But why did you come to me? I do not lead our party, I am youngest in
+it."
+
+"Ah, sir prophet, you are more famous than you know. It was Corianton
+that we first heard of in Siron; it is he whose eloquence most baffles
+the Zoramites, and threatens the disruption of their church--believe
+me, sir, I was charged by my father to bid you come."
+
+Oh, flattery! what man is proof against thy sweet, seducing charms!
+And how those charms are heightened, when flattery falls from beauty's
+lips! The vanity of Corianton was well pleased with the words of the
+woman; pride swelled his bosom, and he felt exalted above his
+brethren.
+
+"For two days I have sought you" (Corianton had been absent two days
+from his lodgings), "now I have found you and delivered my message,
+will you go to Siron?"
+
+"I cannot say, lady, I must first confer with my brethren, and if by
+them it is thought best, I--"
+
+"What! are you not free to come and go where and when you like. Are
+you in bondage?"
+
+"No, lady, not in bondage, yet it is mete I counsel with my
+associates, and if--"
+
+"And 'if' they give you leave, why then you'll go! Ah me, that is such
+liberty as a maiden has under her father's control. I've often wished
+myself a man, that I might have a more extended liberty, but if men
+cannot act independent of control, it pleases me that I am a woman.  I
+fear, Sir prophet, that I shall never be a convert to your faith."
+
+"Then I would esteem my success in Siron of little value though I
+gained the whole people, if I failed to number one so fair among those
+who followed me."
+
+"Come, sir, let us now go in; you begin to find your tongue, and even
+a prophet, I see, can flatter."
+
+So saying she drew her mantle over her head, and they walked in
+silence towards the house.
+
+Corianton, as he walked away, did not observe shadowy forms glide from
+under adjacent trees, hold a brief consultation and depart from the
+spot which he himself had just quitted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHT.
+
+THE REVEL.
+
+
+As Corianton and Joan approached the house, lively strains of music
+floated out upon the evening air, and lights gleamed from all the
+windows; now sounds of revelry could be heard--the merry laugh, and
+flying feet. In the hall they were met by Seantum. "Returned home at
+last, Corianton, eh?" he said with blustering familiarity, "what, and
+with Joan, too!"
+
+"Yes, kinsman; I found our prophet as he was entering the grounds, and
+have detained him long enough to deliver my message."
+
+"Quite right, too, quite right; if you have anything to do, do it, and
+do it at once, say I. But come, sir, some young people have gathered
+here, to make merry the night, recreation will do you good, sir; youth
+was made for enjoyment, sir, and youth cheats itself if it make not
+good use of its time."
+
+"Oh, kinsman, you forget!" said Joan. "This man, though he hath not a
+gray beard, or a stooped back--and though he hath no staff, yet is he
+a holy man! and will account the youthful revels you commend, as
+sinful. Alas," said she, with charming mock solemnity,--"alas, that
+youth should so soon wed itself to the vocation of the aged! Besides,
+I warrant me, he will tell thee he must first counsel with his
+fellow-prophets, before he can stir in what you would have him enjoy.
+So pray forbear, tempt not the holy prophet!" And with this
+tantalizing witchery she left him.
+
+Seantum laughed heartily at the evident discomfiture of Corianton. "By
+my life, sir, she hath hit you as hard with her sarcasm of your
+solemnities, as your ridicule hits the weakness of our Zoramite faith;
+but come, sir, come, you must rally, you must let her see that you
+have spirit--which I know you have--go in, sir," lowering his voice,
+"it shall not harm your reputation; go in, you shall find beauty,
+gaiety, pleasure and secrecy beneath my roof--go in, sir; youth was
+made for pleasure!"
+
+His pride, wounded by the light sarcasm of Joan, and, influenced, it
+must also be confessed, by the cajolery of Seantum, Corianton permitted
+himself to be led down the hall into a spacious saloon, brilliantly
+lighted by cressets, and at one end of which, on a platform, was
+arranged a banqueting table, ladened profusely with all the delicacies
+of the tropics--a rich variety of meats, fruits and wines, of which
+all were free to partake at pleasure. The ceiling and wall of the
+saloon were frescoed with voluptuous figures or grim monsters, half
+animal, half human--with here and there indications that some
+knowledge of the old mythologies was still retained; the windows were
+draped with curtains of rich stuffs, variously colored; their ample
+folds gently stirred by the soft breeze which stole into the room,
+filling it with the rich perfumes of the garden. The floor was
+variegated Mosaic work, smooth as polished ivory, covered at the sides
+and ends by soft carpeting.
