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Title: Baron Bruno
Or, the Unbelieving Philosopher, and Other Fairy Stories
Author: Louisa Morgan
Illustrator: Randolph Caldecott
Release Date: March 26, 2012 [EBook #39274]
Language: English
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[Illustration: ESGAIR.
_Frontispiece._]
BARON BRUNO;
OR,
THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER,
And other Fairy Stories.
BY
LOUISA MORGAN.
_WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY R. CALDECOTT._
London:
MACMILLAN AND CO.
1875.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, THE UNBELIEVING
PHILOSOPHER 3
ESGAIR: THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL 49
EOTHWALD: THE YOUNG SCULPTOR 91
FIDO AND FIDUNIA 115
EUDÆMON; OR, THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH 199
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
ESGAIR _Frontispiece._
VIGNETTE _Title._
"THE DREAMER STARTED FROM HIS CHAIR" 8
BARON BRUNO AND ALCYONE 22
EOTHWALD AND DUVA IN THE CAVE 102
FIDO AND FIDUNIA 123
FIDO AND FIDUNIA 170
EUDÆMON 199
BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS;
OR,
The Unbelieving Philosopher.
Baron Bruno was the Prime Minister of the Hereditary Grand Duke of
Rumpel Stiltzein. Besides being Prime Minister, he was the cleverest
man in the kingdom. This is saying a good deal, for were there not
(besides all the men of science, the physicians, the literati, and the
great philosophers of the day) the General-in-Chief of the Grand-Ducal
army, Prince Edlerkopf; the great High Almoner, Herr von Pfenig; and
also the accomplished Graf von Wild Kranz, the most able lawyer and the
politest man about court? So humble and gentle, indeed, were his
manners, that strangers sometimes took it upon themselves to dispute
the opinion of their modest neighbour. But such hardy persons seldom
repeated the experiment after Wild Kranz had completely overturned
their arguments in his quiet, hesitating tone, with a shrewd glance of
enjoyment twinkling in his small wary eye; and woe to the man who a
second time opposed his will or challenged his decision.
Very different was Baron Bruno. Impetuous, fiery, and caustic, gifted
with inexhaustible memory, and brimming over with barbed sarcasm, he
was often misunderstood and disliked in the outer world, but invariably
beloved by those who knew him intimately.
Pfenig and Edlerkopf were devoted friends, as well as ministers at
court. They had been educated together, and while Edlerkopf lent to the
counsels of state the aid of wise and deliberate judgment and the
weight of his nobly impartial character, Pfenig was the most wonderful
manager of the public purse, and could not only calculate the incoming
revenue within a hairsbreadth, but could also regulate government
expenditure so exactly as to keep all departments amply supplied, and
yet preserve a due regard to economy.
You may well imagine that with four ministers such as these the Grand
Duke had little difficulty in maintaining peace and contentment in his
beautiful kingdom of Rumpel Stiltzein; and that from every side
artisans, labourers, and mechanics flocked to the small domain, within
whose narrow boundaries prosperity sat enthroned. To add to his
happiness, the Grand Duchess became the proud mother of twin children,
the spirited handsome Prince Bertrand and the lovely gentle Princess
Berta. They were now in their tenth year, and seemed only born to give
pleasure and hope to their parents and to the whole principality.
Edlerkopf, Wild Kranz and Pfenig were all married, but Bruno had a
solitary home; and no one without ocular demonstration would have
believed in what a shabby den this great statesman passed much of his
time. In his town-house he had magnificent saloons, where all that was
fair and choice delighted his guests; but near the roof of this
dwelling, and far above the haunts of men, there, like the eagle, Bruno
had his eyrie, where, with ill-concealed impatience, he would hardly
even permit the cleaning incursions of his maids, and few and far
between were the footsteps that trod those time-worn boards. Here the
Baron sat surrounded by dusty piles of books, now poring intently over
the records of the past, now eagerly scanning the papers of the day,
now striding up and down the narrow chamber, composing his speech for
the Reichstag, or dashing off answers to his numerous correspondents.
There also at the threshold would pause the faithful messengers who
bore from minister to minister the secret boxes of state papers, and
waited to obtain from each his signature before proceeding on their
rounds.
A few steps and a small door led from the sanctuary which I have
described to the roof. Here Bruno had a little observatory on one side
fitted up with a revolving cupola; so that when he sat in the centre of
this round miniature house he could turn his telescope, without himself
moving, upon any part of the heavens, and seek with keen unfaltering
eye the verification of calculations he had made, or diligently mark
the alteration and movement among the visible planets. But the rest of
the roof was a free uncovered space, upon which a comfortable chair and
rug, generally kept within the observatory, to be safe from the wear
and tear of the elements, were often placed. From this lonely elevated
seat the Baron would then study the myriads of stars with his own
unaided and unerring vision, until they became to him dear and
well-known companions.
During such silent hours of the night, when all around teemed with
nature's glorious presence, Bruno indulged in long soliloquies.
Sometimes he pondered curiously over the strange difference between
himself and his colleagues. He well knew that, when weary with the
lengthened debates and vitiated air of the Reichstag (which often
extended its sittings till long after midnight), Pfenig and Edlerkopf
hastened home to their faithful wives, and derived from their society a
pleasure little short of bliss; and found endless interest in watching
and fostering the mental and physical growth of their children; while
Wild Kranz, though often delayed in his law chambers till near
daybreak, (the keenest and hardest lawyer of his day,) considered no
happiness like the sacred domestic felicity he also experienced when
surrounded by his family. When these and other similar reflections
weighed on Bruno's mind, he would lift his piercing eyes heavenward,
and, shrugging his shoulders, murmur, half aloud: "O, ye stars! ye are
wife and children to me. As I gaze alone on you by night, I feel a
secret satisfaction surpassing the keenest emotions experienced by
these weak dreamers in their so-called felicity. O, immortal heavens!
enfold me in your vast space, and teach a finite mortal to comprehend
in faint measure your infinite beauty and eternal unswerving laws."
Bruno's fervid nature suffered no chill from such midnight exposure;
his iron frame was proof against fatigue; his restless intellect but
seldom needed or courted repose.
It was a hot night in July, worried and jaded, after a wearisome debate
in the Reichstag, the Baron walked through the empty streets. The
latest revellers were already housed, a strange hush hung over the
noisy, populous city, and refreshing breezes blew on his burning brow,
as he at length reached his home, and ascended to his upper chamber.
With a sigh of contentment he stepped on the roof, and prepared to
enjoy his well-earned repose. Throwing himself into his easy-chair, and
drawing his soft rug across his feet, he became absorbed in the
contemplation of the firmament above.
As the night wore on, thoughts, till now strangers to him, took
possession of his mind. A new yearning for companionship awoke in his
world-wearied bosom. In vague, uneasy discontent with his solitary
condition, he turned restlessly from side to side, and at length
exclaimed aloud: "To you, distant stars! I nightly offer the homage of
a constant worshipper; would that you in return could give me to know
the spell of love, and teach me what it is that inspires the painter,
the poet, and the lover."
Hardly had the thought crossed his mind, or the half-uttered words
risen to his lips, when a meteor fell swiftly rushing from the stars on
which he gazed. He strove to follow it with his eye, but was dazzled by
the blinding flash of light. For a moment fire seemed to surround him.
When the bright glow became less intense, lo! upon the roof near at
hand, where that vivid ray had fallen, shone a shimmering shape. The
dreamer started from his chair. Bewildered and entranced, he deemed her
the creature of his imagination; and surely mortal eye had never beheld
a form so fair. In trailing garments of palest azure there stood the
perfect ideal of a poet's dream. From her hair gleamed a faint
effulgence, and her deep tender eyes sent a strange thrill to the
philosopher's heart.
[Illustration: THE DREAMER STARTED FROM HIS CHAIR.
P. 8.]
The burden of many years fell from Bruno; the ardour of youth rushed
through his veins; ambition, politics, calculations, all disappeared
like fallen leaves before the autumn wind; and in agitated tones he
besought his beautiful visitant to tell him whence she came.
"Son of earth!" replied the fair unknown, "thou hast watched and loved
our stars for long years. We in our turn have known thee, and have
guarded thee and thy fortunes in many a time of danger. Thou wouldest
know the spell of love. It is even now awakening within thy rugged
breast; but beware! Thou hast disbelieved in immortality, and doubted
the eternal power of our great Creator. We love thee! we yearn to save
thy soul! We long to soften thee through human affection; that when thy
poor earth is no more, thou mayst find an everlasting home, where
'Infinite day excludes the night,
And pleasures banish pain.'
I--Alcyone, sent by my sisters--I am here to speed thine upward way."
Bruno, spell-bound, eagerly listened. Deeply enamoured of the lovely
messenger, he succeeded in winning from the fair denizen of the stars
her consent to remain with him on one condition. She stipulated that
she should be permitted every month to spend the evening hours of this
self-same night entirely alone beneath the canopy of heaven, without
interruption or intrusion, for her life depended on the due observance
of this time of "retreat."
She also added, falteringly, that if her faith were once doubted she
must quit for ever the pleasant paths of human fellowship, and be
claimed again by her immortal sisters. The Baron gladly vowed to keep
what seemed to him such wondrously simple promises by which to gain so
peerless a bride. The time passed swiftly as these arrangements were
made, and ere long the first streaks of daylight appeared in the east.
Alcyone, faint and weary, was conducted to a chamber for rest and
repose; and the Baron aroused his servants and informed them that he
was about to be married.
In the country of Rumpel Stiltzein it was customary to celebrate
marriages in the evening; there were therefore still available a good
many hours for the requisite preparations.
The court of the Grand Duke was considerably agitated by the unexpected
news. Strange rumours were set afloat regarding the newly-elected
bride. The Prime Minister's answer to all inquiries was the same. He
let it be understood that the Lady Alcyone was an orphan relative
lately committed to his charge; that she had suddenly arrived from the
country the evening before, when he came to the conclusion that the
best way of taking care of her would be to marry her, and having gained
the lady's consent, all was well.
It is true that Bruno had a private interview with his Prince; but as
it was held with closed doors, the substance of their conversation is
unknown. The only thing certain is, that the Grand Duke himself
consented to give away the bride.
Edlerkopf, Pfenig and Wild Kranz, with their wives and families, and
all the chief members of the court promised to attend at the ceremony,
and great were the rejoicings that the solitary philosopher was about
to enjoy the sweet pleasures of home life. All rejoiced, because they
believed the change would be for the Baron's happiness; but there was
one dissentient mind. The Countess Olga von Dunkelherz, one of the
ladies-in-waiting on the Grand Duchess, was a spinster of a certain
age, and of undisputed ability; celebrated for her witty tongue and
smart sayings. She was not displeased when rumour coupled her name with
that of the Prime Minister, and when the courtiers rallied her about
the Baron's attentions. The truth was that Bruno had never for a moment
regarded her in the light of his future Baroness; her manners wanted
the repose and softness which to him constituted a woman's chief charm.
In spite of her masterly intellect, her conversation often bored him.
For in his moments of relaxation he turned to the fair and softer sex
for sympathy and recreation, not to involve his wearied brain in
arguments about the last geological discovery, or the newest theory of
electricity.
But as he remained single, and they were constantly together, the
Countess Olga had insensibly grown to regard him as her own property.
Imagine therefore her astonishment and her displeasure when the Grand
Duchess, summoning her ladies to her apartment, gave them instructions
to lay out her state robes, and prepare for a grand court ceremonial,
as Baron Bruno's wedding was to take place that very evening within the
palace.
All was bustle and confusion; but the labours of the court cook were
something superhuman. It required, indeed, the utmost efforts of genius
and industry combined to produce so splendid a feast at such short
notice. It is only due, however, to Francabelli's reputation as first
_chef_ of the Grand Duchy, if not of the world at large, to record
that the execution of his designs was on this occasion carried out with
peculiar success.
At last the nuptial hour approached, and excited curiosity was
gratified by the sight of the bride, as she was led slowly through the
palace by the Grand Duke. Her wondrous beauty amazed every one, as also
the radiant simplicity of her attire. She wore her robes of flowing
azure, and over her forehead there sparkled a gem of extraordinary
brilliancy, which seemed absolutely to blaze with light.
As Alcyone advanced towards the altar, Baron Bruno, clad in his
splendid court uniform, embroidered with gold, and covered with
decorations, stepped forth to meet her, and the wedding ceremony was
soon completed. The priest dipped his hand in the holy water and
sprinkled some over bride and groom during his final benediction; as he
did so, the Countess Olga, who stood near with her royal mistress,
rushed forward, exclaiming, "She is a witch! she is a witch! the holy
water has scared her!" All eyes turned instantly on Alcyone, who
shuddered visibly, and would have fallen to the ground where she knelt
had not her husband's strong arm encircled and held her up. A mortal
pallor overspread her fair countenance, and, strange to relate, the
glittering gem on her forehead became opaque, and was clouded over with
a dim moisture. By the aid of strong perfumes she gradually revived,
but was thoroughly shaken and overcome. Baron Bruno, therefore, craving
the indulgence of the Grand Duke, begged permission to retire at once
with his bride, and entreated that their absence should not be allowed
to cast a shadow over the rejoicings at court.
Now Bombastes, the Grand Duke, though of a choleric temperament, was
still at heart a man of just and keen perception. He perceived that the
newly-made baroness was indisputably overfatigued, and that it was only
natural her bridegroom should wish to take every care of her. He
instantly, therefore, granted his Prime Minister's request, and calling
the other great officers of state around him, invoked their aid to
carry on the court revels with due spirit and merriment; at the same
time adding, in an undertone, that he trusted his faithful servant had
not undone himself by marrying an unknown beauty without parents,
relations, or antecedents!
The three ministers, Edlerkopf, Pfenig, and Wild Kranz, with their
wives and children, joined heart and soul in the gaieties of the
evening. The children, with their friends Prince Bertrand and Princess
Berta, were, as a great treat, allowed to sit up to supper, and had a
small side-table to themselves. Here old Donnerfuss, the head butler,
kept them well supplied with all they demanded, and they behaved with
decorum for a considerable time. At length, wearied with the protracted
courses, and finding it impossible to eat any more, the thoughtless
boys amused themselves by sticking burrs on the footmen's silken calves
as they passed to and fro. These naughty children had purposely
provided themselves with a quantity of these instruments of torture, in
hopes of finding some use for them during the dull state supper. For
some time they pursued their fun unnoticed during the general bustle,
and quite undisturbed by the muttered maledictions of their victims. At
last Bombastes, having an observant eye, became aware of some
interruption in the serving of the dinner. Looking round the hall, he
noticed on every side agitated footmen carefully examining their lower
extremities. In a voice of thunder he demanded of the Lord Chamberlain
an explanation of such unprecedented behaviour. The Lord Chamberlain
called up the High Steward of the Household, who, in his turn, required
Donnerfuss to explain this breach of discipline. Thereupon the fifty
red-faced footmen, seeing all eyes turned upon them, at once resumed
their duties, regardless of pricking sensations about the leg and
unseemly excrescences upon the otherwise fair white proportions of
their well-filled stockings. Donnerfuss, in a frightened whisper,
revealed the truth to the High Steward, and he, in his turn, narrated
the mischievous exploit of the boys to the Lord High Chamberlain.
Bombastes now impatiently beckoned the latter to his Grand-ducal chair,
and insisted upon hearing the whole root of the matter. Sanftschriften,
who was himself a parent, and naturally kind-hearted, tried to soften
down the affair; but as Bombastes listened, his large, round, prominent
eyes seemed as if they would absolutely start from his head at the
recital of this outrage on decorum. He sternly commanded the culprits
to retire to bed; and, glancing wrathfully at Edlerkopf, Pfenig, and
Wild Kranz (who sat quaking in their shoes), he added further: "As to
the well-brought-up sons of these great noblemen, their domestic life
is beyond the control of their poor sovereign; but for the next month I
give orders that no dessert of any kind shall pass the lips of Prince
Bertrand, who has thus misbehaved himself in so shameful and public a
manner." Princess Berta and the other little girls, distressed at the
disgrace of their playmates, rose also at once from the table, and
accompanied them from the hall. Thus it came to pass that the court
children had no very pleasant associations with the day of Baron
Bruno's wedding. Indeed, you may be very certain that the three
ministers gave their sons the same punishment as Prince Bertrand; and
therefore for a whole month the boys had good reason to remember the
marriage feast, as their tutors, governesses, and nurses, were strictly
enjoined to carry out the Grand Duke's peremptory edict. Princess Berta
and the other small girls, tender and soft-hearted as little maidens
ever should be, did their best to alleviate the punishment of their
playmates by voluntarily depriving themselves of all sweet things for
the same period, which, I am sure you will agree with me, required much
self-denial, on the part of those dessert-loving damsels, and was no
small proof of affection.
In the meantime Bruno had taken his bride to a small cottage he owned
on the borders of a wide and gloomy forest. Here they passed the few
days which, by the indulgence of his royal master, Bruno was enabled to
spare from the affairs of state. When they were alone together, his
wife expressed to him her conviction that some ill-disposed person had
tampered with the holy water, so as to affect that which was sprinkled
over them. She had also felt during the ceremony the near presence of
an anti-pathetic and malign influence. Alcyone furthermore explained to
her husband that the gem on her forehead was a talisman, which paled
and grew dim on the approach of danger, or when exposed to poison. The
Baron at once remembered the dull appearance presented by the jewel
when the holy water fell near it, but he also became unreasonably vexed
when his bride refused to loosen it, even for one moment, from her
hair, to permit him to examine it in his hand.
He gradually grew to regard its brilliance with a certain amount of
suspicion, and more than once, when the gentle Alcyone laid her head
upon his shoulder, he felt as if a fiery eye shone guardian over her
and watched unsleepingly his every movement. When in his vexation Bruno
allowed himself to speak harshly for the first time to his young wife,
Alcyone tearfully deprecated his displeasure. She assured him her life
was bound up in her talisman, and that if she parted with it, for ever
so brief a space, she must at once return to the regions whence she
came. After this explanation Bruno rarely referred to the disputed
point, but it is not too much to say that the lurid ray of the strange
gem often in their happiest moments sent a sudden thrill to his heart's
core, and gave a feeling of insecurity to his most private hours of
retirement.
"It is the little rift within the lute
That by and by will make the music mute,
And, ever widening, slowly silence all.
"The little rift within the lover's lute,
Or little pitted speck in garnered fruit,
That rotting inwards slowly moulders all."
I have already hinted that Bruno was of a sceptical turn of mind.
Possessed of rare intellectual powers, he had studied metaphysics to
such an extent, and become so thoroughly master of the strange theories
propounded by the deep-thinking German philosophers of the day, that he
could not bend himself to the simplicity of that religion which only
demands the faith of a little child; he disbelieved the immortality of
the soul, and professed to doubt the existence of a future state.
But though he and his bride widely differed in faith, yet day by day
she became more and more endeared to him, by the lovely nature of her
mind no less than by the graces of her person. Her exceeding humility
and true-hearted simplicity showed to him in a new light those
religious duties at which in less peaceful days he was wont to cavil.
Well would it have been for both could their lives have been thus spent
far from the busy world, in the calm retreat, where for the first time
the gray-haired man recalled soft prayers which a mother's lips (long
since silent and cold) had murmured over his infant head.
But the calls of duty had to be obeyed, and ere long the prime minister
and his bride returned to Aronsberg, to take their place at court and
in society, and to have endless fêtes and receptions given in their
honour. Here Alcyone's gentle unassuming manners, added to her great
beauty, made her a universal favourite. The malicious Gräfin von
Dunkelherz, however, disseminated strange stories concerning the new
Baroness, and aroused the suspicions of those who were already perhaps
somewhat jealous of the many charms united in the fair person of the
young stranger.
Amid the series of festivities given in honour of the newly-married
couple, it was observed that whenever a storm of thunder and lightning
broke over the neighbourhood Alcyone was painfully agitated. Wherever
she and her husband might be, she implored him to convey her home as
soon as possible; the electric influence so entirely overcame her that
more than once she seemed completely gone--so utterly did she lose
colour and consciousness--so deadly pale did she become. To Bruno's
impetuous nature this unfortunate tendency proved a serious annoyance.
