diff options
Diffstat (limited to '5516-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 5516-h/5516-h.htm | 16101 |
1 files changed, 16101 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/5516-h/5516-h.htm b/5516-h/5516-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fc8c34e --- /dev/null +++ b/5516-h/5516-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,16101 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Arachne, by Georg Ebers + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Arachne, Complete, by Georg Ebers + +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: Arachne, Complete + +Author: Georg Ebers + +Release Date: October 17, 2006 [EBook #5516] +Last Updated: August 26, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARACHNE, COMPLETE *** + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1> + ARACHNE + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Georg Ebers + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated from the German by Mary J. Safford + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK 1.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> <b>BOOK 2.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h1> + BOOK 1. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + Deep silence brooded over the water and the green islands which rose like + oases from its glittering surface. The palms, silver poplars, and + sycamores on the largest one were already casting longer shadows as the + slanting rays of the sun touched their dark crowns, while its glowing ball + still poured a flood of golden radiance upon the bushes along the shore, + and the light, feathery tufts at the tops of the papyrus reeds in the + brackish water. + </p> + <p> + More than one flock of large and small waterfowl flew past beneath the + silvery cloudlets flecking the lofty azure vault of heaven; here and there + a pelican or a pair of wild ducks plunged, with short calls which ceased + abruptly, into the lush green thicket, but their cackling and quacking + belonged to the voices of Nature, and, when heard, soon died away in the + heights of the tipper air, or in the darkness of the underbrush that + received the birds. Very few reached the little city of Tennis, which now, + during the period of inundation in the year 274 B.C., was completely + encircled by water. + </p> + <p> + From the small island, separated from it by a channel scarcely three + arrow-shots wide, it seemed as though sleep or paralysis had fallen upon + the citizens of the busy little industrial town, for few people appeared + in the streets, and the scanty number of porters and sailors who were + working among the ships and boats in the little fleet performed their + tasks noiselessly, exhausted by the heat and labour of the day. + </p> + <p> + Columns of light smoke rose from many of the buildings, but the sunbeams + prevented its ascent into the clear, still air, and forced it to spread + over the roofs as if it, too, needed rest. + </p> + <p> + Silence also reigned in the little island diagonally opposite to the + harbour. The Tennites called it the Owl’s Nest, and, though for no + especial reason, neither they nor the magistrates of King Ptolemy II ever + stepped upon its shores. Indeed, a short time before, the latter had even + been forbidden to concern themselves about the pursuits of its + inhabitants; since, though for centuries it had belonged to a family of + seafaring folk who were suspected of piracy, it had received, two + generations ago, from Alexander the Great himself, the right of asylum, + because its owner, in those days, had commanded a little fleet which + proved extremely useful to the conqueror of the world in the siege of Gaza + and during the expedition to Egypt. True, under the reign of Ptolemy I, + the owners of the Owl’s Nest were on the point of being deprived of this + favour, because they were repeatedly accused of piracy in distant seas; + but it had not been done. Yet for the past two years an investigation had + threatened Satabus, the distinguished head of the family, and during this + period he, with his ships and his sons, had avoided Tennis and the + Egyptian coast. + </p> + <p> + The house occupied by the islanders stood on the shore facing the little + city. It had once been a stately building, but now every part of it seemed + to be going to ruin except the central portion, which presented a less + dilapidated appearance than the sorely damaged, utterly neglected side + wings. + </p> + <p> + The roof of the whole long structure had originally consisted of palm + branches, upon which mud and turf had been piled; but this, too, was now + in repair only on the central building. On the right and left wings the + rain which often falls in the northeastern part of the Nile Delta, near + the sea, had washed off the protecting earth, and the wind had borne it + away as dust. + </p> + <p> + Once the house had been spacious enough to shelter a numerous family and + to store a great quantity of goods and provisions, but it was now long + since the ruinous chambers had been occupied. Smoke rose only from the + opening in the roof of the main building, but its slender column showed + from what a very scanty fire it ascended. + </p> + <p> + The purpose which this was to serve was readily discovered, for in front + of the open door of the dwelling, that seemed far too large and on account + of the pillars at the entrance, which supported a triangular pediment—also + too stately for its sole occupant, sat an old woman, plucking three ducks. + </p> + <p> + In front of her a girl, paying no heed to her companion, stood leaning + against the trunk of the low, wide-branching sycamore tree near the shore. + A narrow boat, now concealed from view by the dense growth of rushes, had + brought her to the spot. + </p> + <p> + The beautiful, motherless young creature, needing counsel, had come to old + Tabus to appeal to her art of prophecy and, if she wanted them, to render + her any little services; for the old dame on the island was closely bound + to Ledscha, the daughter of one of the principal ship-owners in Tennis, + and had once been even more closely united to the girl. + </p> + <p> + Now, as the sun was about to set, the latter gave herself up to a wild + tumult of sweet memories, anxious fears, and yearning expectation. + </p> + <p> + Not until a cool breath from the neighbouring sea fanned her brow did she + throw down the cord and implement with which she had been adding a few + meshes to a net, and rising, gaze sometimes across the water at a large + white house in the northern part of the city, sometimes at the little + harbour or the vessels on the horizon steering toward Tennis, among which + her keen eyes discovered a magnificent ship with bright-hued sails. + </p> + <p> + Drawing a long breath, she enjoyed the coolness which precedes the + departure of the daystar. + </p> + <p> + But the effect of this harbinger of night upon her surroundings was even + more powerful than upon herself, for the sun in the western horizon + scarcely began to sink slowly behind the papyrus thicket on the shore of + the straight Tanite arm of the Nile, dug by human hands, than one new and + strange phenomenon followed another. + </p> + <p> + First a fan, composed of countless glowing rays which spread in dazzling + radiance over the west, rose from the vanishing orb and for several + minutes adorned the lofty dome of the deep-blue sky like the tail of a + gigantic peacock. Then the glitter of the shining plumes paled. The + light-giving body from which they emanated disappeared and, in its stead, + a crimson mantle, with gold-bordered, crocus-yellow edges, spread itself + over the space it had left until the gleaming tints merged into the deeper + hues of the violet. + </p> + <p> + But the girl paid no heed to this splendid spectacle. Perhaps she noticed + how the fading light diffused a delicate rose-hued veil over the + light-blue sails, embroidered with silver vines, of the approaching state + galley, making its gilded prow glitter more brightly, and saw one fishing + boat after another move toward the harbour, but she gave the whole scene + only a few careless glances. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha cared little for the poor fishermen of Tennis, and the glittering + state galley could scarcely bring or bear away anything of importance to + her. + </p> + <p> + The epistrategus of the whole province was daily expected. But of what + consequence to the young girl were the changes which it was rumoured he + intended to introduce into the government of the country, concerning which + her father had expressed such bitter dissatisfaction before he set out on + his last trip to Pontus? + </p> + <p> + A very different matter occupied her thoughts, and as, pressing her hand + upon her heart, she gazed at the little city, gleaming with crimson hues + in the reflection of the setting sun, a strange, restless stir pervaded + the former stillness of Nature. Pelicans and flamingoes, geese and ducks, + storks and herons, ibises and cranes, bitterns and lapwings, flew in dark + flocks of manifold forms from all directions. Countless multitudes of + waterfowl darkened the air as they alighted upon the uninhabited islands, + and with ear-splitting croaking and cackling, whistling and chirping, + clapping and twittering, dropped into the sedges and bushes which + concealed their nests, while in the city the doors of the houses opened, + and men, women, and children, after toiling at the loom and in the + workshop, came out to enjoy the coolness of the evening in the open air. + </p> + <p> + One fishing boat after another was already throwing a rope to the shore, + as the ship with the gay sails approached the little roadstead. + </p> + <p> + How large and magnificent it was! + </p> + <p> + None of the king’s officials had ever used such a galley, not even the + epistrategus of the Delta, who last year had given the banking and the oil + trade to new lessees. Besides, the two transports that had followed the + magnificent vessel appeared to belong to it. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha had watched the ships indifferently enough, but suddenly her gaze—and + with it the austere beauty of her face—assumed a different + expression. + </p> + <p> + Her large black eyes dilated, and with passionate intentness she looked + from the gaily ornamented galley to the shore, which several men in Greek + costume were approaching. + </p> + <p> + The first two had come from the large white house whose door, since + sunset, had been the principal object of her attention. + </p> + <p> + It was Hermon, the taller one, for whom she was waiting with old Tabus. He + had promised to take her from the Owl’s Nest, after nightfall, for a + lonely row upon the water. + </p> + <p> + Now he was not coming alone, but with his fellow-artist, the sculptor + Myrtilus, the nomarch and the notary—she recognised both distinctly—Gorgias, + the rich owner of the second largest weaving establishment in Tennis, and + several slaves. + </p> + <p> + What did it mean? + </p> + <p> + A sudden flush crimsoned her face, now slightly tanned, to the brow, and + her lips were compressed, giving her mouth an expression of repellent, + almost cruel harshness. + </p> + <p> + But the tension of her charming features, whose lines, though sharp, were + delicately outlined, soon vanished. There was still plenty of time before + the darkness would permit Hermon to join her unnoticed. A reception, from + which he could not be absent, was evidently about to take place. + </p> + <p> + Yes, that was certainly the case; for now the magnificent galley had + approached as near the land as the shallow water permitted, and the + whistle of the rowers’ flute-player, shouts of command, and the barking of + dogs could be heard. + </p> + <p> + Then a handkerchief waved a greeting from the vessel to the men on shore, + but the hand that held it was a woman’s. Ledscha would have recognised it + had the twilight been far deeper. + </p> + <p> + The features of the new arrival could no longer be distinguished; but she + must be young. An elderly woman would not have sprung so nimbly into the + skiff that was to convey her to the land. + </p> + <p> + The man who assisted her in doing so was the same sculptor, Hermon, for + whom she had watched with so much longing. + </p> + <p> + Again the blood mounted into Ledscha’s cheeks, and when she saw the + stranger lay her hand upon the shoulder of the Alexandrian who, only + yesterday, had assured the young girl of his love with ardent vows, and + allow him to lift her out of the boat, she buried her little white teeth + deeply in her lips. + </p> + <p> + She had never seen Hermon in the society of a woman of his own class, and, + full of jealous displeasure; perceived with what zealous assiduity he who + bowed before no one in Tennis, paid court to the stranger no less eagerly + than did his friend Myrtilus. + </p> + <p> + The whole scene passed like a shadow in the dusk before Ledscha’s eyes, + half dimmed by uneasiness, perplexity, and suddenly inflamed jealousy. + </p> + <p> + The Egyptian twilight is short, and when Hermon disappeared with the + new-comer it was no longer possible to recognise the man who entered the + very boat in which she was to have taken the nocturnal voyage with her + lover, and which was now rowed toward the Owl’s Nest. + </p> + <p> + Surely it would bring her a message from Hermon; and as the stranger, who + was now joined by a number of other women and two packs of barking dogs, + with their keepers, vanished in the darkness, the skiff already touched + the shore close at her side. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + In spite of the surrounding gloom, Ledscha recognised the man who left the + boat. + </p> + <p> + The greeting he shouted told her that it was Hermon’s slave, Pias, a + Biamite, whom she had met in the house of some neighbours who were his + relatives and had sharply rebuffed when he ventured to accost her more + familiarly than was seemly for one in bondage. + </p> + <p> + True, in his childhood this man had lived near Tennis as the son of a free + papyrus raiser, but when still a lad was sold into slavery in Alexandria + with his father, who had been seized for taking part in an insurrection + against the last king. + </p> + <p> + In the service of Areluas, his present master’s uncle, who had given him + to his nephew, and as the slave of the impetuous yet anything but cruel + sculptor, Hermon, he had become accustomed to bondage, but was still far + more strongly attached to his Biamite race than to the Greek, to whom, it + is true, his master belonged, but who had robbed him and his family of + freedom. + </p> + <p> + The man of forty did not lack mother wit, and as his hard fate rendered + him thoughtful and often led him to use figurative turns of speech, which + were by no means intended as jests, he had been called by his first master + “Bias” for the sage of Priene. + </p> + <p> + In the house of Hermon, who associated with the best artists in + Alexandria, he had picked up all sorts of knowledge and gladly welcomed + instruction. His highest desire was to win esteem, and he often did so. + </p> + <p> + Hermon prized the useful fellow highly. He had no secrets from him, and + was sure of his silence and good will. + </p> + <p> + Bias had managed to lure many a young beauty in Alexandria, in whom the + sculptor had seen a desirable model, to his studio, even under the most + difficult circumstances; but he was vexed to find that his master had cast + his eye upon the daughter of one of the most distinguished families among + his own people. He knew, too, that the Biamites jealously guarded the + honour of their women, and had represented to Hermon what a dangerous game + he was playing when he began to offer vows of love to Ledscha. + </p> + <p> + So it was an extremely welcome task to be permitted to inform her that she + was awaiting his master in vain. + </p> + <p> + In reply to her inquiry whether it was the aristocrat who had just arrived + who kept Hermon from her, he admitted that she was right, but added that + the gods were above even kings, and his master was obliged to yield to the + Alexandrian’s will. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha laughed incredulously: “He—obey a woman!” + </p> + <p> + “He certainly would not submit to a man,” replied the slave. “Artists, you + must know, would rather oppose ten of the most powerful men than one weak + woman, if she is only beautiful. As for the daughter of Archias—thereby + hangs a tale.” + </p> + <p> + “Archias?” interrupted the girl. “The rich Alexandrian who owns the great + weaving house?” + </p> + <p> + “The very man.” + </p> + <p> + “So it is his daughter who is keeping Hermon? And you say he is obliged to + serve her?” + </p> + <p> + “As men serve the Deity, to the utmost, or truth,” replied the slave + importantly. “Archias, the father, it is true, imposed upon us the debt + which is most tardily paid, and which people, even in this country, call + ‘gratitude.’ We are under obligations to the old man—there’s no + denying it—and therefore also to his only child.” + </p> + <p> + “For what?” Ledscha indignantly exclaimed, and the dark eyebrows which met + above her delicate nose contracted suspiciously. “I must know!” + </p> + <p> + “Must!” repeated the slave. “That word is a ploughshare which suits only + loose soil, and mine, now that my master is waiting for me, can not be + tilled even by the sharpest. Another time! But if, meanwhile, you have any + message for Hermon——” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” she replied defiantly; but Bias, in a tone of the most eager + assent, exclaimed: “One friendly word, girl. You are the fairest among the + daughters of the highest Biamite families, and probably the richest also, + and therefore a thousand times too good to yield what adorns you to the + Greek, that it may tickle the curiosity of the Alexandrian apes. There are + more than enough women in the capital to serve that purpose. Trust the + experience of a man not wholly devoid of wisdom, my girl. He will throw + you aside like an empty wine bottle when he has used you for a model.” + </p> + <p> + “Used?” interrupted Ledscha disdainfully; but he repeated with firm + decision: “Yes, used! What could you learn of life, of art and artists, + here in the weaver’s nest in the midst of the waves? I know them. A + sculptor needs beautiful women as a cobbler wants leather, and the charms + he seeks in you he does not conceal from his friend Myrtilus, at least. + They are your large almond-shaped eyes and your arms. They make him fairly + wild with delight by their curves when, in drawing water, you hold the jug + balanced on your head. Your slender arched foot, too, is a welcome morsel + to him.” + </p> + <p> + The darkness prevented Bias from seeing Ledscha’s features, but it was + easy to perceive what was passing in her mind as, hoarse with indignation, + she gasped: “How can I know the object of your accusations? but fie upon + the servant who would alienate from his own kind master what his soul + desires!” + </p> + <p> + Then Bias changed not only his tone of voice, but his language, and, + deeply offended, poured forth a torrent of wrath in the dialect of his + people: “If to guard you, and my master with you, from harm, my words had + the power to put between you and Hermon the distance which separates + yonder rising moon from Tennis, I would make them sound as loud as the + lion’s roar. Yet perhaps you would not understand them, for you go through + life as though you were deaf and blind. Did you ever even ask yourself + whether the Greek is not differently constituted from the sons of the + Biamite sailors and fishermen, with whom you grew up, and to whom he is an + abomination? Yet he is no more like them than poppy juice is like pure + water. He and his companions turn life upside down. There is no more + distinction between right and wrong in Alexandria than we here in the dark + can make between blue and green. To me, the slave, who is already growing + old, Hermon is a kind master. I know without your aid what I owe him, and + serve him as loyally as any one; but where he threatens to lead to ruin + the innocent daughter of the race whose blood flows in my veins as well as + yours, and in doing so perhaps finally destroy himself too, conscience + commands me to raise my voice as loud as the sentinel crane when danger + threatens the flock. Beware, girl, I repeat! Keep your beauty, which is + now to be degraded to feast the eyes of gaping Greeks, for the worthiest + husband among our people. Though Hermon has vowed, I know not what, your + love-dallying will very soon be over; we shall leave Tennis within the + next few days. When he has gone there will be one more deceived Biamite + who will call down the curse of the gods upon the head of a Greek. You are + not the only one who will execrate the destiny that brought us here. + Others have been caught in his net too.” + </p> + <p> + “Here?” asked Ledscha in a hollow tone; and the slave eagerly answered: + “Where else? And that you may know the truth—among those who visited + Hermon in his studio is your own young sister.” + </p> + <p> + “Our Taus? That child?” exclaimed the girl, stretching her hands toward + the slave in horror, as if to ward off some impending disaster. + </p> + <p> + “That child, who, I think, has grown into a very charming girl—and, + before her, pretty Gula, the wife of Paseth, who, like your father, is + away on his ship.” + </p> + <p> + Here, in a tone of triumphant confidence, the answer rang from the + Biamite’s lips: “There the slanderer stands revealed! Now you are + detected, now I perceive the meaning of your threat. Because, miserable + slave, you cherish the mad hope of beguiling me yourself, you do your + utmost to estrange me from your master. Gula, you say, visited Hermon in + his studio, and it may be true. But though I have been at home only a + short time, Tennis is too full of the praises of the heroic Greek who, at + the risk of his own life, rescued a child from Paseth’s burning house, for + the tale not to reach my ears from ten or a dozen different quarters. Gula + is the mother of the little girl whose life was saved by Hermon’s bold + deed, and perhaps the young mother only knocked at her benefactor’s door + to thank him; but you, base defamer—” + </p> + <p> + “I,” Bias continued, maintaining his composure with difficulty, “I saw + Gula secretly glide into our rooms again and again to permit her child’s + preserver to imitate in clay what he considered beautiful. To seek your + love, as you know, the slave forbade himself, although a man no more loses + tender desires with his freedom than the tree which is encircled by a + fence ceases to put forth buds and blossoms. Eros chooses the slave’s + heart also as the target for his arrows; but his aim at yours was better + than at mine. Now I know how deeply he wounds, and so, as soon as yonder + ship in the harbour bears our visitor away again, I shall see you, + Schalit’s daughter, Ledscha, standing before Hermon’s modelling table and + behold him scan your beauty to determine what seems worth copying.” + </p> + <p> + The Biamite, panting for breath, had listened to the end. Then, raising + her little clinched hand menacingly, she muttered through her set teeth: + “Let him try even to touch my veil with his fingers! If I had not been + obliged to go away, this would not have happened to my Taus and luckless + Gula.” + </p> + <p> + “Scarcely,” replied Bias calmly. “If the chicken runs into the water, the + hen can not save it. For the rest—I grew up as a boy in freedom with + the husband of your sister, who summoned you to her aid. His father’s + brick-kiln was next to our papyrus plantation. Then we fared like so many + others—the great devour the small, the just cause is the lost one, + and the gods are like men. My father, who drew the sword against + oppression and violence, was robbed of liberty, and your brother-in-law, + in payment for his honest courage, met an early death. Is the story which + is told of you here true? I heard that soon after the poor fellow’s burial + the slaves in the brick-kiln refused to obey his widow. There were a dozen + rebellious brick-moulders, and you—one can forgive you much for it—you, + the weak girl——” + </p> + <p> + “I am not weak,” interrupted Ledscha proudly. “I could have taught three + times twelve of the scoundrels who was master. Now they obey my sister, + and yet I wish I had stayed in Tennis. Our Taus,” she continued in a more + gentle tone, “is still so young, and our mother died when she was a little + child; but I, fool, who should have warned her, left her alone, and if she + yielded to Hermon’s temptations the fault is mine, wholly mine.” + </p> + <p> + During this outburst the light of the fire, which old Tabus had fed with + fresh straw and dry rushes, fell upon the face of the agitated girl. It + revealed her thoughts plainly enough, and, pleased with the success of his + warning, Bias exclaimed: “And Ledscha, you, too, will not grant him that + from which you would so gladly have withheld your sister. So I will go and + tell my master that you refuse to give him another appointment.” + </p> + <p> + He had confidently expected an assent, and therefore started indignantly + at her exclamation: “I intend to do just the contrary.” Yet she eagerly + added, as if in explanation: “He must give me an account of himself, no + matter where, and, since it can not be to-day, to-morrow at latest.” + </p> + <p> + The slave, disappointed and anxious, now tried to make her understand how + foolish and hard to accomplish her wish was, but she obstinately insisted + upon having her own way. + </p> + <p> + Bias angrily turned his back upon her and, in the early light of the moon, + walked toward the shore, but she hastened after him, seized his arm and, + with imperious firmness, commanded: “You will stay! I must first know + whether Hermon really means to leave Tennis so soon.” + </p> + <p> + “That was his intention early this morning,” replied the other, releasing + himself from her grasp. “What are we to do here longer, now that his work + is as good as finished?” + </p> + <p> + “But when is he going?” she urged with increased eagerness. + </p> + <p> + “Day after to-morrow,” was the reply, “in five, or perhaps even in six + days, just as it suits him. Usually we do not even know to-day what is to + be done to-morrow. So long as the Alexandrian remains, he will scarcely + leave her, or Myrtilus either. Probably she will take both hunting with + her, for, though a kind, fair-minded woman, she loves the chase, and as + both have finished their work, they probably will not be reluctant to go + with Daphne.” + </p> + <p> + He stepped into the boat as he spoke, but Ledscha again detained him, + asking impatiently: “And ‘the work,’ as you call it? It was covered with a + cloth when I visited the studio, but Hermon himself termed it the statue + of a goddess. Yet what it represents—Does it look like my sister + Taus—enough like her, I mean, to be recognised?” + </p> + <p> + A half-compassionate, half-mocking smile flitted over the Biamite’s + copper-coloured visage, and in a tone of patronizing instruction assumed + by the better informed, he began: “You are thinking of the face? Why no, + child! What that requires can be found in the countenance of no Biamite, + hardly even in yours, the fairest of all.” + </p> + <p> + “And the goddess’s figure?” asked Ledscha eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “For that he first used as a model the fair-haired Heliodora, whom he + summoned from Alexandria, and as the wild cat could endure the loneliness + only a fortnight, the sisters Nico and Pagis came together. But Tennis was + too quiet for them too. The rabble can only be contented among those of + their own sort in the capital. But the great preliminary work was already + finished before we left Alexandria.” + </p> + <p> + “And Gula—my sister?” + </p> + <p> + “They were not used for the Demeter,” said the slave, smiling. “Just + think, that slender scarcely grown creature, Taus, and the matronly + patroness of marriage. And Gula? True, her little round face is fresh and + not ill-looking—but the model of a goddess requires something more. + That can only be obtained in Alexandria. What do not the women there do + for the care of the body! They learn it in the Aphrodision, as the boys + study reading and writing. But you! What do you here know even about + colouring the eyelids and the lips, curling the hair, and treating the + nails on the hands and feet? And the clothes! You let them hang just as + you put them on, and my master’s work is full of folds and little lines in + the robe and the peplos—But I have staid too long already. Do you + really insist upon meeting Hermon again? + </p> + <p> + “I will and must see him,” she eagerly declared. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” he answered harshly. “But if you cast my warning to the + winds, pity will also fly away with it.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not need it,” the girl retorted in a contemptuous tone. + </p> + <p> + “Then let Fate take its course,” said the slave, shrugging his shoulders + regretfully. “My master shall learn what you wish. I shall remain at home + until the market is empty. There are plenty of servants at your farm. Your + messenger shall bring you Hermon’s answer.” + </p> + <p> + “I will come myself and wait for it under the acacia,” she cried hastily, + and went toward the house, but this time it was Bias who called her back. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha reluctantly fulfilled his wish, but she soon regretted it, for + though what he had to say was doubtless kindly meant, it contained a fresh + and severe offence: the slave represented to her the possibility that, so + long as the daughter of Archias remained his guest, Hermon might rebuff + her like a troublesome beggar. + </p> + <p> + Then, as if sure of her cause, she indignantly cut short his words: “You + measure him according to your own standard, and do not know what depends + upon it for us. Remind him of the full moon on the coming night and, + though ten Alexandrians detained him, he would escape from them to hear + what I bring him.” + </p> + <p> + With these words Ledscha again turned her back upon him, but Bias, with a + low imprecation, pushed the boat from the shore and rowed toward the city. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + When Ledscha heard the strokes of the oars she stopped again and, with + glowing cheeks, gazed after the boat and the glimmering silver furrow + which it left upon the calm surface of the moonlit water. + </p> + <p> + Her heart was heavy. The doubts of her lover’s sincerity which the slave + had awakened tortured her proud soul. + </p> + <p> + Was Hermon really only trifling mischievously with her affection? + </p> + <p> + Surely it was impossible. + </p> + <p> + She would rather endure everything, everything, than this torturing + uncertainty. + </p> + <p> + Yet she was here on the Owl’s Nest to seek the aid of old Tabus’s magic + arts. If any one could give her satisfaction, it was she and the demons + who obeyed her will, and the old woman was glad to oblige Ledscha; she was + bound to her by closer ties than most people in Tennis knew. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha had no cause to be ashamed of her frequent visits to the Owl’s + Nest, for old Tabus had no equal as a leech and a prophetess, and the + corsair family, of which she was the female head, stood in high repute + among the Biamites. People bore them no ill-will because they practised + piracy; many of their race pursued the same calling, and the sailors made + common cause with them. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha’s father, too, was on good terms with the pirates, and when Abus, + a handsome fellow who commanded his father’s second ship and had won a + certain degree of renown by many a bold deed, sought the hand of his + oldest daughter, he did not refuse him, and only imposed the condition + that when he had gained riches enough and made Ledscha his wife, he would + cease his piratical pursuits and, in partnership with him, take goods and + slaves from Pontus to the Syrian and Egyptian harbours, and grain and + textiles from the Nile to the coasts of the Black Sea. + </p> + <p> + Young Abus had yielded to this demand, since his grandmother on the Owl’s + Nest thought it wise to delay for a time the girl’s marriage to him, the + best beloved of her grandsons; she was then scarcely beyond childhood. + </p> + <p> + Yet Ledscha had felt a strong affection for the young pirate, in whom she + saw the embodiment of heroic manhood. She accompanied him in imagination + through all his perilous expeditions; but she had been permitted to enjoy + his society only after long intervals for a few days. + </p> + <p> + Once he remained absent longer than usual, and this very voyage was to + have been his last on a pirate craft—the peaceful seafaring life was + to begin, after his landing, with the marriage. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha had expected her lover’s return with eager longing, but week after + week elapsed, yet nothing was seen or heard of the ships owned by the + Owl’s Nest family; then a rumour spread that this time the corsairs were + defeated in a battle with the Syrian war-galleys. + </p> + <p> + The first person who received sure tidings was old Tabus. Her grandson + Hanno, who escaped with his life, at the bidding of his father Satabus, + who revered his mother, had made his way to her amid great perils to + convey the sorrowful news. Two of the best ships in the family had been + sunk, and on one the brave Abus, Ledscha’s betrothed husband, who + commanded it, had lost his life; on the other the aged dame’s oldest son + and three of her grandchildren. + </p> + <p> + Tabus fell as if struck by lightning when she heard the tidings, and since + that time her tongue had lost its power of fluent speech, her ear its + sharpness; but Ledscha did not leave her side, and saved her life by + tireless, faithful nursing. + </p> + <p> + Neither Satabus, the old woman’s second son, who now commanded the little + pirate fleet, nor his sons, Hanno and Labaja, had been seen in the + neighbourhood of Tennis since the disaster, but after Tabus had recovered + sufficiently to provide for herself, Ledscha returned to Tennis to manage + her father’s great household and supply the mother’s place to her younger + sister, Taus. + </p> + <p> + She had not recovered the careless cheerfulness of earlier years, but, + graver than the companions of her own age, she absented herself from the + gaieties of the Biamite maidens. Meanwhile her beauty had increased + wonderfully, and, attracting attention far and wide, drew many suitors + from neighbouring towns to Tennis. Only a few, however, had made offers of + marriage to her father; the beautiful girl’s cold, repellent manner + disheartened them. She herself desired nothing better; yet it secretly + incensed her and pierced her soul with pain to see herself at twenty + unwedded, while far less attractive companions of her own age had long + been wives and mothers. + </p> + <p> + The arduous task which she had performed a short time before for her + widowed sister had increased the seriousness of her disposition to sullen + moroseness. + </p> + <p> + After her return home she often rowed to the Owl’s Nest, for Ledscha felt + bound to old Tabus, and, so far as lay in her power, under obligation to + atone for the injury which the horror of her lover’s sudden death had + inflicted upon his grandmother. + </p> + <p> + Now she had at last been subjugated by a new passion—love for the + Greek sculptor Hermon, who did his best to win the heart of the Biamite + girl, whose austere, extremely singular beauty attracted his artist eyes. + </p> + <p> + To-day Ledscha had come to the sorceress to learn from her what awaited + her and her love. She had landed on the island, sure of favourable + predictions, but now her hopes lay as if crushed by hailstones. + </p> + <p> + If Bias, who was superior to an ordinary slave, was right, she was to be + degraded to a toy and useful tool by the man who had already proved his + pernicious power over other women of her race, even her own young sister, + whom she had hitherto guarded with faithful care. It had by no means + escaped her notice that the girl was concealing something from her, though + she did not perceive the true cause of the change. + </p> + <p> + The bright moonbeams, which now wove a silvery web over every surrounding + object, seemed like a mockery of her darkened soul. + </p> + <p> + If the demons of the heights and depths had been subject to her, as to the + aged enchantress she would have commanded them to cover the heavens with + black clouds. Now they must show her what she had to hope or to fear. + </p> + <p> + She shook her head slightly, as if she no longer believed in a favourable + turn of affairs, pushed the little curls which had escaped from the wealth + of her black hair back from her forehead with her slender hand, and walked + firmly to the house. + </p> + <p> + The old dame was crouching beside the hearth in the middle room, turning + the metal spit, on which she had put the ducks, over the freshly kindled + fire. + </p> + <p> + The smoke hurt her eyes, which were slightly inflamed, yet they seemed to + serve their purpose better than her half-dulled ear, for, after a swift + glance at Ledscha, she stammered in her faltering speech: “What has + happened? Nothing good, certainly. It is written on your face.” + </p> + <p> + The girl nodded assent, pointed with a significant gesture to her eyes and + the open air, and went down to the shore again to convince herself that no + other vessel was approaching. + </p> + <p> + What she had to confide to Tabus was intended for her alone, and + experience taught how far spoken words could be heard at night over the + water. + </p> + <p> + When she had returned to the hut, she bent down to the old woman’s ear + and, holding her curved hand to her lips, cried, “He is not coming!” + </p> + <p> + Tabus shrugged her shoulders, and the smile of satisfaction which flitted + over her brown, wrinkled face showed that the news was welcome. + </p> + <p> + For her murdered grandson’s sake the girl’s confession that she had given + her heart to a Greek affected her painfully; but Tabus also had something + else on her mind for her beautiful darling. + </p> + <p> + Now she only intimated by a silent nod that she understood Ledscha, and + her head remained constantly in motion as the latter continued: “True, I + shall see him again to-morrow, but when we part, it will hardly be in + love. At any rate—do you hear, grandmother?—to-morrow must + decide everything. Therefore—do you understand me?—you must + question the cords now, to-night, for to-morrow evening what they advised + might be too late.” + </p> + <p> + “Now?” repeated Tabus in surprise, letting her gaze rest inquiringly upon + the girl. Then she took the spit from the fire, exclaiming angrily: + “Directly, do you mean? As if that could be! As if the stars obeyed us + mortals like maids or men servants! The moon must be at the full to learn + the truth from the cords. Wait, child! What is life but waiting? Only have + patience, girl! True, few know how to practise this art at your age, and + it is alien to many all their lives. But the stars! From them, the least + and the greatest, man can learn to go his way patiently, year by year. + Always the same course and the same pace. No deviation even one hair’s + breadth, no swifter or slower movement for the unresting wanderers. No + sudden wrath, no ardent desire, no weariness or aversion urges or delays + them. How I love and honour them! They willingly submit to the great law + until the end of all things. What they appoint for this hour is for it + alone, not for the next one. Everything in the vast universe is connected + with them. Whoever should delay their course a moment would make the earth + reel. Night would become day, the rivers would return to their sources. + People would walk on their heads instead of their feet, joy would be + transformed to sorrow and power to servitude. Therefore, child, the full + moon has a different effect from the waxing or waning one during the other + twenty-nine nights of the month. To ask of one what belongs to another is + to expect an answer from the foreigner who does not understand your + language. How young you are, child, and how foolish! To question the cords + for you in the moonlight now is to expect to gather grapes from thorns. + Take my word for that!” + </p> + <p> + Here she interrupted the words uttered with so much difficulty, and with + her blackish-blue cotton dress wiped her perspiring face, strangely + flushed by the exertion and the firelight. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha had listened with increasing disappointment. + </p> + <p> + The wise old dame was doubtless right, yet before she ventured to the + sculptor’s workshop the next day she must know at every cost how matters + stood, what she had to fear or to hope from him; so after a brief silence + she ventured to ask the question, “But are there only the stars and the + cords which predict what fate holds in store for one who is so nearly + allied to you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, child, no,” was the reply. “But nothing can be clone about looking + into the future now. It requires rigid fasting from early dawn, and I ate + the dates you brought me. I inhaled the odor of the roasting ducks, too, + and then—it must be done at midnight; and at midnight your people + will be anxious if you are not at home by that time, or perhaps send a + slave to seek you here at my house, and that—that must not be done—I + must prevent it.” + </p> + <p> + “So you are expecting some one,” Ledscha eagerly replied. “And I know who + it is. Your son Satabus, or one of your grandsons. Else why are the ducks + cooked? And for what is the wine jar which I just took from its hiding + place?” + </p> + <p> + A vehement gesture of denial from Tabus contradicted the girl’s + conjecture; but directly after she scanned her with a keen, searching + glance, and said: “No, no. We have nothing to fear from you, surely. Poor + Abus! Through him you will always belong to us. In spite of the Greek, + ours you are and ours you will remain. The stars confirm it, and you have + always been faithful to the old woman. You are shrewd and steadfast. You + would have been the right mate for him who was also wise and firm. Poor, + dear, brave boy! But why pity him? Because the salt waves now flow over + him? Fools that we are! There is nothing better than death, for it is + peace. And almost all of them have found it. Of nine sons and twenty + grandsons, only three are left. The others are all calm after so much + conflict and danger. How long ago it is since seven perished at once! The + last three their turn will come too. How I envy them that best of + blessings, only may they not also go before me!” + </p> + <p> + Here she lowered her voice, and in a scarcely audible whisper murmured: + “You shall know it. My son Satabus, with his brave boys Hanno and Labaja, + are coming later in the evening. About midnight—if ye protect them, + ye powers above—they will be with me. And you, child, I know your + soul to its inmost depths. Before you would betray the last of Abus’s + kindred—” + </p> + <p> + “My hand and tongue should wither!” Ledscha passionately interrupted, and + then, with zealous feminine solicitude, she asked whether the three ducks + would suffice to satisfy the hunger of these strong men. + </p> + <p> + The old woman smiled and pointed to a pile of fresh leaves heaped one + above another, beneath which lay several fine shad. They were not to be + cooked until the expected visitors arrived, and she had plenty of bread + besides. + </p> + <p> + In the presence of these proofs of maternal solicitude the morose, + wrinkled countenance of the old sorceress wore a kind, almost tender + expression, and the light of joyous anticipation beamed upon her young + guest from her red-rimmed eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I am to see them once more!” cried Tabus in an agitated tone. “The last—and + all three, all! If they—But no; they will not set to work so near + Pelusium. No, no! They will not, lest they should spoil the meeting with + the old woman. Oh, they are kind; no one knows how kind my rough Satabus + can be. He would be your father now, girl, if we could have kept our Abus—he + was the best of all—longer. It is fortunate that you are here, for + they must see you, and it would have been hard for me to fetch the other + things: the salt, the Indian pepper, and the jug of Pelusinian zythus, + which Satabus is always so fond of drinking.” + </p> + <p> + Then Ledscha went into the ruinous left wing of the house, where she took + from a covered hole in the floor what the old woman had kept for the last + of her race, and she performed her task gladly and with rare skill. + </p> + <p> + Next she prepared the fish and the pan, and while her hands were moving + busily she earnestly entreated the old woman to gratify her wish and look + into the future for her. + </p> + <p> + Tabus, however, persisted in her refusal, until Ledscha again called her + “grandmother,” and entreated her, by the heads of the three beloved ones + whom she expected, to fulfil her desire. + </p> + <p> + Then the old dame rose, and while the girl, panting for breath, took the + roasted ducks from the spit, the former, with her own trembling hands, + drew from the little chest which she kept concealed behind a heap of dry + reeds, branches, and straw, a shining copper dish, tossed the gold coins + which had been in it back into the box, and moistened the bottom with the + blackish-red juice of the grape from the wine jar. + </p> + <p> + After carefully making these preparations she called Ledscha and repeated + that the cords possessed the power of prophecy only on nights when the + moon was full, and that she would use another means of looking into the + future. + </p> + <p> + Then she commanded the girl to let her hands rest now and to think of + nothing except the questions whose answer she had at heart. Lastly, she + muttered into the vessel a series of incantations, which Ledscha repeated + after her, and gazed as if spellbound at the dark liquid which covered the + bottom. + </p> + <p> + The girl, panting for breath, watched every movement of the sorceress, but + some time elapsed ere the latter suddenly exclaimed, “There he is!” and + then, without removing her eyes from the bottom of the vessel, she went + on, with faltering accents, as though she was describing a scene close + before her eyes. “Two young men-both Greeks, if the dress does not deceive—one + is at your right hand, the other at your left. The former is fair-haired; + the glance of his eyes is deep and constant. It is he, I think—But + no! His image is fading, and you are turning your back upon him. You do it + intentionally. No, no, you two are not destined for each other. You think + of the one with the waving black hair and beard—of him alone. He is + growing more and more distinct—a handsome man, and how his brow + shines! Yet his glance—it sees more than that of many others, but, + like the rest of his nature, it lacks steadfastness.” + </p> + <p> + Here she paused, raised her shaking head, looked at Ledscha’s flushed + face, and in a grave, warning tone, said: “Many signs of happiness, but + also many dark shadows and black spots. If he is the one, child, you must + be on your guard.” + </p> + <p> + “He is,” murmured the girl softly, as if speaking to herself. + </p> + <p> + But the deaf old crone had read the words from her lips, and while gazing + intently at the wine, went on impatiently: “If the picture would only grow + more distinct! As it was, so it has remained. And now! The image of the + fair man with the deep-blue eyes melts away entirely, and a gray cloud + flutters between you and the other one with the black beard. If it would + only scatter! But we shall never make any progress in this way. Now pay + attention, girl.” + </p> + <p> + The words had an imperious tone, and with outstretched head and throbbing + heart Ledscha awaited the old woman’s further commands. + </p> + <p> + They came at once and ordered her to confess, as freely and openly as + though she was talking to herself, where she had met the man whom she + loved, how he had succeeded in snaring her heart, and how he repaid her + for the passion which he had awakened. + </p> + <p> + These commands were so confused and mingled in utterance that any one less + familiar with the speaker would scarcely have comprehended what they + required of her, but Ledscha understood and was ready to obey. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + This reserved, thoroughly self-reliant creature would never have betrayed + to any human being what moved her soul and filled it some times with + inspiring hope, sometimes with a consuming desire for vengeance; but + Ledscha did not shrink from confiding it to the demons who were to help + her to regain her composure. + </p> + <p> + So, obeying a swift impulse, she threw herself on her knees by the old + woman’s side. Then, supporting her head with her hands, she gazed at the + still glimmering fire, and, as if one memory after another received new + life from it, she began the difficult confession: + </p> + <p> + “I returned from my sister’s brick-kiln a fortnight ago,” she commenced, + while the sorceress leaned her deaf ear nearer to her lips. + </p> + <p> + “During my absence something—I know not what it was—had + saddened the cheerful spirits of my young sister Taus. At the recent + festival of Astarte she regained them, and obtained some beautiful bright + flowers to make wreaths for herself and me. So we joined the procession of + the Tennis maidens and, as the fairest, they placed us directly behind the + daughters of Hiram. + </p> + <p> + “When we were about to go home after the sacrifice, two young Greeks + approached us and greeted Hiram’s daughters and my sister also. + </p> + <p> + “One was a quiet young man, with narrow shoulders and light, curling hair; + the other towered above him in stature. His powerful figure was + magnificently formed, and he carried his head with its splendid black + beard proudly. + </p> + <p> + “Since the gods snatched Abus from me, though so many men had wooed me, I + had cared for no one; but the fair-haired Greek with the sparkling light + in his blue eyes and the faint flush on his cheeks pleased me, and his + name, ‘Myrtilus,’ fell upon my ear like music. I was glad when he joined + me and asked, as simply as though he were merely inquiring the way, why he + had never seen me, the loveliest among the beauties in the temple, in + Tennis. + </p> + <p> + “I scarcely noticed the other. Besides, he seemed to have eyes only for + Taus and the daughters of Hiram. He played all sorts of pranks with them, + and they laughed so heartily that, fearing the strangers, of whom there + was no lack, might class them with the Hieroduli who followed the sailors + and young men in the temple grottoes, I motioned to Taus to restrain + herself. + </p> + <p> + “Hermon—this was the name of the tall, bearded man—noticed it + and turned toward me. In doing so his eyes met mine, and it seemed as + though sweet wine flowed through my veins, for I perceived that my + appearance paralyzed his reckless tongue. Yet he did not accost me; but + Myrtilus, the fair one, entreated me not to lessen for the beautiful + children the pleasure to which we are all born. + </p> + <p> + “I thought this remark foolish—how much sorrow and how little + pleasure I had experienced from childhood!—so I only shrugged my + shoulders disdainfully. + </p> + <p> + “Then the black-bearded man asked if, young and beautiful as I was, I had + forgotten to believe in mirth and joy. My reply was intended to tell him + that, though this was not the case, I did not belong to those who spent + their lives in loud laughing and extravagant jests. + </p> + <p> + “The answer was aimed at the black-bearded man’s reckless conduct; but the + fair-haired one parried the attack in his stead, and retorted that I + seemed to misunderstand his friend. Pleasure belonged to a festival, as + light belonged to the sun; but usually Hermon laboured earnestly, and only + a short time before he had saved the little daughter of Gula, the sailor’s + wife, from a burning house. + </p> + <p> + “The other did not let Myrtilus finish, but exclaimed that this would only + confirm my opinion of him, for this very leap into the flames had afforded + him the utmost joy. + </p> + <p> + “The words fell from his bearded lips as if the affair was very simple, a + mere matter of course, yet I knew that the bold deed had nearly cost him + his life—I said to myself that no one but our Abus would have done + it, and then I may have looked at him more kindly, for he cried out that + I, too, understood how to smile, and would never cease doing so if I knew + how it became me. + </p> + <p> + “As he spoke he turned away from the girls to my side, while Myrtilus + joined them. Hermon’s handsome face had become grave and thoughtful, and + when our eyes met I could have wished that they would never part again. + But on account of the others I soon looked down at the ground and we + walked on in this way, side by side, for some distance; but as he did not + address a word to me, only sometimes gazed into my face as if seeking or + examining, I grew vexed and asked him why he, who had just entertained the + others gaily enough, had suddenly become so silent. + </p> + <p> + “He shook his head and answered—every word impressed itself firmly + upon my memory: ‘Because speech fails even the eloquent when confronted + with a miracle.’ + </p> + <p> + “What, except me and my beauty, could be meant by that? But he probably + perceived how strangely his words confused me, for he suddenly seized my + hand, pressing it so firmly that it hurt me, and while I tried to withdraw + it he whispered, ‘How the immortals must love you, that they lend you so + large a share of their own divine beauty!’” + </p> + <p> + “Greek honey,” interposed the sorceress, “but strong enough to turn such a + poor young head. And what more happened? The demons desire to hear all—all—down + to the least detail—all!” + </p> + <p> + “The least detail?” repeated Ledscha reluctantly, gazing into vacancy as + if seeking aid. Then, pressing her hand on her brow, she indignantly + exclaimed: “Ah, if I only knew myself how it conquered me so quickly! If I + could understand and put it into intelligible words, I should need no + stranger’s counsel to regain my peace of mind. But as it is! I was driven + by my anxiety from temple to temple, and now to you and your demons. I + went from hour to hour as though in a burning fever. If I left the house + firmly resolved to bethink myself and, as I had bidden my sister, avoid + danger and the gossip of the people, my feet still led me only where he + desired to meet me. Oh, and how well he understood how to flatter, to + describe my beauty! Surely it was impossible not to believe in it and + trust its power!” + </p> + <p> + Here she hesitated, and while gazing silently into vacancy a sunny light + flitted over her grave face, and, drawing a long breath, she began again: + “I could curse those days of weakness and ecstasy which now—at least + I hope so—are over. Yet they were wonderfully beautiful, and never + can I forget them!” + </p> + <p> + Here she again bowed her head silently, but the old dame nodded + encouragingly, saying eagerly; “Well, well! I understand all that, and I + shall learn what more is coming, for whatever appears in the mirror of the + wine is infallible—but it must become still more distinct. Let me—first + conjure up the seventy-seven great and the seven hundred and seventy-seven + little demons. They will do their duty, if you open your heart to us + without reserve.” + </p> + <p> + This demand sounded urgent enough, and Ledscha pressed her head against + the old woman’s shoulder as if seeking assistance, exclaiming: “I can not—no, + I can not! As if the spirits who obey you did not know already what had + happened and will happen in the future! Let them search the depths of my + soul. There they will see, with their own eyes, what I should never, never + succeed in describing. I could not tell even you, grandmother, for who + among the Biamites ever found such lofty, heart-bewitching words as + Hermon? And what looks, what language he had at command, when he desired + to put an end to my jealous complaints! Could I still be angry with him, + when he confessed that there were other beauties here whom he admired, and + then gazed deep into my eyes and said that when I appeared they all + vanished like the stars at sunrise? Then every reproach was forgotten, and + resentment was transformed into doubly ardent longing. This, however, by + no means escaped his keen glance, which detects everything, and so he + urged me with touching, ardent entreaties to go with him to his studio, + though but for one poor, brief hour.” + </p> + <p> + “And you granted his wish?” Tabus anxiously interrupted. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she answered frankly, “but it was the evening of the day before + yesterday—that was the only time. Secrecy—nothing, Grand + mother, was more hateful to me from childhood.” + </p> + <p> + “But he,” the old woman again interrupted, “he—I know it—he + praised it to you as the noblest virtue.” + </p> + <p> + A silent nod from Ledscha confirmed this conjecture, and she added + hesitatingly: “‘Only far from the haunts of men,’ he said, ‘when the light + had vanished, did we hear the nightingale trill in the dark thickets. + Those are his own words, and though it angers you, Grandmother, they are + true.” + </p> + <p> + “Until the secrecy is over, and the sun shines upon misery,” the sorceress + answered in her faltering speech, with menacing severity. + </p> + <p> + “And beneath the tempter’s roof you enjoyed the lauded secret love until + the cock roused you?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Ledscha firmly. “Did I ever tell you a lie, that you look at + me so incredulously?” + </p> + <p> + “Incredulously?” replied the old woman in protest. “I only trembled at the + danger into which you plunged.” + </p> + <p> + “There could be no greater peril,” the girl admitted. “I foresaw it + clearly enough, and yet—this is the most terrible part of it—yet + my feet moved as if obeying a will of their own, instead of mine, and when + I crossed his threshold, resistance was silenced, for I was received like + a princess. The lofty, spacious apartment was brilliantly illuminated, and + the door was garlanded with flowers. + </p> + <p> + “It was magnificent! Then, in a manner as respectful as if welcoming an + illustrious guest, he invited me to take my place opposite to him, that he + might form a goddess after my model. This was the highest flattery of all, + and I willingly assumed the position he directed, but he looked at me from + every side, with sparkling eyes, and asked me to let down my hair and + remove the veil from the back of my head. Then—need I assure you of + it?—my blood boiled with righteous indignation; but instead of being + ashamed of the outrage, he raised his hand to my head and pulled the veil. + Resentment and wrath suddenly flamed in my soul, and before he could + detain me I had left the room. In spite of his representations and + entreaties, I did not enter it again.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” asked the sorceress in perplexity, “you once more obeyed his + summons?” + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday also I could not help it,” Ledscha answered softly. + </p> + <p> + “Fool!” cried Tabus indignantly, but the girl exclaimed, in a tone of + sincere shame: “You do well to call me that. Perhaps I deserve still + harsher names, for, in spite of the sternness with which I forbade him + ever to remind me of the studio by even a single word, I soon listened to + him willingly when he besought me, if I really loved him, not to refuse + what would make him happy. If I allowed him to model my figure, his renown + and greatness would be secured. And how clearly he made me understand + this! I could not help believing it, and at last promised that, in spite + of my father and the women of Tennis, I would grant all, all, and + accompany him again to the work room if he would have patience until the + night of the next day but one, when the moon would be at the full.” + </p> + <p> + “And he?” asked Tabus anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “He called the brief hours which I required him to wait an eternity,” + replied the girl, “and they seemed no less long to me—but neither + entreaties nor urgency availed; what you predicted for me from the cords + last year strengthened my courage. I should wantonly throw away—I + constantly reminded myself—whatever great good fortune Fate destined + for me if I yielded to my longing and took prematurely what was already so + close at hand; for—do you remember?—at that time it was + promised that on a night when the moon was at the full a new period of the + utmost happiness would begin for me. And now—unless everything + deceives me—now it awaits me. Whether it will come with the full + moon of to-morrow night, or the next, or the following one, your spirits + alone can know; but yesterday was surely too soon to expect the new + happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “And he?” asked the old dame. + </p> + <p> + “He certainly did not make it easy for me,” was the reply, “but as I + remained firm, he was obliged to yield. I granted only his earnest desire + to see me again this evening. I fancy I can still hear him exclaim, with + loving impetuosity, that he hated every day and every night which kept him + from me. And now? Now? For another’s sake he lets me wait for him in vain, + and if his slave does not lie, this is only the beginning of his infamous, + treacherous game.” + </p> + <p> + She had uttered the last words in a hoarse cry, but Tabus answered + soothingly: “Hush, child, hush! The first thing is to see clearly, if I am + to interpret correctly what is shown me here. The demons are to be fully + informed they have required it. But you? Did you come to hear whether the + spirits still intend to keep the promise they made then?” + </p> + <p> + Ledscha eagerly assented to this question, and the old woman continued + urgently: “Then tell me first what suddenly incenses you so violently + against the man whom you have so highly praised?” + </p> + <p> + The girl related what had formerly been rumoured in Tennis, and which she + had just heard from the slave. + </p> + <p> + He had lured other women—even her innocent young sister—to his + studio. Now he wanted to induce Ledscha to go there, not from love, but + merely to model her limbs so far as he considered them useful for his + work. He was in haste to do so because he intended to return to the + capital immediately. Whether he meant to leave her in the lurch after + using her for his selfish purposes, she also desired to learn from the + sorceress. But she would ask him that question herself to-morrow. Woe + betide him if the spirits recognised in him the deceiver she now believed + him. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto Tabus had listened quietly, but when she closed her passionate + threats with the exclamation that he also deserved punishment for + alienating Gula, the sailor’s wife, from her absent husband, the + enchantress also lost her composure and cried out angrily: “If that is + true, if the Greek really committed that crime—then certainly. The + foreigners destroy, with their laughing levity, much that is good among + us. We must endure it; but whoever broke the Biamite’s marriage bond, from + the earliest times, forfeited his life, and so, the gods be thanked, it + has remained. This very last year the fisherman Phabis killed with a + hammer the Alexandrian clerk who had stolen into his house, and drowned + his faithless wife. But your lover—though you should weep for sorrow + till your eyes are red—” + </p> + <p> + “I would denounce the traitor, if he made himself worthy of death,” + Ledscha passionately interrupted, with flashing eyes. “What portion of the + slave’s charge is true will appear at once—and if it proves correct, + to morrow’s full moon shall indeed bring me the greatest bliss; for + though, when I was younger and happier, I contradicted Abus when he + declared that one thing surpassed even the raptures of love—satisfied + vengeance—now I would agree with him.” + </p> + <p> + A loud cry of “Right! right!” from the old crone’s lips expressed the + gray-haired Biamite’s pleasure in this worthy daughter of her race. + </p> + <p> + Then she again gazed at the wine in the vessel, and this time she did so + silently, as if spellbound by the mirror on its bottom. + </p> + <p> + At last, raising her aged head, she said in a tone of the most sincere + compassion: “Poor child! Yes, you would be cruelly and shamefully + deceived. Tear your love for this man from your heart, like poisonous + hemlock. But the full moon which is to bring you great happiness is + scarcely the next, perhaps not even the one which follows it, but surely + and certainly a later one will rise, by whose light the utmost bliss + awaits you. True, I see it come from another man than the Greek.” + </p> + <p> + The girl had listened with panting breath. She believed as firmly in the + infallibility of the knowledge which the witch received from the demons + who obeyed her as she did in her own existence. + </p> + <p> + All her happiness, all that had filled her joyous soul with freshly + awakened hopes, now lay shattered at her feet, and sobbing aloud she threw + herself down beside the old woman and buried her beautiful face in her + lap. + </p> + <p> + Completely overwhelmed by the great misfortune which had come upon her, + without thinking of the vengeance which had just made her hold her head so + proudly erect, or the rare delight which a later full moon was to bring, + she remained motionless, while the old woman, who loved her and who + remembered an hour in the distant past when she herself had been dissolved + in tears at the prediction of another prophetess, laid her trembling hand + upon her head. + </p> + <p> + Let the child weep her fill. + </p> + <p> + Time, perhaps vengeance also, cured many a heartache, and when they had + accomplished this office upon the girl who had once been betrothed to her + grandson, perhaps the full moon bringing happiness, whose appearance first + the cords, then the wine mirror in the bottom of the vessel had predicted, + would come to Ledscha, and she believed she knew at whose side the girl + could regain what she had twice lost—satisfaction for the young + heart that yearned for love. + </p> + <p> + “Only wait, wait,” she cried at last, repeating the consoling words again + and again, till Ledscha raised her tear-stained face. + </p> + <p> + Impulse urged her to kiss the sufferer, but as she bent over the mourner + the copper dish slipped from her knees and fell rattling on the floor. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha started up in terror, and at the same moment the Alexandrian’s + packs of hounds on the shore opposite to the Owl’s Nest began to bark so + loudly that the deaf old woman heard the baying as if it came from a great + distance; but the girl ran out into the open air and, returning at the end + of a few minutes, called joyously to the sorceress from the threshold, + “They are coming!” + </p> + <p> + “They, they,” faltered Tabus, hurriedly pushing her disordered gray hair + under the veil on the back of her head, while exclaiming, scarcely able to + use her voice in her joyous excitement: “I knew it. He keeps his word. My + Satabus is coming. The ducks, the bread, the fish, girl! Good, loyal + heart.” + </p> + <p> + Then a wide, long shadow fell across the dimly lighted room, and from the + darkened threshold a strangely deep, gasping peal of laughter rang from a + man’s broad breast. + </p> + <p> + “Satabus! My boy!” the witch’s shriek rose above the peculiar sound. + </p> + <p> + “Mother!” answered the gray-bearded lips of the pirate. + </p> + <p> + For one short moment he remained standing at the door with outstretched + arms. Then he took a step toward the beloved being from whom he had been + separated more than two years, and suddenly throwing himself down before + her, while his huge lower limbs covered part of the floor, he stretched + his hands toward the little crooked old woman, who had not strength to + rise from her crouching posture, and seizing her with loving impetuosity, + lifted her as if she were a child, and placing her on his knees, drew her + into a close embrace. + </p> + <p> + Tabus willingly submitted to this act of violence, and passing her thin + left arm around her son’s bull neck with her free hand, patted his bearded + cheeks, wrinkled brow, and bushy, almost white hair. + </p> + <p> + No intelligible words passed the lips of either the mother or the son at + this meeting; nothing but a confused medley of tender and uncouth natural + sounds, which no language knows. + </p> + <p> + Yet they understood each other, and Ledscha, who had moved silently aside, + also comprehended that these low laughs, moans, cries, and stammers were + the expressions of love of two deeply agitated hearts, and for a moment an + emotion of envy seized her. + </p> + <p> + The gods had early bereft her of her mother, while this savage fighter + against the might of the waves, justice, law, and their pitiless, too + powerful defenders, this man, already on the verge of age, still possessed + his, and sunned his rude heart in her love. + </p> + <p> + It was some time before the old pirate had satisfied his yearning for + affection and placed his light burden down beside the fire. + </p> + <p> + Tabus now regained the power to utter distinct words, and, difficult as it + was for her half paralyzed tongue to speak, she poured a flood of tender + pet names and affectionate thanks upon the head of her rude son, the last + one left, who had grown gray in bloody warfare; but with the eyes of her + soul she again saw in him the little boy whom, with warm maternal love, + she had once pressed to her breast and cradled in her arms. + </p> + <p> + When, in his rough fashion, he warmly returned her professions of + tenderness, her eyes grew wet with tears, and at the question what he + could still find in her, a withered, good-for-nothing little creature who + just dragged along from one day to another, an object of pity to herself, + he again burst into his mighty laugh, and his deep voice shouted: “Do you + want to know that? But where would be the lime that holds us on the ships + if you were no longer here? The best capture wouldn’t be worth a drachm if + we could not say, ‘Hurrah! how pleased the old mother will be when she + hears it!’ And when things go badly, when men have been wounded or + perished in the sea, we should despair of our lives if we did not know + that whatever troubles our hearts the old mother feels, too, and we shall + always get from her the kind words needed to press on again. And then, + when the strait is sore and life is at stake, whence would come the + courage to cast the die if we did not know that you are with us day and + night, and will send your spirits to help us if the need is great? + Hundreds of times they rushed to our aid just at the right time, and + assisted us to hew off the hand of the foe which was already choking us. + But that is only something extra, which we could do without, if necessary. + That you are here, that a man still has his dear mother, whose heart + wishes us everything good and our foes death and destruction, whose aged + eyes will weep if anything harms us, that, mother dear, that is the main + thing!” + </p> + <p> + He bent his clumsy figure over her as he spoke, and cautiously, as if he + were afraid of doing her some injury, kissed her head with tender care. + </p> + <p> + Then, rising, he turned to Ledscha, whom he always regarded as his dead + son’s betrothed bride, and greeted her with sincere kindness. + </p> + <p> + Her great beauty strengthened his plan of uniting her to his oldest son, + and when the latter entered the house he cast a searching glance at him. + </p> + <p> + The result was favourable, for a smile of satisfaction flitted over his + scarred features. + </p> + <p> + The young pirate’s stately figure was not inferior in height to the old + one’s, but his shoulders were narrower, his features less broad and full, + and his hair and beard had the glossy raven hue of the blackbird’s + plumage. + </p> + <p> + The young man paused on the threshold in embarrassment, and gazed at + Ledscha with pleased surprise. When he saw her last his grandmother had + not been stricken by paralysis, and the girl was the promised wife of his + older brother, to whom custom forbade him to raise his eyes. + </p> + <p> + He had thought of her numberless times as the most desirable of women. Now + nothing prevented his wooing her, and finding her far more beautiful than + memory had showed her, strengthened his intention of winning her. + </p> + <p> + This purpose had matured in the utmost secrecy. He had concealed it even + from his father and his brother Labaja, who was still keeping watch on the + ships, for he had a reserved disposition, and though obliged to obey his + father, wherever it was possible he pursued his own way. + </p> + <p> + Though Satabus shared Hanno’s wish, it vexed him that at this meeting, + after so long a separation, his son should neglect his beloved and + honoured mother for the sake of a beautiful girl. So, turning his back on + Ledscha, he seized the young giant’s shoulder with a powerful grip to drag + him toward the old woman; but Hanno perceived his error, and now, in brief + but affectionate words, showed his grandmother that he, too, rejoiced at + seeing her again. + </p> + <p> + The sorceress gazed at her grandson’s stalwart figure with a pleasant + smile, and, after welcoming him, exclaimed to Ledscha: “It seems as if + Abus had risen from the grave.” + </p> + <p> + The girl vouchsafed her dead lover’s brother a brief glance, and, while + pouring oil upon the fish in the pan, answered carelessly: “He is a little + like him.” + </p> + <p> + “Not only in person,” remarked the old pirate, with fatherly pride, and + pointing to the broad scar across the young man’s forehead, visible even + in the dim light, he added by way of explanation: “When we took vengeance + for Abus, he bore away that decoration of honour. The blow nearly made him + follow his brother, but the youth first sent the souls of half a dozen + enemies to greet him in the nether world.” + </p> + <p> + Then Ledscha held out her hand to Hanno, and permitted him to detain it + till an ardent glance from his black eyes met hers, and she withdrew it + blushing. As she did so she said to Tabus: “You can put them on the fire, + and there stands whatever else you need. I must go home now.” + </p> + <p> + In taking leave of the men she asked if she could hope to find them here + again the next day. “The full moon will make it damnably light,” replied + the father, “but they will scarcely venture to assail the right of asylum, + and the ships anchored according to regulation at Tanis, with a cargo of + wood from Sinope. Besides, for two years people have believed that we have + abandoned these waters, and the guards think that if we should return, the + last time to choose would be these bright nights. Still, I should not like + to decide anything positively about the morrow until news came from + Labaja.” + </p> + <p> + “You will find me, whatever happens,” Hanno declared after his father had + ceased speaking. Old Tabus exchanged a swift glance with her son, and + Satabus said: “He is his own master. If I am obliged to go—which may + happen—then, my girl, you must be content with the youth. Besides, + you are better suited to him than to the graybeard.” + </p> + <p> + He shook hands with Ledscha as he spoke, and Hanno accompanied her to her + boat. + </p> + <p> + At first he was silent, but as she was stepping into the skiff he repeated + his promise of meeting her here the following night. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” she answered quickly. “Perhaps I may have a commission to + give you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will fulfil it,” he answered firmly. + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, then,” she called, “unless something unexpected prevents.” + </p> + <p> + But when seated on the thwart she again turned to him, and asked: “Does it + need a long time to bring your ship, with brave men on board, to this + place?” + </p> + <p> + “We can be here in four hours, and with favourable winds still sooner,” + was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Even if it displeases your father?” + </p> + <p> + “Even then, and though the gods, many as there are, should forbid—if + only your gratitude will be gained.” + </p> + <p> + “It will,” she answered firmly, and the water plashed lightly under the + strokes of her oars. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + In the extreme northern portion of the little city of Tennis a large, + perfectly plain whitewashed building stood on an open, grass-grown square. + </p> + <p> + The side facing the north rested upon a solid substructure of hard blocks + of hewn stone washed by the waves. + </p> + <p> + This protecting wall extended along both sides of the long, plain edifice, + and prevented the water from overflowing the open space which belonged to + it. + </p> + <p> + Archias, the owner of the largest weaving establishment in Tennis, the + father of the Alexandrian aristocrat who had arrived the evening before, + was the owner of the house, as well as of the broad plain on which he had + had it built, with the indestructible sea wall, to serve as a storehouse + to receive the supplies of linen, flax, and wool which were manufactured + in his factories. + </p> + <p> + It was favourably situated for this purpose, for the raw materials could + be moved from the ships which brought them to Tennis directly into the + building. But as the factories were at a considerable distance, the + transportation required much time and expense, and therefore Archias had + had a canal dug connecting the workshops with the water, and at its end + erected a new storehouse, which rendered a second transportation of the + ships’ cargoes unnecessary. + </p> + <p> + The white mansion had not yet been devoted to any other purpose when the + owner determined to offer the spacious empty rooms of the ware house to + his nephews, the sculptors Hermon and Myrtilus, for the production of two + works with whose completion he associated expectations of good fortune + both for the young artists, who were his nephews and wards, and himself. + </p> + <p> + The very extensive building which now contained the studios and spacious + living apartments for the sculptors and their slaves would also have + afforded ample room for his daughter and her attendants, but Daphne had + learned from the reports of the artists that rats, mice, and other + disagreeable vermin shared the former storehouse with them, so she had + preferred to have tents pitched in the large open space which belonged it. + </p> + <p> + True, the broad field was exposed to the burning sun, and its soil was + covered only with sand and pitiably scorched turf, but three palm trees, a + few sunt acacias, two carob trees, a small clump of fig trees, and the + superb, wide-branched sycamore on the extreme outer edge had won for it + the proud name of a “garden.” + </p> + <p> + Now a great change in its favour had taken place, for Daphne’s beautiful + tent, with walls and top of blue and white striped sail-cloth, and the + small adjoining tents of the same colours, gave it a brighter aspect. + </p> + <p> + The very roomy main tent contained the splendidly furnished sitting and + dining rooms. The beds occupied by Daphne and her companion, Chrysilla, + had been placed in an adjoining one, which was nearly as large, and the + cook, with his assistants, was quartered in a third. + </p> + <p> + The head keeper, the master of the hounds, and most of the slaves remained + in the transports which had followed the state galley. Some had slept + under the open sky beside the dog kennel hastily erected for Daphne’s pack + of hounds. + </p> + <p> + So, on the morning after the wholly unexpected arrival of the owner’s + daughter, the “garden” in front of the white house, but yesterday a + desolate field, resembled an encampment, whose busy life was varied and + noisy enough. + </p> + <p> + Slaves and freedmen had been astir before sunrise, for Daphne was up + betimes in order to begin the hunt in the early hour when the birds left + their secret nooks on the islands. + </p> + <p> + Her cousins, the young sculptors, to please her, had gone out, too, but + the sport did not last long; for when the market place of Tennis, just + between the morning and noontide hours, was most crowded, the little boats + which the hunters had used again touched the shore. + </p> + <p> + With them and Daphne’s servants seafaring men also left the boats—Biamite + fishermen and boatmen, who knew the breeding places and nests of the + feathered prey—and before them, barking loudly and shaking their + dripping bodies, the young huntress’s brown and white spotted dogs ran + toward the tents. + </p> + <p> + Dark-skinned slaves carried the game, which had been tied in bunches while + in the boats, to the white house, where they laid three rows of large + water fowl, upon the steps leading to the entrance. + </p> + <p> + Daphne’s arrows were supposed to have killed all these, but the master of + the hunt had taken care to place among his mistress’s booty some of the + largest pelicans and vultures which had been shot by the others. + </p> + <p> + Before retiring to her tent, she inspected the result of the shooting + expedition and was satisfied. + </p> + <p> + She had been told of the numbers of birds in this archipelago, but the + quantity of game which had been killed far exceeded her greatest + expectations, and her pleasant blue eyes sparkled with joy as she began to + examine the birds which had been slaughtered in so short a time. + </p> + <p> + Yet, ere she had finished the task, a slight shadow flitted over her + well-formed and attractive though not beautiful features. + </p> + <p> + The odour emanating from so many dead fowls, on which the sun, already + high in the heavens, was shining, became disagreeable to her, and a strong + sense of discomfort, whose cause, however, she did not seek, made her turn + from them. + </p> + <p> + The movement with which she did so was full of quiet, stately grace, and + the admiring glance with which Hermon, a tall, black-bearded young man, + watched it, showed that he knew how to value the exquisite symmetry of her + figure. + </p> + <p> + The somewhat full outlines of her form and the self-possession of her + bearing would have led every one to think her a young matron rather than a + girl; but the two artists who accompanied her on the shooting party had + been intimate with her from childhood, and knew how much modesty and + genuine kindness of heart were united with the resolute nature of this + maiden, who numbered two and twenty years. + </p> + <p> + Fair-haired Myrtilus seemed to pay little heed to the game which Gras, + Archias’s Bithynian house steward, was counting, but black-bearded Hermon + had given it more attention, and when Daphne drew back he nodded + approvingly, and pointing to the heap of motionless inhabitants of the + air, exclaimed with sincere regret: “Fie upon us human wretches! Would the + most bloodthirsty hyena destroy such a number of living creatures in a few + hours? Other beasts of prey do not kill even one wretched sparrow more + than they need to appease their hunger. But we and you, tender-hearted + priestess of a gracious goddess—leading us friends of the Muse—we + pursue a different course! What a mound of corpses! And what will become + of it? Perhaps a few geese and ducks will go into the kitchen; but the + rest—the red flamingoes and the brave pelicans who feed their young + with their own blood? They are only fit to throw away, for the Biamites + eat no game that is shot, and your black slaves, too, would refuse to + taste it. So we destroy hundreds of lives for pastime. Base word! As if we + had so many superfluous hours at our disposal ere we descend into Hades. A + philosopher among brutes would be entitled to cry out, ‘Shame upon you, + raging monster!’” + </p> + <p> + “Shame on you, you perpetual grumbler,” interrupted Daphne in an offended + tone. “Who would ever have thought it cruel to test the steady hand and + the keen eye upon senseless animals in the joyous chase? But what shall we + call the fault-finder, who spoils his friend’s innocent enjoyment of a + happy morning by his sharp reproaches?” + </p> + <p> + Hermon shrugged his shoulders, and, in a voice which expressed far more + compassion than resentment, answered: “If this pile of dead birds pleases + you, go on with the slaughter. You can sometimes save the arrows and catch + the swarming game with your hands. If your lifeless victims yonder were + human beings, after all, they would have cause to thank you; for what is + existence?” + </p> + <p> + “To these creatures, everything,” said Myrtilus, the Alexandrian’s other + cousin, beckoning to Daphne, who had summoned him to her aid by a + beseeching glance, to draw nearer. “Gladly as I would always and + everywhere uphold your cause, I can not do so this time. Only look here! + Your arrow merely broke the wing of yonder sea eagle, and he is just + recovering from the shock. What a magnificent fellow! How wrathfully and + vengefully his eyes sparkle! How fiercely he stretches his brave head + toward us in helpless fury, and—step back!—how vigorously, + spite of the pain of his poor, wounded, drooping pinion, he flaps the + other, and raises his yellow claws to punish his foes! His plumage + glistens and shines exquisitely where it lies smooth, and how savagely he + puffs out the feathers on his neck! A wonderful spectacle! The embodiment + of powerful life! And the others by his side. We transformed the poor + creatures into a motionless, miserable mass, and just now they were + cleaving the air with their strong wings, proclaiming by proud, glad cries + to their families among the reeds their approach with an abundant store of + prey. Every one was a feast to the eyes before our arrows struck it, and + now? When Hermon, with his pitying heart, condemns this kind of hunting, + he is right. It deprives free, harmless creatures of their best possession—life—and + us thereby of a pleasant sight. In general, a bird’s existence seems to me + also of little value, but beauty, to me as to you, transcends everything + else. What would existence be without it? and wherever it appears, to + injure it is infamous.” + </p> + <p> + Here a slight cough interrupted the young artist, and the moist glitter of + his blue eyes also betrayed that he was suffering from an attack of severe + pain in his lungs; but Daphne nodded assent to him, and to Hermon also, + and commanded the steward Gras to take the birds out of her sight. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said the Bithynian, “our mistress will doubtless allow us at least + to take the hard lower part of the pelicans’ beaks, and the wing feathers + of the flamingoes and birds of prey, to show our master on our return as + trophies.” + </p> + <p> + “Trophies?” repeated the girl scornfully. “Hermon, you are better than I + and the rest of us, and I see that you are right. Where game flies toward + us in such quantities, hunting becomes almost murder. And successes won by + so slight an exertion offer little charm. The second expedition before + sunset, Gras, shall be given up. The master of the hounds, with his men + and the dogs, will return home on the transports this very day. I am + disgusted with sport here. Birds of prey, and those only when brought down + from the air, would probably be the right game in this place.” + </p> + <p> + “Those are the very ones to which I would grant life,” said Hermon, + smiling, “because they enjoy it most.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we will at least save the sea eagle,” cried Daphne, and ordered the + steward, who was already having the dead fowl carried off, to care for the + wounded bird of prey; but when the latter struck furiously with his beak + at the Biamite who attempted to remove it, Hermon again turned to the + girl, saying: “I thank you in the eagle’s name for your good will, you + best of women; but I fear even the most careful nursing will not help this + wounded creature, for the higher one seeks to soar, the more surely he + goes to destruction if his power of flight is broken. Mine, too, was + seriously injured.” + </p> + <p> + “Here?” asked Daphne anxiously. “At this time, which is of such great + importance to you and your art?” + </p> + <p> + Then she interrupted herself to ask Myrtilus’s opinion, but as he had gone + away coughing, she continued, in a softer tone: “How anxious you can make + one, Hermon! Has anything really happened which clouds your pleasure in + creating, and your hope of success?” + </p> + <p> + “Let us wait,” he answered, hastily throwing back his head, with its + thick, waving raven locks. “If, in leaping over the ditch, I should fall + into the marsh, I must endure it, if thereby I can only reach the shore + where my roses bloom!” + </p> + <p> + “Then you fear that you have failed in the Demeter?” asked Daphne. + </p> + <p> + “Failed?” repeated the other. “That seems too strong. Only the work is not + proving as good as I originally expected. For the head we both used a + model—you will see—whose fitness could not be surpassed. But + the body! Myrtilus knows how earnestly I laboured, and, without looking to + the right or the left, devoted all my powers to the task of creation. + True, the models did not remain. But even had a magic spell doubled my + ability, the toil would still have been futile. The error is there; yet I + am repairing it. To be sure, many things must aid me in doing so, for + which I now hope; who knows whether it will not again be in vain? You are + acquainted with my past life. It has never yet granted me any great, + complete success, and if I was occasionally permitted to pluck a flower, + my hands were pricked by thorns and nettles!” + </p> + <p> + He pursed up his lips as if to hiss the unfriendly fate, and Daphne felt + that he, whose career she had watched from childhood with the interest of + affection, and to whom, though she did not confess it even to herself, she + had clung for years with far more than sisterly love, needed a kind word. + </p> + <p> + Her heart ached, and it was difficult for her to assume the cheerful tone + which she desired to use; but she succeeded, and her voice sounded gay and + careless enough as she exclaimed to the by no means happy artist and + Myrtilus, who was just returning: “Give up your foolish opposition, you + obstinate men, and let me see what you have accomplished during this long + time. You promised my father that you would show your work to no one + before him, but believe my words, if he were here he would give you back + the pledge and lead me himself to the last production of your study. + Compassion would compel you disobliging fellows to yield, if you could + only imagine how curiosity tortures us women. We can conquer it where more + indifferent matters are concerned. But here!—it need not make you + vainer than you already are, but except my father, you are dearest in all + the world to me. And then, only listen! In my character as priestess of + Demeter I hereby release you from your vow, and thus from any evil + consequences of your, moreover, very trivial guilt; for a father and + daughter who live together, as I do with your uncle, are just the same as + one person. So come! Wearied as I am by the miserable hunting excursion + which caused me such vexation, in the presence of your works—rely + upon it—I shall instantly be gay again, and all my life will thank + you for your noble indulgence.” + </p> + <p> + While speaking, she walked toward the white house, beckoning to the young + men with a winning, encouraging smile. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to produce the effect intended, for the artists looked at each + other irresolutely, and Hermon was already asking himself whether Daphne’s + arguments had convinced Myrtilus also, when the latter, in great + excitement, called after her: “How gladly we would do it, but we must not + fulfil your wish, for it was no light promise—no, your father + exacted an oath. He alone can absolve us from the obligation of showing + him, before any one else, what we finish here. It is not to be submitted + to the judges until after he has seen it.” + </p> + <p> + “Listen to me!” Daphne interrupted with urgent warmth, and began to assail + the artists with fresh entreaties. + </p> + <p> + For the second time black-bearded Hermon seemed inclined to give up his + resistance, but Myrtilus cried in zealous refusal: “For Hermon’s sake, I + insist upon my denial. The judges must not talk about the work until both + tasks are completed, for then each of us will be as good as certain of a + prize. I myself believe that the one for Demeter will fall to me.” + </p> + <p> + “But Hermon will succeed better with the Arachne?” asked Daphne eagerly. + </p> + <p> + Myrtilus warmly assented, but Hermon exclaimed: “If I could only rely upon + the good will of the judges!” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” the girl interrupted. “My father is just, the king is an + incorruptible connoisseur, and certainly yesterday evening you, too, + believed the others to be honest men; as for your fellow-candidate + Myrtilus, he will no more grudge a prize to you than to himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should he?” asked Hermon, as if he, too, was perfectly sure of his + friend. “We have shared many a bit of bread together. When we determined + upon this competition each knew the other’s ability. Your father + commissioned us to create peaceful Demeter, the patroness of agriculture, + peace, marriage, and Arachne, the mortal who was the most skilful of + spinners; for he is both a grain dealer and owner of spinning factories. + The best Demeter is to be placed in the Alexandrian temple of the goddess, + to whose priestesses you belong; the less successful one in your own house + in the city, but whose Demeter is destined for the sanctuary, I repeat, is + now virtually decided. Myrtilus will add this prize to the others, and + grant me with all his heart the one for the Arachne. The subject, at any + rate, is better adapted to my art than to his, and so I should be + tolerably certain of my cause. Yet my anxiety about the verdict of the + judges remains, for surely you know how much the majority are opposed to + my tendency. I, and the few Alexandrians who, following me, sacrifice + beauty to truth, swim against the stream which bears you, Myrtilus, and + those who are on your side, smoothly along. I know that you do it from + thorough conviction, but with other acknowledged great artists and our + judges, you, too, demand beauty—always beauty. Am I right, or wrong? + Is not any one who refuses to follow in the footsteps left by the ancients + of Athens as certain of condemnation as the convicted thief or murderer? + But I will not follow the lead of the Athenians, inimitably great though + they are in their own way, because I would fain be more than the ancients + of Ilissus: a disciple and an Alexandrian.” + </p> + <p> + “The never-ending dispute,” Myrtilus answered his fellow-artist, with a + cordiality in which, nevertheless, there was a slight accent of pity. + </p> + <p> + “Surely you know it, Daphne. To me the ideal and its embodiment within the + limits of the natural, according to the models of Phidias, Polycletus, and + Myron is the highest goal, but he and his co-workers seek objects nearer + at hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Or rather we found them,” cried Hermon, interrupting his companion with + angry positiveness. “The city of Alexandria, which is growing with + unprecedented vigour, is their home. There, the place to which every race + on earth sends a representative, the pulse of the whole world is + throbbing. There, whoever does not run with the rest is run over; there, + but one thing is important—actual life. Science has undertaken to + fathom it, and the results which it gains with measures and numbers is of + a different value and more lasting than that which the idle sport of the + intellects of the older philosophers obtained. But art, her nobler sister, + must pursue the same paths. To copy life as it is, to reproduce the real + as it presents itself, not as it might or must be, is the task which I set + myself. If you would have me carve gods, whom man can not represent to + himself except in his own form, allow me also to represent them as reality + shows me mortals. I will form them after the models of the greatest, + highest, and best, and also, when the subject permits, in powerful action + in accordance with my own power, but always as real men from head to foot. + We must also cling to the old symbols which those who order demand, + because they serve as signs of recognition, and my Demeter, too, received + the bundle of wheat.” + </p> + <p> + As the excited artist uttered this challenge a defiant glance rested upon + his comrade and Daphne. But Myrtilus, with a soothing gesture of the hand, + answered: “What is the cause of this heat? I at least watch your work with + interest, and do not dispute your art so long as it does not cross the + boundaries of the beautiful, which to me are those of art.” + </p> + <p> + Here the conversation was interrupted; the steward Gras brought a letter + which a courier from Pelusium had just delivered. + </p> + <p> + Thyone, the wife of Philippus, the commander of the strong border fortress + of Pelusium, near Tennis, had written it. She and her husband had been + intimate friends of Hermon’s father, who had served under the old general + as hipparch, and through him had become well acquainted with his wealthy + brother Archias and his relatives. + </p> + <p> + The Alexandrian merchant had informed Philippus—whom, like all the + world, he held in the highest honour as one of the former companions of + Alexander the Great—of his daughter’s journey, and his wife now + announced her visit to Daphne. She expected to reach Tennis that evening + with her husband and several friends, and mentioned especially her + anticipation of meeting Hermon, the son of her beloved Erigone and her + husband’s brave companion in arms. + </p> + <p> + Daphne and Myrtilus received the announcement with pleasure; but Hermon, + who only the day before had spoken of the old couple with great affection, + seemed disturbed by the arrival of the unexpected guests. To avoid them + entirely appeared impossible even to him, but he declared in an + embarrassed tone, and without giving any reason, that he should scarcely + be able to devote the entire evening to Daphne and the Pelusinians. + </p> + <p> + Then he turned quickly toward the house, to which a signal from his slave + Bias summoned him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + As soon as Hermon had disappeared behind the door Daphne begged Myrtilus + to accompany her into the tent. + </p> + <p> + After taking their seats there, the anxious exclamation escaped her lips: + “How excited he became again! The stay in Tennis does not seem to agree + with you—you are coughing, and father expected so much benefit to + your ailment from the pure moist air, and to Hermon still more from the + lonely life here in your society. But I have rarely seen him more strongly + enlisted in behalf of the tendency opposed to beauty.” + </p> + <p> + “Then your father must be satisfied with the good effect which our + residence here has exerted upon me,” replied Myrtilus. “I know that he was + thinking of my illness when he proposed to us to complete his commissions + here. Hermon—the good fellow!—could never have been induced to + leave his Alexandria, had not the hope of thereby doing me a kindness + induced him to follow me. I will add it to the many for which I am already + indebted to his friendship. As for art, he will go his own way, and any + opposition would be futile. A goddess—he perceives it himself—was + certainly the most unfortunate subject possible for his—” + </p> + <p> + “Is his Demeter a complete failure?” asked Daphne anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” replied Myrtilus eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “The head is even one of his very best. Only the figure awakens grave + doubts. In the effort to be faithful to reality, the fear of making + concessions to beauty, he lapsed into ungraceful angularity and a + sturdiness which, in my opinion, would be unpleasing even in a mortal + woman. The excess of unbridled power again makes it self visible in the + wonderfully gifted man. Many things reached him too late, and others too + soon.” + </p> + <p> + Daphne eagerly asked what he meant by these words, and Myrtilus replied: + “Surely you know how he became a sculptor. Your father had intended him to + be his successor in business, but Hermon felt the vocation to become an + artist—probably first in my studio—awake with intense force. + While I early placed myself under the instruction of the great Bryaxis, he + was being trained for a merchant’s life. When he was to guide the reed in + the counting-house, he sketched; when he was sent to the harbour to direct + the loading of the ships, he became absorbed in gazing at the statues + placed there. In the warehouse he secretly modelled, instead of attending + to the bales of goods. You are certainly aware what a sad breach occurred + then, and how long Hermon was restrained before he succeeded in turning + his back upon trade.” + </p> + <p> + “My father meant so kindly toward him,” Daphne protested. “He was + appointed guardian to you both. You are rich, and therefore he aided in + every possible way your taste for art; but Hermon did not inherit from his + parents a single drachm, and so my father saw the most serious struggles + awaiting him if he devoted himself to sculpture. And, besides, he had + destined his nephew to become his successor, the head of one of the + largest commercial houses in the city.” + </p> + <p> + “And in doing so,” Myrtilus responded, “he believed he had made the best + provision for his happiness. But there is something peculiar in art. I + know from your father himself how kind his intentions were when he + withdrew his assistance from Hermon, and when he had escaped to the island + of Rhodes, left him to make his own way during the first period of + apprenticeship through which he passed there. Necessity, he thought, would + bring him back to where he had a life free from anxiety awaiting him. But + the result was different. Far be it from me to blame the admirable + Archias, yet had he permitted his ward to follow his true vocation + earlier, it would have been better for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you think that he began to study too late?” asked Daphne eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Not too late,” was the reply, “but with his passionate struggle to + advance, an earlier commencement would have been more favourable. While + the companions of his own age were already doing independent work, he was + still a student, and so it happened that he began for himself too soon.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” Daphne answered, “can you deny that, directly after Hermon produced + his first work which made his talent undeniable, my father again treated + him like his own son?” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary,” replied Myrtilus, “I remember only too well how Archias + at that time, probably not entirely without your intercession, fairly + showered gold upon his nephew, but unfortunately this abundance was by no + means to his advantage.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” asked Daphne. “Were not you, at that very time, in + full possession of the great wealth inherited from your father and mother, + and yet did you not work far beyond your strength? Bryaxis—I heard + him—was full of your praises, and yet entreated my father to use all + his influence, as guardian, to warn you against overwork.” + </p> + <p> + “My kind master!” cried Myrtilus, deeply moved. “He was as anxious about + me as a father.” + </p> + <p> + “Because he perceived that you were destined for great achievements.” + </p> + <p> + “And because it did not escape his penetration how much I needed care. My + lungs, Daphne, my lungs—surely you know how the malicious disease + became fatal to my clear mother, and to my brother and sister also. All + three sank prematurely into the grave, and for years the shades of my + parents have been beckoning to me too. When the cough shakes my chest, I + see Charon raise his oar and invite me also to enter his sable boat.” + </p> + <p> + “But you just assured me that you were doing well,” observed the girl. + “The cough alone makes me a little anxious. If you could only see for + yourself what a beautiful colour the pure air has given your cheeks!” + </p> + <p> + “This flush,” replied Myrtilus gravely, “is the sunset of life’s closing + day, not the dawn of approaching convalescence. But let us drop the + subject. I allude to these sorrowful things only to prevent your praises + of me at Hermon’s expense. True, even while a student I possessed wealth + far beyond my needs, but the early deaths of my brother and sister had + taught me even then to be economical of the brief span of life allotted to + me. Hermon, on the contrary, was overflowing with manly vigour, and the + strongest among the Ephebi in the wrestling school. After three nights’ + revel he would not even feel weary, and how difficult the women made it + for the handsome, black-bearded fellow to commence his work early! Did you + ever ask yourself why young steeds are not broken in flowery meadows, but + upon sand? Nothing which attracts their attention and awakens their + desires must surround them; but your father’s gold led Hermon, ere the + season of apprenticeship was over, into the most luxuriant clover fields. + Honour and respect the handsome, hot-blooded youth that, nevertheless, he + allowed himself to be diverted from work only a short time and soon + resumed it with ardent zeal, at first in superabundance, and then amid + fresh need and privation.” + </p> + <p> + “O Myrtilus,” the girl interrupted, “how terribly I suffered in those + days! For the first time the gods made me experience that there are black + clouds, as well as bright sunshine, in the human soul. For weeks an + impassable gulf separated me from my father, with whom I had always had + one heart and soul. But I never saw him as he was then. The first prize + had been awarded to you for your Aphrodite, radiant in marvellous beauty, + and your brow had also been already crowned for your statue of Alexander, + when Hermon stepped forward with his works. They were at the same time the + first which were to show what he believed to be the true mission of art—a + hideous hawker, hide in hand, praising his wares with open mouth, and the + struggling Maenads. Surely you know the horrible women who throw one + another on the ground, tearing and rending with bestial fury. The + spectacle of these fruits of the industry of one dear to me grieved me + also, and I could not understand how you and the others saw anything to + admire in them. And my father! At the sight of these things the colour + faded from his cheeks and lips, and, as if by virtue of his guardianship + he had a right to direct Hermon in the paths of art also, he forbade his + ward to waste any more time in such horrible scarecrows, and awaken + loathing and wrath instead of gratification, exultation, and joy. You know + the consequences, but you do not know how my heart ached when Hermon, + frantic with wounded pride and indignation, turned his back upon my father + and severed every tie that united him to us. In spite of his deep vexation + and the unbridled violence with which the nephew had allowed himself to + address his uncle, my father did not dream of withholding his assistance + from him. But Hermon no longer came to our house, and when I sent for him + to bring him to reason, he positively declared that he would not accept + another obolus from my father—he would rather starve than permit any + one to dictate to him in the choice of his subjects. Liberty was worth + more than his uncle’s gold. Yet my father sent him his annual allowance.” + </p> + <p> + “But he refused it,” added Myrtilus. “I remember that day well, how I + tried to persuade him, and, when he persisted in his intention, besought + him to accept from my abundance what he needed. But this, too, he + resolutely refused, though at that time I was already so deeply in his + debt that I could not repay him at all with paltry money.” + </p> + <p> + “You are thinking of the devotion with which he nursed you when you were + so ill?” asked Daphne. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; yet not of that alone,” was the reply. “You do not know how he + stood by me in the worst days. Who was it that after my first great + successes, when base envy clouded many an hour of my life, rejoiced with + me as though he himself had won the laurel? It was he, the ambitious + artist, though recognition held even farther aloof from his creations than + success. And when, just at that time, the insidious disease attacked me + more cruelly than ever, he devoted himself to me like a loving brother. + While formerly, in the overflowing joy of existence, he had revelled all + day and caroused all night, how often he paused in the rush of gaiety to + exchange the festal hall for a place beside my couch, frequently remaining + there until Eos dyed the east, that he might hold my fevered hand and + support my shaken frame! Frequently too, when already garlanded for some + gay banquet, he took the flowers from his head and devoted the night to + his friend, that he might not leave him to the attendance of the slaves. + It is owing to him, and the care and skill of the great leech + Erasistratus, that I am still standing before you alive and can praise + what my Hermon was and proved himself to me in those days. Yet I must also + accuse him of a wrong; to this hour I bear him a grudge for having, in + those sorrowful hours, refused to share my property with me fraternally. + What manly pride would have cheerfully permitted him to accept was opposed + by the defiant desire to show me, your father, you, the whole world, that + he would depend upon himself, and needed assistance neither from human + beings nor even the gods. In the same way, while working, he obstinately + rejected my counsel and my help, though the Muse grants me some things + which he unfortunately lacks. Great as his talent is, firmly as I believe + that he will yet succeed some day in creating something grand, nay, + perhaps something mighty, the unbelieving disciple of Straton lacks the + power of comprehending the august dignity, the superhuman majesty of the + divine nature, and he does not succeed in representing the bewitching + charm of woman, because he hates it as the bull hates a red rag. Only once + hitherto has he been successful, and that was with your bust.” + </p> + <p> + Daphne’s cheeks suddenly flamed with a burning flush, and feeling it she + raised her feather fan to her eyes, and with forced indifference murmured: + “We were good friends from our earliest childhood. And, besides, how small + is the charm with which the artist who chooses me for a model has to + deal!” + </p> + <p> + “It is rather an unusually fascinating one,” Myrtilus asserted resolutely. + “I have no idea of flattering you, and you are certainly aware that I do + not number you among the beauties of Alexandria. But instead of the + delicate, symmetrical features which artists need, the gods bestowed upon + you a face which wins all hearts, even those of women, because it is a + mirror of genuine, helpful, womanly kindness, a sincere disposition, and a + healthy, receptive mind. To reproduce such a face, not exactly beautiful, + and yet bewitching, is the hardest possible task, and Hermon, I repeat it, + has succeeded. You are the only one of your noble sex who inspires the + motherless man with respect, and for whom he feels more than a fleeting + fancy. What does he not owe you? After the bridge which united him to his + uncle and paternal friend had been so suddenly broken, it was you who + rebuilt it. Now, I think, it is stronger than ever. I could not imagine + anything that would induce him to give you up; and all honour to your + father, who, instead of bearing the insubordinate fellow a grudge, only + drew him more warmly to his heart, and gave us two commissions which will + permit each to do his best. If I see clearly, the daughter of Archias is + closely connected with this admirable deed.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” replied Daphne, “my father discussed his intention with me, + but the thought was entirely his own. True, Hermon’s Street-Boy eating + Figs was not exactly according to his taste, but it pleased him better + than his former works, and I agree with Euphranor, it is remarkably true + to nature. My father perceived this too. Besides, he is a merchant who + sets a high value upon what he has earned, and Hermon’s refusal of his + gold startled him. Then the good man also saw how nobly, in spite of his + wild life, his obstinacy, and the work so unpleasing to him, his nephew + always showed the noble impulses inherited from his brave father, and thus + Hermon gained the day.” + </p> + <p> + “But what would have become of him last year, after the mortifying + rejection of his model of The Happy Return Home for the harbour of + Eunostus,” asked Myrtilus, “if you and your encouragement had not cheered + him?” + </p> + <p> + “That verdict, too, was abominable!” exclaimed Daphne indignantly. “The + mother opening her arms to the returning son was unlovely, it is true, and + did not please me either; but the youth with the travelling hat and staff + is magnificent in his vigour and natural action.” + </p> + <p> + “That opinion, as you know, is mine also,” replied Myrtilus. “In the + mother the expression was intended to take the place of beauty. For the + returning son, as well as for the fig-eater, he found a suitable model. + True, the best was at his disposal for his Demeter.” + </p> + <p> + Here he hesitated; but Daphne so urgently asked to know what he, who had + already denied her admission to the studios, was now again withholding + from her, that, smiling indulgently, he added: “Then I must probably + consent to tell in advance the secret with which you were to be surprised. + Before him, as well as before me, hovered—since you wish to know it—in + Alexandria, when we first began to model the head of the goddess, a + certain charming face which is as dear to one as to the other.” + </p> + <p> + Daphne, joyously excited, held out her hand to the artist, exclaiming: + “Oh, how kind that is! Yet how was it possible, since I posed neither to + him nor to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Hermon had finished your bust only a short time before, and you permitted + me to use your head for my statue of the goddess of Peace, which went down + with the ship on the voyage to Ostia. This was at the disposal of us both + in three or four reproductions, and, besides, it hovered before our mental + vision clearly enough. When the time to show you our work arrives, you + will be surprised to discover how differently two persons see and copy the + same object.” + </p> + <p> + “Now that I know so much, and have a certain share in your works, I insist + upon seeing them!” cried Daphne with far greater impetuosity than usual. + “Tell Hermon so, and remind him that I shall at any rate expect him to + meet the Pelusinian guests at the banquet. Threaten him seriously with my + grave displeasure if he persists in leaving it speedily.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not fail to do my part,” replied Myrtilus; “but as to your wish to + see the two Demeters—” + </p> + <p> + “That will come to pass,” interrupted Daphne, “as soon as we three are + together again like a clover leaf.” She returned the sculptor’s farewell + greeting as she spoke, but before he reached the entrance to the tent she + again detained him with the exclamation: “Only this one thing more: Does + Hermon deceive himself when he hopes so confidently for success with the + weaver, Arachne?” + </p> + <p> + “Hardly—if the model whom he desires does not fail him.” + </p> + <p> + “Is she beautiful, and did he find her here in Tennis?” asked Daphne, + trying to assume an indifferent manner; but Myrtilus was not deceived, and + answered gaily: “That’s the way people question children to find out + things. Farewell until the banquet, fair curiosity!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + The slave Bias had not gone to the hunting party with his master. He had + never been fit for such expeditions, since the Egyptian guard who took him + to the slave market for sale crippled the arch-traitor’s son’s left leg by + a blow, but he was all the more useful in the house, and even the keenest + eye could scarcely now perceive the injury which lessened his commercial + value. + </p> + <p> + He had prepared everything his master would need to shoot the birds very + early in the morning, and after helping the men push the boats into the + water, he, too, remained out of doors. + </p> + <p> + The old Nubian doorkeeper’s little badger dog ran to meet him, as usual, + barking loudly, and startled a flock of sparrows, which flew up directly + in front of Bias and fluttered to and fro in confusion. + </p> + <p> + The slave regarded this as an infallible omen, and when Stephanion, + Daphne’s maid, who had grown gray in the household of Archias, and though + a freed woman still worked in the old way, came out of the tent, he called + to her the gay Greek greeting, “Rejoice!” pointed to the sparrows, and + eagerly continued: “How one flies above another! how they flutter and + chirp and twitter! It will be a busy day.” + </p> + <p> + Stephanion thought this interpretation of the ordinary action of the birds + very consistent with Bias’s wisdom, which was highly esteemed in the + household of Archias, and it also just suited her inclination to chat with + him for a while, especially as she had brought a great deal of news from + Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + By way of introduction she mentioned the marriages and deaths in their + circle of acquaintances, bond and free, and then confided to the slave + what had induced her mistress to remain so long absent from her father, + whom she usually left alone for only a few hours at the utmost. + </p> + <p> + Archias himself had sent her here, after young Philotas, who was now + apparently wooing her with better success than other suitors, had spoken + of the enormous booty which one of his friends had brought from a shooting + expedition at Tennis, and Daphne had expressed a wish to empty her quiver + there too. + </p> + <p> + True, Philotas himself had been eager to guide the hunting party, but + Daphne declined his escort because—so the maid asserted—she + cared far more about meeting her cousins, the sculptors, than for the + chase. Her mistress had frankly told her so, but her father was delighted + to hear her express a wish, because for several months she had been so + quiet and listless that she, Stephanion, had become anxious about her. + Meanwhile, Daphne had tried honestly to conceal her feelings from the old + man, but such games of hide and seek were useless against the master’s + keen penetration. He spared no pains in the preparations for the journey, + and the girl now seemed already transformed. This was caused solely by + meeting her cousins again; but if any one should ask her whether Daphne + preferred Myrtilus or Hermon, she could not give a positive answer. + </p> + <p> + “Cautious inquiry saves recantation,” replied Bias importantly. “Yet you + may believe my experience, it is Myrtilus. Fame inspires love, and what + the world will not grant my master, in spite of his great talent, it + conceded to the other long ago. And, besides, we are not starving; but + Myrtilus is as rich as King Croesus of Sardis. Not that Daphne, who is + stifling in gold herself, would care about that, but whoever knows life + knows—where doves are, doves will fly.” + </p> + <p> + Stephanion, however, was of a different opinion, not only because Daphne + talked far more about the black-bearded cousin than the fair one, but + because she knew the girl, and was seldom mistaken in such matters. She + would not deny that Daphne was also fond of Myrtilus. Yet probably neither + of the artists, but Philotas, would lead home the bride, for he was + related to the royal family—a fine, handsome man; and, besides, her + father preferred him to the other suitors who hovered around her as flies + buzzed about honey. Of course, matters would be more favourable to + Philotas in any other household. Who else in Alexandria would consult the + daughter long, when he was choosing her future husband? But Archias was a + white raven among fathers, and would never force his only child to do + anything. + </p> + <p> + Marrying and loving, however, were two different affairs. If Eros had the + final decision, her choice might perhaps fall on one of the artists. + </p> + <p> + Here she was interrupted by the slave’s indignant exclamation: “What + contradictions! ‘Woman’s hair is long, but her wit is short,’ says the + proverb. ‘Waiting is the merchant’s wisdom,’ I have heard your master say + more than once, and to obey the words of shrewd people is the best plan + for those who are not so wise. Meanwhile, I am of the opinion that + curiosity alone brought Daphne—who, after all, is only a woman—to + this place. She wants to see the statues of Demeter which her father + ordered from us.” + </p> + <p> + “And the Arachne?” asked the maid. This was an opportune question to the + slave—how often he had heard the artists utter the word “Arachne!”—and + his pride of education had suffered from the consciousness that he knew + nothing about her except the name, which in Greek meant “the spider.” + </p> + <p> + Some special story must surely be associated with this Arachne, for which + his master desired to use his young countrywoman, Ledscha, as a model, and + whose statues Archias intended to place in his house in Alexandria and in + the great weaving establishment at Tennis beside the statue of Demeter. + </p> + <p> + Stephanion, a Greek woman who grew up in a Macedonian household, must know + something about her. + </p> + <p> + So he cautiously turned the conversation to the spinner Arachne, and when + Stephanion entered into it, admitted that he, too, was curious to learn in + what way the sculptors would represent her. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied the maid, “my mistress has more than once racked her brains + over that, and Archias too. Perhaps they will carve her as a girl at work + in the house of her father Idmon, the purple dyer of Colophon.” + </p> + <p> + “Never,” replied Bias in a tone of dissent. “Just imagine how the loom + would look wrought in gold and ivory!” + </p> + <p> + “I thought so too,” said Stephanion, in apology for the foolish idea. + “Daphne thinks that the two will model her in different ways: Myrtilus, as + mistress in the weaving room, showing with proud delight a piece just + completed to the nymphs from the Pactolus and other rivers, who sought her + at Colophon to admire her work; but Hermon, after she aroused the wrath of + Athene because she dared to weave into the hangings the love adventures of + the gods with mortal women.” + </p> + <p> + “Father Zeus as a swan toying with Leda,” replied Bias as confidently as + if Arachne’s works were before his eyes, “and in the form of a bull + bearing away Europa, the chaste Artemis bending over the sleeping + Endymion.” + </p> + <p> + “How that pleases you men!” interrupted the maid, striking him lightly on + the arm with the duster which she had brought from the tent. “But ought + the virgin Athene to be blamed because she punished the weaver who, with + all her skill, was only a mortal woman, for thus exposing her divine + kindred?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” replied Bias, and Stephanion went on eagerly: “And when + the great Athene, who invented weaving and protects weavers, condescended + to compete with Arachne, and was excelled by her, surely her gall must + have overflowed. Whoever is just will scarcely blame her for striking the + audacious conqueror on the brow with the weaver’s shuttle.” + </p> + <p> + “It is that very thing,” replied Bias modestly, “which to a short-sighted + fool like myself—may the great goddess not bear me a grudge for it!—never + seemed just in her. Even the mortal who succumbs in a fair fight ought not + to be enraged against the victor. At least, so I was taught. But what, I + ask myself, when I think of the stones which were flung at Hermon’s + struggling Maenads, could be less suited for imitation than two women, one + of whom strikes the other?” + </p> + <p> + “The woman who in her desperation at that blow desires to hang herself, + must produce a still more horrible impression,” replied Stephanion. + “Probably she will be represented as Athene releases her from the noose + rather than when, as a punishment for her insolence, she transforms + Arachne into a spider.” + </p> + <p> + “That she might be permitted, in the form of an insect, to make artistic + webs until the end of her life,” the slave, now sufficiently well + informed, added importantly. “Since that transformation, as you know, the + spider has been called by the Greeks Arachne. Perhaps—I always + thought so—Hermon will represent her twisting the rope with which + she is to kill herself. You have seen many of our works, and know that we + love the terrible.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, let me go into your studio!” the maid now entreated no less urgently + than her mistress had done a short time before, but her wish, too, + remained ungratified. + </p> + <p> + “The sculptors,” Bias truthfully asserted, “always kept their workrooms + carefully locked.” They were as inaccessible as the strongest fortress, + and it was wise, less on account of curious spectators, from whom there + was nothing to fear, than of the thievish propensities of the people. The + statues, by Archias’s orders, were to be executed in chryselephantine + work, and the gold and ivory which this required might only too easily + awaken the vice of cupidity in the honest and frugal Biamites. So nothing + could be done about it, not to mention the fact that he was forbidden, on + pain of being sold to work in a stone quarry, to open the studio to any + one without his master’s consent. + </p> + <p> + So the maid, too, was obliged to submit, and the sacrifice was rendered + easier for her because, just at that moment, a young female slave called + her back to the tent where Chrysilla, Daphne’s companion, a matron who + belonged to a distinguished Greek family, needed her services. + </p> + <p> + Bias, rejoicing that he had at last learned, without exposing his own + ignorance, the story of the much-discussed Arachne, returned to the house, + where he remained until Daphne came back from shooting with her + companions. While the latter were talking about the birds they had killed, + Bias went out of doors; but he was forced to give up his desire to listen + to a conversation which was exactly suited to arrest his attention, for + after the first few sentences he perceived behind the thorny acacias in + the “garden” his countrywoman Ledscha. + </p> + <p> + So she was keeping her promise. He recognised her plainly, in spite of the + veil which covered the back of her head and the lower portion of her face. + Her black eyes were visible, and what a sinister light shone in them as + she fixed them sometimes on Daphne, sometimes on Hermon, who stood talking + together by the steps! + </p> + <p> + The evening before Bias had caught a glimpse of this passionate creature’s + agitated soul. If anything happened here that incensed or wounded her she + would be capable of committing some unprecedented act before the very + master’s honoured guest. + </p> + <p> + To prevent this was a duty to the master whom he loved, and against whom + he had only warned Ledscha because he was reluctant to see a free maiden + of his own race placed on a level with the venal Alexandrian models, but + still more because any serious love affair between Hermon and the Biamite + might bring disastrous consequences upon both, and therefore also on + himself. He knew that the free men of his little nation would not suffer + an insult offered by a Greek to a virgin daughter of their lineage to pass + unavenged. + </p> + <p> + True, in his bondage he had by no means remained free from all the bad + qualities of slaves, but he was faithfully devoted to his master, who had + imposed upon him a great debt of gratitude; for though, during the trying + period of variance with his rich and generous uncle, Hermon had often been + offered so large a sum for him that it would have relieved the artist from + want, he could not be induced to yield his “wise and faithful Bias” to + another. The slave had sworn to himself that he would never forget this, + and he kept his oath. + </p> + <p> + Freedmen and slaves were moving to and fro in the large open square before + him, amid the barking of the dogs and the shouts of the male and female + venders of fruit, vegetables, and fish, who hoped to dispose of their + wares in the kitchen tent of the wealthy strangers. + </p> + <p> + The single veiled woman attracted no attention here, but Bias kept his + gaze fixed steadily upon her, and as she curved her little slender hand + above her brow to shade her watchful eyes from the dazzling sunlight, and + set her beautifully arched foot on a stone near one of the trees in order + to gain a better view, he thought of the story of the weaver which he had + just heard. + </p> + <p> + Though the stillness of the hot noontide was interrupted by many sounds, + it exerted a bewitching influence over him. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha seemed like the embodiment of some great danger, and when she + lowered one arm and raised the other to protect herself again from the + radiance of the noonday sun, he started; for through the brain of the + usually fearless man darted the thought that now the nimble spider-legs + were moving to draw him toward her, entwine him, and suck his heart’s + blood. + </p> + <p> + The illusion lasted only a few brief moments, but when it vanished and the + girl had regained the figure of an unusually slender, veiled Biamite + woman, he shook his head with a sigh of relief, for never had such a + vision appeared to him in broad noonday and while awake, and it must have + been sent to warn him and his master against this uncanny maiden. + </p> + <p> + It positively announced some approaching misfortune which proceeded from + this beautiful creature. + </p> + <p> + The Biamite now advanced hesitatingly toward Hermon and Daphne, who were + still a considerable distance from her. But Bias had also quitted his post + of observation, and after she had taken a few steps forward, barred her + way. + </p> + <p> + With a curt “Come,” he took her hand, whispering, “Hermon is joyously + expecting your visit.” + </p> + <p> + Ledscha’s veil concealed her mouth, but the expression of her eyes made + him think that it curled scornfully. + </p> + <p> + Yet she silently followed him. + </p> + <p> + At first he led her by the hand, but on the way he saw at the edge of her + upper veil the thick, dark eyebrows which met each other, and her fingers + seemed to him so strangely cold and tapering that a shudder ran through + his frame and he released them. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha scarcely seemed to notice it, and, with bowed head, walked beside + him through the side entrance to the door of Hermon’s studio. + </p> + <p> + It was a disappointment to her to find it locked, but Bias did not heed + her angry complaint, and led her into the artist’s sitting room, + requesting her to wait for his master there. + </p> + <p> + Then he hurried to the steps, and by a significant sign informed the + sculptor that something important required his attention. + </p> + <p> + Hermon understood him, and Bias soon had an opportunity to tell the artist + who it was that desired to speak to him and where he had taken Ledscha. He + also made him aware that he feared some evil from her, and that, in an + alarming vision, she had appeared to him as a hideous spider. + </p> + <p> + Hermon laughed softly. “As a spider? The omen is appropriate. We will make + her a woman spider—an Arachne that is worth looking at. But this + strange beauty is one of the most obstinate of her sex, and if I let her + carry out her bold visit in broad daylight she will get the better of me + completely. The blood must first be washed from my hands here. The wounded + sea eagle tore the skin with its claw, and I concealed the scratch from + Daphne. A strip of linen to bandage it! Meanwhile, let the impatient + intruder learn that her sign is not enough to open every door.” + </p> + <p> + Then he entered his sitting room, greeted Ledscha curtly, invited her to + go into the studio, unlocked it, and left her there alone while he went to + his chamber with the slave and had the slight wound bandaged comfortably. + </p> + <p> + While Bias was helping his master he repeated with sincere anxiety his + warning against the dangerous beauty whose eyebrows, which had grown + together, proved that she was possessed by the demons of the nether world. + </p> + <p> + “Yet they increase the austere beauty of her face,” assented the artist. + “I should not want to omit them in modelling Arachne while the goddess is + transforming her into a spider! What a subject! A bolder one was scarcely + ever attempted and, like you, I already see before me the coming spider.” + </p> + <p> + Then, without the slightest haste, he exchanged the huntsman’s chiton for + the white chlamys, which was extremely becoming to his long, waving beard, + and at last, exclaiming gaily, “If I stay any longer, she will transform + herself into empty air instead of the spider,” he went to her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + While waiting in the studio Ledscha had used the time to satisfy her + curiosity. + </p> + <p> + What was there not to be seen! + </p> + <p> + On pedestals and upon the boards of the floor, on boxes, racks, and along + the wall, stood, lay, or hung the greatest variety of articles: plaster + casts of human limbs and parts of the bodies of animals, male and female, + of clay and wax, withered garlands, all sorts of sculptor’s tools, a + ladder, vases, cups and jars for wine and water, a frame over which linen + and soft woollen materials were spread, a lute and a zither, several + seats, an armchair, and in one corner a small table with three dilapidated + book rolls, writing tablets, metal styluses, and reed pens. + </p> + <p> + All these articles were arranged haphazard, and showed that Bias possessed + more wisdom than care in the use of duster and broom. + </p> + <p> + It would have been difficult to count the number of things brought + together here, but the unusually long, wide room was by no means crowded. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha cast a wondering glance sometimes at one object, sometimes at + another, but without understanding its meaning or its use. + </p> + <p> + The huge figure on the pedestal in the middle of the studio, upon which + the full glare of light fell through the open windows, was certainly the + statue of the goddess on which Hermon was working; but a large gray cloth + concealed it from her gaze. + </p> + <p> + How tall it was! + </p> + <p> + When she looked at it more closely she felt small and oppressed by + comparison. + </p> + <p> + A passionate longing urged her to remove the cloth, but the boldness of + the act restrained her. After she had taken another survey of the spacious + apartment, which she was visiting for the first time by daylight, the + torturing feeling of being neglected gained possession of her. + </p> + <p> + She clinched her white teeth more firmly, and when there was a noise at + the door that died away again without bringing the man she expected, she + went up to the statue which she had already walked past quietly several + times and, obeying an impatient impulse, freed it from its covering. + </p> + <p> + The goddess, now illumined by the sunlight, shone before her in gleaming + yellow gold and snowy ivory. + </p> + <p> + She had never seen such a statue, and drew back dazzled. + </p> + <p> + What a master was the man who had deceived her trusting heart! + </p> + <p> + He had created a Demeter; the wheat in her hand showed it. + </p> + <p> + How beautiful this work was—and how valuable! It produced a powerful + impression upon her mind, wholly unaccustomed to the estimate of such + things. + </p> + <p> + The goddess before her was the very one whose statue stood in the temple + of Demeter, and to whom she also sacrificed, with the Greeks in Tennis, + when danger threatened the harvest. Involuntarily she removed the lower + veil from her face and raised her hand in prayer. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile she gazed into the pallid face, carved from ivory, of the + immortal dispenser of blessings, and suddenly the blood crimsoned her + cheeks, the nostrils of her delicate, slightly arched nose rose and fell + more swiftly, for the countenance of the goddess—she was not + mistaken—was that of the Alexandrian whom she had just watched so + intently, and for whose sake Hermon had left her in the lurch the evening + before. + </p> + <p> + Now, too, she remembered for what purpose the sculptor was said to have + lured Gula, the sailor’s wife, and her own young sister Taus, to his + studio, and in increasing excitement she drew the cloth also from the bust + beside the Demeter. + </p> + <p> + Again the Alexandrian’s face—the likeness was even more unmistakable + than in the goddess. + </p> + <p> + The Greek girl alone occupied his thoughts. Hermon had disdained to model + the Biamite’s head. + </p> + <p> + What could the others, or she herself, be to him, since he loved the rich + foreigner in the tent outside, and her alone? How firmly her image must + have been impressed upon his soul, that he could reproduce the features of + the absent one with such lifelike fidelity! + </p> + <p> + Yet with what bold assurance he had protested that his heart belonged + solely to her. But she thought that she now perceived his purpose. If the + slave was right, it was done that she might permit him to model what he + admired in her figure, only not the head and face, whose beauty, + nevertheless, he praised so extravagantly. + </p> + <p> + Had he attracted Gula and her sister with similar sweet flatteries? Had + the promise to bestow their charms upon a goddess been made to them also? + </p> + <p> + The swift throbbing of her indignant heart made it impossible for her to + think calmly, but its vehement pulsation reminded her of the object of her + presence here. + </p> + <p> + She had come to obtain a clear understanding between him and herself. + </p> + <p> + She stood here as a judge. + </p> + <p> + She must know whether she had been betrayed or deceived. + </p> + <p> + He should confess what his intentions toward her were. The next moments + must decide the fate of her life, and she added, drawing a long breath, + perhaps of his also. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Ledscha started. She had not heard Hermon enter the studio, and + was now startled by his greeting. + </p> + <p> + It was not positively unkind, but certainly not a lover’s. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the words might have been warmer, but for his annoyance at the + insolent boldness with which she had removed the coverings from his works. + He restrained himself from openly blaming her, it is true, but he + exclaimed, with a tinge of gay sarcasm: “You seem to feel very much at + home here already, fairest of the fair. Or was it the goddess herself who + removed the curtain from her image in order to show herself to her + successor upon this pedestal?” + </p> + <p> + But the question was to remain unanswered, for under the spell of the + resentment which filled her heart, and in the effort not to lose sight of + the object that brought her here, Ledscha had only half understood its + meaning, and pointing her slender forefinger at the face of his completed + work, she demanded to know whom she recognised in this statue. + </p> + <p> + “The goddess Demeter,” he answered quietly; “but if it pleases you better, + as you seem to be on the right track, also the daughter of Archias.” + </p> + <p> + Then, angered by the wrathful glance she cast at him, he added more + sternly: “She is kind-hearted, free from disagreeable whims and the + disposition to torture others who are kindly disposed toward her. So I + adorned the goddess with her pleasant features.” + </p> + <p> + “Mine, you mean to say,” Ledscha answered bitterly, “would be less + suitable for this purpose. Yet they, too, can wear a different expression + from the present one. You, I think, have learned this. Only I shall never + acquire the art of dissimulation, not even in your society.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to be angry on account of my absence yesterday evening?” Hermon + asked in an altered tone, clasping her hand; but Ledscha snatched it from + him, exclaiming: “The model of the Demeter, the daughter of the wealthy + Archias, detained you, you were going to tell me, and you think that ought + to satisfy the barbarian maiden.” + </p> + <p> + “Folly!” he answered angrily. “I owe a debt of gratitude to her father, + who was my guardian, and custom commands you also to honour a guest. But + your obstinacy and jealousy are unbearable. What great thing is it that I + ask of your love? A little patience. Practise it. Then your turn will come + too.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, the second and third will follow the first,” she answered + bitterly. “After Gula, the sailor’s wife, you lured my innocent young + sister, Taus, to this apartment; or am I mistaken in the order, and was + Gula the second?” + </p> + <p> + “So that’s it!” cried Hermon, who was surprised rather than alarmed by + this betrayal of his secret. “If you want confirmation of the fact, very + well—both were here.” + </p> + <p> + “Because you deluded them with false vows of love.” + </p> + <p> + “By no means. My heart has nothing what ever to do with these visits. Gula + came to thank me because I rendered her a service—you know it—which + to every mother seems greater than it is.” + </p> + <p> + “But you certainly did not underestimate it,” Ledscha impetuously + interrupted, “for you demanded her honour in return.” + </p> + <p> + “Guard your tongue!” the artist burst forth angrily. “The woman visited me + unasked, and I let her leave me as faithful or as unfaithful to her + husband as she came. If I used her as a model—” + </p> + <p> + “Gula, whom the sculptor transforms into a goddess,” Ledscha interrupted, + with a sneering laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Into a fish-seller, if you wish to know it,” cried Hermon indignantly. “I + saw in the market a young woman selling shad. I took the subject, and + found in Gula a suitable model. Unfortunately, she ventured here far too + seldom. But I can finish it with the help of the sketch—it stands in + yonder cupboard.” + </p> + <p> + “A fish-seller,” Ledscha repeated contemptuously. “And for what did my + Taus, poor lovely child, seem desirable?” + </p> + <p> + “Over opposite,” Hermon answered quickly, as if he wished to get rid of a + troublesome duty, pointing through the window out of doors, “the free + maidens, during the hot days, took off their sandals and waded through the + water. There I saw your sister’s feet. They were the prettiest of all, and + Gula brought the young girl to me. I had commenced in Alexandria a figure + of a girl holding her foot in her hand to take out a thorn, so I used your + sister’s for it.” + </p> + <p> + “And when my turn comes?” Ledscha demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” he replied, freshly captivated by the magic of her beauty, in a + kinder, almost tender tone, “then I will make of you, in gold and ivory, + you wonderfully lovely creature, the counterpart of this goddess.” + </p> + <p> + “And you will need a long time for it?” + </p> + <p> + “The oftener you come the faster the work will advance.” + </p> + <p> + “And the more surely the Biamite women will point their fingers at me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet you ventured here to-day, unasked, in the broad light of noon.” + </p> + <p> + “Because I wish to remind you myself that I shall expect you this evening. + Yesterday you did not appear; but to-day-I am right, am I not?—to-day + you will come.” + </p> + <p> + “With the greatest delight, if it is possible,” he answered eagerly. + </p> + <p> + A warmer glance from her dark eyes rested upon him. The blood seethed in + his veins, and as he extended both hands to her and ardently uttered her + name, she rushed forward, clinging to him with passionate devotion, as if + seeking assistance, but when his lips touched hers she shrank back and + loosed her soft arms from his neck. + </p> + <p> + “What does this mean?” asked the sculptor in surprise, trying to draw her + toward him again; but Ledscha would not permit it, pleading in a softer + tone than before: “Not now; but—am I not right, dearest—I may + expect you this evening? Just this once let the daughter of Archias yield + to me, who loves you better. We shall have a full moon to-night, and you + have heard what was predicted to me—to-night the highest bliss which + the gods can bestow upon a mortal awaits me.” + </p> + <p> + “And me also,” cried Hermon, “if you will permit me to share it with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will expect you on the Pelican Island—just when the full + moon is over the lofty poplars there. You will come? Not to the Owl’s + Nest: to the Pelican Island. And though your love is far less, far cooler + than mine, yet you will not defraud me of the best happiness of my life?” + </p> + <p> + “How could I?” he asked, as if he felt wounded by such distrust. “What + detains me must be something absolutely unavoidable.” + </p> + <p> + Ledscha’s eyebrows contracted sharply, and in a choked voice she + exclaimed: “Nothing must detain you—nothing, whatever it may be! + Though death should threaten, you will be with me just at midnight.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, if it is possible,” he protested, painfully touched by the + vehemence of her urging. “What can be more welcome to me also than to + spend happy hours with you in the silence of a moonlight night? Besides, + my stay in Tennis will not be long.” + </p> + <p> + “You are going?” she asked in a hollow tone. + </p> + <p> + “In three or four days,” he answered carelessly; “then Myrtilus and I will + be expected in Alexandria. But gently—gently—how pale you are, + girl! Yes, the parting! But in six weeks at latest I shall be here again; + then real life will first begin, and Eros will make the roses bloom for + us.” + </p> + <p> + Ledscha nodded silently, and gazing into his face with a searching look + asked, “And how long will this season of blossoming last?” + </p> + <p> + “Several months, girl; three, if not six.” + </p> + <p> + “And then?” + </p> + <p> + “Who looks so far into the future?” + </p> + <p> + She lowered her glance, and, as if yielding to the inevitable, answered: + “What a fool I was! Who knows what the morrow may bring? Are we even sure + whether, six months hence, we shall not hate, instead of loving, each + other?” + </p> + <p> + She passed her hand across her brow as she spoke, exclaiming: “You said + just now that only the present belonged to man. Then let us enjoy it as + though every moment might be the last. By the light of the full moon + to-night, the happiness which has been predicted to me must begin. After + it, the orb between the horns of Astarte will become smaller; but when it + fulls and wanes again, if you keep your promise and return, then, though + they may curse and condemn me, I will come to your studio and grant what + you ask. But which of the goddesses do you intend to model from me as a + companion statue to the Demeter?” + </p> + <p> + “This time it can not be one of the immortelles,” he answered + hesitatingly, “but a famous woman, an artist who succeeded in a + competition in vanquishing even the august Athene.” + </p> + <p> + “So it is no goddess?” Ledscha asked in a disappointed tone. + </p> + <p> + “No, child, but the most skilful woman who ever plied the weaver’s + shuttle.” + </p> + <p> + “And her name?” + </p> + <p> + “Arachne.” + </p> + <p> + The young girl started, exclaiming contemptuously: “Arachne? That is—that + is what you Greeks call the most repulsive of creatures—the spider.” + </p> + <p> + “The most skilful of all creatures, that taught man the noble art of + weaving,” he eagerly retorted. + </p> + <p> + Here he was interrupted; his friend Myrtilus put his fair head into the + room, exclaiming: “Pardon me if I interrupt you—but we shall not see + each other again for some time. I have important business in the city, and + may be detained a long while. Yet before I go I must perform the + commission Daphne gave me for you. She sends word that she shall expect + you without fail at the banquet for the Pelusinian guests. Your absence, + do you hear?—pardon the interruption, fairest Ledscha—your + absence would seriously anger her.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall be prepared for considerable trouble in appeasing her,” + replied Hermon, glancing significantly at the young girl. + </p> + <p> + Myrtilus crossed the threshold, turned to the Biamite, and said in his + quiet, cheerful manner: “Where beautiful gifts are to be brought to Eros, + it beseems the friend to strew with flowers the path of the one who is + offering the sacrifices; and you, if everything does not deceive me, would + fain choose to-night to serve him with the utmost devotion. Therefore, I + shall need forgiveness from you and the god, if I beseech you to defer the + offering, were it only until to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Ledscha silently shrugged her shoulders and made no answer to the + inquiring glance with which Hermon sought hers, but Myrtilus changed his + tone and addressed a grave warning to his friend to consider well that it + would be an insult to the manes of his dead parents if he should avoid the + old couple from Pelusium, who had been their best friends and had taken + the journey hither for his sake. + </p> + <p> + Hermon looked after him in painful perplexity, but the Biamite also + approached the threshold, and holding her head haughtily erect, said + coldly: “The choice is difficult for you, as I see. Then recall to your + memory again what this night of the full moon means—you are well + aware of it—to me. If, nevertheless, you still decide in favour of + the banquet with your friends, I can not help it; but I must now know: + Shall this night belong to me, or to the daughter of Archias?” + </p> + <p> + “Is it impossible to talk with you, unlucky girl, as one would with other + sensible people?” Hermon burst forth wrathfully. “Everything is carried to + extremes; you condemn a brief necessary delay as breach of faith and base + treachery. This behaviour is unbearable.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will not come?” she asked apathetically, laying her hand upon + the door; but Hermon cried out in a tone half beseeching, half imperious: + “You must not go so! If you insist upon it, surely I will come. There is + no room in your obstinate soul for kind indulgence. No one, by the dog, + ever accused me of being specially skilled in this smooth art; yet there + may be duties and circumstances—” + </p> + <p> + Here Ledscha gently opened the door; but, seized with a fear of losing + this rare creature, whose singular beauty attracted him powerfully, even + now, this peerless model for a work on which he placed the highest hopes, + he strode swiftly to her side, and drawing her back from the threshold, + exclaimed: “Difficult as it is for me on this special day, I will come, + only you must not demand what is impossible. The right course often lies + midway. Half the night must belong to the banquet with my old friends and + Daphne; the second half—” + </p> + <p> + “To the barbarian, you think—the spider,” she gasped hoarsely. “But + my welfare as well as yours depends on the decision. Stay here, or come to + the island—you have your choice.” + </p> + <p> + Wrenching herself from his hold as she spoke, she slipped through the + doorway and left the room. + </p> + <p> + Hermon, with a muttered oath, stood still, shrugging his shoulders + angrily. + </p> + <p> + He could do nothing but yield to this obstinate creature’s will. + </p> + <p> + In the atrium Ledscha met the slave Bias, and returned his greeting only + by a wave of the hand; but before opening the side door which was to lead + her into the open air, she paused, and asked bluntly in the language of + their people: “Was Arachne—I don’t mean the spider, but the weaver + whom the Greeks call by that name—a woman like the rest of us? Yet + it is said that she remained victor in a contest with the goddess Athene.” + </p> + <p> + “That is perfectly true,” answered Bias, “but she had to atone cruelly for + this triumph; the goddess struck her on the forehead with the weaver’s + shuttle, and when, in her shame and rage, she tried to hang herself, she + was transformed into the spider.” + </p> + <p> + Ledscha stood still, and, while drawing the veil over her pallid face, + asked with quivering lips, “And is there no other Arachne?” + </p> + <p> + “Not among mortals,” was the reply, “but even here in this house there are + more than enough of the disagreeable, creeping creatures which bear the + same name.” + </p> + <p> + Ledscha now went clown the steps which led to the lawn, and Bias saw that + she stumbled on the last one and would have fallen had not her lithe body + regained its balance in time. + </p> + <p> + “A bad omen!” thought the slave. “If I had the power to build a wall + between my master and the spider yonder, it should be higher than the + lighthouse of Sostratus. To heed omens guides one safely through life. I + know what I know, and will keep my eyes open, for my master too.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + Hermon had intended to add a few more touches to his Demeter, but he could + not do it. Ledscha, her demand, and the resentment with which she had left + him, were not to be driven from his mind. + </p> + <p> + There was no doubt that he must seek her if he was not to lose her, yet he + reproached himself for having acted like a thoughtless fool when he + proposed to divide the night between her and Daphne. + </p> + <p> + There was something offensive in the proposal to so proud a creature. He + ought to have promised positively to come, and then left the banquet + somewhat earlier. It would have been easy to apologize for his late + arrival, and Ledscha would have had no cause to be angry with him. + </p> + <p> + Now she had, and her resentment awakened in him—though he certainly + did not lack manly courage—an uncomfortable feeling closely allied + to anxiety. + </p> + <p> + Angered by his own conduct, he asked himself whether he loved the + barbarian, and could find no satisfactory answer. + </p> + <p> + At their first meeting he had felt that she was far superior to the other + Biamite maidens, not only in beauty but in everything else. The very + acerbity of her nature had seemed charming. To win this wonderful, pliant + creature, slender as a cypress, whose independence merged into fierce + obstinacy, had appeared to him worth any sacrifice; and having perceived + in her an admirable model for his Arachne, he had also determined to brave + the dangers which might easily arise for the Greek from a love affair with + a Biamite girl, whose family was free and distinguished. + </p> + <p> + It had been easier for him to win her heart than he expected; yet at none + of the meetings which she granted him had he rejoiced in the secret bond + between them. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto her austere reserve had been invincible, and during the greater + part of their interviews he had been compelled to exert all his influence + to soothe, appease her, and atone for imprudent acts which he had + committed. + </p> + <p> + True, she, too, had often allowed herself to display passionate + tenderness, but always only to torture him with reproaches and demands + inspired by her jealousy, suspicion, and wounded pride. + </p> + <p> + Yet her beauty, and the strong power of resistance which she offered to + his wooing, exerted so bewitching a thrall over him that he had been led + into conceding far too much, and making vows which he could not and did + not desire to fulfil. + </p> + <p> + Love had usually been to him a richly flowing well-spring of gay delight, + but this bond had plunged him from one vexation into another, one anxiety + to another, and now that he had almost reached the goal of his wishes, he + could not help fearing that he had transformed Ledscha’s love to hate. + </p> + <p> + Daphne was dear to him. He esteemed her highly, and owed her a great debt + of gratitude. Yet in this hour he anathematized her unexpected journey to + Tennis; for without it he would have obtained from Ledscha that very day + what he desired, and could have returned to Alexandria with the certainty + of finding her ready later to pose as the model for his Arachne. + </p> + <p> + Never could he find anywhere a more fitting one. + </p> + <p> + He had devoted himself with passionate love to his art, and even his + enemies numbered him among its most promising disciples. Yet hither to he + had not succeeded in obtaining a great and undisputed success. On the + other hand, he had experienced what were termed failures in abundant + measure. + </p> + <p> + The art to which he had gained entrance by so severe a struggle, and on + whose soil he had laboured diligently enough, proved, so far as outward + recognition was concerned, cruel to the enthusiastic disciple. Yet even + now he would not have abandoned it at any price; the joy of creation + compensated him richly for suffering and disappointment. Confidence in his + own powers and the final triumph of his conviction had deserted him only + occasionally, and for a few brief hours. + </p> + <p> + He was born for conflicts. What ill-success, what antagonism and + difficulties he had encountered! Some day the laurel which had so long + adorned the brow of Myrtilus must also grow green for him and the great + talent whose possession he felt. With the Arachne—he was sure of + this—he would compel even his opponents to accord him the + recognition for which hitherto he had striven in vain. + </p> + <p> + While pacing restlessly up and down the spacious apartment, stopping from + time to time before his work to fix his eyes angrily upon it, he thought + of his friend’s Demeter, whose head also had Daphne’s features, who also + bore in her hand a bundle of wheat, and even in attitude did not differ + very widely from his own. And yet—eternal gods!—how thoroughly + dissimilar the two were! + </p> + <p> + In the figure created by Myrtilus, supernatural dignity blended with the + utmost womanly charm; in his, a pleasing head rested upon a body in whose + formation he had used various models without striving to accomplish + anything except to depart as far as possible from established custom, with + which he was at variance. + </p> + <p> + Yet had he not found himself, nevertheless, compelled to follow the old + rules? One arm was raised, the other hung down; the right foot was put + forward, the left one back. + </p> + <p> + Exactly the same as in Myrtilus’s statue, and thousands of other figures + of Demeter! + </p> + <p> + If he could have used the hammer and chisel, the thing might have become + more powerful; but how many things he had had to consider in employing the + accursed gold and ivory upon which Archias obstinately insisted! + </p> + <p> + This hammering, chipping, and filing told unfavourably upon his power and + his aspiration toward grandeur. + </p> + <p> + This time the battle seemed to be lost. + </p> + <p> + It was fortunate that the conqueror was no other than Myrtilus. Often as + he had gone astray in his young life, many as were the errors he had + committed, not even the faintest shadow of an envious feeling concerning + his friend’s more successful work had ever stained his soul. + </p> + <p> + True, the fact that fate, in addition to such abundant gifts of mind and + spirit, had also endowed the latter with great worldly possessions, while + he, but for the generosity of his uncle Archias, must have starved, had + often led Hermon to inveigh angrily against the injustice of the gods. Yet + he did not grudge Myrtilus the wealth without which he could not imagine + him, and which his invalid friend needed to continue successfully the + struggle against the insidious disease inherited with the gold. And his + sufferings! Hermon could not have endured keener pain had they been his + own. He must even rejoice over the poor dear fellow’s victory; for if he, + Hermon, succeeded with his Arachne as he hoped, it would make Myrtilus—he + could swear to it—happier than his own triumph. + </p> + <p> + After these reflections, which again reminded him of the second + appointment and of Ledscha, the sculptor turned away from his work and + went to the window to look across at Pelican Island, where she must not + await him in vain. + </p> + <p> + The boat which was to convey him over to it lay ready in the little + flotilla, where a magnificently equipped galley had just been moored to + the shore, undoubtedly the one that had brought the guests from Pelusium + hither. The best thing he could do was to greet them at once, share the + banquet with them, and, before the dessert was served, seek the beautiful + woman whom his absence threatened to make his foe. And she was certainly + justified in resenting it if, with cruel lack of consideration, he paid no + heed to what had been prophesied for her on this night of the full moon. + </p> + <p> + For the first time compassion mingled with his feelings for Ledscha. If to + avoid the fleeting censure of aristocratic friends he left in the lurch + the simple barbarian maiden who loved him with ardent passion, it was no + evidence of resolute strength of soul, but of pitiful, reprehensible + weakness. No, no! He must take the nocturnal voyage in order not to grieve + Ledscha. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the girl’s abrupt departure he dressed himself in festal + garments for the banquet. It would flatter Ledscha also if he went to her + in this attire and, with his figure drawn up to its full height, he walked + toward the door to go to the Alexandrian’s tent. + </p> + <p> + But what did this mean? Myrtilus was standing before his Demeter, scanning + it intently with his keen artist eyes. Hermon had not noticed his + entrance, and did not disturb him now, but fixed his gaze upon his mobile + features in intense expectation. + </p> + <p> + There were few of his fellow-artists whose opinion he valued as highly as + that of this darling of the Muse. + </p> + <p> + At a slight shake of the head, which Hermon interpreted as disapproval, he + clinched his teeth; but soon his lips relaxed and his breast heaved with a + sigh of relief, for the sunny glance that Myrtilus bent upon the face of + the goddess seemed to show Hermon that it aroused his approval, and, as if + relieved from an oppressive nightmare, he approached his friend. + </p> + <p> + The latter turned toward him, exclaiming: “Daphne! As in the case of + yonder bust, you have succeeded most perfectly with this dear face—only—” + </p> + <p> + “Only,” Hermon repeated slowly; “I am familiar with that evil word. Doubts + knock at the door with it. Out with them honestly. I gave up my last hope + of the prize yesterday while looking at your Demeter. Besides, careful + scrutiny has just destroyed the last gleam of satisfaction with my own + work. But if you like the head, what seem to you the greatest defects in + the figure?” + </p> + <p> + “It has nothing to do with defects, which, with your rare ability, can + scarcely exist,” replied the other, the faint pink flush in his beardless + cheeks deepening to a more vivid hue. “It refers rather to the expression + which you have given the divinity in yonder statue.” Here Myrtilus + hesitated, and, turning so that he stood face to face with Hermon, asked + frankly, “Did you ever seek the goddess and, when you found her, did you + feel any supernatural power and beauty?” + </p> + <p> + “What a question!” exclaimed Hermon in astonishment. “A pupil of Straton, + and go in search of beings and powers whose existence he denies! What my + mother instilled into my heart I lost with my childhood, and you address + your question only to the artist who holds his own ground, not to the boy. + The power that calls creation to life, and maintains it, has for me long + had nothing in common with those beings like mortals whom the multitude + designates by the name of divinities.” + </p> + <p> + “I think differently,” replied Myrtilus. “While I numbered myself among + the Epicureans, whose doctrine still possesses the greatest charm for me, + I nevertheless shared the master’s opinion that it is insulting the gods + to suppose that they will disturb their blissful repose for the sake of us + insignificant mortals. Now my mind and my experience rebel against holding + to this view, yet I believe with Epicurus, and with you, that the eternal + laws of Nature bow to neither divine nor human will.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” said Hermon, “you expect me to trouble myself about those who + are as powerless as myself!” + </p> + <p> + “I only wished that you might do so,” answered Myrtilus; “for they are not + powerless to those who from the first assumed that they can do nothing in + opposition to those changeless laws. The state, too, rules according to + them, and the wise king who refrains from interfering with them in the + smallest trifle can therefore wield the sceptre with mighty power. So, in + my opinion, it is perfectly allowable to expect aid from the gods. But we + will let that pass. A healthy man, full of exuberant vigour like yourself, + rarely learns early what they can bestow in suffering and misfortune; yet + where the great majority believe in them, he, too, will be unable to help + forming some idea of them; nay, even you and I have experienced it. By a + thousand phenomena they force themselves into the world which surrounds us + and our emotional life. Epicurus, who denied their power, saw in them at + least immortal beings who possess in stainless perfection everything which + in mortals is disfigured by errors, weaknesses, and afflictions. To him + they are the intensified, reflected image of our own nature, and I think + we can do nothing wiser than to cling to that, because it shows us to what + heights of beauty and power, intellect, goodness, and purity we may + attain. To completely deny their existence would hardly be possible even + for you, because their persons have found a place in your imagination. + Since this is the case, it can only benefit you to recognise in them + magnificent models, by whose means we artists, if we imitate, perfect, and + model them, will create works far more sublime and beautiful than anything + visible to our senses which we meet here beneath the sun.” + </p> + <p> + “It is this very superiority in sublimity and beauty which I, and those + who pursue the same path with me, oppose,” replied Hermon. “Nature is + sufficient for us. To take anything from her, mutilates; to add anything, + disfigures her.” + </p> + <p> + “But not,” replied Myrtilus firmly, “when it is done only in a special + sense, and within the limits of Nature, to which the gods also belong. The + final task of art, fiercely as you and your few followers contend against + it, lies in the disentanglement, enhancing, and ennobling of Nature. You, + too, ought not to overlook it when you undertake to model a Demeter; for + she is a goddess, no mortal like yourself. The rest or I ought rather to + say the alteration which converts the mortal woman into the immortal one, + the goddess—I miss, and with special regret, because you do not even + deem it worth consideration.” + </p> + <p> + “That I shall never do,” retorted Hermon irritably, “so long as it is a + changing chimera which presents itself differently to every mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet, should it really be a chimera, it is at any rate a sublime one,” + Myrtilus protested, “and whoever among us artists wanders through Nature + with open eyes and heart, and then examines his own soul, will find it + worth while to attempt to give his ideal form.” + </p> + <p> + “Whatever stirs my breast during such walks, unless it is some unusual + human being, I leave to the poet,” replied Hermon. “I should be satisfied + with the Demeter yonder, and you, too, probably, if—entirely apart + from that—I had only succeeded fully and entirely in making her an + individual—that is, a clearly outlined, distinct personality. This, + you have often told me, is just wherein I am usually most successful. But + here, I admit, I am baffled. Demeter hovered before me as a kindly + dispenser of good gifts, a faithful, loving wife. Daphne’s head expresses + this; but in modelling the body I lost sight of the whole creation. While, + for instance, in my fig-eater, every toe, every scrap of the tattered + garments, belongs to the street urchin whom I wished to represent, in the + goddess everything came by chance as the model suggested it, and you know + that I used several. Had the Demeter from head to foot resembled Daphne, + who has so much in common with our goddess, the statue would have been + harmonious, complete, and you would perhaps have been the first to + acknowledge it.” + </p> + <p> + “By no means,” Myrtilus eagerly interrupted. “What our statues of the gods + are we two know best: a wooden block, covered with gold and sheets of + ivory. But to tens of thousands the statue of the divinity must be much + more. When they raise their hearts, eyes, hands to it in prayer, they must + be possessed by the idea of the deity which animated us while creating it, + and with which we, as it were, permeated it. If it shows them only a woman + endowed with praiseworthy qualities—” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” interrupted Hermon, “the worshipper should thank the sculptor; for + is it not more profitable to him to be encouraged by the statue to emulate + the human virtues whose successful embodiment it shows him than to strive + for the aid of the botchwork of human hands, which possesses as much or as + little power as the wood, gold, and ivory that compose it? If the + worshipper does not appeal to the statue, but to the goddess, I fear it + will be no less futile. So I shall consider it no blemish if you see in my + Demeter a mortal woman, and no goddess; nay, it reconciles me in some + degree to her weaknesses, to which I by no means close my eyes. I, too—I + confess it—often feel a great desire to give the power of + imagination greater play, and I know the divinities in whom I have lost + faith as well as any one; for I, too, was once a child, and few have ever + prayed to them more fervently, but with the increasing impulse toward + liberty came the perception: There are no gods, and whoever bows to the + power of the immortals makes himself a slave. So what I banished from life + I will also remove from art, and model nothing which might not meet me + to-day or to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, as an honest man, abstain altogether from making statues of the + gods,” interrupted his friend. + </p> + <p> + “That was my intention long ago, as you are aware,” the other answered. + </p> + <p> + “You could not commit a worse robbery upon yourself,” cried Myrtilus. “I + know you; nay, perhaps I see farther into your soul than you yourself. By + ingenious fetters you force the mighty winged intellect to content itself + within the narrow world of reality. But the time when you will yourself + rend the bonds and find the divinity you have lost, will come, and then, + with your mighty power once more free, you will outstrip most of us, and + me also if I live to see it.” + </p> + <p> + Then he pressed his hand upon his rattling chest and walked slowly to the + couch; but Hermon followed, helped him to lie down, and with affectionate + solicitude arranged his pillows. + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing,” Myrtilus said soothingly, after a few minutes’ silence. + “My undermined strength has been heavily taxed to-day. The Olympians know + how calmly I await death. It ends all things. Nothing will be left of me + except the ashes, to which you will reduce my body, and what you call + ‘possession.’ But even this can no longer belong to me after death, + because I shall then be no more, and the idea of possession requires a + possessor. My estate, too, is now disposed of. I have just been to the + notary, and sixteen witnesses—neither more nor less—have + signed my will according to the custom of this ceremonious country. There, + now, if you please, go before me, and let me stay here alone a little + while. Remember me to Daphne and the Pelusinians. I will join you in an + hour.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + “When the moon is over Pelican Island.” How often Ledscha had repeated + this sentence to herself while Hermon was detained by Daphne and her + Pelusinian guests! + </p> + <p> + When she entered the boat after nightfall she exclaimed hopefully, sure of + her cause, “When the moon is over Pelican Island he will come.” + </p> + <p> + Her goal was quickly reached in the skiff; the place selected for the + nocturnal meeting was a familiar one to her. + </p> + <p> + The pirates had remained absent from it quite two years. Formerly they had + often visited the spot to conceal their arms and booty on the densely + wooded island. The large papyrus thicket on the shore also hid boats from + spying eyes, and near the spot where Ledscha landed was a grassy seat + which looked like an ordinary resting place, but beneath it the corsairs + had built a long, walled passage, that led to the other side of the + island, and had enabled many a fugitive to vanish from the sight of + pursuers, as though the earth had swallowed them. + </p> + <p> + “When the moon is over the island,” Ledscha repeated after she had waited + more than an hour. + </p> + <p> + The time had not yet come; the expanse of water lay before her motionless, + in hue a dull, leaden gray, and only the dimly illumined air and a + glimmering radiance along the edges of the waves that washed the island + showed that the moon was already brightening the night. + </p> + <p> + When its full orb floated above the island Hermon, too, would appear, and + the happiness which had been predicted to Ledscha would begin. + </p> + <p> + Happiness? + </p> + <p> + A bitter smile hovered around her delicately cut lips as she repeated the + word. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto no feeling was more distant from her; for when love and longing + began to stir in her heart, it seemed as though a hideous spider was + weaving its web about her, and vague fears, painful memories, and in their + train fierce hate would force glad expectation into the shadow. + </p> + <p> + Yet she yearned with passionate fervour to see Hermon again, and when he + was once there all must be well between them. The prediction of old Tabus, + who ruled as mistress over so many demons, could not deceive. + </p> + <p> + After Ledscha had so lately reminded the lover who so vehemently roused + her jealous wrath what this night of the full moon meant to her, she could + rely upon his appearance in spite of everything. + </p> + <p> + Various matters undoubtedly held him firmly enough in Tennis—she + admitted this to herself after she grew calmer—but he had promised + to come; he would surely enter the boat, and she—she would submit to + share the night with the Hellene. + </p> + <p> + Her whole being longed for the bliss awaiting her, and it could come from + no one save the man whose lips would seek hers when the moon rose over the + Pelican Island. + </p> + <p> + How tardily and sluggishly the cow-headed goddess who bore the silver orb + between her horns rose to-night! how slowly the time passed, yet she did + not move forward more certainly that the man whom Ledscha expected must + arrive. + </p> + <p> + Of the possibility of his non-appearance she would not think; but when the + fear that she was perhaps looking for him in vain assailed her, the blood + crimsoned her face as if she felt the shame of a humiliating insult. Yet + why should she make the period of waiting more torturing than it was + already? + </p> + <p> + Surely he must come! + </p> + <p> + Sometimes she rested on the grassy seat and gazed across the dull gray + surface of the water into the distance; sometimes she walked to and fro, + stopping at every turn to look across at Tennis and the bright torches and + lights which surrounded the Alexandrian’s tent. + </p> + <p> + So one quarter of an hour after another passed away. + </p> + <p> + A light breeze rose, and gradually the tops of the rushes began to shine, + and the leafage before, beside, and above her to glitter in the silvery + light. + </p> + <p> + The water was no longer calm, but furrowed by countless little ripples, on + whose crests the rays from above played, sparkling and flashing + restlessly. A web of shimmering silvery radiance covered the edges of + every island, and suddenly the brilliant full moon was reflected in argent + lustre like a magnificent quivering column upon the surface of the water, + now rippled by the evening breeze. + </p> + <p> + The time during which Ledscha could repeat “When the moon is over Pelican + Island” was past; already its course had led it beyond. + </p> + <p> + The island lay behind it, and it continued its pilgrimage before the young + girl’s eyes. + </p> + <p> + The glittering column of light upon the water proved that she was not + mistaken; the time which she had appointed for Hermon had already expired. + </p> + <p> + The moon in calm majesty sailed farther and farther onward in its course, + and with it minute after minute elapsed, until they became a half hour, + then a whole one. + </p> + <p> + “How long is it since the moon was over Pelican Island?” was the question + which now pressed itself upon her again and again, and to which she found + an answer at every glance upward, for she had learned to estimate time by + the position of the stars. + </p> + <p> + Rarely was the silence of the night interrupted by the call of a human + being or the barking of a dog from the city, or even the hooting of an owl + at a still greater distance; but the farther the moon moved on above her + the fiercer grew the uproar in Ledscha’s proud, cruelly wronged soul. She + felt offended, scorned, insulted, and at the same time defrauded of the + happiness which this night of the full moon contained for her. Or had the + demons who promised happiness meant something else in their prediction + than Hermon’s love? Was she to owe the bliss they had foretold to hate and + pitiless retribution? + </p> + <p> + When the midnight hour had nearly arrived she prepared to depart, but + after she had already set her foot on the edge of the boat she returned to + the grassy seat. She would wait a little longer yet. Then there would be + nothing which could give Hermon a right to consideration; then she might + let loose upon him the avenging powers at her command. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha again gazed over the calm landscape, but in the wild tumult of her + heart she no longer distinguished the details upon which her eyes rested. + Doubtless she saw the light mists hovering like ghosts, or the restless + shades of the unburied dead, over the shining expanse before her, and the + filmy vapours that veiled the brightness of the stars, but she had ceased + to question the heavenly bodies about the time. + </p> + <p> + What did she care for the progress of the hours, since the constellation + of Charles’s Wain showed her that it was past midnight? + </p> + <p> + The moon no longer stood forth in sharp outlines against the deep azure of + the vaulted sky, but, robbed of its radiance, floated in a circle of dimly + illumined mists. + </p> + <p> + Not only the feelings which stirred Ledscha’s soul, but the scene around + her, had gained a totally different aspect. + </p> + <p> + Since every hope of the happiness awaiting her was destroyed, she no + longer sought to palliate the wrongs Hermon had inflicted upon her. While + dwelling on them, she by no means forgot the trivial purpose for which the + artist intended to use her charms; and when she again gazed up at the + slightly-clouded sky, the shrouded moon no longer reminded her of the + silver orb between the horns of Astarte. + </p> + <p> + She did not ask herself how the transformation had occurred, but in its + place, high above her head, hung a huge gray spider. Its gigantic limbs + extended over the whole firmament, and seemed striving to clutch and + stifle the world beneath. The enormous monster was weaving its gray net + over Tennis, and all the islands in the water, the Pelican Island, and she + herself upon the seat of turf, and held them all prisoned in it. + </p> + <p> + It was a horrible vision, fraught with terrors which, even when she shut + her eyes in order to escape it, showed very little change. + </p> + <p> + Assailed by anxious fears, Ledscha started up, and a few seconds later was + urging her boat with steady strokes toward the Owl’s Nest. + </p> + <p> + Even now lights were still shining from the Alexandrian’s tent through the + sultry, veiled night. + </p> + <p> + There seemed to be no waking life on the pirates’ island. Even old Tabus + had probably put out the fire and gone to sleep, for deathlike silence and + deep darkness surrounded it. + </p> + <p> + Had Hanno, who agreed to meet her here after midnight, also failed to + come? Had the pirate learned, like the Greek, to break his promise? + </p> + <p> + Only half conscious what she was doing, she left the boat; but her slender + foot had scarcely touched the land when a tall figure emerged from the + thicket near the shore and approached her through the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “Hanno!” she exclaimed, as if relieved from a burden, and the young pirate + repeated “Hanno” as if the name was the watchword of the night. + </p> + <p> + Her own name, uttered in a tone of intense yearning, followed. Not another + syllable accompanied it, but the expression with which it fell upon her + ear revealed so plainly what the young pirate felt for and expected from + her that, in spite of the darkness which concealed her, she felt her face + flush. + </p> + <p> + Then he tried to clasp her hand, and she dared not withdraw it from the + man whom she had chosen for her tool. So she unresistingly permitted him + to hold her right hand while he whispered his desire to take the place of + the fallen Abus and make her his wife. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha, in hurried, embarrassed tones, answered that she appreciated the + honour of his suit, but before she gave full consent she must discuss an + important matter with him. + </p> + <p> + Then Hanno begged her to go out on the water. + </p> + <p> + His father and his brother Labaja were sitting in the house by the fire + with his grandmother. They had learned, in following the trade of piracy, + to hide the glimmer of lights. The old people had approved his choice, but + the conversation in the dwelling would soon be over, and then the + opportunity of seeing each other alone would be at an end. + </p> + <p> + Without uttering a word in reply, Ledscha stepped back into the boat, but + Hanno plied the oars with the utmost caution and guided the skiff without + the slightest sound away from the island to an open part of the water far + distant from any shore. + </p> + <p> + Here he took in the oars and asked her to speak. They had no cause to fear + being overheard, for the surrounding mists merely subdued the light of the + full moon, and no other boat could have approached them unobserved. + </p> + <p> + The few night birds, sweeping swiftly on their strong pinions from one + island to another, flew past them like flitting shadows. One hawk only, in + search of nocturnal booty, circled around the motionless skiff, and + sometimes, with expanded wings, swooped down close to the couple who were + talking together so eagerly; but both spoke so low that it would have been + impossible, even for the bird’s keen hearing, to follow the course of + their consultation. Merely a few louder words and exclamations reached the + height where it hovered. + </p> + <p> + The young pirate himself was obliged to listen with the most strained + attention while Ledscha, in low whispers, accused the Greek sculptor of + having basely wronged and deceived her; but the curse with which Hanno + received this acknowledgment reached even the bird circling around the + boat, and it seemed as if it wished to express its approval to the + corsair, for this time its fierce croak, as it suddenly swooped down to + the surface of the water behind the boat, sounded shrilly through the + silent night. But it soon soared again, and now Ledscha’s declaration that + she would become Hanno’s bride only on condition that he would aid her to + punish the Hellenic traitor also reached him. + </p> + <p> + Then came the words “valuable booty,” “slight risk,” “thanks and reward.” + </p> + <p> + The girl’s whispered allusion to two colossal statues made of pure gold + and genuine ivory was followed by a laugh of disagreeable meaning from the + pirate. + </p> + <p> + At last he raised his deep voice to ask whether Ledscha, if the venture in + which he would willingly risk his life were successful, would accompany + him on board the Hydra, the good ship whose command his father intrusted + to him. The firm “Yes” with which she answered, and her indignant + exclamation as she repulsed Hanno’s premature attempt at tenderness, might + have been heard by the hawk even at a greater distance. + </p> + <p> + Then the pirate’s promised bride lowered her voice again, and did not + raise her tones until she saw in imagination the fulfilment of the + judgment which she was calling down upon the man who had torn her heart + with such pitiless cruelty. + </p> + <p> + Was this the happiness predicted for her on the night of the full moon? It + might be, and, radiant with secret joy, her eyes sparkling and her bosom + heaving as if her foot was already on the breast of the fallen foe, she + assured Hanno that the gold and the ivory should belong to him, and to him + alone; but not until he had delivered the base traitor to her alive, and + left his punishment in her hands, would she be ready to go with him + wherever he wished—not until then, and not one moment earlier. + </p> + <p> + The pirate, with a proud “I’ll capture him!” consented to this condition; + but Ledscha, in hurried words, now described how she had planned the + attack, while the corsair, at her bidding, plied the oars so as to bring + the boat nearer to the scene of the assault. + </p> + <p> + The vulture followed the skiff; but when it stopped opposite to the large + white building, one side of which was washed by the waves, Ledscha pointed + to the windows of Hermon’s studio, exclaiming hoarsely to the young + pirate: “You will seize him there—the Greek with the long, soft + black beard, and the slender figure, I mean. Then you will bind and gag + him, but, you hear, without killing him, for I can only inflict what he + deserves upon the living man. I am not bargaining for a dead one.” + </p> + <p> + Just at that instant the bird of prey, with a shrill, greedy cry, as if it + were invited to a delicious banquet, flew far away into the distance and + did not return. It flew toward the left; the girl noticed it, and her + heavy black eyebrows, which already met, contracted still more. The + direction taken by the bird, which soon vanished in the darkness of the + night, indicated approaching misfortune; but she was here only to sow + destruction, and the more terrible growth it attained the better! + </p> + <p> + With an acuteness which aroused the admiration of the young corsair, who + was trained to similar plots, she explained hers. + </p> + <p> + That they must wait until after the departure of the Alexandrian with her + numerous train, and for the first dark night, was a matter of course. + </p> + <p> + One signal was to notify Hanno to hold himself in readiness, another to + inform him that every one in the white house had gone to rest, and that + Hermon was there too. The pirates were to enter the black-bearded Greek’s + studio. While some were shattering his statues to carry away in sacks the + gold and ivory which they contained, others were to force their way into + Myrtilus’s workroom, which was on the opposite side of the house. There + they would find the second statue; but this they must spare, because, on + account of the great fame of its creator, it was more valuable than the + other. The fair-haired artist was ill, and it would be no difficult matter + to take him alive, even if he should put himself on the defensive. Hermon, + on the contrary, was a strong fellow, and to bind him without injuring him + severely would require both strength and skill. Yet it must be done, for + only in case Hanno succeeded in delivering both sculptors to her alive + would she consider herself—she could not repeat it often enough—bound + to fulfil what she had promised him. + </p> + <p> + With the exception of the two artists, only Myrtilus’s servant, the old + doorkeeper, and Bias, Hermon’s slave, remained during the night in the + house which was to be attacked, and Hanno would undertake the assault with + twenty-five sturdy fellows whom he commanded on the Hydra if his brother + Labaja consented to share in the assault, this force could be considerably + increased. + </p> + <p> + To take the old corsair into their confidence now would not be advisable, + for, on account of his mother’s near presence, he would scarcely consent + to enter into the peril. Should the venture fail, everything would be + over; but if it succeeded, the old man could only praise the courage and + skill with which it had been executed. + </p> + <p> + Nothing was to be feared from the coast guard, for since Abus’s death the + authorities believed that piracy had vanished from these waters, and the + ships commanded by Satabus and his sons had been admitted from Pontus into + the Tanite arm of the Nile as trading vessels. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + While Hanno was discussing these considerations, he rowed the boat past + the landing place from which the “garden” with the Alexandrian’s tent + could be seen. + </p> + <p> + The third hour after midnight had begun. Smoking flames were still rising + from the pitch pans and blazing torches, and long rows of lanterns also + illumined the broad space. + </p> + <p> + It was as light as day in the vicinity of the tent, and Biamite huntsmen + and traders were moving to and fro among the slaves and attendants as + though it was market time. + </p> + <p> + “Your father, too,” Hanno remarked in his awkward fashion, “will scarcely + make life hard for us. We shall probably find him in Pontus. He is getting + a cargo of wood for Egypt there. We have had dealings with him a long + time. He thought highly of Abus, and I, too, have already been useful to + him. There were handsome young fellows on the Pontine coast, and we + captured them. At the peril of our lives we took them to the mart. He may + even risk it in Alexandria. So the old man makes over to him a large + number of these youths, and often a girl into the bargain, and he does it + far too cheaply. One might envy him the profit—if it were not your + father! When you are once my wife, I’ll make a special contract with him + about the slaves. And, besides, since the last great capture, in which the + old man allowed me a share of my own, I, too, need not complain of + poverty. I shall be ready for the dowry. Do you want to know what you are + worth to me?” + </p> + <p> + But Ledscha’s attention was attracted by other things, and even after + Hanno, with proud conceit, repeated his momentous question, he waited in + vain for a reply. + </p> + <p> + Then he perceived that the girl was gazing at the brilliantly lighted + square as if spellbound, and now he himself saw before the tent a shed + with a canopied roof, and beneath it cushioned couches, on which several + Greeks—men and women—were half sitting, half lying, watching + with eager attention the spectacle which a slender young Hellenic woman + was presenting to them. + </p> + <p> + The tall man with the magnificent black beard, who seemed fairly devouring + her with his eyes, must be the sculptor whom Ledscha commanded him to + capture. + </p> + <p> + To the rude pirate the Greek girl, who in a light, half-transparent bombyx + robe, was exhibiting herself to the eyes of the men upon a pedestal draped + with cloths, seemed bold and shameless. + </p> + <p> + Behind her stood two female attendants, holding soft white garments ready, + and a handsome Pontine boy with black, waving locks, who gazed up at her + waiting for her signs. + </p> + <p> + “Nearer,” Ledscha ordered the pirate in a stifled voice, and he rowed the + boat noiselessly under the shadow of a willow on the bank. But the skiff + had scarcely been brought to a stop there when an elderly matron, who + shared the couch of an old Macedonian man of a distinguished, soldierly + appearance, called the name “Niobe.” + </p> + <p> + The Hellene on the pedestal took a cloth from the hand of one of the + female attendants, and beckoned to the boy, who obediently drew through + his girdle the short blue chiton which hung only to his knees, and sprang + upon the platform. + </p> + <p> + There the Greek girl manipulated in some way the red tresses piled high + upon her head, and confined above the brow by a costly gold diadem, flung + the white linen fabric which the young slave handed to her over her head, + wound her arm around the shoulders of the raven-locked boy, and drew him + toward her with passionate tenderness. At the same time she raised the end + of the linen drapery with her left hand, spreading it over him like a + protecting canopy. + </p> + <p> + The mobile features which had just smiled so radiantly expressed mortal + terror, and the pirate, to whom even the name “Niobe” was unfamiliar, + looked around him for the terrible danger threatening the innocent child, + from which the woman on the pedestal was protecting it with loving + devotion. + </p> + <p> + The mortal terror of a mother robbed by a higher power of her child could + scarcely be more vividly depicted, and yet haughty defiance hovered around + her slightly pouting lips; the uplifted hands seemed not only anxiously to + defend, but also to defy an invisible foe with powerless anger. + </p> + <p> + The pirate’s eyes rested on this spectacle as if spellbound, and the man + who in Pontus had dragged hundreds of young creatures—boys and girls—on + his ship to sell them into slavery, never thinking of the tears which he + thereby caused in huts and mansions, clinched his rough hand to attack the + base wretch who was robbing the poor mother of her lovely darling. + </p> + <p> + But just as Hanno was rising to look around him for the invisible + evildoer, the loud shouts of many voices startled him. He glanced toward + the pedestal; but now, instead of the hapless mother, he found there the + bold woman whom he had previously seen, as radiant as if some great piece + of good fortune had befallen her, bowing and waving her hand to the other + Greeks, who were thanking her with loud applause. + </p> + <p> + The sorely threatened boy, bowing merrily, sprang to the ground; but Hanno + put his hand on Ledscha’s arm, and in great perplexity whispered, “What + did that mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” said the girl softly, stretching her slender neck toward the + illuminated square, for the performer had remained standing upon the + pedestal, and Chrysilla, Daphne’s companion, sat erect on her couch, + exclaiming, “If it is agreeable to you, beautiful Althea, show us Nike + crowning the victor.” + </p> + <p> + Even the Biamite’s keen ear could not catch the reply and the purport of + the rapid conversation which followed; but she guessed the point in + question when the young men who were present rose hastily, rushed toward + the pedestal, loosed the wreaths from their heads, and offered them to the + Greek girl whom Chrysilla had just called “beautiful Althea.” + </p> + <p> + Four Hellenic officers in the strong military force under Philippus, the + commandant of the “Key of Egypt,” as Pelusium was justly called, had + accompanied the old Macedonian general to visit his friend Archias’s + daughter at Tennis; but Althea rejected their garlands with an explanation + which seemed to satisfy them. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha could not hear what she said, but when only Hermon and Myrtilus + still stood with their wreaths of flowers opposite the “beautiful Althea,” + and she glanced hesitatingly from one to the other, as if she found the + choice difficult, and then drew from her finger a sparkling ring, the + Biamite detected the swift look of understanding which Hermon exchanged + with her. + </p> + <p> + The girl’s heart began to throb faster, and, with the keen premonition of + a jealous soul, she recognised in Althea her rival and foe. + </p> + <p> + Now there was no doubt of it; now, as the actress, skilled in every wile, + hid the hand holding the ring, as well as the other empty one, behind her + back, she would know how to manage so that she could use the garland which + Hermon handed her. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha’s foreboding was instantly fulfilled, for when Althea held out her + little tightly clinched fist to the artists and asked Myrtilus to choose, + the hand to which he pointed and she then opened was empty, and she took + from the other the ring, which she displayed with well-feigned regret to + the spectators. + </p> + <p> + Then Hermon knelt before her, and, as he offered Althea his wreath, his + dark eyes gazed so ardently into the blue ones of the red-haired + Greek-like Queen Arsinoe, she was of Thracian descent—that Ledscha + was now positively certain she knew for whose sake her lover had so basely + betrayed her. + </p> + <p> + How she hated this bold woman! + </p> + <p> + Yet she was forced to keep quiet, and pressed her lips tightly together as + Althea seized the white sheet and with marvellous celerity wound it about + her until it fell in exquisite folds like a long robe. + </p> + <p> + Surprise, curiosity, and a pleasant sense of satisfaction in seeing what + seemed to her a shameless display withdrawn from her lover’s eyes, + rendered it easier for Ledscha to maintain her composure; yet she felt the + blood throbbing in her temples as Hermon remained kneeling before the + Hellene, gazing intently into her expressive face. + </p> + <p> + Was it not too narrow wholly to please the man who had known how to praise + her own beauty so passionately? Did not the outlines of Althea’s figure, + which the bombyx robe only partially concealed, lack roundness even more + than her own? + </p> + <p> + And yet! As soon as Althea had transformed the sheet into a robe, and held + the wreath above him, Hermon’s gaze rested on hers as though enraptured, + while from her bright blue eyes a flood of ardent admiration poured upon + the man for whom she held the victor’s wreath. + </p> + <p> + This was done with the upper portion of her body bending very far forward. + The slender figure was poised on one foot; the other, covered to the ankle + with the long robe, hovered in the air. Had not the wings which, as Nike, + belonged to her been lacking, every one would have been convinced that she + was flying—that she had just descended from the heights of Olympus + to crown the kneeling victor. Not only her hand, her gaze and her every + feature awarded the prize to the man at her feet. + </p> + <p> + There was no doubt that, if Nike herself came to the earth to make the + best man happy with the noblest of crowns, the spectacle would be a + similar one. + </p> + <p> + And Hermon! No garlanded victor could look up to the gracious divinity + more joyously, more completely enthralled by grateful rapture. + </p> + <p> + The applause which now rang out more and more loudly was certainly not + undeserved, but it pierced Ledscha’s soul like a mockery, like the + bitterest scorn. + </p> + <p> + Hanno, on the contrary, seemed to consider the scene scarcely worth + looking at. Something more powerful was required to stir him. He was + particularly averse to all exhibitions. The utmost which his relatives + could induce the quiet, reserved man to do when they ventured into the + great seaports was to attend the animal fights and the games of the + athletes. He felt thoroughly happy only when at sea, on board of his good + ship. His best pleasure was to gaze up at the stars on calm nights, guide + the helm, and meanwhile dream—of late most gladly of making the + beautiful girl who had seemed to him worthy of his brave brother Abus, his + own wife. + </p> + <p> + In the secluded monotony of his life as a scar over memory had exalted + Ledscha into the most desirable of all women, and the slaughtered Abus + into the greatest of heroes. + </p> + <p> + To win the love of this much-praised maiden seemed to Hanno peerless + happiness, and the young corsair felt that he was worthy of it; for on the + high seas, when a superior foe was to be opposed by force and stratagem, + when a ship was to be boarded and death spread over her deck, he had + proved himself a man of unflinching courage. + </p> + <p> + His suit had progressed more easily than he expected. His father would + rejoice, and his heart exulted at the thought of encountering a serious + peril for the girl he loved. His whole existence was a venture of life, + and, had he had ten to lose, they would not have been too dear a price to + him to win Ledscha. + </p> + <p> + While Althea, as the goddess of Victory, held the wreath aloft, and loud + applause hailed her, Hanno was thinking of the treasures which he had + garnered since his father had allowed him a share of the booty, and of the + future. + </p> + <p> + When he had accumulated ten talents of gold he would give up piracy, like + Abus, and carry on his own ships wood and slaves from Pontus to Egypt, and + textiles from Tennis, arms and other manufactured articles from Alexandria + to the Pontine cities. In this way Ledscha’s father had become a rich man, + and he would also, not for his own sake—he needed little—but + to make life sweet for his wife, surround her with splendour and luxury, + and adorn her beautiful person with costly jewels. Many a stolen ornament + was already lying in the safe hiding place that even his brother Labaja + did not know. + </p> + <p> + At last the shouts died away, and as the stopping of the clattering wheel + wakes the miller, so the stillness on the shore roused Hanno from his + dream. + </p> + <p> + What was it that Ledscha saw there so fascinating that she did not even + hear his low call? His father and Labaja had undoubtedly left his + grandmother’s house long ago, and were looking for him in vain. + </p> + <p> + Yes, he was right; the old pirate’s shrill whistle reached his ear from + the Owl’s Nest, and he was accustomed to obedience. + </p> + <p> + So, lightly touching Ledscha on the shoulder, he whispered that he must + return to the island at once. His father would be rejoiced if she went + with him. + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow,” she answered in a tone of resolute denial. Then, reminding + him once more of the meaning of the signals she had promised to give, she + waved her hand to him, sprang swiftly past him to the prow of the boat, + caught an overhanging bough of the willow on the shore, and, as she had + learned during the games of her childhood, swung herself as lightly as a + bird into the thicket at the water’s edge, which concealed her from every + eye. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + Without even vouchsafing Hanno another glance, Ledscha glided forward in + the shadow of the bushes to the great sycamore, whose thick, broad top on + the side toward the tents was striped with light from the flood of + radiance streaming from them. On the opposite side the leafage vanished in + the darkness of the night, but Myrtilus had had a bench placed there, that + he might rest in the shade, and from this spot the girl could obtain the + best view of what she desired to see. + </p> + <p> + How gay and animated it was under the awning! + </p> + <p> + A throng of companions had arrived with the Pelusinians, and some also had + probably been on the ship which—she knew it from Bias—had come + to Tennis directly from Alexandria that afternoon. The galley was said to + belong to Philotas, an aristocratic relative of King Ptolemy. If she was + not mistaken, he was the stately young Greek who was just picking up the + ostrich-feather fan that had slipped from Daphne’s lap. + </p> + <p> + The performance was over. + </p> + <p> + Young slaves in gay garments, and nimble female servants with glittering + gold circlets round their upper arms and on their ankles, were passing + from couch to couch, and from one guest to another, offering refreshments. + Hermon had risen from his knees, and the wreath of bright flowers again + adorned his black curls. He held himself as proudly erect as if the + goddess of Victory herself had crowned him, while Althea was reaping + applause and thanks. Ledscha gazed past her and the others to watch every + movement of the sculptor. + </p> + <p> + It was scarcely the daughter of Archias who had detained Hermon, for he + made only a brief answer—Ledscha could not hear what it was—when + she accosted him pleasantly, to devote himself to Althea, and—this + could be perceived even at a distance—thank her with ardent + devotion. + </p> + <p> + And now—now he even raised the hem of her peplos to his lips. + </p> + <p> + A scornful smile hovered around Ledscha’s mouth; but Daphne’s guests also + noticed this mark of homage—an unusual one in their circle—and + young Philotas, who had followed Daphne from Alexandria, cast a + significant glance at a man with a smooth, thin, birdlike face, whose hair + was already turning gray. His name was Proclus, and, as grammateus of the + Dionysian games and high priest of Apollo, he was one of the most + influential men in Alexandria, especially as he was one of the favoured + courtiers of Queen Arsinoe. + </p> + <p> + He had gone by her command to the Syrian court, had enjoyed on his return, + at Pelusium, with his travelling companion Althea, the hospitality of + Philippus, and accompanied the venerable officer to Tennis in order to win + him over to certain plans. In spite of his advanced age, he still strove + to gain the favour of fair women, and the sculptor’s excessive ardour had + displeased him. + </p> + <p> + So he let his somewhat mocking glance wander from Althea to Hermon, and + called to the latter: “My congratulations, young master; but I need + scarcely remind you that Nike suffers no one—not even goodness and + grace personified—to take from her hand what it is her sole duty to + bestow.” + </p> + <p> + While speaking he adjusted the laurel on his own thin hair; but Thyone, + the wife of Philippus, answered eagerly: “If I were a young man like + Hermon, instead of an old woman, noble Proclus, I think the wreath which + Beauty bestows would render me scarcely less happy than stern Nike’s crown + of victory.” + </p> + <p> + While making this pleasant reply the matron’s wrinkled face wore an + expression of such cordial kindness, and her deep voice was so winning in + its melody, that Hermon forced himself to heed the glance of urgent + warning Daphne cast at him, and leave the sharp retort that hovered on his + lips unuttered. Turning half to the grammateus, half to the matron, he + merely said, in a cold, self-conscious tone, that Thyone was right. In + this gay circle, the wreath of bright flowers proffered by the hands of a + beautiful woman was the dearest of all gifts, and he would know how to + value it. + </p> + <p> + “Until other more precious ones cast it into oblivion,” observed Althea. + “Let me see, Hermon: ivy and roses. The former is lasting, but the roses—” + She shook her finger in roguish menace at the sculptor as she spoke. + </p> + <p> + “The roses,” Proclus broke in again, “are of course the most welcome to + our young friend from such a hand; yet these flowers of the goddess of + Beauty have little in common with his art, which is hostile to beauty. + Still, I do not know what wreath will be offered to the new tendency with + which he surprised us.” + </p> + <p> + At this Hermon raised his head higher, and answered sharply: “Doubtless + there must have been few of them, since you, who are so often among the + judges, do not know them. At any rate, those which justice bestows have + hitherto been lacking.” + </p> + <p> + “I should deplore that,” replied Proclus, stroking his sharp chin with his + thumb and forefinger; “but I fear that our beautiful Nike also cared + little for this lofty virtue of the judge in the last coronation. However, + her immortal model lacks it often enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Because she is a woman,” said one of the young officers, laughing; and + another added gaily: “That very thing may be acceptable to us soldiers. + For my part, I think everything about the goddess of Victory is beautiful + and just, that she may remain graciously disposed toward us. Nay, I accuse + the noble Althea of withholding from Nike, in her personation, her special + ornament—her swift, powerful wings.” + </p> + <p> + “She gave those to Eros, to speed his flight,” laughed Proclus, casting a + meaning look at Althea and Hermon. + </p> + <p> + No one failed to notice that this jest alluded to the love which seemed to + have been awakened in the sculptor as quickly as in the personator of the + goddess of Victory, and, while it excited the merriment of the others, the + blood mounted into Hermon’s cheeks; but Myrtilus perceived what was + passing in the mind of his irritable friend, and, as the grammateus + praised Nike because in this coronation she had omitted the laurel, the + fair-haired Greek interrupted him with the exclamation: + </p> + <p> + “Quite right, noble Proclus, the grave laurel does not suit our gay + pastime; but roses belong to the artist everywhere, and are always welcome + to him. The more, the better!” + </p> + <p> + “Then we will wait till the laurel is distributed in some other place,” + replied the grammateus; and Myrtilus quickly added, “I will answer for it + that Hermon does not leave it empty-handed.” + </p> + <p> + “No one will greet the work which brings your friend the wreath of victory + with warmer joy,” Proclus protested. “But, if I am correctly informed, + yonder house hides completed treasures whose inspection would give the + fitting consecration to this happy meeting. Do you know what an exquisite + effect gold and ivory statues produce in a full glow of lamplight? I first + learned it a short time ago at the court of King Antiochus. There is no + lack of lights here. What do you say, gentlemen? Will you not have the + studios lighted till the rooms are as bright as day, and add a noble + enjoyment of art to the pleasures of this wonderful night?” + </p> + <p> + But Hermon and Myrtilus opposed this proposal with equal decision. + </p> + <p> + Their refusal awakened keen regret, and the old commandant of Pelusium + would not willingly yield to it. + </p> + <p> + Angrily shaking his large head, around which, in spite of his advanced + age, thick snowwhite locks floated like a lion’s mane, he exclaimed, “Must + we then really return to our Pelusium, where Ares restricts the native + rights of the Muses, without having admired the noble works which arose in + such mysterious secrecy here, where Arachne rules and swings the weaver’s + shuttle?” + </p> + <p> + “But my two cruel cousins have closed their doors even upon me, who came + here for the sake of their works,” Daphne interrupted, “and, as rather + Zeus is threatening a storm—just see what black clouds are rising!—we + ought not to urge our artists further; a solemn oath forbids them to show + their creations now to any one.” + </p> + <p> + This earnest assurance silenced the curious, and, while the conversation + took another turn, the gray-haired general’s wife drew Myrtilus aside. + </p> + <p> + Hermon’s parents had been intimate friends of her own, as well as of her + husband’s, and with the interest of sincere affection she desired to know + whether the young sculptor could really hope for the success of which + Myrtilus had just spoken. + </p> + <p> + It was years since she had visited Alexandria, but what she heard of + Hermon’s artistic work from many guests, and now again through Proclus, + filled her with anxiety. + </p> + <p> + He had succeeded, it was said, in attracting attention, and his great + talent was beyond question; but in this age, to which beauty was as much + one of the necessities of life as bread and wine, and which could not + separate it from art, he ventured to deny it recognition. He headed a + current in art which was striving to destroy what had been proved and + acknowledged, yet, though his creations were undeniably powerful, and even + showed many other admirable qualities, instead of pleasing, satisfying, + and ennobling, they repelled. + </p> + <p> + These opinions had troubled the matron, who understood men, and was the + more disposed to credit them the more distinctly she perceived traces of + discontent and instability in Hermon’s manner during the present meeting. + </p> + <p> + So it afforded her special pleasure to learn from Myrtilus his firm + conviction that, in Arachne, Hermon would produce a masterpiece which + could scarcely be excelled. + </p> + <p> + During this conversation Althea had come to Thyone’s side, and, as Hermon + had already spoken to her of the Arachne, she eagerly expressed her belief + that this work seemed as if it were specially created for him. + </p> + <p> + The Greek matron leaned back comfortably upon her cushions, her wrinkled, + owl-like face assumed a cheerful expression, and, with the easy confidence + conferred by aristocratic birth, a distinguished social position, and a + light heart, she exclaimed: “Lucifer is probably already behind yonder + clouds, preparing to announce day, and this exquisite banquet ought to + have a close worthy of it. What do you say, you wonder-working darling of + the Muses”—she held out her hand to Althea as she spoke—“to + showing us and the two competing artists yonder the model of the Arachne + they are to represent in gold and ivory?” + </p> + <p> + Althea fixed her eyes upon the ground, and, after a short period of + reflection, answered hesitatingly: “The task which you set before me is + certainly no easy one, but I shall rely upon your indulgence.” + </p> + <p> + “She will!” cried the matron to the others. + </p> + <p> + Then, clapping her hands, she continued gaily, in the tone of the director + of an entertainment issuing invitations to a performance: “Your attention + is requested! In this city of weavers the noble Thracian, Althea, will + depict before you all the weaver of weavers, Arachne, in person.” + </p> + <p> + “Take heed and follow my advice to sharpen your eyes,” added Philotas, + who, conscious of his inferiority in intellect and talents to the men and + women assembled here, took advantage of this opportunity to assert himself + in a manner suited to his aristocratic birth. “This artistic yet hapless + Arachne, if any one, teaches the lesson how the lofty Olympians punish + those who venture to place themselves on the same level; so let artists + beware. We stepchildren of the Muse can lull ourselves comfortably in the + assurance of not giving the jealous gods the slightest cause for the doom + which overtook the pitiable weaver.” + </p> + <p> + Not a word of this declaration of the Macedonian aristocrat escaped the + listening Ledscha. Scales seemed to fall from her eyes. Hermon had won her + love in order to use her for the model of his statue of Arachne, and, now + that he had met Althea, who perhaps suited his purpose even better, he no + longer needed the barbarian. He had cast her aside like a tight shoe as + soon as he found a more acceptable one in this female juggler. + </p> + <p> + The girl had already asked herself, with a slight thrill of horror, + whether she had not prematurely called down so terrible a punishment upon + her lover; now she rejoiced in her swift action. If anything else remained + for her to do, it was to make the vengeance with which she intended to + requite him still more severe. + </p> + <p> + There he stood beside the woman she hated. Could he bestow even one poor + thought upon the Biamite girl and the wrong he had inflicted? + </p> + <p> + Oh, no! His heart was filled to overflowing by the Greek—every look + revealed it. + </p> + <p> + What was the shameless creature probably whispering to him now? + </p> + <p> + Perhaps a meeting was just being granted. The rapture which had been + predicted to her for this moonlight night, and of which Hermon had robbed + her, was mirrored in his features. He could think of everything except her + and her poor, crushed heart. + </p> + <p> + But Ledscha was mistaken. Althea had asked the sculptor whether he still + regretted having been detained by her before midnight, and he had + confessed that his remaining at the banquet had been connected with a + great sacrifice—nay, with an offence which weighed heavily on his + mind. Yet he was grateful to the favour of the gods that had guided his + decision, for Althea had it in her power to compensate him richly for what + he had lost. + </p> + <p> + A glance full of promise flashed upon him from her eloquent eyes, and, + turning toward the pedestal at the same instant, she asked softly, “Is the + compensation I must and will bestow connected with the Arachne?” + </p> + <p> + An eager “Yes” confirmed this question, and a swift movement of her + expressive lips showed him that his boldest anticipations were to be + surpassed. + </p> + <p> + How gladly he would have detained her longer!—but she was already + the object of all eyes, and his, too, followed her in expectant suspense + as she gave an order to the female attendant and then stood thoughtfully + for some time before the platform. + </p> + <p> + When she at last ascended it, the spectators supposed that she would again + use a cloth; but, instead of asking anything more from the assistants, she + cast aside even the peplos that covered her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + Now, almost lean in her slenderness, she stood with downcast eyes; but + suddenly she loosed the double chain, adorned with flashing gems, from her + neck, the circlets from her upper arms and wrists, and, lastly, even the + diadem, a gift bestowed by her relative, Queen Arsinoe, from her narrow + brow. + </p> + <p> + The female slaves received them, and then with swift movements Althea + divided her thick long tresses of red hair into narrower strands, which + she flung over her back, bosom, and shoulders. + </p> + <p> + Next, as if delirious, she threw her head so far on one side that it + almost touched her left shoulder, and stared wildly upward toward the + right, at the same time raising her bare arms so high that they extended + far above her head. + </p> + <p> + It was again her purpose to present the appearance of defending herself + against a viewless power, yet she was wholly unlike the Niobe whom she had + formerly personated, for not only anguish, horror, and defiance, but deep + despair and inexpressible astonishment were portrayed by her features, + which obediently expressed the slightest emotion. + </p> + <p> + Something unprecedented, incomprehensible even to herself, was occurring, + and to Ledscha, who watched her with an expectation as passionate as if + her own weal and woe depended upon Althea’s every movement, it seemed as + if an unintelligible marvel was happening before her eyes, and a still + greater one was impending; for was the woman up there really a woman like + herself and the others whose eyes were now fixed upon the hated actress no + less intently than her own? + </p> + <p> + Did her keen senses deceive her, or was not what was occurring actually a + mysterious transformation? + </p> + <p> + As Althea stood there, her delicate arms seemed to have lengthened and + lost even their slight roundness, her figure to have become even more + slender and incorporeal, and how strangely her thin fingers spread apart! + How stiffly the strands of the parted, wholly uncurled locks stood out in + the air! + </p> + <p> + Did it not seem as if they were to help her move? + </p> + <p> + The black shadow which Althea’s figure and limbs cast upon the surface of + the brightly lighted pedestal-no, it was no deception, it not only + resembled the spinner among insects, it presented the exact picture of a + spider. + </p> + <p> + The Greek’s slender body had contracted, her delicate arms and narrow + braids of hair changed into spider legs, and the many-jointed hands were + already grasping for their prey like a spider, or preparing to wind the + murderous threads around another living creature. + </p> + <p> + “Arachne, the spider!” fell almost inaudibly from her quivering lips, and, + overpowered by torturing fear, she was already turning away from the + frightful image, when the storm of applause which burst from the + Alexandrian guests soothed her excited imagination. + </p> + <p> + Instead of the spider, a slender, lank woman, with long, outstretched bare + arms, and fingers spread wide apart, fluttering hair, and wandering eyes + again stood before Ledscha. + </p> + <p> + But no peace was yet granted to her throbbing heart, for while Althea, + with perspiring brow and quivering lips, descended from the pedestal, and + was received with loud demonstrations of astonishment and delight, the + glare of a flash of lightning burst through the clouds, and a loud peal of + thunder shook the night air and reverberated a long time over the water. + </p> + <p> + At the same instant a loud cry rang from beneath the canopy. + </p> + <p> + Thyone, the wife of Alexander the Great’s comrade, though absolutely + fearless in the presence of human foes, dreaded the thunder by which Zeus + announced his anger. Seized with sudden terror, she commanded a slave to + obtain a black lamb for a sacrifice, and earnestly entreated her husband + and her other companions to go on board the ship with her and seek shelter + in its safe, rain-proof cabin, for already heavy drops were beginning to + fall upon the tensely drawn awning. + </p> + <p> + “Nemesis!” exclaimed the grammateus. + </p> + <p> + “Nemesis!” whispered young Philotas to Daphne in a confidential murmur, + throwing his own costly purple cloak around her to shield her from the + rain. “Nowhere that we mortals overstep the bounds allotted to us do we + await her in vain.” + </p> + <p> + Then bending down to her again, he added, by way of explanation: “The + winged daughter of Night would prove herself negligent if she allowed me + to enjoy wholly without drawback the overwhelming happiness of being with + you once more.” + </p> + <p> + “Nemesis!” remarked Thoas, an aristocratic young hipparch of the guards of + the Diadochi, who had studied in Athens and belonged to the Peripatetics + there. “The master sees in the figure of this goddess the indignation + which the good fortune of the base or the unworthy use of good fortune + inspires in us. She keeps the happy mean between envy and malicious + satisfaction.” The young soldier looked around him, expecting applause, + but no one was listening; the tempest was spreading terror among most of + the freedmen and slaves. + </p> + <p> + Philotas and Myrtilus were following Daphne and her companion Chrysilla as + they hurried into the tent. The deep, commanding tones of old Philippus + vainly shouted the name of Althea, whom, as he had bestowed his + hospitality upon her in Pelusium, he regarded as his charge, while at + intervals he reprimanded the black slaves who were to carry his wife to + the ship, but at another heavy peal of thunder set down the litter to + throw themselves on their knees and beseech the angry god for mercy. + </p> + <p> + Gras, the steward whom Archias had given to his daughter, a Bithynian who + had attached himself to one school of philosophy after an other, and + thereby ceased to believe in the power of the Olympians, lost his quiet + composure in this confusion, and even his usual good nature deserted him. + With harsh words, and no less harsh blows, he rushed upon the servants, + who, instead of carrying the costly household utensils and embroidered + cushions into the tent, drew out their amulets and idols to confide their + own imperilled lives to the protection of higher powers. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the gusts of wind which accompanied the outbreak of the storm + extinguished the lamps and pitch-pans. The awning was torn from the posts, + and amid the wild confusion rang the commandant of Pelusium’s shouts for + Althea and the screams of two Egyptian slave women, who, with their + foreheads pressed to the ground, were praying, while the angry Gras was + trying, by kicks and blows, to compel them to rise and go to work. + </p> + <p> + The officers were holding a whispered consultation whether they should + accept the invitation of Proclus and spend the short remnant of the night + on his galley over the wine, or first, according to the counsel of their + pious commandant, wait in the neighbouring temple of Zeus until the storm + was over. + </p> + <p> + The tempest had completely scattered Daphne’s guests. Even Ledscha glanced + very rarely toward the tents. She had thrown her self on the ground under + the sycamore to beseech the angry deity for mercy, but, deeply as fear + moved her agitated soul, she could not pray, but listened anxiously + whenever an unexpected noise came from the meeting place of the Greeks. + </p> + <p> + Then the tones of a familiar voice reached her. It was Hermon’s, and the + person to whom he was speaking could be no one but the uncanny + spider-woman, Althea. + </p> + <p> + They were coming to have a secret conversation under the shade of the + dense foliage of the sycamore. That was easily perceived, and in an + instant Ledscha’s fear yielded to a different feeling. + </p> + <p> + Holding her breath, she nestled close to the trunk of the ancient tree to + listen, and the first word she heard was the name “Nemesis,” which had + just reached her from the tent. + </p> + <p> + She knew its meaning, for Tennis also had a little temple dedicated to the + terrible goddess, which was visited by the Egyptians and Biamites as well + as the Greeks. + </p> + <p> + A triumphant smile flitted over her unveiled features, for there was no + other divinity on whose aid she could more confidently rely. She could + unchain the vengeance which threatened Hermon with a far more terrible + danger than the thunder clouds above, under the protection—nay, as + it were at the behest of Nemesis. + </p> + <p> + To-morrow she would be the first to anoint her altar. + </p> + <p> + Now she rejoiced that her wealthy father imposed no restriction upon her + in the management of household affairs, for she need spare no expense in + choosing the animal she intended to offer as a sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + This reflection flashed through her mind with the speed of lightning while + she was listening to Althea’s conversation with the sculptor. + </p> + <p> + “The question here can be no clever play upon the name and the nature of + the daughter of Erebus and Night,” said the Thracian gravely. “I will + remind you that there is another Nemesis besides the just being who drives + from his stolen ease the unworthy mortal who suns himself in good fortune. + The Nemesis whom I will recall to-day, while angry Zeus is hurling his + thunderbolts, is the other, who chastises sacrilege—Ate, the + swiftest and most terrible of the Erinyes. I will invoke her wrath upon + you in this hour if you do not confess the truth to me fully and + entirely.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask,” Hermon interrupted in a hollow tone. “Only, you strange woman—” + </p> + <p> + “Only,” she hastily broke in, “whatever the answer may be, I must pose to + you as the model for your Arachne—and perhaps it may come to that—but + first I must know, briefly and quickly, for they will be looking for me + immediately. Do you love Daphne?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” he answered positively. “True, she has been dear to me from + childhood—” + </p> + <p> + “And,” Althea added, completing the sentence, “you owe her father a debt + of gratitude. But that is not new to me; I know also how little reason you + gave her for loving you. Yet her heart belongs neither to Philotas, the + great lord with the little brain, nor to the famous sculptor Myrtilus, + whose body is really too delicate to bear all the laurels with which he is + overloaded, but to you, and you alone—I know it.” + </p> + <p> + Hermon tried to contradict her, but Althea, without allowing him to speak, + went on hurriedly: “No matter! I wished to know whether you loved her. + True, according to appearances, your heart does not glow for her, and + hitherto you have disdained to transform by her aid, at a single stroke, + the poverty which ill suits you into wealth. But it was not merely to + speak of the daughter of Archias that I accompanied you into this tempest, + from which I would fain escape as quickly as possible. So speak quickly. I + am to serve you in your art, and yet, if I understood you correctly, you + have already found here another excellent model.” + </p> + <p> + “A native of the country,” answered Hermon in an embarrassed tone. + </p> + <p> + “And for my sake you allowed her to wait for you in vain?” + </p> + <p> + “It is as you say.” + </p> + <p> + “And you had promised to seek her?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; but before the appointed hour came I met you. You rose before + me like a new sun, shedding a new light that was full of promise. + Everything else sank into darkness, and, if you will fulfil the hope which + you awakened in this heart—” + </p> + <p> + Just at that moment another flash of lightning blazed, and, while the + thunder still shook the air, Althea continued his interrupted + protestation: “Then you will give yourself to me, body and soul—but + Zeus, who hears oaths, is reminding us of his presence—and what will + await you if the Biamite whom you betrayed invokes the wrath of Nemesis + against you?” + </p> + <p> + “The Nemesis of the barbarians!” he retorted contemptuously. “She only + placed herself at the service of my art reluctantly; but you, Althea, if + you will loan yourself to me as a model, I shall succeed in doing my very + best; for you have just permitted me to behold a miracle, Arachne herself, + whom you became, you enchantress. It was real, actual life, and that—that + is the highest goal.” + </p> + <p> + “The highest?” she asked hesitatingly. “You will have to represent the + female form, and beauty, Hermon, beauty?” + </p> + <p> + “Will be there, allied with truth,” flamed Hermon, “if you, you peerless, + more than beautiful creature, keep your word to me. But you will! Let me + be sure of it. Is a little love also blended with the wish to serve the + artist?” + </p> + <p> + “A little love?” she repeated scornfully. + </p> + <p> + “This matter concerns love complete and full—or none. We will see + each other again to-morrow. Then show me what the model Althea is worth to + you.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she vanished in the darkness, while the call of her name + again rang from the tents. + </p> + <p> + “Althea!” he cried in a tone of mournful reproach as he perceived her + disappearance, hurrying after her; but the dense gloom soon forced him to + give up the pursuit. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha, too, left her place beneath the sycamore. + </p> + <p> + She had seen and heard enough. + </p> + <p> + Duty now commanded her to execute vengeance, and the bold Hanno was ready + to risk his life for her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + The following day the sun shone radiantly, with scorching brilliancy, upon + Tennis and the archipelago, which at this season of the year surrounded + the little city of weavers. + </p> + <p> + Young Philotas, without going to rest, had set out at dawn in pursuit of + game, accompanied by a numerous hunting party, to which several of the + Pelusinian officers belonged. He, too, had brought home a great quantity + of booty, with which he had expected to awaken Daphne’s admiration, and to + lay as a token of homage at her feet. He had intended to lead before her + garlanded slaves bearing, tied by ropes, bunches of slaughtered wild fowl, + but his reception was very different from what he had anticipated. + </p> + <p> + Instead of praising his exploit, he had been indignantly requested to + remove the poor, easily killed victims from her presence; and, wounded and + disappointed, he had retired to his magnificent Nile boat, where, spent by + his sleepless night, he slumbered so soundly on his soft cushions that he + did not appear at the breakfast which the gray-haired commander of + Pelusium had invited him to attend on his galley. + </p> + <p> + While the others were still feasting there, Daphne was enjoying an hour + alone with her companion Chrysilla. + </p> + <p> + She had remained absent from Philippus’s banquet, and her pale cheeks + showed the ill effects produced by the excitement of the previous night. + </p> + <p> + A little before noon Hermon came to see her. He, too, had not gone to the + Pelusinian’s breakfast. + </p> + <p> + After Althea had left him the evening before he went directly back to the + white house, and, instead of going to rest, devoted himself to Myrtilus; + for the difficulty of breathing, which during his industrious life in + quiet seclusion had not troubled him for several months, attacked him with + twofold violence after the gaiety of the previous night. Hermon had not + left him an instant until day brought the sufferer relief, and he no + longer needed the supporting hand of his kind nurse. + </p> + <p> + While Hermon, in his own sleeping room, ordered Bias to anoint his hair + and beard and put on festal garments, the slave told him certain things + that destroyed the last remnant of composure in his easily agitated soul. + </p> + <p> + With the firm resolution to keep the appointment on Pelican Island, Hermon + had gone at sunset, in response to the Alexandrian’s invitation, to attend + her banquet, and by no means unwillingly, for his parents’ old friends + were dear to him, and he knew by experience the beneficial influence + Daphne’s sunny, warmhearted nature exerted upon him. + </p> + <p> + Yet this time he did not find what he expected. + </p> + <p> + In the first place, he had been obliged to witness how earnestly Philotas + was pressing his suit, and perceived that her companion Chrysilla was most + eagerly assisting him. As she saw in the young aristocrat a suitable + husband for the daughter of Archias, and it was her duty to assign the + guests their seats at the banquet, she had given the cushion beside Daphne + to Philotas, and also willingly fulfilled Althea’s desire to have Hermon + for her neighbour. + </p> + <p> + When Chrysilla presented the black-bearded artist to the Thracian, she + would have sworn that Althea found an old acquaintance in the sculptor; + but Hermon treated the far-famed relative of Queen Arsinoe as coldly and + distantly as if he now saw her for the first time, and with little + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + In truth, he was glad to avoid women of Althea’s stamp. For some time he + had preferred to associate with the common people, among whom he found his + best subjects, and kept far aloof from the court circles to which Althea + belonged, and which, thanks to his birth and his ability as an artist, + would easily have been accessible to him also. + </p> + <p> + The over-refined women who gave themselves airs of avoiding everything + which imposes a restraint upon Nature, and therefore, in their transparent + robes, treated with contempt all that modest Macedonian dames deemed + worthy of a genuine woman’s consideration, were repulsive to him—perhaps + because they formed so rude a contrast to his noble dead mother and to + Daphne. + </p> + <p> + Although he had been very frequently in feminine society, Althea’s manner + at first caused him a certain degree of embarrassment; for, in spite of + the fact that he believed he met her here for the first time, there was + something familiar about her, especially in the tone of her voice, and he + fancied that her first words were associated with some former ones. + </p> + <p> + Yet no! If he had ever met her, he would surely have remembered her + red-gold hair and the other peculiarities of a personality which was + remarkable in every respect. + </p> + <p> + It soon proved that they were total strangers, and he wished matters to + remain so. + </p> + <p> + He was glad that she attracted him so little, for at least she would + scarcely make the early departure to the Biamite, which he considered his + duty, a difficult task. + </p> + <p> + True, he admired from the first the rare milk-white line of her delicate + skin, which was wholly free from rouge—his artist eye perceived that + and the wonderfully beautiful shape of her hands and feet. The pose of the + head on the neck, too, as she turned toward him seemed remarkably fine. + This slender, pliant woman would have been an admirable model! + </p> + <p> + Again and again she reminded him of a gay Lesbian with whom he had + caroused for a night during the last Dionysia in Alexandria, yet, on + closer inspection, the two were as different as possible. + </p> + <p> + The former had been as free and reckless in her conduct as Althea was + reserved. The hair and eyebrows of the Lesbian, instead of reddish gold, + were the deepest black, and her complexion—he remembered it + perfectly—was much darker. The resemblance probably consisted merely + in the shape of the somewhat too narrow face, with its absolutely straight + nose, and a chin which was rather too small, as well as in the sound of + the high voice. + </p> + <p> + Not a serious word had reached his ears from the wanton lips of the + Lesbian, while Althea at once desired information concerning his art, and + showed that she was thoroughly familiar with the works and the aspirations + of the Alexandrian sculptors. Although aware that Hermon had begun his + career as an artist, and was the leader of a new tendency, she pretended + to belong to the old school, and thereby irritated him to contradiction + and the explanation of his efforts, which were rooted in the demands of + the present day and the life of the flourishing capital. + </p> + <p> + The Thracian listened to the description of the new art struggling to + present truth, as if these things were welcome surprises, grand + revelations, for which she had waited with eager longing. True, she + opposed every statement hostile to the old beliefs; but her extremely + expressive features soon betrayed to him that he was stirring her to + reflect, shaking her opinions, and winning her to his side. + </p> + <p> + Already, for the sake of the good cause, he devoted himself with the + utmost zeal to the task of convincing Althea; she, however, did not make + it an easy one, but presented clever arguments against his assertions. + </p> + <p> + Whenever he or she, by way of example, mentioned any well-known work of + art, she imitated, as if involuntarily, its pose and action with + surprising fidelity, frequently also in admirable caricature, whose effect + was extremely comical. What a woman! + </p> + <p> + She was familiar with whatever Grecian art had created, and the animated + conversation became a bewitching spectacle. When the grammateus Proclus, + who as Althea’s travelling companion had a certain claim upon her + attention, mingled for a while in the discussion and attracted Althea’s + notice, Hermon felt injured, and answered his sensible remarks with such + rudeness that the elder man, whose social position was so much higher, + angrily turned his back upon him. + </p> + <p> + Althea had imposed a certain degree of restraint upon herself while + talking to the grammateus, but during the further conversation with Hermon + she confessed that she was decidedly of his opinion, and added to the old + reasons for the deposition of beauty and ideality in favour of truth and + reality new ones which surprised the sculptor. When she at last offered + him her hand for a firm alliance, his brain was fevered, and it seemed a + great honour when she asked eagerly what would occupy him in the immediate + future. + </p> + <p> + Passionate sympathy echoed in every word, was expressed in every feature, + and she listened as if a great happiness was in store for herself when he + disclosed the hopes which he based upon the statue of Arachne. + </p> + <p> + True, as time passed he had spoken more than once of the necessity of + retiring, and before midnight really tried to depart; but he had fallen + under Althea’s thrall, and, in reply to her inquiry what must shorten + these exquisite hours, had informed her, in significant words, what drew + him away, and that his delay threatened him with the loss of a model such + as the favour of fate rarely bestowed upon an artist. + </p> + <p> + Now the Thracian for the first time permitted her eyes to make frank + confessions. She also bent forward with a natural movement to examine the + artistic work on a silver vase, and as while doing so her peplos fell over + his hand, she pressed it tenderly. + </p> + <p> + He gazed ardently up at her; but she whispered softly: “Stay! You will + gain through me something better than awaits you there, and not only for + to-day and to-morrow. We shall meet again in Alexandria, and to serve your + art there shall be a beloved duty.” + </p> + <p> + His power of resistance was broken; yet he beckoned to his slave Bias, who + was busied with the mixing jars, and ordered him to seek Ledscha and tell + her not to wait longer; urgent duties detained him. + </p> + <p> + While he was giving this direction, Althea had become engaged in the gay + conversation of the others, and, as Thyone called Hermon, and he was also + obliged to speak to Daphne, he could not again obtain an opportunity for + private talk with the wonderful woman who held out far grander prospects + for his art than the refractory, rude Biamite maiden. + </p> + <p> + Soon Althea’s performance seemed to prove how fortunate a choice he had + made. Her Arachne appeared like a revelation to him. If she kept her + promise, and he succeeded in modelling her in the pose assumed while + imagining the process of transformation, and presented her idea to the + spectators, the great success which hitherto—because he had not + yielded to demands which were opposed to his convictions—he had + vainly expected, could no longer escape him. The Alexandrian + fellow-artists who belonged to his party would gratefully welcome this + special work; for what grew out of it would have nothing in common with + the fascination of superhuman beauty, by which the older artists ensnared + the hearts and minds of the multitude. He would create a genuine woman, + who would not lack defects, yet who, though she inspired neither + gratification nor rapture, would touch, perhaps even thrill, the heart by + absolute truth. + </p> + <p> + While Althea was standing on the pedestal, she had not only represented + the transformation into the spider, but experienced it, and the features + of the spectators revealed that they believed they were witnessing the + sinister event. His aim was now to awaken the same feeling in the + beholders of his Arachne. Nothing, nothing at all must be changed in the + figure of the model, in which many might miss the roundness and plumpness + so pleasing to the eye. Althea’s very defects would perfect the figure of + the restless, wretched weaver whom Athene transformed into the spider. + </p> + <p> + While devoting himself to nursing his friend, he had thought far less of + the new love-happiness which, in spite of her swift flight, was probably + awaiting him through Althea than of the work which was to fill his + existence in the immediate future. + </p> + <p> + His healthy body, steeled in the palaestra, felt no fatigue after the + sleepless night passed amid so many powerful excitements when he retired + to his chamber and committed himself to the hands of his slave. + </p> + <p> + It had not been possible to hear his report before, but when he at last + received it Hermon was to learn something extremely unpleasant, and not + only because no word of apology or even explanation of his absence had + reached Ledscha. + </p> + <p> + Bias was little to blame for this neglect, for, in the first place, he had + found no boat to reach the Pelican Island, because half Tennis was on the + road to Tanis, where, on the night of the full moon, the brilliant + festivals of the full eye of Horns and the great Astarte were celebrated + by the mixed population of this place. When a boat which belonged to + Daphne’s galley was finally given to him, the Biamite girl was no longer + at the place appointed for the meeting. + </p> + <p> + Hoping to find her on the Owl’s Nest with old Tabus, he then landed there, + but had been so uncivilly rebuffed on the shore by a rough fellow that he + might be glad to have escaped with sound limbs. Lastly, he stole to + Ledscha’s home, and, knowing that her father was absent, had ventured as + far as the open courtyard in the centre of the stately dwelling. The dogs + knew him, and as a light was shining from one of the rooms that opened + upon the courtyard, he peeped in and saw Taus, Ledscha’s younger sister. + She was kneeling before the statue of a god at the back of the room, + weeping, while the old housekeeper had fallen asleep with the distaff in + her lap. + </p> + <p> + He called cautiously to the pretty child. She was awaiting the return of + her sister, who, she supposed, was still detained on the Owl’s Nest by old + Tabus’s predictions; she had sorrowful tidings for her. + </p> + <p> + The husband of her friend Gula had returned on his ship and learned that + his wife had gone to the Greek’s studio. He had raged like a madman, and + turned the unfortunate woman pitilessly out of doors after sunset. Her own + parents had only been induced to receive her with great difficulty. + Paseth, the jealous husband, had spared her life and refrained from going + at once to kill the artist solely because Hermon had saved his little + daughter at his own peril from the burning house. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said Ledscha’s pretty little sister, “it would also be known that + she had gone with Gula to his master, who was certainly a handsome man, + but for whom, now that young Smethis was wooing her, she cared no more + than she did for her runaway cat. All Tennis would point at her, and she + dared not even think what her father would do when he came home.” + </p> + <p> + These communications had increased Hermon’s anxiety. + </p> + <p> + He was a brave man, and did not fear the vengeance of the enraged husband, + against whom he was conscious of no guilt except having persuaded his wife + to commit an imprudence. What troubled him was only the consciousness that + he had given her and innocent little Taus every reason to curse their + meeting. + </p> + <p> + The ardent warmth with which Gula blessed him as the preserver of her + child had given him infinite pleasure. Now it seemed as if he had been + guilty of an act of baseness by inducing her to render a service which was + by no means free from danger, as though he wished to be paid for a good + deed. + </p> + <p> + Besides, the slave had represented the possible consequences of his + imprudence in the most gloomy light, and, with the assurance of knowing + the disposition of his fellow-countrymen, urged his master to leave Tennis + at once; the other Biamite men, who would bear anything rather than the + interference of a Greek in their married lives, might force Gula’s husband + to take vengeance on him. + </p> + <p> + He said nothing about anxiety concerning his own safety, but he had good + reason to fear being regarded as a go-between and called to account for + it. + </p> + <p> + But his warnings and entreaties seemed to find deaf ears in Hermon. True, + he intended to leave Tennis as soon as possible, for what advantage could + he now find here? First, however, he must attend to the packing of the + statues, and then try to appease Ledscha, and make Gula’s husband + understand that he was casting off his pretty wife unjustly. + </p> + <p> + He would not think of making a hasty departure, he told the slave, + especially as he was to meet Althea, Queen Arsinoe’s art-appreciating + relative, in whom he had gained a friend, later in Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + Then Bias informed him of a discovery to which one of the Thracian’s slave + women had helped him, and what he carelessly told his master drove the + blood from his cheeks, and, though his voice was almost stifled by + surprise and shame, made him assail him with questions. + </p> + <p> + What great thing had he revealed? There had been reckless gaiety at every + festival of Dionysus since he had been in the artist’s service, and the + slaves had indulged in the festal mirth no less freely than the masters. + To intoxicate themselves with wine, the gift of the god to whom they were + paying homage, was not only permitted, but commanded, and the juice of the + grape proved its all-equalizing power. + </p> + <p> + There had been no lack of pretty companions even for him, the bondman, and + the most beautiful of all had made eyes at his master, the tall, slender + man with the splendid black beard. + </p> + <p> + The reckless Lesbian who had favoured Hermon at the last Dionysia had + played pranks with him madly enough, but then had suddenly vanished. By + his master’s orders Bias had tried to find her again, but, in spite of + honest search, in vain. + </p> + <p> + Just now he had met, as Althea’s maid, the little Syrian Margula, who had + been in her company, and raced along in the procession of bacchanals in + his, Bias’s, arms. True, she could not be persuaded to make a frank + confession, but he, Bias, would let his right hand wither if Hermon’s + companion at the Dionysia was any other than Althea. His master would own + that he was right if he imagined her with black hair instead of red. + Plenty of people in Alexandria practised the art of dyeing, and it was + well known that Queen Arsinoe herself willingly mingled in the throng at + the Dionysia with a handsome Ephebi, who did not suspect the identity of + his companion. + </p> + <p> + This was the information which had so deeply agitated Hermon, and then led + him, after pacing to and fro a short time, to go first to Myrtilus and + then to Daphne. + </p> + <p> + He had found his friend sleeping, and though every fibre of his being + urged him to speak to him, he forced himself to leave the sufferer + undisturbed. + </p> + <p> + Yet so torturing a sense of dissatisfaction with himself, so keen a + resentment against his own adverse destiny had awaked within him, that he + could no longer endure to remain in the presence of his work, with which + he was more and more dissatisfied. + </p> + <p> + Away from the studio! + </p> + <p> + There was a gay party on board the galley of his parents’ old friends. + Wine should bring him forgetfulness, too, bless him again with the sense + of joyous existence which he knew so well, and which he now seemed on the + point of losing. + </p> + <p> + When he had once talked and drunk himself into the right mood, life would + wear a less gloomy face. + </p> + <p> + No! It should once more be a gay and reckless one. + </p> + <p> + And Althea? + </p> + <p> + He would meet her, with whom he had once caroused and revelled madly + enough in the intoxication of the last Dionysia, and, instead of allowing + himself to be fooled any longer and continuing to bow respectfully before + her, would assert all the rights she had formerly so liberally granted. + </p> + <p> + He would enjoy to-day, forget to-morrow, and be gay with the gay. + </p> + <p> + Eager for new pleasure, he drew a long breath as he went out into the open + air, pressed his hands upon his broad chest, and with his eyes fixed upon + the commandant of Pelusium’s galley, bedecked with flags, walked swiftly + toward the landing place. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly from the deck, shaded by an awning, the loud laugh of a woman’s + shrill voice reached his ear, blended with the deeper tones of the + grammateus, whose attacks on the previous night Hermon had not forgotten. + </p> + <p> + He stopped as if the laugh had pierced him to the heart. Proclus appeared + to be on the most familiar terms with Althea, and to meet him with the + Thracian now seemed impossible. He longed for mirth and pleasure, but was + unwilling to share it with these two. As he dared not disturb Myrtilus, + there was only one place where he could find what he needed, and this was—he + had said so to himself when he turned his back on his sleeping friend—in + Daphne’s society. + </p> + <p> + Only yesterday he would have sought her without a second thought, but + to-day Althea’s declaration that he was the only man whom the daughter of + Archias loved stood between him and his friend. + </p> + <p> + He knew that from childhood she had watched his every step with sisterly + affection. A hundred times she had proved her loyalty; yet, dear as she + was to him, willingly as he would have risked his life to save her from a + danger, it had never entered his mind to give the tie that united them the + name of love. + </p> + <p> + An older relative of both in Alexandria had once advised him, when he was + complaining of his poverty, to seek her hand, but his pride of manhood + rebelled against having the wealth which fate denied flung into his lap by + a woman. When she looked at him with her honest eyes, he could never have + brought himself to feign anything, least of all a passion of which, + tenderly attached to her though he had been for years, hitherto he had + known nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Do you love her?” Hermon asked himself as he walked toward Daphne’s tent, + and the anticipated “No” had pressed itself upon him far less quickly than + he expected. + </p> + <p> + One thing was undeniably certain: whoever won her for a wife—even + though she were the poorest of the poor—must be numbered among the + most enviable of men. And should he not recognise in his aversion to every + one of her suitors, and now to the aristocratic young Philotas, a feeling + which resembled jealousy? + </p> + <p> + No! He did not and would not love Daphne. If she were really his, and + whatever concerned him had become hers, with whom could he have sought in + hours like these soothing, kind, and sensible counsel, comfort that calmed + the heart, and the refreshing dew which his fading courage and faltering + creative power required? + </p> + <p> + The bare thought of touching clay and wax with his fingers, or taking + hammer, chisel, and file in his hands, was now repulsive; and when, just + outside of the tent, a Biamite woman who was bringing fish to the cook + reminded him of Ledscha, and that he had lost in her the right model for + his Arachne, he scarcely regretted it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + Outside the door of the tent Hermon was trying to banish Althea’s image + from his mind. How foolishly he had overestimated last night the value of + this miserable actress, who as a woman had lost all charm for him—even + as a model for his Arachne! + </p> + <p> + He would rather have appeared before his pure friend with unsightly stains + on his robe than while mastered by yearning for the Thracian. + </p> + <p> + The first glance at Daphne’s beloved face, the first words of her + greeting, taught him that he should find with her everything for which he + longed. + </p> + <p> + In simple, truthful words she reproached him for having neglected her to + the verge of incivility the evening before, but there was no trace of + bitterness or resentment in the accusation, and she gave Hermon little + time for apology, but quickly gladdened him with words of forgiveness. + </p> + <p> + In the opinion of her companion Chrysilla, Daphne ought to have kept the + capricious artist waiting much longer for pardon. True, the cautious woman + took no part in the conversation afterward, but she kept her charge in + sight while she was skilfully knotting the fringe into a cloth which she + had woven herself. On account of her favourite Philotas, it was well for + Daphne to be aware that she was watched. + </p> + <p> + Chrysilla was acquainted with life, and knew that Eros never mingles more + arbitrarily in the intercourse of a young couple than when, after a long + separation, there is anything whatever to forgive. + </p> + <p> + Besides, many words which the two exchanged escaped her hearing, for they + talked in low tones, and it was hot in the tent. Often the fatigue she + felt after the sleepless night bowed her head, still comely with its + unwrinkled face, though she was no longer young; then she quickly raised + it again. + </p> + <p> + Neither Daphne nor Hermon noticed her. The former at once perceived that + something was weighing on the sculptor’s mind, but he did not need any + long inquiry. He had come to confide his troubles to her, and she kindly + lightened the task for him by asking why he had not gone to breakfast with + the Pelusinians. + </p> + <p> + “Because I am not fit for gay company today,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Again dissatisfied with Fate?” + </p> + <p> + “True, it has given me small cause for contentment of late.” + </p> + <p> + “Put in place of Fate the far-seeing care of the gods, and you will accept + what befalls you less unkindly.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us stick to us mortals, I entreat you.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then. Your Demeter does not fully satisfy you.” + </p> + <p> + A discontented shrug of the shoulders was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Then work with twofold zeal upon the Arachne.” + </p> + <p> + “Although one model I hoped to obtain forsook me, and my soul is estranged + from the other.” + </p> + <p> + “Althea?” she asked eagerly, and he nodded assent. + </p> + <p> + Daphne clapped her hands joyfully, exclaiming so loudly that Chrysilla’s + head sprang up with a jerk. “It could not help being so! O Hermon! how + anxious I have been! Now, I thought, when this horrible woman represented + the transformation into the spider with such repulsive accuracy, Hermon + will believe that this is the true, and therefore the right, ideal; nay, I + was deceived myself while gazing. But, eternal gods! as soon as I imagined + this Arachne in marble or chryselephantine work, what a painful feeling + overpowered me!” + </p> + <p> + “Of course!” he replied in an irritated tone. “The thirst for beauty, to + which you all succumb, would not have much satisfaction to expect from + this work.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, no!” Daphne interrupted in a louder tone than usual, and with the + earnest desire to convince him. “Precisely because I transported myself + into your tendency, your aspirations, I recognised the danger. O Hermon! + what produced so sinister an effect by the wavering light of the lamps and + torches, while the thunderstorm was rising—the strands of hair, the + outspread fingers, the bewildered, staring blue eyes—do you not feel + yourself how artificial, how unnatural it all was? This transformation was + only a clever trick of acting, nothing more. Before a quiet spectator, in + the pure, truthful light of Apollo, the foe of all deception, what would + this Arachne probably become? Even now—I have already said so—when + I imagine her executed in marble or in gold and ivory! Beauty? Who would + expect to find in the active, constantly toiling weaver, the mortal + daughter of an industrious dyer in purple, the calm, refreshing charm of + divine women? I at least am neither foolish nor unjust enough to do so. + The degree of beauty Althea possesses would entirely satisfy me for the + Arachne. But when I imagine a plastic work faithful to the model of + yesterday evening—though I have seen a great deal with my own eyes, + and am always ready to defer to riper judgment—I would think, while + looking at it: This statue came to the artist from the stage, but never + from Nature. Such would be my view, and I am not one of the initiated. But + the adepts! The King, with his thorough connoisseurship and fine taste, my + father, and the other famous judges, how much more keenly they would + perceive and define it!” + </p> + <p> + Here she hesitated, for the blood had left Hermon’s cheeks, and she saw + with surprise the deep impression which the candid expression of her + opinion had produced upon the artist, usually so independent and disposed + to contradiction. Her judgment had undoubtedly disturbed, nay, perhaps + convinced him; but at the same time his features revealed such deep + depression that, far from rejoicing in so rare a success, she patted his + arm like an affectionate sister, saying: “You have not yet found time to + realize calmly what yesterday dazzled us all—and you,” she added in + a lower tone, “the most strongly.” + </p> + <p> + “But now,” he murmured sadly, half to himself, half to, her, “my vision is + doubly clear. Close before the success of which I dreamed failure and + bitter disappointment.” + </p> + <p> + “If this ‘doubly’ refers to your completed work, and also to the Arachne,” + cried Daphne in the affectionate desire to soothe him, “a pleasant + surprise will perhaps soon await you, for Myrtilus judges your Demeter + much more favourably than you yourself do, and he also betrayed to me whom + it resembles.” + </p> + <p> + She blushed slightly as she spoke, and, as her companion’s gloomy face + brightened for a short time, went on eagerly: “And now for the Arachne. + You will and must succeed in what you so ardently strive to accomplish, a + subject so exactly adapted to your magnificent virile genius and so + strangely suited to the course which your art has once entered upon. And + you can not fail to secure the right model. You had not found it in + Althea, no, certainly not! O Hermon! if I could only make you see clearly + how ill suited she, in whom everything is false, is to you—your art, + your only too powerful strength, your aspiration after truth—” + </p> + <p> + “You hate her,” he broke in here in a repellent tone; but Daphne dropped + her quiet composure, and her gray eyes, usually so gentle, flashed + fiercely as she exclaimed: “Yes, and again yes! From my inmost soul I do, + and I rejoice in it. I have long disliked her, but since yesterday I abhor + her like the spider which she can simulate, like snakes and toads, + falsehood and vice.” + </p> + <p> + Hermon had never seen his uncle’s peaceful daughter in this mood. The + emotions that rendered this kindly soul so unlike itself could only be the + one powerful couple, love and jealousy; and while gazing intently at her + face, which in this moment seemed to him as beautiful as Dallas Athene + armed for battle, he listened breathlessly as she continued: “Already the + murderous spider had half entangled you in her net. She drew you out into + the tempest—our steward Gras saw it—in order, while Zeus was + raging, to deliver you to the wrath of the other gods also and the + contempt of all good men; for whoever yields himself to her she destroys, + sucks the marrow from his bones like the greedy harpies, and all that is + noble from his soul.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Daphne,” interrupted Chrysilla, raising herself from her cushions in + alarm, “must I remind you of the moderation which distinguishes the Greeks + from the barbarians, and especially the Hellenic woman—” + </p> + <p> + Here Daphne indignantly broke in: “Whoever practises moderation in the + conflict against vice has already gone halfway over to evil. She utterly + ruined—how long ago is it?—the unfortunate Menander, my poor + Ismene’s young husband. You know them both, Hermon. Here, of course, you + scarcely heard how she lured him from his wife and the lovely little girl + who bears my name. She tempted the poor fellow to her ship, only to cast + him off at the end of a month for another. Now he is at home again, but he + thinks Ismene is the statue from the Temple of Isis, which has gained life + and speech; for he has lost his mind, and when I saw him I felt as if I + should die of horror and pity. Now she is coming home with Proclus, and, + as the way led through Pelusium, she attached herself to our friends and + forces herself in here with them. What does she care about her elderly + travelling companion? But you—yes, you, Hermon—are the next + person whom she means to capture. Just now, when my eyes closed But no! It + is not only in my dreams; the hideous gray threads which proceed from this + greedy spider are continually floating before me and dim the light.” Here + she paused, for the maid Stephanion announced the coming of visitors, and + at the same time loud voices were heard outside, and the merry party who + had been attending the breakfast given by the commandant of Pelusium + entered the tent. + </p> + <p> + Althea was among the guests, but she took little notice of Hermon. + </p> + <p> + Proclus, her associate in Queen Arsinoe’s favour, was again asserting his + rights as her travelling companion, and she showed him plainly that the + attention which he paid her was acceptable. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile her eager, bright blue eyes were roving everywhere, and nothing + that was passing around her escaped her notice. + </p> + <p> + As she greeted Daphne she perceived that her cheeks had flushed during her + conversation with Hermon. + </p> + <p> + How reserved and embarrassed the sculptor’s manner was now to his uncle’s + daughter, whom only yesterday he had treated with as much freedom as + though she were his sister! What a bungler in dissimulation! how + short-sighted was this big, strong man and remarkable artist! He had + carried her, Althea, in his arms like a child for a whole quarter of an + hour at the festival of Dionysus, and, in spite of the sculptor’s keen + eye, he did not recognise her again! + </p> + <p> + What would not dyes and a change of manner accomplish! + </p> + <p> + Or had the memory of those mad hours revived and caused his embarrassment? + If he should know that her companion, the Milesian Nanno, whom he had + feasted with her on oyster pasties at Canopus after she had given the slip + to her handsome young companion was Queen Arsinoe! Perhaps she would + inform him of it some day if he recognised her. + </p> + <p> + Yet that could scarcely have happened. He had only been told what she + betrayed to him yesterday, and was now neglecting her for Daphne’s sake. + That was undoubtedly the way the matter stood. How the girl’s cheeks were + glowing when she entered! + </p> + <p> + The obstacle that stood between her and Hermon was the daughter of + Archias, and she, fool that she was, had attracted Hermon’s attention to + her. + </p> + <p> + No matter! + </p> + <p> + He would want her for the Arachne, and she needed only to stretch out her + hand to draw him to her again if she found no better amusement in + Alexandria. Now she would awaken his fears that the best of models would + recall her favour. Besides, it would not do to resume the pleasant game + with him under the eyes of Philippus and his wife, who was a follower of + the manners of old times. The right course now was to keep him until + later. + </p> + <p> + Standing at Proclus’s side, she took part gaily in the general + conversation; but when Myrtilus and Philemon had joined the others, and + Daphne had consented to go with Philippus and Thyone that evening, in + order, after offering sacrifice together to Selene, to sail for Pelusium, + Althea requested the grammateus to take her, into the open air. + </p> + <p> + Before leaving the tent, however, she dropped her ostrich-feather fan as + she passed Hermon, and, when he picked it up, whispered with a significant + glance at Daphne, “I see that what was learned of her heart is turned to + account promptly enough.” + </p> + <p> + Then, laughing gaily, she continued loudly enough to be heard by her + companion also: “Yesterday our young artist maintained that the Muse + shunned abundance; but the works of his wealthy friend Myrtilus + contradicted him, and he changed his view with the speed of lightning.” + </p> + <p> + “Would that this swift alteration had concerned the direction of his art,” + replied Proclus in a tone audible to her alone. + </p> + <p> + Both left the tent as he spoke, and Hermon uttered a sigh of relief as he + looked after them. She attributed the basest motives to him, and Daphne’s + opinion of her was scarcely too severe. + </p> + <p> + He no longer needed to fear her power of attraction, though, now that he + had seen her again, he better understood the spell which she had exerted + over him. Every movement of her lithe figure had an exquisite grace, whose + charm was soothing to the artist’s eye. Only there was something piercing + in her gaze when it did not woo love, and, while making the base charge, + her extremely thin lips had showed her sharp teeth in a manner that + reminded him of the way the she-wolf among the King’s wild beasts in the + Paneum gardens raised her lips when any one went near her cage. + </p> + <p> + Daphne was right. Ledscha would have been infinitely better as a model for + the Arachne. Everything in this proud creature was genuine and original, + which was certainly not the case with Althea. Besides, stern austerity was + as much a part of the Biamite as her hair and her hands, yet what ardent + passion he had seen glow in her eyes! The model so long sought in vain he + had found in Ledscha, who in so many respects resembled Arachne. Fool that + he was to have yielded to a swift and false ebullition of feeling! + </p> + <p> + Since Myrtilus was again near him Hermon had devoted himself with fresh + eagerness to his artistic task, while a voice within cried more and more + loudly that the success of his new work depended entirely upon Ledscha. He + must try to regain her as a model for the Arachne! But while pondering + over the “how,” he felt a rare sense of pleasure when Daphne spoke to him + or her glance met his. + </p> + <p> + At first he had devoted himself eagerly to his father’s old friends, and + especially to Thyone, and had not found it quite easy to remain firm when, + in her frank, kindly, cordial manner, she tried to persuade him to + accompany her and the others to Pelusium. Yet he had succeeded in refusing + the worthy couple’s invitation. But when he saw Philotas, whose + resemblance to the King, his cousin, had just been mentioned by one of the + officers, become more and more eager in his attentions to Daphne, and + heard him also invited by Philippus to share the nocturnal voyage, he felt + disturbed, and could not conceal from himself that the uneasiness which + constantly obtained a greater mastery over him arose from the fear of + losing his friend to the young aristocrat. + </p> + <p> + This was jealousy, and where it flamed so hotly love could scarcely be + absent. Yet, had the shaft of Eros really struck him, how was it possible + that the longing to win Ledscha back stirred so strongly within him that + he finally reached a resolution concerning her? + </p> + <p> + As soon as the guests left Tennis he would approach the Biamite again. He + had already whispered this intention to Myrtilus, when he heard Daphne’s + companion say to Thyone, “Philotas will accompany us, and on this voyage + they will plight their troth if Aphrodite’s powerful son accepts my + sacrifice.” + </p> + <p> + He involuntarily looked at the pair who were intended for each other, and + saw Daphne lower her eyes, blushing, at a whisper from the young + Macedonian. + </p> + <p> + His blood also crimsoned his cheeks, and when, soon after, he asked his + friend whether she cared for his companionship, and Daphne assented in the + most eager way, he said that he would share the voyage to Pelusium. + Daphne’s eyes had never yet beamed upon him so gladly and graciously. + Althea was right. She must love him, and it seemed as if this conviction + awoke a new star of happiness in his troubled soul. + </p> + <p> + If Philotas imagined that he could pluck the daughter of Archias like a + ripe fruit from a tree, he would find himself mistaken. + </p> + <p> + Hermon did not yet exactly understand himself, only he felt certain that + it would be impossible to surrender Daphne to another, and that for her + sake he would give up twenty Ledschas, though he cherished infinitely + great expectations from the Biamite for his art, which hitherto had been + more to him than all else. + </p> + <p> + Everything that he still had to do in Tennis he could intrust to his + conscientious Bias, to Myrtilus, and his slaves. + </p> + <p> + If he returned to the city of weavers, he would earnestly endeavour to + palliate the offence which he had inflicted on Ledscha, and, if possible, + obtain her forgiveness. Only one thing detained him—anxiety about + his friend, who positively refused to share the night voyage. + </p> + <p> + He had promised his uncle Archias to care for him like a brother, and his + own kind heart bade him stay with Myrtilus, and not leave him to the + nursing of his very skilful but utterly unreliable body-servant, after the + last night had proved to what severe attacks of his disease he was still + liable. + </p> + <p> + Myrtilus, however, earnestly entreated him not to deprive himself on his + account of a pleasure which he would gladly have shared. There was plenty + of time to pack the statues. As for himself, nothing would do him more + good just now than complete rest in his beloved solitude, which, as Hermon + knew, was more welcome to him than the gayest society. Nothing was to be + feared for him now. The thunderstorm had purified the air, and another one + was not to be expected soon in this dry region. He had always been well + here in sunny weather. Storms, which were especially harmful to him, never + came at this season of the year. + </p> + <p> + Myrtilus secretly thought that Hermon’s departure would be desirable, + because the slave Bias had confided to him what dangers threatened his + friend from the incensed Biamite husbands. + </p> + <p> + Finally, Myrtilus turned to the others and begged them not to let Hermon + leave Pelusium quickly. + </p> + <p> + When, at parting, he was alone with him, he embraced him and said more + tenderly than usual: “You know how easy it will be for me to depart from + life; but it would be easier still if I could leave you behind without + anxiety, and that would happen if the hymeneal hymns at your marriage to + Daphne preceded the dirges which will soon resound above my coffin. + Yesterday I first became sure that she loves you, and, much good as you + have in your nature, you owe the best to her.” + </p> + <p> + Hermon clasped him in his arms with passionate affection, and after + confessing that he, too, felt drawn with the utmost power toward Daphne, + and urging him to anticipate complete recovery instead of an early death, + he held out his hand to his friend; but Myrtilus clasped it a long time in + his own, saying earnestly: “Only this one frank warning: An Arachne like + the model which Althea presented yesterday evening would deal the past of + your art a blow in the face. No one at Rhodes—and this is just what + I prize in you—hated imitation more, yet what would using the + Arachne on the pedestal for a model be except showing the world not how + Hermon, but how Althea imagines the hapless transformed mortal? Even if + Ledscha withdraws from you, hold fast to her image. It will live on in + your soul. Recall it there, free it from whatever is superfluous, supply + whatever it lacks, animate it with the idea of the tireless artist, the + mocking, defiant mortal woman who ended her life as the weaver of weavers + in the insect world, as you have so often vividly described her to me. + Then, my dear fellow, you will remain loyal to yourself, and therefore + also to the higher truth, toward which every one of us who labours + earnestly strives, and, myself included, there is no one who wields hammer + and chisel in Greece who could contest the prize with you.