+
+As Corianton and Seantum entered the saloon, a pretty dark-eyed girl
+was executing a sort of fandango to the evident delight of a number of
+young men sitting or lounging promiscuously about the room. At the
+conclusion of the dance the girl was greeted warmly with a round of
+applause. Then there was quiet, broken occasionally by light ripples
+of laughter, the hum of confused conversation, or occasional commands
+to the slaves to serve fruits or wines. There were whispered nothings,
+tender caresses, and loose jests. Groups of women of all degrees of
+beauty were reclining on divans or cushions, half concealed by the
+rich foliage of gigantic plants in great vases; and sometimes in
+recesses nearly shut out from the main body of the saloon by closely
+drawn curtains.
+
+The entrance of Seantum and Corianton had attracted no attention; but
+as the tall, graceful Nephite passed the various groups, the girls
+broke out in exclamations of admiration--"how handsome!" "how young!"
+"what fine eyes!--and what a form!" "who is he?" "a stranger--a
+Nephite." All this agitated Corianton, and rendered him uneasy.
+Arriving at the head of the saloon, he was introduced to a group of
+young men about his own age.
+
+"This is my Nephite prophet of whom you have heard me speak," said
+Seantum, "receive him as my honored guest and friend." At this
+Corianton was warmly saluted, and called upon to pledge the
+acquaintance in wine. There was no retreating now, nor could there be
+any refusal.
+
+"Though our new friend is a Nephite," said Seantum, after the pledge
+of friendship had been drunk, "and reared under traditions which we
+have forsaken, religious differences, arising solely from training in
+childhood, should make no difference in social life." "No, no," broke
+in several voices. "Let us bury thoughts of all such differences in
+another bowl of wine," said a youth of Lamanitish appearance, and
+already under the influence of the beverage he now called for.
+
+At that moment in the lower part of the saloon some one was greeted by
+hearty applause; looking in that direction Joan was seen advancing
+clad in loose, fleecy garments; she held in her hand a long strip of
+crimson gauze, and as she reached the middle of the saloon she shook
+out its folds and began a dance of exquisite grace.
+
+What mischief hath not been worked by the witching grace exhibited by
+beautiful women in the dance! The elegance and harmony of motion, the
+poetry of movement, gives a lustre to beauty and influences the senses
+through the imagination. 'Twas the dancing of the fair daughter of
+Jared which drove Akish of old to pledge himself to murder King Omer
+among the Jaredites; and men hereafter shall promise with an oath
+anything to the half of a kingdom, to some fair one for dancing before
+them.
+
+Never had Corianton seen such a combination of motion and beauty as
+that now before him. The slight willowy form of Joan swaying with easy
+grace, the poise of the head, the movement of the arms, all in perfect
+harmony with the rest of her actions. Frequently the company applauded
+her, but now evidently the dance is drawing to a close, concluding
+with rapid whirling round the entire saloon. As she passed near
+Corianton she suddenly threw her gauze scarf over his head, as a
+challenge for him to join her in the finale; and he, forgetful of all
+but her loveliness and bewitching grace, caught her hand, holding the
+tips of her fingers, and accompanied her in that whirling circuit. He
+had evidently acquitted himself well, for he shared in the applause
+which greeted her, and the compliments that followed.
+
+"Ah, my friend, I scarcely thought a prophet could do so well," she
+whispered, in her taunting manner; but seeing that he turned pale at
+her remark, and that a pained expression also passed over his
+features, she quickly added "you did well, I am proud of you, and you
+must be my companion for the night;" and her hand once more stole
+within his arm.