He considered that by a little firm exercise of moral courage his wife
could have retained her senses. Often after conveying her home and
reappearing alone (by her earnest request) at some state banquet, he
would be universally rallied about her captiousness, and even made to
see (owing to Olga's kind offices) that his friends considered the
whole affair in a somewhat mysterious light. It will be remembered that
Alcyone stipulated for one night of retirement every month, when,
undisturbed and alone, she spent long solitary hours upon the roof. She
entreated Bruno, by all his affection for her, neither to approach the
place himself nor to suffer any one else to intrude upon her privacy.
Somehow or other this circumstance, with numerous additions, became
bruited abroad, and it was whispered that the Baron's wife was in
regular communication with demons. Bribed and listening servants heard
voices of no earthly _timbre_, speaking in an unknown language. More
they were unable to say, for Bruno as yet kept faithful guard over his
wife's hours of mystic retreat.
At last, however, the time approached when the sittings of the
Reichstag terminated, and when all who could forsook the dusty purlieus
of the town for the mountains, the sea, or their country dwellings.
People began to be too busy making their own plans to attend to those
of their neighbours, and Bruno retired once more with his Baroness to
Tiefträume Forest. There in their small cottage, with its low long
veranda covered with creepers, they spent weeks--nay, months--of
uninterrupted happiness. On one side of their home patches of wild
moorland were beautifully interspersed with cultivated oases of garden.
Towards the east rose the dark masses of the pine forest, giving with
their sombre colouring an ever-fresh beauty to the foreground of lovely
flowering shrubs. Passing through tangled masses of bramble and fern,
the path led by bare gray rocks and tufts of purple heather to some
ivy-covered bower; or you came upon some exquisite smooth-shaven little
lawn, jewelled in bright patterns of many coloured flowers, and adding
brilliance and perfume to the scene.
Here Alcyone and her husband wandered together, or, perhaps descending
the steps at the end of their garden, stood on the brink of the little
river Naecken, which tumbled and hurried through its narrow rocky
channel, thus dividing them from the forest. Lower down the streamlet
formed a small lake, on which a boat was kept, and where Bruno was wont
to row his wife, and try to teach her unskilful hand to guide the oar.
He laid these lines beside her one morning towards the end of their
country sojourn when, fresh and fair as Aurora herself, she took her
place at their morning meal:--
[Illustration: BARON BRUNO AND ALCYONE.
P. 22.]
"One moment let me live the time again,
The sweet, sweet time when o'er the silvery loch
The frail bark sped, or hand-in-hand we climbed
Together, where the divided mountain path
Stopped like a thing perplexed, or haply stood
To watch yon dark blue vault where white clouds sailed
Onward and onward through the homeless sky;
Or when, returning from a mid-day ride,
We turned to gaze where far-off heathery vales
Gleamed between shadowy hills, and dark woods rained
Transparent sunshine through their golden leaves.
And sweet it was to rob the miser night,
Of her rich hours, as side by side we sat,
Seeking to chain the time that fled too fast,
By mazy labyrinths of sweet discourse;
These things can never die--there is no death
Of happy feelings, gentlest sympathies,
And that delicious sadness, whose deep tints
Fall like soft shadows o'er the sunny past.
Therefore in years to come a calm, clear voice,
Like a stray note of some forgotten tune,
Shall rise from out these happy autumn days,
Waking a melody of gentler thoughts
Through all the silent chambers of my heart."
The Baron was often obliged to return to town for a day on important
business, or to attend his royal master at the Prince's Château; but
Alcyone never wearied when alone with nature; and these little
separations lent a new delight to the hour of reunion. Jaded and tired
from his hot journey, Bruno would then seat himself in the veranda and
recount to his fondly-listening wife all the little adventures of the
day, while her cool, soft hand laid on his burning brow, or her gentle
voice, carolling forth low songs in the silent twilight, soothed and
refreshed his hard-worked brain. It was at times like these, when
husband and wife were drawn very near, that Alcyone spoke of her faith,
and allowed him to see and know the firm unfaltering trust that
possessed her simple mind. She sometimes referred to the possibility of
their separation--to her hope of ultimate reunion. When, however, she
had but half uttered such words, Bruno, enfolding her in his arms, with
a quivering voice would beseech her to be silent, and not break his
heart.
Autumn disappeared, and next came winter with all its delightful
accompaniments of snow and sleighing. Merrily tinkled the bells and
fast flew the steeds under Bruno's skilful guidance, as their
gaily-decorated sledge was whirled through the broad thoroughfares and
snowy parks of Aronsberg. Christmas also passed by, and Santa Klaus
sent joy to the hearts of myriads of children with his mysterious
gifts. Months again rolled away, and the glad Easter Feast was in full
celebration when, with the first sweet violets, came a dear little
child to bless and brighten the home of Alcyone and her husband. They
called her Violet because she bloomed into life at the same time as
those fragrant flowers, and Stella was added in remembrance of the
sacred mystery known only to her parents. In the fulness of his joy,
Bruno dismissed, as he thought for ever, from his mind the cruel
unworthy thoughts he had once been led to entertain of his bride. It
would be difficult to describe this infant to those who never saw her;
but let each one think of all the children he has been privileged to
know. If among such dear ones he can recall some babe of a beauty too
rare and fair to attain to maturity in this bleak world, then he may in
some faint degree picture to himself the nameless charm that surrounded
the little Violet as with a halo.
Various changes now for a time partially relieved the Baron from
official duties; wrapped up in his domestic happiness, nearly a year
passed swiftly by before he was once more drawn into the unceasing
whirl of political and social court life.
It was already June, the busiest season in the Aronsberg world. Plunged
in the necessary rounds of visiting and receiving, the Baroness had but
little time to enjoy, as she wished, the society either of her husband
or of the little Violet, now at a most engaging age. It is true that it
was totally against her own wish that Alcyone took so active a part in
the gay world. Bruno, whom nature had formed to shine in society, and
gifted with marvellous conversational powers, chafed under her
continual excuses, and, returning with eager zest to his old life,
insisted upon the Baroness assuming that prominent place in society
which was hers by right as the wife of the Prime Minister.
It was about this time that the artful Countess Olga began once more to
drop poisoned words about the court concerning Alcyone. Ever on the
alert to open the Baron's eyes to the folly of what she called his
strange infatuation, she eagerly hailed the first signs of coolness
between him and his wife. In an unguarded moment Bruno let fall some
hasty expression regarding her absence from a court ball, and Olga,
with honeyed words, sympathizing in his disappointment, hinted that
rumour credited the Baroness with some private amusement at home, she
so rarely vouch-safed to favour the court with her presence for more
than the briefest possible attendance at the levees of the Grand
Duchess.
Bruno's conscience smote him while he listened to the Countess von
Dunkelherz's ill-natured remarks. He answered somewhat shortly that the
little Violet being an only child and very delicate, absorbed much of
her mother's attention, and therefore she had the best of excuses for
remaining at home. A beginning had nevertheless been made, and Olga
took good care to keep up her renewed intimacy with the Prime Minister.
It may have been the vitiated town air which now affected Violet's
health; but she sensibly drooped, and caused her mother the keenest
anxiety. Her father (prompted by his evil adviser,) although
affectionate and kind, deemed his wife fanciful when she fretted over
the child's altered appearance, and became more and more displeased if
Alcyone absented herself from society.
There was to be a grand masked ball in honour of Prince Bertrand and
Princess Berta's birthday. They were allowed to choose their own
diversion, and they fixed that their father and the Grand Duchess
should appear as Oberon and Titania, and that every guest should
personate some fairy character. All was excitement, while the Grand
Duke himself, assisted by the court painter, and somewhat guided by the
predilections of his children, chose the dress to be worn by each
visitor, and had it written on the card of invitation. Berta and her
brother settled to represent Prince Hempseed and his sister Olivia.
Other heroes and heroines too numerous to be recorded were selected.
Snow-white and Rose-red, the Blue Bird, the Yellow Dwarf, Beauty and
the Beast, Cinderella, and many others found suitable representatives,
but the Prime Minister and his wife were requested to become, for the
time being, Puss in Boots and the White Cat. At one o'clock all masks
were to be removed, and a complete transformation-scene enacted, as
regarded many of the characters, who would at that hour, like the White
Cat and Cinderella, throw off their disguise, and, uncovering their
faces, shine forth resplendent in garments the most exquisite that
could be devised for the occasion. Then, marshalled in due rank, the
King and Queen of Fairyland proposed to lead their motley subjects to
supper. The fun grew fast and furious in the little court of Rumpel
Stiltzein. Desperate were the efforts of the tailors, milliners, and
shoemakers to meet the multifarious demands made on their time, which
was very short; and on their invention, which was taxed to the utmost.
Alcyone from the first disliked the idea of the ball, and all the
rampant merriment connected with it. Her ailing child required constant
care, and she herself felt far from strong. She mooted the question of
remaining at home, but Bruno would not hear of this, and indeed
answered her so reproachfully when she proposed it, that she made up
her mind to sacrifice her own desires, and please him by endeavouring
to throw herself heartily into the affair. During the many necessary
discussions with the other court ladies as to the all-important subject
of dress, the Baroness was left alone with Olga, who of late had, to
all appearance, been her most sympathizing friend. The crafty Countess
soon extracted from Alcyone the little history of her own reluctance to
appear, her husband's consequent displeasure, and her determination to
gratify him by paying every possible attention to her dress.
The eventful evening at length arrived. Baron Bruno, after an early
dinner, was compelled to attend for a short period an important sitting
of the Reichstag. His house was at some distance from the public
offices of state; he therefore took his fancy ball-dress with him, and
settled to change his attire in his own small official room, while
Alcyone should start at a later hour, and call for him on her way to
the palace. Alcyone felt unusually sad as her husband waved her a hasty
adieu and speeded off to the Reichstag. He strictly enjoined her to
observe due punctuality in her engagements, as the Grand Duke wished to
enter the ballroom in a grand procession formed of all his chief
ministers and officers of state, court ladies, and hereditary noblemen.
Violet had perceptibly drooped more and more, though her fond father
refused to see the change. He only, however, saw his little daughter at
brief intervals of his busy life, when a flush of delight at his
approach rounded her pale cheeks, and her dark-blue eyes sparkled with
the keen joy of being tossed or fondled in his arms.
After Bruno's departure, Alcyone ascended the nursery stairs, and found
Violet already in bed, but restless and uneasy, and tossing to and fro.
The large windows stood wide open, though very little air seemed as yet
to stir among the trees of the square in which they lived.
The mother sat down beside her child. The baby was at once comforted,
and held out its little arms to be taken to her bosom. Alcyone lifted
her from the cot, and, dismissing the maids, seated herself by the
window in a low rocking-chair, and crooned soft lullabies to her
infant. The babe did not yet sleep, but she lay soothed and quiet,
gazing into her mother's sweet face, and smiling when she caught the
bright sparkling of the radiant gem.
Suddenly the peaceful scene was changed; with a troubled cry the little
Violet started up, and at the same instant Lady Olga stood in the
doorway. Hardly apologising for her unexpected appearance in the
Baroness's private apartments, Olga unfolded her extraordinary plan.
After expressing great sympathy for the child's indisposition, and
professing to understand fully Alcyone's distressing position, she
asked leave to proceed at once to the Baroness's dressing-room, and
there and then array herself in the garments of the "White Cat." As she
and Alcyone were much the same height and size, this change of dress
could be very easily accomplished, and would form an indistinguishable
disguise; she then further proposed to set off in the carriage and
personate the fair young Baroness at the ball. At first Alcyone would
not listen to her artful suggestion, justly fearing the displeasure of
her husband; but Olga assured her that long before the deception must
at any rate cease (on the unmasking at one o'clock) she would, using
the privilege of an old acquaintance, explain the whole affair to Baron
Bruno, and represent to him aright the mother's fears for her child.
Indeed those fears seemed but too well founded, for since Olga's
entrance the baby had grown wild and feverish, and kept up an incessant
moaning as if in actual pain. Harassed and perplexed therefore, Alcyone
at length yielded a reluctant consent, and, ringing the bell, ordered
lights to be placed in her dressing-room, and attendance to be given to
aid the Countess von Dunkelherz in her somewhat difficult toilet. One
consideration which weighed much with Alcyone in her final decision,
was the unfortunate coincidence that this happened to be the very night
of her monthly retirement--that mysterious proceeding of which her
husband had now grown so impatient that she was fain never to mention
it, but strove to accomplish her purpose as best she might without
attracting his attention. She had all the time hoped to slip away
unnoticed from the ball, but she well knew this would be a very
difficult matter to accomplish, as besides her own timidity about
leaving the palace by herself, her extreme beauty made her remarkable
in whatever society she moved.
Still it was with a foreboding of evil she resolved for the first time
to act without her husband's knowledge, and remain unbidden at home.
It is scarcely necessary to add that Olga, from frequent inquiries and
a diligent system of espionage, was well aware of the mysterious and
so-called solitary hours entered upon by the Baroness at stated
intervals, and she was equally cognisant of the fact that the wonted
period had arrived for the observance of this strange custom, and had
laid her plans accordingly.
The evening wore on; after the noisy departure of the carriage
containing its unusual occupant, all within the house became peaceful
and silent. Without was heard the ceaseless hum of the busy city, but
faint, far, and mellowed by distance. Overhead the stars twinkled
cheerfully forth from the blue bed on which they had lain fast asleep
during the hot reign of the sun.
It is twilight in the city,
And the sun has sunk afar,
Where a brightness gilds the pathway
Of the quiet evening star.
Dimly in the hazy distance
Twinkle all the myriad eyes
Glittering far into the darkness,
Where the mighty city lies.
Twittering through the leafy branches,
Birds are calling soft and low,
Scarcely heard amid the humming
Of the city's ceaseless flow.
Yet I hear their gentle voices,
And their evening hymn of love,
While the stars are clearer shining,
From the dark-blue heaven above.
Happy children! careless playing,
In and out beneath the trees,
With your childish hair all streaming,
Floating on the evening breeze.
Pure and blissful hours of childhood,
Never prized until gone by,
Stay, oh! stay a while! and o'er me,
Let your lingering radiance lie.
Leave a gleam of that bright sunshine
Which was ours in days of yore,
Ere we parted for life's battle,
Ere we left home's peaceful shore.
Voices then with ours were mingling,
That on earth are silent now,
Arms around us fondly twining,
That have long been still and low.
Yes--in gazing on the starlight,
Fancy sometimes strives to trace
Forms beloved amid the twilight,
Or a well-remembered face.
Angels now! yet be our guardians,
In this tearful vale below,
Shedding light around our pathway,
Giving comfort as we go.
So when life's frail chord is loos'ning,
And our eyes to sorrow close,
When the glorious morn is dawning
O'er the long sad night of woes,
Linger near us--that, when rising,
We may--child-like--meet again
Where the severed are united,
Where the weary have no pain.
Ever and anon the deep musical bell of the Reichstag clock boomed forth
amid the darkening shadows, telling of time's rapid progress and
remorseless flight, yet giving to many of the dwellers in Aronsberg a
feeling of joyful security and safety. For the tall tower stood over
and among them like some mighty guardian whose ceaseless care and
unsleeping vigilance kept watch amid the city by day and by night and
with cheerful voice proclaimed his vicinity--thus oftentime becoming a
loved companion to weary mortals whom sickness, separation, anxiety, or
sorrow kept awake through the livelong night.
Chime, Aronsberg bells, chime ceaselessly on,
Till partings be over and weary work done.
Boom o'er the broad waters, thou musical tone,
Remorseless thy knell, and I sorrow alone,
For perchance in my bosom shall waken no more,
The rapture that thrilled to thy chiming of yore.
The baby now sank to rest in its tiny cot, a heavenly smile irradiated
its little countenance, as if in some happy dream it was more than
compensated for the uneasy hours of pain and unrest so lately
experienced.
The hour of Alcyone's isolation approached: wrapped in her long flowing
robes, with her beautiful hair streaming over her shoulders, she bent
over the sleeping Violet and dropt a kiss and murmured a blessing over
her child; then slowly ascended the narrow stair which led to Bruno's
solitary chamber. The small door opened, then closed again with a
spring, and all was still, while the nurses below, whispering together,
knew their mistress was alone with the stars.
Nearly an hour passed by, and tranquillity reigned around; most of the
servants had gone to bed, those who remained up were in the lower and
more distant parts of the house. Hasty sounds suddenly broke upon the
still night air; the Baron's champing steeds drew up in the courtyard;
Bruno himself, flushed and agitated, sprang rapidly up-stairs, followed
by the ruthless Olga! He pushed past his astonished domestics, noisily
calling and seeking Alcyone in every room, including the nursery, where
he roused and startled his sleeping child. Finally he ascended his own
narrow stair, and entered the study. He paused at the small door so
often described, and tapping, called his wife's name once or twice; no
response came; without a moment's compunction, in excited passion, he
drew the key from an inner pocket, and, unlocking the door he had
solemnly promised to regard as sacred, threw it violently open.
With a loud grating noise the ill-fated portal swung back on its
hinges, and disclosed to his bewildered eyes a wondrous sight. Around
his wife stood five or six maidens of surpassing beauty; like her--yet
unlike--for oh! how clearly he could see the marks of human sorrow and
care which cast their shadow over her countenance alone. Each bore on
her forehead a brilliant jewel resembling Alcyone's; the most delicious
perfume was wafted on the air, and an indescribable mellow glow of
light emanated from and yet illuminated the lovely strangers. More than
this he had not time to observe; a terrible explosion shook the house
to its foundation, and he became enveloped in a choking impenetrable
vapour. Olga also, who, unobserved, with a bevy of terrified servants,
had followed in his footsteps, was half suffocated, seeing, however,
nothing of those radiant forms.
As the light breeze dissipated the stifling fumes, Alcyone, with sorrow
and dismay imprinted on her gentle features, stood inquiringly before
her husband, as if to demand some explanation of this sudden violation
of their compact. But now a youth, whom Bruno had never before seen,
stepped from behind Alcyone, with cold and majestic mien. Bowing
gravely to the Baron, he thus addressed him, in low thrilling tones:
"Behold in me, Hyas, the brother of Alcyone, come hither to aid and
defend my sister in the hour of need. I demand a full examination into
her conduct. Before others you have doubted her and intruded on her
privacy--before others her character must be cleared!"
Stunned and bewildered by these swiftly succeeding events, Bruno's
ready tongue for once completely failed him. Now--alas!--when too late,
he bitterly regretted his precipitation, and the credence he had too
easily lent to wicked and baseless insinuations.
Instead of keeping her promise to Alcyone, and explaining aright to the
Baron his wife's unpremeditated absence, Olga had made out that the
whole affair was a preconceived plot which she had been induced to
conceal till the last moment. She had furthermore hinted that the
gravest suspicions were aroused by the Baroness's non-appearance, which
of course became universally known and commented upon at the hour of
unmasking. At last she had so worked upon Bruno's ardent temperament
that, forgetting everything save the jealousy of the moment, he rushed
wildly home, causing quite a sensation at court and doing irreparable
mischief to his domestic happiness.
In spite of his sister's tearful remonstrances, Alcyone's brother now
demanded of the Baron when a public inquiry could be instituted; and on
hearing that it was possible on the morrow, he instantly cited the
affrighted Gräfin von Dunkelherz to appear and proffer her charge
against the fair Alcyone, who for the first time recognised in the
Countess a deadly enemy.
Hyas furthermore insisted on keeping watch over his sister and her
child until Alcyone was proved beyond blame in the eyes of the world.
They were left alone together. The baffled Olga slunk away to her home.
Bruno, distressed and repentant, unavailingly paced his lonely chamber
until morning arrived.
At the earliest possible moment (after the late carousals of the night
before) the Prime Minister demanded an audience of his sovereign, and
the matter being then fully explained, the Grand Duke commanded that
the trial of the Baroness should take place at noon, in the Hochplatz,
a large open space surrounded by public buildings and gardens, and not
far from the Grand Ducal Palace. Bombastes, at Hyas' request, also sent
criers in every direction to summon the people to attend, and by twelve
o'clock the vast square was filled to overflowing.