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <h3> + When the sun was approaching the western horizon the travellers started. + </h3> + <p> + Light mists veiled the radiant right eye of the goddess of heaven. The + blood of the contending spirits of light and darkness, which usually dyed + the west of Egypt crimson at the departure of the great sun god, to-day + vanished from sight. + </p> + <p> + The sultry air was damp and oppressive, and experienced old Philippus, who + had commanded a fleet of considerable size under the first Ptolemies, + agreed with the captain of the vessel, who pointed to several small dark + clouds under the silvery stratus, and expressed the fear that Selene would + hardly illumine the ship’s course during the coming night. + </p> + <p> + But before the departure the travellers had offered sacrifices to the + foam-born Cyprian Aphrodite and the Dioscuri, the protectors of mariners, + and the conversation took the gayest turn. + </p> + <p> + In the harbour of the neighbouring seaport Tanis they went aboard of the + commandant’s state galley, one of the largest and finest in the royal + fleet, where a banquet awaited them. + </p> + <p> + Cushions were arranged on the high poop, and the sea was as smooth as the + silver dishes in which viands were offered to the guests. + </p> + <p> + True, not a breath stirred the still, sultry air, but the three long + double ranks of rowers in the hold of the ship provided for her swift + progress, and if no contrary wind sprang up she would run into the harbour + of Pelusium before the last goblet was emptied. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the departure it seemed as if the captain of the little vessel + had erred in his prediction, for the moon burst victoriously through the + black clouds, only its shining orb was surrounded by a dull, glimmering + halo. + </p> + <p> + Doubtless many a guest longed for a cool breeze, but when the mixed wine + had moistened the parched tongues the talk gained fresh animation. + </p> + <p> + Every one did his or her part, for the point in question was to induce + Philippus and his wife to visit Alexandria again and spend some time there + as beloved guests with Daphne in her father’s house or in the palace of + Philotas, who jestingly, yet with many reasons, contested the honour with + the absent Archias. + </p> + <p> + The old warrior had remained away from the capital for several years; he + alone knew why. Now the act which had incensed him and the offence + inflicted upon him were forgotten, and, having passed seventy four years, + he intended to ask the commander in chief once more for the retirement + from the army which the monarch had several times refused, in order, as a + free man, to seek again the city which in his present position he had so + long avoided. + </p> + <p> + Thyone, it is true, thought that her husband’s youthful vigour rendered + this step premature, but the visit to Alexandria harmonized with her own + wishes. + </p> + <p> + Proclus eagerly sided with her. “To him,” said the man of manifold + knowledge, who as high priest of Apollo was fond of speaking in an + instructive tone, “experience showed that men like Philippus, who solely + on account of the number of their years withdrew their services from the + state, felt unhappy, and, like the unused ploughshare, became prematurely + rusty. What they lacked, and what Philippus would also miss, was not + merely the occupation, which might easily be supplied by another, but + still more the habit of command. One who had had thousands subject to his + will was readily overcome by the feeling that he was going down hill, when + only a few dozen of his own slaves and his wife obeyed him.” + </p> + <p> + This word aroused the mirth of old Philippus, who praised all the good + qualities of Macedonian wives except that of obedience, while Thyone + protested that during her more than forty years of married life her + husband had become so much accustomed to her complete submission than he + no longer noticed it. If Philippus should command her to-morrow to leave + their comfortable palace in Pelusium to accompany him to Alexandria, where + they possessed no home of their own, he would see how willingly she obeyed + him. + </p> + <p> + While speaking, her bright, clear eyes, which seemed to float in the deep + hollows sunk by age, sparkled so merrily in her wrinkled face that + Philippus shook his finger gaily at her and showed plainly how much + pleasure the jest of the old companion of his wanderings gave him. + </p> + <p> + Yet he insisted upon his purpose of not entering Alexandria again until he + had resigned his office, and to do this at present was impossible, since + he was bound just now, as if with chains, to the important frontier + fortress. Besides, there had probably been little change in the capital + since the death of his beloved old companion in arms and master, the late + King. + </p> + <p> + This assertion evoked a storm of contradiction, and even the younger + officers, who usually imposed severe restraint upon themselves in the + general’s presence, raised their voices to prove that they, too, had + looked around the flourishing capital with open eyes. + </p> + <p> + Yet it was not six decades since Philippus, then a lad of seventeen, had + been present at its foundation. + </p> + <p> + His father, who had commanded as hipparch a division of cavalry in the + army of Alexander the Great, had sent for the sturdy youth just at that + time to come to Egypt, that he might enter the army. The conqueror of the + world had himself assigned him, as a young Macedonian of good family, to + the corps of the Hetairoi; and how the vigorous old man’s eyes sparkled + as, with youthful enthusiasm, he spoke of the divine vanquisher of the + world who had at that time condescended to address him, gazed at him + keenly yet encouragingly with his all-discerning but kindly blue eyes, and + extended his hand to him! + </p> + <p> + “That,” he cried, “made this rough right hand precious to me. Often when, + in Asia, in scorching India, and later here also, wounded or exhausted, it + was ready to refuse its service, a spirit voice within cried, ‘Do not + forget that he touched it’; and then, as if I had drunk the noble wine of + Byblus, a fiery stream flowed from my heart into the paralyzed hand, and, + as though animated with new life, I used it again and kept it worthy of + his touch. To have seen a darling of the gods like him, young men, makes + us greater. It teaches us how even we human beings are permitted to + resemble the immortals. Now he is transported among the gods, and the + Olympians received him, if any one, gladly. Whoever shared the deeds of + such a hero takes a small portion of his renown with him through life and + into the grave, and whom he touched, as befell me, feels himself + consecrated, and whatever is petty and base flows away from him like water + from the anointed body of the wrestler. Therefore I consider myself + fortunate above thousands of others, and if there is anything which still + tempts me to go to Alexandria, it is the desire to touch his dead body + once more. To do that before I die is my most ardent desire.” + </p> + <p> + “Then gratify it!” cried Thyone with urgent impatience; but Proclus turned + to the matron, and, after exchanging a hasty glance with Althea, said: + “You probably know, my venerable friend, that Queen Arsinoe, who most + deeply honours your illustrious husband, had already arranged to have him + summoned to the capital as priest of Alexander. True, in this position he + would have had the burden of disposing of all the revenues from the + temples throughout Egypt; but, on the other hand, he would always have his + master’s mortal remains near and be permitted to be their guardian. What + influences baffled the Queen’s wish certainly have not remained hidden + from you here.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken,” replied Philippus gravely. “Not the least whisper of + this matter reached my ears, and it is fortunate.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible!” Althea eagerly interrupted; “nothing else was talked of for + weeks in the royal palace. Queen Arsinoe—you might be jealous, Lady + Thyone—has been fairly in love with your hero ever since her last + stay in your house on her way home from Thrace, and she has not yet given + up her desire to see him in the capital as priest of Alexander. It seems + to her just and fair that the old companion of the greatest of the great + should have the highest place, next to her husband’s, in the city whose + foundation he witnessed. Arsinoe speaks of you also with all the affection + natural to her feeling heart.” + </p> + <p> + “This is as flattering as it is surprising,” replied Thyone. “The + attention we showed her in Pelusium was nothing more than we owed to the + wife of the sovereign. But the court is not the principal attraction that + draws me to the capital. It would make Philippus happy—you have just + heard him say so—to remember his old master beside the tomb of + Alexander.” + </p> + <p> + “And,” added Daphne, “how amazed you will be when you see the present form + of the ‘Soma’, in which rests the golden coffin with the body of the + divine hero whom the fortunate Philippus aided to conquer the world!” + </p> + <p> + “You are jesting,” interrupted the old warrior. “I aided him only as the + drops in the stream help to turn the wheel of the mill. As to his body, + true, I marched at the head of the procession which bore it to Memphis and + thence to Alexandria. In the Soma I was permitted to think of him with + devout reverence, and meantime I felt as if I had again seen him with + these eyes—exactly as he looked in the Egyptian fishing village of + Rhacotis, which he transformed into your magnificent Alexandria. What a + youth he was! Even what would have been a defect in others became a beauty + in him. The powerful neck which supported his divine head was a little + crooked; but what grace it lent him when he turned kindly to any one! One + scarcely noticed it, and yet it was like the bend of a petitioner, and + gave the wish which he expressed resistless power. When he stood erect, + the sharpest eye could not detect it. Would that he could appear before me + thus once more! Besides, the buildings which surrounded the golden coffin + were nearly completed at the time of our departure.” + </p> + <p> + “But the statues, reliefs, and mosaic work were lacking,” said Hermon. + “They were executed by Lysippus, Euphranor, and others of our greatest + artists; the paintings by Apelles himself, Antiphilus, and Nicias. Only + those who had won renown were permitted to take part in this work, and the + Ares rushing to battle, created by our Myrtilus, can be seen among the + others. The tomb of Alexander was not entirely completed until three years + ago.” + </p> + <p> + “At the same time as the Paneum,” added Philotas, completing the sentence; + and Althea, waving her beaker toward the old hero, remarked: “When you + have your quarters in the royal palace with your crowned admirer, Arsinoe—which, + I hope, will be very soon—I will be your guide.” + </p> + <p> + “That office is already bestowed on me by the Lady Thyone,” Daphne quietly + replied. + </p> + <p> + “And you think that, in this case, obedience is the husband’s duty?” cried + the other, with a sneering laugh. + </p> + <p> + “It would only be the confirmation of a wise choice,” replied Philippus, + who disliked the Thracian’s fawning manner. + </p> + <p> + Thyone, too, did not favour her, and had glanced indignantly at her when + Althea made her rude remark. Now she turned to Daphne, and her plain face + regained its pleasant expression as she exclaimed: “We really promised + your father to let him show us the way, child; but, unfortunately, we are + not yet in Alexandria and the Paneum.” + </p> + <p> + “But you would set out to-morrow,” Hermon protested, “if we could succeed + in fitly describing what now awaits you there. There is only one + Alexandria, and no city in the world can offer a more beautiful scene than + is visible from the mountain in the Paneum gardens.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” protested the young hipparch, who had studied in Athens. + “I stood on the Acropolis; I was permitted to visit Rhodes and Miletus—” + </p> + <p> + “And you saw nothing more beautiful there,” cried Proclus. “The + aristocratic Roman envoys, who left us a short time ago, admitted the same + thing. They are just men, for the view from the Capitol of their growing + city is also to be seen. When the King’s command led me to the Tiber, many + things surprised me; but, as a whole, how shall I compare the two cities? + The older Rome, with her admirable military power: a barbarian who is just + beginning to cultivate more refined manners—Alexandria: a rich, + aristocratic Hellene who, like you, my young friend, completed her + education in Ilissus, and unites to the elegant taste and intellect of the + Athenian the mysterious thoughtfulness of the Egyptian, the tireless + industry of the Jew, and the many-sided wisdom and brilliant magnificence + of the other Oriental countries.” + </p> + <p> + “But who disdains to dazzle the eyes with Asiatic splendour,” interrupted + Philotas. + </p> + <p> + “And yet what do we not hear about the unprecedented luxury in the royal + palace!” growled the gray-haired warrior. + </p> + <p> + “Parsimony—the gods be praised!—no one need expect from our + royal pair,” Althea broke in; “but King Ptolemy uses his paternal wealth + for very different purposes than glittering gems and golden chambers. If + you disdain my guidance, honoured hero, at least accept that of some + genuine Alexandrian. Then you will understand Proclus’s apt simile. You + ought to begin with the royal palaces in the Brucheium.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no-with the harbour of Eunostus!” interrupted the grammateus. + </p> + <p> + “With the Soma!” cried the young hipparch, while Daphne wished to have the + tour begin in the Paneum gardens. + </p> + <p> + “They were already laid out when we left Alexandria,” said Thyone. + </p> + <p> + “And they have grown marvellously, as if creative Nature had doubled her + powers in their behalf,” Hermon added eagerly. “But man has also wrought + amazing miracles here. Industrious hands reared an actual mountain. A + winding path leads to the top, and when you stand upon the summit and look + northward you at first feel like the sailor who steps on shore and hears + the people speak a language which is new to him. It seems like a jumble of + meaningless sounds until he learns, not only to understand the words, but + also to distinguish the sentences. Temples and palaces, statues and + columns appear everywhere in motley confusion. Each one, if you separate + it from the whole and give it a careful examination, is worthy of + inspection, nay, of admiration. Here are light, graceful creations of + Hellenic, yonder heavy, sombre ones of Egyptian art, and in the background + the exquisite azure of the eternal sea, which the marvellous structure of + the heptastadium unites to the land; while on the island of Pharos the + lighthouse of Sostratus towers aloft almost to the sky, and with a flood + of light points out the way to mariners who approach the great harbour at + night. Countless vessels are also at anchor in the Eunostus. The riches of + the whole earth flow into both havens. And the life and movement there and + in the inland harbour on Lake Mareotis, where the Nile boats land! From + early until late, what a busy throng, what an abundance of wares—and + how many of the most valuable goods are made in our own city! for whatever + useful, fine, and costly articles industrial art produces are manufactured + here. The roof has not yet been put on many a factory in which busy + workers are already making beautiful things. Here the weaver’s shuttle + flies, yonder gold is spun around slender threads of sheep guts, elsewhere + costly materials are embroidered by women’s nimble fingers with the + prepared gold thread. There glass is blown, or weapons and iron utensils + are forged. Finely polished knives split the pith of the papyrus, and long + rows of workmen and workwomen gum the strips together. No hand, no head is + permitted to rest. In the Museum the brains of the great thinkers and + investigators are toiling. Here, too, reality asserts its rights. The time + for chimeras and wretched polemics is over. Now it is observing, + fathoming, turning to account, nothing more!” + </p> + <p> + “Gently, my young friend,” Proclus interrupted the artist. “I know that + you, too, sat at the feet of some of the philosophers in the Museum, and + still uphold the teachings of Straton, which your fellow-pupil, King + Ptolemy, outgrew long ago. Yet he, also, recognised in philosophy, first + of all, the bond which unites the widely sundered acquisitions of the + intellect, the vital breath which pervades them, the touchstone which + proves each true or false. If the praise of Alexandria is to be sung, we + must not forget the library to which the most precious treasures of + knowledge of the East and West are flowing, and which feeds those who + thirst for knowledge with the intellectual gains of former ages and other + nations. Honour, too, to our King, and, that I may be just, to his + illustrious wife; for wherever in the Grecian world a friend of the Muses + appears, whether he is investigator, poet, architect, sculptor, artist, + actor, or singer, he is drawn to Alexandria, and, that he may not be idle, + work is provided. Palaces spring from the earth quickly enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet not like mushrooms,” Hermon interrupted, “but as the noblest, most + carefully executed creations of art-sculpture and painting provide for + their decoration both without and within.” + </p> + <p> + “And,” Proclus went on, “abodes are erected for the gods as well as for + men, both Egyptian and Hellenic divinities, each in their own style, and + so beautiful that it must be a pleasure for them to dwell under the new + roof.” + </p> + <p> + “Go to the gardens of the Paneum, friends!” cried young Philotas; and + Hermon, nodding to Thyone, added gaily: “Then you must climb the mountain + and keep your eyes open while you are ascending the winding path. You will + find enough to do to look at all the new sights. You will stand there with + dry feet, but your soul will bathe in eternal, imperishable, divine + beauty.” + </p> + <p> + “The foe of beauty!” exclaimed Proclus, pointing to the sculptor with a + scornful glance; but Daphne, full of joyous emotion, whispered to Hermon + as he approached her: “Eternal, divine beauty! To hear it thus praised by + you makes me happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” cried the artist, “what else should I call what has so often filled + me with the deepest rapture? The Greek language has no more fitting + expression for the grand and lofty things that hovered before me, and + which I called by that chameleon of a word. Yet I have a different meaning + from what appears before you at its sound. Were I to call it truth, you + would scarcely understand me, but when I conjure before my soul the image + of Alexandria, with all that springs from it, all that is moving, + creating, and thriving with such marvellous freedom, naturalness, and + variety within it, it is not alone the beauty that pleases the eye which + delights me; I value more the sound natural growth, the genuine, abundant + life. To truth, Daphne, as I mean it.” + </p> + <p> + He raised his goblet as he spoke and drank to her. + </p> + <p> + She willingly pledged him, but, after removing her lips from the cup, she + eagerly exclaimed: “Show it to us, with the mind which animates it, in + perfect form, and I should not know wherein it was to be distinguished + from the beauty which hitherto has been our highest goal.” + </p> + <p> + Here the helmsman’s loud shout, “The light of Pelusium!” interrupted the + conversation. The bright glare from the lighthouse of this city was really + piercing the misty night air, which for some time had again concealed the + moon. + </p> + <p> + There was no further connected conversation, for the sea was now rising + and falling in broad, leaden, almost imperceptible waves. The comfort of + most of Philippus’s guests was destroyed, and the ladies uttered a sigh of + relief when they had descended from the lofty galley and the boats that + conveyed them ashore, and their feet once more pressed the solid land. The + party of travellers went to the commandant’s magnificent palace to rest, + and Hermon also retired to his room, but sleep fled from his couch. + </p> + <p> + No one on earth was nearer to his heart and mind than Daphne, and it often + seemed as if her kind, loyal, yet firm look was resting upon him; but the + memory of Ledscha also constantly forced itself upon his mind and stirred + his blood. When he thought of the menacing fire of her dark eyes, she + seemed to him as terrible as one of the unlovely creatures born of Night, + the Erinyes, Apate, and Eris. + </p> + <p> + Then he could not help recalling their meetings in the grove of Astarte, + her self-forgetting, passionate tenderness, and the wonderfully delicate + beauty of her foreign type. True, she had never laughed in his presence; + but what a peculiar charm there was in her smile! Had he really lost her + entirely and forever? Would it not yet be possible to obtain her + forgiveness and persuade her to pose as the model of his Arachne? + </p> + <p> + During the voyage to Pelusium he had caught Althea’s eye again and again, + and rejected as an insult her demand to give her his whole love. The + success of the Arachne depended upon Ledscha, and on her alone. He had + nothing good to expect from the Demeter, and during the nocturnal + meditation, which shows everything in the darkest colours, his best plan + seemed to be to destroy the unsuccessful statue and not exhibit it for the + verdict of the judges. + </p> + <p> + But if he went to work again in Tennis to model the Arachne, did not love + for Daphne forbid him to sue afresh for Ledscha’s favour? + </p> + <p> + What a terrible conflict of feelings! + </p> + <p> + But perhaps all this might gain a more satisfactory aspect by daylight. + Now he felt as though he had entangled himself in a snare. Besides, other + thoughts drove sleep from his couch. + </p> + <p> + The window spaces were closed by wooden shutters, and whenever they moved + with a low creaking or louder banging Hermon started and forgot everything + else in anxiety about his invalid friend, whose suffering every strong + wind brought on again, and often seriously increased. + </p> + <p> + Three times he sprang up from the soft wool, covered with linen sheets, + and looked out to convince himself that no storm had risen. But, though + masses of black clouds concealed the moon and stars, and the sea beat + heavily against the solid walls of the harbour, as yet only a sultry + breeze of no great strength blew on his head as he thrust it into the + night air. + </p> + <p> + This weather could scarcely be dangerous to Myrtilus, yet when the morning + relieved him from the torturing anxiety which he had found under his + host’s roof instead of rest and sleep, gray and black clouds were sweeping + as swiftly over the port and the ramparts beside him as if they were + already driven by a tempest, and warm raindrops besprinkled his face. + </p> + <p> + He went, full of anxiety, to take his bath, and, while committing the care + of the adornment of his outer man to one of the household slaves, he + determined that unless—as often happened in this country—the + sun gained the victory over the clouds, he would return to Tennis and join + Myrtilus. + </p> + <p> + In the hall of the men he met the rest of the old hero’s guests. + </p> + <p> + They received him pleasantly enough, Althea alone barely noticed his + greeting; she seemed to suspect in what way he thought of her. + </p> + <p> + Thyone and Daphne extended their hands to him all the more cordially. + </p> + <p> + Philippus did not appear until after breakfast. He had been detained by + important despatches from Alexandria, and by questions and communications + from Proclus. The latter desired to ascertain whether the influential + warrior who commanded the most important fortress in the country could be + persuaded to join a conspiracy formed by Arsinoe against her royal + husband, but he seemed to have left Philippus with very faint hopes. + </p> + <p> + Subordinate officers and messengers also frequently claimed the + commandant’s attention. When the market place was filling, however, the + sturdy old soldier kindly fulfilled his duties as host by offering to show + his guests the sights of the fortified seaport. + </p> + <p> + Hermon also accompanied him at Daphne’s side, but he made it easy for + Philotas to engross her attention; for, though the immense thickness of + the walls and the arrangement of the wooden towers which, crowned with + battlements, rose at long intervals, seemed to him also well worth seeing, + he gave them only partial attention. + </p> + <p> + While Philippus was showing the guests how safely the archers and slingers + could be concealed behind the walls and battlements and discharge their + missiles, and explaining the purpose of the great catapults on the + outermost dike washed by the sea, the artist was listening to the + ever-increasing roar of the waves which poured into the harbour from the + open sea, to their loud dashing against the strong mole, to the shrill + scream of the sea gulls, the flapping of the sails, which were being taken + in everywhere—in short, to all the sounds occasioned by the rising + violence of the wind. + </p> + <p> + There were not a few war ships in the port and among them perfect giants + of amazing size and unusual construction, but Hermon had already seen many + similar ones. + </p> + <p> + When, shortly after noon, the sun for a few brief moments pierced with + scorching rays the dark curtain that shrouded it from sight, and then + suddenly dense masses of clouds, driven from the sea by the tempest, + covered the day star, his eyes and cars were engrossed entirely by the + uproar of the elements. + </p> + <p> + The air darkened as if night was falling at this noontide hour, and with + savage fury the foaming mountain waves rushed like mad wild beasts in + fierce assault upon the mole, the walls, and the dikes of the fortified + port. + </p> + <p> + “Home!” cried Thyone, and again entered the litter which she had left to + inspect the new catapults. + </p> + <p> + Althea, trembling, drew her peplos together as the storm swept her light + figure before it, and, shrieking, struggled against the black slaves who + tried to lift her upon the war elephant which had borne her here. + </p> + <p> + Philotas gave his arm to Daphne. Hermon had ceased to notice her; he had + just gone to his gray-haired host with the entreaty that he would give him + a ship for the voyage to Tennis, where Myrtilus would need his assistance. + </p> + <p> + “It is impossible in such weather,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Then I will ride!” cried Hermon resolutely, and Philippus scanned the son + of his old friend and companion in arms with an expression of quiet + satisfaction in his eyes, still sparkling brightly, and answered quickly, + “You shall have two horses, my boy, and a guide who knows the road + besides.” + </p> + <p> + Then, turning swiftly to one of the officers who accompanied him, he + ordered him to provide what was necessary. + </p> + <p> + When, soon after, in the impluvium, the tempest tore the velarium that + covered the open space from its rings, and the ladies endeavoured to + detain Hermon, Philippus silenced them with the remark: + </p> + <p> + “A disagreeable ride is before him, but what urges him on is pleasing to + the gods. I have just ventured to send out a carrier dove,” he added, + turning to the artist, “to inform Myrtilus that he may expect you before + sunset. The storm comes from the cast, otherwise it would hardly reach the + goal. Put even if it should be lost, what does it matter?” + </p> + <p> + Thyone nodded to her old husband with a look of pleasure, and her eyes + shone through tears at Hermon as she clasped his hand and, remembering her + friend, his mother, exclaimed: “Go, then, you true son of your father, and + tell your friend that we will offer sacrifices for his welfare.” + </p> + <p> + “A lean chicken to Aesculapius,” whispered the grammateus to Althea. “She + holds on to the oboli.” + </p> + <p> + “Which, at any rate, would be hard enough to dispose of in this wretched + place unless one were a dealer in weapons or a thirsty sailor,” sighed the + Thracian. “As soon as the sky and sea are blue again, chains could not + keep me here. And the cooing around this insipid rich beauty into the + bargain!” + </p> + <p> + This remark referred to Philotas, who was just offering Daphne a + magnificent bunch of roses, which a mounted messenger had brought to him + from Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + The girl received it with a grateful glance, but she instantly separated + one of the most beautiful blossoms from its companions and handed it to + Hermon, saying, “For our suffering friend, with my affectionate + remembrances.” + </p> + <p> + The artist pressed her dear hand with a tender look of love, intended to + express how difficult it was for him to leave her, and when, just at that + moment, a slave announced that the horses were waiting, Thyone whispered: + “Have no anxiety, my son! Your ride away from her through the tempest will + bring you a better reward than his slave’s swift horse will bear the giver + of the roses.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + Hermon, with the rose for his friend fastened in the breast folds of his + chiton, mounted his horse gratefully, and his companion, a sinewy, bronzed + Midianite, who was also to attend to the opening of the fortress gates, + did the same. + </p> + <p> + Before reaching the open country the sculptor had to ride through the + whole city, with which he was entirely unfamiliar. Fiercely as the storm + was sweeping down the streets and squares, and often as the horseman was + forced to hold on to his travelling hat and draw his chlamys closer around + him, he felt the anxieties which had made his night sleepless and saddened + his day suddenly leave him as if by a miracle. Was it the consciousness of + having acted rightly? was it the friendly farewell which Daphne had given + him, and the hope Thyone had aroused, or the expectation of seeing Ledscha + once more, and at least regaining her good will, that had restored his + lost light-heartedness? He did not know himself, nor did he desire to + know. + </p> + <p> + While formerly he had merely glanced carelessly about him in Pelusium, and + only half listened to the explanations given by the veteran’s deep voice, + now whatever he saw appeared in clear outlines and awakened his interest, + in spite of the annoyances caused by the storm. + </p> + <p> + Had he not known that he was in Pelusium, it would have been difficult for + him to determine whether the city he was crossing was an Egyptian, a + Hellenic, or a Syrian one; for here rose an ancient temple of the time of + the Pharaohs, with obelisks and colossal statues before the lofty pylons, + yonder the sanctuary of Poseidon, surrounded by stately rows of Doric + columns, and farther on the smaller temple dedicated to the Dioscuri, and + the circular Grecian building that belonged to Aphrodite. + </p> + <p> + In another spot, still close to the harbour, he saw the large buildings + consecrated to the worship of the Syrian Baal and Astarte. + </p> + <p> + Here he was obliged to wait awhile, for the tempest had excited the war + elephants which were returning from their exercising ground, and their + black keepers only succeeded with the utmost difficulty in restraining + them. Shrieking with fear, the few persons who were in the street besides + the soldiers, that were everywhere present, scattered before the huge, + terrified animals. + </p> + <p> + The costume and appearance of the citizens, too, gave no clew to the + country to which the place belonged; there were as many Egyptians among + them as Greeks, Syrians, and negroes. Asiatics appeared in the majority + only in the market place, where the dealers were just leaving their stands + to secure their goods from the storm. In front of the big building where + the famous Pelusinian xythus beer was brewed, the drink was being carried + away in jugs and wineskins, in ox-carts and on donkeys. Here, too, men + were loading camels, which were rarely seen in Egypt, and had been + introduced there only a short time before. + </p> + <p> + How forcibly all these things riveted Hermon’s attention, now that no one + was at hand to explain them and no delay was permitted! He scarcely had + time for recollection and expectation. + </p> + <p> + Finally, the last gate was unlocked, and the ramparts and moats lay behind + him. + </p> + <p> + Thus far the wind had kept back the rain, and only scattered drops lashed + the riders’ faces; but as soon as they entered the open country, it seemed + as though the pent-up floods burst the barriers which retained them above, + and a torrent of water such as only those dry regions know rushed, not in + straight or slanting lines, but in thick streams, whirled by the + hurricane, upon the marshy land which stretched from Pelusium to Tennis, + and on the horsemen. + </p> + <p> + The road led along a dike raised above fields which, at this season of the + year, were under water, and Hermon’s companion knew it well. + </p> + <p> + For a time both riders allowed themselves to be drenched in silence. The + water ran down upon them from their broad-brimmed hats, and their dripping + horses trotted with drooping heads and steaming flanks one behind the + other until, at the very brick-kiln where Ledscha had recalled her widowed + sister’s unruly slaves to obedience, the guide stopped with an oath, and + pointed to the water which had risen to the top of the dam, and in some + places concealed the road from their eyes. + </p> + <p> + Now it was no longer possible to trot, for the guide was obliged to seek + the traces of the dike with great caution. Meanwhile the force of the + pouring rain by no means lessened—nay, it even seemed to increase—and + the horses were already wading in water up to their fetlocks. + </p> + <p> + But if the votive stones, the little altars and statues of the gods, the + bushes and single trees along the sides of the dike road were overflowed + while the travellers were in the region of the marsh, they would be + obliged to interrupt their journey, for the danger of sinking into the + morass with their horses would then threaten them. + </p> + <p> + Even at the brick-kiln travellers, soldiers, and trains of merchandise had + stopped to wait for the end of the cloud-burst. + </p> + <p> + In front of the farmhouse, too, which Hermon and his companion next + reached, they saw dozens of people seeking shelter, and the Midianite + urged his master to join them for a short time at least. The wisest course + here was probably to yield, and Hermon was already turning his horse’s + head toward the house when a Greek messenger dashed past the beckoning + refuge and also by him. + </p> + <p> + “Do you dare to ride farther?” the artist shouted in a tone of warning + inquiry to the man on the dripping bay, and the latter, without pausing, + answered: “Duty! On business for the King!” + </p> + <p> + Then Hermon turned his steed back toward the road, beat the water from his + soaked beard with the edge of his hand, and with a curt “Forward!” + announced his decision to his companion. Duty summoned him also, and what + another risked for the King he would not fail to do for his friend. + </p> + <p> + The Midianite, shaking his head, rode angrily after him; but, though the + violence of the rain was lessening, the wind began to blow with redoubled + force, beating and lashing the boundless expanse of the quickly formed + lake with such savage fury that it rolled in surges like the sea, and + sweeping over it dense clouds of foam like the sand waves tossed by the + desert tempests. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes moaning, sometimes whistling, the gusts of the hurricane drove + the water and the travellers before it, while the rain poured from the sky + to the earth, and wherever it struck splashed upward, making little + whirlpools and swiftly breaking bubbles. + </p> + <p> + What might not Myrtilus suffer in this storm! This thought strengthened + Hermon’s courage to twice ride past other farmhouses which offered + shelter. At the third the horse refused to wade farther in such a tempest, + so there was nothing to be done except spring off and lead it to the + higher ground which the water had not yet reached. + </p> + <p> + The interior of the peasant hut was filled with people who had sought + shelter there, and the stifling atmosphere which the artist felt at the + door induced him to remain outside. + </p> + <p> + He had stood there dripping barely fifteen minutes when loud shouts and + yells were heard on the road from Pelusium by which he had come, and upon + the flooded dike appeared a body of men rushing forward with marvellous + speed. + </p> + <p> + The nearer they came the fiercer and more bewildering sounded the loud, + shrill medley of their frantic cries, mingled with hoarse laughter, and + the spectacle presented to the eyes was no less rough and bold. + </p> + <p> + The majority seemed to be powerful men. Their complexions were as light as + the Macedonians; their fair, red, and brown locks were thick, unkempt, and + bristling. Most of the reckless, defiantly bold faces were smooth-shaven, + with only a mustache on the upper lip, and sometimes a short imperial. All + carried weapons, and a fleece covered the shoulders of many, while chains, + ornamented with the teeth of animals, hung on their white muscular chests. + </p> + <p> + “Galatians,” Hermon heard one man near him call to another. “They came to + the fortress as auxiliary troops. Philippus forbade them to plunder on + pain of death, and showed them—the gods be thanked!—that he + was in earnest. Otherwise it would soon look here as though the plagues of + locusts, flood, and fire had visited us at once. Red-haired men are not + the only sons of Typhon!” + </p> + <p> + And Hermon thought that he had indeed never seen any human beings equally + fierce, bold to the verge of reckless madness, as these Gallic warriors. + The tempest which swept them forward, and the water through which they + waded, only seemed to increase their enjoyment, for sheer delight rang in + their exulting shouts and yells. + </p> + <p> + Oh, yes! To march amid this uproar of the elements was a pleasure to the + healthy men. It afforded them the rarest, most enlivening delight. For a + long time nothing had so strongly reminded them of the roaring of the wind + and the rushing of the rain in their northern home. It seemed a delicious + relief, after the heat and dryness of the south, which they had endured + with groans. + </p> + <p> + When they perceived the eyes fixed upon them they swung their weapons, + arched their breasts with conscious vanity, distorted their faces into + terrible threatening grimaces, or raised bugle horns to their lips, drew + from them shrill, ear-piercing notes and gloated, with childish delight, + in the terror of the gaping crowd, on whom the restraint of authority + sternly forbade them to show their mettle. + </p> + <p> + Lust of rapine and greed for booty glittered in many a fiery, longing + look, but their leaders kept them in check with the sword. So they rushed + on without stopping, like a thunderstorm pregnant with destruction which + the wind drives over a terrified village. + </p> + <p> + Hermon also had to take the road they followed, and, after giving the + Gauls a long start, he set out again. + </p> + <p> + But though he succeeded in passing the marshy region without injury, there + had been delay after delay; here the horses had left the flooded dike road + and floundered up to their knees in the morass, there trees from the + roadside, uprooted by the storm, barred the way. + </p> + <p> + As night closed in the rain ceased and the wind began to subside, but dark + clouds covered the sky, and the horsemen were still an hour’s ride from + the place where the road ended at the little harbour from which travellers + entered the boat which conveyed them to Tennis. + </p> + <p> + The way no longer led through the marsh, but through tilled lands, and + crossed the ditches which irrigated the fields on wooden bridges. + </p> + <p> + On their account, in the dense darkness which prevailed, caution was + necessary, and this the guide certainly did not lack. He rode at a slow + walk in front of the artist, and had just pointed out to him the light at + the landing place of the boat which went to Tennis, when Hermon was + suddenly startled by a loud cry, followed by clattering and splashing. + </p> + <p> + With swift presence of mind he sprang from his horse and found his + conjecture verified. The bridge had broken down, and horse and rider had + fallen into the broad canal. + </p> + <p> + “The Galatians!” reached Hermon from the dark depths, and the exclamation + relieved him concerning the fate of the Midianite. + </p> + <p> + The latter soon struggled up to the road uninjured. The bridge must have + given way under the feet of the savage horde, unless the Gallic monsters, + with brutal malice, had intentionally shattered it. + </p> + <p> + The first supposition, however, seemed to be the correct one, for as + Hermon approached the canal he heard moans of pain. One of the Gauls had + apparently met with an accident in the fall of the bridge and been + deserted by his comrades. With the skill acquired in the wrestling school, + Hermon descended into the canal to look for the wounded man, while his + guide undertook to get the horses ashore. + </p> + <p> + The deep darkness considerably increased the difficulty of carrying out + his purpose, but the young Greek went up to his neck in the water he could + not become wetter than he was already. So he remained in the ditch until + he found the injured man whose groans of suffering pierced his + compassionate heart. + </p> + <p> + He was obliged to release the luckless Gaul from the broken timbers of the + bridge, and, when Hermon had dragged him out on the opposite bank of the + canal, he made no answer to any question. A falling beam had probably + struck him senseless. + </p> + <p> + His hair, which Hermon’s groping fingers informed him was thick and rough, + seemed to denote a Gaul, but a full, long beard was very rarely seen in + this nation, and the wounded man wore one. Nor could anything be + discovered from the ornaments or weapons of this fierce barbarian. + </p> + <p> + But to whatever people he might belong, he certainly was not a Greek. The + thoroughly un-Hellenic wrapping up of the legs proved that. + </p> + <p> + No matter! Hermon at any rate was dealing with some one who was severely + injured, and the self-sacrificing pity with which even suffering animals + inspired him, and which in his boyhood had drawn upon him the jeers of the + companions of his own age, did not abandon him now. + </p> + <p> + Reluctantly obeying his command, the Midianite helped him bandage the + sufferer’s head, in which a wound could be felt, as well as it could be + done in the darkness, and lift him on the artist’s horse. During this time + fresh groans issued from the bearded lips of the injured warrior, and + Hermon walked by his side, guarding the senseless man from the danger of + falling from the back of the horse as it slowly followed the Midianite’s. + </p> + <p> + This tiresome walk, however, did not last long; the landing place was + reached sooner than Hermon expected, and the ferryboat bore the travellers + and the horses to Tennis. + </p> + <p> + By the flickering light of the captain’s lantern it was ascertained that + the wounded man, in spite of his long dark beard, was probably a Gaul. The + stupor was to be attributed to the fall of a beam on his head, and the + shock, rather than to the wound. The great loss of blood sustained by the + young and powerful soldier had probably caused the duration of the swoon. + </p> + <p> + During the attempts at resuscitation a sailor boy offered his assistance. + He carefully held the lantern, and, as its flickering light fell for brief + moments upon the artist’s face, the lad of thirteen or fourteen asked if + he was Hermon of Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + A curt “If you will permit,” answered the question, considered by the + Hellenes an unseemly one, especially from such a youth; but the sculptor + paid no further attention to him, for, while devoting himself honestly to + the wounded man, his anxiety about his invalid friend increased, and + Ledscha’s image also rose again before him. + </p> + <p> + At last the ferryboat touched the land, and when Hermon looked around for + the lad he had already leaped ashore, and was just vanishing in the + darkness. + </p> + <p> + It was probably within an hour of midnight. + </p> + <p> + The gale was still blowing fiercely over the water, driving the black + clouds across the dark sky, sometimes with long-drawn, wailing sounds, + sometimes with sharp, whistling ones. The rain had wholly ceased, and + seemed to have exhausted itself here in the afternoon. + </p> + <p> + As Archias’s white house was a considerable distance from the landing + place of the ferryboat, Hermon had the wounded warrior carried to it by + Biamite sailors, and again mounted his horse to ride to Myrtilus at as + swift a trot as the soaked, wretched, but familiar road would permit. + </p> + <p> + Considerable time had been spent in obtaining a litter for the Gaul, yet + Hermon was surprised to meet the lad who had questioned him so boldly on + the ferryboat coming, not from the landing place, but running toward it + again from the city, and then saw him follow the shore, carrying a blazing + torch, which he waved saucily. The wind blew aside the flame and smoke + which came from the burning pitch, but it shone brightly through the gloom + and permitted the boy to be distinctly seen. Whence had the nimble fellow + come so quickly? How had he succeeded, in this fierce gale, in kindling + the torch so soon into a powerful flame? Was it not foolish to let a child + amuse itself in the middle of the night with so dangerous a toy? + </p> + <p> + Hermon hastily thought over these questions, but the supposition that the + light of the torch might be intended for a signal did not occur to him. + </p> + <p> + Besides, the boy and the light in his hand occupied his mind only a short + time. He had better things to think of. With what longing Myrtilus must + now be expecting his arrival! But the Gaul needed his aid no less urgently + than his friend. Accurately as he knew what remedies relieved Myrtilus in + severe attacks of illness, he could scarcely dispense with an assistant or + a leech for the other, and the idea swiftly flashed upon him that the + wounded man would afford him an opportunity of seeing Ledscha again. + </p> + <p> + She had told him more than once about the healing art possessed by old + Tabus on the Owl’s Nest. Suppose he should now seek the angry girl to + entreat her to speak to the aged miracle-worker in behalf of the sorely + wounded young foreigner? + </p> + <p> + Here he interrupted himself; something new claimed his attention. + </p> + <p> + A dim light glimmered through the intense darkness from a bit of rising + ground by the wayside. It came from the Temple of Nemesis—a pretty + little structure belonging to the time of Alexander the Great, which he + had often examined with pleasure. Several steps led to the anteroom, + supported by Ionic columns, which adjoined the naos. + </p> + <p> + Two lamps were burning at the side of the door leading into the little + open cella, and at the back of the consecrated place the statue of the + winged goddess was visible in the light of a small altar fire. + </p> + <p> + In her right hand she held the bridle and scourge, and at her feet stood + the wheel, whose turning indicates the influence exerted by her power upon + the destiny of mortals. With stern severity that boded evil, she gazed + down upon her left forearm, bent at the elbow, which corresponds with the + ell, the just measure. + </p> + <p> + Hermon certainly now, if ever, lacked both time and inclination to examine + again this modest work of an ordinary artist, yet he quickly stopped his + weary horse; for in the little pronaos directly in front of the cella door + stood a slender figure clad in a long floating dark robe, extending its + hands through the cella door toward the statue in fervent prayer. She was + pressing her brow against the left post of the door, but at her feet, on + the right side, cowered another figure, which could scarcely be recognised + as a human being. + </p> + <p> + This, too, was a woman. + </p> + <p> + Deeply absorbed in her own thoughts, she was also extending her arms + toward the statue of Nemesis. + </p> + <p> + Hermon knew them both. + </p> + <p> + At first he fancied that his excited imagination was showing him a + threatening illusion. But no! + </p> + <p> + The erect figure was Ledscha, the crouching one Gula, the sailor’s wife + whose child he had rescued from the flames, and who had recently been cast + out by her husband. + </p> + <p> + “Ledscha!” escaped his lips in a muttered tone, and he involuntarily + extended his hands toward her as she was doing toward the goddess. + </p> + <p> + But she did not seem to hear him, and the other woman also retained the + same attitude, as if hewn from stone. + </p> + <p> + Then he called the supplicant’s name loud tone, and the next instant still + more loudly; and now she turned, and, in the faint light of the little + lamp, showed the marvellously noble outlines of her profile. He called + again, and this time Ledscha heard anguished yearning in his deep tones; + but they seemed to have lost their influence over her, for her large dark + eyes gazed at him so repellently and sternly that a cold tremor ran down + his spine. + </p> + <p> + Swinging himself from his horse, he ascended the steps of the temple, and + in the most tender tones at his command exclaimed: “Ledscha! Severely as I + have offended you, Ledscha—oh, do not say no! Will you hear me?” + </p> + <p> + “No!” she answered firmly, and, before he could speak, continued: “This + place is ill chosen for another meeting! Your presence is hateful to me! + Do not disturb me a moment longer!” + </p> + <p> + “As you command,” he began hesitatingly; but she swiftly interrupted with + the question, “Do you come from Pelusium, and are you going directly + home?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not heed the storm on account of Myrtilus’s illness,” he answered + quietly, “and if you demand it, I will return home at once; but first let + me make one more entreaty, which will be pleasing also to the gods.” + </p> + <p> + “Get your response from yonder deity!” she impatiently interrupted, + pointing with a grand, queenly gesture, which at any other time would have + delighted his artist eye, to the statue of Nemesis in the cella. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Gula had also turned her face toward Hermon, and he now + addressed her, saying with a faint tone of reproach: “And did hatred lead + you also, Gula, to this sanctuary at midnight to implore the goddess to + destroy me in her wrath?” + </p> + <p> + The young mother rose and pointed to Ledscha, exclaiming, “She desires + it.” + </p> + <p> + “And I?” he asked gently. “Have I really done you so much evil?” + </p> + <p> + She raised her hand to her brow as if bewildered; her glance fell on the + artist’s troubled face, and lingered there for a short time. Then her eyes + wandered to Ledscha, and from her to the goddess, and finally back again + to the sculptor. Meanwhile Hermon saw how her young figure was trembling, + and, before he had time to address a soothing-word to her, she sobbed + aloud, crying out to Ledscha: “You are not a mother! My child, he rescued + it from the flames. I will not, and I can not—I will no longer pray + for his misfortune!” + </p> + <p> + She drew her veil over her pretty, tear-stained face as she spoke, and + darted lightly down the temple steps close beside him to seek shelter in + her parents’ house, which had been unwillingly opened to the cast-off + wife, but now afforded her a home rich in affection. + </p> + <p> + Immeasurably bitter scorn was depicted in Ledscha’s features as she gazed + after Gula. She did not appear to notice Hermon, and when at last he + appealed to her and briefly urged her to ask the old enchantress on the + Owl’s Nest for a remedy for the wounded Gaul, she again leaned against the + post of the cella door, extended both arms with passionate fervour toward + the goddess, and remained standing there motionless, deaf to his petition. + </p> + <p> + His blood seethed in his veins, and he was tempted to go nearer and force + her to hear him; but before he had ascended the first of the flight of + steps leading to the pronaos, he heard the footsteps of the men who were + bearing the wounded warrior after him. + </p> + <p> + They must not see him here with one of their countrywomen at this hour, + and manly pride forbade him to address her again as a supplicant. + </p> + <p> + So he went back to the road, mounted his horse, and rode on without + vouchsafing a word of farewell to the woman who was invoking destruction + upon his head. As he did so his eyes again rested on the stern face of + Nemesis, and the wheel whose turning determined the destiny of men at her + feet. + </p> + <p> + Assailed by horrible fears, and overpowered by presentiments of evil, he + pursued his way through the darkness. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps Myrtilus had succumbed to the terrible attack which must have + visited him in such a storm, and life without his friend would be bereft + of half its charm. Orphaned, poor, a struggler who had gained no complete + victory, it had been rich only in disappointments to him, in spite of his + conviction that he was a genuine artist, and was fighting for a good + cause. Now he knew that he had also lost the woman by whose assistance he + was certain of a great success in his own much-disputed course, and + Ledscha, if any one, was right in expecting a favourable hearing from the + goddess who punished injustice. + </p> + <p> + He did not think of Daphne again until he was approaching the place where + her tents had stood, and the remembrance of her fell like a ray of light + into his darkened soul. + </p> + <p> + Yet on that spot had also been erected the wooden platform from which + Althea had showed him the transformation into the spider, and the + recollection of the foolish error into which the Thracian had drawn him + disagreeably clouded the pleasant thought of Daphne. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + Complete darkness enfolded the white house. Hermon saw only two windows + lighted, the ones in his friend’s studio, which looked out into the open + square, while his own faced the water. + </p> + <p> + What did this mean? + </p> + <p> + It must be nearly midnight, and he could no longer expect Myrtilus to be + still at work. He had supposed that he should find him in his chamber, + supported by his slaves, struggling for breath. What was the meaning of + the light in the workrooms now? + </p> + <p> + Where was his usually efficient Bias? He never went to rest when his + master was to return home, yet the carrier dove must have announced his + coming! + </p> + <p> + But Hermon had also enjoined the care of Myrtilus upon the slave, and he + was undoubtedly beside the sufferer’s couch, supporting him in the same + way that he had often seen his master. + </p> + <p> + He was now riding across the open space, and he heard the men who carried + the Gaul talking close behind him. + </p> + <p> + Was the wounded barbarian the sole acquisition of this journey? + </p> + <p> + The beat of his horse’s hoofs and the voices of the Biamites echoed + distinctly enough amid the stillness of the night, which was interrupted + only by the roaring of the wind. And this disturbance of the deep silence + around had entered the lighted windows before him, for a figure appeared + at one of them, and—could he believe his own eyes?—Myrtilus + looked down into the square, and a joyous welcome rang from his lips as + loudly as in his days of health. + </p> + <p> + The darkness of the night suddenly seemed to Hermon to be illumined. A + leap to the ground, two bounds up the steps leading to the house, an eager + rush through the corridor that separated him from the room in which + Myrtilus was, the bursting instead of opening of the door, and, as if + frantic with happy surprise, he impetuously embraced his friend, who, + burin and file in hand, was just approaching the threshold, and kissed his + brow and cheeks in the pure joy of his heart. + </p> + <p> + Then what questions, answers, tidings! In spite of the torrents of rain + and the gale, the invalid’s health had been excellent. The solitude had + done him good. He knew nothing about the carrier dove. The hurricane had + probably “blown it away,” as the breeders of the swift messengers said. + </p> + <p> + Question and reply now followed one another in rapid succession, and both + were soon acquainted with everything worth knowing; nay, Hermon had even + delivered Daphne’s rose to his friend, and informed him what had befallen + the Gaul who was being brought into the house. + </p> + <p> + Bias and the other slaves had quickly appeared, and Hermon soon rendered + the wounded man the help he needed in an airy chamber in the second story + of the house, which, owing to the heat that prevailed in summer so close + under the roof, the slaves had never occupied. + </p> + <p> + Bias assisted his master with equal readiness and skill, and at last the + Gaul opened his eyes and, in the language of his country, asked a few + brief questions which were incomprehensible to the others. Then, groaning, + he again closed his lids. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto Hermon had not even allowed himself time to look around his + friend’s studio and examine what he had created during his absence. But, + after perceiving that his kind act had not been in vain, and consuming + with a vigorous appetite the food and wine which Bias set before him, he + obliged Myrtilus—for another day was coming—to go to rest, + that the storm might not still prove hurtful to him. + </p> + <p> + Yet he held his friend’s hand in a firm clasp for a long time, and, when + the latter at last prepared to go, he pressed it so closely that it + actually hurt Myrtilus. But he understood his meaning, and, with a loving + glance that sank deep into Hermon’s heart, called a last good night. + </p> + <p> + After two sleepless nights and the fatiguing ride which he had just taken, + the sculptor felt weary enough; but when he laid his hand on the Gaul’s + brow and breast, and felt their burning heat, he refused Bias’s voluntary + offer to watch the sufferer in his place. + </p> + <p> + If to amuse or forget himself he had caroused far more nights in + succession in Alexandria, why should he not keep awake when the object in + question was to wrest a young life from the grasp of death? This man and + his life were now his highest goal, and he had never yet repented his + foolish eccentricity of imposing discomforts upon himself to help the + suffering. + </p> + <p> + Bias, on his part, was very willing to go to rest. He had plenty of cause + for weariness; Myrtilus’s unscrupulous body-servant had stolen off with + the other slaves the night before, and did not return, with staggering + gait, until the next morning, but, in order to keep his promise to his + master, he had scarcely closed his eyes, that he might be at hand if + Myrtilus should need assistance. + </p> + <p> + So Bias fell asleep quickly enough in his little room in the lower story, + while his master, by the exertion of all his strength of will, watched + beside the couch of the Gaul. + </p> + <p> + Yet, after the first quarter of an hour, his head, no matter how he + struggled to prevent it, drooped again and again upon his breast. But just + as slumber was completely overpowering him his patient made him start up, + for he had left his bed, and when Hermon, fully roused, looked for him, + was standing in the middle of the room, gazing about him. + </p> + <p> + The artist thought that fever had driven the wounded warrior from his + couch, as it formerly did his fellow-pupil Lycon, whom, in the delirium of + typhus, he could keep in bed only by force. So he led the Gaul carefully + back to the couch he had deserted, and, after moistening the bandage with + healing balm from Myrtilus’s medicine chest, ordered him to keep quiet. + </p> + <p> + The barbarian yielded as obediently as a child, but at first remained in a + sitting posture and asked, in scarcely intelligible broken Greek, how he + came to this place. + </p> + <p> + After Hermon had satisfied his curiosity, he also put a few questions, and + learned that his charge not only wore a mustache, like his fellow + countrymen, but also a full beard, because the latter was the badge of the + bridge builders, to which class he belonged. While examining the one + crossing the canal, it had fallen in upon him. + </p> + <p> + He closed his eyes as he spoke, and Hermon wondered if it was not time for + him to lie down also; but the wounded man’s brow was still burning, and + the Gallic words which he constantly muttered were probably about the + phantoms of fever, which Hermon recognised from Lycon’s illness. + </p> + <p> + So he resolved to wait and continue to devote the night, which he had + already intended to give him, to the sufferer. From the chair at the foot + of the bed he looked directly into his face. The soft light of the lamp, + which with two others hung from a tall, heavy bronze stand in the shape of + an anchor, which Bias had brought, shone brightly enough to allow him to + perceive how powerful was the man whose life he had saved. His own face + was scarcely lighter in hue than the barbarian’s, and how sharp was the + contrast between his long, thick black beard and his white face and bare + arched chest! + </p> + <p> + Hermon had noticed this same contrast in his own person. Otherwise the + Gaul did not resemble him in a single feature, and he might even have + refused to compare his soft, wavy beard with the harsh, almost bristly one + of the barbarian. And what a defiant, almost evil expression his + countenance wore when—perhaps because his wound ached—he + closed his lips more firmly! The children who so willingly let him, + Hermon, take them in his arms would certainly have been afraid of this + savage-looking fellow. + </p> + <p> + Yet in build, and at any rate in height and breadth of shoulders, there + was some resemblance between him and the Gaul. + </p> + <p> + As a bridge builder, the injured man belonged, in a certain sense, to the + ranks of the artists, and this increased Hermon’s interest in his patient, + who was now probably out of the most serious danger. + </p> + <p> + True, the Greek still cast many a searching glance at the barbarian, but + his eyes closed more and more frequently, and at last the idea took + possession of him that he himself was the wounded man on the couch, and + some one else, who again was himself, was caring for him. + </p> + <p> + He vainly strove to understand the impossibility of this division of his + own being, but the more eagerly he did so the greater became his + bewilderment. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the scene changed; Ledscha had appeared. + </p> + <p> + Bending over him, she lavished words of love; but when, in passionate + excitement, he sprang from the couch to draw her toward him, she changed + into the Nemesis to whose statue she had just prayed. + </p> + <p> + He stood still as if petrified, and the goddess, too, did not stir. Only + the wheel which had rested at her feet began to move, and rolled, with a + thundering din, sometimes around him, sometimes around the people who, as + if they had sprung from the ground, formed a jeering company of + spectators, and clapped their hands, laughed, and shouted whenever it + rolled toward him and he sprang back in fear. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the wheel constantly grew larger, and seemed to become heavier, + for the wooden beams over which it rolled splintered, crashing like thin + laths, and the spectators’ shouts of applause sounded ruder and fiercer. + </p> + <p> + Then mortal terror suddenly seized him, and while he shouted for help to + Myrtilus, Daphne, and her father Archias, his slave Bias, the old comrade + of Alexander, Philippus, and his wife, he awoke, bathed in perspiration, + and looked about him. + </p> + <p> + But he must still be under the spell of the horrible dream, for the + rattling and clattering around him continued, and the bed where the + wounded Gaul had lain was empty. + </p> + <p> + Hermon involuntarily dipped his hand into the water which stood ready to + wet the bandages, and sprinkled his own face with it; but if he had ever + beheld life with waking eyes, he was doing so now. Yet the barbarian had + vanished, and the noise in the house still continued. + </p> + <p> + Was it possible that rats and mice—? No! That was the shriek of a + terrified human being—that a cry for help! This sound was the + imperious command of a rough man’s voice, that—no, he was not + mistaken—that was his own name, and it came from the lips of his + Myrtilus, anxiously, urgently calling for assistance. + </p> + <p> + Then he suddenly realized that the white house had been attacked, that his + friend must be rescued from robbers or the fury of a mob of Biamites, and, + like the bent wood of a projectile when released from the noose which + holds it to the ground, the virile energy that characterized him sprang + upward with mighty power. The swift glance that swept the room was sent to + discover a weapon, and before it completed the circuit Hermon had already + grasped the bronze anchor with the long rod twined with leaves and the + teeth turned downward. Only one of the three little vessels filled with + oil that hung from it was burning. Before swinging the heavy standard + aloft, he freed it from the lamps, which struck the floor with a clanging + noise. + </p> + <p> + The man to whom he dealt a blow with this ponderous implement would forget + to rise. Then, as if running for a prize in the gymnasium, he rushed + through the darkness to the staircase, and with breathless haste groped + his way down the narrow, ladderlike steps. He felt himself an avenging, + punishing power, like the Nemesis who had pursued him in his dreams. He + must wrest the friend who was to him the most beloved of mortals from the + rioters. To defeat them himself seemed a small matter. His shout—“I + am coming, Myrtilus! Snuphis, Bias, Dorcas, Syrus! here, follow me!” was + to summon the old Egyptian doorkeeper and the slaves, and inform his + friend of the approach of a deliverer. + </p> + <p> + The loudest uproar echoed from his own studio. Its door stood wide open, + and black smoke, mingled with the deep red and yellow flames of burning + pitch, poured from it toward him. + </p> + <p> + “Myrtilus!” he shouted at the top of his voice as he leaped across the + threshold into the tumult which filled the spacious apartment, at the same + time clashing the heavy iron anchor down upon the head of the + broad-shouldered, half-naked fellow who was raising a clumsy lance against + him. + </p> + <p> + The pirate fell as though struck by lightning, and he again shouted + “Myrtilus!” into the big room, so familiar to him, where the conflict was + raging chaotically amid a savage clamour, and the smoke did not allow him + to distinguish a single individual. + </p> + <p> + For the second time he swung the terrible weapon, and it struck to the + floor the monster with a blackened face who had rushed toward him, but at + the same time the anchor broke in two. + </p> + <p> + Only a short metal rod remained in his hand, and, while he raised his arm, + determined to crush the temples of the giant carrying a torch who sprang + forward to meet him, it suddenly seemed as if a vulture with glowing + plumage and burning beak was attacking his face, and the terrible bird of + prey was striking its hard, sharp, red-hot talons more and more furiously + into his lips, cheeks, and eyes. + </p> + <p> + At first a glare as bright as sunshine had flashed before his gaze; then, + where he had just seen figures and things half veiled by the smoke, he + beheld only a scarlet surface, which changed to a violet, and finally a + black spot, followed by a violet-blue one, while the vulture continued to + rend his face with beak and talons. + </p> + <p> + Then the name “Myrtilus!” once more escaped his lips; this time, however, + it did not sound like the encouraging shout of an avenging hero, but the + cry for aid of one succumbing to defeat, and it was soon followed by a + succession of frantic outbursts of suffering, terror, and despair. + </p> + <p> + But now sharp whistles from the water shrilly pierced the air and + penetrated into the darkened room, and, while the tumult around Hermon + gradually died away, he strove, tortured by burning pain, to grope his way + toward the door; but here his foot struck against a human body, there + against something hard, whose form he could not distinguish, and finally a + large object which felt cool, and could be nothing but his Demeter. + </p> + <p> + But she seemed doomed to destruction, for the smoke was increasing every + moment, and constantly made his open wounds smart more fiercely. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a cooler air fanned his burning face, and at the same time he + heard hurrying steps approach and the mingled cries of human voices. + </p> + <p> + Again he began to shout the names of his friends, the slaves, and the + porter; but no answer came from any of them, though hasty questions in the + Greek language fell upon his ear. + </p> + <p> + The strategist, with his officers, the nomarch of the district with his + subordinates, and many citizens of Tennis had arrived. Hermon knew most of + them by their voices, but their figures were not visible. The red, violet, + and black cloud before him was all he could see. + </p> + <p> + Yet, although the pain continued to torture him, and a voice in his soul + told him that he was blinded, he did not allow the government officials + who eagerly surrounded him to speak, only pointed hastily to his eyes, and + then bade them enter Myrtilus’s studio. The Egyptian Chello, the Tennis + goldsmith, who had assisted the artists in the preparation of the noble + metal, and one of the police officers who had been summoned to rid the old + house of the rats and mice which infested it, both knew the way. + </p> + <p> + They must first try to save Myrtilus’s work and, when that was + accomplished, preserve his also from destruction by the flames. + </p> + <p> + Leaning on the goldsmith’s arm, Hermon went to his friend’s studio; but + before they reached it smoke and flames poured out so densely that it was + impossible even to gain the door. + </p> + <p> + “Destroyed—a prey to the flames!” he groaned. “And he—he—he—” + </p> + <p> + Then like a madman he asked if no one had seen Myrtilus, and where he was; + but in vain, always in vain. + </p> + <p> + At last the goldsmith who was leading him asked him to move aside, for all + who had flocked to the white house when it was seized by the flames had + joined in the effort to save the statue of Demeter, which they had found + unharmed in his studio. + </p> + <p> + Seventeen men, by the exertion of all their strength, were dragging the + heavy statue from the house, which was almost on the point of falling in, + into the square. Several others were bearing corpses into the open air-the + old porter Snuphis and Myrtilus’s body servant. Some motionless forms they + were obliged to leave behind. Both the bodies had deep wounds. There was + no trace of Myrtilus and Bias. + </p> + <p> + Outside the storm had subsided, and a cool breeze blew refreshingly into + Hermon’s face. As he walked arm in arm with the notary Melampus, who had + invited him to his house, and heard some one at his side exclaim, “How + lavishly Eos is scattering her roses to-day!” he involuntarily lifted the + cloth with which he had covered his smarting face to enjoy the beautiful + flush of dawn, but again beheld nothing save a black and violet-blue + surface. + </p> + <p> + Then drawing his hand from his guide’s arm, he pressed it upon his poor, + sightless, burning eyes, and in helpless rage, like a beast of prey which + feels the teeth of the hunter’s iron trap rend his flesh, groaned + fiercely, “Blind! blind!” and again, and yet again, “Blind!” + </p> + <p> + While the morning star was still paling, the lad who after Hermon’s + landing had raced along the shore with the burning torch glided into the + little pronaos of the Temple of Nemesis. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha was still standing by the doorpost of the cella with uplifted + hand, so deeply absorbed in fervent prayer that she did not perceive the + approach of the messenger until he called her. + </p> + <p> + “Succeeded?” she asked in a muffled tone, interrupting his hasty greeting. + </p> + <p> + “You must give the goddess what you vowed,” was the reply. “Hanno sends + you the message. And also, ‘You must come with me in the boat quickly-at + once!’” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” the girl demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Not on board the Hydra yet,” replied the boy hurriedly. “First only to + the old man on the Megara. The dowry is ready for your father. But there + is not a moment to lose.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well!” she gasped hoarsely. “But, first, shall I find the man with + the black beard on board of one of the ships?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly!” answered the lad proudly, grasping her arm to hurry her; but + she shook him off violently, turned toward the cella again, and once more + lifted her hands and eyes to the statue of Nemesis. + </p> + <p> + Then she took up the bundle she had hidden behind a pillar, drew from it a + handful of gold coins, which she flung into the box intended for + offerings, and followed the boy. + </p> + <p> + “Alive?” she asked as she descended the steps; but the lad understood the + meaning of the question, and exclaimed: “Yes, indeed! Hanno says the + wounds are not at all dangerous.” + </p> + <p> + “And the other?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a scratch. On the Hydra, with two severely wounded slaves. The porter + and the others were killed.” + </p> + <p> + “And the statues?” + </p> + <p> + “They-such things can’t be accomplished without some little blunder-Labaja + thinks so, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Did they escape you?” + </p> + <p> + “Only one. I myself helped to smash the other, which stood in the workroom + that looks out upon the water. The gold and ivory are on the ship. We had + horrible work with the statue which stood in the room whose windows faced + the square. They dragged the great monster carefully into the studio that + fronts upon the water. But probably it is still standing there, if the + thing is not already—just see how the flames are whirling upward!—if + it is not already burned with the house.” + </p> + <p> + “What a misfortune!” Ledscha reproachfully exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “It could not be helped,” the boy protested. “People from Tennis suddenly + rushed in. The first—a big, furious fellow-killed our Loule and the + fierce Judas. Now he has to pay for it. Little Chareb threw the black + powder into his eyes, while Hanno himself thrust the torch in his face.” + </p> + <p> + “And Bias, the blackbeard’s slave?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know. Oh, yes! Wounded, I believe, on board the ship.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the lad, a precocious fourteen-year-old cabin-boy from the + Hydra, pointed to the boat which lay ready, and took Ledscha’s bundle in + his hand; but she sprang into the light skiff before him and ordered it to + be rowed to the Owl’s Nest, where she must bid Mother Tabus good-bye. The + cabin-boy, however, declared positively that the command could not be + obeyed now, and at his signal two black sailors urged it with swift oar + strokes toward the northwest, to Satabus’s ship. Hanno wished to receive + his bride as a wife from his father’s hand. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha had not insisted upon the fulfilment of her desire, but as the + boat passed the Pelican Island her gaze rested on the lustreless waning + disk of the moon. She thought of the torturing night, during which she had + vainly waited here for Hermon, and a triumphant smile hovered around her + lips; but soon the heavy eyebrows of the girl who was thus leaving her + home contracted in a frown—she again fancied she saw, where the moon + was just fading, the body of a gigantic, hideous spider. She banished the + illusion by speaking to the boy—spiders in the morning mean + misfortune. + </p> + <p> + The early dawn, which was now crimsoning the east, reminded her of the + blood which, as an avenger, she must yet shed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK 2. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + While the market place in Tennis was filling, Archias’s white house had + become a heap of smouldering ruins. Hundreds of men and women were + standing around the scene of the conflagration, but no one saw the statue + of Demeter, which had been removed from Hermon’s studio just in time. The + nomarch had had it locked up in the neighbouring temple of the goddess. + </p> + <p> + It was rumoured that the divinity had saved her own statue by a miracle; + Pamaut, the police officer, said that he had seen her himself as, + surrounded by a brilliant light, she soared upward on the smoke that + poured from the burning house. The strategist and the nomarch used every + means in their power to capture the robbers, but without the least + success. + </p> + <p> + As it had become known that Paseth, Gula’s husband, had cast off his wife + because she had gone to Hermon’s studio, the magistrates believed that the + attack had been made by the Biamites; yet Paseth was absent from the city + during the assault, and the innocence of the others could also be proved. + </p> + <p> + Since, for two entire years, piracy had entirely ceased in this + neighbourhood, no one thought of corsairs, and the bodies of the + incendiaries having been consumed by the flames with the white house, it + could not be ascertained to what class the marauders belonged. + </p> + <p> + The blinded sculptor could only testify that one of the robbers was a + negro, or at any rate had had his face blackened, and that the size of + another had appeared to him almost superhuman. This circumstance gave rise + to the fable that, during the terrible storm of the previous clay, Hades + had opened and spirits of darkness had rushed into the studio of the Greek + betrayer. + </p> + <p> + The strategist, it is true, did not believe such tales, but the + superstition of the Biamites, who, moreover, aided the Greeks reluctantly + to punish a crime which threatened to involve their own countrymen, put + obstacles in the way of his measures. + </p> + <p> + Not until he heard of Ledscha’s disappearance, and was informed by the + priest of Nemesis of the handsome sum which had been found in the offering + box of the temple shortly after the attack, did he arrive at a conjecture + not very far from the real state of affairs; only it was still + incomprehensible to him what body of men could have placed themselves at + the disposal of a girl’s vengeful plan. + </p> + <p> + On the second day after the fire, the epistrategus of the whole Delta, who + had accidentally come to the border fortress, arrived at Tennis on the + galley of the commandant of Pelusium, and with him Proclus, the grammateus + of the Dionysian artists, the Lady Thyone, Daphne, and her companion + Chrysilla. + </p> + <p> + The old hero Philippus was detained in the fortress by the preparations + for war. + </p> + <p> + Althea had returned to Alexandria, and Philotas, who disliked her, had + gone there himself, as Chrysilla intimated to him that he could hope for + no success in his suit to her ward so long as Daphne had to devote herself + to the care of the blinded Hermon. + </p> + <p> + The epistrategus proceeded with great caution, but his efforts also + remained futile. He ordered a report to be made of all the vessels which + had entered the harbours and bays of the northeastern Delta, but those + commanded by Satabus and his sons gave no cause for investigation; they + had come into the Tanite arm of the Nile as lumber ships from Pontus, and + had discharged beams and planks for the account of a well-known commercial + house in Sinope. + </p> + <p> + Yet the official ordered the Owl’s Nest to be searched. In doing this he + made himself guilty of an act of violence, as the island’s right of asylum + still existed, and this incensed the irritable and refractory Biamites the + more violently, the deeper was the reverent awe with which the nation + regarded Tabus, who, according to their belief, was over a hundred years + old. The Biamites honoured her not only as an enchantress and a leech, but + as the ancestress of a race of mighty men. By molesting this aged woman, + and interfering with an ancient privilege, the epistrategus lost the aid + of the hostile fishermen, sailors, and weavers. Any information from their + ranks to him was regarded as treachery; and, besides, his stay in Tennis + could be but brief, as the King, on account of the impending war, had + summoned him back to the capital. + </p> + <p> + On the third day after his arrival he left Tennis and sailed from Tanis + for Alexandria. He had had little time to attend to Thyone and her guests. + </p> + <p> + Proclus, too, could not devote himself to them until after the departure + of the epistrategus, since he had gone immediately to Tanis, where, as + head of the Dionysian artists of all Egypt, he had been occupied in + attending to the affairs of the newly established theatre. + </p> + <p> + On his return to Tennis he had instantly requested to be conducted to the + Temple of Demeter, to inspect the blinded Hermon’s rescued work. + </p> + <p> + He had entered the cella of the sanctuary with the expectation of finding + a peculiar, probably a powerful work, but one repugnant to his taste, and + left it fairly overpowered by the beauty of this noble work of art. + </p> + <p> + What he had formerly seen of Hermon’s productions had prejudiced him + against the artist, whose talent was great, but who, instead of dedicating + it to the service of the beautiful and the sublime, chose subjects which, + to Proclus, did not seem worthy of artistic treatment, or, when they were, + sedulously deprived them of that by which, in his eyes, they gained + genuine value. In Hermon’s Olympian Banquet he—who also held the + office of a high priest of Apollo in Alexandria—had even seen an + insult to the dignity of the deity. In the Street Boy Eating Figs, the + connoisseur’s eye had recognised a peculiar masterpiece, but he had been + repelled by this also; for, instead of a handsome boy, it represented a + starving, emaciated vagabond. + </p> + <p> + True to life as this figure might be, it seemed to him reprehensible, for + it had already induced others to choose similar vulgar subjects. + </p> + <p> + When recently at Althea’s performance he had met Hermon and saw how + quickly his beautiful travelling companion allowed herself to be induced + to bestow the wreath on the handsome, black-bearded fellow, it vexed him, + and he had therefore treated him with distant coldness, and allowed him to + perceive the disapproval which the direction taken by his art had awakened + in his mind. + </p> + <p> + In the presence of Hermon’s Demeter, the opinion of the experienced man + and intelligent connoisseur had suddenly changed. + </p> + <p> + The creator of this work was not only one of the foremost artists of his + day, nay, he had also been permitted to fathom the nature of the deity and + to bestow upon it a perfect form. + </p> + <p> + This Demeter was the most successful personification of the divine + goodness which rewards the sowing of seed with the harvest. When Hermon + created it, Daphne’s image had hovered before his mind, even if he had not + been permitted to use her as a model, and of all the maidens whom he knew + there was scarcely one better suited to serve as the type for the Demeter. + </p> + <p> + So what he had seen in Pelusium, and learned from women, was true. The + heart and mind of the artist who had created this work were not filled + with the image of Althea—who during the journey had bestowed many a + mark of favour upon the aging man, and with whom he was obliged to work + hand in hand for Queen Arsinoe’s plans—but the daughter of Archias, + and this circumstance also aided in producing his change of view. + </p> + <p> + Hermon’s blindness, it was to be hoped, would be cured. + </p> + <p> + Duty, and perhaps also interest, commanded him to show him frankly how + highly he estimated his art and his last work. + </p> + <p> + After the arrival of Thyone and Daphne, Hermon had consented to accompany + them on board the Proserpina, their spacious galley. True, he had yielded + reluctantly to this arrangement of his parents’ old friend, and neither + she nor Daphne had hitherto succeeded in soothing the fierce resentment + against fate which filled his soul after the loss of his sight and his + dearest friend. As yet every attempt to induce him to bear his terrible + misfortune with even a certain degree of composure had failed. + </p> + <p> + The Tennis leech, trained by the Egyptian priests at Sais in the art of + healing, who was attached as a pastophorus to the Temple of Isis, in the + city of weavers, had covered the artist’s scorched face with bandages, and + earnestly adjured him never in his absence to raise them, and to keep + every ray of light from his blinded eyes. But the agitation which had + mastered Hermon’s whole being was so great that, in spite of the woman’s + protestations, he lifted the covering again and again to see whether he + could not perceive once more at least a glimmer of the sunlight whose + warming power he felt. The thought of living in darkness until the end of + his life seemed unendurable, especially as now all the horrors which, + hitherto, had only visited him in times of trial during the night assailed + him with never-ceasing cruelty. + </p> + <p> + The image of the spider often forced itself upon him, and he fancied that + the busy insect was spreading its quickly made web over his blinded eyes, + which he was not to touch, yet over which he passed his hand to free them + from the repulsive veil. + </p> + <p> + The myth related that because Athene’s blow had struck the ambitious + weaver Arachne, she had resolved, before the goddess transformed her into + a spider, to put an end to her disgrace. + </p> + <p> + How infinitely harder was the one dealt to him! How much better reason he + had to use the privilege in which man possesses an advantage over the + immortals, of putting himself to death with his own hand when he deems the + fitting time has come! What should he, the artist, to whom his eyes + brought whatever made life valuable, do longer in this hideous black + night, brightened by no sunbeam? + </p> + <p> + He was often overwhelmed, too, by the remembrance of the terrible end of + the friend in whom he saw the only person who might have given him + consolation in this distress, and the painful thought of his poverty. + </p> + <p> + He was supported solely by what his art brought and his wealthy uncle + allowed him. The Demeter which Archias had ordered had been partially paid + for in advance, and he had intended to use the gold—a considerable + sum—to pay debts in Alexandria. But it was consumed with the rest of + his property—tools, clothing, mementoes of his dead parents, and a + few books which contained his favourite poems and the writings of his + master, Straton. + </p> + <p> + These precious rolls had aided him to maintain the proud conviction of + owing everything which he attained or possessed solely to himself. It had + again become perfectly clear to him that the destiny of earth-born mortals + was not directed by the gods whom men had invented after their own + likeness, in order to find causes for the effects which they perceived, + but by deaf and blind chance. Else how could even worse misfortune, + according to the opinion of most people, have befallen the pure, guiltless + Myrtilus, who so deeply revered the Olympians and understood how to honour + them so magnificently by his art, than himself, the despiser of the gods? + </p> + <p> + But was the death for which he longed a misfortune? + </p> + <p> + Was the Nemesis who had so swiftly and fully granted the fervent prayer of + an ill-used girl also only an image conjured up by the power of human + imagination? + </p> + <p> + It was scarcely possible! + </p> + <p> + Yet if there was one goddess, did not that admit the probability of the + existence of all the others? + </p> + <p> + He shuddered at the idea; for if the immortals thought, felt, acted, how + terribly his already cruel fate would still develop! He had denied and + insulted almost all the Olympians, and not even stirred a finger to the + praise and honour of a single one. + </p> + <p> + What marvel if they should choose him for the target of their resentment + and revenge? + </p> + <p> + He had just believed that the heaviest misfortune which can befall a man + and an artist had already stricken him. Now he felt that this, too, had + been an error; for, like a physical pain, he realized the collapse of the + proud delusion of being independent of every power except himself, freely + and arbitrarily controlling his own destiny, owing no gratitude except to + his own might, and being compelled to yield to nothing save the + enigmatical, pitiless power of eternal laws or their co-operation, so + incomprehensible to the human intellect, called “chance,” which took no + heed of merit or unworthiness. + </p> + <p> + Must he, who had learned to silence and to starve every covetous desire, + in order to require no gifts from his own uncle and his wealthy kinsman + and friend, and be able to continue to hold his head high, as the most + independent of the independent, now, in addition to all his other woe, be + forced to believe in powers that exercised an influence over his every + act? Must he recognise praying to them and thanking them as the demand of + justice, of duty, and wisdom? Was this possible either? + </p> + <p> + And, believing himself alone, since he could not see Thyone and Daphne, + who were close by him, he struck his scorched brow with his clinched fist, + because he felt like a free man who suddenly realizes that a rope which he + can not break is bound around his hands and feet, and a giant pulls and + loosens it at his pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Yet no! Better die than become for gods and men a puppet that obeys every + jerk of visible and invisible hands. + </p> + <p> + Starting up in violent excitement, he tore the bandage from his face and + eyes, declaring, as Thyone seriously reprimanded him, that he would go + away, no matter where, and earn his daily bread at the handmill, like the + blind Ethiopian slave whom he had seen in the cabinetmaker’s house at + Tennis. + </p> + <p> + Then Daphne spoke to him tenderly, but her soothing voice caused him + keener pain than his old friend’s stern one. + </p> + <p> + To sit still longer seemed unendurable, and, with the intention of + regaining his lost composure by pacing to and fro, he began to walk; but + at the first free step he struck against the little table in front of + Thyone’s couch, and as it upset and the vessels containing water fell with + it, clinking and breaking, he stopped and, as if utterly crushed, groped + his way back, with both arms outstretched, to the armchair he had quitted. + </p> + <p> + If he could only have seen Daphne press her handkerchief first to her + eyes, from which tears were streaming, and then to her lips, that he might + not hear her sobs, if he could have perceived how Thyone’s wrinkled old + face contracted as if she were swallowing a colocynth apple, while at the + same time she patted his strong shoulder briskly, exclaiming with forced + cheerfulness: “Go on, my boy! The steed rears when the hornet stings! Try + again, if it only soothes you! We will take everything out of your way. + You need not mind the water-jars. The potter will make new ones!” + </p> + <p> + Then Hermon threw back his burning head, rested it against the back of the + chair, and did not stir until the bandage was renewed. + </p> + <p> + How comfortable it felt! + </p> + <p> + He knew, too, that he owed it to Daphne; the matron’s fingers could not be + so slender and delicate, and he would have been more than glad to raise + them to his lips and thank her; but he denied himself the pleasure. + </p> + <p> + If she really did love him, the bond between them must now be severed; + for, even if her goodness of heart extended far enough to induce her to + unite her blooming young existence to his crippled one, how could he have + accepted the sacrifice without humiliating himself? Whether such a + marriage would have made her happy or miserable he did not ask, but he was + all the more keenly aware that if, in this condition, he became her + husband, he would be the recipient of alms, and he would far rather, he + mentally repeated, share the fate of the negro at the handmill. + </p> + <p> + The expression of his features revealed the current of his thoughts to + Daphne, and, much as she wished to speak to him, she forced herself to + remain silent, that the tones of her voice might not betray how deeply she + was suffering with him; but he himself now longed for a kind word from her + lips, and he had just asked if she was still there when Thyone announced a + visit from the grammateus Proclus. + </p> + <p> + He had recently felt that this man was unfriendly to him, and again his + anger burst forth. To be exposed in the midst of his misery to the scorn + of a despiser of his art was too much for his exhausted patience. + </p> + <p> + But here he was interrupted by Proclus himself, who had entered the + darkened cabin where the blind man remained very soon after Thyone. + </p> + <p> + Hermon’s last words had betrayed to the experienced courtier how well he + remembered his unkind remarks, so he deferred the expression of his + approval, and began by delivering the farewell message of the + epistrategus, who had been summoned away so quickly. + </p> + <p> + He stated that his investigations had discovered nothing of importance, + except, perhaps, the confirmation of the sorrowful apprehension that the + admirable Myrtilus had been killed by the marauders. A carved stone had + been found under the ashes, and Chello, the Tennis goldsmith, said he had + had in his own workshop the gem set in the hapless artist’s shoulder + clasp, and supplied it with a new pin. + </p> + <p> + While speaking, he took Hermon’s hand and gave him the stone, but the + artist instantly used his finger tips to feel it. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it really did belong to the clasp Myrtilus wore, for, although + still unpractised in groping, he recognised that a human head was carved + in relief upon the stone, and Mrytilus’s had been adorned with the + likeness of the Epicurean. + </p> + <p> + The damaged little work of art, in the opinion of Proclus and Daphne, + appeared to represent this philosopher, and at the thought that his friend + had fallen a victim to the flames Hermon bowed his head and exerted all + his strength of will in order not to betray by violent sobs how deeply + this idea pierced his heart. + </p> + <p> + Thyone, shrugging her shoulders mournfully, pointed to the suffering + artist. Proclus nodded significantly, and, moving nearer to Hermon, + informed him that he had sought out his Demeter and found the statue + uninjured. He was well aware that it would be presumptuous to offer + consolation in so heavy an affliction, and after the loss of his dearest + friend, yet perhaps Hermon would be glad to hear his assurance that he, + whose judgment was certainly not unpractised, numbered his work among the + most perfect which the sculptor’s art had created in recent years. + </p> + <p> + “I myself best know the value of this Demeter,” the sculptor broke in + harshly. “Your praise is the bit of honey which is put into the mouth of + the hurt child.” + </p> + <p> + “No, my friend,” Proclus protested with grave decision. “I should express + no less warmly the ardent admiration with which this noble figure of the + goddess fills me if you were well and still possessed your sight. You were + right just now when you alluded to my aversion, or, let us say, lack of + appreciation of the individuality of your art; but this noble work changes + everything, and nothing affords me more pleasure than that I am to be the + first to assure you how magnificently you have succeeded in this statue.” + </p> + <p> + “The first!” Hermon again interrupted harshly. “But the second and third + will be lacking in Alexandria. What a pleasure it is to pour the gifts of + sympathy upon one to whom we wish ill! But, however successful my Demeter + may be, you would have awarded the prize twice over to the one by + Myrtilus.” + </p> + <p> + “Wrong, my young friend!” the statesman protested with honest zeal. “All + honour to the great dead, whose end was so lamentable; but in this contest—let + me swear it by the goddess herself!—you would have remained victor; + for, at the utmost, nothing can rank with the incomparable save a work of + equal merit, and—I know life and art—two artists rarely or + never succeed in producing anything so perfect as this masterpiece at the + same time and in the same place.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough!” gasped Hermon, hoarse with excitement; but Proclus, with + increasing animation, continued: “Brief as is our acquaintance, you have + probably perceived that I do not belong to the class of flatterers, and in + Alexandria it has hardly remained unknown to you that the younger artists + number me, to whom the office of judge so often falls, among the sterner + critics. Only because I desire their best good do I frankly point out + their errors. The multitude provides the praise. It will soon flow upon + you also in torrents, I can see its approach, and as this blindness, if + the august Aesculapius and healing Isis aid, will pass away like a dreary + winter night, it would seem to me criminal to deceive you about your own + ability and success. I already behold you creating other works to the + delight of gods and men; but this Demeter extorts boundless, enthusiastic + appreciation; both as a whole, and in detail, it is faultless and worthy + of the most ardent praise. Oh, how long it is, my dear, unfortunate + friend, since I could congratulate any other Alexandrian with such joyful + confidence upon the most magnificent success! Every word—you may + believe it!—which comes to you in commendation of this last work + from lips unused to eulogy is sincerely meant, and as I utter it to you I + shall repeat it in the presence of the King, Archias, and the other + judges.” + </p> + <p> + Daphne, with hurried breath, deeply flushed cheeks, and sparkling eyes, + had fairly hung upon the lips of the clever connoisseur. She knew Proclus, + and his dreaded, absolutely inconsiderate acuteness, and was aware that + this praise expressed his deepest conviction. Had he been dissatisfied + with the statue of Demeter, or even merely superficially touched by its + beauty, he might have shrunk from wounding the unfortunate artist by + censure, and remained silent; but only something grand, consummate, could + lead him to such warmth of recognition. + </p> + <p> + She now felt it a misfortune that she and Thyone had hitherto been + prevented, by anxiety for their patient, from admiring his work. Had it + still been light, she would have gone to the temple of Demeter at once; + but the sun had just set, and Proclus was obliged to beg her to have + patience. + </p> + <p> + As the cases were standing finished at the cabinetmaker’s, the statue had + been packed immediately, under his own direction, and carried on board his + ship, which would convey it with him to the capital the next day. + </p> + <p> + While this arrangement called forth loud expressions of regret from Daphne + and the vivacious matron, Hermon assented to it, for it would at least + secure the ladies, until their arrival in Alexandria, from a painful + disappointment. + </p> + <p> + “Rather,” Proclus protested with firm dissent, “it will rob you for some + time of a great pleasure, and you, noble daughter of Archias, probably of + the deepest emotion of gratitude with which the favour of the immortals + has hitherto rendered you happy; yet the master who created this genuine + goddess owes the best part of it to your own face.” + </p> + <p> + “He told me himself that he thought of me while at work,” Daphne admitted, + and a flood of the warmest love reached Hermon’s ears in her agitated + tones, while, greatly perplexed, he wondered with increasing anxiety + whether the stern critic Proclus had really been serious in the + extravagant eulogium, so alien to his reputation in the city. + </p> + <p> + Myrtilus, too, had admired the head of his Demeter, and—this he + himself might admit—he had succeeded in it, and yet ought not the + figure, with its too pronounced inclination forward, which, it is true, + corresponded with Daphne’s usual bearing, and the somewhat angular bend of + the arms, have induced this keen-sighted connoisseur to moderate the + exalted strain of his praise? Or was the whole really so admirable that it + would have seemed petty to find fault with the less successful details? At + any rate, Proclus’s eulogy ought to give him twofold pleasure, because his + art had formerly repelled him, and Hermon tried to let it produce this + effect upon him. But it would not do; he was continually overpowered by + the feeling that under the enthusiastic homage of the intriguing Queen + Arsinoe’s favourite lurked a sting which he should some day feel. Or could + Proclus have been persuaded by Thyone and Daphne to help them reconcile + the hapless blind man to his hard fate? + </p> + <p> + Hermon’s every movement betrayed the great anxiety which filled his mind, + and it by no means escaped Proclus’s attention, but he attributed it to + the blinded sculptor’s anguish in being prevented, after so great a + success, from pursuing his art further. + </p> + <p> + Sincerely touched, he laid his slender hand on the sufferer’s muscular + arm, saying: “A more severe trial than yours, my young friend, can + scarcely be imposed upon the artist who has just attained the highest + goal, but three things warrant you to hope for recovery—your + vigorous youth, the skill of our Alexandrian leeches, and the favour of + the immortal gods. You shrug your shoulders? Yet I insist that you have + won this favour by your Demeter. True, you owe it less to yourself than to + yonder maiden. What pleasure it affords one whom, like myself, taste and + office bind to the arts, to perceive such a revolution in an artist’s + course of creation, and trace it to its source! I indulged myself in it + and, if you will listen, I should like to show you the result.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak,” replied Hermon dully, bowing his head as if submitting to the + inevitable, while Proclus began: + </p> + <p> + “Hitherto your art imitated, not without success, what your eyes showed + you, and if this was filled with the warm breath of life, your work + succeeded. All respect to your Boy Eating Figs, in whose presence you + would feel the pleasure he himself enjoyed while consuming the sweet + fruit. Here, among the works of Egyptian antiquity, there is imminent + danger of falling under the tyranny of the canon of proportions which can + be expressed in figures, or merely even the demands of the style hallowed + by thousands of years, but in a subject like the ‘Fig-eater’ such a + reproach is not to be feared. He speaks his own intelligible language, and + whoever reproduces it without turning to the right or left has won, for he + has created a work whose value every true friend of art, no matter to what + school he belongs, prizes highly. + </p> + <p> + “To me personally such works of living reality are cordially welcome. Yet + art neither can nor will be satisfied with snatches of what is close at + hand; but you are late-born, sons of a time when the two great tendencies + of art have nearly reached the limits of what is attainable to them. You + were everywhere confronted with completed work, and you are right when you + refuse to sink to mere imitators of earlier works, and therefore return to + Nature, with which we Hellenes, and perhaps the Egyptians also, began. The + latter forgot her; the former—we Greeks—continued to cling to + her closely.” + </p> + <p> + “Some few,” Hermon eagerly interrupted the other, “still think it worth + the trouble to take from her what she alone can bestow. They save + themselves the toilsome search for the model which others so successfully + used before them, and bronze and marble still keep wonderfully well. Bring + out the old masterpieces. Take the head from this one, the arm from that, + etc. The pupil impresses the proportions on his mind. Only so far as the + longing for the beautiful permits do even the better ones remain faithful + to Nature, not a finger’s breadth more.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite right,” the other went on calmly. “But your objection only brings + one nearer the goal. How many who care only for applause content + themselves to-day, unfortunately, with Nature at second hand! Without + returning to her eternally fresh, inexhaustible spring, they draw from the + conveniently accessible wells which the great ancients dug for them.” + </p> + <p> + “I know these many,” Hermon wrathfully exclaimed. “They are the brothers + of the Homeric poets, who take verses from the Iliad and Odyssey to piece + out from them their own pitiful poems.” + </p> + <p> + “Excellent, my son!” exclaimed Thyone, laughing, and Daphne remarked that + the poet Cleon had surprised her father with such a poem a few weeks + before. It was a marvellous bit of botchwork, and yet there was a certain + meaning in the production, compiled solely from Homeric verses. + </p> + <p> + “Diomed’s Hecuba,” observed Proclus, “and the Aphrodite by Hippias, which + were executed in marble, originated in the same way, and deserve no better + fate, although they please the great multitude. But, praised be my lord, + Apollo, our age can also boast of other artists. Filled with the spirit of + the god, they are able to model truthfully and faithfully even the forms + of the immortals invisible to the physical eye. They stand before the + spectator as if borrowed from Nature, for their creators have filled them + with their own healthy vigour. Our poor Myrtilus belonged to this class + and, after your Demeter, the world will include you in it also.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” answered Hermon in a tone of dissent, “I remained faithful to + myself, and put nothing, nothing at all of my own personality, into the + forms borrowed from Nature.” + </p> + <p> + “What need of that was there?” asked Proclus with a subtle smile. “Your + model spared you the task. And this at last brings me to the goal I + desired to reach. As the great Athenians created types for eternity, so + also does Nature at times in a happy hour, for her own pleasure, and such + a model you found in our Daphne.-No contradiction, my dear young lady! The + outlines of the figure—By the dog! Hermon might possibly have found + forms no less beautiful in the Aphrosion, but how charming and lifelike is + the somewhat unusual yet graceful pose of yours! And then the heart, the + soul! In your companionship our artist had nothing to do except lovingly + to share your feelings in order to have at his disposal everything which + renders so dear to us all the giver of bread, the preserver of peace, the + protector of marriage, the creator and supporter of the law of moderation + in Nature, as well as in human existence. Where would all these traits be + found more perfectly united in a single human being than in your person, + Daphne, your quiet, kindly rule?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, stop!” the girl entreated. “I am only too well aware—” + </p> + <p> + “That you also are not free from human frailties,” Proclus continued, + undismayed. “We will take them, great or small as they may be, into the + bargain. The secret ones do not concern the sculptor, who does not or will + not see them. What he perceives in you, what you enable him to recognise + through every feature of your sweet, tranquillizing face, is enough for + the genuine artist to imagine the goddess; for the distinction between the + mortal and the immortal is only the degree of perfection, and the human + intellect and artist soul can find nothing more perfect in the whole + domain of Demeter’s jurisdiction than is presented to them in your nature. + Our friend yonder seized it, and his magnificent work of art proves how + nearly it approaches the purest and loftiest conception we form of the + goddess whom he had to represent. It is not that he deified you, Daphne; + he merely bestowed on the divinity forms which he recognised in you.” + </p> + <p> + Just at that moment, obeying an uncontrollable impulse, Hermon pulled the + bandage from his eyes to see once more the woman to whom this warm homage + was paid. + </p> + <p> + Was the experienced connoisseur of art and the artist soul in the right? + </p> + <p> + He had told himself the same thing when he selected Daphne for a model, + and her head reproduced what Proclus praised as the common possession of + Daphne and Demeter. Truthful Myrtilus had also seen it. Perhaps his work + had really been so marvellously successful because, while he was engaged + upon it, his friend had constantly stood before his mind in all the charm + of her inexhaustible goodness. + </p> + <p> + Animated by the ardent desire to gaze once more at the beloved face, to + which he now owed also this unexpectedly great success, he turned toward + the spot whence her voice had reached him; but a wall of violet mist, + dotted with black specks, was all that his blinded eyes showed him, and + with a low groan he drew the linen cloth over the burns. + </p> + <p> + This time Proclus also perceived what was passing in the poor artist’s + mind, and when he took leave of him it was with the resolve to do his + utmost to brighten with the stars of recognition and renown the dark night + of suffering which enshrouded this highly gifted sculptor, whose + unexpectedly great modesty had prepossessed him still more in his favour. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + After the grammateus had retired, Daphne insisted upon leaving Tennis the + next day. + </p> + <p> + The desire to see Hermon’s masterpiece drew her back to Alexandria even + more strongly than the knowledge of being missed by her father. + </p> + <p> + Only the separation from Thyone rendered the departure difficult, for the + motherless girl had found in her something for which she had long yearned, + and most sorely missed in her companion Chrysilla, who from expediency + approved of everything she did or said. + </p> + <p> + The matron, too, had become warmly attached to Daphne, and would gladly + have done all that lay in her power to lighten Hermon’s sad fate, yet she + persisted in her determination to return speedily to her old husband in + Pelusium. + </p> + <p> + But she did not fully realize how difficult this departure would be for + her until the blind man, after a long silence, asked whether it was night, + if the stars were in the sky, and if she really intended to leave him. + </p> + <p> + Then burning sympathy filled her compassionate soul, and she could no + longer restrain her tears. Daphne, too, covered her face, and imposed the + strongest restraint upon herself that she might not sob aloud. + </p> + <p> + So it seemed a boon to both when Hermon expressed the desire to spend part + of the night on deck. + </p> + <p> + This desire contained a summons to action, and to be able to bestir + themselves in useful service appeared like a favour to Thyone and Daphne. + </p> + <p> + Without calling upon a slave, a female servant, or even Chrysilla for the + smallest office, the two prepared a couch on deck for the blind man, and, + leaning on the girl’s stronger arm, he went up into the open air. + </p> + <p> + There he stretched both arms heavenward, inhaled deep breaths of the cool + night breeze, and thirstily emptied the goblet of wine which Daphne mixed + and gave him with her own hand. + </p> + <p> + Then, with a sigh of relief, he said: “Everything has not grown black yet. + A delightful feeling of pleasure takes possession even of the blind man + when the open air refreshes him and the wine warms his blood in the + sunshine of your kindness.” + </p> + <p> + “And much better things are still in prospect,” Daphne assured him. “Just + think what rapture it will be when you are permitted to see the light + again after so long a period of darkness!” + </p> + <p> + “When—” repeated Hermon, his head drooping as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “It must, it must be so!” rang with confident assurance from Thyone’s + lips. + </p> + <p> + “And then,” added Daphne, gazing sometimes upward to the firmament strewn + with shining stars, sometimes across the broad, rippling expanse of the + water, in which the reflection of the heavenly bodies shimmered in + glittering, silvery radiance, “yes, Hermon, who would not be glad to + exchange with you then? You may shake your head, but I would take your + place quickly and with joyous courage. There is a proof of the existence + of the gods, which so exactly suits the hour when you will again see, + enjoy, admire what this dreary darkness now hides from you. It was a + philosopher who used it; I no longer know which one. How often I have + thought of it since this cruel misfortune befell you! And now—” + </p> + <p> + “Go on,” Hermon interrupted with a smile of superiority. “You are thinking + of Aristotle’s man who grew up in a dark cave. The conditions which must + precede the devout astonishment of the liberated youth when he first + emerged into the light and the verdant world would certainly exist in me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, not in that way,” pleaded the wounded girl; and Thyone exclaimed: + “What is the story of the man you mention? We don’t talk about Aristotle + and such subjects in Pelusium.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps they are only too much discussed in Alexandria,” said the blind + artist. “The Stagirite, as you have just heard, seeks to prove the + existence of the gods by the man of whom I spoke.” + </p> + <p> + “No, he does prove it,” protested Daphne. “Just listen, Mother Thyone. A + little boy grows up from earliest childhood into a youth in a dark cave. + Then suddenly its doors are opened to him. For the first time he sees the + sun, moon, and stars, flowers and trees, perhaps even a beautiful human + face. But at the moment when all these things rush upon him like so many + incomprehensible marvels, must he not ask himself who created all this + magnificence? And the answer which comes to him—” + </p> + <p> + “There is only one,” cried the matron; “the omnipotent gods. Do you shrug + your shoulders at that, son of the pious Erigone? Why, of course! The + child who still feels the blows probably rebels against his earthly + father. But if I see aright, the resentment will not last when you, like + the man, go out of the cave and your darkness also passes away. Then the + power from which you turned defiantly will force itself upon you, and you + will raise your hands in grateful prayer to the rescuing divinity. As to + us women, we need not be drawn out of a cave to recognise it. A mother who + reared three stalwart sons—I will say nothing of the daughters—can + not live without them. Why are they so necessary to her? Because we love + our children twice as much as ourselves, and the danger which threatens + them alarms the poor mother’s heart thrice as much as her own. Then it + needs the helping powers. Even though they often refuse their aid, we may + still be grateful for the expectation of relief. I have poured forth many + prayers for the three, I assure you, and after doing so with my whole + soul, then, my son, no matter how wildly the storm had raged within my + breast, calmness returned, and Hope again took her place at the helm. In + the school of the denier of the gods, you forgot the immortals above and + depended on yourself alone. Now you need a guide, or even two or three of + them, in order to find the way. If your mother were still alive, you would + run back to her to hide your face in her lap. But she is dead, and if I + were as proud as you, before clasping the sustaining hand of another + mortal I would first try whether one would not be voluntarily extended + from among the Olympians. If I were you, I would begin with Demeter, whom + you honoured by so marvellous a work.” + </p> + <p> + Hermon waved his hand as if brushing away a troublesome fly, exclaiming + impatiently: “The gods, always the gods! I know by my own mother, Thyone, + what you women are, though I was only seven years old when I was bereft of + her by the same powers that you call good and wise, and who have also + robbed me of my eyesight, my friend, and all else that was dear. I thank + you for your kind intention, and you, too, Daphne, for recalling the + beautiful allegory. How often we have argued over its meaning! If we + continued the discussion, perhaps it might pleasantly shorten the next few + hours, which I dread as I do my whole future existence, but I should be + obliged in the outset to yield the victory to you. The great Herophilus is + right when he transfers the seat of thought from the heart to the head. + What a wild tumult is raging here behind my brow, and how one voice drowns + another! The medley baffles description. I could more easily count with my + blind eyes the cells in a honeycomb than refute with my bewildered brain + even one shrewd objection. It seems to me that we need our eyes to + understand things. We certainly do to taste. Whatever I eat and drink—langustae + and melons, light Mareotic wine and the dark liquor of Byblus my tongue + can scarcely distinguish it. The leech assures me that this will pass + away, but until the chaos within merges into endurable order there is + nothing better for me than solitude and rest, rest, rest.” + </p> + <p> + “We will not deny them to you,” replied Thyone, glancing significantly at + Daphne. “Proclus’s enthusiastic judgment was sincerely meant. Begin by + rejoicing over it in the inmost depths of your heart, and vividly + imagining what a wealth of exquisite joys will be yours through your last + masterpiece.” + </p> + <p> + “Willingly, if I can,” replied the blind man, gratefully extending his + hand. “If I could only escape the doubt whether the most cruel tyrant + could devise anything baser than to rob the artist, the very person to + whom it is everything, of his sight.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is terrible,” Daphne assented. “Yet it seems to me that a richer + compensation for the lost gift is at the disposal of you artists than of + us other mortals, for you understand how to look with the eyes of the + soul. With them you retain what you have seen, and illumine it with a + special radiance. Homer was blind, and for that very reason, I think, the + world and life became clear and transfigured for him though a veil + concealed both from his physical vision.” + </p> + <p> + “The poet!” Hermon exclaimed. “He draws from his own soul what sight, and + sight alone, brings to us sculptors. And, besides, his spirit remained + free from the horrible darkness that assailed mine. Joy itself, Daphne, + has lost its illuminating power within. What, girl, what is to become of + the heart in which even hope was destroyed?” + </p> + <p> + “Defend it manfully and keep up your courage,” she answered softly; but he + pressed her hand firmly, and, in order not to betray how self-compassion + was melting his own soul, burst forth impetuously: “Say rather: Crush the + wish whose fulfilment is self-humiliation! I will go back to Alexandria. + Even the blind and crippled can find ways to earn their bread there. Now + grant me rest, and leave me alone!” + </p> + <p> + Thyone drew the girl away with her into the ship’s cabin. + </p> + <p> + A short time after, the steward Gras went to Hermon to entreat him to + yield to Thyone’s entreaties and leave the deck. + </p> + <p> + The leech had directed the sufferer to protect himself from draughts and + dampness, and the cool night mists were rising more and more densely from + the water. + </p> + <p> + Hermon doubtless felt them, but the thought of returning to the close + cabin was unendurable. He fancied that his torturing thoughts would stifle + him in the gloom where even fresh air was denied him. + </p> + <p> + He allowed the careful Bithynian to throw a coverlet over him and draw the + hood of his cloak over his head, but his entreaties and warnings were + futile. + </p> + <p> + The steward’s watchful nursing reminded Hermon of his own solicitude for + his friend and of his faithful slave Bias, both of whom he had lost. Then + he remembered the eulogy of the grammateus, and it brought up the question + whether Myrtilus would have agreed with him. Like Proclus, his + keen-sighted and honest friend had called Daphne the best model for the + kindly goddess. He, too, had given to his statue the features of the + daughter of Archias, and admitted that he had been less successful. But + the figure! Perhaps he, Hermon, in his perpetual dissatisfaction with + himself had condemned his own work too severely, but that it lacked the + proper harmony had escaped neither Myrtilus nor himself. Now he recalled + the whole creation to his remembrance, and its weaknesses forced + themselves upon him so strongly and objectionably that the extravagant + praise of the stern critic awakened fresh doubts in his mind. + </p> + <p> + Yet a man like the grammateus, who on the morrow or the day following it + would be obliged to repeat his opinion before the King and the judges, + certainly would not have allowed himself to be carried away by mere + compassion to so great a falsification of his judgment. + </p> + <p> + Or was he himself sharing the experience of many a fellow-artist? How + often the creator deceived himself concerning the value of his own work! + He had expected the greatest success from his Polyphemus hurling the rock + at Odysseus escaping in the boat, and a gigantic smith had posed for a + model. Yet the judges had condemned it in the severest manner as a work + far exceeding the bounds of moderation, and arousing positive dislike. The + clay figure had not been executed in stone or metal, and crumbled away. + The opposite would probably now happen with the Demeter. Her bending + attitude had seemed to him daring, nay, hazardous; but the acute critic + Proclus had perceived that it was in accord with one of Daphne’s habits, + and therefore numbered it among the excellences of the statue. + </p> + <p> + If the judges who awarded the prize agreed with the verdict of the + grammateus, he must accustom himself to value his own work higher, perhaps + even above that of Myrtilus. + </p> + <p> + But was this possible? + </p> + <p> + He saw his friend’s Demeter as though it was standing before him, and + again he recognised in it the noblest masterpiece its maker had ever + created. What praise this marvellous work would have deserved if his own + really merited such high encomiums! + </p> + <p> + Suddenly an idea came to him, which at first he rejected as inconceivable; + but it would not allow itself to be thrust aside, and its consideration + made his breath fail. + </p> + <p> + What if his own Demeter had been destroyed and Myrtilus’s statue saved? If + the latter was falsely believed to be his work, then Proclus’s judgment + was explained—then—then—- + </p> + <p> + Seized by a torturing anguish, he groaned aloud, and the steward Gras + inquired what he wanted. + </p> + <p> + Hermon hastily grasped the Bithynian’s arm, and asked what he knew about + the rescue of his statue. + </p> + <p> + The answer was by no means satisfying. Gras had only heard that, after + being found uninjured in his studio, it had been dragged with great + exertion into the open air. The goldsmith Chello had directed the work. + </p> + <p> + Hermon remembered all this himself, yet, with an imperious curtness in + marked contrast to his usual pleasant manner to this worthy servant, he + hoarsely commanded him to bring Chello to him early the next morning, and + then again relapsed into his solitary meditations. + </p> + <p> + If the terrible conjecture which had just entered his mind should be + confirmed, no course remained save to extinguish the only new light which + now illumined the darkness of his night, or to become a cheat. + </p> + <p> + Yet his resolution was instantly formed. If the goldsmith corroborated his + fear, he would publicly attribute the rescued work to the man who created + it. And he persisted in this intention, indignantly silencing the secret + voice which strove to shake it. It temptingly urged that Myrtilus, so rich + in successes, needed no new garland. His lost sight would permit him, + Hermon, from reaping fresh laurels, and his friend would so gladly bestow + this one upon him. But he angrily closed his ears to these enticements, + and felt it a humiliation that they dared to approach him. + </p> + <p> + With proud self-reliance he threw back his head, saying to himself that, + though Myrtilus should permit him ten times over to deck him self with his + feathers, he would reject them. He would remain himself, and was conscious + of possessing powers which perhaps surpassed his friend’s. He was as well + qualified to create a genuine work of art as the best sculptor, only + hitherto the Muse had denied him success in awakening pleasure, and + blindness would put an end to creating anything of his own. + </p> + <p> + The more vividly he recalled to memory his own work and his friend’s, the + more probable appeared his disquieting supposition. + </p> + <p> + He also saw Myrtilus’s figure before him, and in imagination heard his + friend again promise that, with the Arachne, he would wrest the prize even + from him. + </p> + <p> + During the terrible events of the last hours he had thought but seldom and + briefly of the weaver, whom it had seemed a rare piece of good fortune to + be permitted to represent. Now the remembrance of her took possession of + his soul with fresh power. + </p> + <p> + The image of Arachne illumined by the lamplight, which Althea had showed + him, appeared like worthless jugglery, and he soon drove it back into the + darkness which surrounded him. Ledscha’s figure, however, rose before him + all the more radiantly. The desire to possess her had flown to the four + winds; but he thought he had never before beheld anything more peculiar, + more powerful, or better worth modelling than the Biamite girl as he saw + her in the Temple of Nemesis, with uplifted hand, invoking the vengeance + of the goddess upon him, and there—he discovered it now—Daphne + was not at all mistaken. Images never presented themselves as distinctly + to those who could see as to the blind man in his darkness. If he was ever + permitted to receive his sight, what a statue of the avenging goddess he + could create from this greatest event in the history of his vision! + </p> + <p> + After this work—of that he was sure—he would no longer need + the borrowed fame which, moreover, he rejected with honest indignation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + It must be late, for Hermon felt the cool breeze, which in this region + rose between midnight and sunrise, on his burned face and, shivering, drew + his mantle closer round him. + </p> + <p> + Yet it seemed impossible to return to the cabin; the memory of Ledscha + imploring vengeance, and the stern image of the avenging goddess in the + cella of the little Temple of Nemesis, completely mastered him. In the + close cabin these terrible visions, united with the fear of having reaped + undeserved praise, would have crouched upon his breast like harpies and + stifled or driven him mad. After what had happened, to number the swift + granting of the insulted Biamite’s prayer among the freaks of chance was + probably a more arbitrary and foolish proceeding than, with so many + others, to recognise the incomprehensible power of Nemesis. Ledscha had + loosed it against him and his health, perhaps even his life, and he + imagined that she was standing before him with the bridle and wheel, + threatening him afresh. + </p> + <p> + Shivering, as if chilled to the bone, overwhelmed by intense horror, he + turned his blinded eyes upward to the blackness above and raised his hand, + for the first time since he had joined the pupils of Straton in the + Museum, to pray. He besought Nemesis to be content, and not add to + blindness new tortures to augment the terrible ones which rent his soul, + and he did so with all the ardour of his passionate nature. + </p> + <p> + The steward Gras had received orders to wake the Lady Thyone if anything + unusual happened to the blind man, and when he heard the unfortunate + artist groan so pitifully that it would have moved a stone, and saw him + raise his hand despairingly to his head, he thought it was time to utter + words of consolation, and a short time after the anxious matron followed + him. + </p> + <p> + Her low exclamation startled Hermon. To be disturbed in the first prayer + after so long a time, in the midst of the cries of distress of a + despairing soul, is scarcely endurable, and the blind man imposed little + restraint upon himself when his old friend asked what had occurred, and + urged him not to expose himself longer to the damp night air. + </p> + <p> + At first he resolutely resisted, declaring that he should lose his senses + alone in the close cabin. + </p> + <p> + Then, in her cordial, simple way, she offered to bear him company in the + cabin. She could not sleep longer, at any rate; she must leave him early + in the morning, and they still had many things to confide to each other. + </p> + <p> + Touched by so much kindness, he yielded and, leaning on the Bithynian’s + arm, followed her, not into his little cabin, but into the captain’s + spacious sitting room. + </p> + <p> + Only a single lamp dimly lighted the wainscoting, composed of ebony, + ivory, and tortoise shell, the gay rug carpet, and the giraffe and panther + skins hung on the walls and doors and flung on the couches and the floor. + </p> + <p> + Thyone needed no brilliant illumination for this conversation, and the + blinded man was ordered to avoid it. + </p> + <p> + The matron was glad to be permitted to communicate to Hermon so speedily + all that filled her own heart. + </p> + <p> + While he remained on deck, she had gone to Daphne’s cabin. + </p> + <p> + She had already retired, and when Thyone went to the side of the couch she + found the girl, with her cheeks wet with tears, still weeping, and easily + succeeded in leading the motherless maiden to make a frank confession. + </p> + <p> + Both cousins had been dear to her from childhood; but while Myrtilus, + though often impeded by his pitiable sufferings, had reached by a smooth + pathway the highest recognition, Hermon’s impetuous toiling and striving + had constantly compelled her to watch his course with anxious solicitude + and, often unobserved, extend a helping hand. + </p> + <p> + Sympathy, disapproval, and fear, which, however, was always blended with + admiration of his transcendent powers, had merged into love. Though he had + disdained to return it, it had nevertheless been perfectly evident that he + needed her, and valued her and her opinion. Often as their views differed, + the obstinate boy and youth had never allowed any one except herself a + strong influence over his acts and conduct. But, far as he seemed to + wander from the paths which she believed the right ones, she had always + held fast to the conviction that he was a man of noble nature, and an + artist who, if he only once fixed his eyes upon the true goal, would far + surpass by his mighty power the other Alexandrian sculptors, whatever + names they bore, and perhaps even Myrtilus. + </p> + <p> + To the great vexation of her father who, after her mother’s death, in an + hour when his heart was softened, had promised that he would never impose + any constraint upon her in the choice of a husband, she had hitherto + rejected every suitor. She had showed even the distinguished Philotas in + Pelusium, without the least reserve, that he was seeking her in vain; for + just at that time she thought she had perceived that Hermon returned her + love, and after his abrupt departure it had become perfectly evident that + the happiness of her life depended upon him. + </p> + <p> + The terrible misfortune which had now befallen him had only bound her more + firmly to the man she loved. She felt that she belonged to him + indissolubly, and the leech’s positive assurance that his blindness was + incurable had only increased the magic of the thought of being and + affording tenfold more to the man bereft of sight than when, possessing + his vision, the world, life, and art belonged to him. To be able to lavish + everything upon the most beloved of mortals, and do whatever her warm, + ever-helpful heart prompted, seemed to her a special favour of the gods in + whom she believed. + </p> + <p> + That it was Demeter, to the ranks of whose priestesses she belonged, who + was so closely associated with his blinding, also seemed to her no mere + work of chance. The goddess on whom Hermon had bestowed the features of + her own face had deprived him of sight to confer upon her the happiness of + brightening and beautifying the darkness of his life. + </p> + <p> + If she saw aright, and it was only the fear of obtaining, with herself, + her wealth, that still kept him from her, the path which would finally + unite them must be found at last. She hoped to conquer also her father’s + reluctance to give his only child in marriage to a blind man, especially + as Hermon’s last work promised to give him the right to rank with the best + artists of his age. + </p> + <p> + The matron had listened to this confession with an agitated heart. She had + transported herself in imagination into the soul of the girl’s mother, and + brought before her mind what objections the dead woman would have made to + her daughter’s union with a man deprived of sight; but Daphne had firmly + insisted upon her wish, and supported it by many a sensible and surprising + answer. She was beyond childhood, and her three-and-twenty years enabled + her to realize the consequences which so unusual a marriage threatened to + entail. + </p> + <p> + As for Thyone herself, she was always disposed to look on the bright side, + and the thought that this vigorous young man, this artist crowned with the + highest success, must remain in darkness to the end of his life, was + utterly incompatible with her belief in the goodness of the gods. But if + Hermon was cured, a rare wealth of the greatest happiness awaited him in + the union with Daphne. + </p> + <p> + The mood in which she found the blind man had wounded and troubled her. + Now she renewed the bandage, saying: “How gladly I would continue to use + my old hands for you, but this will be the last time in a long while that + I am permitted to do this for the son of my Erigone; I must leave you + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Hermon clasped her hand closely, exclaiming with affectionate warmth: “You + must not go, Thyone! Stay here, even if it is only a few days longer.” + </p> + <p> + What pleasure these words gave her, and how gladly she would have + fulfilled his wish! But it could not be, and he did not venture to detain + her by fresh entreaties after she had described how her aged husband was + suffering from her absence. + </p> + <p> + “I often ask myself what he still finds in me,” she said. “True, so long a + period of wedded life is a firm tie. If I am gone and he does not find me + when he returns home from inspections, he wanders about as if lost, and + does not even relish his food, though the same cook has prepared it for + years. And he, who forgets nothing and knows by name a large number of the + many thousand men he commands, would very probably, when I am away, join + the troops with only sandals on his feet. To miss my ugly old face really + can not be so difficult! When he wooed me, of course I looked very + different. And so—he confessed it himself—so he always sees + me, and most plainly when I am absent from his sight. But that, Hermon, + will be your good fortune also. All you now know as young and beautiful + will continue so to you as long as this sorrowful blindness lasts, and on + that very account you must not remain alone, my boy—that is, if your + heart has already decided in favour of any one—and that is the case, + unless these old eyes deceive me.” + </p> + <p> + “Daphne,” he answered dejectedly, “why should I deny that she is dear to + me? And yet, how dare the blind man take upon himself the sin of binding + her young life—” + </p> + <p> + “Stop! stop!” Thyone interrupted with eager warmth. “She loves you, and to + be everything to you is the greatest happiness she can imagine.” + </p> + <p> + “Until repentance awakes, and it is too late,” he answered gravely. “But + even were her love strong enough to share her husband’s misfortune + patiently—nay, perhaps with joyous courage—it would still be + contemptible baseness were I to profit by that love and seek her hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Hermon!” the matron now exclaimed reproachfully; but he repeated with + strong emphasis: “Yes, it would be baseness so great that even her most + ardent love could not save me from the reproach of having committed it. I + will not speak of her father, to whom I am so greatly indebted. It may be + that it might satisfy Daphne, full of kindness as she is, to devote + herself, body and soul, to the service of her helpless companion. But I? + Far from thinking constantly, like her, solely of others and their + welfare, I should only too often, selfish as I now am, be mindful of + myself. But when I realize who I am, I see before me a blind man who is + poorer than a beggar, because the scorching flames melted even the gold + which was to help him pay his debts.” + </p> + <p> + “Folly!” cried the matron. “For what did Archias gather his boundless + treasures? And when his daughter is once yours—” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” Hermon went on bitterly, “the blinded artist’s poverty will be + over. That is your opinion, and the majority of people will share it. But + I have my peculiarities, and the thought of being rescued from hunger and + thirst by the woman I love, and who ought to see in me the man from whom + she receives the best gifts—to be dependent on her as the recipient + of her alms—seems to me worse than if I were once more to lose my + sight. I could not endure it at all! Every mouthful would choke me. Just + because she is so dear to me, I can not seek her hand; for, in return for + her great self-sacrificing love, I could give her nothing save the keen + discontent which seizes the proud soul that is forced constantly to accept + benefits, as surely as the ringing sound follows the blow upon the brass. + My whole future life would become a chain of humiliations, and do you know + whither this unfortunate marriage would lead? My teacher Straton once said + that a man learns to hate no one more easily than the person from whom he + receives benefits which it is out of his power to repay. That is wise, and + before I will see my great love for Daphne transformed to hate, I will + again try the starving which, while I was a sculptor at Rhodes, I learned + tolerably well.” + </p> + <p> + “But would not a great love,” asked Thyone, “suffice to repay tenfold the + perishable gifts that can be bought with gold and silver?” + </p> + <p> + “No, and again no!” Hermon answered in an agitated tone. “Something else + would blend with the love I brought to the marriage, something that must + destroy all the compensation it might offer; for I see myself becoming a + resentful misanthrope if I am compelled to relinquish the pleasure of + creating and, condemned to dull inaction, can do nothing except allow + myself to be tended, drink, eat, and sleep. The gloomy mood of her + unfortunate husband would sadden Daphne’s existence even more than my own; + for, Thyone, though I should strive with all my strength to bear + patiently, with her dear aid, the burden imposed upon me, and move on + through the darkness with joyous courage, like many another blind man, I + could not succeed.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a man,” the matron exclaimed indignantly, “and what thousands + have done before you—” + </p> + <p> + “There,” he loudly protested, “I should surely fail; for, you dear woman, + who mean so kindly by me, my fate is worse than theirs. Do you know what + just forced from my lips the exclamation of pain which alarmed you? I, the + only child of the devout Erigone, for whose sake you are so well disposed + toward me, am doomed to misfortune as surely as the victim dragged to the + altar is certain of death. Of all the goddesses, there is only one in + whose power I believe, and to whom I just raised my hands in prayer. It is + the terrible one to whom I was delivered by hate and the deceived love + which is now dragging me by the hair, and will rob and torture me till I + despair of life. I mean the gray daughter of Night, whom no one escapes, + dread Nemesis.” + </p> + <p> + Thyone sank down into the chair by the blind artist’s side, asking softly, + “And what gave you into her avenging hands, hapless boy?” + </p> + <p> + “My own abominable folly,” he answered mournfully and, with the feeling + that it would relieve his heart to pour out to this true friend what he + would usually have confided only to his Myrtilus, he hurriedly related how + he had recognised in Ledscha the best model for his Arachne, how he had + sought her love, and then, detained by Althea, left her in the lurch and + most deeply offended and insulted her. Lastly, he gave a brief but vivid + description of his meeting with the vengeful barbarian girl in the Temple + of Nemesis, how Ledscha had invoked upon him the wrath of the terrible + goddess, and how the most horrible punishment had fallen upon him directly + after the harsh accusation of the Biamite. + </p> + <p> + The matron had listened to this confession in breathless suspense. Now she + fixed her eyes on the floor, shook her gray head gently, and said + anxiously: “Is that it? It certainly puts things in a different light. As + the son of your never-to-be-forgotten mother, you are indeed dear to my + heart; but Daphne is not less dear to me, and though in your marriage I + just saw happiness for you both, that is now past. What is poverty, what + is blindness! Eros would reconcile far more difficult problems, but his + arrows are shattered on the armour of Nemesis. Where there is a pair of + lovers, and she raises her scourge against one of them, the other will + also be struck. Until you feel that you are freed from this persecutor, it + would be criminal to bind a loving woman to you and your destiny. It is + not easy to find the right path for you both, for even Nemesis and her + power do not make the slightest change in the fact that you need faithful + care and watching in your blindness. Daylight brings wisdom, and we will + talk further to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + She rose as she spoke; but Hermon detained her, while from his lips + escaped the anxious question, “So you will take Daphne away from me, and + leave me alone in my blindness?” + </p> + <p> + “You in your blindness?” cried Thyone, and the mere reproachful tone of + the question banished the fear. “I would as quickly deprive my own son of + my support as I would you just at this time, my poor boy; but whether my + conscience will permit me to let Daphne remain near you only grant me, I + repeat it, until sunrise to-morrow for reflection. My old heart will then + find the right way.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet whatever you may decide concerning us,” pleaded the blind man, “tell + Daphne that, on the eve of losing her, I first felt in its full power how + warmly I love her. Even without Nemesis, the joy of making her mine would + have been denied me. Fate will never permit me to possess her; yet never + again to hear her gentle voice, never more to feel her dear presence, + would be blinding me a second time.” + </p> + <p> + “It need not be imposed upon you long,” said the matron soothingly. + </p> + <p> + Then she went close to him, laid her hand on his shoulder, and said: “The + power of the goddess who punishes the misdeeds of the reckless is called + irresistible and uncontrollable; but one thing softens even her, and + checks her usually resistless wheel: it is a mother’s prayer. I heard this + from my own mother, and experienced it myself, especially in my oldest son + Eumedes, who from the wildest madcap became an ornament of his class, and + to whom the King—you doubtless know it—intrusted the command + of the fleet which is to open the Ethiopian land of elephants to the + Egyptian power. You, Hermon, are an orphan, but for you, too, the souls of + your parents live on. Only I do not know whether you still honour and pray + to them.” + </p> + <p> + “I did until a few years ago,” replied Hermon. + </p> + <p> + “But later you neglected this sacred duty,” added Thyone. “Yet how was + that possible? In our barren Pelusium I could not help thinking hundreds + of times of the grove which Archias planted in your necropolis for the + dead members of his family, and how often, while we were in Alexandria, it + attracted me to think in its shade of your never-to-be-forgotten mother. + There I felt her soul near me; for there was her home, and in imagination + I saw her walking and resting under the trees. And you—her beloved + child—you remained aloof from this hallowed spot! Even at the + festival of the dead you omitted prayers and sacrifices?” + </p> + <p> + The blind artist assented to this question by a silent bend of the head; + but the matron indignantly exclaimed: “And did not you know, unhappy man, + that you were thus casting away the shield which protects mortals from the + avenging gods? And your glorious mother, who would have given her life for + you? Yet you loved her, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Thyone!” Hermon cried, deeply wounded, holding out his right hand as if + in defence. “Well, well!” said the matron. “I know that you revere her + memory. But that alone is not sufficient. On memorial festivals, and + especially on the birthdays, a mother’s soul needs a prayer and a gift + from the son, a wreath, a fillet, fragrant ointment, a piece of honey, a + cup of wine or milk—all these things even the poor man spares from + his penury—yet a warm prayer, in pure remembrance and love, would + suffice to rob the wrath of Nemesis, which the enraged barbarian girl let + loose upon you, of its power. Only your mother, Hermon, the soul of the + noble woman who bore you, can restore to you what you have lost. Appeal + for aid to her, son of Erigone, and she will yet make everything right.” + </p> + <p> + Bending quickly over the artist as she spoke, she kissed his brow and + moved steadily away, though he called her name with yearning entreaty. + </p> + <p> + A short time after, the steward Gras led Hermon to his cabin, and while + undressing him reported that a messenger from Pelusium had announced that + the commandant Philippus was coming to Tennis the next morning, before the + market place filled, to take his wife with him to Alexandria, where he was + going by the King’s command. + </p> + <p> + Hermon only half listened, and then ordered the Bithynian to leave him. + </p> + <p> + After he had reclined on the couch a short time, he softly called the + names of the steward, Thyone, and Daphne. As he received no answer, and + thus learned that he was alone, he rose, drew himself up to his full + height, gazed heavenward with his bandaged eyes, stretched both hands + toward the ceiling of the low cabin, and obeyed his friend’s bidding. + </p> + <p> + Thoroughly convinced that he was doing right, and ashamed of having so + long neglected what the duty of a son commanded, he implored his mother’s + soul for forgiveness. + </p> + <p> + While doing so he again found that the figure which he recalled to his + memory appeared before him with marvellous distinctness. Never had she + been so near him since, when a boy of seven, she clasped him for the last + time to her heart. She tenderly held out her arms to him, and he rushed + into her embrace, shouting exultantly while she hugged and kissed him. + Every pet name which he had once been so glad to hear, and during recent + years had forgotten, again fell from her lips. As had often happened in + days long past, he again saw his mother crown him for a festival. Pleased + with the little new garment which she herself had woven for him and + embroidered with a tiny tree with red apples, beneath which stood a + bright-plumaged duckling, she led him by the hand in the necropolis to the + empty tomb dedicated to his father. + </p> + <p> + It was a building the height of a man, constructed of red Cyprian marble, + on which, cast in bronze, shield, sword, and lance, as well as a beautiful + helmet, lay beside a sleeping lion. It was dedicated to the memory of the + brave hipparch whom he had been permitted to call his father, and who had + been burned beside the battlefield on which he had found a hero’s death. + </p> + <p> + Hermon now again beheld himself, with his mother, garlanding, anointing, + and twining with fresh fillets the mausoleum erected by his uncle Archias + to his brave brother. The species of every flower, the colour of the + fillets-nay, even the designs embroidered on his little holiday robe—again + returned to his mind, and, while these pleasant memories hovered around + him, he appealed to his mother in prayer. + </p> + <p> + She stood before him, young and beautiful, listening without reproach or + censure as he besought her forgiveness and confided to her his sins, and + how severely he was punished by Nemesis. + </p> + <p> + During this confession he felt as though he was kneeling before the + beloved dead, hiding his face in her lap, while she bent over him and + stroked his thick, black hair. True, he did not hear her speak; but when + he looked up again he could see, by the expression of her faithful blue + eyes, that his manly appearance surprised her, and that she rejoiced in + his return to her arms. + </p> + <p> + She listened compassionately to his laments, and when he paused pressed + his head to her bosom and gazed into his face with such joyous confidence + that his heart swelled, and he told himself that she could not look at him + thus unless she saw happiness in store for him. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, he began also to confide that he loved no woman on earth more + ardently than the very Daphne whom, when only a pretty little child, she + had carried in her arms, yet that he could not seek the wealthy heiress + because manly pride forbade this to the blind beggar. + </p> + <p> + Here the anguish of renunciation seized him with great violence, and when + he wished to appeal again to his mother his exhausted imagination refused + its service, and the vision would not appear. + </p> + <p> + Then he groped his way back to the bed, and, as he let his head sink upon + the pillows, he fancied that he would soon be again enwrapped in the sweet + slumber of childhood, which had long shunned his couch. + </p> + <p> + It was years since he had felt so full of peace and hope, and he told + himself, with grateful joy, that every childlike emotion had not yet died + within him, that the stern conflicts and struggles of the last years had + not yet steeled every gentle emotion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + The sun of the following day had long passed its meridian when Hermon at + last woke. The steward Gras, who had grown gray in the service of Archias, + was standing beside the couch. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing in the round, beardless face of this well-fed yet active + man that could have attracted the artist, yet the quiet tones of his deep + voice recalled to memory the clear, steadfast gaze of his gray eyes, from + which so often, in former days, inviolable fidelity, sound sense, caution, + and prudence had looked forth at him. + </p> + <p> + What the blind man heard from Gras surprised him—nay, at first + seemed impossible. To sleep until the afternoon was something + unprecedented for his wakeful temperament; but what was he to say to the + tidings that the commandant of Pelusium had arrived in his state galley + early in the morning and taken his wife, Daphne, and Chrysilla away with + him to Alexandria? + </p> + <p> + Yet it sounded credible enough when the Bithynian further informed him + that the ladies had left messages of remembrance for him, and said that + Archias’s ship, upon which he was, would be at his disposal for any length + of time he might desire. Gras was commissioned to attend him. The Lady + Thyone especially desired him to heed her counsel. + </p> + <p> + While the steward was communicating this startling news as calmly as if + everything was a matter of course, the events of the preceding night came + back to Hermon’s memory with perfect distinctness, and again the fear + assailed him that the rescued Demeter was the work of Myrtilus, and not + his own. + </p> + <p> + So the first question he addressed to Gras concerned the Tennis goldsmith, + and it was a keen disappointment to Hermon when he learned that the + earliest time he could expect to see him would be the following day. The + skilful artisan had been engaged for weeks upon the gold ornaments on the + new doors of the holy of holies in the Temple of Amon at Tanis. Urgent + business had called him home from the neighbouring city just before the + night of the attack; but yesterday evening he had returned to Tanis, where + his wife said he would have only two days’ work to do. + </p> + <p> + This answer, however, by no means appeased Hermon’s impatience. He + commanded that a special messenger should be sent to summon the goldsmith, + and the Bithynian received the order with a slight shake of his round + head. + </p> + <p> + What new trouble had befallen the usually alert young artist that he + received this unexpected change in his situation as apathetically as a + horse which is led from one stall to another, and, instead of questioning + him, thought only of hastening his interview with the goldsmith? If his + mistress, who had left him full of anxiety from the fear that her + departure would deeply agitate the blind man, should learn how + indifferently he had received it! He, Gras, certainly would not betray it. + Eternal gods—these artists! He knew them. Their work was dearer to + their hearts than their own lives, love, or friendship. + </p> + <p> + During breakfast, of which the steward was obliged to remind him, Hermon + pondered over his fate; but how could he attain any degree of clearness of + vision until he secured accurate information concerning the statue of + Demeter? Like a dark cloud, which sweeps over the starry sky and prevents + the astronomer from seeing the planets which he desires to observe, the + fear that Proclus’s praise had been bestowed upon the work of Myrtilus + stood between him and every goal of his thought. + </p> + <p> + Only the fact that he still remained blind, and not even the faintest + glimmer of light pierced the surrounding darkness, while the sun continued + its course with glowing radiance, and that, blinded and beggared, he must + despise himself if he sought to win Daphne, was certain. No reflection + could alter it. + </p> + <p> + Again the peace of mind which he thought he had regained during slumber + was destroyed. Fear of the artisan’s statement even rendered it impossible + to pray to his mother with the affectionate devotion he had felt the day + before. + </p> + <p> + The goldsmith had directed the rescue of the Demeter, yet he would + scarcely have been able to distinguish it from the statue by Myrtilus; for + though, like his friend, he had often employed his skilful hands in the + arrangement of the gold plates at the commencement of the work, the + Egyptian had been summoned to Tennis before the statues had attained + recognisable form. He had not entered the studios for several months, + unless Bias had granted him admittance without informing his master. This + was quite possible, for the slave’s keen eyes certainly had not failed to + notice how little he and Myrtilus valued the opinion of the honest, + skilful, but extremely practical and unimaginative man, who could not + create independently even the smallest detail. + </p> + <p> + So it was impossible to determine at present whether Chello had seen the + finished statues or not, yet Hermon desired the former with actual + fervour, that he might have positive certainty. + </p> + <p> + While reflecting over these matters, the image of the lean Egyptian + goldsmith, with his narrow, brown, smooth-shaven face and skull, prominent + cheek bones, receding brow, projecting ears and, with all its keenness, + lustreless glance, rose before him as if he could see his bodily presence. + Not a single word unconnected with his trade, the weather, or an accident, + had ever reached the friends’ ears from Chello’s thick lips, and this + circumstance seemed to warrant Hermon in the expectation of learning from + him the pure, unadulterated truth. + </p> + <p> + Rarely had a messenger of love been awaited with such feverish suspense as + the slave whom Gras had despatched to Tanis to induce the goldsmith to + return home. He might come soon after nightfall, and Hermon used the + interval to ask the Bithynian the questions which he had long expected. + </p> + <p> + The replies afforded little additional information. He learned only that + Philippus had been summoned to Alexandria by the King, and that the Lady + Thyone and her husband had talked with the leech and assented to his + opinion that it would be better for Hermon to wait here until the burns on + his face were healed before returning to Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + For Daphne’s sake this decision had undoubtedly been welcome to the + matron, and it pleased him also; for he still felt so ill physically, and + so agitated mentally, that he shrank from meeting his numerous + acquaintances in the capital. + </p> + <p> + The goldsmith! the goldsmith! It depended upon his decision whether he + would return to Alexandria at all. + </p> + <p> + Soon after Hermon had learned from Gras that the stars had risen, he was + informed that he must wait patiently for his interview with the Egyptian, + as he had been summoned to the capital that very day by a messenger from + Proclus. + </p> + <p> + Then the steward had fresh cause to marvel at his charge, for this news + aroused the most vehement excitement. + </p> + <p> + In fact, it afforded the prospect of a series—perhaps a long one—of + the most torturing days and nights. And the dreaded hours actually came—nay, + the anguish of uncertainty had become almost unendurable, when, on the + seventh day, the Egyptian at last returned from Alexandria. They had + seemed like weeks to Hermon, had made his face thinner, and mingled the + first silver hairs in his black beard. + </p> + <p> + The calls of the cheerful notary and the daily visits of the leech, an + elderly man, who had depressed rather than cheered him by informing him of + many cases like his own which all proved incurable, had been his sole + diversion. True, the heads of the Greek residents of Tennis had also + sometimes sought him: the higher government officials, the lessees of the + oil monopoly and the royal bank, as well as Gorgias, who, next to Archias + the Alexandrian, owned the largest weaving establishments, but the tales + of daily incidents with which they entertained Hermon wearied him. He + listened with interest only to the story of Ledscha’s disappearance, yet + he perceived, from the very slight impression it made upon him, how little + he had really cared for the Biamite girl. + </p> + <p> + His inquiries about Gula called down upon him many well-meant jests. She + was with her parents; while Taus, Ledscha’s young sister, was staying at + the brick-kiln, where the former had reduced the unruly slaves to + submission. + </p> + <p> + Care had been taken to provide for his personal safety, for the attack + might perhaps yet prove to have been connected with the jealousy of the + Biamite husbands. + </p> + <p> + The commandant of Pelusium had therefore placed a small garrison of + heavily armed soldiers and archers in Tennis, for whom tents had been + pitched on the site of the burned white house. + </p> + <p> + Words of command and signals for changing the guards often reached Hermon + when he was on the deck of his ship, and visitors praised the wise caution + and prompt action of Alexander the Great’s old comrade. + </p> + <p> + The notary, a vivacious man of fifty, who had lived a long time in + Alexandria and, asserting that he grew dull and withered in little Tennis, + went to the capital as frequently as possible, had often called upon the + sculptor at first, and been disposed to discuss art and the other subjects + dear to Hermon’s heart, but on the third day he again set off for his + beloved Alexandria. When saying farewell, he had been unusually merry, and + asked Hermon to send him away with good wishes and offer sacrifices for + the success of his business, since he hoped to bring a valuable gift on + his return from the journey. + </p> + <p> + The blind artist was glad to have other visits for a short time, but he + preferred to be alone and devote his thoughts to his own affairs. + </p> + <p> + He now knew that his love was genuine. Daphne seemed the very incarnation + of desirable, artless, heart-refreshing womanliness, but his memory could + not dwell with her long; anxiety concerning Chello’s report only too + quickly interrupted it, as soon as he yielded to its charm. + </p> + <p> + He did not think at all of the future. What was he to appoint for a time + which the words of a third person might render unendurable? + </p> + <p> + When Gras at last ushered in the goldsmith, his heart throbbed so + violently that it was difficult for him to find the words needed for the + questions he desired to ask. + </p> + <p> + The Egyptian had really been summoned to Alexandria by Proclus, not on + account of the Demeter, but the clasp said to belong to Myrtilus, found + amid the ruins of the fallen house, and he had been able to identify it + with absolute positiveness as the sculptor’s property. + </p> + <p> + He had been referred from one office to another, until finally the Tennis + notary and Proclus opened the right doors to him. + </p> + <p> + Now the importance of his testimony appeared, since the will of the + wealthy young sculptor could not be opened until his death was proved, and + the clasp which had been found aided in doing so. + </p> + <p> + Hermon’s question whether he had heard any particulars about this will was + answered by the cold-hearted, dull-brained man in the negative. + </p> + <p> + He had done enough, he said, by expressing his opinion. He had gone to + Alexandria unwillingly, and would certainly have stayed in Tennis if he + could have foreseen what a number of tiresome examinations he would be + obliged to undergo. He had been burning with impatience to quit the place, + on account of the important work left behind in Tanis, and he did not even + know whether he would be reimbursed for his travelling expenses. + </p> + <p> + During this preliminary conversation Hermon gained the composure he + needed. + </p> + <p> + He began by ascertaining whether Chello remembered the interior + arrangement of the burned white house, and it soon appeared that he + recollected it accurately. + </p> + <p> + Then the blind man requested him to tell how the rescue of the statue had + been managed, and the account of the extremely prosaic artisan described + so clearly and practically how, on entering the burning building, he found + Myrtilus’s studio already inaccessible, but the statue of Demeter in + Hermon’s still uninjured, that the trustworthiness of his story could not + be doubted. + </p> + <p> + One circumstance only appeared strange, yet it was easily explained. + Instead of standing on the pedestal, the Demeter was beside it, and even + the slow-witted goldsmith inferred from this fact that the robbers had + intended to steal it and placed it on the floor for that purpose, but were + prevented from accomplishing their design by the interference of Hermon + and the people from Tennis. + </p> + <p> + After the Egyptian, in reply to the artist’s inquiry concerning what other + works of art and implements he had seen in the studio, had answered that + nothing else could be distinguished on account of the smoke, he + congratulated the sculptor on his last work. People were already making a + great stir about the new Demeter. It had been discussed not only in the + workshop of his brother, who, like himself, followed their father’s + calling, but also in the offices, at the harbour, in the barbers’ rooms + and the cookshops, and he, too, must admit that, for a Greek goddess, that + always lacked genuine, earnest dignity, it really was a pretty bit of + work. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, the Egyptian asked to whom he should apply for payment for the + remainder of his labour. + </p> + <p> + The strip of gold, from which Hermon had ordered the diadem to be made, + had attracted his attention on the head of his Demeter, and compensation + for the work upon this ornament was still due. + </p> + <p> + Hermon, deeply agitated, asked, with glowing cheeks, whether Chello really + positively remembered having prepared for him the gold diadem which he had + seen in Alexandria, and the Egyptian eagerly assured him that he had done + so. Hitherto he had found the sculptors honest men, and Hermon would not + withhold the payment for his well-earned toil. + </p> + <p> + The artist strenuously denied such an intention; but when, in his desire + to have the most absolute assurance, he again asked questions about the + diadem, the Egyptian thought that the blind sculptor doubted the justice + of his demand, and wrathfully insisted upon his claim, until Gras managed + to whisper, undetected by Hermon, that he would have the money ready for + him. + </p> + <p> + This satisfied the angry man. He honestly believed that he had prepared + the gold for the ornament on the head of the Demeter in Alexandria; yet + the statue chiselled by Myrtilus had also been adorned with a diadem, and + Chello had wrought the strip of gold it required. Only it had escaped his + memory, because he had been paid for the work immediately after its + delivery. + </p> + <p> + Glad to obey his mistress’s orders to settle at once any debts which the + artist might have in Tennis, the steward followed the goldsmith while + Hermon, seizing the huge goblet which had just been filled with wine and + water for him drained it at one long draught. Then, with sigh of relief, + he restored it to its place, raised his hand and his blinded eyes + heavenward, and offered a brief, fervent thanksgiving to his mother’s soul + and the great Demeter, whom, he might now believe it himself, he had + honoured with a masterpiece which had extorted warm admiration even from a + connoisseur unfriendly his art. + </p> + <p> + When Gras returned, he said, with a grin of satisfaction, that the + goldsmith was like all the rest of his countrymen. The artists did not owe + him another drachm; the never-to-be-forgotten Myrtilus had paid for the + work ordered by Hermon also. + </p> + <p> + Then, for the first time since he had been led on board the ship, a gay + laugh rang fro the blind man’s lips, rising in deep, pure, joyous tones + from his relieved breast. + </p> + <p> + The faithful gray eyes of honest Gras glittered with tears at the musical + tones, and how ardently he wished for his beloved mistress when the + sculptor, not content with this, exclaimed as gleefully as in happier + days: “Hitherto I have had no real pleasure from my successful work, old + Gras, but it is awaking now! If my Myrtilus were still alive, and these + miserable eyes yet possessed the power of rejoicing in the light and in + beautiful human forms, by the dog! I would have the mixing vessels filled, + wreath after wreath brought, boon companions summoned, and with + flute-playing, songs, and fiery words, offer the Muses, Demeter, and + Dionysus their due meed of homage!” + </p> + <p> + Gras declared that this wish might easily be fulfilled. There was no lack + of wine or drinking cups on the vessel, the flute-players whom he had + heard in the Odeum at Tanis did not understand their business amiss, + flowers and wreaths could be obtained, and all who spoke Greek in Tennis + would accept his invitation. + </p> + <p> + But the Bithynian soon regretted this proposal, for it fell like a + hoar-frost upon the blind man’s happy mood. He curtly declined. He would + not play host where he was himself a guest, and pride forbade him to use + the property of others as though it were his own. + </p> + <p> + He could not regain his suddenly awakened pleasure in existence before + Gras warned him it was time to go to rest. Not until he was alone in the + quiet cabin did the sense of joy in his first great success overpower him + afresh. + </p> + <p> + He might well feel proud delight in the work which he had created, for he + had accomplished it without being unfaithful to the aims he had set before + him. + </p> + <p> + It had been taken from his own studio, and the skilful old artisan had + recognised his preliminary work upon the diadem which he, Hermon, had + afterward adorned with ornaments himself. But, alas! this first must at + the same time be his last great success, and he was condemned to live on + in darkness. + </p> + <p> + Although abundant recognition awaited him in Alexandria, his quickly + gained renown would soon be forgotten, and he would remain a beggared + blind man. But it was now allowable for him to think secretly of + possessing Daphne; perhaps she would wait for him and reject other suitors + until he learned in the capital whether he might not hope to recover his + lost sight. He was at least secure against external want; the generous + Archias would hardly withhold from him the prize he had intended for the + successful statue, although the second had been destroyed. The great + merchant would do everything for his fame-crowned nephew, and he, Hermon, + was conscious that had his uncle been in his situation he would have + divided his last obol with him. Refusal of his assistance would have been + an insult to his paternal friend and guardian. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, he might hope that Archias would take him to the most skilful + leeches in Alexandria and, if they succeeded in restoring his lost power + of vision, then—then Yet it seemed so presumptuous to lull himself + in this hope that he forbade himself the pleasure of indulging it. + </p> + <p> + Amid these consoling reflections, Hermon fell asleep, and awoke fresher + and more cheerful than he had been for some time. + </p> + <p> + He had to spend two whole weeks more in Tennis, for the burns healed + slowly, and an anxious fear kept him away from Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + There the woman he loved would again meet him and, though he could assure + Thyone that Nemesis had turned her wheel away from him, he would have been + permitted to treat Daphne only with cool reserve, while every fibre of his + being urged him to confess his love and clasp her in his arms. + </p> + <p> + Gras had already written twice to his master, telling him with what + gratifying patience Hermon was beginning to submit to his great + misfortune, when the notary Melampus returned from Alexandria with news + which produced the most delightful transformation in the blind artist’s + outer life. + </p> + <p> + More swiftly than his great corpulence usually permitted the jovial man to + move, he ascended to the deck, calling: “Great, greater, the greatest of + news I bring, as the heaviest but by no means the most dilatory of + messengers of good fortune from the city of cities. Prick up your ears, my + friend, and summon all your strength, for there are instances of the fatal + effect of especially lavish gifts from the blind and yet often sure aim of + the goddess of Fortune. The Demeter, in whom you proved so marvellously + that the art of a mortal is sufficient to create immortals, is beginning + to show her gratitude. She is helping to twine wreaths for you in + Alexandria.” + </p> + <p> + Here the vivacious man suddenly hesitated and, while wiping his plump + cheeks, perspiring brow, and smooth, fat double chin with his kerchief, + added in a tone of sincere regret: “That’s the way with me! In one thing + which really moves me, I always forget the other. The fault sticks to me + like my ears and nose. When my mother gave me two errands, I attended to + the first in the best possible way, but overlooked the second entirely, + and was paid for it with my father’s staff, yet even the blue wales made + no change in the fault. But for that I should still be in the city of + cities; but it robbed me of my best clients, and so I was transferred to + this dullest of holes. Even here it clings to me. My detestable exultation + just now proves it. Yet I know how dear to you was the dead man who + manifests his love even from the grave. But you will forgive me the false + note into which my weakness led me; it sprang from regard for you, my + young friend. To serve your cause, I forgot everything else. Like my + mother’s first errand, it was performed in the best possible way. You will + learn directly. By the lightnings of Father Zeus and the owl of Athene, + the news I bring is certainly great and beautiful; but he who yearned to + make you happy was snatched from you and, though his noble legacy must + inspire pleasure and gratitude, it will nevertheless fill your poor eyes + with sorrowful tears.” + </p> + <p> + Melampus turned, as he spoke, to the misshapen Egyptian slave who + performed the duties of a clerk, and took several rolls from the + drumshaped case that hung around his neck; but his prediction concerning + Hermon was speedily fulfilled, for the notary handed him the will of his + friend Myrtilus. + </p> + <p> + It made him the heir of his entire fortune and, however happy the + unexpected royal gift rendered the blind man, however cheering might be + the prospects it opened to him for the future and the desire of his heart, + sobs nevertheless interrupted the affectionate words which commenced the + document Melampus read aloud to him. + </p> + <p> + Doubtless the tears which Hermon dedicated to the most beloved of human + beings made his blinded eyes smart, but he could not restrain them, and + even long after the notary had left him, and the steward had congratulated + him on his good fortune, the deep emotion of his tender heart again and + again called forth a fresh flood of tears consecrated to the memory of his + friend. + </p> + <p> + The notary had already informed the grammateus of the disposition which + Myrtilus had made of his property in Hermon’s favour a few days before, + but, by the advice of the experienced Proclus, the contents of the will + had been withheld from the sculptor; the unfortunate man ought to be + spared any disappointment, and proof that Myrtilus was really among the + victims of the accident must first be obtained. + </p> + <p> + The clasp found in the ruins of the white house appeared to furnish this, + and the notary had put all other business aside and gone to Alexandria to + settle the matter. + </p> + <p> + The goldsmith Chello, who had fastened a new pin to the clasp, and could + swear that it had belonged to Myrtilus, had been summoned to the capital + as a witness, and, with the aid of the influential grammateus of the + Dionysian games and priest of Apollo, the zeal of Melampus had + accomplished in a short time the settlement of this difficult affair, + which otherwise might perhaps have consumed several months. + </p> + <p> + The violent death of Myrtilus had been admitted as proved by the + magistrate, who had been prepossessed in Hermon’s favour by his + masterpiece. Besides, no doubts could be raised concerning the validity of + a will attested by sixteen witnesses. The execution of this last testament + had been intrusted to Archias, as Myrtilus’s nearest relative, and several + other distinguished Alexandrians. + </p> + <p> + The amount of the fortune bequeathed had surprised even these wealthy men, + for under the prudent management of Archias the property inherited by the + modest young sculptor had trebled in value. + </p> + <p> + The poor blind artist had suddenly become a man who might be termed + “rich,” even in the great capital. + </p> + <p> + Again the steward shook his head; this vast, unexpected inheritance did + not seem to make half so deep an impression upon the eccentric blind man + as the news received a short time ago that his trivial debt to the + goldsmith Chello was already settled. But Hermon must have dearly loved + the friend to whom he owed this great change of fortune, and grief for him + had cast joy in his immense new wealth completely into the shade. + </p> + <p> + This conjecture was confirmed on the following morning, for the blind man + had himself led to the Greek necropolis to offer sacrifices to the gods of + the nether world and to think of his friend. + </p> + <p> + When, soon after noon, the lessee of the royal bank appeared on the ship + to offer him as many drachmae or talents as he might need for present use, + he asked for a considerable sum to purchase a larger death-offering for + his murdered friend. The next morning he went with the architect of the + province to the scene of the conflagration, and had him mark the spot of + ground on which he desired to erect to his Myrtilus a monument to be made + in Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + At sunset, leaning on the steward’s arm, he went to the Temple of Nemesis, + where he prayed and commissioned the priest to offer a costly sacrifice to + the goddess in his name. + </p> + <p> + On the return home, Hermon suddenly stood still and mentioned to Gras the + sum which he intended to bestow upon the blind in Tennis. He knew now what + it means to live bereft of light, and, he added in a low tone, to be also + poor and unable to earn his daily bread. + </p> + <p> + On the ship he asked the Bithynian whether his burned face had become + presentable again, and no longer made a repulsive impression. + </p> + <p> + This Gras could truthfully assure him. Then the artist’s features + brightened, and the Bithynian heard genuine cheerfulness ring in the tones + of his voice as he exclaimed: “Then, old Gras, we will set out for + Alexandria as soon as the ship is ready to sail. Back to life, to the + society of men of my own stamp, to reap the praise earned by my own + creations, and to the only divine maiden among mortals—to Daphne!” + </p> + <p> + “The day after to-morrow!” exclaimed the steward in joyous excitement; and + soon after the carrier dove was flying toward the house of Archias, + bearing the letter which stated the hour when his fame-crowned blind + nephew would enter the great harbour of Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + The evening of the next day but one the Proserpina was bearing Hermon away + from the city of weavers toward home. + </p> + <p> + As the evening breeze fanned his brow, his thoughts dwelt sadly on his + Myrtilus. Hitherto it had always seemed as if he was bound, and must + commit some atrocious deed to use the seething power condemned to + inaction. But as the galley left the Tanitic branch of the Nile behind, + and the blind man inhaled the cool air upon the calm sea, his heart + swelled, and for the first time he became fully aware that, though the + light of the sun would probably never shine for him again, and therefore + the joy of creating, the rapture of once more testing his fettered + strength, would probably be forever denied him, other stars might perhaps + illumine his path, and he was going, in a position of brilliant + independence, toward his native city, fame, and—eternal gods!—love. + </p> + <p> + Daphne had conquered, and he gave only a passing thought to Ledscha and + the hapless weaver Arachne. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + At the third hour after sunrise a distinguished assemblage of people + gathered at the landing place east of the Temple of Poseidon in the great + harbour of Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + Its members belonged to the upper classes, for many had come in carriages + and litters, and numerous pedestrians were accompanied by slaves bearing + in delicately woven baskets and cornucopias a laurel wreath, a papyrus + crown, or bright-hued flowers. + </p> + <p> + The most aristocratic among the gentlemen had gathered on the western side + of the great sanctuary, between the cella and the long row of Doric + columns which supported the roof of the marble temple. + </p> + <p> + The Macedonian Council of the city was already represented by several of + its members. Among their number was Archias, Daphne’s father, a man of + middle height and comfortable portliness, from whose well-formed, + beardless face looked forth a pair of shrewd eyes, and whose quick + movements revealed the slight irritability of his temperament. + </p> + <p> + Several members of the Council and wealthy merchants surrounded him, while + the grammateus Proclus first talked animatedly with other government + officials and representatives of the priesthood, and then with Archias. + The head of the Museum, who bore the title of “high priest,” had also + appeared there with several members of this famous centre of the + intellectual life of the capital. They shared the shade of this part of + the temple with distinguished masters of sculpture and painting, + architecture and poetry, and conversed together with the graceful + animation of Greeks endowed with great intellectual gifts. + </p> + <p> + Among them mingled, distinguishable neither by costume nor language, a + number of prominent patrons of art in the great Jewish community. Their + principal, the alabarch, was talking eagerly with the philosopher Hegesias + and the Rhodian leech Chrysippus; Queen Arsinoe’s favourite, whom at + Althea’s instigation she had sent with Proclus to receive the returning + traveller. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes all gazed toward the mouth of the harbour, where the expected + ship must soon pass the recently completed masterpiece of Sostratus, the + towering lighthouse, still shining in its marble purity. + </p> + <p> + Soon many Alexandrians also crowded the large platform in front of the + Temple of Poseidon, and the very wide marble staircase leading from it to + the landing place. + </p> + <p> + Beneath the bronze statues of the Dioscuri, at the right and left of the + topmost step, had also gathered the magnificent figures of the Phebi and + the younger men from the wrestling school of Timagetes, with garlands on + their curling locks, as well as many younger artists and pupils of the + older masters. + </p> + <p> + The statues of the gods and goddesses of the sea and their lofty + pedestals, standing at the sides of the staircase, cast upon the marble + steps, gleaming in the radiance of the morning sun, narrow shadows, which + attracted the male and female chorus singers, who, also wearing beautiful + garlands, had come to greet the expected arrival with solemn chants. + </p> + <p> + Several actors were just coming from rehearsal in the theatre of Dionysus, + east of the Temple of Poseidon, of which, like all the stages in the city, + Proclus was chief manager. + </p> + <p> + A pretty dancing girl, who hung on the arm of the youngest, extended her + hand with a graceful gesture toward the staircase, and asked: + </p> + <p> + “Whom can they be expecting there? Probably some huge new animal for the + Museum which has been caught somewhere for the King, for yonder stiff + wearer of a laurel crown, who throws his head back as though he would like + to eat the Olympians and take the King for a luncheon into the bargain, is + Straton, the denier of the gods, and the little man with the bullethead is + the grammarian Zoilus.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” replied her companion. “But there, too, is Apollodorus, the + alabarch of the Jews, and the heavy money-bag Archias—” + </p> + <p> + “Why look at them!” cried the younger mime. “It’s far better worth while + to stretch your neck for those farther in front. They are genuine friends + of the Muses—the poets Theocritus and Zenodotus.” + </p> + <p> + “The great Athene, Apollo, and all his nine Pierides, have sent their + envoys,” said the older actor pathetically, “for there, too, are the + sculptors Euphranor and Chares, and the godlike builder of the lighthouse, + Sostratus in person.” + </p> + <p> + “A handsome man,” cried the girl flute-player, “but vain, I tell you, vain—” + </p> + <p> + “Self-conscious, you ought to say,” corrected her companion. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” added the older actor, patting his smooth cheeks and chin + with a rose he held in his hand. “Who can defend himself against the + highest merit, self-knowledge? But the person who is to have this + reception, by the staff of Dionysus! if modesty flies away from him like + the bird from a girl, it ought Just look there! The tall, broad-shouldered + fellow yonder is Chrysippus, the right hand of Arsinoe, as our grammateus + Proclus is her left. So probably some prince is expected.” + </p> + <p> + “The gentlemen of the Museum and the great artists yonder would not stir a + foot, far less lose so precious a morning hour, for any mere wearer of a + crown or sceptre,” protested the other actor; “it must be—” + </p> + <p> + “That the King or the Queen command it,” interrupted the older player. + “Only Arsinoe is represented here. Or do you see any envoy of Ptolemy? + Perhaps they will yet arrive. If there were ambassadors of the great Roman + Senate—” + </p> + <p> + “Or,” added the dancer, “envoys from King Antiochus. But—goose that + I am!—then they would not be received here, but in the royal harbour + at the Lochias. See if I don’t prove to be right! Divine honours are to be + paid to some newly attracted hero of the intellect. But—just follow + my finger! There—yonder—it comes floating along at the left of + the island of Antirrhodus. That may be his galley! Magnificent! + Wonderfully beautiful! Brilliant! Like a swan! No, no, like a swimming + peacock! And the silver embroidery on the blue sails! It glitters and + sparkles like stars in the azure sky.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the elder actor, shading his eyes with his hand, had been gazing + at the harbour, where, amid the innumerable vessels, the expected one, + whose sails were just being reefed, was steered by a skilful hand. Now he + interrupted the blond beauty with the exclamation: “It is Archias’s + Proserpina! I know it well.” Then, in a declamatory tone, he continued: + “I, too, was permitted on the deck of the glittering vessel, lightly + rocked by the crimson waves, to reach my welcome goal; as the guest of + peerless Archias, I mean. The most magnificent festival in his villa! + There was a little performance there in which Mentor and I allowed + ourselves to be persuaded to take part. But just see how the beautiful + ship uses the narrow passage between the two triremes, as if it had the + bloodleech’s power of contraction! But to return to the festival of + Archias: the oyster ragout served there, the pheasant pasties—” + </p> + <p> + Here he interrupted himself, exclaiming in surprise: “By the club of + Hercules, the Proserpina is to be received with a full chorus! And there + is the owner himself descending the stairs! Whom is she bringing?” + </p> + <p> + “Come! come!” cried the dancing girl to her companion, dragging him after + her, “I shall die of curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + The singing and shouting of many voices greeted the actors as they + approached the platform of the Temple of Poseidon. + </p> + <p> + When from this spot the dancer fixed her eyes upon the landing place, she + suddenly dropped her companion’s arm, exclaiming: “It is the handsome + blind sculptor, Hermon, the heir of the wealthy Myrtilus. Do you learn + this now for the first time, you jealous Thersites? Hail, hail, divine + Hermon! Hail, noble victim of the ungrateful Olympians! Hail to thee, + Hermon, and thy immortal works! Hail, hail, hail!” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile she waved her handkerchief with frenzied eagerness, as if she + could thus force the blind man to see her, and a group of actors whom + Proclus, the grammateus of the Dionysian arts, had sent here to receive + Hermon worthily, followed her example. + </p> + <p> + But her cries were drowned by the singing of the chorus and by thousands + of shouting voices, while Hermon was embraced by Archias on board the + galley, and then, by his guidance, stepped on shore and ascended the + staircase of the Temple of Poseidon. + </p> + <p> + Before the ship entered the harbour, the artist had had a large goblet of + unmixed wine given to him, that he might conquer the emotion that had + overpowered him. + </p> + <p> + Though his blind eyes did not show him even the faintest outline of a + figure, he felt as if he was flooded with brilliant sunshine. + </p> + <p> + While the Proserpina was bearing him past the lighthouse, Gras told him + that they had now reached the great harbour, and at the same time he heard + the shouts, whistles, signals, and varying sounds of the landing place + with its crowded shipping, and of the capital. + </p> + <p> + His blood surged in his veins, and before his mind rose the vision of the + corn-flower blue sky, mirrored in the calm surface of the bluest of seas. + The pharos built by Sostratus towered in dazzling whiteness above the + tide, and before him rose the noble temple buildings, palaces, and + porticoes of the city of Alexandria, with which he was familiar, and + before and between them statue after statue of marble and bronze, the + whole flooded with radiant golden light. + </p> + <p> + True, darkness sometimes swallowed this wonderful picture, but an effort + of the will was sufficient to show it to him again. + </p> + <p> + “The Temple of Poseidon!” cried Gras. “The Proserpina is to land at the + foot of the steps.” And now Hermon listened to the sounds from the shore, + whose hum and buzz transported him into the midst of the long-missed city + of commerce, knowledge, and arts. + </p> + <p> + Then the captain’s shouts of command fell imperiously upon his ears, the + strokes of the oars ceased, their blades sank with a loud splash into the + water, and at the same instant from the temple steps Hermon was greeted by + the solemn notes of the chorus, from whose rhythm his own name rang forth + again and again like so many shouts of victory. + </p> + <p> + He thought his heart would fairly burst through his arched chest, and the + passionate violence of its throbbing did not lessen when Gras exclaimed: + “Half Alexandria has assembled to greet you. Ah, if you could only see it! + How the kerchiefs are waving! Laurel after laurel in every hand! All the + distinguished people in the capital have gathered on the sacred soil of + the Temple of Poseidon. There is Archias, too; there are the artists and + the famous gentlemen of the Museum, the members of the Ephebi, and the + priests of the great gods.” + </p> + <p> + Hermon listened with his hand pressed on his breast, and while doing so + the power of his imagination showed the vast, harmoniously noble structure + of the many-pillared Temple of Poseidon, surrounded by as many thousands + as there were in reality hundreds. From all parts of the sanctuary, even + from the tops of the roofs, he beheld laurel branches and kerchiefs waving + and tossing, and wreaths flung on the ground before him. If this picture + was correct, the whole city was greeting him, headed by the men whom he + honoured as great and meritorious, and in front of them all Daphne, with + drooping head, full of feminine grace and heart-winning goodness. + </p> + <p> + While the chorus continued their song, and the welcoming shouts grew + louder, the brilliant picture faded away, but in return he felt friendly + arms clasp him. First Archias, then Proclus, and after him a succession of + fellow-artists-the greatest of all—drew him into a warm embrace. + </p> + <p> + Finally he felt himself led away, placed his feet as his Uncle Archias + whispered directions, and as they gropingly obeyed them ascended the + temple steps and stood in utter darkness upon the platform listening to + the speeches which so many had prepared. + </p> + <p> + All the distinguished men in the city expressed their sympathy, their + pity, their admiration, their hopes, or sent assurances of them to him. + The Rhodian Chrysippus, despatched by the Queen, delivered the wreath + which the monarch bestowed, and informed Hermon, with her greetings, that + Arsinoe deemed his Demeter worthy of the laurel. + </p> + <p> + The most famous masters of his art, the great scholars from the Museum, + the whole priesthood of Demeter, which included Daphne, the servants of + Apollo, his dear Ephebi, the comrades of his physical exercises—all + whom he honoured, admired, loved-loaded him with praises and good wishes, + as well as the assurance of their pride in numbering him among them. + </p> + <p> + No form, no colour from the visible world, penetrated the darkness + surrounding him, not even the image of the woman he loved. Only his ears + enabled him to receive the praises, honours, congratulations lavished here + and, though he sometimes thought he had received enough, he again listened + willingly and intently when a new speaker addressed him in warm words of + eulogy. What share compassion for his unprecedentedly sorrowful fate had + in this extravagantly laudatory and cordial greeting, he did not ask; he + only felt with a throbbing heart that he now stood upon a summit which he + had scarcely ventured to hope ever to attain. His dreams of outward + success which had not been realized, because he deemed it treason to his + art to deviate from the course which he believed right and best adapted to + it, he now, without having yielded to the demands of the old school, heard + praised as his well-earned possessions. + </p> + <p> + He felt as if he breathed the lighter, purer air of the realms of the + blessed, and the laurel crown which the Queen’s envoy pressed upon his + brow, the wreaths which his fellow-artists presented to him by hands no + less distinguished than those of the great sculptor Protogenes, and + Nicias, the most admired artist after the death of Apelles, seemed, like + the wings on the hat and shoes of Hermes, messenger of the gods, to raise + him out of himself and into the air. + </p> + <p> + Darkness surrounded him, yet a bright dazzling light issued from his soul + and illuminated his whole being with the warm golden radiance of the sun. + </p> + <p> + Not even the faintest shadow dimmed it until Soteles, his fellow-student + at Rhodes, who sustained him with ardent earnestness in the struggle to + prefer truth to beauty, greeted him. + </p> + <p> + He welcomed him and wished that he might recover his lost sight as warmly + as his predecessors. He praised the Demeter, too, but added that this was + not the place to say what he missed in her. Yet that she did lack it + awakened in him an emotion of pain, for this, Hermon’s last work, + apparently gave the followers of the ancients a right to number him in + their ranks. + </p> + <p> + His cautious expression of regret must refer to the head of his Demeter. + Yet surely it was not his fault that Daphne’s features bore the impress of + that gentle, winning kindness which he himself and Soteles, imitating him, + had often condemned as weak and characterless. + </p> + <p> + The correctness of his belief was instantly proved to him by the address + of gray-haired, highly praised Euphranor, who spoke of the Demeter’s + countenance with warm admiration. And how ardently the poets Theocritus + and Zenodotus extolled his work to the skies! + </p> + <p> + Amid so much laudation, one faint word of dissatisfaction vanished like a + drop of blood that falls into a clear stream. + </p> + <p> + The welcome concluded with a final chant by the chorus, and continued to + echo in Hermon’s ears as he entered his uncle’s chariot and drove away + with him, crowned with laurel and intoxicated as if by fiery wine. + </p> + <p> + Oh, if he could only have seen his fellow-citizens who so eagerly + expressed their good will, their sympathy, their admiration! But the black + and coloured mist before his eyes revealed no human figure, not even that + of the woman he loved, who, he now learned for the first time from her + father, had appeared among the priestesses of Demeter to greet him. + </p> + <p> + Doubtless he was gladdened by the sound of her voice, the clasp of her + hand, the faint fragrance of violets exhaling from her fair hair, which he + had often remembered with so much pleasure when alone in Tennis; but the + time to devote himself to her fully and completely had not yet come, for + what manifold and powerful impressions, how much that was elevating, + delightful, and entertaining awaited him immediately! + </p> + <p> + The Queen’s envoy had expressed his mistress’s desire to receive the + creator of the Demeter, the Ephebi and his fellow-artists had invited him + to a festival which they desired to give in his honour, and on the way + Archias informed him that many of his wealthy friends in the Macedonian + Council expected that he, the honoured hero of the day, would adorn with + his presence a banquet in their houses. + </p> + <p> + What a rich, brilliant life awaited him in spite of his blindness! When he + entered his uncle’s magnificent city home, and not only all the servants + and clients of the family, but also a select party of ladies and gentlemen + greeted him with flowers and hundreds of other tokens of affection and + appreciation, he gave himself up without reserve to this novel excess of + fame and admiration. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding his blindness, he felt, after the burns on his face had + healed, thoroughly well, as strong as a giant—nay, more vigorous and + capable of enjoyment than ever. What prevented him from revelling to the + full in the superabundant gifts which Fate, recently so cruel, now + suddenly cast into his lap with lavish kindness? + </p> + <p> + Yet many flattering and pleasant things as he had experienced that day, he + was far from feeling satiety. On entering the hall of the men in his + uncle’s dwelling, the names of famous men and proud beauties had been + repeated to him. Formerly they had taken little notice of him, yet now + even the most renowned received him like an Olympian victor. + </p> + <p> + What did all these vain women really care for him? Yet their favour was + part of the triumph whose celebration he must permit to-day. His heart + held but one being for whom it yearned, and with whom thus far he had been + able only to exchange a few tender greetings. + </p> + <p> + The time for a long conversation had not yet arrived, but he asked Thyone + to lead him to her and, while she listened anxiously, described with + feverish animation the incidents of the last few days. But he soon lowered + his voice to assure her that he had not ceased to think of her even for a + single hour, and the feeling of happiness which, in spite of his + misfortune, had filled and lent wings to his soul, was not least due to + the knowledge of being near her again. + </p> + <p> + And her presence really benefited him almost as much as he had anticipated + during the hours of solitary yearning in Tennis; he felt it a great favour + of Fate to be permitted to strive to possess her, felt even during the + delirium of this reception that he loved her. What a tremendous longing to + clasp her at once in his arms as his betrothed bride overwhelmed him; but + her father’s opposition to the union of his only child with a blind man + must first be conquered, and the great agitation in his soul, as well as + the tumult around him, seemed like a mockery of the quiet happiness which + hovered before him when he thought of his marriage with Daphne. Not until + everything was calmer would the time come to woo her. Until then both must + be satisfied with knowing from each other’s lips their mutual love, and he + thought he perceived in the tone of her voice the deep emotion of her + heart. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps this had prevented Daphne’s expressing her congratulations upon + the success of his Demeter as eagerly and fully as he had expected. + Painfully disturbed by her reserve, he had just attempted to induce her to + give a less superficial opinion of his work, when the curtains of the + dining room parted-the music of flutes, singing, and pleasant odours + greeted him and the guests. Archias summoned them to breakfast, and a band + of beautiful boys, with flowers and garlands of ivy, obeyed the command to + crown them. + </p> + <p> + Then Thyone approached the newly united pair and, after exchanging a few + words with Daphne, whispered in an agitated voice to the blind sculptor, + over whose breast a brown-locked young slave was just twining a garland of + roses: “Poverty no longer stands between you and the object of your love; + is it Nemesis who even now still seals your lips?” + </p> + <p> + Hermon stretched out his hand to draw her nearer to him and murmur softly + that her counsel had aided him to break the power of the terrible goddess, + but he grasped the empty air. At the same time the deep voice of his + love’s father, whose opposition threatened to cloud his new happiness, + singing, flute-playing, and the laughter of fair women greeted him and, + only half master of his own will, he assented, by a slight bend of the + head, to the matron’s question. A light shiver ran through his frame with + the speed of lightning, and the Epicurean’s maxim that fear and cold are + companions darted through his brain. But what should he fear? He had + endured severe trials, it is true, for the sake of remaining faithful to + truth in art and life; but who probably ever reached the age of manhood + without once deviating from it? Besides, he was surely aware that, had he + been obliged to answer Thyone in words, he would not have been guilty of + the falsehood. His reply had consisted of a slight motion of the head, and + it negatived nothing; it was merely intended to defer for a short time the + thing he most desired. + </p> + <p> + Yet the rash answer weighed heavily on his mind; but it could no longer be + recalled that day, and was believed, for Thyone whispered, “We shall + succeed in reconciling the terrible being.” + </p> + <p> + Again the light tremour ran through him, but it lasted only an instant; + for Chrysilla, the representative of the dead mistress of the house, whose + duty it was to assign the guests their places, called to Hermon, “The + beautiful Glycera does you the honour of choosing you for a neighbour” + and, before the sentence was finished, Archias himself seized his arm and + led him to the cushions at the side of the much-courted beauty. + </p> + <p> + The guests began the banquet in a very joyous mood. + </p> + <p> + Greek gaiety, and the quick intellect and keen wit of the Alexandrians, + combined with the choicest viands of the luxurious capital, where the + wines and dainties of all the countries of the Mediterranean found sellers + and buyers, and the cook’s vocation was developed into a fine art, to + spice this banquet with a hundred charms for the mind and senses. To-day + the principal place in this distinguished circle of famous men, great and + wealthy nobles, beautiful and aristocratic women, was awarded to the blind + sculptor. He was pledged by every one who had admired his Demeter, who + compassionated his sad fate, or who desired to be agreeable to him or his + host. + </p> + <p> + Every kind remark about his person, his blindness, and his masterpiece was + repeated to him and, after the wine and the effort to attract Daphne’s + attention and shine in the presence of his beautiful neighbour had heated + and winged his thoughts, he found an apt reply to each noteworthy word. + </p> + <p> + When the dessert was finally eaten, and after sunset, in the brilliant + light of the lamps and candles, greater attention was paid to the mixing + vessels, all remained silent to listen to his fervid speech. + </p> + <p> + Glycera had asked him, at the beginning of the banquet, to tell her about + the attack in Tennis. Now he yielded to her wish that he should repeat the + captivating tale to the others, and the spirits of the wine helped him to + perform the task with such animation that his hearers listened to his + description in breathless suspense, and many eyes rested on the handsome + face of the great blind artist as if spellbound. + </p> + <p> + When he paused, loud applause rewarded him, and as it reached him from + every part of the spacious room, his deep, resonant voice put him in + communication even with the more distant guests, and he might have been + taken for the symposiarch or director of the banquet. + </p> + <p> + This conspicuous position of the feted artist did not please every one, + and a rhetorician, famed for his sharp tongue, whispered to his neighbour, + one of Hermon’s older fellow-artists, “What his eyes have lost seems to + benefit his tongue.” The sculptor answered: “At any rate, the impetuous + young artist might succeed better in proving himself, by its assistance, a + good entertainer, than in creating more mediocre masterpieces like the + Demeter.” + </p> + <p> + Similar remarks were made on other cushions; but when the philosopher + Hegesias asked the famous sculptor Euphranor what he thought of Hermon’s + Demeter, the kindly old man answered, “I should laud this noble work as a + memorable event, even if it did not mark the end, as well as the + beginning, of its highly gifted creator’s new career.” + </p> + <p> + Nothing of this kind was uttered near Hermon. Everything that reached him + expressed delight, admiration, sympathy, and hope. At dessert the + beautiful Glycera divided her apple, whispering as she gave him one half, + “Let the fruit tell you what the eyes can no longer reveal, you poor and + yet so abundantly rich darling of the gods.” + </p> + <p> + He murmured in reply that his happiness would awake the envy of the + immortals if, in addition, he were permitted to feast upon the sight of + her beauty. + </p> + <p> + Had he been able to see himself, Hermon, who, as a genuine Greek, was + accustomed to moderate his feelings in intercourse with others, would have + endeavoured to express the emotions of joy which filled his heart with + more reserve, and to excel his companions at the festival less recklessly. + </p> + <p> + His enthusiastic delight carried many away with him; others, especially + Daphne, were filled with anxious forebodings by his conduct, and others + still with grave displeasure. + </p> + <p> + Among the latter was the famous leech Erasistratus, who shared Archias’s + cushions, and had been solicited by the latter to try to restore his blind + nephew’s sight. But the kindly physician, who gladly aided even the + poorest sufferer, curtly and positively refused. To devote his time and + skill to a blind man who, under the severest of visitations, lulled + himself so contentedly in happiness, he considered unjust to others who + desired recovery more ardently. + </p> + <p> + “When the intoxication of this unbridled strength passes away, and is + followed by a different mood,” remarked the merchant, “we will talk of + this matter again,” and the confident tone of his deep voice gave the + simple sentence such significance that the learned leech held out his + hand, saying: “Only where deep, earnest longing for recovery fills the + sufferer’s mind will the gods aid the physician. We will wait for the + change which you predict, Archias!” + </p> + <p> + The guests did not disperse until late, and the best satisfied of all was + the grammateus Proclus, who had taken advantage of the rich merchant’s + happy mood, and his own warm intercession in behalf of his nephew’s work, + to persuade Archias to advance Queen Arsinoe a large sum of money for an + enterprise whose object he still carefully concealed. + </p> + <p> + The highly honoured blind artist spent the night under his uncle’s roof. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + Hermon rose from his couch the next morning alert and ready for new + pleasures. + </p> + <p> + He had scarcely left the bath when envoys from the Ephebi and the younger + artists invited him to the festivities which they had arranged in his + honour. He joyously accepted, and also promised messengers from many of + Archias’s friends, who wished to have the famous blind sculptor among + their guests, to be present at their banquets. + </p> + <p> + He still felt as if he were intoxicated, and found neither disposition nor + time for quiet reflection. His great strength, fettered as it were by his + loss of sight, now also began to stir. Fate itself withheld him from the + labour which he loved, yet in return it offered him a wealth of varying + pleasure, whose stimulating power he had learned the day before. He still + relished the draught from the beaker of homage proffered by his + fellow-citizens; nay, it seemed as if it could not lose its sweetness for + a long time. + </p> + <p> + He joined the ladies before noon, and his newly awakened feeling of joy + beamed upon them scarcely less radiantly than yesterday. Though Thyone + might wonder that a man pursued by Nemesis could allow himself to be borne + along so thoughtlessly by the stream of pleasure, Daphne certainly did not + grudge him the festal season which, when it had passed, could never return + to the blind artist. When it was over, he would yearn for the quiet + happiness at her side, which gazed at him like the calm eyes of the woman + he loved. With her he would cast anchor for the remainder of his life; but + first must come the period when he enjoyed the compensation now awarded to + him for such severe sufferings. + </p> + <p> + His heart was full of joy as he greeted Daphne and the Lady Thyone, whom + he found with her; but his warm description of the happy emotion which had + overpowered him at the abundant honours lavished upon him was interrupted + by Archias. + </p> + <p> + In his usual quick, brisk manner, he asked whether Hermon wished to occupy + the beautiful villa with the magnificent garden on Lake Mareotis, + inherited from Myrtilus, which could scarcely be reached in a vehicle from + the Brucheium in less than an hour, or the house situated in the centre of + the city, and Hermon promptly decided in favour of the latter. + </p> + <p> + His uncle, and probably the ladies also, had expected the contrary. Their + silence showed this plainly enough, and Hermon therefore added in a tone + of explanation that later the villa would perhaps suit his condition + better, but now he thought it would be a mistake to retire to the quiet + which half the city was conspiring to disturb. No one contradicted him, + and he left the women’s apartment with a slight feeling of vexation, + which, however, was soon jested away by the gay friends who sought him. + </p> + <p> + When he removed to the city house the next day, he had not yet found time + for a serious talk with Daphne. His uncle, who had managed the estate of + Myrtilus, and wished to give Hermon an account of his inheritance, was + refused by the blind artist, who assured him that he knew Archias had + greatly increased rather than diminished his property, and thanked him + sincerely and warmly. In the convenient and spacious city house the young + sculptor very soon thought he had good reason to be satisfied with his + choice. + </p> + <p> + Most of his friends were busy artists, and what loss of time every visit + to the remote villa would have imposed upon them, what haste he himself + would have been obliged to use to reach home from the bath, where he often + spent many hours, from the wrestling school, from the meetings of + fashionable people in the Paneum gardens, and at sunset by the seashore on + the royal highway in the Brucheium. All these places were very far from + the villa. It would have required whole hours, too, to reach a famous + cookshop in the Canopus, at whose table he liked to assemble beloved + guests or revel with his friends. The theatre, the Odeum, most of the + public buildings, as well as the houses of his best friends, and + especially the beautiful Glycera, were easily reached from his city home, + and, among the temples, that of Demeter, which he often visited to pray, + offer sacrifices, and rejoice in the power of attraction which his statue + of the goddess exerted upon the multitude. It stood at the back of the + cella in a place accessible to the priesthood alone, visible only through + the open doors, upon a pedestal which his fellow-artists pronounced rather + too high. Yet his offer to have it made smaller was not accepted, because + had it been lower the devout supplicants who stood there to pray could not + have raised their eyes to it. + </p> + <p> + It was not only at the festivals of the dead that he went to the Greek + cemetery, where he had had a magnificent monument erected for his dead + mother. If his head ached after a nocturnal carouse, or the disagreeable + alarming chill stole over him which he had felt for the first time when he + falsely answered Thyone that he was still under the ban of Nemesis, he + went to the family monuments, supplied them with gifts, had sacrifices + offered to the souls of the beloved dead, and in this way sometimes + regained a portion of his lost peace of mind. + </p> + <p> + The banquet in the evening always dispelled whatever still oppressed him + on his return home from these visits, for, though months had elapsed since + his brilliant reception, he was still numbered, especially in artist + circles, with the most honoured men; he, the blind man, no longer stood in + any one’s way; conversation gained energy and meaning through the vivacity + of his fervid intellect, which seemed actually deepened by his blindness + when questions concerning art were at issue, and from a modest + fellow-struggler he had become a patron bestowing orders. + </p> + <p> + The sculptor Soteles, who had followed his footsteps since the + apprenticeship in Rhodes, was intrusted with the erection of the monument + to Myrtilus in Tennis, and another highly gifted young sculptor, who + pursued his former course, with the execution of the one to his mother. + </p> + <p> + From a third he ordered a large new mixing vessel of chased silver for the + society of Ephebi, whose members had lauded him, at the magnificent + festival given in his honour, with genuine youthful fervour. + </p> + <p> + In the designs for these works his rich and bold gift of invention and the + power of his imagination proved their full value, and even his older + fellow-artists followed him with sincere admiration when, in spite of his + darkened eyes, he brought before them distinctly, and often even with the + charcoal or wax tablet in his hand, what he had in mind. What magnificent + things might not this man have created had he retained his sight, what + masterpieces might not have been expected! and his former works, which had + been condemned as unlovely, offensive, and exaggerated, were now loudly + admired; nay, the furious Maenads struggling on the ground and the Street + Boy Eating Figs, which were no longer his property, were sold at high + prices. No meeting of artists was complete without Hermon, and the great + self-possession which success and wealth bestowed, besides his remarkable + talent and the energy peculiar to him, soon aided him to great influence + among the members of his profession; nay, he would speedily have reached + the head of their leaders had not the passionate impetuosity of his + warlike nature led the more cautious to seek to restrain the powerful + enthusiast. + </p> + <p> + Archias’s wealthy friends had no such apprehension. To them the lauded + blind artist was not much more than a costly dish certain to please their + guests; yet this, too, was no trifle in social circles which spent small + fortunes for a rare fish. + </p> + <p> + At the banquets of these princes of commerce he often met Daphne, still + more frequently the beautiful Glycera, whose husband, an old ship-owner of + regal wealth, was pleased to see famous men harnessed to his young wife’s + chariot of victory. Hermon’s heart had little to do with the flirtation to + which Glycera encouraged him at every new meeting, and the Thracian Althea + only served to train his intellect to sharp debates. But in this manner he + so admirably fulfilled her desire to attract attention that she more than + once pointed out to the Queen, her relative, the remarkably handsome blind + man whose acquaintance she had made on a night of mad revel during the + last Dionysia but one. Althea even thought it necessary to win him, in + whom she saw the future son-in-law of the wealthy Archias, for through the + graminateus Proclus the merchant had been persuaded to advance the King’s + wife hundreds of talents, and Arsinoe cherished plans which threatened to + consume other large sums. + </p> + <p> + Thyrone watched Hermon’s conduct with increasing indignation, while Daphne + perceived that these women had no more power to estrange her lover from + her than the bedizened beauties who were never absent from the artists’ + festivals. How totally different was his intercourse with her! His love + and respect were hers alone; yet she saw in him a soul-sick man, and + persistently rejected Philotas, who wooed her with the same zeal as + before, and the other suitors who were striving to win the wealthy + heiress. She had confessed her feelings to her father, her best friend, + and persuaded him to have patience a little longer, and wait for the + change which he himself expected in his nephew. + </p> + <p> + This had not been difficult, for Archias loved Hermon, in spite of the + many anxieties he had caused him, as if he were his own son and, knowing + his daughter, he was aware that she could be happy with the man who + possessed her heart though he was deprived of sight. + </p> + <p> + The fame which Hermon had won by great genius and ability had gratified + him more than he expressed, and he could not contradict Daphne when she + asserted that, in spite of the aimless life of pleasure to which he + devoted himself, he had remained the kind-hearted, noble man he had always + been. + </p> + <p> + In fact, he used, unasked and secretly, a considerable portion of his + large revenues to relieve the distress of the poor and suffering. Archias + learned this as the steward of his nephew’s property, and when to do good + he made new demands upon him, he gladly fulfilled them; only he constantly + admonished the blind man to think of his own severe sufferings and his + cure. Daphne did the same, and he willingly obeyed her advice; for, loudly + and recklessly as he pursued pleasure in social circles, he showed himself + tenderly devoted to her when he found her alone in her father’s house. + Then, as in better days, he opened his heart to her naturally and modestly + and, though he refrained from vows of love, he showed her that he did not + cease to seek with her, and her alone, what his noisy pleasures denied. + Then he also found the old tone of affection, and of late he came more + frequently, and what he confided to no one else implied to her, at least + by hints. + </p> + <p> + Satiety and dissatisfaction were beginning to appear, and what he had + attempted to do for the cure of his eyes had hitherto been futile. The + remedies of the oculists to whom he had been directed by Daphne herself + had proved ineffectual. The great physician Erasistratus, from whom he + first sought help, had refrained, at her entreaty and her father’s, from + refusing to aid him, but indignantly sent him away when he persisted in + the declaration that it would be impossible for him to remain for months + secluded from all society and subsist for weeks on scanty fare. + </p> + <p> + He would submit even to that, he assured Daphne, after she represented to + him what he was losing by such lack of resignation, when the time of rest + had come for which he longed, but from which many things still withheld + him. Yesterday the King had invited him to the palace for the first time, + and to decline such an honour was impossible. + </p> + <p> + In fact, he had long wished for this summons, because he had been informed + that no representative of the sovereign had been present at his reception. + Only his wife Arsinoe had honoured him by a wreath and congratulations. + This lack of interest on the part of the King had wounded him, and the + absence of an invitation from the royal connoisseur had cast a shadow into + the midst of many a mirthful hour. He had doubtless been aware what great + and important affairs of state were claiming the conscientious sovereign + just at this time, and how almost unbearable his restless, unloving spouse + was rendering his domestic life; yet Hermon thought Ptolemy might have + spared a short time for an event in the art life of the city, as his + Demeter had been called hundreds of times. + </p> + <p> + Now the long-desired command to appear before the sovereign had finally + reached him, and, in the secure belief that it would bring fresh + recognition and rare honours, he entered the royal palace. + </p> + <p> + Proclus, who neglected no opportunity of serving the nephew of the rich + man whose aid he constantly required for the Queen’s finances, was his + guide, and described the decoration of the inner apartments of the royal + residence. Their unostentatious simplicity showed the refined taste of + their royal occupant. There was no lack of marble and other rare kinds of + stone, and the numerous bas-reliefs which covered the walls like the most + superb tapestry were worthy of special attention. In the oblong apartment + through which the blind man was guided these marble pictures represented + in magnificent work scenes from the campaigns in which Ptolemy, the King’s + father, had participated as Alexander’s general. Others showed Athene, + Apollo, the Muses, and Hermes, surrounding or hastening toward the throne + of the same monarch, and others again Greek poets and philosophers. + Magnificent coloured mosaic pictures covered the floor and many flat + spaces above door and windows, but gold and silver had been sparingly + used. + </p> + <p> + Masterpieces of painting and sculpture were the ornaments of the room. In + the antechamber, where Hermon waited for the King, Proclus mentioned one + of the finest statues of Alexander by Lysippus, and an exquisite Eros by + Praxiteles. + </p> + <p> + The period of waiting, however, became so long to the spoiled artist that + he anticipated the monarch’s appearance with painful discomfort, and the + result of the few minutes which Ptolemy II devoted to his reception was + far behind the hopes he had fixed upon them. + </p> + <p> + In former days he had often seen the narrow-shouldered man of barely + medium height who, to secure his own safety, had had two brothers killed + and sent another into exile, but now ruled Egypt shrewdly and prudently, + and developed the prosperity of Alexandria with equal energy and + foresight. + </p> + <p> + Now, for the first time, Hermon heard him speak. He could not deny that + his voice was unusually pleasant in tone, yet it unmistakably issued from + the lips of a sufferer. + </p> + <p> + The brief questions with which he received the blind artist were kindly, + and as natural as though addressing an equal, and every remark made in + connection with Hermon’s answers revealed a very quick and keen intellect. + </p> + <p> + He had seen the Demeter, and praised the conception of the goddess because + it corresponded with her nature. The sanctity which, as it were, pervaded + the figure of the divine woman pleased him, because it made the + supplicants in the temple feel that they were in the presence of a being + who was elevated far above them in superhuman majesty. + </p> + <p> + “True,” he added, “your Demeter is by no means a powerful helper in time + of need. She is a goddess such as Epicurus imagines the immortals. Without + interfering with human destiny, she stands above it in sublime grandeur + and typical dignity. You belong, if I see correctly, to the Epicureans?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Hermon. “Like my lord and King, I, too, number myself among + the pupils of the wise Straton.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed?” asked Ptolemy in a drawling tone, at the same time casting a + glance of astonishment at the blind man’s powerful figure and well-formed, + intellectual face. Then he went on eagerly: “I shall scarcely be wrong in + the inference that you, the creator of the Fig-eater, had experienced a + far-reaching mental change before your unfortunate loss of sight?” + </p> + <p> + “I had to struggle hard,” replied Hermon, “but I probably owe the success + of the Demeter to the circumstance that I found a model whose mind and + nature correspond with those of the goddess to a rare degree.” + </p> + <p> + The monarch shook his fair head, and protested in a tone of positive + superior knowledge: “As to the model, however well selected it may be, it + was not well chosen for this work, far less for you. I have watched your + battle against beauty in behalf of truth, and rejoiced, though I often saw + you and your little band of young disciples shoot beyond the mark. You + brought something new, whose foundation seemed to me sound, and on which + further additions might be erected. When the excrescences fell off, I + thought, this Hermon, his shadow Soteles, and the others who follow him + will perhaps open new paths to the declining art which is constantly going + back to former days. Our time will become the point of departure of a new + art. But for that very reason, let me confess it, I regret to see you fall + back from your bold advance. You now claim for your work that it cleaves + strictly to Nature, because the model is taken from life itself. It does + not become me to doubt this, yet the stamp of divinity which your Demeter + bears is found in no mortal woman. Understand me correctly! This is + certainly no departure from the truth, for the ideal often deserves this + lofty name better than anything the visible world offers to the eye; but + hitherto you have done honour to another truth. If I comprehend your art + aright, its essence is opposed to the addition of superhuman dignity and + beauty, with which you, or the model you used, strove to ennoble and deify + your Demeter. Admirably as you succeeded in doing so, it forces your work + out of the sphere of reality, whose boundary I never before saw you cross + by a single inch. Whether this occurred unconsciously to you in an hour of + mental ecstasy, or whether you felt that you still lacked the means to + represent the divine, and therefore returned to the older methods, I do + not venture to decide. But at the first examination of your work I was + conscious of one thing: It means for you a revolution, a rupture with your + former aspirations; and as—I willingly confess it—you had been + marvellously successful, it would have driven you, had your sight been + spared, out of your own course and into the arms of the ancients, perhaps + to your material profit, but scarcely to the advantage of art, which needs + a renewal of its vital energies.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me assure you, my lord,” Hermon protested, “that had I remained able + to continue to create, the success of the Demeter would never, never have + rendered me faithless to the conviction and method of creation which I + believed right; nay, before losing my sight, my whole soul was absorbed in + a new work which would have permitted me to remain wholly and completely + within the bounds of reality.” + </p> + <p> + “The Arachne?” asked the King. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lord,” cried Hermon ardently. “With its completion I expected to + render the greatest service, not only to myself, but to the cause of + truth.” + </p> + <p> + Here Ptolemy interrupted with icy coldness: “Yet you were certainly wrong; + at least, if the Thracian Althea, who is the personification of falsehood, + had continued to be the model.” Then he changed his tone, and with the + exclamation: “You are protected from the needs of life, unless your rich + uncle throws his property into the most insatiable of gulfs. May Straton’s + philosophy help you better to sustain your courage in the darkness which + surrounds you than it has aided me to bear other trials!” he left the + room. + </p> + <p> + Thus ended the artist’s conversation with the King, from which Hermon had + expected such great results and, deeply agitated, he ordered the driver of + his horses to take him to Daphne. She was the only person to whom he could + confide what disappointment this interview had caused him. + </p> + <p> + Others had previously reproached him, as the King had just done, with + having, in the Demeter, become faithless to his artistic past. How false + and foolish this was! Many a remark from the critics would have been + better suited to Myrtilus’s work than to his. Yet his fear in Tennis had + not been true. Only Daphne’s sweet face did not suit his more vigorous + method of emphasizing distinctions. + </p> + <p> + What a many-hued chameleon was the verdict upon works of plastic art! Once—on + his return to the capital—thousands had united in the same one, and + now how widely they differed again! + </p> + <p> + His earlier works, which were now lauded to the skies, had formerly + invited censure and vehement attacks. + </p> + <p> + What would he not have given for the possibility of seeing his admired + work once more! + </p> + <p> + As his way led past the Temple of Demeter, he stopped near it and was + guided to the sanctuary. + </p> + <p> + It was filled with worshippers, and when, in his resolute manner, he told + the curator and the officiating priest that he wished to enter the cella, + and asked for a ladder to feel the goddess, he was most positively + refused. + </p> + <p> + What he requested seemed a profanation of the sacred image, and it would + not do to disturb the devout throng. His desire to lower the pedestal + could not be gratified. + </p> + <p> + The high priest who came forward upheld his subordinates and, after a + short dispute, Hermon left the sanctuary with his wish unfulfilled. + </p> + <p> + Never had he so keenly lamented his lost vision as during the remainder of + the drive, and when Daphne received him he described with passionate + lamentation how terribly blindness embittered his life, and declared + himself ready to submit to the severest suffering to regain his sight. + </p> + <p> + She earnestly entreated him to apply to the great physician Erasistratus + again, and Hermon willingly consented. He had promised to attend a banquet + given that day by the wealthy ship-owner Archon. The feast lasted until + early morning, but toward noon Hermon again appeared in his uncle’s house, + and met Daphne full of joyous confidence, as if he were completely + transformed. + </p> + <p> + While at Archon’s table he had determined to place his cure in the hands + of higher powers. This was the will of Fate; for the guest whose cushion + he shared was Silanus, the host’s son, and the first thing he learned from + him was the news that he was going the next day, with several friends, to + the oracle of Amon in the Libyan Desert, to ask it what should be done for + his mother, who had been for several years an invalid whom no physician + could help. He had heard from many quarters that the counsel of the god, + who had greeted Alexander the Great as his son, was infallible. + </p> + <p> + Then Hermon had been most urgently pressed by the young man to accompany + him. Every comfort would be provided. One of his father’s fine ships would + convey them to Paraetonium, where tents, saddle horses, and guides for the + short land journey would be ready. + </p> + <p> + So he had promised to go with Silanus, and his decision was warmly + approved by his uncle, Daphne, and the gray-haired Pelusinian couple. + Perhaps the god would show the blind man the right path to recovery. He + would always be able to call the skill of the Alexandrian leeches to his + aid. + </p> + <p> + Soon after Hermon went on board Archon’s splendidly equipped vessel and, + instead of a tiresome journey, began a new and riotous period of + festivity. + </p> + <p> + Lavish provision had been made for gay companions of both sexes, merry + entertainment by means of dancing, music, and song, well filled dishes and + mixing vessels, and life during the ride through the coast and desert + regions was not less jovial and luxurious than on the ship. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to the blind man like one vast banquet in the dark, interrupted + only by sleep. + </p> + <p> + The hope of counsel from the gods cheered the depressed mood which had + weighed upon him for several weeks, and rich young Silanus praised the + lucky fate which had enabled him to find a travelling companion whose + intellect and wit charmed him and the others, and often detained them over + the wine until late into the night. + </p> + <p> + Here, too, Hermon felt himself the most distinguished person, the + animating and attracting power, until it was said that the voyage was + over, and the company pitched their tents in the famous oasis near the + Temple of Amon. + </p> + <p> + The musicians and dancers, with due regard to propriety, had been left + behind in the seaport of Paraetonium. Yet the young travellers were + sufficiently gay while Silanus and Hermon waited for admission to the + place of the oracle. A week after their arrival it was opened to them, yet + the words repeated to them by the priest satisfied neither Hermon nor + Archon’s son, for the oracle advised the latter to bring his mother + herself to the oasis by the land road if she earnestly desired recovery, + while to Hermon was shouted the ambiguous saying: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Only night and darkness spring from the rank marsh of pleasure; + Morning and day rise brightly from the starving sand.” + </pre> + <p> + Could Silanus’s mother, who was unable to move, endure the desert journey? + And what was the meaning of the sand, from which morning and day—which + was probably the fresh enjoyment of the light—were to rise for + Hermon? The sentence of the oracle weighed heavily upon him, as well as on + Archon’s son, who loved his mother, and the homeward journey became to the + blind man by no means a cheerful but rather a very troubled dream. + </p> + <p> + Thoughtful, very disturbed, dissatisfied with himself, and resolved to + turn his back upon the dreary life of pleasure which for so long a time + had allowed him no rest, and now disgusted him, he kept aloof from his + travelling companions, and rejoiced when, at Alexandria, he was led ashore + in the harbour of Eunostus. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <h3> + Hermon entered his house with drooping head. + </h3> + <p> + Here he was informed that the grammateus of the Dionysian artists had + already called twice to speak to him concerning an important matter. When + he came from the bath, Proclus visited him again. His errand was to invite + him to a banquet which was to take place that evening at his residence in + a wing of the royal palace. + </p> + <p> + But Hermon was not in the mood to share a joyous revel, and he frankly + said so, although immediately after his return he had accepted the + invitation to the festival which the whole fellowship of artists would + give the following day in honour of the seventieth birthday of the old + sculptor Euphranor. The grammateus alluded to this, and most positively + insisted that he could not release him; for he came not only by his own + wish, but in obedience to the command of Queen Arsinoe, who desired to + tell the creator of the Demeter how highly she esteemed his work and his + art. She would appear herself at dessert, and the banquet must therefore + begin at an unusually early hour. He, Proclus, was to have the high honour + of including the royal lady among his guests solely on Hermon’s account, + and his refusal would be an insult to the Queen. + </p> + <p> + So the artist found himself obliged to relinquish his opposition. He did + this reluctantly; but the Queen’s attention to him and his art flattered + his vanity and, if he was to abandon the intoxicating and barren life of + pleasure, it could scarcely be done more worthily than at a festival where + the King’s consort intended to distinguish him in person. + </p> + <p> + The banquet was to begin in a few hours, yet he could not let the day pass + without seeing Daphne and telling her the words of the oracle. He longed, + with ardent yearning, for the sound of her voice, and still more to + unburden his sorely troubled soul to her. + </p> + <p> + Oh, if only his Myrtilus still walked among the living! How totally + different, in spite of his lost vision, would his life have been! + </p> + <p> + Daphne was now the only one whom he could put in his place. + </p> + <p> + Since his return from the oracle, the fear that the rescued Demeter might + yet be the work of Myrtilus had again mastered him. However loudly outward + circumstances might oppose this, he now felt, with a certainty which + surprised him, that this work was not his own. The approval, as well as + the doubts, which it aroused in others strengthened his opinion, although + even now he could not succeed in bringing it into harmony with the facts. + How deep had been the intoxication in which he had so long reeled from one + day to the next, since it had succeeded in keeping every doubt of the + authorship of this work far from him! + </p> + <p> + Now he must obtain certainty, and Daphne could help him to it; for, as a + priestess of Demeter, she possessed the right to procure him access to the + cella and get permission for him to climb the lofty pedestal and feel the + statue with his fingers, whose sense of touch had become much keener. + </p> + <p> + He would frankly inform her of his fear, and her truthful nature would + find the doubt that gnawed his heart as unendurable as he himself. + </p> + <p> + It would have been a grave crime to woo her before he was relieved of this + uncertainty, and he would utter the decisive words that very day, and ask + her whether her love was great enough to share the joys and sorrows of + life with him, the blind man, who perhaps must also divest himself of a + false fame. + </p> + <p> + Time pressed. + </p> + <p> + He called at Archias’s house with a wreath on his head and in festal + robes; but Daphne was in the temple, whither old Philippus and Thyone had + gone, and his uncle was attending a late session of the Council. + </p> + <p> + He would have liked to follow Daphne to the sanctuary, but the late hour + forbade it, and he therefore only charged Gras to tell his young mistress + that he was going to Proclus’s banquet, and would return early the next + morning to discuss a most important subject with her. + </p> + <p> + Then he went directly to the neighbouring palace. The Queen might have + appeared already, and it would not do to keep her waiting. + </p> + <p> + He was aware that she lived at variance with her husband, but how could he + have suspected that she cherished the more than bold design of hurling the + sovereign from his throne and seizing the Egyptian crown herself. + </p> + <p> + Proclus and Althea were among the conspirators who supported Arsinoe, and + the Queen thought it would be an easy matter to win over to her cause and + herself the handsome sculptor, whom she remembered at the last Dionysia. + </p> + <p> + The wealthy blind artist, so highly esteemed among the members of his + profession, might become valuable to the conspiracy, for she knew what + enthusiastic devotion the Alexandrian artists felt for the King, and + everything depended upon forming a party in her own favour among them. + This task was to fall to Hermon, and also another, still more important + one; for he, his nephew and future son-in-law, if any one, could persuade + the wealthy Archias to lend the plot his valuable aid. Hitherto the + merchant had been induced, it is true, to advance large sums of money to + the Queen, but the loyal devotion which he showed to her royal husband had + rendered it impossible to give him even a hint of the conspiracy. Althea, + however, declared that the blind man’s marriage to Daphne was only a + question of time, and Proclus added that the easily excited nephew would + show himself more pliant than the uncle if Arsinoe exerted upon him the + irresistible charm of her personality. + </p> + <p> + When Hermon entered the residence of the grammateus in the palace, the + guests had already assembled. The Queen was not to appear until after the + feast, when the mixing jars were filled. The place by Hermon’s side, which + Althea had chosen for herself, would then be given up to Arsinoe. + </p> + <p> + The sovereign was as unaccustomed to the society of a blind artist as + Hermon was to that of a queen, and both eagerly anticipated the + approaching meeting. + </p> + <p> + Yet it was difficult for Hermon to turn a bright face toward his + companion. The sources of anxiety and grief which had previously burdened + his mind would not vanish, even under the roof of the royal palace. + </p> + <p> + Althea’s presence reminded him of Tennis, Ledscha, and Nemesis, who for so + long a time seemed to have suspended her persecution, but since he had + returned from the abode of the oracle was again asserting the old right to + him. During many a sleepless hour of the night he had once more heard the + rolling of her terrible wheel. + </p> + <p> + Even before the journey to the oasis of Amon, everything life could offer + him, the idle rake, in his perpetual darkness, had seemed shallow and + scarcely worth stretching out his hand for it. + </p> + <p> + True, an interesting conversation still had power to charm him, but often + during its continuance the full consciousness of his misfortune forced + itself upon his mind; for the majority of the subjects discussed by the + artists came to them through the medium of sight, and referred to new + creations of architecture, sculpture, and painting, from whose enjoyment + his blindness debarred him. + </p> + <p> + When returning home from a banquet, if his way lay through the city, he + was reminded of the superb buildings, marble terraces and fountains, + statues and porticoes, which had formerly satiated his eyes with delight, + and must now be illumined with a brilliant radiance by the morning + sunbeams, though a hostile fate shut them out from his eyes, starving and + thirsting for beautiful forms. + </p> + <p> + But it had seemed to him still harder to bear that his blinded eyes + refused to show him the most beautiful of all beautiful things, the human + form, when he lingered among the Ephebi or the spectators of a festal + procession, or visited the gymnasium, the theatre, the Aphrodisium, or the + Paneum gardens, where the beautiful women met at sunset. + </p> + <p> + The Queen was to appear immediately, and when she took her place near him + his blindness would again deprive him of the sight of her delicately cut + features, prevent his returning the glances from her sparkling eyes, and + admiring the noble outlines of her thinly veiled figure. + </p> + <p> + Would his troubled spirit at least permit him to enjoy and enter without + restraint into the play of her quick wit? + </p> + <p> + Perhaps her arrival would relieve him from the discomfort which oppressed + him here. + </p> + <p> + A stranger, out of his own sphere, he felt chilled among these closely + united men and women, to whom no tie bound him save the presence of the + same host. + </p> + <p> + He was not acquainted with a single individual except the mythograph + Crates, who for several months had been one of the members of the Museum, + and who had attached himself to Hermon at Straton’s lectures. + </p> + <p> + The artist was surprised to find this man in such a circle, but he learned + from Althea that the young member of the Museum was a relative of Proclus, + and a suitor of the beautiful Nico, one of the Queen’s ladies in waiting, + who was among the guests. + </p> + <p> + Crates had really been invited in order to win him over to the Queen’s + cause; but charming fair-haired Nico had been commissioned by the + conspirators to persuade him to sing Arsinoe’s praises among his + professional associates. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the men present stood in close connection with Arsinoe, and + were fellow-conspirators against her husband’s throne and life. The ladies + whom Proclus had invited were all confidants of Arsinoe, the wives and + daughters of his other guests. All were members of the highest class of + society, and their manners showed the entire freedom from restraint that + existed in the Queen’s immediate circle. Althea profited by the advantage + of being Hermon’s only acquaintance here. So, when he took his place on + the cushion at her side, she greeted him familiarly and cordially, as she + had treated him for a long time, wherever they met, and in a low voice + told him, sometimes in a kindly tone, sometimes with biting sarcasm, the + names and characters of the other guests. + </p> + <p> + The most aristocratic was Amyntas, who stood highest of all in the Queen’s + favour because he had good reason to hate the other Arsinoe, the sister of + the King. His son had been this royal dame’s first husband, and she had + deserted him to marry Lysimachus, the aged King of Thrace. + </p> + <p> + The Rhodian Chrysippus, her leech and trusted counsellor, also possessed + great influence over the Queen. + </p> + <p> + “The noble lady,” whispered Althea, “needs the faithful devotion of every + well-disposed subject, for perhaps you have already learned how cruelly + the King embitters the life of the mother of his three children. Many a + caprice can be forgiven the suffering Ptolemy, who recently expressed a + wish that he could change places with the common workmen whom he saw + eating their meal with a good appetite, and who is now tortured by the + gout; yet he watches the hapless woman with the jealousy of a tiger, + though he himself is openly faithless to her. What is the Queen to him, + since the widow of Lysimachus returned from Thrace—no, from + Cassandrea, Ephesus, and sacred Samothrace, or whatever other places there + are which would no longer tolerate the murderess?” + </p> + <p> + “The King’s sister—the object of his love?” cried Hermon + incredulously. “She must be forty years old now.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true,” Althea assented. “But we are in Egypt, where marriages + between brothers and sisters are pleasing to gods and men; and besides, we + make our own moral laws here. Her age! We women are only as old as we + look, and the leeches and tiring women of this beauty of forty practise + arts which give her the appearance of twenty-five, yet perhaps the King + values her intellect more than her person, and the wisdom of a hundred + serpents is certainly united in this woman’s head. She will make our poor + Queen suffer unless real friends guard her from the worst. The three most + trustworthy ones are here: Amyntas, the leech Chrysippus, and the + admirable Proclus. Let us hope that you will make this three-leaved clover + the luck-promising four-leaved one. Your uncle, too, has often with + praiseworthy generosity helped Arsinoe in many an embarrassment. Only make + the acquaintance of this beautiful royal lady, and the last drop of your + blood will not seem too precious to shed for her! Besides—Proclus + told me so in confidence—you have little favour to expect from the + King. How long he kept you waiting for the first word concerning a work + which justly transported the whole city with delight! When he did finally + summon you, he said things which must have wounded you.” + </p> + <p> + “That is going too far,” replied Hermon. + </p> + <p> + “Then he kept back his real opinion,” Althea protested. “Had I not made it + a rule to maintain absolute silence concerning everything I hear in + conversation from those with whom I am closely associated—” + </p> + <p> + Here she was interrupted by Chrysippus, who asked if Althea had told her + neighbour about his Rhodian eye-salve. + </p> + <p> + He winked at her and made a significant gesture as he spoke, and then + informed the blind artist how graciously Arsinoe had remembered him when + she heard of the remedy by whose aid many a wonderful cure of blind eyes + had been made in Rhodes. The royal lady had inquired about him and his + sufferings with almost sisterly interest, and Althea eagerly confirmed the + statement. + </p> + <p> + Hermon listened to the pair in silence. + </p> + <p> + He had not been able to see them, it is true, yet he had perceived their + design as if the loss of sight had sharpened his mental vision. He + imagined that he could see the favourite and Althea nudge each other with + sneering gestures, and believed that their sole purpose was to render him—he + knew not for what object—the obedient tool of the Queen, who had + probably also succeeded in persuading his usually cautious uncle to render + her great services. + </p> + <p> + The remembrance of Arsinoe’s undignified conduct at the Dionysia, and the + shameful stories of her which he had heard returned to his mind. At the + same time he saw Daphne rise before him in her aristocratic dignity and + kindly goodness, and a smile of satisfaction hovered around his lips as he + said to himself: “The spider Althea again! But, in spite of my blindness, + I will be caught neither in her net nor in the Queen’s. They are the last + to bar the way which leads to Daphne and real happiness.” + </p> + <p> + The Rhodian was just beginning to praise Arsinoe also as a special friend + and connoisseur of the sculptor’s art when Crates, Hermon’s + fellow-student, asked the blind artist, in behalf of his beautiful + companion, why his Demeter was placed upon a pedestal which, to others as + well as himself, seemed too high for the size of the statue. + </p> + <p> + Hermon replied that he had heard several make this criticism, but the + priests of the goddess refused to take it into account. + </p> + <p> + Here he hesitated, for, like a blow from an invisible hand, the thought + darted through his mind that perhaps, on the morrow, he would see himself + compelled before the whole world to cast aside the crown of fame which he + owed to the statue on the lofty pedestal. He did not have even the + remotest idea of continuing to deck himself with false renown if his dread + was realized; yet he doubtless imagined how this whole aristocratic + circle, with the Queen, Althea, and Proclus at its head, would turn with + reckless haste from the hapless man who had led them into such a shameful + error. + </p> + <p> + Yet what mattered it, even if these miserable people considered themselves + deceived and pointed the finger of scorn at him? Better people would + thereby be robbed of the right to accuse him of faithlessness to himself. + This thought darted through his heated brain like a flash of lightning, + and when, in spite of his silence, the conversation was continued and + Althea told the others that only Hermon’s blindness had prevented the + creation of a work which could have been confidently expected far to + surpass the Demeter, since it seemed to have been exactly suited to his + special talent, he answered his beautiful companion’s remark curtly and + absently. + </p> + <p> + She perceived this with annoyance and perplexity. + </p> + <p> + A woman who yearns for the regard of all men, and makes love a toy, easily + lessens the demands she imposes upon individuals. Only, even though love + has wholly disappeared, she still claims consideration, and Althea did not + wish to lose Hermon’s regard. + </p> + <p> + When Amyntas, the head of the conspirators, attracted the attention of the + company by malicious remarks about the King’s sister, the Thracian laid + her hand on the blind artist’s arm, whispering: “Has the image of the + Arachne which, at Tennis, charmed you even in the presence of the angry + Zeus, completely vanished from your memory? How indifferent you look! But + I tell you”—her deep blue eyes flashed as she spoke—“that so + long as you were still a genuine creating artist the case was different. + Even while putting the last touches of the file to the Demeter, for which + Archias’s devout daughter posed as your model, another whom you could not + banish from your mind filled your imagination. Though so loud a denial is + written on your face, I persist in my conviction, and that no idle + delusion ensnares me I can prove!” + </p> + <p> + Hermon raised his sightless eyes to her inquiringly, but she went on with + eager positiveness: “Or, if you did not think of the weaver while carving + the goddess, how did you happen to engrave a spider on the ribbon twined + around the ears of grain in Demeter’s hand? Not the smallest detail of a + work produced by the hand of a valued friend escapes my notice, and I + perceived it before the Demeter came to the temple and the lofty pedestal. + Now I would scarcely be able to discover it in the dusky cella, yet at + that time I took pleasure in the sight of the ugly insect, not only + because it is cleverly done, but because it reminded me of something”—here + she lowered her voice still more—“that pleased me, though probably + it would seem less flattering to the daughter of Archias, who perhaps is + better suited to act as guide to the blind. How bewildered you look! + Eternal gods! Many things are forgotten after long months have passed, but + it will be easy for me to sharpen your memory. ‘At the time Hermon had + just finished the Demeter,’ the spider called to me, ‘he scratched me on + the gold.’ But at that very time—yes, my handsome friend, I can + reckon accurately—you had met me, Althea, in Tennis, I had brought + the spider-woman before your eyes. Was it really nothing but foolish + vanity that led me to the conviction that you were thinking of me also + when you engraved on the ribbon the despised spider-for which, however, I + always felt a certain regard—with the delicate web beneath its + slender legs?” + </p> + <p> + Hitherto Hermon had listened to every word in silence, labouring for + breath. He was transported as if by magic to the hour of his return from + Pelusium; he saw himself enter Myrtilus’s studio and watch his friend + scratch something, he did not know what, upon the ribbon which fastened + the bunch of golden grain. It was—nay, it could have been nothing + else—that very spider. The honoured work was not his, but his dead + friend’s. How the exchange had occurred he could not now understand, but + to disbelieve that it had taken place would have been madness or + self-deception. + </p> + <p> + Now he also understood the doubts of Soteles and the King. Not he—Myrtilus, + and he alone, was the creator of the much-lauded Demeter! + </p> + <p> + This conviction raised a hundred-pound weight from his soul. + </p> + <p> + What was applause! What was recognition! What were fame and laurel + wreaths! He desired clearness and truth for himself and all the world and, + as if frantic, he suddenly sprang from his cushions, shouting to the + startled guests: “I myself and this whole great city were deceived! The + Demeter is not mine, not the work of Hermon! The dead Myrtilus created + it!” + </p> + <p> + Then pressing his hand to his brow, he called his student friend to his + side, and, as the scholar anxiously laid his arm on his shoulder, + whispered: “Away, away from here! Only let me get out of doors into the + open air!” + </p> + <p> + Crates, bewildered and prepared for the worst, obeyed his wish; but Althea + and the other guests left behind felt more and more impressed by the + suddenly awakened conviction that the hapless blind man had now also + become the victim of madness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + Without a word of explanation, Hermon dragged his guide along in + breathless haste. No one stopped them. + </p> + <p> + The atrium, usually swarming with guards, servants, and officials until a + far later hour, was completely deserted when the blind man hurried through + it with his friend. + </p> + <p> + The door leading into the outer air stood open, but Hermon, leaning on the + scholar’s arm, had scarcely crossed the threshold and entered the little + courtyard encircled with ornamental plants, which separated this portion + of the palace from the street, when both were surrounded by a band of + armed Macedonian soldiers, whose commander exclaimed: “In the name of the + King! Not a sound, if you value your lives!” + </p> + <p> + Incensed, and believing that there was some mistake, Hermon announced + himself as a sculptor and Crates as a member of the Museum, but this + statement did not produce the slightest effect upon the warrior; nay, when + the friends answered the officer’s inquiry whether they were coming from + Proclus’s banquet in the affirmative; he curtly commanded them to be put + in chains. + </p> + <p> + To offer resistance would have been madness, for even Hermon perceived, by + the loud clanking of weapons around them, the greatly superior power of + the enemy, and they were acting by the orders of the King. “To the prison + near the place of execution!” cried the officer; and now not only the + mythograph, but Hermon also was startled—this dungeon opened only to + those sentenced to death. + </p> + <p> + Was he to be led to the executioner’s block? A cold shudder ran through + his frame; but the next moment he threw back his waving locks, and his + chest heaved with a long breath. + </p> + <p> + What pleasure had life to offer him, the blind man, who was already dead + to his art? Ought he not to greet this sudden end as a boon from the + immortals? + </p> + <p> + Did it not spare him a humiliation as great and painful as could be + imagined? + </p> + <p> + He had already taken care that the false renown should not follow him to + the grave, and Myrtilus should have his just due, and he would do whatever + else lay in his power to further this object. Wherever the beloved dead + might be, he desired to go there also. Whatever might await him, he + desired no better fate. If he had passed into annihilation, he, Hermon, + wished to follow him thither, and annihilation certainly meant redemption + from pain and misery. But if he were destined to meet his Myrtilus and his + mother in the world beyond the grave, what had he not to tell them, how + sure he was of finding a joyful reception there from both! The power which + delivered him over to death just at that moment was not Nemesis—no, + it was a kindly deity. + </p> + <p> + Only his heart grew heavy at the thought of leaving Daphne to the tireless + wooer Philotas or some other—everything else from which it is + usually hard to part seemed like a burden that we gladly cast aside. + </p> + <p> + “Forward!” he called blithely and boldly to the officer; while Crates, + with loud lamentations, was protesting his innocence to the warrior who + was putting fetters upon him. + </p> + <p> + A chain was just being clasped around Hermon’s wrists also when he + suddenly started. His keen ear could not deceive him, and yet a demon must + be mocking him, for the voice that had called his name was the girl’s of + whom, in the presence of welcome death, he had thought with longing + regret. + </p> + <p> + Yet it was no illusion that deceived him. Again he heard the beloved + voice, and this time it addressed not only him, but with the utmost haste + the commander of the soldiers. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes with touching entreaty, sometimes with imperious command, she + protested, after giving him her name, that this matter could be nothing + but an unfortunate mistake. Lastly, with earnest warmth, she besought him, + before taking the prisoners away, to permit her to speak to the commanding + general, Philippus, her father’s guest, who, she was certain, was in the + palace. The blood of these innocent men would be on his head if he did not + listen to her representations. + </p> + <p> + “Daphne!” cried Hermon in grateful agitation; but she would not listen to + him, and followed the soldier whom the captain detailed to guide her into + the palace. + </p> + <p> + After a few moments, which the blind artist used to inspire the despairing + scholar with courage, the girl returned, and she did not come alone. The + gray-haired comrade of Alexander accompanied her, and after a few minutes + both prisoners were released from their fetters. Philippus hastily refused + their thanks and, after addressing a few words to the officer, he changed + his tone, and his deep voice sounded paternally cordial as he exclaimed to + Daphne: “Fifteen minutes more, you dear, foolhardy girl, and it would have + been too late. To-morrow you shall confess to me who treacherously + directed you to this dangerous path.” + </p> + <p> + Lastly, he turned to the prisoners to explain that they would be conducted + to the adjacent barracks of the Diadochi, and spend the night there. + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning they should be examined, and, if they could clear + themselves from the suspicion of belonging to the ranks of the + conspirators, released. + </p> + <p> + Daphne again pleaded for the liberation of the prisoners, but Philippus + silenced her with the grave exclamation, “The order of the King!” + </p> + <p> + The old commander offered no objection to her wish to accompany Hermon to + prison. Daphne now slipped her arm through her cousin’s, and commanded the + steward Gras, who had brought her here, to follow them. + </p> + <p> + The goal of the nocturnal walk, which was close at hand, was reached at + the end of a few minutes, and the prisoners were delivered to the + commander of the Diadochi. This kindly disposed officer had served under + Hermon’s father, and when the names of the prisoners were given, and the + officer reported to him that General Philippus recommended them to his + care as innocent men, he had a special room opened for the sculptor and + his fair guide, and ordered Crates to enter another. + </p> + <p> + He could permit the beautiful daughter of the honoured Archias to remain + with Hermon for half an hour, then he must beg her to allow herself to be + escorted to her home, as the barracks were closed at that time. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the captive artist was alone with the woman he loved, he + clasped her hand, pouring forth incoherent words of the most ardent + gratitude, and when he felt her warmly return the pressure, he could not + restrain the desire to clasp her to his heart. For the first time his lips + met hers, he confessed his love, and that he had just regarded death as a + deliverer; but his life was now gaining new charm through her affection. + </p> + <p> + Then Daphne herself threw her arms around his neck with fervent devotion. + </p> + <p> + The love that resistlessly drew his heart to her was returned with equal + strength and ardour. In spite of his deep mental distress, he could have + shouted aloud in his delight and gratitude. He might now have been + permitted to bind forever to his life the woman who had just rescued him + from the greatest danger, but the confession he must make to his + fellow-artists in the palaestra the following morning still sealed his + lips. Yet in this hour he felt that he was united to her, and ought not to + conceal what awaited him; so, obeying a strong impulse, he exclaimed: “You + know that I love you! Words can not express the strength of my devotion, + but for that very reason I must do what duty commands before I ask the + question, ‘Will you join your fate to mine?’” + </p> + <p> + “I love you and have loved you always!” Daphne exclaimed tenderly. “What + more is needed?” + </p> + <p> + But Hermon, with drooping head, murmured: “To-morrow I shall no longer be + what I am now. Wait until I have done what duty enjoins; when that is + accomplished, you shall ask yourself what worth the blind artist still + possesses who bartered spurious fame for mockery and disgrace in order not + to become a hypocrite.” + </p> + <p> + Then Daphne raised her face to his, asking, “So the Demeter is the work of + Myrtilus?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” he answered firmly. “It is the work of Myrtilus.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my poor, deceived love!” cried Daphne, strongly agitated, in a tone + of the deepest sorrow. “What a terrible ordeal again awaits you! It must + indeed distress me—and yet Do not misunderstand me! It seems + nevertheless as if I ought to rejoice, for you and your art have not + spoken to me even a single moment from this much-lauded work.” + </p> + <p> + “And therefore,” he interrupted with passionate delight, “therefore alone + you withheld the enthusiastic praise with which the others intoxicated me? + And I, fool, blinded also in mind, could be vexed with you for it! But + only wait, wait! Soon-to-morrow even—there will be no one in + Alexandria who can accuse me of deserting my own honest aspiration, and, + if the gods will only restore my sight and the ability to use my hands as + a sculptor, then, girl, then—” + </p> + <p> + Here he was interrupted by a loud knocking at the door. + </p> + <p> + The time allowed had expired. + </p> + <p> + Hermon again warmly embraced Daphne, saying: “Then go! Nothing can cloud + what these brief moments have bestowed. I must remain blind; but you have + restored the lost sight to my poor darkened soul. To-morrow I shall stand + in the palaestra before my comrades, and explain to them what a malicious + accident deceived me, and with me this whole great city. Many will not + believe me, and even your father will perhaps consider it a disgrace to + give his arm to his scorned, calumniated nephew to guide him home. Bring + this before your mind, and everything else that you must accept with it, + if you consent, when the time arrives, to become mine. Conceal and + palliate nothing! But should the Lady Thyone speak of the Eumenides who + pursued me, tell her that they had probably again extended their arms + toward me, but when I return to-morrow from the palaestra I shall be freed + from the terrible beings.” + </p> + <p> + Lastly, he asked to be told quickly how she had happened to come to the + palace at the right time at so late an hour, and Daphne informed him as + briefly and modestly as if the hazardous venture which, in strong + opposition to her retiring, womanly nature, she had undertaken, was a mere + matter of course. + </p> + <p> + When Thyone in her presence heard from Gras that Hermon intended to go to + Proclus’s banquet, she started up in horror, exclaiming, “Then the + unfortunate man is lost!” + </p> + <p> + Her husband, who had long trusted even the gravest secrets to his discreet + old wife, had informed her of the terrible office the King had confided to + him. All the male guests of Proclus were to be executed; the women—the + Queen at their head—would be sent into exile. + </p> + <p> + Then Daphne, on her knees, besought the matron to tell her what threatened + Hermon, and succeeded in persuading her to speak. + </p> + <p> + The terrified girl, accompanied by Gras, went first to her lover’s house + and, when she did not find him there, hastened to the King’s palace. + </p> + <p> + If Hermon could have seen her with her fluttering hair, dishevelled by the + night breeze, and checks blanched by excitement and terror, if he had been + told how she struggled with Thyone, who tried to detain her and lock her + up before she left her father’s house, he would have perceived with still + prouder joy, had that been possible, what he possessed in the devoted love + of this true woman. + </p> + <p> + Grateful and moved by joyous hopes, he informed Daphne of the words of the + oracle, which had imprinted themselves upon his memory. + </p> + <p> + She, too, quickly retained them, and murmured softly: + </p> + <p> + “Noise and dazzling radiance are hostile to the purer light, Morning and + day will rise quietly from the starving sand.” + </p> + <p> + What could the verse mean except that the blind man would regain the power + to behold the light of clay amid the sands of the silent desert? + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it would be well for him to leave Alexandria now, and she + described how much benefit she had received while hunting from the silence + of the wilderness, when she had left the noise of the city behind her. But + before she had quite finished, the knocking at the door was repeated. + </p> + <p> + The lovers took leave of each other with one last kiss, and the final + words of the departing girl echoed consolingly in the blind man’s heart, + “The more they take from you, the more closely I will cling to you.” + </p> + <p> + Hermon spent the latter portion of the night rejoicing in the + consciousness of a great happiness, yet also troubled by the difficult + task which he could not escape. + </p> + <p> + When the market place was filling, gray-haired Philippus visited him. + </p> + <p> + He desired before the examination, for which every preparation had been + made, to understand personally the relation of his dead comrade’s son to + the defeated conspiracy, and he soon perceived that Hermon’s presence at + the banquet was due solely to an unlucky accident or in consequence of the + Queen’s desire to win him over to her plot. + </p> + <p> + Yet he was forced to advise the blind sculptor to leave Alexandria. The + suspicion that he had been associated with the conspirators was the more + difficult to refute, because his Uncle Archias had imprudently allowed + himself to be persuaded by Proclus and Arsinoe to lend the Queen large + sums, which had undoubtedly been used to promote her abominable plans. + </p> + <p> + Philippus also informed him that he had just come from Archias, whom he + had earnestly urged to fly as quickly as possible from the persecution + which was inevitable; for, secure as Hermon’s uncle felt in his innocence, + the receipts for the large sums loaned by him, which had just been found + in Proclus’s possession, would bear witness against him. Envy and ill will + would also have a share in this affair, and the usually benevolent King + knew no mercy where crime against his own person was concerned. So Archias + intended to leave the city on one of his own ships that very day. Daphne, + of course, would accompany him. + </p> + <p> + The prisoner listened in surprise and anxiety. + </p> + <p> + His uncle driven from his secure possessions to distant lands! Daphne + taken from him, he knew not whither nor for how long a time, after he had + just been assured of her great love! He himself on the way to expose + himself to the malice and mockery of the whole city! + </p> + <p> + His heart contracted painfully, and his solicitude about his uncle’s fate + increased when Philippus informed him that the conspirators had been + arrested at the banquet and, headed by Amyntas, the Rhodian, Chrysippus, + and Proclus, had perished by the executioner’s sword at sunrise. + </p> + <p> + The Queen, Althea, and the other ladies were already on the way to Coptos, + in Upper Egypt, whither the King had exiled them. + </p> + <p> + Ptolemy had intrusted the execution of this severe punishment to + Alexander’s former comrade as the most trustworthy and discreet of his + subjects, but rejected, with angry curtness, Philippus’s attempt to uphold + the innocence of his friend Archias. + </p> + <p> + The old man’s conversation with Hermon was interrupted by the + functionaries who subjected him and Crates to the examination. It lasted a + long time, and referred to every incident in the artist’s life since his + return to Alexandria. The result was favourable, and the prisoner was + dismissed from confinement with the learned companion of his fate. + </p> + <p> + When, accompanied by Philippus, Hermon reached his house, it was so late + that the artists’ festival in honour of the sculptor Euphranor, who + entered his seventieth year of life that day, must have already commenced. + </p> + <p> + On the way the blind man told the general what a severe trial awaited him, + and the latter approved his course and, on bidding him farewell, with + sincere emotion urged Hermon to take courage. + </p> + <p> + After hastily strengthening himself with a few mouthfuls of food and a + draught of wine, his slave Patran, who understood writing, wished to put + on the full laurel wreath; but Hermon was seized with a painful sense of + dissatisfaction, and angrily waved it back. + </p> + <p> + Without a single green leaf on his head, he walked, leaning on the + Egyptian’s arm, into the palaestra, which was diagonally opposite to his + house. + </p> + <p> + Doubtless he longed to hasten at once to Daphne, but he felt that he could + not take leave of her until he had first cast off, as his heart and mind + dictated, the terrible burden which oppressed his soul. Besides, he knew + that the object of his love would not part from him without granting him + one last word. + </p> + <p> + On the way his heart throbbed almost to bursting. + </p> + <p> + Even Daphne’s image, and what threatened her father, and her with him, + receded far into the background. He could think only of his design, and + how he was to execute it. + </p> + <p> + Yet ought he not to have the laurel wreath put on, in order, after + removing it, to bestow it on the genius of Myrtilus? + </p> + <p> + Yet no! + </p> + <p> + Did he still possess the right to award this noble branch to any one? He + was appearing before his companions only to give truth its just due. It + was repulsive to endow this explanation of an unfortunate error with a + captivating aspect by any theatrical adornment. To be honest, even for the + porter, was a simple requirement of duty, and no praiseworthy merit. + </p> + <p> + The guide forced a path for him through carriages, litters, and whole + throngs of slaves and common people, who had assembled before the + neighbouring palaestra. + </p> + <p> + The doorkeepers admitted the blind man, who was well known here, without + delay; but he called to the slave: “Quick, Patran, and not among the + spectators—in the centre of the arena!” + </p> + <p> + The Egyptian obeyed, and his master crossed the wide space, strewn with + sand, and approached the stage which had been erected for the festal + performances. + </p> + <p> + Even had his eyes retained the power of sight, his blood was coursing so + wildly through his veins that he might perhaps have been unable to + distinguish the statues around him and the thousands of spectators, who, + crowded closely together, richly garlanded, their cheeks glowing with + enthusiasm, surrounded the arena. + </p> + <p> + “Hermon!” shouted his friend Soteles in joyful surprise in the midst of + this painful walk. “Hermon!” resounded here, there, and everywhere as, + leaning on his friend’s arm, he stepped upon the stage, and the + acclamations grew louder and louder as Soteles fulfilled the sculptor’s + request and led him to the front of the platform. + </p> + <p> + Obeying a sign from the director of the festival, the chorus, which had + just sung a hymn to the Muses, was silent. + </p> + <p> + Now the sculptor began to speak, and noisy applause thundered around him + as he concluded the well-chosen words of homage with which he offered + cordial congratulations to the estimable Euphranor, to whom the festival + was given; but the shouts soon ceased, for the audience had heard his + modest entreaty to be permitted to say a few words, concerning a personal + matter, to those who were his professional colleagues, as well as to the + others who had honoured him with their interest and, only too loudly, with + undeserved applause. The more closely what he had to say concerned + himself, the briefer he would make his story. + </p> + <p> + And, in fact, he did not long claim the attention of his hearers. Clearly + and curtly he stated how it had been possible to mistake Mrytilus’s work + for his, how the Tennis goldsmith had dispelled his first suspicion, and + how vainly he had besought the priests of Demeter to be permitted to feel + his statue. Then, without entering into details, he informed them that, + through an accident, he had now reached the firm conviction that he had + long worn wreaths which belonged to another. But, though the latter could + not rise from the grave, he still owed it to truth, to whose service he + had dedicated his art from the beginning, and to the simple honesty, dear + alike to the peasant and the artist, to divest himself of the fame to + which he was not entitled. Even while he believed himself to be the + creator of the Demeter, he had been seriously troubled by the praise of so + many critics, because it had exposed him to the suspicion of having become + faithless to his art and his nature. In the name of the dead, he thanked + his dear comrades for the enthusiastic appreciation his masterpiece had + found. Honour to Myrtilus and his art, but he trusted this noble festal + assemblage would pardon the unintentional deception, and aid his prayer + for recovery. If it should be granted he hoped to show that Hermon had not + been wholly unworthy to adorn himself for a short time with the wreaths of + Myrtilus. + </p> + <p> + When he closed, deep silence reigned for a brief interval, and one man + looked at another irresolutely until the hero of the day, gray-haired + Euphranor, rose and, leaning on the arm of his favourite pupil, walked + through the centre of the arena to the stage, mounted it, embraced Hermon + with paternal warmth, and made him happy by the words: “The deception that + has fallen to your lot, my poor young friend, is a lamentable one; but + honour to every one who honestly means to uphold the truth. We will + beseech the immortals with prayers and sacrifices to restore sight to your + artist eyes. If I am permitted, my dear young comrade, to see you continue + to create, it will be a source of joy to me and all of us; yet the Muses, + even though unasked, lead into the eternal realm of beauty the elect who + consecrates his art to truth with the right earnestness.” + </p> + <p> + The embrace with which the venerable hero of the festival seemed to + absolve Hermon was greeted with loud applause; but the kind words which + Euphranor, in the weak voice of age, had addressed to the blind man had + been unintelligible to the large circle of guests. + </p> + <p> + When he again descended to the arena new plaudits rose; but soon hisses + and other signs of disapproval blended with them, which increased in + strength and number when a well known critic, who had written a learned + treatise concerning the relation of the Demeter to Hermon’s earlier works, + expressed his annoyance in a loud whistle. The dissatisfied and + disappointed spectators now vied with one another to silence those who + were cheering by a hideous uproar while the latter expressed more and more + loud the sincere esteem with which they were inspired by the confession of + the artist who, though cruelly prevented from winning fresh fame, cast + aside the wreath which a dead man had, as were, proffered from his tomb. + </p> + <p> + Probably every man thought that, in the same situation, he would have done + the same yet not only justice—nay, compassion—dictated showing + the blind artist that they believed in and would sustain him. The + ill-disposed insisted that Hermon had only done what duty commanded the + meanest man, and the fact that he had deceived all Alexandria still + remained. Not a few joined this party, for larger possession excite envy + perhaps even more frequently than greater fame. + </p> + <p> + Soon the approving and opposing voices mingled in an actual conflict. But + before the famous sculptor Chares, the great and venerable artist Nicias, + and several younger friends of Hermon quelled this unpleasant disturbance + of the beautiful festival, the blind man, leaning on the arm of his + fellow-artist Soteles, had left the palaestra. + </p> + <p> + At the exit he, parted from his friend, who had been made happy by the + ability to absolve his more distinguished leader from the reproach of + having become faithless to their common purpose, and who intended to + intercede further in his behalf in the palaestra. + </p> + <p> + Hermon no longer needed him; for, besides his slave Patran, he found the + steward Gras, who, by his master’s order, guided the blind man to + Archias’s closed harmamaxa, which was waiting outside the building. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + The sculptor’s head was burning feverishly when he entered the vehicle. He + had never imagined that the consequences of his explanation would be so + terrible. During the drive—by no means a long one—to the great + harbour, he strove to collect his thoughts. Groaning aloud, he covered his + ears with his hands to shut out the shouts and hisses from the palaestra, + which in reality were no longer audible. + </p> + <p> + True, he would not need to expose himself to this uproar a second time, + yet if he remained in Alexandria the witticisms, mockery, and jibes of the + whole city, though in a gentler form, would echo hundreds of times around + him. + </p> + <p> + He must leave the city. He would have preferred to go on board the staunch + Tacheia and be borne far away with his uncle and Daphne, but he was + obliged to deny himself the fulfilment of this desire. He must now think + solely of regaining his sight. + </p> + <p> + Obedient to the oracle, he would go to the desert where from the “starving + sand” the radiant daylight was to rise anew for him. + </p> + <p> + There he would, at any rate, be permitted to recover the clearness of + perception and feeling which he had lost in the delirium of the dissolute + life of pleasure that he had led in the past. Pythagoras had already + forbidden the folly of spoiling the present by remorse; and he, too, did + not do this. It would have been repugnant to his genuinely Greek nature. + Instead of looking backward with peevish regret, his purpose was to look + with blithe confidence toward the future, and to do his best to render it + better and more fruitful than the months of revel which lay behind him. + </p> + <p> + He could no longer imagine a life worth living without Daphne, and the + thought that if his uncle were robbed of his wealth he would become her + support cheered his heart. If the oracle did not fulfil its promise, he + would again appeal to medical skill, and submit even to the most severe + suffering which might be imposed upon him. + </p> + <p> + The drive to the great harbour was soon over, but the boat which lay + waiting for him had a considerable distance to traverse, for the Tacheia + was no longer at the landing place, but was tacking outside the Pharos, in + order, if the warrant of arrest were issued, not to be stopped at the + channel dominated by the lighthouse. He found the slender trireme pervaded + by a restless stir. His uncle had long been expecting him with burning + impatience. + </p> + <p> + He knew, through Philippus, what duty still detained the deceived artist, + but he learned, at the same time, that his own imprisonment had been + determined, and it would be advisable for him to leave the city behind him + as quickly as possible. Yet neither Daphne nor he was willing to depart + without saying farewell to Hermon. + </p> + <p> + But the danger was increasing every moment, and, warm as was the parting, + the last clasp of the hand and kiss swiftly followed the first words of + greeting. + </p> + <p> + So the blind artist learned only that Archias was going to the island of + Lesbos, his mother’s home, and that he had promised his daughter to give + Hermon time to recover his sight. The property bequeathed to him by + Myrtilus had been placed by the merchant in the royal bank, and he had + also protected himself against any chance of poverty. Hermon was to send + news of his health to Lesbos from time to time if a safe opportunity + offered and, when Daphne knew where he was to be found, she could let him + have tidings. Of course, for the present great caution must be exercised + in order not to betray the abode of the fugitives. + </p> + <p> + Hermon, too, ought to evade the pursuit of the incensed King as quickly as + possible. + </p> + <p> + Not only Daphne’s eyes, but her father’s also, overflowed with tears at + this parting, and Hermon perceived more plainly than ever that he was as + dear to his uncle as though he were his own son. + </p> + <p> + The low words which the artist exchanged with the woman whose love, even + during the period of separation, would shed light and warmth upon his + darkened life, were deeply impressed upon the souls of both. + </p> + <p> + For the present, faithful Gras was to remain in charge of his master’s + house in Alexandria. Leaning on his arm, the blind man left the Tacheia, + which, as soon as both had entered the boat, was urged forward by powerful + strokes of the oars. + </p> + <p> + The Bithynian informed Hermon that kerchiefs were waving him a farewell + from the trireme, that the sails had been unfurled, and the wind was + driving the swift vessel before it like a swallow. + </p> + <p> + At the Pharos Gras reported that a royal galley was just passing them, + undoubtedly in pursuit of the Tacheia; but the latter was the swiftest of + all the Greek vessels, and they need not fear that she would be overtaken + by the war ship. + </p> + <p> + With a sore heart and the desolate feeling of being now utterly alone, + Hermon again landed and ordered that his uncle’s harmamaxa should convey + him to the necropolis. He desired to seek peace at his mother’s grave, and + to take leave of these beloved tombs. + </p> + <p> + Guided by the steward, he left them cheered and with fresh confidence in + the future, and the faithful servant’s account of the energy with which + Daphne had aided the preparations for departure benefited him like a + refreshing bath. + </p> + <p> + When he was again at home, one visitor after another was announced, who + came there from the festival in the palaestra, and, in spite of his great + reluctance to receive them, he denied no one admittance, but listened even + to the ill-disposed and spiteful. + </p> + <p> + In the battle which he had commenced he must not shrink from wounds, and + he was struck by many a poisoned shaft. But, to make amends, a clear + understanding was effected between him and those whom he esteemed. + </p> + <p> + The last caller left him just before midnight. + </p> + <p> + Hermon now made many preparations for departure. + </p> + <p> + He intended to go into the desert with very little luggage, as the oracle + seemed to direct. How long a time his absence would extend could not be + estimated, and the many poor people whom he had fed and supported must not + suffer through his departure. The arrangements required to effect this he + dictated to the slave, who understood writing. He had gained in him an + extremely capable servant, and Patran expressed his readiness to follow + him into the desert; but the wry face which, sure that the blind man could + not see him, he made while saying so, seemed to prove the contrary. + </p> + <p> + Weary, and yet too excited to find sleep, Hermon at last went to rest. + </p> + <p> + If his Myrtilus had been with him now, what would he not have had to say + to express his gratitude, to explain! How overjoyed he would have been at + the fulfilment of his wish to see him united to Daphne, at least in heart; + with what fiery ardour he would have upbraided those who believed him + capable of having appropriated what belonged to another! + </p> + <p> + But Myrtilus was no more, and who could tell whether his body had not + remained unburied, and his soul was therefore condemned to be borne + restlessly between heaven and earth, like a leaf driven by the wind? Yet, + if the earth covered him, where was the spot on which sacrifices could be + offered to his soul, his tombstone could be anointed, and he himself + remembered? + </p> + <p> + Then a doubt which had never before entered his mind suddenly took + possession of Hermon. + </p> + <p> + Since for so many months he had firmly believed his friend’s work to be + his own, he might also have fallen into another delusion, and Myrtilus + might still dwell among the living. + </p> + <p> + At this thought the blind man, with a swift movement, sat erect upon his + couch; it seemed as if a bright light blazed before his eyes in the dark + room. + </p> + <p> + The reasons which had led the authorities to pronounce Myrtilus dead + rendered his early end probable, it is true, yet by no means proved it + absolutely. He must hold fast to that. + </p> + <p> + He who, ever since he returned to Alexandria from Tennis, had squandered + precious time as if possessed by evil demons, would now make a better use + of it. Besides, he longed to leave the capital. What! Suppose he should + now, even though it were necessary to delay obeying the oracle’s command, + search, traverse, sail through the world in pursuit of Myrtilus, even, if + it must be, to the uttermost Thule? + </p> + <p> + But he fell back upon the couch as quickly as he had started up. + </p> + <p> + “Blind! blind!” he groaned in dull despair. How could he, who was not able + even to see his hand before his eyes, succeed in finding his friend? + </p> + <p> + And yet, yet—— + </p> + <p> + Had his mind been darkened with his eyes, that this thought came to him + now for the first time, that he had not sent messengers to all quarters of + the globe to find some trace of the assailants and, with them, of the lost + man? + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it was Ledscha who had him in her power, and, while he was + pondering and forming plans for the best way of conducting investigations, + the dimmed image of the Biamite again returned distinctly to his mind, and + with it that of Arachne and the spider, into which the goddess transformed + the weaver. + </p> + <p> + Half overcome by sleep, he saw himself, staff in hand, led by Daphne, + cross green meadows and deserts, valleys and mountains, to seek his + friend; yet whenever he fancied he caught sight of him, and Ledscha with + him, in the distance, the spider descended from above and, with magical + speed, wove a net which concealed both from his gaze. + </p> + <p> + Groaning and deeply disturbed, half awake, he struggled onward, always + toward one goal, to find his Myrtilus again, when suddenly the sound of + the knocker on the entrance door and the barking of Lycas, his Arabian + greyhound, shook the house. + </p> + <p> + Recalled to waking life, he started up and listened. + </p> + <p> + Had the men who were to arrest him or inquisitive visitors not allowed + themselves to be deterred even by the late hour? + </p> + <p> + He listened angrily as the old porter sternly accosted the late guest; + but, directly after, the gray-haired native of the region near the First + Cataract burst into the strange Nubian oaths which he lavished liberally + whenever anything stirred his aged soul. + </p> + <p> + The dog, which Hermon had owned only a few months, continued to bark; but + above his hostile baying the blind man thought he recognised a name at + whose sound the blood surged hotly into his cheeks. Yet he could scarcely + have heard aright! + </p> + <p> + Still he sprang from the couch, groped his way to the door, opened it, and + entered the impluvium that adjoined his bedroom. The cool night air blew + upon him from the open ceiling. A strong draught showed that the door + leading from the atrium was being opened, and now a shout, half choked by + weeping, greeted him: “Hermon! My clear, my poor beloved master!” + </p> + <p> + “Bias, faithful Bias!” fell from the blind man’s lips, and when he felt + the returned slave sink down before him, cover his hand with kisses and + wet it with tears, he raised him in his strong arms, clasped him in a warm + embrace, kissed his checks, and gasped, “And Myrtilus, my Myrtilus, is he + alive?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, yes,” sobbed Bias. “But you, my lord-blind, blind! Can it be + true?” + </p> + <p> + When Hermon released him to inquire again about his friend, Bias + stammered: “He isn’t faring so badly; but you, you, bereft of light and + also of the joy of seeing your faithful Bias again! And the immortals + prolong one’s years to experience such evils! Two griefs always belong to + one joy, like two horses to a chariot.” + </p> + <p> + “My wise Bias! Just as you were of old!” cried Hermon in joyful + excitement. + </p> + <p> + Then he quieted the hound and ordered one of the attendants, who came + hurrying in, to bring out whatever dainty viands the house contained and a + jar of the best Byblus wine from the cellar. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile he did not cease his inquiries about his friend’s health, and + ordered a goblet to be brought him also, that he might pledge the slave + and give brief answers to his sympathizing questions about the cause of + the blindness, the noble Archias, the gracious young mistress Daphne, the + famous Philippus and his wife, the companion Chrysilla, and the steward + Gras. Amid all this he resolved to free the faithful fellow and, while + Bias was eating, he could not refrain from telling him that he had found a + mistress for him, that Daphne was the wife whom he had chosen, but the + wedding was still a long way off. + </p> + <p> + He controlled his impatience to learn the particulars concerning his + friend’s fate until Bias had partially satisfied his hunger. + </p> + <p> + A short time ago Hermon would have declared it impossible that he could + ever become so happy during this period of conflict and separation from + the object of his love. + </p> + <p> + The thought of his lost inheritance doubtless flitted through his mind, + but it seemed merely like worthless dust, and the certainty that Myrtilus + still walked among the living filled him with unclouded happiness. Even + though he could no longer see him, he might expect to hear his beloved + voice again. Oh, what delight that he was permitted to have his friend + once more, as well as Daphne, that he could meet him so freely and + joyously and keep the laurel, which had rested with such leaden weight + upon his head, for Myrtilus, and for him alone! + </p> + <p> + But where was he? + </p> + <p> + What was the name of the miracle which had saved him, and yet kept him + away from his embrace so long? + </p> + <p> + How had Myrtilus and Bias escaped the flames and death on that night of + horror? + </p> + <p> + A flood of questions assailed the slave before he could begin a connected + account, and Hermon constantly interrupted it to ask for details + concerning his friend and his health at each period and on every occasion. + </p> + <p> + Much surprised by his discreet manner, the artist listened to the + bondman’s narrative; for though Bias had formerly allowed himself to + indulge in various little familiarities toward his master, he refrained + from them entirely in this story, and the blind man’s misfortune invested + him in his eyes with a peculiar sacredness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + He had arrived wounded on the pirate ship with his master’s friend, the + returned bondman began. When he had regained consciousness, he met Ledscha + on board the Hydra, as the wife of the pirate Hanno. She had nursed + Myrtilus with tireless solicitude, and also often cared for his, Bias’s, + wounds. After the recovery of the prisoners, she became their protectress, + and placed Bias in the service of the Greek artist. + </p> + <p> + They, the Gaul Lutarius, and one of the sculptor’s slaves, were the only + ones who had been brought on board the Hydra alive from the attack in + Tennis, but the latter soon succumbed to his wounds. + </p> + <p> + Hermon owed it solely to the bridge-builder that he had escaped from the + vengeance of his Biamite foe, for the tall Gaul, whose thick beard + resembled Hermon’s in length and blackness, was mistaken by Hanno for the + person whom Ledscha had directed him to deliver alive into her power. + </p> + <p> + The pirate had surrendered the wrong captive to the woman he loved and, as + Bias declared, to his serious disadvantage; for, though Hanno and the + Biamite girl were husband and wife, no one could help perceiving the cold + dislike with which Ledscha rebuffed the giant who read her every wish in + her eyes. Finally, the captain of the pirate ship, a silent man by nature, + often did not open his lips for days except to give orders to the crew. + Frequently he even refused to be relieved from duty, and remained all + night at the helm. + </p> + <p> + Only when, at his own risk, or with the vessels of his father and brother, + he attacked merchant ships or defended himself against a war galley, did + he wake to vigorous life and rush with gallant recklessness into battle. + </p> + <p> + A single man on the Hydra was little inferior to him in strength and + daring—the Gaul Lutarius. He had been enrolled among the pirates, + and when Hanno was wounded in an engagement with a Syrian war galley, was + elected his representative. During this time Ledscha faithfully performed + her duty as her young husband’s nurse, but afterward treated him as coldly + as before. + </p> + <p> + Yet she devoted herself eagerly to the ship and the crew, and the fierce, + lawless fellows cheerfully submitted to the sensible arrangements of their + captain’s beautiful, energetic wife. At this period Bias had often met + Ledscha engaged in secret conversation with the Gaul, yet if any tender + emotion really attracted her toward any one other than her husband, + Myrtilus would have been suspected rather than the black-bearded + bridge-builder; for she not only showed the sculptor the kindest + consideration, but often entered into conversation with him, and even + persuaded him, when the sea was calm, or the Hydra lay at anchor in one of + the hidden bays known to the pirates, to practise his art, and at last to + make a bust of her. She had succeeded in getting him clay, wax, and tools + for the purpose. After asking which goddess had ill-treated the weaver + Arachne, she commanded him to make a head of Athene, adorned with the + helmet, modelled from her own. During this time she frequently inquired + whether her features really were not beautiful enough to be copied for the + countenance of a goddess, and when he eagerly assured her of the fact, + made him swear that he was not deceiving her with flattery. + </p> + <p> + Neither Bias nor Myrtilus had ever been allowed to remain on shore; but, + on the whole, the slave protested, Myrtilus’s health, thanks to the pure + sea air on the Hydra, had improved, in spite of the longing which often + assailed him, and the great excitements to which he was sometimes exposed. + </p> + <p> + There had been anxious hours when Hanno’s father and brothers visited the + Hydra to induce her captain to make money out of the captive sculptor, and + either sell him at a high price or extort a large ransom from him; but + Bias had overheard how resolutely Ledscha opposed these proposals, and + represented to old Satabus of what priceless importance Myrtilus might + become to them if either should be captured and imprisoned. + </p> + <p> + The greatest excitements, of course, had been connected with the battles + of the pirates. Myrtilus, who, in spite of his feeble health, by no means + lacked courage, found it especially hard to bear that during the conflicts + he was locked up with Bias, but even Ledscha could neither prevent nor + restrict these measures. + </p> + <p> + Bias could not tell what seas the Hydra had sailed, nor at what—usually + desolate-shores she had touched. He only knew that she had gone to Sinope + in Pontus, passed through the Propontis, and then sought booty near the + coasts of Asia Minor. Ledscha had refused to answer every question that + referred to these things. + </p> + <p> + Latterly, the young wife had become very grave, and apparently completely + severed her relations with her husband; but she also studiously avoided + the Gaul and, if they talked to each other at all, it was in hurried + whispers. + </p> + <p> + So events went on until something occurred which was to affect the lives + of the prisoners deeply. It must have been just beyond the outlet from the + Hellespont into the AEgean Sea; for, in order to pass through the narrow + straits leading thither from Pontus, the Hydra had been most skilfully + given the appearance of a peaceful merchant vessel. + </p> + <p> + The slave’s soul must have been greatly agitated by this experience, for + while, hitherto, whenever he was interrupted by Hermon he had retained his + composure, and could not refrain from occasionally connecting a practical + application with his report, now, mastered by the power of the + remembrance, he uttered what he wished to tell his master in an oppressed + tone, while bright drops of perspiration bedewed the speaker’s brow. + </p> + <p> + A large merchant ship had approached them, and three men came on board the + Hydra—old Satabus, his son Labaja, and a gray-haired, bearded + seafarer of tall stature and dignified bearing, Schalit, Ledscha’s father. + </p> + <p> + The meeting between the Biamite ship-owner and his child, after so long a + separation, was a singular one; for the young wife held out her hand to + her father timidly, with downcast eyes, and he refused to take it. + Directly after, however, as if constrained by an irresistible impulse, he + drew his unruly daughter toward him and kissed her brow and cheeks. + </p> + <p> + Roast meat and the best wine had been served in the large ship’s cabin; + but though Myrtilus and Bias had been locked up as if a bloody battle was + expected, the loud, angry uproar of men’s deep voices reached them, and + Ledscha’s shrill tones shrieking in passionate wrath blended in the + strife. Furniture must have been upset and dishes broken, yet the giants + who were disputing here did not come to blows. + </p> + <p> + At last the savage turmoil subsided. + </p> + <p> + When Bias and his master were again released, Ledscha was standing, in the + dusk of evening, at the foot of the mainmast, pressing her brow against + the wood as if she needed some support to save herself from falling. + </p> + <p> + She checked Myrtilus’s words with an imperious “Let me alone!” The next + day she had paced restlessly up and down the deck like a caged beast of + prey, and would permit no one to speak to her. + </p> + <p> + At noon Hanno was about to get into a boat to go to her father’s ship, and + she insisted upon accompanying him. But this time the corsair seemed + completely transformed, and with the pitiless sternness, which he so well + knew how to use in issuing commands, ordered her to remain on the Hydra. + </p> + <p> + She, however, by no means obeyed her husband’s mandate without resistance, + and, at the recollection of the conflict which now occurred between the + pair, in which she raged like a tigress, the narrator’s cheeks crimsoned. + </p> + <p> + The quarrel was ended by the powerful seaman’s taking in his arms his + lithe, slender wife, who resisted him with all her strength and had + already touched the side of the boat with her foot, and putting her down + on the deck of his ship. + </p> + <p> + Then Hanno leaped back into the skiff, while Ledscha, groaning with rage, + retired to the cabin. + </p> + <p> + An hour after she again appeared on deck, called Myrtilus and Bias and, + showing them her eyes, reddened by tears, told them, as if in apology for + her weakness, that she had not been permitted to bid her father farewell. + Then, pallid as a corpse, she had turned the conversation upon Hermon, and + informed Myrtilus that an Alexandrian pilot had told her father that he + was blind, and her brother-in-law Labaja had heard the same thing. While + saying this, her lips curled scornfully, but when she saw how deeply their + friend’s misfortune moved her two prisoners, she waved her hand, declaring + that he did not need their sympathy; the pilot had reported that he was + living in magnificence and pleasure, and the people in the capital + honoured and praised him as if he were a god. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon she had laughed shrilly and reviled so bitterly the contemptible + blind Fortune that remains most loyal to those who deserve to perish in + the deepest misery, that Bias avoided repeating her words to his master. + </p> + <p> + The news of Myrtilus’s legacy had not reached her ears, and Bias, too, had + just heard of it for the first time. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha’s object had been to relieve her troubled soul by attacks upon the + man whom she hated, but she suddenly turned to the master and servant to + ask if they desired to obtain their liberty. + </p> + <p> + Oh, how quickly a hopeful “Yes” reached the ears of the gloomy woman! how + ready both were to swear, by a solemn oath, to fulfil the conditions the + Biamite desired to impose! + </p> + <p> + As soon as opportunity offered, both were to leave the Hydra with one + other person who, like Bias and herself, understood how to mange a boat. + </p> + <p> + The favourable moment soon came. One moonless night, when the steering of + the Hydra was intrusted to the Gaul, Ledscha waked the two prisoners and, + with the Gaul Lutarius, Myrtilus, and the slave, entered the boat, which + conveyed them to the shore without accident or interruption. + </p> + <p> + Bias knew the name of the place where it had anchored, it is true, but the + oath which Ledscha had made him swear there was so terrible that he would + not have broken it at any cost. + </p> + <p> + This oath required the slave, who, three days after their landing, was + sent to Alexandria by the first ship that sailed for that port, to + maintain the most absolute secrecy concerning Myrtilus’s hiding place + until he was authorized to speak. Bias was to go to Alexandria without + delay, and there obtain from Archias, who managed Myrtilus’s property, the + sums which Ledscha intended to use in the following manner: Two attic + talents Bias was to bring back. These were for the Gaul, probably in + payment for his assistance. Two more were to be taken by the slave to the + Temple of Nemesis. Lastly, Bias was to deliver five talents to old Tabus, + who kept the treasure of the pirate family on the Owl’s Nest, and tell her + that Ledscha, in this money, sent back the bridal dowry which Hanno had + paid her father for his daughter. With this she released herself from the + husband who inspired her with feelings very unlike love. + </p> + <p> + Hermon asked to have this commission repeated, and received the directions + Myrtilus had given to the slave. The blind man’s hope that they must also + include greetings and news from his friend’s hand was destroyed by Bias, + whom Myrtilus, in the leisure hours on the Hydra, had taught to read. This + was not so difficult a task for the slave, who longed for knowledge, and + had already tried it before. But with writing, on the other hand, he could + make no headway. He was too old, and his hand had become too clumsy to + acquire this difficult art. + </p> + <p> + In reply to Hermon’s anxious question whether his friend needed anything + in his present abode, the slave reported that he was at liberty to move + about at will, and was not even obliged to share Ledscha’s lodgings. He + lacked nothing, for the Biamite, besides some gold, had left with him also + gems and pearls of such great value that they would suffice to support him + several years. As for himself, she had supplied him more than abundantly + with money for travelling expenses. + </p> + <p> + Myrtilus was awaiting his return in a city prospering under a rich and + wise regent, and sent whole cargoes of affectionate remembrances. The + sculptor, too, was firmly resolved to keep the oath imposed upon him. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he, Bias, had performed the commission intrusted to him, he and + Myrtilus would be released from their vow, and Hermon would learn his + friend’s residence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <h3> + No morning brightened Hermon’s night of darkness. + </h3> + <p> + When the returned slave had finished his report, the sun was already + shining into his master’s room. + </p> + <p> + Without lying down again, the latter went at once to the Tennis notary, + who had moved to Alexandria two months before, and with his assistance + raised the money which his friend needed. + </p> + <p> + Worthy Melampus had received the news that Myrtilus was still alive in a + very singular manner. Even now he could grasp only one thing at a time, + and he loved Hermon with sincere devotion. Therefore the lawyer who had so + zealously striven to expedite the blind man’s entering into possession of + his friend’s inheritance would very willingly have permitted Myrtilus—doubtless + an invalid—to continue to rest quietly among the dead. Yet his kind + heart rejoiced at the deliverance of the famous young artist, and so + during Hermon’s story he had passed from sincere regret to loud + expressions of joyous sympathy. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, he had placed his whole property at the disposal of Hermon, who + had paid him liberally for his work, to provide for the blind sculptor’s + future. This generous offer had been declined; but he now assisted Hermon + to prepare the emancipation papers for his faithful Bias, and found a ship + that was bound to Tanis. Toward evening he accompanied Hermon to the + harbour and, after a cordial farewell from his helpful friend, the artist, + with the new “freedman” Bias and the slave clerk Patran, went on board the + vessel, now ready to sail. + </p> + <p> + The voyage was one of the speediest, yet the end came too soon for both + master and servant—Hermon had not yet heard enough of the friend + beyond his reach, and Bias was far from having related everything he + desired to tell about Myrtilus and Ledscha; yet he was now permitted to + express every opinion that entered his mind, and this had occupied a great + deal of time. + </p> + <p> + Bias also sought to know much more about Hermon’s past and future than he + had yet learned, not merely from curiosity, but because he foresaw that + Myrtilus would not cease to question him about his blind friend. + </p> + <p> + The misfortune must have produced a deep and lasting effect upon the + artist’s joyous nature, for his whole bearing was pervaded by such + earnestness and dignity that years, instead of months, seemed to have + elapsed since their separation. + </p> + <p> + It was characteristic of Daphne that her lover’s blindness did not + alienate her from him; yet why had not the girl, who still desired to + become his wife, been able to wed the helpless man who had lost his sight? + If the father did not wish to be separated from his daughter, surely he + could live with the young couple. A home was quickly made everywhere for + the rich, and, if Archias was tired of his house in Alexandria, as Hermon + had intimated, there was room enough in the world for a new one. + </p> + <p> + But that was the way with things here below! Man was the cause of man’s + misfortune! Daphne and Hermon remained the same; but Archias from an + affectionate father had become transformed into an entirely different + person. If the former had been allowed to follow their inclinations, they + would now be united and happy, while, because a third person so willed, + they must go their way solitary and wretched. + </p> + <p> + He expressed this view to his master, and insisted upon his opinion until + Hermon confided to him what had driven Archias from Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + Patran, Bias’s successor, was by no means satisfactory to him. Had Hermon + retained his sight, he certainly would not have purchased him, in spite of + his skill as a scribe, for the Egyptian had a “bad face.” + </p> + <p> + Oh, if only he could have been permitted to stay with his benefactor + instead of this sullen man! How carefully he would have removed the stones + from his darkened pathway! + </p> + <p> + During the voyage he was obliged to undergo severe struggles to keep the + oath of secrecy imposed upon him; but perjury threatened him with the most + horrible tortures, not to mention the sorceress Tabus, whom he was to + meet. + </p> + <p> + So Myrtilus’s abode remained unknown to Hermon. + </p> + <p> + Bias approved his master’s intention of going into the desert. He had + often seen the oracle of Amon tested, and he himself had experienced the + healthfulness of the desert air. Besides, it made him proud to see that + Hermon was disposed to follow his suggestion of pitching his tent in a + spot which he designated. This was at the end of the arm of the sea at + Clysma. Several trees grew there beside small springs, and a peaceful + family of Amalekites raised vegetables in their little garden, situated on + higher ground, watered by the desert wells. + </p> + <p> + When a boy, before the doom of slavery had been pronounced upon him and + his father, his mother, by the priest’s advice, took him there to recover + from the severe attack of fever which he could not shake off amid the damp + papyrus plantations surrounding his parents’ house. In the dry, pure air + of the desert he recovered, and he would guide Hermon there before + returning to Myrtilus. + </p> + <p> + From Tanis they reached Tennis in a few hours, and found shelter in the + home of the superintendent of Archias’s weaving establishments, whose + hospitality Myrtilus and Hermon had enjoyed before their installation in + the white house, now burned to the ground. The Alexandrian bills of + exchange were paid in gold by the lessee of the royal bank, who was a good + friend of Hermon. Toward evening, both rowed to the Owl’s Nest, taking the + five talents with which the runaway wife intended to purchase freedom from + her husband. + </p> + <p> + As the men approached the central door of the pirates’ house, a middy-aged + Biamite woman appeared and rudely ordered them to leave the island. Tabus + was weak, and refused to see visitors. But she was mistaken; for when + Bias, in the dialect of his tribe, shouted loudly that messengers from the + wife of her grandson Hanno had arrived, there was a movement at the back + of the room, and broken sentences, gasped with difficulty, expressed the + old dame’s wish to receive the strangers. + </p> + <p> + On a sheep’s-wool couch, over which was spread a wolfskin, the last gift + of her son Satabus, lay the sorceress, who raised herself as Hermon passed + through the door. + </p> + <p> + After his greeting, she pointed to her deaf ear and begged him to speak + louder. At the same time she gazed into his eyes with a keen, penetrating + glance, and interrupted him by the question: “The Greek sculptor whose + studio was burned over his head? And blind? Blind still?” + </p> + <p> + “In both eyes,” Bias answered for his master. + </p> + <p> + “And you, fellow?” the old dame asked; then, recollecting herself, stopped + the reply on the servant’s lips with the hasty remark: “You are the + blackbeard’s slave—a Biamite? Oh, I remember perfectly! You + disappeared with the burning house.” + </p> + <p> + Then she gazed intently and thoughtfully from one to the other, and at + last, pointing to Bias, muttered in a whisper: “You alone come from Hanno + and Ledscha, and were with them on the Hydra? Very well. What news have + you for the old woman from the young couple?” + </p> + <p> + The freedman began to relate what brought him to the Owl’s Nest, and the + gray-haired crone listened eagerly until he said that Ledscha lived + unhappily with her husband, and therefore had left him. She sent back to + her, as the head of Hanno’s family, the bridal dowry with which Hanno had + bought her from her father as his wife. + </p> + <p> + Then Tabus struggled into a little more erect posture, and asked: “What + does this mean? Five talents—and gold, not silver talents? And she + sends the money to me? To me? And she ran away from her husband? But no—no! + Once more—you are a Biamite—repeat it in our own language—and + loudly. This ear is the better one.” + </p> + <p> + Bias obeyed, and the old dame listened to the end without interrupting + him: then raising her brown right hand, covered with a network of + blue-black veins, she clinched it into a fist, which she shook far more + violently than Bias would have believed possible in her weak condition. At + the same time she pressed her lips so tightly together that her toothless + mouth deepened into a hole, and her dim eyes shone with a keen, menacing + light. For some time she found no reply, though strange, rattling, gasping + sounds escaped her heaving breast. + </p> + <p> + At last she succeeded in uttering words, and shrieked shrilly: “This—this—away + with the golden trash! With the bridal dowry of the family rejected, and + once more free, the base fool thinks she would be like the captive fox + that gnawed the rope! Oh, this age, these people! And this, this is the + haughty, strong Ledscha, the daughter of the Biamites, who—there + stands the blind girl—deceiver!—who so admirably avenged + herself?” + </p> + <p> + Here her voice failed, and Hermon began to speak to assure her that she + understood Ledscha’s wish aright. Then he asked her for a token by which + she acknowledged the receipt of the gold, which he handed her in a stout + linen bag. + </p> + <p> + But his purpose was not fulfilled, for suddenly, flaming with passionate + wrath, she thrust the purse aside, groaning: “Not an obol of the accursed + destruction of souls shall come back to Hanno, nor even into the family + store. Until his heart and hers stop beating, the most indissoluble bond + will unite both. She desires to ransom herself from a lawful marriage + concluded by her father, as if she were a captive of war; perhaps she even + wants to follow another. Hanno, brave lad, was ready to go to death for + her sake, and she rewards him by bringing shame on his head and disgrace + on us all. Oh, these times, this world! Everything that is inviolable and + holy trampled in the dust! But they are not all so! In spite of Grecian + infidelity, marriage is still honoured among our people. But she who mocks + what is sacred, and tramples holy customs under foot, shall be accursed, + execrated, given over to want, hunger, disease, death!” + </p> + <p> + With rattling breath and closed eyes she leaned farther back against the + cushions that supported her; but Bias, in their common language, tried to + soothe her, and informed her that, though Ledscha had probably run away + from her husband, she had by no means renounced her vengeance. He was + bringing two talents with him to place in the Temple of Nemesis. + </p> + <p> + “Of Nemesis?” repeated the old dame. Then she tried to raise herself and, + as she constantly sank back again, Bias aided her. But she had scarcely + recovered her sitting posture when she gasped to the freedman: “Nemesis, + who helped, and is to continue to help her to destroy her foe? Well, well! + Five talents—a great sum, a great sum! But the more the better! To + Nemesis with them, to Ate and the Erinyes! The talons of the avenging + goddess shall tear the beautiful face, the heart, and the liver of the + accursed one! A twofold malediction on her who has wronged the son of my + Satabus!” + </p> + <p> + While speaking, her head nodded swiftly up and down, and when at last she + bowed it wearily, her visitors heard her murmur the names of Satabus and + Hanno, sometimes tenderly, sometimes mournfully. + </p> + <p> + Finally she asked whether any one else was concerned in Ledscha’s flight; + and when she learned that a Gallic bridge-builder accompanied the fugitive + wife, she again started up as if frantic, exclaiming: “Yes, to Nemesis + with the gold! We neither need nor want it, and Satabus, my son, he will + bless me for renunciation—” + </p> + <p> + Here exhaustion again silenced her. She gazed mutely and thoughtfully into + vacancy, until at last, turning to Bias, she began more calmly: “You will + see her again, man, and must tell her what the clan of Tabus bought with + her talents. Take her my curse, and let her know that her friends would be + my foes, and her foes should find in Tabus a benefactress!” + </p> + <p> + Then, deeply buried in thought, she again fixed her eyes on the floor; but + at last she called to Hermon, saying: “You, blind Greek—am I not + right?—the torch was thrust into your face, and you lost the sight + of both eyes?” + </p> + <p> + The artist assented to this question; but she bade him sit down before + her, and when he bent his face near her she raised one lid after the other + with trembling fingers, yet lightly and skilfully, gazed long and intently + into his eyes, and murmured: “Like black Psoti and lawless Simeon, and + they are both cured.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you restore me?” Hermon now asked in great excitement. “Answer me + honestly, you experienced woman! Give me back my sight, and demand + whatever gold and valuables I still possess—” + </p> + <p> + “Keep them,” Tabus contemptuously interrupted. “Not for gold or goods will + I restore you the best gift man can lose. I will cure you because you are + the person to whom the infamous wretch most ardently wished the sorest + trouble. When she hoped to destroy you, she perceived in this deed the + happiness which had been promised to her on a night when the full moon was + shining. To-day—this very night—the disk between Astarte’s + horns rounds again, and presently—wait a little while!—presently + you shall have what the light restores you—” Then she called the + Biamite woman, ordered her to bring the medicine chest, and took from it + one vessel after another. The box she was seeking was among the last and, + while handing it to Bias, she muttered: “Oh, yes, certainly—it does + one good to destroy a foe, but no less to make her foe happy!” + </p> + <p> + Turning to the freedman, she went on in a louder tone: “You, slave, shall + inform Hanno’s wife that old Tabus gave the sculptor, whose blindness she + caused, the remedy which restored the sight of black Psoti, whom she + knew.” Here she paused, gazed upward, and murmured almost unintelligibly: + “Satabus, Hanno! If this is the last act of the old mother, it will give + ye pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + Then she told Hermon to kneel again, and ordered the slave to hold the + lamp which her nurse Tasia had just lighted at the hearth fire. + </p> + <p> + “The last,” she said, looking into the box, “but it will be enough. The + odour of the herb in the salve is as strong as if it had been prepared + yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + She laid the first bandage on Hermon’s eyes with her own weak fingers, at + the same time muttering an incantation; but it did not seem to satisfy + her. Great excitement had taken possession of her, and as the silver light + of the full moon shone into her room she waved her hands before the + artist’s eyes and fixed her gaze upon the threshold illumined by the + moonbeams, ejaculating sentences incomprehensible to the blind man. Bias + supported her, for she had risen to her full height, and he felt how she + tottered and trembled. + </p> + <p> + Yet her strength held out to whisper to Hermon: “Nearer, still nearer! By + the light of the august one whose rays greet us, let it be said: You will + see again. Await your recovery patiently in a quiet place in the pure air, + not in the city. Refrain from everything with which the Greeks intoxicate + themselves. Shun wine, and whatever heats the blood. Recovery is coming; I + see it drawing near. You will see again as surely as I now curse the woman + who abandoned the husband to whom she vowed fidelity. She rejoiced over + your blindness, and she will gnash her teeth with rage and grief when she + hears that it was Tabus who brought light into the darkness that surrounds + you.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she pushed off the freedman’s supporting arms and sank + back upon the couch. + </p> + <p> + Again Hermon tried to thank her; but she would not permit it, and said in + an almost inaudible tone: “I really did not give the salve to do you good—the + last act of all—” + </p> + <p> + Finally she murmured a few words of direction for its use, and added that + he must keep the sunlight from his blind eyes by bandages and shades, as + if it were a cruel foe. + </p> + <p> + When she paused, and Bias asked her another question, she pointed to the + door, exclaiming as loudly as her weakness permitted, “Go, I tell you, + go!” + </p> + <p> + Hermon obeyed and left her, accompanied by the freedman, who carried the + box of salve so full of precious promise. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Bias delivered to the astonished priest of Nemesis the + large gifts intended for the avenging goddess. + </p> + <p> + Before Hermon entered the boat with him and his Egyptian slave, the + freedman told his master that Gula was again living in perfect harmony + with the husband who had cast her off, and Taus, Ledscha’s younger sister, + was the wife of the young Biamite who, she had feared, would give up his + wooing on account of her visit to Hermon’s studio. + </p> + <p> + After a long voyage through the canal which had been dug a short time + before, connecting the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, the three men + reached Clysma. Opposite to it, on the eastern shore of the narrow + northern point of the Erythraean sea—[Red Sea]—lay the goal of + their journey, and thither Bias led his blind master, followed by the + slave, on shore. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + It was long since Hermon had felt so free and light-hearted as during this + voyage. + </p> + <p> + He firmly believed in his recovery. + </p> + <p> + A few days before he had escaped death in the royal palace as if by a + miracle, and he owed his deliverance to the woman he loved. + </p> + <p> + In the Temple of Nemesis at Tennis the conviction that the goddess had + ceased to persecute him took possession of his mind. + </p> + <p> + True, his blind eyes had been unable to see her menacing statue, but not + even the slightest thrill of horror had seized him in its presence. In + Alexandria, after his departure from Proclus’s banquet, she had desisted + from pursuing him. Else how would she have permitted him to escape + uninjured when he was already standing upon the verge of an abyss, and a + wave of her hand would have sufficed to hurl him into the death-dealing + gulf? + </p> + <p> + But his swift confession, and the transformation which followed it, had + reconciled him not only with her, but also with the other gods; for they + appeared to him in forms as radiant and friendly as in the days of his + boyhood, when, while Bias took the helm on the long voyage through the + canal and the Bitter Lakes, he recalled the visible world to his memory + and, from the rising sun, Phoebus Apollo, the lord of light and purity, + gazed at him from his golden chariot, drawn by four horses, and Aphrodite, + the embodiment of all beauty, rose before him from the snowy foam of the + azure waves. Demeter, in the form of Daphne, appeared, dispensing + prosperity, above the swaying golden waves of the ripening grain fields + and bestowing peace beside the domestic hearth. The whole world once more + seemed peopled with deities, and he felt their rule in his own breast. + </p> + <p> + The place of which Bias had told him was situated on a lofty portion of + the shore. Beside the springs which there gushed from the soil of the + desert grew green palm trees and thorny acacias. Farther on flourished the + fragrant betharan. About a thousand paces from this spot the faithful + freedman pitched the little tent obtained in Tennis under the shade of + several tall palm trees and a sejal acacia. + </p> + <p> + Not far from the springs lived the same family of Amalekites whom Bias had + known from boyhood. They raised a few vegetables in little beds, and the + men acted as guards to the caravans which came from Egypt through the + peninsula of Sinai to Petrea and Hebron. The daughter of the aged sheik + whose men accompanied the trains of goods, a pleasant, middle-aged woman, + recognised the Biamite, who when a boy had recovered under her mother’s + nursing, and promised Bias to honour his blind master as a valued guest of + the tribe. + </p> + <p> + Not until after he had done everything in his power to render life in the + wilderness endurable, and had placed a fresh bandage over his eyes, would + Bias leave his master. + </p> + <p> + The freedman entered the boat weeping, and Hermon, deeply agitated, turned + his face toward him. + </p> + <p> + When he was left alone with his Egyptian slave, with whom he rarely + exchanged a word, he fancied that, amid the murmur of the waves washing + the strand at his feet, blended the sounds of the street which led past + his house in Alexandria, and with them all sorts of disagreeable memories + crowded upon him; but soon he no longer heard them, and the next night + brought refreshing sleep. + </p> + <p> + Even on the second day he felt that the profound silence which surrounded + him was a benefit. The stillness affected him like something physical. + </p> + <p> + The life was certainly monotonous, and at first there were hours when the + course of the new existence, so devoid of any change, op pressed him, but + he experienced no tedium. His mental life was too rich, and the + unburdening of his anxious soul too great a relief for that. + </p> + <p> + He had shunned serious thought since he left the philosopher’s school; but + here it soon afforded him the highest pleasure, for never had his mind + moved so freely, so undisturbed by any limit or obstacle. + </p> + <p> + He did not need to search for what he hoped to find in the wilderness. His + whole past life passed before him as if by its own volition. All that he + had ever experienced, learned, thought, felt, rose before his mind with + wonderful distinctness, and when he overlooked all his mental possessions, + as if from a high watch-tower in the bright sunshine, he began to consider + how he had used the details and how he could continue to do so. + </p> + <p> + Whatever he had seen incorrectly forced itself resistlessly upon him, yet + here also the Greek nature, deeply implanted in his soul, guarded him, and + it was easy for him to avoid self-torturing remorse. He only desired to + utilize for improvement what he recognised as false. + </p> + <p> + When in this delicious silence he listened to the contradictory demands of + his intellect and his senses, it often seemed as though he was present at + a discussion between two guests who were exchanging their opinions + concerning the subject that occupied his mind. + </p> + <p> + Here he first learned to deepen sound intellectual power and listen to the + demands of the heart, or to repulse and condemn them. + </p> + <p> + Ah, yes, he was still blind; but never had he observed and recognised + human life and its stage, down to the minutest detail, which his eyes + refused to show him, so keenly as during these clays. The phenomena which + had attracted or repelled his vision here appeared nearer and more + distinctly. + </p> + <p> + What he called “reality” and believed he understood thoroughly and + estimated correctly, now disclosed many a secret which had previously + remained concealed. + </p> + <p> + How defective his visual perception had been! how necessary it now seemed + to subject his judgment to a new test! Doubtless a wealth of artistic + subjects had come to him from the world of reality which he had placed far + above everything else, but a greater and nobler one from the sphere which + he had shunned as unfruitful and corrupting. + </p> + <p> + As if by magic, the world of ideality opened before him in this exquisite + silence. He again found in his own soul the joyous creative forces of + Nature, and the surrounding stillness increased tenfold his capacity of + perceiving it; nay, he felt as if creative energy dwelt in solitude + itself. + </p> + <p> + His mind had always turned toward greatness. The desire to impress his + works with the stamp of his own overflowing power had carried him far + beyond moderation in modelling his struggling Maenads. + </p> + <p> + Now, when he sought for subjects, beside the smaller and more simple ones + appeared mighty and manifold ones, often of superhuman grandeur. + </p> + <p> + Oh, if a higher power would at some future day permit him to model with + his strong hands this battle of the Amazons, this Phoebus Apollo, radiant + in beauty and the glow of victory, conquering the dragons of darkness! + </p> + <p> + Arachne, too, returned to his mind, and also Demeter. But she did not + hover before him as the peaceful dispenser of blessings, the preserver of + peace, but as the maternal earth goddess, robbed of her daughter + Proserpina. How varied in meaning was this myth!—and he strove to + follow it in every direction. + </p> + <p> + Nothing more could come to the blind artist from Nature by the aid of his + physical vision. The realm of reality was closed to him; but he had found + the key to that of the ideal, and what he found in it proved to be no less + true than the objects the other had offered. + </p> + <p> + How rich in forms was the new world which forced itself unbidden on his + imagination! He who, a short time before, had believed whatever could not + be touched by the hands was useless for his art, now had the choice among + a hundred subjects, full of glowing life, which were attainable by no + organ of the senses. He need fear to undertake none, if only it was worthy + of representation; for he was sure of his ability, and difficulty did not + alarm him, but promised to lend creating for the first time its true + charm. + </p> + <p> + And, besides, without the interest of animated conversation, without + festal scenes where, with garlanded head and intoxicating pleasure soaring + upward from the dust of earth, existence had seemed to him shallow and not + worth the trouble it imposed upon mortals, solitude now offered him hours + as happy as he had ever experienced while revelling with gay companions. + </p> + <p> + At first many things had disturbed them, especially the dissatisfied, + almost gloomy disposition of his Egyptian slave, who, born in the city and + accustomed to its life, found it unbearable to stay in the desert with the + strange blind master, who lived like a porter, and ordered him to prepare + his wretched fare with the hands skilled in the use of the pen. + </p> + <p> + But this living disturber of the peace was not to annoy the recluse long. + Scarcely a fortnight after Bias’s departure, the slave Patran, who had + cost so extravagant a sum, vanished one morning with the sculptor’s money + and silver cup. + </p> + <p> + This rascally trick of a servant whom he had treated with almost brotherly + kindness wounded Hermon, but he soon regarded the morose fellow’s + disappearance as a benefit. + </p> + <p> + When for the first time he drank water from an earthen jug, instead of a + silver goblet, he thought of Diogenes, who cast his cup aside when he saw + a boy raise water to his lips in his hand, yet with whom the great + Macedonian conqueror of the world would have changed places “if he had not + been Alexander.” + </p> + <p> + The active, merry son of Bias’s Amalekite friend gladly rendered him the + help and guidance for which he had been reluctant to ask his ill-tempered + slave, and he soon became accustomed to the simple fare of the nomads. + Bread and milk, fruits and vegetables from his neighbour’s little garden, + satisfied him, and when the wine he had drunk was used, he contented + himself, obedient to old Tabus’s advice, with pure water. + </p> + <p> + As he still had several gold coins on his person, and wore two costly + rings on his finger, he doubtless thought of sending to Clysma for meat, + poultry, and wine, but he had refrained from doing so through the advice + of the Amalekite woman, who anointed his eyes with Tabus’s salve and + protected them by a shade of fresh leaves from the dazzling rays of the + desert sun. She, like the sorceress on the Owl’s Nest, warned him against + all viands that inflamed the blood, and he willingly allowed her to take + away what she and her gray-haired father, the experienced head of the + tribe, pronounced detrimental to his recovery. + </p> + <p> + At first the “beggar’s fare” seemed repulsive, but he soon felt that it + was benefiting him after the riotous life of the last few months. + </p> + <p> + One day, when the Amalekite took off his bandage, he thought he saw a + faint glimmer of light, and how his heart exulted at this faint foretaste + of the pleasure of sight! + </p> + <p> + In an instant hope sprang up with fresh power in his excitable soul, and + his lost cheerfulness returned to him like a butterfly to the newly opened + flower. The image of his beloved Daphne rose before him in sunny radiance, + and he saw himself in his studio in the service of his art. + </p> + <p> + He had always been fond of children, and the little ones in the Amalekite + family quickly discovered this, and crowded around their blind friend, who + played all sorts of games with them, and in spite of the bandaged eyes, + over which spread a broad shade of green leaves, could make whistles with + his skilful artist hands from the reeds and willow branches they brought. + </p> + <p> + He saw before him the object to which his heart still clung as distinctly + as if he need only stretch out his hand to draw it nearer, and perhaps—surely + and certainly, the Amalekite said—the time would come when he would + behold it also with his bodily eyes. + </p> + <p> + If the longing should be fulfilled! If his eyes were again permitted to + convey to him what formerly filled his soul with delight! Yes, beauty—was + entitled to a higher place than truth, and if it again unfolded itself to + his gaze, how gladly and gratefully he would pay homage to it with his + art! + </p> + <p> + The hope that he might enjoy it once more now grew stronger, for the + glimmer of light became brighter, and one day, when his skilful nurse + again took the bandage from his milk-white pupils, he saw something long + appear, as if through, a mist. It was only the thorny acacia tree at his + tent; but the sight of the most beautiful of beautiful things never filled + him with more joyful gratitude. + </p> + <p> + Then he ordered the less valuable of his two rings to be sold to offer a + sacrifice to health-bestowing Isis, who had a little temple in Clysma. + </p> + <p> + How fervently he now prayed also to the great Apollo, the foe of darkness + and the lord of everything light and pure! How yearningly he besought + Aphrodite to bless him again with the enjoyment of eternal beauty, and + Eros to heal the wound which his arrow had inflicted upon his heart and + Daphne’s, and bring them together after so much distress and need! + </p> + <p> + When, after the lapse of another week, the bandage was again removed, his + inmost soul rejoiced, for his eyes showed him the rippling emerald-green + surface of the Red Sea, and the outlines of the palms, the tents, the + Amalekite woman, her boy, and her two long-eared goats. + </p> + <p> + How ardently he thanked the gracious deities who, in spite of Straton’s + precepts, were no mere figments of human imagination and, as if he had + become a child again, poured forth his overflowing heart with mute + gratitude to his mother’s soul! + </p> + <p> + The artist nature, yearning to create, began to stir within more + ceaselessly than ever before. Already he saw clay and wax assuming forms + beneath his skilful hands; already he imagined himself, with fresh power + and delight, cutting majestic figures from blocks of marble, or, by + hammering, carving, and filing, shaping them from gold and ivory. + </p> + <p> + And he would not take what he intended to create solely from the world of + reality perceptible to the senses. Oh, no! He desired to show through his + art the loftiest of ideals. How could he still shrink from using the + liberty which he had formerly rejected, the liberty of drawing from his + own inner consciousness what he needed in order to bestow upon the ideal + images he longed to create the grandeur, strength, and sublimity in which + he beheld them rise before his purified soul! + </p> + <p> + Yet, with all this, he must remain faithful to truth, copy from Nature + what he desired to represent. Every finger, every lock of hair, must + correspond with reality to the minutest detail, and yet the whole must be + pervaded and penetrated, as the blood flows through the body, by the + thought that filled his mind and soul. + </p> + <p> + A reflected image of the ideal and of his own mood, faithful to truth, + free, and yet obedient to the demands of moderation—in this sentence + Hermon summed up the result of his solitary meditations upon art and works + of art. Since he had found the gods again, he perceived that the Muse had + confided to him a sacerdotal office. He intended to perform its duties, + and not only attract and please the beholder’s eyes through his works, but + elevate his heart and mind, as beauty, truth, grandeur, and eternity + uplifted his own soul. He recognised in the tireless creative power which + keeps Nature ever new, fresh, and bewitching, the presence of the same + deity whose rule manifested itself in the life of his own soul. + </p> + <p> + So long as he denied its existence, he had recognised no being more + powerful than himself; now that he again felt insignificant beside it, he + knew himself to be stronger than ever before, that the greatest of all + powers had become his ally. Now it was difficult for him to understand how + he could have turned away from the deity. As an artist he, too, was a + creator, and, while he believed those who considered the universe had come + into existence of itself, instead of having been created, he had robbed + himself of the most sublime model. Besides, the greatest charm of his + noble profession was lost to him. Now he knew it, and was striving toward + the goal attainable by the artist alone among mortals—to hold + intercourse with the deity, and by creations full of its essence elevate + the world to its grandeur and beauty. + </p> + <p> + One day, at the end of the second month of his stay in the desert, when + the Amalekite woman removed the bandage, her boy, whose form he + distinguished as if through a veil, suddenly exclaimed: “The white cover + on your eyes is melting! They are beginning to sparkle a little, and soon + they will be perfectly well, and you can carve the lion’s head on my + cane.” + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the artist might really have succeeded in doing so, but he forbade + himself the attempt. + </p> + <p> + He thought that the time for departure had now arrived, and an + irresistible longing urged him back to the world and Daphne. + </p> + <p> + But he could not resist the entreaties of the old sheik and his daughter + not to risk what he had gained, so he continued to use the shade of + leaves, and allowed himself to be persuaded to defer his departure until + the dimness which still prevented his seeing anything distinctly passed + away. + </p> + <p> + True, the beautiful peace which he had enjoyed of late was over and, + besides, anxiety for the dear ones in distant lands was constantly + increasing. He had had no news of them for a long time, and when he + imagined what fate might have overtaken Archias, and his daughter with + him, if he had been carried back to the enraged King in Alexandria, a + terrible dread took possession of him, which scattered even joy in his + wonderful recovery to the four winds, and finally led him to the + resolution to return to the world at any risk and devote himself to those + whose fate was nearer to his heart than his own weal and woe. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <h3> + Hermon, filled with longing, went down toward evening to the shore. + </h3> + <p> + The sun was setting, and the riot of colours in the western horizon seemed + like a mockery of the torturing anxiety which had mastered his soul. + </p> + <p> + He did not notice the boat that was approaching the land; many travellers + who intended to go through Arabia Petrea landed here, and for several days—he + knew why—there had been more stir in these quiet waters. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he was surprised by the ringing shout with which he had formerly + announced his approach to Myrtilus. + </p> + <p> + Unconsciously agitated by joy, as if the sunset glow before him had + suddenly been transformed into the dawn of a happy day, he answered by a + loud cry glad with hope. Although his dim eyes did not yet permit him to + distinguish who was standing erect in the boat, waving greetings to him, + he thought he knew whom this exquisite evening was bringing. + </p> + <p> + Soon his own name reached him. It was his “wise Bias” who shouted, and + soon, with a throbbing heart, he held out both hands to him. + </p> + <p> + The freedman had performed his commission in the best possible manner, and + was now no longer bound to silence by oath. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha had left him and Myrtilus to themselves and, as Bias thought he + had heard, had sailed with the Gaul Lutarius for Paraetonium, the frontier + city between the kingdom of Egypt and that of Cyrene. + </p> + <p> + Myrtilus felt stronger than he had done for a long time, and had sent him + back to the blind friend who would need him more than he did. + </p> + <p> + But worthy Bias also brought messages from Archias and Daphne. They were + well, and his uncle now had scarcely any cause to fear pursuers. + </p> + <p> + Before the landing of the boat, the shade had covered Hermon’s eyes; but + when, after the freedman’s first timid question about his sight, he raised + it again, at the same time reporting and showing what progress he had + already made toward recovery, the excess of joy overpowered the freedman, + and sometimes laughing, sometimes weeping, he kissed the convalescent’s + hands and simple robe. It was some time before he calmed himself again, + then laying his forefinger on the side of his nose, he said: “Therein the + immortals differ from human beings. We sculptors can only create good work + with good tools, but the immortals often use the very poorest of all to + accomplish the best things. You owe your sight to the hate of this old + witch and mother of pirates, so may she find peace in the grave. She is + dead. I heard it from a fellow-countryman whom I met in Herocipolis. Her + end came soon after our visit.” + </p> + <p> + Then Bias related what he knew of Hermon’s uncle, of Daphne, and Myrtilus. + </p> + <p> + Two letters were to give him further particulars. + </p> + <p> + They came from the woman he loved and from his friend, and as soon as Bias + had lighted the lamp in the tent, at the same time telling his master in + advance many items of news they contained, he set about the difficult task + of reading. + </p> + <p> + He had certainly scarcely become a master of this art on board the Hydra, + yet his slow performance did all honour to the patience of his teacher + Myrtilus. + </p> + <p> + He began with Daphne’s letter, but by the desire of prudent Archias it + communicated few facts. But the protestations of love and expressions of + longing which filled it pierced the freedman’s soul so deeply that his + voice more than once failed while reading them. + </p> + <p> + Myrtilus’s letter, on the contrary, gave a minute description of his mode + of life, and informed his friend what he expected for him and himself in + the future. The contents of both relieved Hermon’s sorely troubled heart, + made life with those who were dearest to him possible, and explained many + things which the reports of the slave had not rendered perfectly clear. + </p> + <p> + Archias had gone with Daphne to the island of Lesbos, his mother’s native + city. The ships which conveyed travellers to Pergamus, where Myrtilus was + living, touched at this port, and Bias, to whom Hermon had confided the + refuge of the father and daughter, had sought them there, and found them + in a beautiful villa. + </p> + <p> + After being released from his oath, Myrtilus had put himself into + communication with his uncle, and just before Bias’s departure the + merchant had come to Pergamus with his daughter. As he had the most + cordial reception from the Regent Philetaerus, he seemed inclined to + settle permanently there. + </p> + <p> + As for Myrtilus, he had cast anchor with Ledscha in the little Mysian + seaport town of Pitane, near the mouth of the Caicus River, on which, + farther inland, was the rapidly growing city of Pergamus. + </p> + <p> + She had found a hospitable welcome in the family of a seafarer who were + relatives, while the Gaul continued his voyage to obtain information about + his tribe in Syria. But he had already returned when Bias reached Pitane + with the two talents intended for him. Myrtilus had availed himself of + Ledscha’s permission long before and gone to Pergamus, where he had lived + and worked in secrecy until, after the freedman’s return from Ledscha, who + at once left Pitane with the Gaul, he was released from his oath. + </p> + <p> + During the absence of Bias he had modelled a large relief, a triumphal + procession of Dionysus, and as the renown of his name had previously + reached Pergamus, the artists and the most distinguished men in the city + flocked to his studio to admire the work of the famous Alexandrian. + </p> + <p> + Soon Philetoerus, who had founded the Pergamenian kingdom seven years + before, and governed it with great wisdom, came to Myrtilus. + </p> + <p> + Like his nephew and heir Eumenes, he was a friend to art, and induced the + laurel-crowned Alexandrian to execute the relief, modelled in clay, in + marble for the Temple of Dionysus at Pergamus. + </p> + <p> + The heir to the throne of Philetaerus, who was now advancing in years, was + especially friendly to Myrtilus, and did everything in his power to bind + him to Pergamus. + </p> + <p> + He succeeded, for in the beautiful house, located in an extremely + healthful site, which Eumenes had assigned for a residence and studio to + the Alexandrian artist, whose work he most ardently admired, and whom he + regarded as the most welcome of guests, Myrtilus felt better physically + than he had for years. Besides, he thought that, for many reasons, his + friend would be less willing to settle in Alexandria, and that the + presence of his uncle and Daphne would attract him to Pergamus. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, Hermon surely knew that if he came to him as a blind man he + would find a brother; if he came restored to sight, he would also find a + brother, and likewise a fellow-artist with whom he could live and work. + </p> + <p> + Myrtilus had told the heir to the throne of Pergamus of his richly gifted + blind relative, and of the peculiarity of his art, and Eumenes eagerly + endeavoured to induce his beloved guest to persuade his friend to remove + to his capital, where there was no lack of distinguished leeches. + </p> + <p> + If Hermon remained blind, he would honour him; if he recovered his sight, + he would give him large commissions. + </p> + <p> + How deeply these letters moved the heart of the recovering man! What + prospects they opened for his future life, for love, friendship, and, not + least, for his art! + </p> + <p> + If he could see—if he could only see again! This exclamation blended + with everything he thought, felt, and uttered. Even in sleep it haunted + him. To regain the clearness of vision he needed for his work, he would + willingly have submitted to the severest tortures. + </p> + <p> + In Alexandria alone lived the great leeches who could complete the work + which the salve of an ignorant old woman had begun. Thither he must go, + though it cost him liberty and life. The most famous surgeon of the Museum + at the capital had refused his aid under other circumstances. Perhaps he + would relent if Philippus, a friend of Erasistratus, smoothed the way for + him, and the old hero was now living very near. The ships, whose number on + the sea at his feet was constantly increasing, were attracted hither by + the presence of the Egyptian King and Queen on the isthmus which connects + Asia and Africa. The priest of Apollo at Clysma, and other distinguished + Greeks whom he met there, had told him the day before yesterday, and on + two former visits to the place, what was going on in the world, and + informed him how great an honour awaited the eastern frontier in these + days. The appearance of their Majesties in person must not only mean the + founding of a city, the reception of a victorious naval commander, and the + consecration of a restored temple, but also have still deeper causes. + </p> + <p> + During the last few years severe physical suffering had brought the + unfortunate second king of the house of Ptolemy to this place to seek the + aid of the ancient Egyptian gods, and, besides the philosophy, busy + himself with the mystic teachings and magic arts of their priesthood. + </p> + <p> + Only a short period of life seemed allotted to the invalid ruler, and the + service of the time-honoured god of the dead, to whom he had erected one + of the most magnificent temples in the world at Alexandria, to which + Egyptians and Hellenes repaired with equal devotion, opened hopes for the + life after death which seemed to him worthy of examination. + </p> + <p> + For this reason also he desired to secure the favour of the Egyptian + priesthood. + </p> + <p> + For this purpose, for the execution of his wise and beneficent + arrangements, as well as for the gratification of his expensive tastes, + large sums of money were required; therefore he devoted himself with + especial zeal to enlarging the resources of his country, already so rich + by nature. + </p> + <p> + In all these things he had found an admirable assistant in his sister + Arsinoe. As the daughter of the father and mother to whom he himself owed + existence, he could claim for her unassailable legitimacy the same + recognition from the priesthood, and the same submission from the people + rendered to his own person, whom the religion of the country commanded + them to revere as the representative of the sun god. + </p> + <p> + As marriages between brothers and sisters had been customary from ancient + times, and were sanctioned by religion and myth, he had married the second + Arsinoe, his sister, immediately after the banishment of the first Queen + of this name. + </p> + <p> + After the union with her, he called himself Philadelphus—brotherly + love—and honoured his sister and wife with the same name. + </p> + <p> + True, this led the sarcastic Alexandrians to utter many a biting, more or + less witty jest, but he never had cause to regret his choice; in spite of + her forty years, and more than one bloody deed which before her marriage + to him she had committed as Queen of Thrace and as a widow, the second + Arsinoe was always a pattern of regally aristocratic, dignified bearing + and haughty womanly beauty. + </p> + <p> + Though the first Philadelphus could expect no descendants from her, he had + provided for securing them through her, for he had induced her to adopt + the first Arsinoe’s three children, who had been taken from their exiled + mother. + </p> + <p> + Arsinoe was now accompanying her royal husband Philadelphus to the eastern + frontier. There the latter expected to name the city to be newly founded + “Arsinoe” for her, and-to show his esteem for the priesthood—to + consecrate in person the new Temple of Tum in the city of Pithom, near + Heroopolis. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, the monarch had been endeavouring to form new connections with the + coast countries of eastern Africa, and open them to Egyptian commerce. + </p> + <p> + Admiral Eumedes, the oldest son of Philippus and Thyone, had succeeded in + doing this most admirably, for the distinguished commander had not only + founded on the Ethiopian shore of the Red Sea a city which he named for + the King “Ptolemais,” but also won over the princes and tribes of that + region to Egypt. + </p> + <p> + He was now returning from Ethiopia with a wealth of treasures. + </p> + <p> + After the brilliant festivals the invalid King, with his new wife, was to + give himself up to complete rest for a month in the healthful air of the + desert region which surrounded Pithom, far from the tumult of the capital + and the exhausting duties of government. + </p> + <p> + The magnificent shows which were to be expected, and the presence of the + royal pair, had attracted thousands of spectators on foot or horseback, + and by water, and the morning after Bias’s return the sea near Clysma was + swarming with vessels of all kinds and sizes. + </p> + <p> + It was more than probable that Philippus, the father, and Thyone, the + mother of the famous returning Admiral Eumedes, would not fail to be + present at his reception on his native soil, and therefore Hermon wished + to seek out his dear old friends in Heroopolis, where the greeting was to + take place, and obtain their advice. + </p> + <p> + The boat on which the freedman had come was at the disposal of his master + and himself. Before Hermon entered it, he took leave, with an agitated + heart and open hand, of his Amalekite friends and, in spite of the mist + which still obscured everything he beheld, he perceived how reluctantly + the simple dwellers in the wilderness saw him depart. + </p> + <p> + When the master and servant entered the boat, in spite of the sturdy + sailors who manned it, it proved even more difficult than they had feared + to make any progress; for the whole narrow end of the arm of the sea, + which here extended between Egypt and Arabia Petrea, was covered with war + galleys and transports, boats and skiffs. The two most magnificent state + galleys from Heroopolis were coming here, bearing the ambassadors who, in + the King’s name, were to receive the fleet and its commander. Other large + and small, richly equipped, or unpretending ships and boats were filled + with curious spectators. + </p> + <p> + What a gay, animated scene! What brilliant, varied, strange, hitherto + unseen objects were gathered here: vessels of every form and size, sails + white, brown, and black, and on the state galleys and boats purple, blue, + and every colour, adorned with more or less costly embroidery! What rising + and falling of swiftly or slowly moving oars! + </p> + <p> + “From Alexandria!” cried Bias, pointing to a state galley which the King + was sending to the commander of the southern fleet. + </p> + <p> + “And there,” remarked Hermon, proud of his regained power of + distinguishing one thing from another, and letting his eyes rest on one of + the returning transports, on whose deck stood six huge African elephants, + whose trumpeting mingled with the roaring of the lions and tigers on the + huge freight vessels, and the exulting shouts of the men and women in the + ships and boats. + </p> + <p> + “After the King’s heart!” exclaimed Bias. “He probably never received at + one time before so large an accession to his collection of rare animals. + What is the transport with the huge lotus flower on the prow probably + bringing?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, and the monkeys and parrots over yonder!” joyously exclaimed the + Amalekite boy who had been Hermon’s guide, and had accompanied him into + the boat. Then he suddenly lowered his voice and, fearing that his delight + might give pain to the less keen-sighted man whom he loved, he asked, “You + can see them, my lord, can’t you?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, my boy, though less plainly than you do,” replied Hermon, + stroking the lad’s dark hair. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the admiral’s ship had approached the shore. + </p> + <p> + Bias pointed to the poop, where the commander Eumedes was standing + directing the course of the fleet. + </p> + <p> + As if moulded in bronze, a man thoroughly equal to his office, he seemed, + in spite of the shouts, greetings, and acclamations thundering around him, + to close his eyes and ears to the vessels thronging about his ship and + devote himself body and soul to the fulfilment of his duty. He had just + embraced his father and mother, who had come here to meet him. + </p> + <p> + “The King undoubtedly sent by his father the laurel wreath on his helmet,” + observed Bias, pointing to the admiral. “So many honours while he is still + so young! When you went to the wrestling school in Alexandria, Eumedes was + scarcely eight years older than you, and I remember how he preferred you + to the others. A sign, and he will notice us and allow you to go on his + ship, or, at any rate, send us a boat in which we can enter the canal.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” replied Hermon. “My call would disturb him now.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let us make ourselves known to the Lady Thyone or her husband,” the + freedman continued. “They will certainly take us on their large state + galley, from which, though your eyes do not yet see as far as a falcon’s, + not a ship, not a man, not a movement will escape them.” + </p> + <p> + But Hermon added one more surprise to the many which he had already given, + for he kindly declined Bias’s well-meant counsel, and, resting his hand on + the Amalekite boy’s shoulder, said modestly: “I am no longer the Hermon + whom Eumedes preferred to the others. And the Lady Thyone must not be + reminded of anything sad in this festal hour for the mother’s heart. I + shall meet her to-morrow, or the day after, and yet I had intended to let + no one who is loyal to me look into my healing eyes before Daphne.” + </p> + <p> + Then he felt the freedman’s hand secretly press his, and it comforted him, + after the sorrowful thoughts to which he had yielded, amid the shouts of + joy ringing around him. How quietly, with what calm dignity, Eumedes + received the well-merited homage, and how disgracefully the false fame had + bewildered his own senses! + </p> + <p> + Yet he had not passed through the purifying fire of misfortune in vain! + The past should not cloud the glad anticipation of brighter days! + </p> + <p> + Drawing a long breath, he straightened himself into a more erect posture, + and ordered the men to push the boat from the shore. Then he pressed a + farewell kiss on the Amalekite boy’s forehead, the lad sprang ashore, and + the journey northward began. + </p> + <p> + At first the sailors feared that the crowd would be too great, and the + boat would be refused admission to the canal; but the helmsman succeeded + in keeping close behind a vessel of medium size, and the Macedonian guards + of the channel put no obstacle in their countryman’s way, while boats + occupied by Egyptians and other barbarians were kept back. + </p> + <p> + In the Bitter Lakes, whose entire length was to be traversed, the ships + had more room, and after a long voyage through dazzling sunlight, and + along desolate shores, the boat anchored at nightfall at Heroopolis. + </p> + <p> + Hermon and Bias obtained shelter on one of the ships which the sovereign + had placed at the disposal of the Greeks who came to participate in the + festivals to be celebrated. + </p> + <p> + Before his master went to rest, the freedman—whom he had sent out to + look for a vessel bound to Pelusium and Alexandria the next day or the + following one—returned to the ship. + </p> + <p> + He had talked with the Lady Thyone, and told Hermon from her that she + would visit or send for him the next day, after the festival. + </p> + <p> + His own mother, the freedman protested, could not have rejoiced more + warmly over the commencement of his recovery, and she would have come with + him at once had not Philippus prevented his aged wife, who was exhausted + by the long journey. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the sun poured a wealth of radiant light upon the desert, + the green water of the harbour, and the gray and yellow walls of the + border fortress. + </p> + <p> + Three worlds held out their hands to one another on this water way + surrounded by the barren wilderness—Egypt, Hellas, and Semitic Asia. + </p> + <p> + To the first belonged the processions of priests, who, with images of the + gods, consecrated vessels, and caskets of relics, took their places at the + edge of the harbour. The tawny and black, half-naked soldiers who, with + high shields, lances, battle-axes and bows, gathered around strangely + shaped standards, joined them, amid the beating of drums and blare of + trumpets, as if for their protection. Behind them surged a vast multitude + of Egyptians and dark-skinned Africans. + </p> + <p> + On the other side of the canal the Asiatics were moving to and fro. The + best places for spectators had been assigned to the petty kings and + princes of tribes, Phoenician and Syrian merchants, and well-equipped, + richly armed warriors. Among them thronged owners of herds and seafarers + from the coast. Until the reception began, fresh parties of bearded sons + of the desert, in floating white bernouse, mounted on noble steeds, were + constantly joining the other Asiatics. + </p> + <p> + The centre was occupied by the Greeks. The appearance of every individual + showed that they were rulers of the land, and that they deserved to be. + How free and bold was their bearing! how brightly and joyously sparkled + the eyes of these men, whose wreaths of green leaves and bright-hued + flowers adorned locks anointed for the festivals! Strong and slender, they + were conspicuous in their stately grace among the lean Egyptians, + unbridled in their jests and jeers, and the excitable Asiatics. + </p> + <p> + Now the blare of trumpets and the roll of drums shook the air like echoing + lightning and heavy peals of thunder; the Egyptian priests sang a hymn of + praise to the God King and Goddess Queen, and the aristocratic priestesses + of the deity tinkled the brass rings on the sistrum. Then a chorus of + Hellenic singers began a polyphonous hymn, and amid its full, melodious + notes, which rose above the enthusiastic shouts of “Hail!” from the + multitude, King Ptolemy and his sister-wife showed themselves to the + waiting throng. Seated on golden thrones borne on the broad shoulders of + gigantic black Ethiopians, and shaded by lofty canopies, both were raised + above the crowd, whom they saluted by gracious gestures. + </p> + <p> + The athletic young bearers of the large round ostrich-feather fans which + protected them from the sunbeams were followed in ranks by the monarch’s + “relatives” and “friends,” the dignitaries, the dark and fair-haired bands + of the guards of Grecian youths and boys, as well as divisions of the + picked corps of the Hetairoi, Diadochi, and Epigoni, in beautiful plain + Macedonian armour. + </p> + <p> + They were followed in the most informal manner by scholars from the + Museum, many Hellenic artists, and wealthy gentlemen of Alexandria of + Greek and Jewish origin, whom the King had invited to the festival. + </p> + <p> + In his train they went on board the huge galley on which the reception was + to take place. Scarcely had the last one stepped on the deck when it + began. + </p> + <p> + Eumedes came from the admiral’s galley to the King’s. Ptolemy embraced him + like a friend, and Arsinoe added a wreath of fresh roses to the laurel + crown which the sovereign had sent the day before. + </p> + <p> + At the same time thundering plaudits echoed from the walls of the + fortifications and broke, sometimes rising, sometimes falling, against the + ships and masts in the calm water of the harbour. + </p> + <p> + The King had little time to lose. Even festal joy must move swiftly. There + were many and varied things to be seen and done; but in the course of an + hour—so ran the order—this portion of the festivities must be + over, and it was fully obeyed. + </p> + <p> + The hands and feet of the woolly-headed blacks who, amid loud + acclamations, carried on shore the cages in which lions, panthers, and + leopards shook the bars with savage fury, moved as if they were winged. + The slender, dark-brown Ethiopians who led giraffes, apes, gazelles, and + greyhounds past the royal pair rushed along as if they were under the + lash; and the sixty elephants which Eumedes and his men had caught in the + land of Chatyth moved at a rapid pace past the royal state galley. + </p> + <p> + At the sight of them the King joined in the cheers of thousands of voices + on the shore; these giant animals were to him auxiliaries who could put to + flight a whole corps of hostile cavalry, and Arsinoe-Philadelphus, the + Queen, sympathized with his pleasure. + </p> + <p> + She raised her voice with her royal husband, and it seemed to the + spectators on the shore as if they had a share in the narrative when she + listened to Eumedes’s first brief report. + </p> + <p> + Only specimens of the gold and ivory, spices and rare woods, juniper trees + and skins of animals which the ships brought home could be borne past + their Majesties, and the black and brown men who carried them moved at a + breathless rate. + </p> + <p> + The sun was still far from the meridian when the royal couple and their + train withdrew from the scene of the reception ceremonial, and drove, in a + magnificent chariot drawn by four horses, to the neighbouring city of + Pithoin, where new entertainments and a long period of rest awaited them. + Hermon had seen, as if through a veil of white mists, the objects that + aroused the enthusiasm of the throng, and so, he said to himself, it had + been during the whole course of his life. Only the surface of the + phenomena on which he fixed his eyes had been visible to him; he had not + learned to penetrate further into their nature, fathom them to their + depths, until he became blind. + </p> + <p> + If the gods fulfilled his hope, if he regained his vision entirely, and + even the last mists had vanished, he would hold firmly to the capacity he + had gained, and use it in life as well as in art. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + The messenger from Philippus appeared in the afternoon. It was the young + hipparch who had studied in Athens and accompanied the commandant of + Pelusium to Tennis the year before. He came charged with the commission to + convey the artist, in the carriage of the gray-haired comrade of + Alexander, to the neighbouring city of Pithom, where Philippus, by the + King’s command, was now residing. + </p> + <p> + On the way the hipparch told the sculptor that the Lady Thyone had + recently done things unprecedented for a woman of her age. + </p> + <p> + She had been present at the founding of the city of Arsinoe, as well as at + the laying of the corner stone of the temple which was to be consecrated + to the new god Serapis in the neighbourhood. The day before she had + welcomed her returning son before the entry of the fleet into the canal, + and to-day had remained from the beginning to the end of his reception by + the King, without being unduly wearied. + </p> + <p> + Her first thought, after the close of the ceremony, had concerned her + convalescing young friend. New entertainments, in which the Queen + commanded her to participate, awaited her in Pithom, but pleasure at the + return of her famous son appeared to double her power of endurance. + </p> + <p> + Pithom was the sacred name of the temple precincts of the desert city of + Thekut—[The biblical Suchot]—near Heroopolis, where the + citizens lived and pursued their business. + </p> + <p> + The travellers reached the place very speedily. Garlands of flowers and + hangings adorned the houses. The sacred precinct Pithom, above which + towered the magnificently restored temple of the god Turn, was also still + adorned with many superb ones, as well as lofty masts, banners, and + triumphal arches. + </p> + <p> + Before they reached it the equipage passed the sumptuous tents which had + been erected for the royal pair and their attendants. If Hermon had not + known how long the monarch intended to remain here, their size and number + would have surprised him. + </p> + <p> + A regular messenger and carrier-dove service had been established between + Alexandria and Pithom for the period of Ptolemy’s relaxation; and the + sovereign was accompanied not only by several of the chief councillors and + secretaries, but artists and some of the Museum scientists with whom he + was on specially intimate terms, who were to adorn the festival on the + frontier with their presence, and cheer the invalid King, who needed + entertainment. Singers and actors also belonged to the train. + </p> + <p> + As they passed the encampment of the troops who accompanied the sovereign, + the hipparch could show Hermon a magnificent military spectacle. + </p> + <p> + Heroopolis was fortified, and belonged to the military colonies which + Alexander the Great had established throughout all Egypt in order to win + it over more quickly to Grecian customs. A Hellenic phalanx and Libyan + mercenaries formed the garrison there, but at Pithom the King had gathered + the flower of his troops around him, and this circumstance showed how + little serious consideration the cautious ruler, who usually carefully + regarded every detail, gave to the war with Cyrene, in which he took no + personal part. The four thousand Gauls whom he had sent across the + frontier as auxiliary troops promised to become perilous to the foe, who + was also threatened in the rear by one of the most powerful Libyan tribes. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, the artist was assured by his military companion, Philadelphus + could let the campaign take its course, and permit himself the brief + period of rest in this strangely chosen place, which the leeches had + advised. + </p> + <p> + The house where the aged couple lived with their son, Admiral Eumedes, was + on the edge of the precincts of the temple. It belonged to the most + distinguished merchant in the place, and consisted of a large open + courtyard in the form of a square, surrounded by the building and its + communicating wings. + </p> + <p> + When the hipparch led Hermon into this place a number of people had + already assembled there. Soldiers and sailors stood in groups in the + centre, awaiting the orders of the old general and his subordinate + officers. Messengers and slaves, coming and going on various errands, were + crossing it, and on the shady side benches and chairs stood under a light + awning. Most of these were occupied by visitors who came to congratulate + the mother of the fame-crowned admiral. + </p> + <p> + Thyone was reclining on a divan in their midst, submitting with a sigh to + the social duties which her high position imposed upon her. + </p> + <p> + Her face was turned toward the large doorway of the main entrance, while + she sometimes greeted newly introduced guests, sometimes bade farewell to + departing ones, and meanwhile answered and asked questions. + </p> + <p> + She had been more wearied by the exertions of the last few days than her + animated manner revealed. Yet as soon as Hermon, leaning on the young + hipparch’s arm, approached her, she rose and cordially extended both hands + to him. True, the recovering man was still unable to see her features + distinctly, but he felt the maternal kindness with which she received him, + and what his eyes could not distinguish his ears taught him in her warm + greetings. His heart dilated and, after he had kissed her dear old hand + more than once with affectionate devotion, she led him among her guests + and presented him to them as the son of her dearest friend. + </p> + <p> + A strange stir ran through the assembled group, nearly all whose members + belonged to the King’s train, and the low whispers and murmurs around him + revealed to Hermon that the false wreaths he wore had by no means been + forgotten in this circle. + </p> + <p> + A painful feeling of discomfort overwhelmed the man accustomed to the + silence of the desert, and a voice within cried with earnest insistence, + “Away from here!” + </p> + <p> + But he had no time to obey it; an unusually tall, broad-shouldered man, + with a thick gray beard and grave, well-formed features, in whom he + thought he recognised the great physician Erasistratus, approached Thyone, + and asked, “The recluse from the desert with restored sight?” + </p> + <p> + “The same,” replied the matron, and whispered to the other, who was really + the famous scientist and leech whom Hermon had desired to seek in + Alexandria. “Exhaustion will soon overcome me, and how many important + matters I had to discuss with you and the poor fellow yonder!” + </p> + <p> + The physician laid his hand on the matron’s temples, and, raising his + voice, said in a tone of grave anxiety: “Exhaustion! It would be better + for you, honoured lady, to keep your bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely and certainly!” the wife of the chief huntsman instantly assented. + “We have already taxed your strength far too long, my noble friend.” + </p> + <p> + This welcome confession produced a wonderful effect upon the other + visitors, and very soon the last one had vanished from the space under the + awning and the courtyard. Not a single person had vouchsafed Hermon a + greeting; for the artist, divested of the highest esteem, had been + involved in the ugly suspicion of having driven his uncle from Alexandria, + and the monarch was said to have spoken unfavourably of him. + </p> + <p> + When the last one had left the courtyard, the leech exchanged a quick + glance of understanding, which also included Hermon, with Thyone, and the + majordomo received orders to admit no more visitors, while Erasistratus + exclaimed gaily, “It is one of the physician’s principal duties to keep + all harmful things—including living ones—from his patient.” + </p> + <p> + Then he turned to Hermon and had already begun to question him about his + health, when the majordomo announced another visitor. “A very + distinguished gentleman, apparently,” he said hastily; “Herophilus of + Chalcedon, who would not be denied admittance.” + </p> + <p> + Again the eyes of Erasistratus and the matron met, and the former hastened + toward his professional colleague. + </p> + <p> + The two physicians stopped in the middle of the courtyard and talked + eagerly together, while Thyone, with cordial interest, asked Hermon to + tell her what she had already partially learned through the freedman Bias. + </p> + <p> + Finally Erasistratus persuaded the matron, who seemed to have forgotten + her previous exhaustion, to share the consultation, but the convalescent’s + heart throbbed faster as he watched the famous leeches. + </p> + <p> + If these two men took charge of his case, the most ardent desire of his + soul might be fulfilled, and Thyone was certainly trying to induce them to + undertake his treatment; what else would have drawn her away from him + before she had said even one word about Daphne? + </p> + <p> + The sculptor saw, as if through a cloud of dust, the three consulting + together in the centre of the courtyard, away from the soldiers and + messengers. + </p> + <p> + Hermon had only seen Erasistratus indistinctly, but before his eyes were + blinded he had met him beside the sick-bed of Myrtilus, and no one who had + once beheld it could forget the manly bearded face, with the grave, + thoughtful eyes, whose gaze deliberately sought their goal. + </p> + <p> + The other also belonged to the great men in the realm of intellect. Hermon + knew him well, for he had listened eagerly in the Museum to the lectures + of the famous Herophilus, and his image also had stamped itself upon his + soul. + </p> + <p> + Even at that time the long, smooth hair of the famous investigator had + turned gray. From the oval of his closely shaven, well-formed face, with + the long, thin, slightly hooked nose, a pair of sparkling eyes had gazed + with penetrating keenness at the listeners. Hermon had imagined Aristotle + like him, while the bust of Pythagoras, with which he was familiar, + resembled Erasistratus. + </p> + <p> + The convalescent could scarcely expect anything more than beneficial + advice from Herophilus; for this tireless investigator rarely rendered + assistance to the sick in the city, because the lion’s share of his time + and strength were devoted to difficult researches. The King favoured these + by placing at his disposal the criminals sentenced to death. In his work + of dissection he had found that the human brain was the seat of the soul, + and the nerves originated in it. + </p> + <p> + Erasistratus, on the contrary, devoted himself to a large medical + practice, though science owed him no less important discoveries. + </p> + <p> + The circle of artists had heard what he taught concerning the blood in the + veins and the air bubbles in the arteries, how he explained the process of + breathing, and what he had found in the investigation of the beating of + the heart. + </p> + <p> + But he performed his most wonderful work with the knife in his hand as a + surgeon. He had opened the body of one of Archias’s slaves, who had been + nursed by Daphne, and cured him after all other physicians had given him + up. + </p> + <p> + When this man’s voice reached Hermon, he repeated to himself the words of + refusal with which the great physician had formerly declined to devote his + time and skill to him. Perhaps he was right then—and how differently + he treated him to-day! + </p> + <p> + Thyone had informed the famous scientist of everything which she knew from + Hermon, and had learned of the last period of his life through Bias. + </p> + <p> + She now listened with eager interest, sometimes completing Hermon’s + acknowledgments by an explanatory or propitiating word, as the leeches + subjected him to a rigid examination, but the latter felt that his + statements were not to serve curiosity, but an honest desire to aid him. + So he spoke to them with absolute frankness. + </p> + <p> + When the examination was over, Erasistratus exclaimed to his professional + colleague: “This old woman! Precisely as I would have prescribed. She + ordered the strictest diet with the treatment. She rejected every strong + internal remedy, and forbade him wine, much meat, and all kinds of + seasoning. Our patient was directed to live on milk and the same simple + gifts of Nature which I would have ordered for him. The herb juice in the + clever sorceress’s salve proved the best remedy. The incantations could do + no harm. On the contrary, they often produce a wonderful effect on the + mind, and from it proceed further.” + </p> + <p> + Here Erasistratus asked to have a description of the troubles which still + affected Hermon’s vision, and the passionate eagerness with which the + leeches gazed into his eyes strengthened the artist’s budding hope. Never + had he wished more ardently that Daphne was back at his side. + </p> + <p> + He also listened with keen attention when the scientists finally discussed + in low tones what they had perceived, and caught the words, “White scar on + the cornea,” “leucoma,” and “operation.” He also heard Herophilus declare + that an injury of the cornea by the flame of the torch was the cause of + the blindness. In the work which led him to the discovery of the retina in + the eye he had devoted himself sedulously to the organs of sight. This + case seemed as if it had been created for his friend’s keen knife. + </p> + <p> + What expectations this assurance aroused in the half-cured man, who felt + as if the goal was already gained, when, shortly after, Erasistratus, the + greatest physician of his time, offered to make the attempt in Alexandria + to remove, by a few little incisions, what still dimmed his impaired + vision! + </p> + <p> + Hermon, deeply agitated, thanked the leech, and when Thyone perceived what + was passing in his mind she ventured to ask the question whether it would + not be feasible to perform the beneficent work here, and, if possible, the + next day, and the surgeon was ready to fulfil the wish of the matron and + the sufferer speedily. He would bring the necessary instruments with him. + It only depended upon whether a suitable room could be found in the + crowded city, and Thyone believed that such a one could not be lacking in + the great building at her disposal. + </p> + <p> + A short conversation with the steward confirmed this opinion. + </p> + <p> + Then Erasistratus appointed the next morning for the operation. During the + ceremony of consecrating the temple it would be quiet in the house and its + vicinity. The preliminary fasting which he imposed upon his patients + Hermon had already undergone. + </p> + <p> + “The pure desert air here,” he added, “will be of the utmost assistance in + recovery. The operation is slight, and free from danger. A few days will + determine its success. I shall remain here with their Majesties, only”—and + here he hesitated doubtfully—“where shall I find a competent + assistant?” + </p> + <p> + Herophilus looked his colleague in the face with a sly smile, saying, “If + you credit the old man of Chalcedon with the needful skill, he is at your + disposal.” + </p> + <p> + “Herophilus!” cried Thyone, and tears of emotion wet her aged eyes, which + easily overflowed; but when Hermon tried to give expression to his fervent + gratitude in words, Erasistratus interrupted him, exclaiming, as he + grasped his comrade’s hand, “It honours the general in his purple robe, + when he uses the spade in the work of intrenchment.” + </p> + <p> + Many other matters were discussed before the professional friends + withdrew, promising to go to work early the next morning. + </p> + <p> + They kept their word, and while the temple of the god Turn resounded with + music and the chanting of hymns by the priests, whose dying notes entered + the windows of the sick-room, while Queen Arsinoe-Philadelphus led the + procession, and the King, who was prevented by the gout from entering and + passing around the sanctuary at her side, ordered a monument to be erected + in commemoration of this festival, the famous leeches toiled busily. + </p> + <p> + When the music and the acclamations of the crowd died away, their task was + accomplished. The great Herophilus had rendered his equally distinguished + colleague the aid of an apprentice. When Hermon’s lips again tried to pour + forth his gratitude, Herophilus interrupted him with the exclamation: “Use + the sight you have regained, young master, in creating superb works of + art, and I shall be in your debt, since, with little trouble, I was + permitted to render a service to the whole Grecian world.” + </p> + <p> + Hermon spent seven long days and nights full of anxious expectation in a + darkened room. Bias and a careful old female slave of the Lady Thyone + watched him faithfully. Philippus, his wife, and his famous son Eumedes + were allowed to pay him only brief visits; but Erasistratus watched the + success of the operation every morning. True, it had been by no means + dangerous, and certainly would not have required his frequent visits, but + it pleased the investigator, reared in the school of Stoics, to watch how + this warm-blooded young artist voluntarily submitted to live in accord + with reason and Nature—the guiding stars of his own existence. + </p> + <p> + But Hermon opened his soul to his learned friend, and what Erasistratus + thus learned strengthened the conviction of this great alleviator of + physical pain that suffering and knowledge of self were the best + physicians for the human soul. The scientist, who saw in the arts the + noblest ornament of mortal life, anticipated with eager interest Hermon’s + future creative work. + </p> + <p> + On the seventh day the leech removed the bandage from his patient’s eyes, + and the cry of rapture with which Hermon clasped him in his arms richly + rewarded him for his trouble and solicitude. + </p> + <p> + The restored man beheld in sharp, clear, undimmed outlines everything at + which the physician desired him to look. + </p> + <p> + Now Erasistratus could write to his friend Herophilus in Alexandria that + the operation was successful. + </p> + <p> + The sculptor was ordered to avoid the dazzling sunlight a fortnight + longer, then he might once more use his eyes without restriction, and + appeal to the Muse to help in creating works of art. + </p> + <p> + Thyone was present at this explanation. After she had conquered the great + emotion which for a time sealed her lips, her first question, after the + physician’s departure, was: “And Nemesis? She too, I think, has fled + before the new light?” + </p> + <p> + Hermon pressed her hand still more warmly, exclaiming with joyous + confidence: “No, Thyone! True, I now have little reason to fear the + avenging goddess who pursues the criminal, but all the more the other + Nemesis, who limits the excess of happiness. Will she not turn her swift + wheel, when I again, with clear eyes, see Daphne, and am permitted to work + in my studio once more with keen eyes and steady hand?” + </p> + <p> + Now the barriers which had hitherto restricted Hermon’s social intercourse + also fell. Eumedes, the commander of the fleet, often visited him, and + while exchanging tales of their experiences they became friends. + </p> + <p> + When Hermon was alone with Thyone and her gray-haired husband, the + conversation frequently turned upon Daphne and her father. + </p> + <p> + Then the recovered artist learned to whom Archias owed his escape from + being sentenced to death and having his property confiscated. Papers, + undeniably genuine, had proved what large sums had been advanced by the + merchant during the period of the first Queen Arsinoe’s conspiracy, and + envious foes had done their best to prejudice the King and his sister-wife + against Archias. Then the gray-haired hero fearlessly interceded for his + friend, and the monarch did not remain deaf to his representations. King + Ptolemy was writing the history of the conqueror of the world, and needed + the aged comrade of Alexander, the sole survivor who had held a prominent + position in the great Macedonian’s campaigns. It might be detrimental to + his work, on which he set great value, if he angered the old warrior, who + was a living source of history. Yet the King was still ill-disposed to the + merchant, for while he destroyed Archias’s death sentence which had been + laid before him for his signature, he said to Philippus: “The money-bag + whose life I give you was the friend of my foe. Let him beware that my arm + does not yet reach him from afar!” + </p> + <p> + Nay, his resentment went so far that he refused to receive Hermon, when + Eumedes begged permission to present the artist whose sight had been so + wonderfully restored. + </p> + <p> + “To me he is still the unjustly crowned conspirator,” Philadelphus + replied. “Let him create the remarkable work which I formerly expected + from him, and perhaps I shall have a somewhat better opinion of him, deem + him more worthy of our favour.” + </p> + <p> + Under these circumstances it was advisable for Archias and Daphne to + remain absent from Alexandria, and the experienced couple could only + approve Hermon’s decision to go to Pergamus as soon as Erasistratus + dismissed him. A letter from Daphne, which reached Thyone’s hands at this + time, increased the convalescent’s already ardent yearning to the highest + pitch. The girl entreated her maternal friend to tell her frankly the + condition of her lover’s health. If he had recovered, he would know how to + find her speedily; if the blindness was incurable, she would come herself + to help him bear the burden of his darkened existence. Chrysilla would + accompany her, but she could leave her father alone in Pergamus a few + months without anxiety, for he had a second son there in his nephew + Myrtilus, and had found a kind friend in Philetaerus, the ruler of the + country. + </p> + <p> + From this time Hermon daily urged Erasistratus to grant him entire + liberty, but the leech steadfastly refused, though he knew whither his + young friend longed to go. + </p> + <p> + Not until the beginning of the fourth week after the operation did he + himself lead Hermon into the full sunlight, and when the recovered artist + came out of the house he raised his hands in mute prayer, gushing from the + inmost depths of his heart. + </p> + <p> + The King was to return to Alexandria in a few days, and at the same time + Philippus and Thyone were going back to Pelusium. Hermon wished to + accompany them there and sail thence on a ship bound for Pergamus. + </p> + <p> + With Eumedes he visited the unfamiliar scenes around him, and his newly + restored gift of sight presented to him here many things that formerly he + would scarcely have noticed, but which now filled him with grateful joy. + Gratitude, intense gratitude, had taken possession of his whole being. + This feeling mastered him completely and seemed to be fostered and + strengthened by every breath, every heart throb, every glance into his own + soul and the future. + </p> + <p> + Besides, many beauties, nay, even many marvels, presented themselves to + his restored eyes. The whole wealth of the magic of beauty, intellect, and + pleasure in life, characteristic of the Greek nature, appeared to have + followed King Ptolemy and Queen Arsinoe-Philadelphus hither. Gardens had + been created on the arid, sandy soil, whose gray and yellow surface + extended in every direction, the water on the shore of the canal which + united Pithom with the Nile not sufficing to render it possible to make + even a narrow strip of arable land. Fresh water flowed from beautiful + fountains adorned with rich carvings, and the pure fluid filled large + porphyry and marble basins. Statues, single and in groups, stood forth in + harmonious arrangement against green masses of leafage, and Grecian + temples, halls, and even a theatre, rapidly constructed in the noblest + forms from light material, invited the people to devotion, to the + enjoyment of the most exquisite music, and to witness the perfect + performance of many a tragedy and comedy. + </p> + <p> + Statues surrounded the hurriedly erected palaestra where the Ephebi every + morning practised their nude, anointed bodies in racing, wrestling, and + throwing the discus. What a delight it was to Hermon to feast his eyes + upon these spectacles! What a stimulus to the artist, so long absorbed in + his own thoughts, who had so recently returned from the wilderness to the + world of active life, when he was permitted, in Erasistratus’s tent, to + listen to the great scholars who had accompanied the King to the desert! + Only the regret that Daphne was not present to share his pleasure clouded + Hermon’s enjoyment, when Eumedes related to his parents, himself, and a + few chosen friends the adventures encountered, and the experiences + gathered in distant Ethiopia, on land and water, in battle and the chase, + as investigator and commander. + </p> + <p> + The utmost degree of variety had entered into the simplicity of the + monotonous desert, the most refined abundance for the intellect and the + need of beauty appeared amid its barrenness. + </p> + <p> + The poet Callimachus had just arrived with a new chorus of singers, + tablets by Antiphilus and Nicias had come to beautify the last days of the + residence in the desert—when doves, the birds of Aphrodite, flew + with the speed of lightning into Pithom, but instead of bringing a new + message of love and announcing the approach of fresh pleasure, they bore + terrible tidings which put joy to flight and stifled mirthfulness. + </p> + <p> + The unbridled greed of rude barbarians had chosen Alexandria for its goal, + and startled the royal pair and their chosen companions from the sea of + pleasure where they would probably have remained for weeks. + </p> + <p> + The four thousand Gauls who had been obtained to fight against Cyrene were + in the act of rushing rapaciously upon the richest city in the world. The + most terrible danger hung like a black cloud over the capital founded by + Alexander, whose growth had been so rapid. True, General Satvrus asserted + that he was strong enough, with the troops at his disposal, to defeat the + formidable hordes; but a second dove, sent by the epitropus who had + remained in Alexandria, alluded to serious disaster which it would + scarcely be possible to avert. + </p> + <p> + The doves now flew swiftly to and fro; but before the third arrived, + Eumedes, the commander of the fleet just from Ethiopia, was already on the + way to Alexandria with all the troops assembled on the frontier. + </p> + <p> + The King and Queen, with the corps of pages and the corps of youths, + entered the boats waiting for them to return, drawn by teams of four swift + horses, to Memphis, to await within the impregnable fortress of the White + Castle the restoration of security in the capital. + </p> + <p> + The Greeks prized the most valiant fearlessness so highly that no shadow + could be suffered to rest upon the King’s, and therefore the monarch’s + hurried departure was made in a way which permitted no thought of flight, + and merely resembled impatient yearning for new festivals and the earnest + desire to fulfil grave duties in another portion of the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + Many of the companions of the royal pair, among them Erasistratus, + accompanied them. Hermon bade him farewell with a troubled heart, and the + leech, too, parted with regret from the artist to whom, a year before, he + had refused his aid. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + Hermon went, with Philippus and Thyone, on board the ship which was to + convey them through the new canal to Pelusium, where the old commandant + had to plan all sorts of measures. In the border fortress the artist was + again obliged to exercise patience, for no ship bound to Pergamus or + Lesbos could be found in the harbour. Philippus had as much work as he + could do, but all his arrangements were made when carrier doves announced + that the surprise intended by the Gauls had been completely thwarted, and + his son Eumedes was empowered to punish them. + </p> + <p> + The admiral would take his fleet to the Sebennytic mouth of the Nile. + </p> + <p> + Another dove came from King Ptolemy, and summoned the old general at once + to the capital. Philippus resolved to set off without delay and, as the + way led past that mouth of the Nile, met his son on the voyage. + </p> + <p> + Hermon must accompany him and his wife to Alexandria, whence, without + entering the city, he could sail for Pergamus; ships bound to all the + ports in the Mediterranean were always in one of the harbours of the + capital. A galley ready to weigh anchor was constantly at the disposal of + the commandant of the fortress, and the next noon the noble pair, with + Hermon and his faithful Bias, went on board the Galatea. + </p> + <p> + The weather was dull, and gray clouds were sweeping across the sky over + the swift vessel, which hugged the coast, and, unless the wind shifted, + would reach the narrow tongue of land pierced by the Sebennytic mouth of + the Nile before sunrise. + </p> + <p> + Though the general and his wife went to rest early, Hermon could not + endure the close air of the cabin. Wrapped in his cloak he went on deck. + The moon, almost full, was sailing in the sky, sometimes covered by dark + clouds, sometimes leaving them behind. Like a swan emerging from the + shadow of the thickets along the shore upon the pure bosom of the lake, it + finally floated into the deep azure of the radiant firmament. Hermon’s + heart swelled. + </p> + <p> + How he rejoiced that he was again permitted to behold the starry sky, and + satiate his soul with the beauty of creation! What delight it gave him + that the eternal wanderers above were no longer soulless forms, that he + again saw in the pure silver disk above friendly Selene, in the rolling + salt waves the kingdom of Poseidon! To-morrow, when the deep blue water + was calm, he would greet the sea-god Glaucus, and when snowy foam crowned + the crests of the waves, white-armed Thetis. The wind was no longer an + empty sound to him; no, it, too, came from a deity. All Nature had + regained a new, divine life. Doubtless he felt much nearer to his + childhood than before, but he was infinitely less distant from the eternal + divinity. And all the forms, so full of meaning, which appeared to him + from Nature, and from every powerful emotion of his own soul, were waiting + to be represented by his art in the noblest of forms, those of human + beings. There were few with whose nature he had not become familiar in the + darkness and solitude that once surrounded him. + </p> + <p> + When he began to create again, he had only to summon them, and he awaited, + with the suspense of the general who is in command of new troops on the + eve of battle, the success of his own work after the great transformation + which had taken place in him. + </p> + <p> + What a stress and tumult! + </p> + <p> + He had controlled it since the first hour when he regained his full + vision. He would fain have transformed the moon into the sun, the ship + into the studio, and begun to model. + </p> + <p> + He knew, too, what he desired to create. + </p> + <p> + He would model an Apollo trampling under foot the slain dragon of + darkness. + </p> + <p> + He would succeed in this work now. And as he looked up and saw Selene just + emerging again from the black cloud island, the thought entered his mind + that it was a moonlight night like this when all the unspeakably terrible + misfortune occurred—which was now past. + </p> + <p> + Yet neither the calm wanderer above nor a resentful woman had exposed him + to the persecution of Nemesis. In the stillness of the desert he had + perceived what had brought all this terrible suffering upon him; but he + would not repeat it to himself now, for he felt within his soul the power + to remain faithful to his best self in the future. + </p> + <p> + With clear eyes he gazed keenly and blithely at the new life. Nothing, + least of all, futile self-torturing regret for faults committed, should + cloud the fair morning dawning anew for him, which summoned him to active + work, to gratitude and love. + </p> + <p> + Uttering a sigh of relief, he paced the deck—now brilliantly + illuminated by silvery light—with long strides. + </p> + <p> + The moon above his head reminded him of Ledscha. He was no longer angry + with her. The means by which she had intended to destroy him had been + transformed into a benefit, and while in the desert he had perceived how + often man finally blesses, as the highest gain, what he at first regarded + as the most cruel affliction. + </p> + <p> + How distinctly the image of the Biamite again stood before his agitated + soul! + </p> + <p> + Had he not loved her once? + </p> + <p> + Or how had it happened that, though his heart was Daphne’s, and hers + alone, he had felt wounded and insulted when his Bias, who was leaning + over the railing of the deck yonder, gazing at the glittering waves, had + informed him that Ledscha had been accompanied in her flight from her + unloved husband by the Gaul whose life he, Hermon, had saved? Was this due + to jealousy or merely wounded vanity at being supplanted in a heart which + he firmly believed belonged, though only in bitter hate, solely to him? + </p> + <p> + She certainly had not forgotten him, and while the remembrance of her + blended with the yearning for Daphne which never left him, he sat down and + gazed out into the darkness till his head drooped on his breast. + </p> + <p> + Then a dream showed the Biamite to the slumbering man, yet no longer in + the guise of a woman, but as the spider Arachne. She increased before his + eyes to an enormous size and alighted upon the pharos erected by + Sostratus. Uninjured by the flames of the lighthouse, above which she + hovered, she wove a net of endlessly long gray threads over the whole city + of Alexandria, with its temples, palaces, and halls, harbours and ships, + until Daphne suddenly appeared with a light step and quietly cut one after + the other. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a shrill whistle aroused him. It was the signal of the + flute-player to relieve the rowers. + </p> + <p> + A faint yellow line was now tingeing the eastern horizon of the gray, + cloudy sky. At his left extended the flat, dull-brown coast line, which + seemed to be lower than the turbid waves of the restless sea. The cold + morning wind was blowing light mists over the absolutely barren shore. Not + a tree, not a bush, not a human dwelling was to be seen in this dreary + wilderness. Wherever the eye turned, there was nothing but sand and water, + which united at the edge of the land. Long lines of surf poured over the + arid desert, and, as if repelled by the desolation of this strand, + returned to the wide sea whence they came. + </p> + <p> + The shrill screams of the sea-gulls behind the ship, and the hoarse, + hungry croaking of the ravens on the shore blended with the roaring of the + waves. Hermon shuddered at this scene. Shivering, he wrapped his cloak + closer around him, yet he did not go to the protecting cabin, but followed + the nauarch, who pointed out to him the numerous vessels which, in a wide + curve, surrounded the place where the Sebennytic arm of the Nile pierced + the tongue of land to empty into the sea. + </p> + <p> + The experienced seaman did not know what ships were doing there, but it + was hardly anything good; for ravens in a countless multitude were to be + seen on the shore and all moved toward the left. + </p> + <p> + Philippus’s appearance on deck interrupted the nauarch. He anxiously + showed the birds to the old hero also, and the latter’s only reply was, + “Watch the helm and sails!” + </p> + <p> + Yonder squadron, Philippus said to the artist, was a part of his son’s + fleet; what brought it there was a mystery to him too. + </p> + <p> + After the early meal, the galley of Eumedes approached his father’s + trireme. Two other galleys, not much inferior in size, were behind, and + probably fifty smaller vessels were moving about the mouth of the Nile and + the whole dreary tongue of land. + </p> + <p> + All belonged to the royal war fleet, and the deck of every one was crowded + with armed soldiers. + </p> + <p> + On one a forest of lances bristled in the murky air, and upon its + southward side a row of archers, each man holding his bow in his hand, + stood shoulder to shoulder. + </p> + <p> + At what mark were their arrows to be aimed? The men on board the Galatea + saw it distinctly, for the shore was swarming with human figures, here + standing crowded closely together, like horses attacked by a pack of + wolves; yonder running, singly or in groups, toward the sea or into the + land. Dark spots on the light sand marked the places where others had + thrown themselves on the ground, or, kneeling, stretched out their arms as + if in defence. + </p> + <p> + Who were the people who populated this usually uninhabited, inhospitable + place so densely and in so strange a manner? + </p> + <p> + This could not be distinguished from the Galatea with the naked eye, but + Philippus thought that they were the Gauls whose punishment had been + intrusted to his son, and it soon proved that the old general was right; + for just as the Galatea was approaching the shore, a band of twenty or + thirty men plunged into the sea. They were Gauls. The light complexions + and fair and red bristling hair showed this—Philippus knew them, and + Hermon remembered the hordes of men who had rushed past him on the ride to + Tennis. + </p> + <p> + But the watchers were allowed only a short time for observation; brief + shouts of command rang from the ships near them, long bows were raised in + the air, and one after another of the light-hued forms in the water threw + up its arms, sprang up, or sank motionless into the waves around them, + which were dyed with a crimson stain. + </p> + <p> + The artist shuddered; the gray-haired general covered his head with his + cloak, and the Lady Thyone followed his example, uttering her son’s name + in a tone of loud lamentation. + </p> + <p> + The nauarch pointed to the black birds in the air and close above the + shore and the water; but the shout, “A boat from the admiral’s galley!” + soon attracted the attention of the voyagers on the Galatea in a new + direction. + </p> + <p> + Thirty powerful rowers were urging the long, narrow boat toward them. + Sometimes raised high on the crest of a mountain wave, sometimes sinking + into the hollow, it completed its trip, and Eumedes mounted a swinging + rope ladder to the Galatea’s deck as nimbly as a boy. + </p> + <p> + Here the young commander of the fleet hastened toward his parents. His + mother sobbed aloud at his anything but cheerful greeting; Philippus said + mournfully, “I have heard nothing yet, but I know all.” + </p> + <p> + “Father,” replied the admiral, and raising the helmet from his head, + covered with brown curls, he added mournfully: “First as to these men + here. It will teach you to understand the other terrible things. Your + Uncle Archias’s house was destroyed; yonder men were the criminals.” + </p> + <p> + “In the capital!” Philippus exclaimed furiously, and Hermon cried in no + less vehement excitement: “How did my uncle get the ill will of these + monsters? But as the vengeance is in your hands, they will atone for this + breach of the peace!” + </p> + <p> + “Severely, perhaps too severely,” replied Eumedes gloomily, and Philippus + asked his son how this evil deed could have happened, and the purport of + the King’s command. + </p> + <p> + The admiral related what had occurred in the capital since his departure + from Pithom. + </p> + <p> + The four thousand Gauls who had been sent by King Antiochus to the + Egyptian army as auxiliary troops against Cyrene refused, before reaching + Paraetonium, on the western frontier of the Egyptian kingdom, to obey + their Greek commanders. As they tried to force them to continue their + march, the barbarians left them bound in the road. They spared their + lives, but rushed with loud shouts of exultation toward Alexandria, which + was close at hand. + </p> + <p> + They had learned that the city was almost stripped of troops, and the most + savage instinct urged them toward the wealthy capital. + </p> + <p> + Without encountering any resistance, they broke through the necropolis + into Alexandria, crossed the Draco canal, and marched past the unfinished + Temple of Serapis through the Rhakotis. At the Canopic Way they turned + eastward and rushed through this main artery of traffic till, in the + Brucheium, they hastened in a northerly direction toward the sea. + </p> + <p> + South of the Theatre of Dionysus they halted. One division turned toward + the market-place, another toward the royal palaces. + </p> + <p> + Until they reached the Brucheium the hordes, so eager for booty, had + refrained from plunder and pillage. + </p> + <p> + Their whole strength was to be reserved, as the examination proved, for + the attack upon the royal palaces. Several people who were thoroughly + familiar with Alexandria had acted as guides. + </p> + <p> + The instigator of the mutiny was said to be a Gallic captain who had taken + part in the surprise of Delphi, but, having ventured to punish disobedient + soldiers, he was killed. A bridge-builder from the ranks, and his wife, + who was not of Gallic blood, had taken his place. + </p> + <p> + This woman, a resolute and obstinate but rarely beautiful creature, when + the division that was to attack the royal palaces was marching past the + house which Hermon had occupied as the heir of Myrtilus, pressed forward + herself across the threshold, to order the mutineers who followed her to + destroy and steal whatever came in their way. The bridge-builder went to + the market-place, and in pillaging the wealthy merchants’ houses began + with Archias’s. Meanwhile it was set on fire and, with the large + warehouses adjoining it, was burned to the foundation walls. + </p> + <p> + But the robbers were to obtain no permanent success, either in the + market-place or in Myrtilus’s house, which was diagonally opposite to the + palaestra; for General Satyrus, at the first tidings of their approach, + had collected all the troops at his disposal and the crews of several war + galleys, and imprisoned the division in the market-place as though in a + mouse-trap. The bands to which the woman belonged were forced by the + cavalry into the palaestra and the neighbouring Maander, and kept there + until Eumedes brought re-enforcements and compelled the Gauls to + surrender. + </p> + <p> + The King sent from Memphis the order to take the vanquished men to the + tongue of land where they now were, and could easily be imprisoned between + the sea and the Sebennytic inland lake. They were guilty of death to the + last man, and starvation was to perform the executioner’s office upon + them. + </p> + <p> + He, Eumedes, the admiral concluded, was in the King’s service, and must do + what his commander in chief ordered. + </p> + <p> + “Duty,” sighed Philippus; “yet what a punishment!” + </p> + <p> + He held out his hand to his son as he spoke, but the Lady Thyone shook her + head mournfully, saying: “There are four thousand over yonder; and the + philosopher and historian on the throne, the admirable art critic who + bestows upon his capital and Egypt all the gifts of peace, who understands + how to guard and develop it better than any one else—yet what + influence the gloomy powers exert upon him!” + </p> + <p> + Here she hesitated, and went on in a low whisper: “The blood of two + brothers stains his hand and his conscience. The oldest, to whom the + throne would have belonged, he exiled. And our friend, Demetrius + Phalereus, his father’s noble councillor! Because you, Philippus, + interceded for him—though you were in a position of command, because + Ptolemy knows your ability—you were sent to distant Pelusium, and + there we should be still—” + </p> + <p> + “Guard your tongue, wife!” interrupted the old general in a tone of grave + rebuke. “The vipers on the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt symbolize the + King’s swift power over life and death. To the Egyptians the Philadelphi, + Ptolemy and Arsinoe, are gods, and what cause have we to reproach them + except that they use their omnipotence?” + </p> + <p> + “And, mother,” Eumedes eagerly added, “do not the royal pair on the throne + merely follow the example of far greater ones among the immortal gods? + When the very Gauls who are devoted to death yonder, greedy for booty, + attacked Delphi, four years ago, it was the august brother and sister, + Apollo and Artemis, who sent them to Hades with their arrows, while Zeus + hurled his thunderbolts at them and ordered heavy boulders to fall upon + them from the shaken mountains. Many of the men over there fled from + destruction at Delphi. Unconverted, they added new crimes to the old ones, + but now retribution will overtake them. The worse the crime, the more + bloody the vengeance. + </p> + <p> + “Even the last must die, as my sovereign commands; only I shall determine + the mode of death according to my own judgment, and at the same time, + mother, feel sure of your approval. Instead of lingering starvation, I + shall use swift arrows. Now you know what you were obliged to learn. It + would be wise, mother, for you to leave this abode of misery. Duty summons + me to my ship.” He held out his hand to his parents and Hermon as he + spoke, but the latter clasped it firmly, exclaiming in a tone of + passionate emotion, “What is the name of the woman to whom, though she is + not of their race, the lawless barbarians yielded?” + </p> + <p> + “Ledscha,” replied the admiral. + </p> + <p> + Hermon started as if stung by a scorpion, and asked, “Where is she?” + </p> + <p> + “On my ship,” was the reply, “if she has not yet been taken ashore with + the others.” + </p> + <p> + “To be killed with the pitiable band there?” cried Thyone angrily, looking + her son reproachfully in the face. + </p> + <p> + “No, mother,” replied Eumedes. “She will be taken to the others under the + escort of trustworthy men in order, perhaps, to induce her to speak. It + must be ascertained whether there were accomplices in the attack on the + royal palaces, and lastly whence the woman comes.” + </p> + <p> + “I can tell you that myself,” replied Hermon. “Allow me to accompany you. + I must see and speak to her.” + </p> + <p> + “The Arachne of Tennis?” asked Thyone. Hermon’s mute nod of assent + answered the question, but she exclaimed: “The unhappy woman, who called + down the wrath of Nemesis upon you, and who has now herself fallen a prey + to the avenging goddess. What do you want from her?” + </p> + <p> + Hermon bent down to his old friend and whispered, “To lighten her terrible + fate, if it is in my power.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, then,” replied the matron, and turned to her son, saying, “Let Hermon + tell you how deeply this woman has influenced his life, and, when her turn + comes, think of your mother.” + </p> + <p> + “She is a woman,” replied Eumedes, “and the King’s mandate only commands + me to punish men. Besides, I promised her indulgence if she would make a + confession.” + </p> + <p> + “And she?” asked Hermon. + </p> + <p> + “Neither by threats nor promises,” answered the admiral, “can this + sinister, beautiful creature be induced to speak.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” said the artist, and a smile of satisfaction flitted over + his face. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + A short row took Hermon and Eumedes the admiral’s galley. Ledscha had + already been carried ashore. There she was to be confronted with the men + who were suspected of having showed the mutineers the way to the city. + </p> + <p> + Absorbed in his own thoughts, Hermon waited for the admiral, who at first + was claimed by one official duty after another. The artist’s thoughts + lingered with Daphne. To her father the loss of his house, nay, perhaps of + his wealth, would seem almost unendurable, yet even were he beggared, + provision was made for him and his daughter. He, Hermon, could again + create, as in former days, and what happiness it would be if he were + permitted to repay the man to whom he owed so much for the kindness + bestowed upon him! + </p> + <p> + He longed to give to the woman he loved again and again, and it would have + seemed to him a favour of fortune if the flames had consumed even the last + drachm of her wealthy father. + </p> + <p> + Completely engrossed by these reflections, he forgot the horrors before + him, but when he raised his eyes and saw the archers continuing their + terrible work he shuddered. + </p> + <p> + The admiral’s galley lay so near the shore that he distinguished the + figures of the Gauls separately. Some, obeying the instinct of self + preservation, fled from the places which could be reached by the arrows of + the archers on the ships, but others pressed toward the shafts. A + frightful, heart-rending spectacle, yet how rich in food for the + long-darkened eyes of the artist! Two brothers of unusual height, who, + nude like all their comrades in death, offered their broad, beautifully + arched chests to the arrows, would not leave his memory. It was a terrible + sight, yet grand and worthy of being wrested from oblivion by art, and it + impressed itself firmly on his mind. + </p> + <p> + After noon Eumedes could at last devote himself to his young friend. + Although the wind drove showers of fine rain before it, the admiral + remained on deck with the sculptor. What cared they for the inclement + weather, while one was recalling to mind and telling his friend how the + hate of an offended woman had unchained the gloomy spirits of revenge upon + him, the other, who had defied death on land water, listened to his story, + sometimes in surprise, sometimes with silent horror? + </p> + <p> + After the examination to which she had been subjected, Eumedes had + believed Ledscha to be as Hermon described her. He found nothing petty in + this beautiful, passionate creature who avenged the injustice inflicted + upon her as Fate took vengeance, who, with unsparing energy, anticipated + the Nemesis to whom she appealed, compelled men’s obedience, and instead + of enriching herself cast away the talents extorted to bring down fresh + ruin upon the man who had transformed her love to hate. + </p> + <p> + While the friends consulted together with lowered voices, their conjecture + became conviction that it was the Biamite’s inextinguishable hate which + had led her to the Gauls and induced her to share the attack upon the + capital. + </p> + <p> + The assault upon the houses of Archias and Myrtilus was a proof of this, + for the latter was still believed to be Hermon’s property. She had + probably supposed that the merchant’s palace sheltered Daphne, in whom, + even at Tennis, she had seen and hated her successful rival. + </p> + <p> + Only the undeniable fact that Ledscha was the bridge-builder’s companion + presented an enigma difficult to solve. The freedman Bias had remained on + Philippus’s galley, and could not now be appealed to for a confirmation of + his assertions, but Hermon distinctly remembered his statement that + Ledscha had allowed the Gaul, after he had received the money intended for + him, to take her from Pitane to Africa. + </p> + <p> + When the short November day was drawing to a close, and the friends had + strengthened themselves with food and drink, the rain ceased and, as the + sun set, its after-glow broke through the rifts and fissures in the black + wall of clouds in the western horizon like blazing flames in the + conflagration of a solid stone building. Yet the glow vanished swiftly + enough. The darkness of night spread over the sea and the arid strip of + land in the south, but the greedy croaking of the ravens and vultures + echoed more and more loudly from the upper air. From time to time the + outbursts of rage and agony of despairing men, and horrible jeering + laughter, drowned the voices of the flocks of birds and the roaring of the + tempestuous sea. Sometimes, too, a sharp word of command, or a signal + heard for a long distance, pierced through the awful sounds. + </p> + <p> + Here and there, and at last everywhere on the squadron, which surrounded + the tongue of land in a shallow curve, dim lights began to appear on the + masts and prows of the ships; but darkness brooded over the coast. Only in + the three fortified guardhouses, which had been hastily erected here, the + feeble light of a lantern illumined the gloom. + </p> + <p> + Twinkling lights also appeared in the night heavens between the swiftly + flying clouds. One star after another began to adorn the blue islands in + the cloudy firmament, and at last the full moon burst through the heavy + banks of dark clouds, and shone in pure brilliancy above their heads, like + a huge silver vessel in the black catafalque of a giant. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the first hour after sunset Eumedes ordered the boat to be + manned. + </p> + <p> + Armed as if for battle, he prepared for the row to the scene of misery, + and requested Hermon to buckle a coat of mail under his chlamys and put on + the sword he gave him. True, a division of reliable Macedonian warriors + was to accompany them, and Ledscha was in a well-guarded place, yet it + might perhaps be necessary to defend themselves against an outburst of + despair among the condemned prisoners. On the short trip, the crests of + the tossing waves sometimes shone with a flickering light, while elsewhere + long shadows spread like dark sails over the sea. The flat coast on which + both men soon stepped was brightly illumined by the moonbeams, and the + forms of the doomed men stood forth, like the black figures on the red + background of a vase, upon the yellowish-brown sand on which they were + standing, running, walking, or lying. + </p> + <p> + At the western end of the tongue of land a sand hill had been surrounded + by a wall and moat, guarded by heavily armed soldiers and several archers. + The level ground below had been made secure against any attack, and on the + right side was a roof supported by pillars. + </p> + <p> + The officials intrusted with the examination of the ringleaders had + remained during the day in this hastily erected open hut. The latter, + bound to posts, awaited their sentence. + </p> + <p> + The only woman among them was Ledscha, who crouched, unfettered, on the + ground behind the enclosure, which consisted of short stakes fastened by a + rope. + </p> + <p> + Without presenting any serious obstacle, it merely indicated how far the + prisoners might venture to go. Whoever crossed it must expect to be struck + down by an arrow from the wall. This earthwork, it is true, menaced those + held captive here, but they also owed it a debt of gratitude, for it shut + from their eyes the horrible incidents on the sandy plain between the sea + and the inland lake. + </p> + <p> + This spot was now made as light as day by the rays of the full moon which + floated in the pure azure sky far above the black cloud mountains, like a + white lotus flower on clear waters, and poured floods of silvery radiance + upon the earth. + </p> + <p> + Eumedes commanded the Macedonians who formed his escort to remain at the + fortress on the dune, and, pointing out Ledscha by a wave of the hand, he + whispered to Hermon: “By the girdle of Aphrodite! she is terribly + beautiful! For whom is the Medea probably brewing in imagination the + poisoned draught?” + </p> + <p> + Then he gave the sculptor permission to promise her immunity from + punishment if she would consent at least to explain the Gauls’ connection + with the royal palaces; but Hermon strenuously refused to undertake this + or a similar commission to Ledscha. + </p> + <p> + Eumedes had expected the denial, and merely expressed to his friend his + desire to speak to the Biamite after his interview was over. However + refractory she might be, his mother’s intercession should benefit her. + Hermon might assure her that he, the commander, meant to deal leniently. + He pressed the artist’s hand as he spoke, and walked rapidly away to + ascertain the condition of affairs in the other guardhouses. + </p> + <p> + Never had the brave artist’s heart throbbed faster in any danger than on + the eve of this meeting; but it was no longer love that thrilled it so + passionately, far less hate or the desire to let his foe feel that her + revenge was baffled. + </p> + <p> + It was easy for the victor to exercise magnanimity, and easiest of all for + the sculptor in the presence of so beautiful an enemy, and Hermon thought + he had never seen the Biamite look fairer. How exquisitely rounded was the + oval, how delicately cut the profile of her face, how large were the + widely separated, sparkling eyes, above which, even in the pale moonlight, + the thick black brows were visible, united under the forehead as if for a + dark deed to be performed in common! + </p> + <p> + Time had rather enhanced than lessened the spell of this wonderful young + creature. Now she rose from the ground where she had been crouching and + paced several times up and down the short path at her disposal; but she + started suddenly, for one of the Gauls bound to the posts, in whom Hermon + recognised the bridge-builder, Lutarius, called her name, and when she + turned her face toward him, panted in broken Greek like one overwhelmed by + despair: “Once more—it shall be the last time—I beseech you! + Lay your hand upon my brow, and if that is too much, speak but one kind + word to me before all is over! I only want to hear that you do not hate me + like a foe and despise me like a dog. What can it cost you? You need only + tell me in two words that you are sorry for your harshness.” + </p> + <p> + “The same fate awaits us both,” cried Ledscha curtly and firmly. “Let each + take care of himself. When my turn comes and my eyes grow dim in death, I + will thank them that they will not show you to me again, base wretch, + throughout eternity.” + </p> + <p> + Lutarius shrieked aloud in savage fury, and tore so frantically at the + strong ropes which bound him that the firm posts shook, but Ledscha turned + away and approached the hut. + </p> + <p> + She leaned thoughtfully against one of the pillars that supported the + roof, and the artist’s eyes watched her intently; every movement seemed to + him noble and worth remembering. + </p> + <p> + With her hand shading her brow, she gazed upward to the full moon. + </p> + <p> + Hermon had already delayed speaking to her too long, but he would have + deemed it criminal to startle her from this attitude. So must Arachne have + stood when the goddess, in unjust anger, raised the weaver’s shuttle + against the more skilful mortal; for while Ledscha’s brow frowned angrily, + a triumphant smile hovered around her mouth. At the same time she slightly + opened her exquisitely formed lips, and the little white teeth which + Hermon had once thought so bewitchingly beautiful glittered between them. + </p> + <p> + Like the astronomer who fixes his gaze and tries to imprint upon his + memory some rare star in the firmament which a cloud is threatening to + obscure, he now strove to obtain Ledscha’s image. He would and could model + her in this attitude, exactly as she stood there, without her veil, which + had been torn from her during the hand-to-hand conflict when she was + captured, with her thick, half-loosened tresses falling over her left + shoulder; nav, even with the slightly hooked nose, which was opposed to + the old rule of art that permitted only the straight bridge of the nose to + be given to beautiful women. Her nature harmonized with the ideal even in + the smallest detail; here any deviation from reality must tend to injure + the work. + </p> + <p> + She remained motionless for minutes in the same attitude, as if she knew + that she was posing to an artist; but Hermon gazed at her as if spell + bound till the fettered Gaul again called her name. + </p> + <p> + Then she left the supporting pillar, approached the barrier, stopped at + the rope which extended from one short stake to another, and gazed at the + man who was following her outside of the rope. + </p> + <p> + It was a Greek who stood directly opposite to her. A black beard adorned + his grave, handsome countenance. He, too, had a chlamys, such as she had + formerly seen on another. Only the short sword, which he wore suspended at + his right side in the Hellenic fashion, would not suit that other; but + suddenly a rush of hot blood crimsoned her face. As if to save herself + from falling, she flung out both arms and clutched a stake with her right + and her left hand, thrusting her head and the upper portion of her body + across the rope toward the man whose appearance had created so wild a + tumult in her whole being. + </p> + <p> + At last she called Hermon’s name in such keen suspense that it fell upon + his ear like a shrill cry. + </p> + <p> + “Ledscha,” he answered warmly, extending both hands to her in sincere + sympathy; but she did not heed the movement, and her tone of calm + self-satisfaction surprised him as she answered: “So you seek me in + misfortune? Even the blind man knows how to find me here.” + </p> + <p> + “I would far rather have met you again in the greatest happiness!” he + interrupted gently. “But I am no longer blind. The immortals again permit + me, as in former days, to feast my eyes upon your marvellous beauty.” + </p> + <p> + A shrill laugh cut short his words, and the “Not blind!” which fell again + and again from her lips sounded more like laughter than speech. + </p> + <p> + There are tears of grief and of joy, and the laugh which is an + accompaniment of pleasure is also heard on the narrow boundary between + suffering and despair. + </p> + <p> + It pierced the artist’s heart more deeply than the most savage outburst of + fury, and when Ledscha gasped: “Not blind! Cured! Rich and possessed of + sight, perfect sight!” he understood her fully for the first time, and + could account for the smile of satisfaction which had just surprised him + on her lips. + </p> + <p> + He gazed at her, absolutely unable to utter a word; but she went on + speaking, while a low, sinister laugh mingled with her tones: “So this is + avenging justice! It allows us women to be trampled under foot, and holds + its hands in its lap! My vengeance! How I have lauded Nemesis! How + exquisitely my retaliation seemed to have succeeded! And now? It was mere + delusion and deception. He who was blind sees. He who was to perish in + misery is permitted, with a sword at his side, to gloat over our + destruction. Listen, if the good news has not already reached you! I, too, + am condemned to death. But what do I care for myself? Even less than those + to whom we pray and offer sacrifices for the betrayed woman. Now I am + learning to know them! Thus Nemesis thanks me for the lavish gifts I have + bestowed upon her? Just before my end she throws you, the rewarded + traitor, into my way! I must submit to have the hated foe, whose blinding + was the sole pleasure in my ruined life, look me in the face with insolent + joy.” + </p> + <p> + Hermon’s quick blood boiled. + </p> + <p> + With fierce resentment he grasped her hand, which lay on the rope, pressed + it violently in his strong clasp, and exclaimed, “Stop, mad woman, that I + may not be forced to think of you as a poisonous serpent and repulsive + spider!” + </p> + <p> + Ledscha had vainly endeavoured to withdraw her hand while he was speaking. + Now he himself released it; but she looked up at him in bewilderment, as + if seeking aid, and said sadly: “Once—you know that yourself—I + was different—even as long as I supposed my vengeance had succeeded. + But now? The false goddess has baffled every means with which I sought to + punish you. Who averted the sorest ill treatment from my head? And I was + even defrauded of the revenge which it was my right, nay, my duty, to + exercise.” + </p> + <p> + She finished the sentence with drooping head, as if utterly crushed, and + this time she did not laugh, but Hermon felt his wrath transformed to + sympathy, and he asked warmly and kindly if she would let nothing appease + her, not even if he begged her forgiveness for the wrong he had done her, + and promised to obtain her life, nay, also her liberty. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha shook her head gently, and gravely answered: “What is left me + without hate? What are the things which others deem best and highest to a + miserable wretch like me?” + </p> + <p> + Here Hermon pointed to the bridge-builder, bound to the post, saying, + “Yonder man led you away from the husband whom you had wedded, and from + him you received compensation for the love you had lost.” + </p> + <p> + “From him?” she cried furiously, and, raising her voice in a tone of the + most intense loathing: “Ask yonder scoundrel himself! Because I needed a + guide, I permitted him to take me away from my unloved husband and from + the Hydra. Because he would help me to shatter the new and undeserved good + fortune which you—yes, you—do you hear?—enjoyed, I + remained with him among the Gauls. More than one Alexandrian brought me + the news that you were revelling in golden wealth, and the wretch promised + to make you and your uncle beggars if the surprise succeeded. He did this, + though he knew that it was you who took him up from the road and saved his + life; for nothing good and noble dwells in his knavish soul. He yearned + for me, and still more ardently for the Alexandrians’ gold. Worse than the + wolf that licked the hand of the man who bandaged its wounds, he would + have shown his teeth to the preserver of his life. I have learned this, + and if he dies here of starvation and thirst he will receive only what he + deserves. He knows, too, what I think of him. The greedy beast of prey was + not permitted even to touch my hand. Just ask him! There he is. Let him + tell you how I listened to his vows of love. Before I would have permitted + yonder wretch to recall to life what you crushed in this heart—” + </p> + <p> + Here Lutarius interrupted her with a flood of savage, scarcely + intelligible curses, but very soon one of the guards, who came out of the + hut, stopped him with a lash. + </p> + <p> + When the Gaul, howling under the blows, was silenced, Hermon asked, “So + your mad thirst for vengeance also caused this suicidal attack?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” she answered simply; “but when they determined upon the assault, and + had killed their leader, Belgius, yonder monster stole to their head. So + it happened—I myself do not know how—that they also obeyed me, + and I took advantage of it and induced them to begin with your house and + Archias’s. When they had captured the royal palaces, they intended to + assail the Temple of Demeter also.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you thought that even the terrible affliction of blindness would not + suffice to punish the man you hated?” asked Hermon. + </p> + <p> + “No,” she answered firmly; “for you could buy with your gold everything + life offers except sight, while in me—yes, in me—gloom darker + than the blackest night shrouded my soul. Through your fault I was robbed + of all, all that is clear to woman’s heart: my father’s house, his love, + my sister. Even the pleasure in myself which had been awakened by your + sweet flatteries was transformed by you into loathing.” + </p> + <p> + “By me?” cried Hermon, amazed by the injustice of this severe reproach; + but Ledscha answered his question with the resolute assertion, “By you and + you alone!” and then impatiently added: “You, who, by your art, could + transform mortal women into goddesses, wished to make me a humiliated + creature, with the rope which was to strangle her about her neck, and at + the same time the most repulsive of creeping insects. ‘The hideous, gray, + eight-legged spider!’ I exclaimed to myself, when I raised my arms and saw + my shadow on the sunlit ground. ‘The spider!’ I thought, when I shook the + distaff to draw threads from the flax in leisure hours. ‘Your image!’ I + said, when I saw spiders hanging in dusty corners, and catching flies and + gnats. All these things made me a horror to myself. And at the same time + to know that the Demeter, on whom you bestowed the features of the + daughter of Archias, was kindling the whole great city of Alexandria with + enthusiasm, and drawing countless worshippers to her sanctuary! She, an + object of adoration to thousands, I—the much-praised beauty—a + horror to myself! This is what fed my desire for vengeance with fresh food + by day and night; this urged me to remain with yonder wretch; for he had + promised, after pillaging the royal palaces, to shatter your Demeter, the + image of the daughter of Archias, which they lauded and which brought you + fame and honour—it was to be done before my eyes—into + fragments.” + </p> + <p> + “Mad woman!” Hermon again broke forth indignantly, and hastily told her + how she had been misinformed. + </p> + <p> + Ledscha’s large black eyes dilated as if some hideous spectre was rising + from the ground before her, while she heard that the Demeter was the work + of Myrtilus and not his; that his friend’s legacy had long since ceased to + belong to him, and that he was again as poor as when he was in Tennis + during the time of their love. + </p> + <p> + “And the blindness?” she asked sadly. + </p> + <p> + “It transformed life for me into one long night, illumined by no single + ray of light,” was the reply; “but, the immortals be praised, I was cured + of it, and it was old Tabus, on the Owl’s Nest at Tennis, whose wisdom and + magic arts you so often lauded, who gave the remedy and advice to which I + owe my recovery.” + </p> + <p> + Here he hesitated, for Ledscha had seized the rope with one hand and the + stake at her right with the other, in order not to fall upon her knees; + but Hermon perceived how terribly his words agitated her, and spoke to her + soothingly. Ledscha did not seem to hear him, for while still clinging to + the rope she looked sometimes at the sand at her feet, sometimes up to the + full moon, which was now flooding both sky and earth with light. + </p> + <p> + At last she dropped it, and said in a hollow tone: “Now I understand + everything. You met her when Bias gave her the bridal dowry which was to + purchase my release from my husband. How it must have enraged her! I + thought of it all, pondered and pondered how to spare her; but through + whom, except Tabus, could I return to Hanno the property, won in battle by + his blood, which he had thrown away for me? Tabus kept the family wealth. + And she—the marriage bond which two persons formed was sacred and + unassailable—the woman who broke her faith with her husband and + turned from him—was an abomination to her. How she loved her sons + and grandsons! I knew that she would never forgive the wrong I did Hanno. + From resentment to me she cured the man whom I hated.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet probably also,” said Hermon, “because my blighted youth aroused her + pity.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so,” replied Ledscha hesitatingly, gazing thoughtfully into + vacancy. “She was what her demons made her. Hard as steel and gentle as a + tender girl. I have experienced it. Oh, that she should die with rancour + against me in her faithful old heart! She could be so kind!—even + when I confessed that you had won my love, she still held me dear. But + there are many great and small demons, and most of them were probably + subject to her. Tabus must have learned through them how deeply I offended + her son Satabus, and how greatly his son Hanno’s life was darkened through + me. That is why she thwarted my vengeance, and her spirits aided her. Thus + all these things happened. I suspected it when I heard that she had + succumbed to death, which I—yes, I here—had held back from her + with severe toil through many a sleepless night. O these demons! They will + continue to act in the service of the dead. Wherever I may go, they will + pursue me and, at their mistress’s bidding, baffle what I hope and desire. + I have learned this only too distinctly!” + </p> + <p> + “No, Ledscha, no,” Hermon protested. “Every power ceases with death, even + that of the sorceress over spirits. You shall be freed, poor woman! You + will be permitted to go wherever you desire; and I shall model no spider + after your person, but the fairest of women. Thousands will see and admire + her, and—if the Muse aids me—whoever, enraptured by her + beauty, asks, ‘Who was the model for this work which inflames the most + obdurate heart?’ will be told, ‘It was Ledscha, the daughter of Shalit, + the Biamite, whom Hermon of Alexandria found worthy of carving in costly + marble.” + </p> + <p> + Ledscha uttered a deep sigh of relief, and asked: “Is that true? May I + believe it?” + </p> + <p> + “As true,” he answered warmly, “as that Selene, who promised to grant you + in her full radiance the greatest happiness, is now shedding her mild, + forgiving light upon us both.” + </p> + <p> + “The full moon,” she murmured softly, gazing upward at the shining disk. + </p> + <p> + Then she added in a louder tone: “Old Tabus’s demons promised me happiness—you + know. It was the spider which so cruelly shadowed it for me on every full + moon, every day, and every night. Will you now swear to model a statue + from me, the statue of a beautiful human being that will arouse the + delight of all who see it? Delight—do you hear?—not loathing—I + ask again, will you?” + </p> + <p> + “I will, and I shall succeed,” he said earnestly, holding out his hand + across the rope. She clasped it, looked up to the full moon again, and + whispered: “This time—I will believe it—you will keep your + promise better than when you were in Tennis. And I—I will cease to + wish you evil, and I will tell you why. Bend your ear nearer, that I may + confess it openly.” Hermon willingly obeyed the request, but she leaned + her head against his, and he felt her laboured breathing and the warm + tears that coursed silently down her cheeks as she said, in a low whisper: + “Because the moon is full, and will yet bring me what the demons promised, + and because, though strong, I am still a woman. Happiness! How long ago I + ceased to expect it!—but now-yes, it is what I now feel! I am happy, + and yet can not tell why. My love—oh, yes! It was more ardent than + the burning hate. Now you know it, too, Hermon. And I—I shall be + free, you say? And Tabus, how she lauded rest—eternal rest! Oh + dearest—this sorely tortured heart, too—you can not even + imagine how weary I am!” + </p> + <p> + Here she was silent, but the man into whose face she was gazing with + loving devotion felt a sudden movement at his side as she uttered the + exclamation. + </p> + <p> + He did not notice it, for the sweet tone of her voice was penetrating the + inmost depths of his heart. It sounded as though she was speaking from the + happiest of dreams. + </p> + <p> + “Ledscha!” he exclaimed warmly, extending his arm toward her—but she + had already stepped back from his side, and he now perceived the terrible + object—she had snatched his sword from its sheath, and as, seized by + sudden terror, he gazed at her, he saw the shining blade glitter in the + moonlight and suddenly vanish. + </p> + <p> + In an instant he swung his agile body over the rope and rushed to her. But + she had already sunk to her knees, and while he clasped her in is arms to + support her, he heard her call his own name tenderly, then murmur it in a + lower tone, and the words “Full moon” and “Happiness” escape her lips. + </p> + <p> + Then she was silent, and her beautiful head dropped on her breast like a + flower broken by a tempest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + “It was best so for her and for us,” said Eumedes, after gazing long at + Ledscha’s touchingly beautiful, still, dead face. + </p> + <p> + Then he ordered her to be buried at once and shouted to the guards: + “Everything must be over on this strip of land early to-morrow morning! + Let all who bear arms begin at once. Selene will light the men brightly + enough for the work.” + </p> + <p> + The terrible order given in mercy was fulfilled, and hunger and thirst + were robbed of their numerous prey. When the new day dawned the friends + were still on deck, engaged in grave conversation. The cloudless sky now + arched in radiant light above the azure sea. White seagulls came flying + from the right across the ship, and sportive dolphins gambolled around her + keel. + </p> + <p> + The flutes of the musicians, marking time for the rowers, echoed gaily up + from the hold, and, obedient to quick words of command, the seamen were + spreading the sails. + </p> + <p> + The voyage began with a favourable wind. As Hermon looked back for the + last time, the flat, desolate tongue of land appeared like a line of gray + mist in the southeastern horizon; but over it hovered, like a gloomy + thundercloud, the flocks of vultures and ravens, whose numbers were + constantly increasing. Their greedy screaming could still be heard, though + but faintly, yet the eye could no longer distinguish anything in the + fast-vanishing abode of horror, save the hovering whirl of dark spots—ravens + and vultures, vultures and ravens. + </p> + <p> + Whatever human life had moved there yesterday, now rested from bloody + greed for booty, after victory and defeat, mortal terror, fury, and + despair. + </p> + <p> + Eumedes pointed out the quiet grave by the sea to his parents, saying: + “The King’s command is fulfilled. Not even the one man who is usually + spared to carry the news remains out of the four thousand.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you,” exclaimed Alexander’s gray-haired comrade, shaking his + son’s right hand, but Thyone laid her hand on Hermon’s arm, saving: “Where + the birds are darkening the air behind us lies buried what incensed + Nemesis against you. You must leave the soil of Egypt. True, it is said + that to live in foreign lands, far from the beloved home, darkens the + existence; yet Pergamus, too, is Grecian soil, and there I see the two + noblest of stars illumine your path with their pure light-art and love.” + </p> + <p> + And his old friend’s premonition was fulfilled. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ....................... +</pre> + <p> + The story of Arachne is ended. It closed on the Nile. Hermon’s new life + began in Pergamus. + </p> + <p> + As Daphne’s husband, under the same roof with the wonderfully invigorated + Myrtilus, his Uncle Archias, and faithful Bias, Hermon found in the new + home what had hovered before the blind man as the fairest goal of + existence in art, love, and friendship. + </p> + <p> + He did not long miss the gay varied life of Alexandria, because he found a + rich compensation for it, and because Pergamus, too, was a rapidly growing + city, whose artistic decoration was inferior to no other in Greece. + </p> + <p> + Of the numerous works which Hermon completed in the service of the first + three art-loving rulers of the new Pergamenian kingdom, Philetaerus, + Eumenes, and Attalus, nothing was preserved except the head of a Gaul. + This noble masterpiece proves how faithful Hermon remained to truth, which + he had early chosen for the guiding star of his art. It is the modest + remnant of the group in which Hermon perpetuated in marble the two Gallic + brothers whom he saw before his last meeting with Ledscha, as they offered + their breasts to the fatal shafts. + </p> + <p> + One had gazed defiantly at the arrows of the conquerors; the other, whose + head has been preserved, feeling the inevitable approach of death, + anticipates, with sorrowful emotion, the end so close at hand. Philetaerus + had sent this touching work to King Ptolemy to thank him for the severity + with which he had chastised the daring of the barbarians, who had not + spared his kingdom also. The Gaul’s head was again found on Egyptian soil. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Copied in Th. Schrieber’s The Head of the Gaul in the Museum of + Ghizeh in Cairo. Leipsic, 1896. With appendix. By H. Curschmann.] +</pre> + <p> + Hermon also took other subjects in Pergamus from the domain of real life, + though, in most of his work he crossed the limits which he had formerly + imposed upon himself. But one barrier, often as he rushed forward to its + outermost verge, he never dared to pass—moderation, the noblest + demand, to which his liberty-loving race subjected themselves willingly in + life as well as in art. The whole infinite, limitless world of the ideal + had opened itself to the blind man. + </p> + <p> + He made himself at home in it by remaining faithful to the rule which he + had found in the desert for his creative work, and the genuine happiness + which he enjoyed through Daphne’s love and the great fame his sculptures + brought him increased the strong individuality of his power. + </p> + <p> + The fruits of his tireless industry, the much-admired god of light, + Phoebus Apollo, slaying the dragons of darkness, as well as his bewitching + Arachne, gazing proudly at the fabric with which she thinks she has + surpassed the skill of the goddess, were overtaken by destruction. In this + statue Bias recognised his countrywoman Ledscha, and often gazed long at + it with devout ecstasy. Even Hermon’s works of colossal size vanished from + the earth: the Battle of the Amazons and the relief containing numerous + figures: the Sea Gods, which the Regent Eumenes ordered for the Temple of + Poseidon in Pergamus. + </p> + <p> + The works of his grandson and grandson’s pupils, however, are preserved on + the great altar of victory in Pergamus. + </p> + <p> + The power and energy natural to Hermon, the skill he had acquired in + Rhodes, everything in the changeful life of Alexandria which had induced + him to consecrate his art to reality, and to that alone, and whatever he + had, finally, in quiet seclusion, recognised as right and in harmony with + the Greek nature and his own, blend in those works of his successor, which + a gracious dispensation of Providence permits us still to admire at the + present day, and which we call in its entirety, the art of Pergamus. + </p> + <p> + The city was a second beloved home to him, as well as to his wife and + Myrtilus. The rulers of the country took the old Alexandrian Archias into + their confidence and knew how to honour him by many a distinction. He + understood how to value the happiness of his only daughter, the beautiful + development of his grandchildren, and the high place that Hermon and + Myrtilus, whom he loved as if they were his own sons, attained among the + artists of their time. Yet he struggled vainly against the longing for his + dear old home. Therefore Hermon deemed it one of the best days of his life + when his turn came to make Daphne’s father a happy man. + </p> + <p> + King Ptolemy Philadelphus had sent laurel to the artist who had fallen + under suspicion in Egypt, and his messenger invited him and Myrtilus, and + with them also the exiled merchant, to return to his presence. In + gratitude for the pleasure which Hermon’s creation afforded him and his + wife, the cause that kept the fugitive Archias from his home should be + forgiven and forgotten. + </p> + <p> + The gray-haired son of the capital returned with the Bithynian Gras to his + beloved Alexandria, as if his lost youth was again restored. There he + found unchanged the busy, active life, the Macedonian Council, the bath, + the marketplace, the bewitching conversation, the biting wit, the + exquisite feasts of the eyes—in short, everything for which his + heart had longed even amid the happiness and love of his dear ones in + Pergamus. + </p> + <p> + For two years he endeavoured to enjoy everything as before; but when the + works of the Pergamenian artists, obtained by Ptolemy, had been exhibited + in the royal palaces, he returned home with a troubled mind. Like the rest + of the world, he thought that the reliefs of Myrtilus, representing scenes + of rural life, were wonderful. + </p> + <p> + The Capture of Proserpina, a life-size marble group by his son-in-law + Hermon, seemed to him no less perfect; but it exerted a peculiar influence + upon his paternal heart, for, in the Demeter, he recognised Daphne, in the + Proserpina her oldest daughter Erigone, who bore the name of Hermon’s + mother and resembled her in womanly charm. How lovely this budding girl, + who was his grand-daughter, seemed to the grandfather! How graceful, in + spite of the womanly dignity peculiar to her, was the mother, encircling + her imperilled child with her protecting arm! + </p> + <p> + No work of sculpture had ever produced such an effect upon the old patron + of art. + </p> + <p> + Gras heard him, in his bedroom, murmur the names “Daphne” and “Erigone,” + and therefore it did not surprise him when, the next morning, he received + the command to prepare everything for the return to Pergamus. It pleased + the Bithynian, for he cared more for Daphne, Hermon, and their children + than all the pleasures of the capital. + </p> + <p> + A few weeks later Archias found himself again in Pergamus with his family, + and he never left it, though he reached extreme old age, and was even + permitted to gaze in wondering admiration at the first attempts of the + oldest son of Hermon and Daphne, and to hear them praised by others. + </p> + <p> + This grandson of the Alexandrian Archias afterward became the master who + taught the generation of artists who created the Pergamenian works, in + examining which the question forced itself upon the narrator of this + story: How do these sculptures possess the qualities which distinguish + them so strongly from the other statues of later Hellenic antiquity? + </p> + <p> + Did the great weaver Imagination err when she blended them, through the + mighty wrestler Hermon, with a tendency of Alexandrian science and art, + which we see appearing again among us children of a period so much later? + </p> + <p> + Science, which is now once more pursuing similar paths, ought and will + follow them further, but Hermon’s words remain applicable to the present + clay: “We will remain loyal servants of the truth; yet it alone does not + hold the key to the holy of holies of art. To him for whom Apollo, the + pure among the gods, and the Muses, friends of beauty, do not open it at + the same time with truth, its gates will remain closed, no matter how + strongly and persistently he shakes them.” + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR’S BOOKMARKS FOR THE ENTIRE ARACHNE: + + Aimless life of pleasure + Camels, which were rarely seen in Egypt + Cast my warning to the winds, pity will also fly away with it + Cautious inquiry saves recantation + Forbidden the folly of spoiling the present by remorse + Must—that word is a ploughshare which suits only loose soil + Nature is sufficient for us + Regular messenger and carrier-dove service had been established + Tender and uncouth natural sounds, which no language knows + There is nothing better than death, for it is peace + There are no gods, and whoever bows makes himself a slave + Tone of patronizing instruction assumed by the better informed + Two griefs always belong to one joy + Wait, child! What is life but waiting? + Waiting is the merchant’s wisdom + Woman’s hair is long, but her wit is short +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Arachne, Complete, by Georg Ebers + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARACHNE, COMPLETE *** + +***** This file should be named 5516-h.htm or 5516-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/1/5516/ + +Produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project +Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” + or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project +Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +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 + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.” + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right +of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’ WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm’s +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. + +The Foundation’s principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation’s web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + </body> +</html> |