+
+The revels were continued through the night, wine flowed as freely as
+water, and long before the gray dawn began to break in the east, many
+had sunk down in a helpless, drunken sleep. Corianton also was
+intoxicated, but not so much with wine as with the beauty and chic of
+Joan. When she left him, as she did soon after midnight, he began to
+realize the situation into which his half thoughtless indiscretion had
+plunged him, and he knew not how he would well answer his brethren for
+his conduct. Though he had drunk but little wine, not being accustomed
+to it his brain was on fire, and a mad spirit of recklessness seized
+him. Passing a group of young fellows in an advanced stage of
+intoxication in one of the recesses of the saloon, he was hailed by
+them, and congratulated upon his conquest of the fairest lady in all
+their land. He joined them in their praises of her beauty and in their
+revel. What he did, what was done he knew not, his brain was
+confused--he had an indistinct recollection of boisterous, frenzied
+jollity, then high words, a quarrel, but not the reason of it, and
+then all was darkness, oblivion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINE.
+
+ISABEL.
+
+
+As the grey light of morning struggled through the heavy curtained
+windows of the saloon, Corianton awoke. For some time he lay half
+bewildered, unable to call to mind what had happened, or where he was,
+conscious only of the heavy, dull pain in his head. At last, however,
+the revels of the past night were conjured up by his recollection; but
+awakening consciousness brought with it a sickening sense of shame. He
+was lying on a cushioned divan in one of the many recesses opening
+into the saloon, and near him in a heavy stupor, on the floor, was a
+young Lamanite girl. He arose and staggered from the recess to seek
+the open air. In the saloon the lights in the cressets were burning
+low, but giving out sufficient of their pale, yellow light to reveal
+the general disorder that prevailed. Fruits, drinking bowls, withered
+flowers and ottomans lay scattered about promiscuously. The banquet
+table itself with its burden of fruits and wines and silver furniture,
+had been overturned, doubtless in the melee which followed the
+quarrel, of which Corianton had but an indistinct recollection. Near
+the door leading into the hall were two slaves sleeping in each
+other's arms--worn out by the services of the past night.
+
+Corianton wended his way through all this debris and at last reached
+the garden; but neither the cool morning air, the song of birds nor
+the perfume of flowers brought relief to his aching heart or troubled
+mind.
+
+He followed the same path down which Joan had led him the night before
+to the margin of the lake, and stood under the same trees where her
+loveliness first attracted his attention. Again he saw her half
+reclining against the tree, once more heard her sweet voice deriding
+his faith and mocking at the bondage it brought with it--"What, are
+you not free? Are you in bondage?" she had said; and the humiliation he
+had experienced by the taunting question still hurt his pride. He
+sought a bower near at hand, and stretching himself upon a seat
+beneath it, was soon lost in a fitful slumber.
+
+He was suddenly awakened by some one in a subdued but hurried tone
+calling his name. Shaking off his sleep at last, he was surprised and
+not a little troubled at seeing his brother Shiblon standing over him.
+
+"Wake, brother, wake and leave this horrible place!" The speaker was
+pale and evidently much excited. "Come brother, in the name of God
+shake off this slumber, and come with me before it is too late!"
+
+"Why Shiblon, what's amiss?"
+
+"Alas, I fear thou art amiss; and your bad deeds are like to bring
+trouble to us all. Your association with harlots in this place is the
+talk of the whole city, and everywhere we are threatened with
+violence--we can no longer preach to the people since they judge us
+all by your conduct, and condemn us all as hypocrites and bid us be
+gone. The other brethren have started to leave the city, but I came in
+search of you; now brother, come--in God's name come! Come, let us
+leave together; by a penitent life you may yet cancel this great
+sin--you are young--not yet hardened in vice; I pray you, come!"
+
+Corianton stood before his brother bewildered; to him his speech was
+incoherent--wild. "Shiblon," said he, "I have not associated with
+harlots, and though the revels of last night were indiscreet, I am
+free from such sin as you impute to me."
+
+"God grant that you are, and far be it from me to believe that you add
+the sin of falsehood to a grosser sin; but brother, the house of
+Seantum where you have lodged, is the worst den of infamy in all
+Antionum, and only last night you were seen in loving converse on the
+shores of this very lake with the harlot Isabel."