The Grand Duke and Duchess, with the lords and ladies in waiting and
other state officials, sat upon a raised platform in the centre,
surrounded by a guard of honour. Edlerkopf, at the head of a brilliant
staff of officers, kept the immense assembly from encroaching on the
crimson dais where accused and accuser were placed near at hand. Bruno,
pale and heart-stricken, stood there. At some little distance Hyas and
his sister sat together, their striking resemblance and singular beauty
attracting every eye. It was observed that Hyas bore on his uncovered
head a jewel almost surpassing in radiance that which sparkled on his
sister's brow. Alcyone never raised her head, but bent over her child,
whom she carried in her arms.
A profound silence reigned over the excited throng as Hyas bending low
to the Duke, declared that his sister's honour had been tarnished by
the foul aspersions cast upon it, and that he had traced many of these
reports to the Countess von Dunkelherz; he therefore demanded that she
should frankly say of what she accused the Baroness Bruno.
Olga, who by this time had entirely recovered from her previous
confusion, now advanced. Craning her long neck, and glancing spitefully
at the drooping form of the suffering Alcyone, she thus answered Hyas'
summons:
"I charge the Lady Alcyone with being a witch. She cannot part, even
for one moment, with the gem she bears on her forehead; she keeps
mysterious assignations with beings from another world; and she has so
bewitched her husband, the acute and learned Baron Bruno, that he is
hardly accountable for his actions."
At these cruel words an ominous murmur ran through the crowd, and half
stifled cries arose.--"Burn the witch!" "Deliver our Baron from her
spells!" "Cut off root and branch--mother and child!" Such were some of
the menaces hoarsely muttered by the surging and fickle multitude. It
was with no small difficulty that Edlerkopf, at the head of his guards,
restrained the populace from laying violent hands on the Baroness and
her brother. Hyas, cool and collected, waited until the gathering
tumult was in some measure quieted; his clear voice then penetrated far
and wide. "Ye have heard, O people," he exclaimed, "the voice of the
traducer; ye shall now give ear to unwilling testimony in favour of the
accused."
So saying he divested himself of his long-flowing outer garment, and
warning all around to preserve strict silence, he drew a large circle
round himself and his sister, and also compelled the Countess von
Dunkelherz, much against her will, to remain within the mystic
boundary. Taking then a small packet from his breast, he scattered some
powder on the ground and muttered strange words in an unknown tongue.
Then arose amid the calm sunshine of that lovely summer day the sound
of rushing whirlwinds and stormy gusts; a dark cloud intervened between
the earth and the sun, enveloping all around in sulphureous darkness.
When it cleared away, lo! high within the magic circle towered a
gigantic pillar of smoke. From the centre of this terrible apparition
gleamed forth two fiery eyes. A cold chill of horror ran through the
spectators, though the air was hot and sultry.
Hyas now motioned to Bruno that his lips must ask the fateful question.
The Baron, compelled to speak, reluctantly addressed himself thus to
the hideous shape:--"Dread Spirit, whether of good or of evil, I adjure
thee to tell me whether the Lady Alcyone has been true and faithful to
me, and guiltless of the foul deeds ascribed to her."
"Blind mortal!" replied the cloudy phantom, "pure and transparent as
the dewdrop hath the heart of Alcyone been unto thee; there breathes
not on your dull earth a spirit more free from guile."
As these words fell from above, a low muttered growl of thunder was
heard, while Hyas, turning to the silent, awe-struck beholders, cried
aloud, "The innocence of my sister is proved by the reluctant words of
Varishka, the dark genie, who could have claimed her for his own had
her deeds been evil. But, alas! I fear the dread witness has exhausted
one innocent life in the fierce struggle."
As he spoke thick darkness fell upon them, and when it cleared away the
mysterious shape had disappeared. The bright sun poured its
health-giving rays again over the panic-stricken multitude, and a cool
wind blew away the last traces of the awful Varishka. All eyes were
bent on Hyas, whose beauty seemed absolutely marvellous, as, tenderly
embracing his sister, he turned swiftly aside into the crowd, and ere
they were aware had totally disappeared from view. Loud acclamations in
favour of Alcyone rang forth from the changeful thousands on either
side, as they swayed to and fro preparatory to breaking up altogether.
Bruno alone stood irresolute; a thousand conflicting emotions paled his
usually ruddy cheek; but his wife's sweet voice called to him. He
approached her; her face was full of anxiety. "Let us return home at
once," she whispered; "I fear for our babe."
And well she might, for the fragile Violet lay almost lifeless on her
mother's knee, the laboured breath passing slowly through her cold
lips. They drove rapidly home. The Baron, full of remorse, would fain
have thrown himself at his wife's feet, but her thoughts were turned
only to her suffering child, as she at last bore it into the nursery,
where in happier days she had so often lulled it to sleep. For some
time Bruno remained beside her, and aided in trying various
restoratives. At length, summoned by his official duties, he was forced
to depart. Several hours elapsed before he could absent himself from
the Reichstag.
A strange hush pervaded his home as he once more entered its portals.
He gained the nursery door, and, pausing, gently pushed it aside. In
the waning light he beheld his wife half kneeling, half lying upon
their little one's cot. Violet's face, illumined by the last rays of
daylight, was pale and peaceful. It shone with a solemn light--unlike,
oh! how unlike, his own playful pet! Her dark blue eyes were heavily
closed, and her little hands meekly folded on her breast. The mother's
voice stole on his ear--"Fare thee well, my darling! good-bye, my angel
child! but only for a brief space I bid thee adieu. Thou art folded now
in arms that can shelter thee more safely from the passing blast than
those of thy poor mother. I shall go to thee, my Violet--but never,
never more shalt thou return to me." These and many similar words were
poured forth by the weeping mother as Bruno unobserved stood silently
listening. His heart felt ready to burst; it seemed as if some chord
within him gave way at that moment with a throb of pain.
For a long time unknown to himself Alcyone's soft influence had
gradually undermined his harsh scepticism. At that moment a ray of
heavenly light shot as it were from the upward pathway of his dead
child into the dark recesses of his soul, and with tender humility he
knelt by his wife's side and placed his hand on hers. Startled and
amazed, she turned and met her husband's eye: it shone with a new and
softened light; there was no need for him to explain to her what he
felt. Over the death-bed of their fairest hope they for the first time
experienced the ineffable yet chastened joy of sharing the same
faith--of worshipping together the same unseen God.
At length Alcyone slowly rose from her knees, and casting a long, fond
look on the lifeless form of her babe, she led her husband from the
chamber. Together they ascended the narrow stair; together they opened
the small, well-known door, and emerged, hand-in-hand, amid the now
darkened twilight, upon the open roof.
"Bruno," murmured she, "the time for our separation has come; you have
declared your belief in the immortality of the soul; your poor Alcyone,
in the midst of her imperfections, has brought you one step nearer the
gates of Paradise. I now return to my celestial home, but shall there
await you, my beloved, in the sure and certain hope of a long eternity
together unchequered by the sorrows that have assailed our path in this
mortal world."
Thus saying, for the first time, the gentle Alcyone passionately
strained her arms around her husband; the pressure relaxed, he tottered
forward; he was--alone! A long trail of light shone for a moment
athwart the evening sky; the peaceful Pleiades beamed forth in
brightest beauty; he called aloud, but only silence reigned around; in
uncontrollable emotion the strong man fell fainting to the ground.
How long he thus remained he never knew; but he woke at last to find
the midnight moon shining upon him. He raised himself, confused and
aching; he passed his hand across his brow--Was the past a reality? A
tear rolled down his time-worn cheek which his keen eye had never shed,
but it might be the cold dewdrop of the early morn. Beside him lay the
coat and hat he had worn in returning from the Reichstag. It must be
some long, strange dream that, coming on him exhausted and weary, had
harassed his brain through the weird watches of the night.
As these thoughts coursed through his mind his eye fell on his left
hand; upon it there sparkled a stone of extraordinary brilliancy, which
recalled to him the gem on Alcyone's forehead. He strove to remove the
jewel, but, though easily fitting to his finger, the magic circlet
refused to be taken from its place.
The reality of the past then rushed upon the proud Baron's mind with
the resistless force of inward conviction. Humbled and sorrowful, the
great philosopher's wondrous attainments and mighty intellectual
resources seemed for the moment to become as less than the dust beneath
his feet. With the simple faith of a little child, he bent his knee
alone before his Maker, and cried, in tones of repentant sadness,
"Lord, I believe, help Thou mine unbelief."
ESGAIR: THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL.
Among the mountains of Caernarvonshire none are more gloomy and
precipitous than the dark sister Glydirs Fawr and Bach. Towering
sublimely above the solitary waters of Llyn Idwyl, they rear their
proud summits well nigh on a level with that of the loftier but less
rugged Snowdon.
Where is the wayfarer who can forget a calm autumn sunset seen from
those barren heights?
Valleys far and near shrouded in dim purpling mists; shadowy gigantic
forms looming faintly in the deepening twilight; rose-tipped peaks
floating amid a halo of glory in the evening sky; silver streamlets
breaking here and there in white lines the dusky shades below; while
afar, in the distance, the broad slumbering ocean bids a glittering
farewell to the monarch of the day.
Such was the panorama spread before the young Llewelyn many years ago,
when in toilsome search after strayed sheep he came suddenly upon the
highest part of the mountain. To his wearied eyes, however, nature for
the time had no charm. With hurried and anxious footsteps he leapt from
rock to rock, dreading to find some of his wandering flock with broken
limbs. For, as with many other Welsh mountains, the crest of the Glydir
Fawr is entirely composed of huge boulders roughly hurled together;
deep treacherous crevices being often entirely concealed from view by
the luxuriant growth of ferns, heather, and bilberries, which yield
most unsubstantial footing to the unwary.
Llewelyn's father, "Dafydd ap Gwynant," a well-known chieftain, had
been slain in battle, and most of his possessions seized by his foes.
The widowed Gwynneth, in terror for the safety of her only child, fled
with him to the wild region now known as the pass of Nant Francon.
There in solitude she reared her boy to habits of frugal simplicity. As
years rolled on the widow prospered and her flocks increased. Yet still
Llewelyn remained her only herd, and at eventide the steep sides of
Llyn Ogwyn and Llyn Idwyl re-echoed with his loud carols and joyous
shouts, as he summoned the cattle and sheep to their nightly fold.
In these remote times wolves and other wild beasts still lurked among
the Welsh hills. Nor did they limit their ravages to the destruction of
animals alone, but when rendered desperate by hunger visited human
habitations in search of their prey. Witness the touching history of
Gelert the faithful hound, whose tomb is still to be seen in the little
valley over which a dog's fidelity has shed undying renown. Hence the
necessity for carefully collecting the herds at nightfall within some
place of security.
Llewelyn at length discovered his missing lambs on the steep northern
sides of the Glydir, and herding them hurriedly together, crossed the
shoulder of the mountain and descended towards Llyn Idwyl by the rugged
pathway which leads past the narrow gorge now known as "the Devil's
Kitchen." It was rapidly growing dark as he reached the plain, and he
was hastening homewards, when by the waning light he perceived the
surface of that gloomy lake to be strangely agitated. As he gazed, the
head of a lovely maiden rose above the ripples, and seemed to his
excited imagination to regard him with a tender wistful look. He rushed
to the water's brink, and was about to cast off his coat and swim to
the aid of the fair unknown, when, soft and clear as an evening bell,
these words rang through the still air:--
"Three times lost, and three times won,
Canst thou win me, Dafydd's son?
Tender must thou be to me,
Tender should I be to thee.
To my mate in bridal hour
I can bring a princely dower;
But my wooing must be soon,
Ere has waned September's moon."
Enraptured by these silvery notes, Llewelyn strained every nerve to
listen, and as the nymph falteringly uttered the last words he felt a
magic thrill run through his frame. He became possessed with a sudden
desire to behold the entire form of the beautiful being whose head
alone smiled on him across the watery waste; but as he approached
nearer the sweet face disappeared, the surface of the loch became
glassy and still. The pale rays of the rising moon illumined only the
wide level mirror of Llyn Idwyl, and amazed and bewildered the youth
turned to his home.
After folding the sheep he entered the cottage. His mother had prepared
a fragrant supper; but through Llewelyn's veins there ran a secret
fire, and he turned restlessly from the food he was wont to relish in
his calmer hours.
Gwynneth was a mother in ten thousand. Though she had wandered far to
obtain the oakleaves over which she had slowly smoked the pink trout;
though her hands had been stung when she robbed the wild bees of their
honey for her boy; though when faint and tired from her long ramble she
had risen with fresh energy to mix and bake for her son the scones he
loved; yet when she saw his disquietude and lack of appetite, no
murmur, no query crossed her lips. Patiently she herself partook of the
humble fare, and strove to cheer her moody child, while her own heart
ached with vague doubts and fears.
Hardly, however, had she cleared away the last traces of the
half-consumed meal when Llewelyn extended himself full length on the
deerskins at her feet, laid his hot head on her soothing lap, and by
the flickering light of the fire (fed at intervals with cones from the
pine forest) related to her his strange adventure.
As Gwynneth listened to his words the iron entered into her soul. Every
mother can sympathize with the pang she then experienced. The child she
had borne through labour, sorrow, and pain; the infant she alone
nourished and brought to manly strength; the all upon which every hope,
every thought of the future is centred--the widow's only son--the idol
of her heart--his love is passing from her. She is no longer to him the
first, the dearest. Dreams of a nearer and dearer one are wakening in
his young bosom. The mother is now his confidant; but well does she
know that ere long the newly-beloved will be his only thought; that
into her ear alone will be poured all the aspirations of his life. That
henceforth and for evermore the mother must resign her son's heart to
the keeping of another. Gwynneth in that hour felt the cold hand of
fate clutch her past happiness. Her pulse stood still. But she was a
noble woman. She knew the law of life was resistless. Come from a race
of kings, with proud resolve she nerved her wounded spirit, and casting
all meaner thoughts of self aside, threw herself with ardour into the
interests of her son.
While Llewelyn described the events of the evening, the mists cleared
from the past and his mother dimly remembered an ancient tradition
heard in days gone by. The half-forgotten legend ran thus:--A prince of
royal Welsh blood fell in love with and wedded a water Nixie. No
sooner, however, were his espousals accomplished than he, with his
palace and all his treasures, became enchanted and covered by the
waters of Llyn Idwyl, which then, at Venedotia's dread command, rose to
its present height. The water god, through the marriage-tie of his
beautiful child, had gained a subtle power over her human lover, and
despite her entreaties worked this cruel spell to secure to her the
unchanging faith of a mortal. While Gwynneth told this strange story,
an old prophecy concerning this very prince, which she had often heard
in her youth, suddenly flashed across her mind. Surprised it should so
long have escaped her memory, she thus recited it to her listening son--
"When Rhuddlan's child with man shall mate
A light shall break on Rhuddlan's fate;
When thrice three wedded years pass by
Llyn Idwyl's waters shall run dry;
But if that wedded peace be riven,
By blows at random three times given,
Esgair must seek her father's cave,
Nor quit again the gloomy wave;
No slow revolving years shall wake
The spell-bound slumberers of the lake."
"My son," exclaimed Gwynneth, "all is now clear to me. The fair
daughter of King Rhuddlan has seen and chosen you to be the deliverer
of herself and her family, who once owned the greater part of Wales;
but who fell under Venedotia's spell so long ago that their existence
is forgotten by the oldest inhabitant. I am proud that my child should
aid in restoring our ancient line of kings. But Llewelyn," murmured
she, placing her hand fondly on his brown wavy locks, "you must pray
for strength, and enter on this strange adventure with the aid of
heavenly courage." Long into the night sat that gentle mother holding
counsel with her son, and even when they sought their rude couches but
scant sleep sealed their eyelids.
Next day Llewelyn fulfilled his various duties with feverish
impatience, he yearned for the evening hour, and as the moon's rays
fell over the lone heights of the Glydir he stood once more by Llyn
Idwyl's brink, and in a low clear voice uttered these words:--
"By the Glydir's rugged side,
By thy father's captive pride,
By the strains of mortal love
Stealing o'er thee from above,
By thine own enchanted lake,
Esgair, fairest! hear and wake!"
Scarcely had he finished, when a long train of light shot across the
loch, and, glittering with a thousand watery diamonds, Esgair half
arose and stretched forth towards him her lovely arms. A smile of hope
irradiated her pure countenance, and as Llewelyn knelt awestruck upon
the beach, she slowly chanted these lines:--
"Through Llewelyn's devotion deliverance draws near;
'Twixt sunset and sunrise to-morrow be here,
Though strife be around thee yet suffer no fear
If Rhuddlan's poor daughter to thee seemeth dear;
Forget not that o'er her the sign must be crossed,
Or she and her kindred for ever are lost!"
With a parting wave of her hand Esgair slowly disappeared, and nought
was visible save the reflection of the moon, which, dancing and
sparkling across the dark agitated bosom of Llyn Idwyl, ended in a
pathway of light at Llewelyn's feet. It was an omen of hope for the
morrow, and with joyful steps he returned to his home. Here, however he
was somewhat harassed by fears as to the poor accommodation they could
offer to the bride.
"Dear mother," he urged, "she is a high-born princess; her hair, neck,
and arms sparkle with priceless jewels. She may scorn our lowly hut,
and reproach me for bringing her to so humble a home."
"Nay, my son," replied Gwynneth; "the heart of a true maiden seeketh
ever something more precious than gold or riches; the love of a
faithful partner is doubtless what Esgair yearns to find. It is,
moreover, borne in upon me that the daughter of Rhuddlan will not come
dowerless to the son of Dafydd. Be she poor, however, or be she rich,
we will give her the best we have; and I tell you she will hold it
dearer than life."
Heaven that night shed its own peace over the widow and her son, and
their last evening alone together was long remembered by each as a time
of holy calm. By day-break next morning they were already astir. Many
preparations had still to be made. Llewelyn went across the hills to
petition Saint Tudno to pronounce his bridal benediction. The holy
father was now making his yearly pilgrimage through Wales, visiting and
cheering his feeble scattered flock, who clung fast together and
revered with a passionate tenderness their few and faithful teachers.
It was at an ancient farm upon the slopes of Carnedd Llewelyn that
Llewelyn and his mother had, only a few days agone, knelt and received
the good priest's blessing, and Gwynneth doubted not that he would
consent to partake for one night of their rude hospitality, for the
purpose of uniting her son and the rescued Esgair in the bands of holy
wedlock.
Ere the sun had passed its meridian, Gwynneth's hopes were realized.
The venerable father, guided by Llewelyn, safely reached her door, and
after partaking with them of their frugal noontide meal retired to rest
a while, and to resume the devotions broken in upon by his unforeseen
expedition. It weighed much on his mind that no church was near wherein
the espousals might be celebrated, but he was fully conscious of the
difficulties of Llewelyn's position. He shrewdly suspected that until
holy rites had been performed the wild spirits would do their utmost to
reclaim and recapture the newly-rescued bride. Ere seeking his chamber
therefore, the good father carefully sprinkled holy water around the
dwelling, and fervently besought Heaven's blessing on the approaching
union.
Some time before the hour of sunset Llewelyn and his mother started for
the banks of Llyn Idwyl. They followed the rocky course of that little
stream, which still breaks in foam from the eastern side of the loch,
and babbling and brawling flows past the very stones where Gwynneth's
little cottage once stood. The evening was wild and threatening, and
the sky had strangely changed since Saint Tudno alighted at their
dwelling. Thunder reverberating through the mountains awakened hoarse
echoes on every side. Wild clouds in fantastic shapes scudded across
the lowering heavens, and fitful gleams from the sinking sun threw dark
shadows across their pathway. Ever and anon drenching showers brushed
by in short sharp gusts, half blinding them, and causing inexplicable
terror to the ponies; one of which Gwynneth rode and the other Llewelyn
led for his bride. More than once, as they pursued their way, Gwynneth
imagined that white arms and hooded figures waved defiance before her;
but surprise and doubt held her mute, or perhaps ere she could speak
the rain dashed on her face and she perceived that her fancy had
conjured menacing forms from the eddying spindrift around. Llewelyn
also was haunted by outbursts of mocking laughter, but when, amazed, he
turned to his mother, the wild turbulence of the little streamlet
taught him he had mistaken its noisy vehemence for sounds of demoniacal
mirth.
At last they reached Llyn Idwyl's side. The sky once more grew calm and
clear. The sun had long since disappeared behind the dark mountain, and
the stars faintly twinkling overhead had already lit their feeble
lamps. The lake itself, however, presented a wild scene. Furious gusts
of wind agitated the surface. Sheets of spray bearing the semblance of
hideous figures were dashed hither and thither. A rushing noise as of a
thousand waterfalls drowned every other sound, and Llewelyn in vain
tried to make his voice audible amid the din of the elements. Again and
again he endeavoured to shout Esgair's name, but the mad roaring of the
winds and waves was all that could be heard.
"To your knees, my son, and pray for help," whispered Gwynneth in his
ear, and in despair Llewelyn sank on the ground and fervently invoked
the aid of Heaven. As if in answer to his prayer, at this instant the
moon tipped the frowning mountain; her bright rays irradiated the wild
scene beneath and diminished in some measure the confusion and uproar.
Then, white and dripping as a storm-tost waterlily, the lovely figure
of Rhuddlan's daughter slowly emerged from the lake until her feet were
visible. She advanced along the moon-lit path, which alone remained
serene and calm. On either side horrid arms were stretched as if to
grasp her shrinking form, and rude blasts of spray burst in torrents
over her defenceless head.
Llewelyn knelt in silent prayer till she neared the water brink, when,
springing to her side, he drew her tenderly on shore, signing at the
same time on her brow the holy symbol of the cross; while wild shrieks
and groans resounded across the lake. He lifted Esgair, trembling and
exhausted, on the pony, where his strong arm was needed to support her.
The moon suddenly disappeared behind a cloud; the rain burst forth with
redoubled vehemence, while such peals of thunder broke around and above
them that the startled ponies could hardly be restrained from dashing
madly away. Llewelyn, well-nigh desperate, in vain strove to recognize
the homeward path. Black darkness encompassed them and hid every
well-known landmark from view.
Just as he was at his wits' end, suddenly gleamed afar a small bright
cross, shedding divine lustre through the gloom. At the same instant
there fell on their ears the faint chime of distant bells--a strange
unaccustomed sound in those wild regions. They paused not, however, to
question the cause of the welcome phenomena; but with gladness turned
in the direction of the cross, which moved before them as they
advanced; Llewelyn still supporting Esgair, and murmuring words of
encouragement into her ear. More than once he received rough buffets
from invisible foes, and wicked threats were whispered by the hoarse
blasts; but he kept his eyes fixed steadfastly on the sacred symbol
which guided them in the path of safety, and ere long the unnatural
tempest spent itself. The fiery cross grew dim, and finally
disappeared, and the rest of their homeward route was accomplished by
the returning light of the moon.
Nearer and nearer rang the joyful bells, as if crashing forth a pæan of
welcome to the belated wanderers; and what was their astonishment on
coming within sight of the place where their humble dwelling lately
stood amid unbroken solitudes, to observe innumerable twinkling lights
borne to and fro, while, by the light of the moon, the tall battlements
of some huge building rose over the site once covered by their happy
little home.
Confused and perplexed, Gwynneth thought to chide her son for bringing
them the wrong way. But now Esgair, with new life, sprang to the
ground, and, turning towards Gwynneth, said with exceeding grace,
"This was my father's home. He bestows it willingly upon us--it is
yours. But, oh! take me to your heart, and give me a mother's love."
Gwynneth hastened to alight, and clasping her new daughter to her
bosom, hesitated no longer to enter the massive portals thrown wide
open before them. As they stepped beneath the archway, solemn strains
of music became audible. A long line of priests and choristers moved
across the lofty hall within; bands of fair maidens robed in white
approached Esgair, and tenderly saluting her placed her in their midst.
Last of all the holy Father Tudno drew near and motioned Gwynneth and
Llewelyn to his side.
Deeply agitated by a thousand conflicting emotions, Gwynneth, Esgair,
and Llewelyn now beheld before them as they advanced a small chapel
brilliantly lighted for high festival. With slow and reverend step
Saint Tudno withdrew within the altar space, and united in holy wedlock
the strangely-mated pair before him. Long and lowly did they bend
before the sacred shrine, and when at length they retired down the
aisles, the clear high voices of the singers rang out in joyful
strains, while far overhead the jubilant bells told with their iron
tongues the glad news that the first bar of fate had been undone--the
condition fulfilled that ran thus in the old legend:
"When Rhuddlan's child with man shall mate
A light shall break on Rhuddlan's fate."
Time fails me to tell of the splendours of that night of rejoicing, or
the magnificent appointments of the castle. But it is impossible to
pass by in silence the exceeding beauty of the bride, or the manly
serious grace of her bridegroom. Esgair's waving nut-brown tresses fell
over her shoulders, bound here and there by priceless diamonds. Her
violet eyes, her dazzling complexion, her long robe of silver sheen,
displaying every motion of her graceful figure, her wondrous charm of
manner,--all enchanted the beholder. She looked and moved the daughter
of a hundred kings.
Llewelyn's countenance, even in that deep hour of joy, wore the
chastened expression of one who has struggled and suffered. In the
midst of his new-found wealth he was fain to remember, with a feeling
akin to pain, that this proud castle and all its appurtenances was the
heritage of his wife and her father. But as Esgair turned her soft eyes
upon him, the toils of the past and the uncertainty of the future were
alike forgotten, and love beamed effulgent on his soul.
Night and stillness fell over that great castle. Only alone in an upper
chamber--the widowed wife--the lonely mother--wrestled in silent prayer
for her children until the day broke over the east and opened to the
world once more the golden gates of the sun.
On the morrow all was new and strange to Gwynneth and Llewelyn; but
Esgair guided them from room to room of the splendid palace, and
related to them endless tales told her by her father, of what had
happened within its walls, ere the spell of enchantment consigned him
and his to the dark waters of oblivion.
To Gwynneth the long corridors and stately chambers with their quaint
hangings of tapestry recalled her early home. Llewelyn (who though of
princely race, had been reared in poverty) felt a certain restraint
amid all this new-found grandeur, and bore with ill-concealed
impatience the ministrations of the countless servants, whose presence
fettered his free action and oppressed his simple nature.
Soon, however, the varied interests of his new position became
all-engrossing. Surrounded by retainers skilled in every kind of sport,
possessed of the fleetest steeds and truest falcons in the country,
blessed with the tenderest of wives and mothers, he seldom had time to
revert even in thought to the fewer and less luxurious pleasures of his
youth. He and Esgair became passionately fond of hawking, and many
happy days were thus spent, when, splendidly mounted and attended by a
numerous train, they would scour the country around and return wearied
yet joyous at eventide to relate to Gwynneth the adventures of the day.
It was during one of these hunting excursions that Esgair, roused by
the excitement of the chase, urged her palfrey to its utmost speed, and
distancing all her companions, came suddenly to a small level plateau
amid the mountains. Here a little streamlet had its birth, gushing
forth from the rock itself in cold purity. The hawk was already
stooping over its quarry, and Esgair finding herself alone, called
repeatedly to the bird in great fear lest it should fail in its object.
While she was thus employed, Llewelyn came rapidly in sight, and riding
up to her, playfully struck her on the shoulder with his gauntlet,
crying gaily, "Methought, fair lady, you were running away from us all;
but you have deftly won the race to-day, and yours must be the heron's
plume."
The rest of the merry party now came up, but while with eager
excitement they watched the protracted struggles of the two birds,
Llewelyn turned his own and his wife's palfrey aside, and under
pretence of arranging her dress whispered to Esgair, "Nay, dearest,
wherein have I vexed thee? I was only watchful for thy dear sake,
fearing when out of my sight lest evil should befall thee."
To his great surprise tears dimmed her eyes, and the colour mantled
higher in her flushed cheek as she murmured in low tones, "You have
struck the first blow."
Amazed and incredulous, it was some time before Llewelyn could recall
to mind the weird prophecy his mother had repeated to him. As they
leant sadly over their panting horses by the little spring, a white arm
emerged from the mossy bank and waved beckoning towards Esgair, while,
like a faint sigh of the breeze, fell these chill numbers on their
ears--
"One blow hath fallen on Esgair's fate,
And grieved Llewelyn's gentle mate."
Thoroughly startled he rushed forward, but the fancied apparition was
only a little shower of spray which, caught by the eddying wind, dashed
itself over him, wetting his gay clothes and soaking him to the skin.
Were the words he had heard but the offspring of his own imagination?
Now with loud cries the victory of the falcon was proclaimed, and the
gallant esquire, riding up to his mistress, courteously presented her
with the heron's plume, and craved permission to fasten it in her hat.
Esgair accepted the gift with her wonted grace, but it was with
saddened hearts that she and Llewelyn turned homewards. The dispiriting
influence soon communicated itself to their followers, and in
melancholy guise the merry party of the morning silently re-entered the
castle walls.
Ere they retired to rest, however, Esgair and Llewelyn sought the
little chapel where their marriage vows had been interchanged, and as
they knelt together in prayer an ineffable calm soothed their troubled
spirits, and on seeking their chamber a deep joy cradled them to rest.
Their life now passed away in uneventful happiness, until, as the time
drew near the birth of Christ, Esgair had a son, whose advent was
hailed with universal rejoicing. Llewelyn with trembling joy welcomed
his little child, and drew many hopeful auguries for the future from
his first seeing the light in the glorious holy tide of Christmas.
Esgair suffered considerably in health, causing her husband great
anxiety, and it was some time before she could resume her wonted place
in the castle. But she seemed strangely anxious to have her child
baptized at the earliest possible moment. They were obliged, however,
to wait some little time for the holy Father Tudno, who, again
travelling that way on his stated rounds, promised by a certain day to
receive the babe into the arms of the Church.
Meanwhile the nurses were forbidden to stray without the precincts of
the castle, and specially warned against approaching either of the
lakes which lay within such easy distance--Llyn Ogwyn and Llyn Idwyl.
It was rumoured that strange forms were to be sometimes seen wandering
round the castle. Esgair herself, whose gentle ways had endeared her to
all around, began to be regarded with suspicion, as, when hardly strong
enough to leave her chamber, she insisted on taking solitary walks, was
long absent, and frequently returned with traces of tears on her cheek.
At such times she would redouble her cautions to the nurses, and sit
for hours watching uneasily over her babe. They told wild tales,
moreover, of seeing their mistress in the dead of night leaning over
the little one's cradle and with clasped hands and streaming eyes
seeming to wrestle in prayer with some invisible power. She would then
clasp the infant in her arms, sign a cross over its forehead and
replace it slumbering and unconscious in its cot.
But the slow weeks moved on, St. Valentine's day at last arrived, and
with it the good Father to perform the promised rite. Every preparation
made, and the little chapel adorned with the pale flowers of early
spring time--the drooping snowdrop, and the Christmas rose, nestling in
rich green moss from the glen--Gwynneth proudly bore her little
grandson to the font, and the holy service began.
The wind and rain without, hitherto hardly noticed, now dashed with
such force against the casements as to endanger their frail fastenings,
while above the chant of the choristers could be distinctly heard the
wild howling of the tempest. The little child itself moved restlessly
from side to side, and seemed to feel an adverse influence threatening
its fate. All eyes, however, were turned on the lady of the castle,
who, with mortal terror depicted on her countenance, eagerly scanned
the high windows and shuddered visibly as the storm increased. But now
the reverend Father took the babe in his arms and ascended the steps of
the font. Louder and louder roared the fierce winds without, and as one
mighty gust shook the chapel to its very foundations, Esgair uttered a
faint moan. Llewelyn impatiently turned for the first time towards her,
and, angrily touching her shoulder to recall her attention to the
service, muttered some hasty rebuke about disturbing the people around
by her ill-timed fears. Father Tudno at this moment formally demanded
the child's name, and Llewelyn gave him, as had already been agreed
upon, the name of "Rhiwallon." As the holy Father, repeating over the
infant the tender words of his faith, was about to sign on its brow the
sacred symbol of the cross, a terrific blast shattered the casements
into a thousand pieces, all the lights throughout the chapel were
instantly extinguished, while a deluging shower fell on the group round
the font. Eldritch laughter rang through the air, a piercing shriek was
heard, and phantom forms tried to wrench the little babe from the good
priest's arms. Undismayed and calm however, Saint Tudno gathered the
helpless lamb of the fold still closer in his sheltering clasp, and ere
the strife of the rough elements well-nigh reached him, the little
Rhiwallon was already a member of the eternal Church. But in Llewelyn's
awe-struck ear sounded these dread words--
"Blare wildly ye breezes a blast of delight,
A blow hath been struck by Llewelyn this night."
Now with flying footsteps came a page bearing a torch. The wild force
of the tempest seemed to have spent itself, and comparative peace
reigned without the castle. Within, the lights were once more kindled,
but their rays fell upon a cold inanimate form. Poor Esgair had fallen
forwards, her head lay on the hard stone floor, her hands were still
raised as if in supplication to some invisible power, while dark red
blood slowly oozed forth from beneath her luxuriant tresses. With a cry
of terror Llewelyn raised her in his arms. He found that in falling she
had struck against the stone step of the font, and a somewhat deep
wound was made under her thick soft hair. He bore her tenderly to her
chamber. Through the livelong night with keen anguish he and his mother
(suffering no meaner hand to tend her) ministered to her wants. At
times she cried uneasily for her babe, nor could they soothe or appease
her until the little Rhiwallon was brought and laid beside his
suffering mother in the great state bed, with its dark gorgeous
hangings and curious antique carving. Llewelyn, heart-sore and
grievously conscience-stricken, bent over the half-slumbering pair.
They seemed to his excited imagination like the flower and the bud
rudely torn from the parent stem and fading before his very eyes. He
listened anxiously over their lips to assure himself of their actual
breathing. Esgair, half-awakened, moved restlessly until feeling her
babe again cradled in her arms, she murmured low words of endearment
over him, and sank once more into troubled slumber. Many days she
struggled between life and death; and as Llewelyn kept the weary
watches by her side, he mournfully remembered that it was his own
thoughtless temper which had brought all this upon his faithful wife,
and recklessly dissolved one more link that bound her life to his. She
explained to him that her fears had been roused lest the powerful
Venedotia should gain possession of their boy ere he was christened,
and hence the strange precautions she had taken and her extreme terror
in the chapel. She was unable, moreover, to warn those around her, as
her first word of elucidation would have sealed the death-warrant of
her babe; so powerful was the spell still exercised by the fierce
enchanter over Rhuddlan's ill-fated race.
April breezes brought sounds of spring into the land ere Esgair, pale
and wan--like one who has passed through the valley of the dark
shadow--was once more borne down the castle stair and carried abroad to
be invigorated by the reviving vernal air. She had taken a strong
dislike to the "Castle of the Lakes," as their present home was called.
Nor can this be wondered at, considering the baneful influence that had
threatened not only her own but her infant's life. She entreated
Llewelyn to build another dwelling by the sea-shore, where strength and
health might more rapidly return to her, and where she hoped to be in a
measure free from the fell designs of Venedotia.
With eager zest her repentant husband followed the bent of Esgair's
mind, and, after many pleasant excursions to the neighbouring shores in
search of a site, they at length resolved to raise the walls of their
new castle in the centre of the rich plain which then lay between the
proud headlands of Penmaenmaur and Penmaenbach.
Esgair took intense interest in the progress of the builders, who were
now set to work with the utmost diligence. Throughout the long summer,
she, Gwynneth, Llewelyn, and the babe with his nurses, dwelt in a
little shieling on the steep sides of Penmaenmaur. Daily descending to
the broad fertile meadows amid which was to be their future home, they
cheered and encouraged the labourers at their work. Ere the mellow
September time came round, the walls of the new castle had already
risen to a considerable height.
It was now two years since the bridal day of Esgair and Llewelyn. Never
had mortal man been blessed with a gentler, sweeter help-mate. High and
low worshipped their kind mistress; and the most unruly of their
half-savage retainers would fly to anticipate her slightest desire.
The little Rhiwallon was a lovely babe; healthy and well tended ever
since his birth, his firm limbs and rosy cheeks were full of promise.
His dark eye already beamed with intelligence, and his broad brow bore
the impress of future intellectual power. What long hours that fond
mother passed alone with her babe! At eventide she ascended the wooden
steps of the shieling, and sending the women to make merry with their
friends without, hungrily watched over her child. Gwynneth and Llewelyn
perhaps sitting silent below, heard sounds as of a cushat dove cooing
over its young. Sometimes the tones became more audible, and words
could be distinguished--the mother crooning to her little one as if he
could understand.
"Thou art delivered, my baby, from the evil fate that menaces thy poor
mother. Thy pure forehead bears on it the sign of the holy cross. Over
thee the angel of darkness hath now no power save through that mother's
will. How could they think, my child, that to save herself a parent
would yield up her darling. Nay, nay; when they tempted me to delay thy
baptismal hour, they fathomed not the undying love Rhiwallon's mother
bears her beautiful boy--her treasure!"
Such and other dreamy wailing words overheard in the gloaming by
Gwynneth and her son, revealed to them the unselfish part Esgair had
played in the events of the past. Pangs of remorse again oppressed
Llewelyn as he recalled his harsh rebuke in the chapel. He now surmised
that could the Evil Powers only gain possession of Rhiwallon, Rhuddlan
and his race, including Esgair herself, would be delivered from all
future trouble, and freed for ever from the mystic enchantments of
Venedotia. But while Gwynneth and Llewelyn trembled at the danger to
which the infant had been exposed, they prized more tenderly than ever
his fragile mother, whose conduct had throughout been above praise; and
kneeling down, they offered sincere prayer that through the exceeding
faith and purity of Esgair's life she might, with heavenly aid, prevent
the sacrifice of her child, and yet live to accomplish the deliverance
of her race.
It was a lovely September afternoon, the sun streamed down on the rich
purple heather, where Esgair, playing with her boy, sat beside a small
rivulet close to the walls of the rising castle. The workmen, resting
for their afternoon meal, were refreshed with milk provided for them by
the kind command of their lady. Gwynneth, busily engaged in some labour
of love, had remained up at the little shieling, while the solitary
nurse who accompanied Esgair was seated with her work at some distance
from the mother and her child.
Llewelyn had gone forth at break of day to hunt the deer, and as yet
there was no sign of his return. A halo of sylvan peace enshrouded the
fair scene and the actors therein. Amid autumnal silence the distant
sea lay smooth as glass. Like a dim blue mist slumbered the far outline
of the low-lying islands without. On either side rose the frowning
sentinels of the vale between--the giant Penmaenmaur and the scarcely
smaller Penmaenbach; while behind the smiling plain rose heathery
slopes, undulating in successive lines towards the gloomy Tal-y-van.
Stretched on soft furs Esgair played with her beautiful laughter-loving
babe. Sometimes she tossed him crowing aloft, and caught him tenderly
again to her heart, then, changing from grave to gay, would whisper
softly in his little ear strange old tales and legends. (It was
afterwards asserted that when Rhiwallon grew to be a man many of his
wondrous gifts came from his unconscious remembrance of that mother
lore.) After much time thus spent in dallying with her infant, at
length Esgair raised him in her arms and descended with him to the
brink of the murmuring streamlet, being thus lost sight of by the
nurse, who, still within easy hail, did not move from her
all-engrossing handicraft.
The peaceful afternoon wore onwards, and soon Llewelyn, hot and
fatigued, and with a somewhat clouded brow (for the day's sport had
been unsuccessful), came striding down the narrow path, and, accosting
the nurse, inquired for her mistress and child. The maid pointed out
the course of the rivulet, and Llewelyn springing forward soon cleared
the short space between, and gained the little eminence where the furs,
still scattered in rich profusion, bore witness to the late presence of
Esgair and the babe. Looking impatiently around in quest of them, to
his horror and surprise Llewelyn perceived his son in the arms of a
strange old man with a long hoary beard and white flowing garments. The
little boy seemed pleased and happy; he was cooing to his mother, while
she, seated on a rock in the midst of the purling brook, and within a
stone's-throw of where Llewelyn stood, watched Rhiwallon's every
movement with keen delight. Llewelyn paused not to observe the majestic
stature and noble countenance of the unknown (who was, in fact, the
ancient Rhuddlan, the babe's grandfather), nor remembered till
afterwards, when it was too late, Esgair's look of entranced happiness.