+
+"Isabel!" echoed Corianton, "I know and have seen no such woman. I
+walked through the grounds here last evening with Joan, niece of
+Seantum, and though of sprightly disposition yet modest, and I believe
+as virtuous as she is fair."
+
+"Oh, Corianton, in this you are cozened. That woman is not Joan, nor
+is she Seantum's niece; but a wicked harlot from Siron whose body to
+the chief men of this city has been as common as their wills have
+desired it; you have fallen into the trap laid by the Zoramites to
+destroy the mission in this city. Seantum is one of the leaders of the
+Zoramites, he it was who sent for this cunning harlot to work your
+ruin, and in that hoped for the destruction of our mission; and he has
+succeeded, alas! too well. They have deceived you; and as the devil
+appears as an angel of light, so this woman assumes a virtue that she
+possesses not, and by that seeming grace wins you to your destruction.
+But break this chain, and let us flee."
+
+Before Corianton could reply there was heard a hurrying of feet and
+they were surrounded by a body of men.
+
+"Take that man," said Seantum, pointing to Shiblon, "and bind him."
+The young man saw at a glance that neither flight nor resistance would
+avail anything, and he submitted without an effort at either.
+
+"Corianton," said Seantum, "I overheard the ungracious words of your
+brother against my house and my kinswoman, and I insist upon a
+vindication of both before the magistrates of this city; hence I have
+taken him, but I mean him no further mischief; and does not justice to
+my great reputation and to my household dictate the taking of this
+course?"
+
+"Though the sentence fall upon my brother, I must say your cause is
+just; let him answer it before your judges, and let this experience
+teach him discretion."
+
+"Corianton," said Shiblon, "I complain not at my captivity, incurred
+by an anxiety for your good; nor shall I shrink before the judges
+however unjust or merciless they may be. But take my advice, if you
+are still free from the sin that reputation sticks on you, lose no
+time in leaving this man's accursed house; trust not his friendship,
+for it is poison; believe not in the pretensions of the harlot Isabel,
+Joan she is not, she is one whose feet go down to death, whose steps
+take hold on hell!"
+
+"Away with him, and stop his slanderous mouth!" cried Corianton, white
+with rage. One of those who held him, struck Shiblon a blow in the
+face.
+
+"Noble Seantum," continued Corianton, "see that yourself and your fair
+niece be cleared of those slanders, and tell her that there is one
+Nephite at least who can rise above the prejudices of a narrow faith
+and not impute lewdness to mirthfulness, nor wantonness to innocent
+gaiety."
+
+"Be assured, sir," replied the one addressed, "I shall not fail to
+report you truly to the fair Joan; and you shall not suffer in her
+estimation by reason of your brother's slander."
+
+"Brother, you are now blinded by your infatuation and anger," said
+Shiblon, whose spirit neither blows nor prospective harsher treatment
+could daunt, "but the time will come, when the scales will fall, and
+you will see the black wickedness of those who have entrapped your
+unwary feet; farewell, and whatever fate overtakes me, remember I
+suffer it out of love of you."
+
+He was then dragged away in the direction of the house, followed by
+Seantum.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TEN.
+
+TAUNTS OF THE CROWD.
+
+
+Left alone to battle with the contending emotions that struggled in
+his breast, and his anger having subsided, Corianton began to be
+plagued with rising apprehensions. What if Shiblon were right? What if
+he had been duped by the crafty Zoramites? Many things that passed
+under his observation in the banqueting saloon the night before now
+arose to give support to his increasing fears. "Yet, I'll not believe
+it, until proven true, then if she be indeed a harlot, and hath
+betrayed me into this compromising position, may God pity her, for she
+hath need of pity!"
+
+With these words he left the garden and started in the direction of
+the market place of the city.
+
+He observed as he walked along that many people looked curiously at
+him, and turned to follow him with their gaze. As he turned into one
+of the principal streets he heard a tumult, and saw an excited crowd
+of people rapidly gathering about two men who were evidently making
+efforts to extricate themselves from the throng. They were coming in
+his direction, and stepping aside into a narrow alleyway, he thought
+to let the throng pass without being observed. As the crowd drew near,
+to his astonishment, he saw the two men were his father and Ammon. The
+mob at their heels, however, was evidently, as yet, good natured, and
+were merely mocking them. Some who occasionally ran in front of them
+would shout at the spectators gathered at the sides of the streets--
+
+"Behold the Nephite prophet, who comes to teach us 'holiness' while
+his son makes merry the night with harlots!"