So absorbed was she that she did not hear her husband's exclamation of
anger, did not see his rapid steps down the hillock, knew and felt
nothing till he roughly smote her on the shoulder and sharply asked
what she meant by allowing their child (during his absence) to become
the plaything of any old vagrant about the place, letting him also run
the risk of every passing infection of illness. He would have added
more bitter words of reproach, but as he spoke the old man suddenly
disappeared. The baby gave a loud cry and fell splashing into the
water. His mother at once caught and drew him out, and, with streaming
eyes laid him on Llewelyn's breast, while around, above, below, with a
sound of many rushing waters, could be distinguished these
hoarsely-muttered words:--
"The final undoing of Fate hath begun,
And Esgair's frail portion of happiness done;
Arise and return to us, child of the lake,
Nor nursling nor husband thy slumbers shall wake."
Quick as light Esgair turned a strange look of terror on her husband.
"The waters, the cruel waters!" she cried; "haste to the hills ere it
be too late--hasten, or they will overwhelm you!" No thought of her own
fate unnerved the heroic woman. Waving wildly to the workmen, she bade
them escape for their lives, and indeed the nurse had already seen from
above, and turned to warn them of an impending tempest. Lurid clouds
veiled the sun, wild winds sighed around, strange shapes arose in the
bed of the little river, madly leaping to and fro, while, stranger than
all, and striking consternation to the bravest heart, with low growls
as of far thunder, arose a huge black wall of water in the distant sea,
and seemed ever approaching nearer. Sea gulls and cormorants wheeled in
the air above, uttering dissonant cries. Affrighted and amazed, the
terrified workmen left tools, clothes, and implements behind and fled
in desperate haste towards the mountains.
At this moment Esgair, turning, perceived that Llewelyn, paralyzed with
terror and remorse, could move neither hand nor foot to save himself or
the child. Endued for the time being with superhuman strength, she
snatched the babe from his arms, and crying "Follow me," swept rapidly
across the uneven ground, sometimes stumbling and nearly falling, but
never stopping to take breath until, on the slopes of Moel Llys, she
reached the trembling crowd, who from this vantage-ground watched the
wild work of destruction below. Breathless and exhausted she flung
herself down on the soft turf and soothed the bitterly crying and
frightened infant.
Esgair's hurried flight awoke Llewelyn from the stupor of despair. He
followed and aided her as best he could, and now stood by her side. In
silent awe that little assembly beheld the appalling inroad of the
waters. Like a dark pall, the slow moving mass spread itself over the
fertile lands below; ere long it reached the castle; the unfinished
walls disappeared, and soon a wide watery waste covered the whilome
scene of busy labour and the rich fields around. At length the
remorseless waves dashed unavailingly beneath the rising ground where
stood the trembling fugitives. Loud thanksgivings for their safety
arose from these simple pious men, and they gratefully acknowledged the
hand of Providence in their wonderful escape from a watery grave.
But now low sobs of anguish were heard, a mother--like Rachel of
old--weeping over her child, and refusing to be comforted. The gentle
Esgair, wan and weary, lay prostrate upon the ground. Painfully she
drew her labouring breath and strained Rhiwallon to her poor aching
heart. Her eyes were mournfully fixed on Llewelyn, as if to take a last
farewell. His grief could find no utterance. With gloomy foreboding he
recalled the words of the ancient legend, and a cold thrill ran through
him as he remembered that his fatal impatience had not only tempted
Esgair's fate, but according to the old prophecy had riveted still more
firmly the spell that bound her hapless kinsmen; for was it not
written--
But if that wedded peace be riven,
By blows at random three times given,
Esgair must seek her father's cave,
Nor quit again the gloomy wave,
No slow revolving years shall wake
The spell-bound slumberers of the lake.
By this time the tempest had gradually died away. A faint melody of
unearthly beauty fell on their ears--as they listened wondering and
entranced, they heard these thrilling words:
Three times lost, and three times won,
Thou hast wedded Dafydd's son:
Brow that holy sign hath crossed
Ne'er can be by witchcraft lost.
By thy faith and suffering power
Thou hast won the conquering hour;
Though the spell on thee must break,
Rhuddlan's race from sleep shall wake;
Thou and thine shall dwell in light,
Saved by glory infinite.
Rise, the evil spell is broken,
Peace be thine, and this the token.
As the voice ceased the sun broke through the clouds, and from his
western declivity threw a long radiance across the calming ocean.
Within this glittering pathway stood an angel of exceeding beauty, and
of grave and majestic countenance. With his left hand he beckoned to
Esgair. With his right he pointed to the golden rays behind him, within
which myriad shapes of brightest loveliness seemed to move. The light
fell on Esgair's head as she arose with new strength from the earth.
Already a solemn stillness hushed the grief of her pale features and a
new expression beamed from her pure face.
"Heaven guard and guide thee, my babe," she said, and placing him
tenderly in his nurse's arms, turned to Llewellyn imploring him to wish
her farewell. He approached and wildly cast his arms around her--the
strong passions of earth still raged uncontrolled in his unchastened
bosom--but she slowly disengaged herself from his despairing caress and
hopefully trod the brief steps that divided her from the heavenly
visitant. The angel took her by the hand--once more with overflowing
tenderness she waved adieu to her husband, and ere the awestruck
Llewelyn could move from where he stood, the red sun disappeared with a
sudden dip behind the distant island. With him also, alas! were gone
the last faint traces of that pathway of light, wherein had moved, but
a moment before, those bright blessed forms, connecting earth with the
upper world.
Breaking from his trancelike despair, Llewelyn madly rushed to the
water's brink and again and again strove to end his miserable existence
by flinging himself into the gloomy sea. But his people restrained him,
and the nurse brought the little Rhiwallon to his side. The unhappy
father turned to look on his child, then with renewed agony, as he
remembered how he had for ever deprived that tender nursling of a
mother's care, he groaned aloud and smote his hands wildly together.
But now, through the quiet evening air--calm and serene--like dew on
the parched and weary herb, was borne this soothing message from
invisible realms:
Farewell to the home of my brief mortal years,
Farewell to the valley of sunshine and tears.
Now over our castle on Arvon's pale shore
The waters of Meinai shall surge evermore.
Llyn Idwyl! sleep calmly--thou desolate lake.
Dark Glydirs! no Esgair your echoes shall wake.
But mourn not, Llewelyn, the fate of thy love,
She smiles still upon thee from regions above.
Arise and walk onward, nor idly repine,
A mission that angels might sigh for is thine,
To guide and to shelter through life's opening days
Rhiwallon, whose future all Cymri shall praise.
The Spirit Divine hath inclined to my voice,
And parents and kindred around me rejoice.
My fate is accomplished--the spell overcome,
And Paradise opens to Rhuddlan a home.
The sudden shadow that had followed sunset now gave way to gorgeous
colouring. From the closed western portals of the day emerged rich
waving lines of gold and roseate hue, and spread far overhead. Behind
the distant islands where the sun had disappeared glowed an atmosphere
of living amber. For a brief moment the gates of Paradise were indeed
"standing ajar" to receive the now immortal Esgair and her long lost
kindred.
Awhile the watchers on the shore continued on their knees hoping once
more to see that heavenly visitant or hear again the soul-stirring
voice that had fallen from unseen lips. At last one by one they arose,
and gazing seawards by the waning light beheld the broad band of waters
still covering the fertile plains, the green meadows, and the
unfinished castle. Little rippling waves broke at their feet and marked
the boundary line, where to this day, the waves surge and swell between
the mighty Penmaens upon the Cambrian Coast.
At this moment Gwynneth arrived breathless in their midst and joined
her lamentations to those of the little babe, who, missing his mother,
bewailed her loss in heart-rending tones.
The workmen now turned to seek a night's lodging where they could, for
their temporary dwellings had shared the fate of the more lordly
castle. Llewelyn, still carrying his child, motioned to his mother to
draw somewhat aside, and as they slowly remounted the hill, frequently
pausing to cast wistful glances around, and to strain their eyes in
vain toward the fading west, he related to her the various occurrences
of that fatal day and repeated the farewell words of his lost wife.
"Hear me, mother," exclaimed he, as they gained the door of the
shieling; "by the remembrance of my Esgair's pure and holy life, I
devote myself henceforth to the fulfilment of her behest, and while
life and strength remain I promise so to cherish and bring up our child
(aided by heavenly power) that he shall renew the memory of his sainted
mother, and become the benefactor of mankind."
Clasping the babe closer in his arms he turned to enter at the lowly
door, but with a cry of joy the infant stretched out its little arms,
and lo! soft and pure in the western sky gleamed through the dusk the
gentle Evening Star. Then Llewelyn knew in his heart that his vow had
been heard, and that an angel spirit shone approval of his humble
resolution.
With mournful resignation, aided by his mother and cheered by the
ministrations of the good Father Tudno, Llewelyn passed the remainder
of his days in the careful up-bringing of his son. They never returned
to the Castle of the Lakes. For at daybreak on the morning which
succeeded Esgair's translation, a messenger arrived footsore and weary
bringing strange tidings of devastation. As the last stroke of midnight
clanged from the castle clock the whole mighty fabric disappeared, and
with it the numerous servants, the fleet steeds, and the fabulous
wealth which Esgair's bridal night had brought to Llewelyn.
Gwynneth and Llewelyn now fixed their abode on the giant slopes of
Penmaenmaur, and often at sunset the father was seen pointing up the
golden pathway and watching with his little son for the first pale ray
of the Evening Star.
Rhiwallon grew and flourished apace. His was a fearless nature. He
loved the sea, the hills, the birds, and the flowers. His childish brow
only became clouded with pain or sorrow for the sufferings of man and
beast, which even in earliest boyhood he ever yearned to alleviate.
When still an infant he was often found with a sweet smile upon his
countenance, and in after years could recall the dim vision of an angel
form that bent over and lulled him in his dreams, but was ever absent
when he awoke. Gwynneth and Llewelyn were long spared to foster his
awakening talents, and ere they were gathered to their fathers the name
of Rhiwallon had become a household word, for the sweet songs of the
gentle bard are to this day remembered and sung wherever the Cymri
tongue is known and loved.[1]
[1] Founded on an old Welsh legend. There is a submerged
half-built castle between Penmaenmaur and Penmaenbach, which
can be seen at low tides.
EOTHWALD: THE YOUNG SCULPTOR.
It will not surprise you, dear children, to learn that after Hans
Christian Andersen wrote his touching story of "The Little Mermaid,"
the whole world sighed with a strong desire to behold the true likeness
of that loving and lovely heroine.
Painters and sculptors wandered anxiously by the sea-shore; not alone
in Denmark, but in many other countries, seeking thus to obtain a
glimpse of one of the mermaidens--whose whole race has been for ever
immortalized by the gentle Dane--longing to depict on canvas, or to
carve in marble, the fair lineaments of the faithful sea-child who gave
her voice and her life for the Prince she loved.
Now for successive ages it has been well known among the denizens of
the ocean that trouble and misfortune must certainly fall on the
mermaiden who should visit the shore too frequently, or permit her
likeness to be taken in any form whatsoever.
Long, long ago, the most beautiful of the sea-nymphs rose in her
gambols to the surface of the billows; and as in those days mermaids
wore no tails, and were consequently unable to steer themselves
properly, she was carried on shore by the force of the waves, where
such was the confusion caused by her charms, that gods and goddesses
themselves quarrelled about her, and artists in their enthusiasm
neglected everything else to depict in all its bewildering beauty the
sea-born loveliness of "Aphrodite." Great was the indignation excited
by the appearance of this fair interloper in the aerial courts, and
"Hera," the Queen of Olympus, persuaded her husband, the awful "Jove,"
to issue a decree ordaining that henceforth and for evermore all
mermaidens should bear long tails; thus confining their dangerous
influence to their own native element; and furthermore forbidding them,
on pain of severest penalties, to hold communication with the
inhabitants of earth or sky.
Though centuries have rolled away, this dread command is still
remembered and obeyed, and hence the extreme difficulty experienced by
those whose artistic longings had been kindled afresh by the glowing
descriptions of the sweet Danish writer.
One golden evening during the brief but glorious northern summer, the
young sculptor, Eothwald, after a weary day of unavailing search for
the far-famed mermaidens, threw himself down on the soft grass by a
river's side, and lulled by the soft ceaseless murmur of the rushing
waters, sank into deep dreamless sleep. As the drowsiness of fatigue
wore itself away, he became gradually conscious of ravishing strains of
music, and rousing himself half awakened to listen to the dulcet
sounds, he still heard the harmonious cadences of some stringed
instrument swell and thrill in tones of unearthly beauty.
Eothwald arose softly from his grassy couch, and stole noiselessly
along. Keeping himself carefully concealed behind rocks and brushwood,
he followed the sound, till at a bend of the stream he beheld the young
river god Näcken, seated at the entrance to a grotto, playing and
singing to his harp strains of heaven-born music; while, bathed in the
evening sunshine, and with their arms lovingly intertwined, there on
the surface of the water, in rapt attention, floated the lovely
mermaiden sisters, Duva and Himingläfa, unsuspicious of danger, and
forgetful of all else, for the spell of love's magic numbers hung over
them and rivetted their attention.
The inspired Näcken continued his impassioned lay; the blushing
Himingläfa, to whom his song of homage was addressed, shook her long
chestnut tresses until they formed a veil around her, and laid her soft
cheek on the shoulder of the innocent Duva, who, childlike, wondered at
her sister's excess of emotion.
A while Eothwald remained motionless, overwhelmed by the beauty of the
scene, but soon the surpassing loveliness of the sea-sisters fired his
artistic mind with keen ardour; he felt within himself that could he
but reproduce these enchanting forms in marble, he would die content.
He resolved to seek his home, and return thence provided with all the
necessary materials for working. He had noticed during his wanderings,
not far from this very spot, a cave, where he fancied he could work
undisturbed. The clay by this river being famous for its plastic
properties, it would be easy for him to model by day concealed from all
beholders, and at eventide to steal forth unobserved, and gain new
ideas of beauty from the fair sisters now before him.
As he silently pondered and matured this plan, a silvery voice was
heard afar, and, quick as light, Duva and Himingläfa sprang away
through the darkening waters at their mother's call, while Näcken,
carrying his harp with him, abruptly disappeared within the shadowy
entrance of the grotto.
Darkness came suddenly on; the river, cold and black, ran past Eothwald
with sullen murmurings; the wild owl swept close by where he stood,
brushing his face with her wing, and uttering her desolate cry. The
startled sculptor well-nigh missed his footing, and only escaped
falling into the stream by catching hold of the boughs above his head.
But undismayed and undaunted, he groped his way successfully out of the
wood, and then hastened cheerfully homewards, light-hearted and
content; for what were darkness, danger, or fatigue? The quenchless
fire of genius burned within his breast; the long dreamt-of ideal was
no longer a faint, far-off vision, but had become to him a reality of
dazzling beauty.
Ere daylight returned Eothwald had been to his home and informed his
old housekeeper that he was bound for a few days' trip into the
country. He put together his working tools, and having at her earnest
request taken some provisions in his knapsack, he swallowed a hasty
meal, and before the sun was yet high in the heavens, was already
ensconced in the cave and fast asleep in its welcome shade, after all
the fatigue and excitement of the last few but eventful hours.
And now night after night, sheltered by brushwood, rock, and fern, the
enthusiastic youth engraved on his heart the exquisite beauty of those
fair denizens of the sea; nay more, in the ardour of his pursuit he
became himself enamoured of the lovely childlike Duva. Often while
Näcken and Himingläfa held sweet converse together, their companion
unobserved would float silently nearer and nearer to the shore.
Sometimes she amused herself by twining long wreaths of the ferns and
creepers which hung over the river bank. Sometimes she laughingly
lifted small silvery fish from their holes beneath the bank; then
remembering that air to them was death, she would place them gently
once more in their native element, and smiling, watch their playful
movements when they frisked around her, as if in gratitude, before they
swam away. Sometimes flinging her long tresses of hair over the grass
by the river margin, clasping her hands above her head, reposing half
on land and half on water, she would lie with all a maiden's dreamy
thoughts of the unknown future, her clear blue eyes fixed on the starry
vault above, her every action a study of grace and poetry, until
Himingläfa's soft summons roused her, when springing again into life
and motion, the agile Duva excited new admiration in the sculptor's
mind as with the swiftness of a startled bird she flitted across the
water and disappeared with her sweet sister beneath the briny wave.
It is not given to me to say how Duva and Eothwald first became
acquainted; but it is certain that before the young sculptor had spent
many nights by the water's side, that innocent child of the sea grew to
know what it was that made the long hours pass so swiftly to Himingläfa
and Näcken, when they were together; for a feeling hitherto unknown
sprang up within her own simple breast, and taught her to welcome with
beating heart the appearance of her new friend.
What long happy hours they passed together by starlight and moonlight
on that river brink! How endless were the words they had to say to each
other in those stolen interviews! and yet, though all seemed so
untroubled, a secret care disturbed the peace of either loving bosom.
It is true that Duva had attempted to lighten hers by confiding it to
her lover, for early in their acquaintance she told him that she longed
to whisper in her mother's ear the story of her Eothwald, and to find
in the majestic Ran's motherly bosom a soft pillow whereon to still the
flutterings of her awakened heart; but in tones of displeasure the
young sculptor chid her childlike impulse, and went so far as to
threaten that should she ever breathe to her family the fact of his
existence, he could never seek her more.
Chilled and frightened at hearing Eothwald address her in accents such
as he had never used before, the gentle Duva tearfully promised to
comply with his request, and to conceal from all the knowledge of her
earthly lover. But the concealment preyed on her mind, and though in
his presence she forgot all save the bliss of being beloved, yet she
had for ever lost the joyous serenity of her early youth; while the
very look which roused her watchful mother's anxiety, gave her in her
lover's eye, a more etherial air of languor and grace.
Eothwald's secret care was widely different: he knew that his Duva
might in some terrible unknown manner have to suffer for his love; but
his anxiety was lest he should not succeed in obtaining her perfect
likeness, and thence partly came his reluctance to allow her to speak
of him to her people. He made sure they would remind her of the perils
of holding intercourse with mankind, and probably put a complete stop
to their clandestine meetings, now only carried on under the shadow of
the more legitimate attachment of Himingläfa and Näcken.
While the inexperienced Duva only knew and felt she loved, the more
worldly Eothwald gazed upon her with a critical and artistic eye, and
often sent a chill of cold presentiment to her very heart's core, when
to her gentlest words he vouchsafed no answer; but, absently scanning
her perfect form, would strive to compare and calculate in his mind the
accuracy of his progressing model in the cave.
He found it easy to obtain Duva's compliance with all his requests save
one; but it was for long in vain that he besought her to leave her
watery home. Many a time and oft they parted almost in anger, and the
poor little sea-nymph more than once weepingly entreated him sooner to
quit her for ever, and go back to his own kith and kind. But Eothwald
always returned afresh to the charge, for, besides his real attachment
to the gentle maid herself, he knew that could he but once behold her
fair proportions near him in the cave, he could successfully finish his
now nearly completed model; and, by imparting to it those life-like
touches which alone it required, he would be enabled to give to the
world for the first time the perfect image of a mermaiden. With true
artistic fervour he forgot his mortal love in the eager pursuit of his
immortal art, and, brought completely to a standstill by the harassing
intensity of his longing to have the living form at hand to aid him in
his work, he grew so unkind towards Duva that with saddened heart the
poor child promised to comply with his prayer, and arranged to
accompany him through the wood the following night, when the yellow
harvest moon would reign in her fullest beauty.
Words cannot paint the overflowing sorrow that oppressed the pale
mermaiden's heart that eventful day as she joined her parents and
sisters, for what an inward voice told her, was the last time. Old
Agir, her father, gathered her to his bosom, and pressed his little
Duva to tell her trouble, but with a forced smile she first nestled
closer to that protecting shoulder and then sprang half sobbing away,
and they thought she grieved over the approaching bridals of Näcken and
Himingläfa and the prospect of losing her favourite sister.
The wild young Kolga blew through her shell, and in her efforts to
cheer Duva made such a bubbling amid the water, that people passing in
boats far above the sea-king's palace, paused on their oars to watch
the agitated surface and thought they had discovered a new ocean
spring.