+
+"Teach your own son virtue before you leave your cities to convert the
+Zoramites," cried another.
+
+"The son's no worse than the father I'll warrant," shouted a third.
+
+"Nor so bad either," broke in several.
+
+"Say old greybeard," said a voice from the crowd, "which of you holy
+men is contracted to Isabel to-night?" and the insinuation was
+followed by shouts of laughter.
+
+So the crowd passed on, yelling, cursing, mocking, deriding, pushing;
+the spirit of violence constantly increasing. The two prophets
+answered nothing, but bore all meekly; the only sign of emotion being
+the tears that silently flowed down the furrowed cheeks of Alma at the
+taunts thrown at him respecting his son; indeed he seemed weighed down
+with grief, and would have been trampled under foot but for the
+support of his strong companion, who bore him up, and kept back those
+who would have used violence had they dared.
+
+The crowd passed and their shouts rose faintly above the busy hum of
+life in the city, and then at last died away altogether.
+
+Corianton had remained in the alley way from which he had seen and
+heard what is described above; there he stood trembling from head to
+foot in an agony of shame and terror. At last he walked away, and
+rather from instinct than design he retraced his footsteps in the
+direction of Seantum's.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ELEVEN.
+
+FACE TO FACE.
+
+
+As he walked along Corianton increased his speed; passion rocked his
+frame, and a deep design for revenge filled his heart. He passed down
+the path with rapid strides and entered the hall of Seantum's
+dwelling. Here he met a maid who had attended on Joan--Isabel,--and in
+whose company he had left her the night before.
+
+"Where is your mistress, maid?" he demanded in no gentle tones.
+
+"She is yet in her room, sir prophet," said the maid, trembling with
+fear.
+
+"And where is that room?"
+
+"The first door to the left opens to a passage leading to it; shall I
+say to my mistress you would see her?"
+
+"No," he replied in tones husky with anger. "I will see her
+unannounced. Small need to stand on ceremony with such as she."
+
+And with a few rapid strides he reached the door indicated, and
+entered the passage leading to the splendid rooms set apart for the
+use of Isabel.
+
+He threw aside the heavy curtain drawn across the passage and stood in
+the presence of the woman bent on his destruction. She was seated on a
+low ottoman with a silver mirror in her hand and a slave was just
+putting the finishing touches to her toilet. She hastily arose as
+Corianton entered, and intense anger flashed in her dark eyes.
+
+"Methinks this entrance is somewhat rude, bold Nephite. At least I
+should have thought a 'prophet' would have had respect for a maiden's
+privacy."
+
+"Aye, no doubt he would. All men would respect a maiden's privacy; the
+most licentious wretch would tremble did he invade its hallowed
+precinct. But who respects the privacy of a commoner? Who pauses on
+the threshold of a strumpet?"
+
+"Commoner? Strumpet?" echoed Isabel, choking with rage, "what mean
+you?"
+
+"Mean? mean?" he cried, "I mean that the mask behind which you would
+hide as Joan is snatched away. I mean that you are a base harlot; that
+that fair face is besmirked with loathsome filth, that the sweet tones
+of your voice, the arch smile, that angel form, are but the
+blandishments of hell to decoy men to ruin. I mean that you with your
+paramours conspired to work my undoing; and I, fool-like, must walk in
+midday light into your traps."
+
+He had approached her at this climax of his passion and seized her by
+the throat! With a shriek she sank upon her knees before him in
+terror. Finding her helpless in his grasp, he recovered his
+self-control sufficiently to loose his hold.
+
+"No, no, I will not kill you--I meant not to harm you--pardon me. O,
+my God! why, oh why, is this woman so foul and yet so fair that heated
+rage is cooled, madness subdued to gentleness, and man's purposed
+revenge weeps itself to softness in woman's tears?" Covering his face
+with his hands he sank into a settee overpowered by the emotions which
+shook his frame.