Häfring and Blodughadda caressed their little sister and playfully
asked her to choose whether they should all wear coral or pearls at
Himingläfa's wedding, but with trembling lip she turned away, unable to
trust her voice in answer to their laughing affection, and for the
first time they deemed their pet Duva was sullen. Ah! how little they
knew the aching throbs of pain that strangled her sweet voice and
silenced their sorrow-stricken playmate.
At last the hour of sunset drew near. Together, as usual, Himingläfa
and Duva rose to the surface of the darkening ocean, and soon were
greeted by the entrancing strains of Näcken's harp. Slowly Duva
disengaged herself from her sister's embrace and lingered long near the
companion, till now the sharer of every joy or care. But time's
relentless wheel rolled on, and through the woods by the river's brink
gleamed the golden radiance of the harvest moon, as the mermaiden at
length approached the shore where her lover kept anxious watch. With
joyful eagerness Eothwald greeted her, and in low trembling tones
whispered loving thanks into her ear; even then Duva would have
withdrawn her consent, but the impatient Eothwald, without pausing,
threw his strong arms around her, raised his beloved burden from the
glittering water, and bore her swiftly towards the cave.
A feeling of deadly sickness came over the little sea-maid as she was
thus lifted from her native element, but the soothing words of her
lover infused new life into her fainting frame, and in safety they
reached the cave, where Eothwald joyfully deposited his lovely charge
on the couch he had so long prepared for her use.
Uttering but scant welcome the sculptor flew rapidly to his work, for
already fatigue and exhaustion clouded the sweet eyes, that were wont
to sparkle so merrily, and spread a new languor over the limbs of his
exquisite model. With passionate energy Eothwald moulded his plastic
clay, completely forgetting in his ardour the unwonted position of the
sea-king's daughter, and her need of watchful tenderness.
A stranger in a new and untried world--a timid maiden strayed for the
first time far beyond the protecting care of parents and brethren, the
little Duva reclined amazed upon her fragrant bed of leaves. Strange
thrills were sent through her by the strong night perfumes exhaled on
every side from earthly leaf, tree, and flower.
At last she was upon that land about which from childhood she had
dreamed, with an eager desire to explore its forbidden mysteries. But
she thought not of these things, her whole heart was absorbed in
Eothwald. The young sculptor no longer gazed on her with the melting
eye of love. By the flickering light of the torch which shed its ruddy
glow over the cave, she could perceive the artist's glance now fixed on
his clay figure, now turned upon herself with a searching look of
restless dissatisfaction due in reality to the shortcomings of his own
handiwork, but which chilled and saddened Duva's sensitive heart.
[Illustration: EOTHWALD AND DUVA IN THE CAVE.
P. 102.]
Again and again the gentle maiden nerved her voice to speak, but
faintness overpowered her, and a dreamless sleep already fanned her
with its over-shadowing wings. Eothwald's form swam magnified before
her eyes, and then vanished altogether amid the mist of gathering
tears. The cave grew dim--the little sea-child again beheld the palace
of her father--her lovely sisters waved a mute welcome through the
changing atmosphere. With the tremulous sigh of a repentant child that
has erred, but returns with glad sorrow to fling itself on its mother's
breast, Duva, forgetting all save that joyful vision, stretched forth
her innocent arms with a low murmur of tenderness, and a gesture of
delight.
"Can you not remain as I placed you?" impatiently muttered the
sculptor, as the sudden movement of Duva's arms altered her whole
position, and lost irretrievably the graceful attitude he was striving
faithfully to immortalise. Even as he spoke, something about his
beloved alarmed him; he rushed across the cave, but ere he could touch
her, Duva's fair form had disappeared--she was gone!
The red torch flickered high, and suddenly expired. The moon's ray,
cold and pale, penetrated within the cave, and lo! upon the spot so
lately pressed by the enchanting figure of the poor little stranger,
pure and transparent in the silvery light, glistened a white pearly
shell, while a tiny rivulet stole silently from beneath it, and
trickled into the moonlit glen without.
Eothwald threw himself wildly on his knees, and felt the couch all over
in vain--in vain!--then in desperation he fled out into the wood and
searched for his lost love, breathing her name in fondest accents
through the silence of the night, but alas! awakening no response from
the desolate solitudes around him. Wearied and heart-broken he returned
at length from his fruitless errand, and sank into heavy slumber.
Hours had passed unheeded away, when with troubled recollection he
awoke and sprang to his feet. Gradually he remembered that in his
dreams Duva had again appeared to him. With bitter tears she
sorrowfully told him that his own thoughtless actions had parted them.
He first tempted her by mortal love to deceive and leave her fond
parents and her beloved home; then as he moulded his clay from her
beautiful form, in the self-abstraction of genius, he half forgot her
sacrifice, and neglected her tender spirit. Wounded and unable to
struggle against her altered condition of life without the comforting
care of her mortal lover, she had fallen a victim to the law that ruled
supreme over herself and her kindred, and lost her visible shape, which
became again transformed into the water, whence it originally sprang.
With streaming eyes she waved a long farewell, then, lovely as a
morning dream, faded from his view.
Eothwald flew back to his work with fierce energy; he felt indeed a
high soaring ambition. He yearned to represent worthily, to this and
future generations, the fair lineaments, the tender immortal beauty of
the sea-king's daughter, who had given him her simple young heart, and
whose affection he had so rudely requited. A solemn inward voice told
him he had no time to spend in useless remorse, or in unavailing
lamentation. Death's shadowy finger already beckoned him to the "silent
land." Grief had snapped the first chord of life's hitherto sweet
melody, and his days on earth were numbered.
He returned in a short space to his native city. His half-finished work
was slowly removed to the studio. There by day and by night he laboured
almost ceaselessly, and wove into a wild poetical dream the young life
of the fair Duva and her family, as she herself in days gone by had
frequently, half romancing and half in earnest, described it to him.
He designed a lofty fountain, and upon its six sides placed in groups
of wondrous imagery her parents, their nine lovely daughters, and the
young river-god Näcken, whose strains had first led him to his beloved.
As in his lonely studio he ceaselessly toiled, he wrote down at
intervals this explanation of his labours--that to all futurity might
be known the names and history of those whose divine beauty he thus
strove to commemorate.[2]
[2] The description of the different groups represented on
the fountain, is taken from a beautiful work of art, designed
and executed by Molin, a young Swedish sculptor of great
promise, now dead.
"Agir, the ocean god, who hates mankind, I represent in the prime of
life, with a long flowing beard, which he holds back with one hand, in
the other he grasps a sceptre. Enthroned on a gigantic shell, and
planting his foot on a dolphin, his handsome features wear an
expression of proud disdain.
"When the winter has passed (as our Northern poets have sung) and the
May sun melts the ice, the ships in the harbour lift their anchors
ready to sail, and only the wind is wanting. Thereupon Agir (who
delights in punishing the pride of mankind by robbing them of their
treasures--taking husbands from their homes, their wives, and their
children, and drowning the mourners in floods of bitter tears) calls to
his youngest daughter Kolga to begin the sport.
"In the next shell-like division of the fountain, I place Kolga, who,
with short rough hair and hoydenish action, distends to the full her
rosy cheeks as she blows through the valves of her shell a soft,
seductive wind, sufficient to swell the sails, and tempt the ill-fated
ships to sea. Above her, shrouded in her long veil, is the mysterious
and majestic Ran (Agir's princely consort, and the anxious mother of
his many children). She encourages Rönn, her second youngest, who
gently and dreamingly along the blue ripples stirs the first breath on
the calm waters. Häfring, Unn, and Bylgia, with the little water-elves
and sprites, help to raise the swelling seas until the waves are
mountains high.
"Then the hard-hearted and vindictive Boara (once scorned and deserted
by a mortal lover) crushes the prows to atoms. She delights in the
destruction of human handiwork, and is therefore portrayed with a
sternly beautiful though cruel countenance. Next Agir calls on
Blodughadda, enveloped in her long flowing tresses, to descend through
the deeper waters and secure the ships' rich treasures, for no lock or
key any longer protects them.
"But the fond father misses his favourite children, Himingläfa and
Duva; he loudly calls on Ran to tell him where they are. 'Alas,'
answers his queen, 'our daughters are held captive in the web of
Näcken; up there, on the fresh water-stream, they float, like one
charmed, listening to his melodious song. I have begged and threatened,
but all in vain. Methinks one or both of them is befooled by first
love.'
"Then Agir arose in fearful rage, calling upon his remaining daughters
to entice Näcken forth from the precincts of his grotto (which, being
in fresh water, was beyond the sea-king's domain) into the deep ocean,
there to take him captive, and deliver their sisters from his thraldom.
"So they all float on, displaying their charms like roses and lilies
playing on the waters: their beautiful dishevelled hair, their graceful
forms, their coral chains, their strings of pearls, triumphantly making
sure of enticing the hapless youth into the salt waters. But no sooner
have they reached the entrance to the grotto, than behold! a youth,
divinely beautiful, is seen. Harp in hand, he sings a soft, melancholy
strain with the purest of voices. The beauteous sisters, scarce moving,
tarry on the heaving waters, and listen, entranced, to his
heart-thrilling song.
"Awakening from his own love-dreams as he marks the approach of
Himingläfa's lovely sisters, the young river-god sings of his happy
youth, when amid green meadows, and under verdant trees, he listened
to the melodies of birds, and learnt from them the sweet art of
song--until, restless and eager for change, he wandered forth from
his early home into the wide world, with endless longing for the
unattainable. To punish his presumption, he was at length condemned
only to exist in water, and became the genius of running streams.
Thus he pours out his lament in strains so moving, that even the wild
swan is arrested in her flight, and the daughters of Agir, deeply
enthralled, heedless of their parents' call to action, remain
motionless before the grotto, allowing ships and mariners to sail by
in perfect calm.
"At length, Agir and Ran, angry and impatient, hasten towards them,
when, enchanted like their children, by Näcken's exquisite lay, they
also remain to listen, forgetful of the time and of the passing hours,
till daylight breaks suddenly upon them. The relentless laws of fate
forbidding their escape (if found within fresh water at sunrise), they
all then become spell-bound."
Such was the description Eothwald wrote of his wondrous fountain, on
which Näcken still dreams on, harp in hand, singing of the days of
yore. The beautiful Himingläfa leans forward, modestly drawing her
long tresses across her white shoulders, drinking in, with downcast
eyes, every intonation of her betrothed. The child-like Duva, adorned
as when the sculptor first beheld her, with long strands of priceless
pearls intertwined on hair, neck, and bosom, raises herself from the
water in the attitude he had studied a thousand times, and half
surrounds her beloved sister with her arm, listening intently, as on
that well-remembered evening, to Näcken's heart-thrilling music. No
shadow of future sorrow clouds Duva's fair brow; but moulded in all
the fresh innocence of her dewy youth, she remains to this hour the
loveliest mermaiden that ever gladdened mortal eye.
The shell she left upon the couch of leaves, the artist introduced
again and again in his labour of love, and indeed took from its shape
the designs for the six sides of his fountain, the figures on which
were the size of life.
At last the story of Duva's early life was given. Raised from ocean,
cavern, and grotto by Eothwald's genius, her family were immortalized
by his art. The sculptor's task was completed. In a paroxysm of agony,
he fell on his knees as he realized that though instinct with life his
inspired work arose in all its chill perfection before him, yet the
living, loving, lovely mermaiden would never more greet him with her
warm, shy smile, and her low, tender voice.
At daybreak the old housekeeper came to light the studio fire; for
it was now winter-time, and the snow lay thick upon the ground. By
the first dim ray of light she descried Eothwald kneeling before his
finished sculpture. Her heart misgave her; he was her foster-child--dear
to her as her own. She stumbled forward and touched his arm; it was
cold and motionless as his own marble figures. Then a loud cry of grief
told the tale of death. Eothwald was no more. His immortal spirit had
fled. Whether in the regions of the unknown invisible world he may once
more meet and clasp his Duva to his breast by the blessed waters of
Paradise, we cannot tell, but such may be the merciful will of that
loving Father who watches unceasingly over the creatures of his hand,
and feels a divine sympathy in their sorrows.
One of Eothwald's hands rested on the word Duva, which he had finished
chiselling beneath his beauteous beloved. In his other hand was found,
fast clasped--so fast indeed that they could not remove it from his
stiffened fingers--a gleaming white pearly shell.
FIDO AND FIDUNIA.
Once within a deep and gloomy forest there dwelt a lonely maiden. She
had never known any companionship but that of nature, animate and
inanimate. She loved the birds, the shy playful squirrels, and all the
various animals, which having always known her there, friendly and
harmless, regarded her in their turn, with trustful affection.
It made no difference in their feelings towards the young girl that she
was not beautiful. Her thick sandy hair hung in coarse straight elf
locks on her shoulders. Her skin looked rough, and her features were
not prepossessing. But these poor ignorant creatures only noticed that
her voice was low and exceeding sweet. When she stooped to fondle the
frolicsome rabbits, or perchance to bind up the leg of some wounded
hare, they thought her tender fingers wondrous soft, and her warm cheek
felt very smooth to them as she pressed it against their furry coats,
and pettingly coaxed them to linger a moment on her lap.
Strange to say, though the little maid had no distinct remembrance of
human fellowship, yet she spoke in silvery tones a language which you
or I, dear children, should very well understand.
She dwelt in the hollow of an old tree, and few were the wants of her
simple life. A clear spring, bubbling up among the rocks near at hand,
in the centre of an open grassy space, formed a natural bath, where
every morning, undisturbed by fear of man, she bathed herself, and
wrung the water from her dripping tresses.
In summer time she often slept high up between the forked branches of a
mighty cedar-pine, where with sticks and long grass she had woven
herself a sort of nest. From hence also she could contemplate the
stars, between whom and herself there ever seemed a link of sympathy.
To her untaught imagination it appeared that the heavenly luminaries
were happy in being among others of their kind. Whereas, had she but
known it, each one of those seemingly tiny lights glowed myriads of
miles apart from its nearest neighbour.
Fidunia dwelt serene, content with her lot; yet it was only natural
that in her maturing bosom the yearning instincts of womanhood should
awake, and that she longed, with an intensity of which she herself was
hardly aware, for some creature to whom she could recount, and with
whom she could share, the pleasures and pains of her solitary life.
In the forest where she had her home there were no great alternations
of heat and cold, nor was the length of the days so different as we
find it in our own more northerly climate. Still it was spring-time in
this land of which I speak. The fair soft tread of summer already sent
a reviving thrill through the woods and glades, and Fidunia's thoughts
turned anew to her forlorn condition.
She remarked, as was her wont, the habits of the brute-world around.
Every bird had its mate. The sober rooks perambulated the green sward
in pairs. The thrush wooed his love in songs of gushing melody. The
tender turtle-doves cooed ceaselessly to each other. The very mole that
burrowed by the fountain side, brought a sable bride to enjoy with him
the hidden comforts of his subterranean dwelling.
Fidunia sat and pondered over these things. Again and again she tried,
like Narcissus, to see her image in the crystal spring. But kind
nature, careful to spare the little maid a needless pang, ruffled the
translucent surface so perpetually, that the young girl's face only
cast a dancing shadow on the bubbling water amid the rocks.
Baffled in her hopes of even a shadowy companion, Fidunia, with a tear
in her eye, murmured "Alone, ever alone! Ah, cruel fate! How I sigh for
something really to love me."
Awhile she remained motionless, gazing moodily into the troubled
spring, but anon her quick ear caught the pattering sound of little
feet upon the dead beech-leaves that formed a rich carpet near at hand.
She thought it was the squirrels, yet theirs was a bounding lighter
tread. She turned--and, lo! running towards her across the open space,
she saw a beautiful dog. In colour he was almost golden; his silky hair
fell soft as feathery down on either side of his little body. His tail
and ears of darker chestnut tinge imparted piquancy to his shape. His
paws were exquisitely clean, and covered with lovely hair. His
brilliant dark brown eyes shone with extraordinary intelligence--at
least, so Fidunia thought--as the little fellow slowly trotted up and
stood before her, wagging his bushy tail.
"Art thou come to be my companion?" the maiden joyfully cried. In
answer to her question, the small quadruped came nearer still, and very
very gently laid himself down at her feet. His mute gesture was most
expressive.
Fidunia surveyed him carefully, she thought she saw the marks of
sadness in his wistful countenance--he gambolled not around her, nor
attempted to lick her hand, but fixing on her his large anxious eyes,
seemed to implore permission to remain by her side. Naturally fearless
and fond of animals, Fidunia drew him upon her knee, and gently
stroking the while his silky coat she asked him "whence he came, where
his home, and what his name." The little creature could not reply in
human tongue, but he continued to wag his eloquent tail, and to gaze
earnestly in her face.
"If you are going to be my companion, I must know what to call you,"
said the wondering maiden. "My name is Fidunia," added she
dreamily--but at this last word the dog sprang from her lap to the
ground, and assumed a begging attitude in front of the little damsel.
"Nay, nay, my dear doggie, I cannot call you Fidunia," cried she, but,
after a moment's reflection, "would not 'Fido' do as well?"
Hardly had this name dropped from her lips than the wise animal bounded
into the air, and then ran round and round in a manner most expressive
of joy. Fidunia delighted, clapped her hands, and as at this well-known
signal all her feathered and furred friends came trooping around to
enquire her will, she at once introduced Fido to their notice, and an
alliance offensive and defensive was forthwith agreed upon between the
community at large, and their mistress's new favourite.
Ere long Fidunia discovered that her comrade was both active and
playful, and though he could not speak her language nor she understand
his, and she therefore never discovered his previous history, yet she
surmised that he must have been separated from some one he dearly
loved. For this reason she bore patiently with his occasional fits of
low spirits. Soothed and cheered by her gentle companionship and
thoughtful sympathy, Fido, before very long forgot his sorrows, and
became the gayest of the gay.
Echoes hitherto unknown to Fidunia in the solemn forest, were roused by
his shrilly bark of joy, as capering round his young mistress, they
wandered together far adown those sylvan glades. Fidunia could now
indeed venture farther from home, as however long they roamed abroad,
the dog's wondrous instinct always led them back to the gnarled tree,
the crystal fountain, and the green velvety lawn, for so many years the
little maiden's happy abode.
She soon discovered that Fido was very accomplished in various
ways--and she fancied also that he understood all she said to him--he
watched so keenly every word that fell from her lips.
About this time strange dreams began to haunt the young girl. Night
after night she wandered in regions such as she never remembered to
have seen in her waking hours.
At one time she walked amid beautiful gardens--on either side of her
bloomed a rich profusion of lovely fragrant flowers. Within each sweet
floweret lurked a tiny elf, and as she passed along, fairies swung
themselves forth singing through the perfume laden air in soft musical
tones, "King Antiphates is blind! King Antiphates is blind! and the
maid who alone can deliver him knows not her mission!"
At another time she climbed painfully along a steep path, leading
through scenes perfectly unknown to her. The hot sun beat on her bare
head, and she toiled on and on, ever ascending, yet never reaching the
craggy summit towering far above. Beneath her feet, an unfathomable
ocean surged and swelled, and broke in hoarse grumblings upon the
frowning iron-bound shore, sending vast sheets of spray aloft, and
awakening strange terrors in the woodland maiden's breast. White
screaming sea-birds dashed around her, and as they brushed her face
with their wings, she heard them cry wildly, "The great king is blind,
only Fidunia can deliver him--but she knows it not! she knows it not!"
Again the little maiden found herself upon a lonely terrible mountain.
She stood upon dismal rocks whereon appeared no vestige of life. Tossed
and wreathed in fantastic shapes, the very stones seemed to bear the
impress of writhing agony. Though now cold and motionless, they had
passed through the seething horrors of fire. Scathed and withered,
repulsive alike to man, beast and herb, amid their desolate clefts,
only the slimy reptile traced his sinuous course; or the bright-eyed
lizard peered warily forth on the shuddering beholder. Turning to
escape, if possible, from this dreary place, Fidunia found herself on
the very verge of a huge chasm. She felt a burning heat scorch her
face, and penetrate her feet. Long tongues of horrid flame darted in
lurid flashes from the thick darkness below. A sulphurous vapour
enveloped her in its hot and suffocating fumes. She endeavoured to cry
for help, but could not utter a sound--an echo like the reverberating
growl of distant thunder filled the air around her with these words,
"He will never see now, for the maiden dreams away her life in the
forest, and knows not that she alone can save him."