+
+By this time Isabel had recovered from the terror into which
+Corianton's sudden rage had thrown her; and deeply read in man's moods
+and passions, she saw what an influence she held over the one now
+before her. Stealing softly to his side, and placing her hand on his
+shoulder she gently said:
+
+"Corianton, have you done well in thus proceeding? What have I done to
+merit such harsh treatment--such bitter words--how deserved it?"
+
+"What have you done?" he cried--"you came to me with a lie on your
+lips, deceit in your heart, and under the guise of innocence, purity
+and goodness sought to encompass my ruin!--Well madame, your plans
+have carried--I am undone--ruined! I can never return to my people, to
+them I am infamous--an outcast!" And again his form was convulsed in
+an agony of grief.
+
+"But may there not be some extenuating circumstances to free me from
+the harsh judgment you passed upon me? Trained from my childhood to
+hate your people, and taught that all means were proper that would
+lead to their destruction, the helpless instrument of unscrupulous men
+bent on defeating your mission to the Zoramites--is it any wonder that
+I undertook the part assigned me in the scheme? But Corianton," and
+she sank on her knees at his feet, "the moment I saw you--so noble in
+bearing--so young--my heart relented; I shrank from the performance
+of the wicked plot--but what was I to do? Had I told you the truth--
+that I was Isabel--the infamy of that name would have steeled your
+heart against me--you would have driven me from you as an unclean
+thing; and your presence--the nobility which looked from your eyes,
+inspired me with love such as I have never known before--I experienced
+a longing for something better than I had known--a desire for purity,
+goodness, virtue, that I might be worthy of you; and even wicked and
+unclean as I am, hope whispered high promises to my woman's
+heart--'love will forgive and forget the past; it lives only in the
+present and for the future,' it said; but alas! it was a vain hope--I
+awake and find it dust! Oh, why is there so much difference between
+man and woman! No matter what the past of a man may have been, he hath
+but to repent, and all is forgiven--and, forgotten. But when a woman
+falls, 'tis never more to rise or be forgiven."
+
+These indirect appeals to him touched the gentler nature of Corianton,
+and bending over her as he took her hand, he said: "Nay, do not weep;
+if I have fallen I alone am to blame, I should have had better
+discretion. I am no coward to lay the blame upon another. I alone am
+to blame and I will alone bear the burden of God's displeasure."
+
+"Corianton," cried Isabel as a sudden idea seized her, "if you are an
+outcast; come to me, go with me to Siron; we are both young, we may
+live for each other, and life may yield us much of happiness--I will
+be true to you, work for you, nay, my proud spirit is conquered by my
+love, I will even be your slave; let us unite our shattered fortunes:
+all may yet be well."
+
+Oh youth, how elastic is thy texture! Oppressed with the heaviest
+grief, bowed down into the dust by ruin, thy buoyancy will up-raise
+the soul--hope dwells perennially in thy breast! The proposition of
+Isabel revived the sinking spirits of Corianton, and under the
+influence of her hopeful words his life yet seemed to promise
+something worth living for.
+
+"If you have become an outcast from your people," she continued, "and
+that through me, I will become an outcast from those who knew me here,
+I will forsake my friends for you; and then, hand in hand, we will
+seek our new and better fortune. But men are changeful in their love,"
+she added, "and when time or care steals beauty from our checks, your
+eyes will wander--swear to be true to me, Corianton."
+
+Her arms stole gently about his neck and she looked pleadingly into
+his eyes. All his love for this woman now seemed to go out to her, and
+warmly returning her tender embrace he said:
+
+"Do not fear the vanishing of my love, Isabel, for I do love thee with
+my whole heart, better than my country, my people or my God--the last
+I am estranged from, and henceforth thou shalt be my idol," and he
+lovingly kissed her lips.
+
+That night they left for Siron, and reached their destination.
+
+The following day when it became known that Corianton had gone to
+Siron with Isabel, the excitement in Antionum greatly increased.
+Shiblon the day before had been released from his bondage and was
+stoned by the people in the streets, led on by some of the servants of
+Seantum. He escaped them, however, and joined his father and brethren,
+and told them of the blind infatuation of Corianton.
+
+It was decided that it would be useless to attempt to preach longer to
+the people of Antionum, and that evening the brethren of the mission
+departed for the land of Jershon, their spirits bowed down with grief
+at the hardness of the hearts of the Zoramites; but sorrowing most of
+all for the wickedness of Corianton and the disgrace he had brought
+upon the work.
+
+Zoram and his associates, chief among whom was Seantum, were not
+satisfied with the departure of the Nephite prophets; but formed the
+resolution of driving from their midst those who had believed in their
+words. Hence they sent among the people secretly to find out those who
+believed in the words which Alma and his companions had taught; and
+learned the sentiments of those who disbelieved their teachings. The
+reports justified them in concluding they could drive the former out
+of their land with impunity. The effort was successful; and the
+outcasts fled to Jershon where the people of Ammon received them with
+gladness, and provided for their immediate wants.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWELVE.
+
+THE LOVE OF A WANTON.
+
+
+The home of Isabel, in Siron, was nearly as magnificent as that of
+Seantum in Antionum. All that wealth could do to satisfy the caprice
+and extravagant tastes of woman, had evidently been lavished upon
+Isabel by her lovers. For two days after the arrival from Antionum she
+had been all that could be desired by Corianton--loving, gentle, and
+at times sprightly. But the morning of the third day when he suggested
+leaving her establishment, whose luxury constantly reminded him of her
+former life and shame, she manifested some petulance, and replied--
+
+"You knew who and what I was before you came here, I take it unkindly
+that you upbraid me for the past."
+
+The fact was that during the night Zoram had arrived from Antionum and
+was filled with jealous rage. He feared the young and handsome Nephite
+had won the fancy of his mistress, and demanded that he should be
+gotten rid of.
+
+About midday Corianton entered the apartments of Isabel and urged
+again that she would consent to leave Siron and go to a land where she
+was not known and there begin their new life.
+
+"There is the door," she said coolly, "if you like not to stay, you
+may go."
+
+"Nay, Isabel, but you promised that you would forsake all this for
+me!"
+
+"And are you so simple as to believe a woman's words? I was blinded by
+my infatuation and half repentance, but the dream is past, I am myself
+again, and see we are not suited to each other; you had better return
+to your people, sir prophet, fall down at their feet, and seek their
+forgiveness."
+
+He stood amazed--twice deceived and by this woman--twice damned in
+shame for a thing scarce worth his pity!
+
+"And is this the return for my great love for you?" he asked.
+
+"That for your love," and she threw a goblet of wine in his face. "I
+despise both you and your love."
+
+Several of the servants and Zoram entering the apartment at that
+moment, she threw herself into the arms of the latter, saying as she
+kissed him, "this is my love--my prince--my king of men! Now go!" she
+cried, pointing to the door.
+
+"Not I," replied Corianton; "I will not budge until I have laid him
+dead at my feet who set on foot the plan that brought my shame!" And
+he sprang at Zoram with the fury of an enraged tiger. Before he could
+reach him, however, he was overpowered by the servants and bound
+securely. Zoram had drawn his dagger, and would have killed the
+Nephite, but Isabel clung to him.
+
+"No, no, you shall not slay him, he is my prey, and 'tis for me to say
+what shall be his fate. Nephite," she said, "our friend Korihor went
+into your chief city where, through sorcery, he was smitten dumb and
+fled from your land. He returned to us half crazed, and miserably
+perished. That, your people said, was a judgment of God,--a
+manifestation of his almighty power. Now live, return to your people
+to be the scorn and shame of the times, and let them know that your
+fall is a manifestation of Isabel's power--let it be Corianton for
+Korihor--Isabel against your God!"
+
+* * *
+
+"See that a number of servants go with him as guards and take him to
+the borders of the land Jershon," said Zoram. "Come, move, slaves,
+away with him, and be not over-tender of him in your journey!"
+
+Two men were soon mounted, and Corianton, his hands bound behind him,
+was compelled to run between them, each of his guards holding him by a
+thong fastened about his body. All that day and night, and part of the
+next day they continued their journey, with occasional rests for
+themselves and their horses. Reaching the borders of the land of
+Jershon before noon of the second day, they cruelly beat their
+prisoner and left him, directing their course for Siron.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTEEN.