[Illustration: FIDO AND FIDUNIA.
P. 123.]
From this last and most frightful of all her visions, Fidunia woke
agitated and confused. Why were words of the same import evermore
repeated in her slumbers? Whence came these awful voices that sounded
through the gloom of night? Who was the Antiphates whose misfortune was
known, as it seemed, to all the world save herself? It was early
morning as she sat up and pondered over these things. Her feverish
heart was refreshed by the dewy silence around. Only through the trees
came the faint twitter of half awakened birds. The sky, brightening
towards the East, heralded the approach of sunrise.
Her resolve was taken. She would set off that very day and journey
forth into the unknown world which hitherto she had only visited in
dreams. She awoke Fido therefore, and explained to him despite his
melancholy dissuading looks, that they must leave the fountain, the
lawn, and the tree, and travel far beyond the forest to seek their
fortunes among the children of men.
Clapping her hands together, she summoned her faithful forest friends,
who sorrowfully accompanied their beloved mistress and her companion as
far as their strength would permit, then bade them a melancholy
farewell.
Quite overcome by losing sight (perchance for ever) of her sylvan home
and her attached little subjects, Fidunia that night sobbed herself to
sleep, with Fido in her arms, and half regretted her determination. But
in her dreams angels hovered over her, and whispered encouragement to
the weary sad-hearted maiden.
For several days more the adventurers journeyed through the dense wood.
At night they found shelter in some leaf-strewn cave or upon some mossy
bank, beneath over-arching trees. Then the innocent pair, under the
protection of heaven, slumbered until day's reviving beams once more
cheered them on their way.
At length one afternoon they drew near the out-skirts of the vast
forest within whose mighty depths they had so long sojourned. The
setting sun reddened the stems of the tall out-standing firs, and the
scent of fallen pine leaves hung rich and heavy on the air, as they
left the shade of the trees and stepped on to a wide stretching common.
Fidunia, bewildered by the apparently illimitable space before her,
stopped perplexed and half wished to retrace her steps; but Fido
bounded on, entreating her by unmistakeable signs to follow him.
After crossing some old sand-pits, and scrambling across an expanse of
furze and heather, they saw before them a small cottage; blue smoke
curled cosily above it into the still evening sky; an atmosphere of
peace seemed to surround the lowly walls. As they approached, however,
a large flock of geese and poultry of all kinds, disturbed by their
footsteps, made a terrible cackling, and presently a hale old woman
opened the door, and came out to see what agitated her flock.
Fidunia, accustomed to the ways of birds, had already taken from her
wallet some of the seeds she was wont to collect for her feathered
forest friends. The geese, well pleased, quickly gathered round, and
eagerly fed from her hand.
Meanwhile, Fido gambolled up to the cottage dame, and begged before her
as if to solicit her good-will. Thus, propitiating mistress and fowls,
the little maid and her dog were kindly made welcome for the night by
the ancient hen-wife.
Next morning, refreshed and thankful, they prepared to resume their
journey. The good dame now asked Fidunia her history, and whither she
was bound; the young girl replied evasively that she only wished to see
the world, and was going with her dog to seek their fortunes.
"Nay, my child, that is not all," said the old woman; "tell me, I pray
you, the exact truth." So saying, she fixed so keen, yet withal so
friendly a glance upon the maiden's blushing countenance, that moved by
a sudden impulse, Fidunia poured forth her whole story.
Her hostess listened carefully to her long account, and then resumed:
"You have done well to confide in me; I am more powerful than my mean
surroundings would lead you to imagine. I would fain have kept from you
the dreams that have broken the peaceful charm of the forest, and set
you wandering. I have, however, sisters who are otherwise minded, and
they (to work out their own purposes) have sent these visions to harass
and perplex you. I was anxious to know how much had been revealed, and
therefore threw myself in your way to help you. My intentions, however,
would have been frustrated had not you, dear maiden, given me
straightforward answers.
"The King Antiphates, of whom you have heard in your dreams, dwells, in
reality, in the great City of Deva. You will come to it in time if you
travel along the high-road, which you can discover beyond that clump of
firs," continued she, pointing through the open door to a little hill
at some distance. "I am unable to render you more assistance at
present, but if, after reaching the far-off city, you are ever in great
straits, take this crystal from your bosom (where you must always carry
it, concealed from every eye, or it will lose its virtue); place it in
the palm of your hand, fix your eyes steadfastly upon it, repeating,
meanwhile, in a low tone, these words:--
"Strange gem! upon thy crystal core
I gaze, the while I aid implore;
Trembling upon the verge of fate,
Oh point my path ere yet too late!
I fain would gain the boon I ask,
Is mine the strength for such a task?
Canst thou unloose the links that bind,
Or vanquish powerful foes combined?
Then, show whate'er there lurks of art
Within thine own mysterious heart;
On thee I turn a hopeful eye,
Bright stone of silence, make reply!"
So saying, she drew from her own breast a beautiful sparkling prism,
about the size of a pigeon's egg, and gave it, with some solemnity of
manner, to her wondering guest. Deeply grateful, Fidunia threw her arms
round the kind Anna's neck, and warmly thanked her for the precious
talisman. With the good woman's aid she then committed to memory the
needful lines.
When she had successfully mastered them, the old wife drew her hand
across her eyes, and resumed, in a somewhat trembling tone, "I know not
wherefore you interest me so strangely, my little maid; but if you will
be advised by one who has drained the cup of earthly pleasure to its
very dregs, return, as yet innocent and inexperienced, with your
faithful companion to the quiet joys of your peaceful forest; nor seek,
amid the busy haunts of men, those more exciting scenes where many a
grief and anxiety must of necessity be yours."
She paused; how could she cast a blight over the joyousness of that
poor unsuspecting heart by explaining to Fidunia that maidens, plain in
feature, and devoid of dowry, have oftentimes, from no fault of their
own, but a sorry lot in this hard world compared with that of their
lovelier or more wealthy sisters?
Clothed in her long, grey dress, Fidunia still knelt at Dame Anna's
knee; the light from the cottage window fell full on her rough sunburnt
face; her straw-coloured hair contrasted unfavourably with her dark
reddish skin, and though her eyes were in some measure expressive of
the gentle spirit within, yet their faint colour, and the absence of
visible eyebrow or eyelash, detracted seriously from their possible
charm. Her figure was not ungraceful, but her strangely-fashioned robes
(which, prettily donned by some fairer being, could have given a
certain _bizarre_ attraction of their own) were but ill calculated
to add comeliness to the young girl's unformed limbs and tanned though
shapely hands.
As the compassionate dame hesitated, unwilling to speak too bitterly to
Fidunia of nature's apparent injustice, her young guest laughingly
replied, "Thank you, kind mother; but I could not now remain satisfied
without seeking my fate in the unknown world. I shall never forget your
promise, however, but seek your aid with this amulet in the hour of
need. Yet," added she, "ere I and my dog leave your friendly hearth, we
will do our best to afford you some small return for the hospitality
you have shown us."
Fidunia and Fido, who had a thousand times alone together practised
various little tricks, now went through many evolutions before the
delighted old woman.
First, said the little maid, "What will you do for your mistress?" No
sooner had she asked this question, than the dog fell mute, and
apparently lifeless, at her feet. His stiffened limbs made it plain
that he would willingly "die" for her dear sake. Bidding him revive,
Fidunia then drew from her pocket one of the chestnuts she kept for the
purpose. When the little fellow caught sight of this, he "begged" for
it, but his mistress was obdurate. He then "jumped" high into the air
to try and win his plaything; still in vain. Next he "asked" for it in
doggish fashion, by loudly barking. Fidunia remained relentless. But
now a sudden thought seemed to strike the clever animal. Raising
himself once more on his hind-legs, he uttered such a tuneful howl--his
apology for "singing"--that his mistress, with a pretended sigh, was
fain to reward him by placing the promised guerdon upon the ground.
Instead of rushing upon it, however, Fido, in an exceedingly graceful
attitude, bent his head on one side, and gravely "considered" the
desired reward. His meditations coinciding with his wishes, at the word
of command he dashed nimbly forward, seized the round nut, threw it up
in the air, and caught it again and again; playing, in fact, by himself
a game of ball. Finally, he laid the prize gently down at his comrade's
feet to demonstrate that no matter what he won, he would be content to
surrender all he possessed to her care.
Dame Anna, delighted with the pretty dog's sagacity, caressed and
praised him, and, after amply provisioning his little mistress for the
journey, wished them both God-speed on their way. She strictly enjoined
Fidunia to refrain from mentioning this adventure, and advised her also
to keep her dreams to herself, and only enquire as she went along, for
the great city of Deva. Leaning over her low garden-gate, surrounded by
her long-billed and splay-footed court, the kind henwife long watched
her late guests as they crossed the bleak common, and reached the small
clump of trees which she had pointed out to them as a landmark on their
way to the desired haven.
Soon after passing the summit crowned by these few lonely firs, Fidunia
stepped on to a broad high-road, which she at once recognized as that
described by their good friend, and leading to the capital of the
country.
They now walked on and on for a weary time. The hot sun poured down its
noontide rays, the dust arose in parching clouds, and followed with the
wind their flagging footsteps.
At last they came to a part of the road bounded by a stone wall. On the
other side lay a beautiful green park, stretching far away in upland
slopes of rich pasturage. Fatigued and footsore, Fidunia and her little
dog clambered over the fence, and composed themselves comfortably to
rest in the soft grass. Sheltered from the mid-day heat in their seat
among low brushwood and high overshadowing trees, they gratefully
partook of the food pressed on them ere their departure by the worthy
cottage wife.
Half playing, half teaching her faithful companion, Fidunia held aloft
a little bit of meat in one hand, while with the other she bent down
the branch of a neighbouring tree, over which Fido at her gentle
command, bounded nimbly backwards and forwards.
Suddenly, a loud, harsh voice exclaimed, "What business have you here?
No tramps are allowed in my park."
Looking timidly round, Fidunia beheld a stout, red-faced,
grizzle-haired man, in leathern gaiters, who angrily threatened herself
and Fido with an uplifted stick. Absolutely terrified by this, her
first experience of man, poor Fidunia felt as if glued to the spot. She
could not move hand or foot. A surging tide of red blood rushed over
her face and neck, and covered the poor child of nature with confusion.
Had she looked beautiful in her distress, perhaps the rough proprietor
might have treated her more tenderly. As it was, increasing in
violence, he drew nearer still, when Fido, who already bristled with
rage, flew upon him, and ere he could lay hands upon his trembling
mistress, fixed his sharp white teeth apparently in the fierce
stranger's leg; but, luckily for the savage Baron, Fido's jaws only met
in his legging.
Coward, as well as bully, the rough man changed his tone and implored
Fidunia to call off her dog. Recovered from her first terror, the
little maid beckoned to Fido to follow her, and ere this selfish squire
could look calmly about him, she had flown nimbly over the wall,
followed by her dog.
They both ran a considerable way in their terror, not knowing that the
friendly Anna (in reality a good fairy) had thrown so much dust in the
rude Baron's eyes, that confused and bewildered, he knew not which way
the intruders had escaped, but continued to search for them with wicked
words and impotent threats long after they had left him and his
inhospitable domains behind.
Meantime the travellers pursued their way until, worn out and hungry,
they came, towards nightfall, into a small hamlet upon the great
high-road.
The village inn, with its gay painted sign of the "Golden Boar"
flapping to and fro in the evening breeze, stood invitingly open.
Fidunia approached its threshold. The spruce landlady, airing herself
with arms akimbo at the open door, stared hard at the little maiden as
she paused longingly in front of the steps. "Can you pay for a night's
lodging?" she asked in a matter of fact tone. Alas, no--poor Fidunia
possessed not one single piece of that hitherto unneeded money--without
which she was soon to find she could gain nothing in the pleasant world
she had so longed to explore.
She sorrowfully passed the cheerful preparations for wayfarers better
supplied than herself with all-conquering gold, and heart-sore and
weary sat herself down on an old stump of wood outside the village
smithy.
Here, however, she soon forgot her fatigue for a while in watching the
red furnace, and the grimy fire-illumined men who moved briskly to and
fro, striking bright sparks from the glowing metal. They interested her
strangely by their easy motions of power, and apparently inexhaustible
store of latent strength. She was gradually recalled to herself,
however, by perceiving that she and Fido had become the centre of
attraction to a gathering crowd. The children accustomed to cluster
round the entrance of the warm and busy workshop now turned their
attention to this solitary maiden, and the beautiful dog, which,
standing before her, ever on the alert, seemed ready to guard his
mistress to the death.
The heated smith, coming for a moment to cool himself at the
half-barred entrance, found an inquisitive group pressing round the
young girl, regardless of Fido's low growls, as with hair on end and
quivering tail, he prepared to spring on anyone who might touch or
insult her.
Of a kindly and generous nature, and ever ready to befriend the
helpless, Master Franz stepped up to the stranger and civilly asked her
pleasure.
Fidunia, frightened, as well she might be, by the rude remarks of the
gaping village girls, exclaimed in a tearful voice, "Oh, sir, I know
not where to go for a night's lodging, I and my poor dog, we are
travelling to the great city of Deva, but we are tired, and unable to
journey farther this day." Franz, sorely puzzled, looked around in vain
for help or counsel. He knew better than the shivering little maid
before him what rustic gossip meant. A stalwart bachelor living all
alone above his smithy, he himself, however compassionate, could offer
no shelter to the poor wanderers. A sudden thought struck him. "Come
with me," he cried, "to my good friend Dorothy of the "Golden Boar;" I
warrant me she will blithely give thee food and lodging for the night."
"Kind, sir," answered the poor girl sorrowfully, "I have no money to
offer to the good lady of the inn, and she has already bidden me from
her door; but," continued Fidunia timidly, "I and my dog are able to
make some few passes together, which might give amusement to the worthy
Dorothy, and even induce her to grant us leave to rest for the night
beneath her roof."
The friendly Franz chuckled with delight as he exclaimed, "By my
halidome, damsel, thy words are well-flavoured. Dame Dorothy shall give
to thee and thy pretty beast a hearty meal; and then, my mates," he
added, turning to the assembled villagers, "we will step up to the
"Golden Boar" when our labours for the day are ended, and see whether
we cannot help the maiden and her dog on their voyage."
At these words Fidunia felt greatly comforted, and she and Fido
fearlessly retraced their steps in the wake of the burly smith.
Dame Dorothy had long ere this left her door, and was now engaged in
the great kitchen superintending with her own hands the preparation of
a savoury pie, which somehow or other she hoped Master Franz would that
very evening help her to consume. Her old husband had been gathered to
his fathers many months agone. Since his death the worthy woman often
felt the hours after dark pass very slowly. No one knew this
interesting fact better than the shrewd yet simple smith, who, early or
late, felt sure of a warm welcome whenever he crossed the comfortable
threshold of the "Golden Boar."
When the landlady heard steps in her passage, a slight cloud of
annoyance rose to her brow--for what mistress likes to be interrupted
in her mysterious culinary rites? The incipient frown, however,
speedily changed to a smile as Franz's broad figure appeared in the
doorway. With a "welcome, neighbour," she hurriedly stooped to shut the
oven door, an exertion which called additional colour into her round
healthy cheek.
"Friend Dorothy," said Franz, "I bring thee this forlorn maiden; for my
sake thou wilt refresh her and her dog. I must away. I have a coat of
mail in hand that cannot be left; but anon I will return." So saying,
and without pausing for queries or doubts, the brawny smith
disappeared, leaving in his place the weary drooping Fidunia and her
little comrade.
Dorothy cast a keen scrutinizing glance on the young girl, eagerly
scanning her form and features. Reassured by the brief inspection, her
eye travelled back to the polished mirror by the fire which reflected
her own buxom charms. With some complacency she readjusted the snowy
coif (slightly disarranged by her labours), over her brilliant black
hair, and wiping her hands upon the rough apron assumed for
kitchen-work, she turned towards Fidunia, and in no unkindly voice bade
her welcome.
Nor did she do this by halves. She exerted herself with real good will.
Before long, rested, comforted and composed, the little maid sat by her
new friend, and, while she fondled her faithful Fido, she related her
adventures (always excepting her possession of the talisman and her
dreams) to the wondering Dorothy.
But now Franz, true to his promise, returned, bringing with him many of
the villagers; for the fame of the stranger and her beautiful companion
had spread apace, and a rumour indeed had been set afloat that the
animal was gifted with supernatural powers. Refreshed and inspirited,
Fidunia and her dog went joyfully through all the exercises previously
described. Besides this, she borrowed a kerchief from Dorothy. She then
put Fido out of the room and closed the door, carefully concealing the
white ensign in the blacksmith's wide hanging pocket. She next called
her favourite; with eager zest he burst open the half-latched door, and
ran round and round the chamber sniffing in every direction. At last,
after a long search, he was successful, and amid loud shouts of
surprise and delight drew forth from the depths of Franz's coat the
blushing Dorothy's badge, the good man the while looking not one whit
more composed than his hostess. Fidunia then neatly folded up the
kerchief; and Fido, bearing it in his mouth, lightly sprang on the
landlady's knee and placed it gently in her hand.
They repeated similar tricks over and over again. Hearty plaudits were
showered on the sagacious dog and his youthful mistress, who, flitting
to and fro in anxious excitement, and finding herself impeded in her
swift motions by the long folds of her grey robe, drew them in a hasty
yet picturesque fashion through her waist-belt. Flushed and animated by
the friendly approval manifested on all sides, she now stooped forward,
wreathing her arms into a natural hoop, through which Fido flew
backwards and forwards with frolicsome ardour. Nor was this all, for
the trim landlady, in answer to an earnest whisper, also rose. Clasping
hands with the stranger maiden, she soon learnt how to twist and
retwist beneath her own and Fidunia's arms in a quaint manner that
Franz and his comrades thought exceedingly bewitching. At the same time
Fido, watching his opportunity, continually sprang between Dorothy and
his mistress, thus making a merry third in this pretty exhibition.
As they at last paused, exhausted and laughing over their own
exertions, the swart blacksmith stood forth in their midst. In sober
manly tones he addressed his neighbours, and gave them an outline of
Fidunia's history, as he had gathered it from herself and from Dorothy.
He explained, that she was travelling to the great city of Deva, but
that, friendless and forlorn, she was destitute of the money requisite
to procure for herself and her companion the necessaries of life. He
added, that since the little maid and her pretty favourite had given
them so much pleasure, he considered that it would only be making her a
fair return if he and his fellows collected a small sum to help their
guest on her way.
His well-timed appeal met with an enthusiastic response. Grey-haired
old men, tender-hearted mothers carrying their babes, blooming young
wenches with their awkward rustic swains, all pressed around to deposit
in Franz's cap their hard-earned yet freely-bestowed mite for the
astonished maiden. The children whispering their thanks into Fido's
willing ear, threw their soft little arms around his neck, and pressed
their chubby faces on his coat of golden silk.
The bustling landlady meantime bestirred herself and her household, and
ere long set before the company the pie she had already prepared, with
sundry enticing concomitants. Foaming tankards, moreover, were placed
on the board, wherein the villagers deeply pledged the wanderer and her
inseparable companion.
Overcome with gratitude, Fidunia could only murmur half-inarticulate
thanks to her kind friends, as they warmly shook her by the hand. They
patted Fido also, as she raised him in her arms to conceal her blushing
face, and wished them both every success on their journey.
Nothing is so alluring to a man as the sight of the woman in whom his
heart is already interested, engaged in works of benevolence and
charity. Dorothy's second thoughts regarding Fidunia stood her in good
stead on that eventful evening. Her softened voice, as she encouraged
and soothed Fido and his shy mistress, sounded unusually sweet to the
rough blacksmith's ear. When she smiled good-night to the villagers,
placing the while a friendly hand on Fidunia's shoulder, Franz, for the
first time, thought her face actually beautiful. Though no words passed
between them, Dorothy, when she laid her head on her pillow, felt a
glad thrill of joy as she recalled the warm parting clasp of that hard
and honest hand.