+
+A BROTHER'S LOVE.
+
+
+Left more dead than alive by his hard journey and merciless beating,
+Corianton lay in a stupor for some time. Regaining consciousness he
+wandered, he knew not whither, but at last came to one of the chief
+towns of the people of Ammon; where a large number of the outcast
+Zoramites had been given a resting place. In passing through the
+streets he was recognized by some of them, and the news of his return
+soon spread throughout the city.
+
+The people came running together to see him. Some looked on him with
+pity, others looked upon him as the author of all their distress and
+began clamoring for vengeance. The latter class was by far the more
+numerous, and the excitement was growing uncontrolable. "Stone him,
+stone him!" was the cry. Corianton, hard pressed, threw back his
+tattered robe, and addressing the crowd said--
+
+"Yes, good people, I am the cause of the affliction that has befallen
+you--let my life pay the penalty of my follies--I refuse not to
+die--to die would be relief."
+
+Those who heard these words, and saw the majesty of the speaker,
+fallen though he was, were awed into silence; but those on the
+outskirts of the ever-increasing crowd still clamored for his life,
+and even began to cast stones at him. These volleys soon caused those
+near him to draw back, and he stood alone. Shrouding his face in his
+mantle he sank to the ground prepared to meet the worst.
+
+At that moment a clear, strong voice rose above the tumult of the mob:
+"In the name of God, hold! Stay your hands, men! Let him be accursed
+that casts another stone!"
+
+Shiblon, all breathless, pushed his way through that angry crowd to
+where his brother lay, half stunned and bleeding. He threw aside the
+mantle and bent over the poor, bruised form. "Alas! my brother, cast
+down and well nigh destroyed!" and the tears flowed down his cheeks
+and dropped upon the half unconscious face of Corianton. Then the
+murmurs of the crowd, awed but for the moment by Shiblon's appearance,
+rose into cries for vengeance. Quickly rising to his feet, Shiblon
+waved his hand for silence and thus addressed them:
+
+"You people from Antionum, listen to me. My father and the sons of
+Mosiah, together with this my brother and myself, came into your midst
+to teach you the truth. Out of love for you my father, though bowed
+with age and unremitting toil in the behalf of others, left the
+pleasures and comforts of his home, risked his life, and endured the
+scoffs of the proud Zoramites, that you might live, and live in the
+truth, and be free, and for this you would reward him by slaying his
+dearest son, who fell by the practice of a cunning harlot. I grant you
+the sin was great; such as he are great, even in their sins; and they
+are likewise great in their sufferings.
+
+"If his crime is worthy of death, has he not already suffered more
+than death? The burden of his great sin he must carry through
+life--and could his worst enemy be gratified by casting one more stone
+at this poor, bleeding body, or be pleased by adding one more pang to
+his tortured mind? Oh, men! has pity, mercy, gratitude left your
+breasts; and does your mad frenzy make you brutish beasts? My
+brother's sin is more against himself and God than you, and it is for
+you to leave him to the justice and mercy of his God who hath said,
+'Vengeance is mine, I will repay."
+
+The crowd slunk away, except those who remained to assist Shiblon in
+removing his brother to the home of Ammon, who lived in the city. Here
+his wounds were dressed; and he was attended upon by Shiblon with all
+the devotion of a loving brother.
+
+His father forgave him, and took no small pains in teaching him,
+instilling into his soul faith in the great fundamental truths of the
+Gospel. And Corianton's proud, haughty spirit now humbled to the dust,
+listened with prayerful attention to the instruction of his father,
+and found the faith of the Gospel the stay and hope of his soul, and
+no longer questioned, but lovingly trusted in the justice and mercy of
+God.
+
+May it not be that even this great sin was necessary to humble his
+pride, and prepare him to receive and sense the gospel, that by and
+through it he might be prepared to receive the highest degree of glory
+to which his nature could attain, and which he never could have
+attained with his pride unbroken?
+
+"I give unto men weakness," saith the Lord, "that they may be humble;
+and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before
+me."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Corianton, by B. H. Roberts
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