In long after years, when Franz and Dorothy reigned together over the
far-famed "Golden Boar," surrounded by a blooming family and blessed
with peace and plenty, the prosperous wife and mother, in the fulness
of her joy, often wiped a tear from her eye as she remembered the true
kindness first shown by her husband to the poor stranger. A kindness
that had melted her own harder heart, and (undeservedly for her) led to
the happiest days of her life. No wayfarer was ever again turned away
from the open door of the hostelry. Heaven increased fourfold the
worldly possessions of the honest couple who liberally shared their
portion with the poor and the needy.
Followed by the good wishes, and laden with the unexpected gifts
conferred upon her by her kind benefactors, Fidunia next day set forth
once more upon her solitary journey--solitary, at least, so far as
human society was concerned. But this strange girl never considered
herself lonely while she had her intelligent though canine
fellow-traveller. Now bounding far before his young mistress, now
lingering in her rear or trotting quietly along by her side, Fido gave
her an astonishing sense of companionship and protection.
For many days they continued to traverse long tracts of beautiful
undulating country. At night they always found shelter in some humble
farm or cottage. Constant and unfailing were the bounties showered
around the gentle maiden and her fascinating dog, when in gratitude for
hospitality received they went through their performances together. The
money collected by Franz was like the contents of the widow's cruse. As
fast as the purse grew empty it was refilled.
Fidunia knew not that her ill-favoured countenance protected her from
many a rough jest and coarse compliment. But it was so; her modest
demeanour and unassuming ways rendered her less effectual service in
preserving her from insult than her want of beauty. Nor was the young
girl as yet conscious that she lacked those personal charms without
which life may sometimes become so bitter to the sensitive heart.
During the last days of their journey, the high road gradually led the
travellers towards the ocean. Fidunia paused, therefore, one morning,
amazed at the beauty and novelty of the scene before her. The road
emerging from wooded valleys turned abruptly to the right along the
summit of perpendicular cliffs some two or three hundred feet in
height. At their base, the blue main, hitherto unknown to the
forest-bred maiden, broke in tiny ripples on the silver sands. It was a
tideless expanse of sea, and therefore no unsightly marks of ebbing
waters strewed the beach. Only a long bright undulating line showed
where the unstable element found its limits and mother-earth claimed
her own.
Resting on the bosom of the mighty deep, and looming indistinctly
through summer haze, Fidunia saw the azure outline of a fair and
distant island. There also, gleaming faint across the broad bay, her
eager longing eyes at last discerned the white environs of the
far-famed city of Deva. After revelling for some moments in the glad
beautiful prospect, Fidunia hastened her footsteps, well knowing she
had still several miles to traverse before she could reach the town, in
which she hoped to sleep that night.
It was very pleasant to trip gaily along the grass by the roadside,
with a lovely view before her, and fresh sea-breezes to fan her brow as
she sped swiftly on. But as the day advanced, the heat grew oppressive.
Again leaving the sea, the pathway led them by degrees from the midst
of abundant vegetation into an arid and desolate region. Absorbed in
hopeful musings, Fidunia did not for some time observe the change of
scene. At last a sense of oppression made her look around. The
stillness was frightful. No sounds of tuneful ocean saluted her ear; no
melodious birds charmed, as heretofore, the wayfarer with their
thrilling notes. All was mute and silent as the grave.
Fido, with drooping tail and disconsolate bearing, paced soberly beside
her, casting doubtful glances around. With a sudden shudder Fidunia
recognised some of the horrid features last seen in her forest visions.
Here were the wreathed and fantastic shapes she remembered too well,
the wildly tossed, the bare and herbless rocks. There, as she
doubtfully raised her eyes to its summit (now visible through the
opening gorge), was a cloud of black smoke, issuing from the very
mountain round whose base they were journeying.
Appalled by this vivid resemblance, and seeing before her an apparently
endless continuance of a similar loathly landscape, Fidunia's trembling
and really wearied limbs refused to carry her farther. Looking around
for a resting-place, she was compelled to seat herself in the road
itself, for a creeping sensation came over her as she caught sight of
the bright-eyed lizards peeping between the rocks near at hand, and
surmised that the snakes of her dream could not be far off.
Fido came and lay down beside her quite subdued, and she opened their
little store of cold roast chestnuts and other provisions neatly packed
in her wallet. While she was thus employed, forcing her thoughts from
the surrounding desert, by endeavouring to play with her dog over each
morsel of their food, they all at once heard the tramp of approaching
horses.
Fido, though seemingly hungry, dropped his untasted meat on the ground.
Pricking his ears, he listened acutely to the distant sounds, uttering
the while a low growl. Nearer and nearer rang the iron hoofs along the
hard metal causeway. At length, sweeping rapidly past the corner
Fidunia herself had so recently rounded, she beheld a splendid
cavalcade.
Beckoning to Fido, she sprang alarmed to her feet. Forgetting in her
haste the dreaded reptiles, she flew quickly to the rocks above, where,
having gained a vantage ground of comparative safety, she paused to
mark the unaccustomed pageant below.
But a few moments before, the sun, shorn of his beams by thick vapours
belched forth from the crater above, rode lustreless aloft like a dim
red ball.
Now, however, bursting through the mirksome canopy, his rays fell with
renewed splendour upon the gay accoutrements and glancing arms of a
troop of mounted soldiers, whose advance was heralded by all the merry
pomp of prancing steeds and clanging steel.
Fido, instead of obeying his mistress, had remained behind her in the
centre of the road, and now, regardless of her earnest commands, he
dashed forward vehemently barking.
Startled by the apparition of a species of animal but little known in
these parts (the few dogs in that country being smooth-coated, and very
different in appearance from the long-haired Fido) the horse nearest at
hand shied to one side, and crushed against his next neighbour. The two
riders (hitherto sitting careless and at ease) thus nearly came
together to the ground. Enraged at this misadventure, one of the men
raised himself in the stirrup, and with his long lance was about to
make a thrust at Fido; but Fidunia, foreseeing her favourite's danger,
rushed down and seized him in her arms ere the wrathful trooper had
time to execute his purpose.
This little by-play could not occur, however, without in some measure
hindering the onward progress of the whole company; and before Fidunia
or the irate men could utter one word in explanation or abuse, a loud
voice from the rear peremptorily demanded the cause of this abrupt
halt. Fidunia was already escaping as fast as she could with her burden
up the steep hill-side, when another cavalier, of more pleasing
appearance, rode up and informed her that "the King" wished to speak
with her. Reassured by his courteous address, she hesitated in her
flight, and finally remained rooted to the spot in amazement and
instinctive expectation.
By this time the procession was once more moving on at a slower pace
than before, and she now perceived in its midst, surrounded by the
glittering squadron, a stately chariot, drawn by four grey horses,
caparisoned in blue and gold. As this carriage drew nearer, Fidunia saw
seated in it a middle-aged man of singular yet noble bearing.
Impatience and dissatisfaction were imprinted on his speaking
countenance as he turned fretfully from side to side. He seemed unable
to notice surrounding objects, for his eyes, though wide open, stared
vacantly into space; while the restless motion of his hands betokened a
mind ill at ease with itself, if not with all the world around.
When this gorgeous equipage reached the spot where Fidunia stood, the
horses were drawn up in obedience to the signal of Domenichino, the
official who had previously accosted her. Stepping up to its occupant,
he now made some deferential communication. With a quick gesture, the
King (for it was he) leant over the side of the carriage, and demanded,
in surly tones, who and what had dared to impede his royal progress.
While he spoke, his eyes gazed aimlessly around, thus revealing to the
most unobservant bystander the painful fact of his physical defect.
Inspired with sudden forebodings, agitated by these swiftly following
events, and frightened by the strange looks of her interrogator, the
maiden knew not what to answer, but stood irresolute, holding her dog
in her arms. Every eye turned upon her, and the King angrily repeated
his question before she found courage to reply, tremblingly,
"Oh, sire, if indeed thou art the great monarch Antiphates, pardon the
imprudence of my faithful dog: he comes with me from the depths of our
forest home, where gallants and horses are alike unknown, and on the
approach of thy proud train he sprang forth to defend his poor
mistress, thus discomfiting in some measure thy brave men-at-arms."
At this curious answer, given in all simplicity, the soldiers exchanged
doubtful glances, imagining Fidunia to be crazy for thus bearding their
passionate sovereign. But the King hungrily fastened on her words. He
threw himself from his chariot with wonderful rapidity, and, half
groping his way, half guided by Domenichino (who hastily dismounted to
assist his royal master), seized hold of Fidunia's hand, crying, "Ha!
from the forest, sayest thou, and by thy voice a fair and gentle
maiden?" Ere he could utter another word, however, Fido, already
watching his stumbling movements with considerable mistrust, broke into
such angry snarling that Fidunia, freeing her hand, stepped backwards,
and did not see the gestures of merriment exchanged among the cavaliers
around, as the unfortunate monarch spoke of her being "fair."
Though Fido's repeated interference was decidedly provoking, yet
Antiphates preserved unusual command over his short, uneven temper. He
entreated Fidunia to consider herself his guest; to enter his chariot
and accompany him to his palace, whither he was now returning after a
noonday drive. She demurred at first, because of her dog, fearing that
his misbehaviour might be severely visited upon him. As if reading the
cause of her hesitation, however, and aware of her fatigue, Fido leapt
from her arms, and, hastily flying past the attendants, bounded upon
the carriage-seat, wagging his tail, and motioning to his mistress to
follow. Aided, therefore, by Domenichino, she soon found herself
ensconced in the carriage, opposite that great potentate, whose
well-remembered name had first been made known to her in her dreams.
As she mused on his peculiar appearance, unable to discover, as he
turned on her his dark expressive eyes, whether the King was able to
scan her countenance or no, he bent suddenly towards her, saying,
"Maiden, I have more for thine ear than may be heard by others;
meantime, I bid thee welcome to my kingdom." Ere she could frame a
reply to this gracious speech, he leant back again and relapsed into
complete silence, apparently absorbed in unquiet meditations.
The swift onward motion of the chariot was new and strange to Fidunia.
Leaving the desert region behind them, they descended nearer the
water's edge, and sped lightly along the smooth high road.
Smiling vineyards clothed the mountain's side on the one hand; on the
other, the broad blue sea stretched her "ample field." The jangling of
the military trappings gave forth a sound not unpleasing to the ear, as
the escort swept merrily on.
Weary with her exertions, and lulled by the monotonous movement of the
carriage, Fidunia half slumbered as she leant back on the luxurious
cushions, her mind filled with youth's vague ecstatic visions of future
happiness. But Fido, wary and watchful, folded lovingly in his
mistress's arms, turned a vigilant eye alternately upon the uneasy King
and his glittering body-guard.
It would be impossible adequately to describe the forlorn condition of
the monarch, in whose stately equipage destiny had thus strangely
placed the forest maiden and her dog. Surrounded by all the pomp and
wealth of his splendid court, he was yet debarred by his misfortune
from enjoying the visible beauties of nature, or the works of art with
which his palace and kingdom abounded.
Unable to employ his powerful mind in perusing the records of the past,
or the writings of the poets and philosophers of his own day, incapable
of discerning the commonest objects in the world around, and conscious
only of a difference between light and darkness, night and day, the
great King's melancholy affliction demanded double commiseration in an
age when comforts for the blind had neither been invented nor studied.
Music became a source of constant pleasure to him; nor was it
surprising that he invariably judged people by their voices as they
spoke or sung before him, forming in this unusual way a wonderfully
accurate conception of character.
It is needless to say that remedies of all sorts had been tried upon
the eyes of the hapless monarch. Many physicians had exerted their
utmost skill in endeavouring to ameliorate his condition. He had
visited in turn not only the most celebrated baths and watering-places,
but also the various oracles then existing in Europe.
Disheartened and hopeless, he had at last well-nigh succumbed to his
fate, when a strange incident once more roused the seemingly subdued,
yet ever dormant passion of hope in his breast.
Antiphon (the foster-brother of the blind King), while wandering on the
hills surrounding Deva, in his vocation of shepherd, noticed
sulphureous fumes issuing from a cleft he had never before observed in
the mountain's side. Taking with him a torch, he cautiously entered the
yawning aperture, and groped his way along, until he suddenly found
himself in a lofty subterranean cave. In the centre of this cave lay a
marble block, fashioned like a huge coffin. Antiphon hastened home to
tell his neighbours of his discovery and to gain assistance. Returning
to the cave, he and his fellows succeeded in pushing off the ponderous
lid, which fell crashing to the ground, and broke into a thousand
pieces.
Within the sarcophagus was now exposed to view a shrivelled though
perfect mummy; and an old man of the party recollected having heard an
ancient prophecy which foretold that answers regarding future events
should one day issue from "withered lips, dumb with the silence of
ages, and awful in their semblance to humanity."
Antiphon at once carried the news of this prophecy to King Antiphates,
who, ready to do anything to vary the horrors of his solitary
existence, though secretly doubting the efficacy of such attempts,
disguised himself as a shepherd, and, unknown to his courtiers,
accompanied his foster-brother to the cave.
Here, after observing the accustomed ceremonies of purification and
prayer, Antiphates approached the sarcophagus, and kneeling beside it,
craved some knowledge of his future fate, humbly demanding at the same
time whether any sacrifice on his part would procure for him the
priceless gift of sight.
Having made these inquiries, the reluctant monarch, had now to lay low
his kingly head upon the breast of the long dead, and thus in a
stifling and constrained attitude await the much-desired response. Each
moment seemed an age to the afflicted prince. All alone with these
terrible emblems of mortality (for Antiphon remained without to guard
the entrance of the cave) he listened for he knew not what.
At last there arose upon the still dank air, as if from echoing vaults
beneath, an unearthly monotonous voice, chanting slowly the following
words:
A mighty King is blind,
And severed from his kind;
In his proud breast broods dark unrest,
No solace can he find.
The lands he calls his own,
His kingdom and his throne,
Are his by right; yet that fair sight
Is kept from him alone.
Revolving decades pass,
All flesh, we know, is grass;
With whitening hair, the king sits there,
He groweth old alas!
No joys of life are his,
He tastes no wedded bliss;
A monarch born, a man forlorn,
Nor wife nor babe to kiss.
Far, 'mid the forest drear,
A maiden without peer
His fate shall hear, and wake with fear
From dreams of little cheer.
By long and lonesome way
Two loving hearts shall stray,
That sovereign blind, in haste to find,
And Fate's behest obey.
Yet guard thyself, oh king!
Lest kindness sorrow bring!
Forbear to love, or time shall prove
That joy may hide a sting.
That pearl--a woman's love--
Might angels' envy move,
But powers that be, in wonder see,
How mortals changeful prove.
Joyous and fancy-free
Then let the maiden be,
Nor teach that child from regions wild
The meed of misery.
But if thou dost, thine own the cost,
And woe shall fall on thee!
The hollow voice ceased, once more all was still. Antiphates in vain
asked other questions, and listened impatiently for further replies.
Meeting with no more response, and thoroughly exhausted by the foul
atmosphere, he hailed his foster-brother, and, aided by him, breathed
again with thankfulness the pure outer air.
They returned to the palace in silence, for Antiphates, proud and
reserved, vouchsafed no hint of the mysterious words to which he had
listened. He had indeed ample food left him for meditation.
This visit to the mummy took place during the night, and the disguised
King passed and repassed his unslumbering sentinels by means of his own
signet-ring, occasionally entrusted by him to confidential emissaries.
The apt rhymes he had heard haunted him incessantly. The mere mention
of a forest was extraordinary--for with the exception of a fair-sized
plantation in the midst of which Castle Xylina (the king's summer
palace) stood, no large wood of any kind existed within many miles of
his capital.
As to love, the poor benighted King knew little about the capricious
god, save what he gathered from the songs of the minstrels and
troubadours, birds of passage who, ever certain of kind welcome and
liberal patronage, flocked in numbers to his court.
Unwilling to display his infirmity unnecessarily, Antiphates kept
himself aloof in general from his people. His palace was indeed the
resort of all the most talented and intellectual men of the day. His
feasts were celebrated for the brilliant conversation and witty
repartee in which, not only his guests, but the monarch himself,
occasionally indulged; at the expense of many an aching hour of lonely
reaction.
But at these banquets no ladies were present, nor had the isolated
sovereign any opportunity of becoming intimately acquainted with his
fairer subjects. There were, it is true, the singing-girls, who nightly
performed before him with guitars and cymbals, and gave the blind king
some of the happiest hours of his life. Though he could not see their
graceful forms as they gaily danced to their own music, yet the
tinkling of the silver bells on their arms and ankles formed a
rhythmical and tuneful accompaniment to their melodious voices, that
wafted fourfold enjoyment to the listening monarch. He showered
generous gifts on these damsels, each of whom he knew apart by her
voice and step. They were, however, but the toys of the hour.
When in pomp and state the King went abroad in his chariot, his fair
subjects anxiously pressed together to catch a glimpse of their
sovereign's stern yet handsome features; but though they gratified
their own curiosity, no reciprocal vision of bewildering charms crossed
the darkened vision of their lonely prince, as he was whirled proudly
by in his dazzling equipage.
Unwonted feelings therefore stirred in Antiphates' bosom as the
prophecy of the cave again and again rang through his mind. After
several days spent in musing and reflection, he resolved to return to
the oracle, and demand more exact particulars concerning the forest
maiden and the "two loving hearts" mentioned, anxious to set forth in
pursuit of them, if need be, round the world.
Antiphon therefore, favoured by the darkness, once more led his royal
foster-brother to the mountain side, but no cave could they discover,
though for several hours they wandered up and down the very spot where
the shepherd had carefully noted the entrance by certain landmarks.
Irritated and disappointed, Antiphates at last gave up the useless
search, and during the succeeding days busied himself in sending forth
express couriers over the country, north, west, and east, to seek for
the forest, and to find out and bring to Deva all discoverable denizens
of woods, forests, and thickets. Besides this, he issued a royal
mandate, setting forth that every wandering maiden should instantly be
conducted to his palace. A few strolling gipsies were in consequence
brought before him, and told innumerable falsehoods concerning their
previous lives and companions, but none of them were able to throw the
least light upon the cause of the King's defective eyesight.
Pending the result of more active measures, however, Antiphates was
roused from the apathy into which he had been plunged for many years
regarding his misfortune, and taught himself to hope he hardly knew
what, from the hidden pages of the future. But day after day went by,
and no fresh event enlivened the dismal tranquillity of the palace
precincts.
We may thus more readily understand the monarch's abrupt condescension
and excitement on hearing Fidunia's first words, and learning that she
had but lately quitted a forest. Her sweetly modulated voice at once
carried a favourable impression to his sensitive ear, and, conjoined
with the mysterious and ever-present prophecy, touched a slumbering
chord in his jaded breast.
Indeed, as they now drove back to the city from whence he had issued so
short a time before in listless uncertainty, his mind ran riot with
wild chaotic fancies.
They drew near the frowning gates of Deva. A sudden pause, as the
massive portals rolled back on their hinges, and the soldiers presented
arms, awoke Fidunia from her trance. She started and looked around,
eagerly surveying the splendours of that enchanting capital.
Meanwhile the fairer inhabitants of the town gathering, according to
primeval custom, by balcony, window, and doorway, to feast their eyes
on the royal pageant and the gallant escort of cavaliers; passed from
mouth to mouth the incredible news that a stranger damsel was seated in
their monarch's chariot. Ere the gaping crowd had time, however, to
note more than the mere outline of a drooping form, the narrow streets
were swiftly threaded, and scaling the little hill on which Xylina
stood, the whole squadron disappeared within the leafy boundaries of
King Antiphates' summer residence.
Fidunia could not repress an exclamation of delighted wonder as they
halted at the palace door.
Castle Xylina rose in turreted heights of dazzling whiteness above
them, pure as the day it was completed. In that favoured climate
neither smoke nor inclement weather marred the snowy beauties of its
marble walls and terraces. It was approached by seven broad alleys: six
of these, carpeted with natural greensward, converged through the small
wood already mentioned, towards the broad central plateau. The seventh
avenue, leading from the town, up which the King had just driven, was
like the city itself, paved with lava.
The castle from its elevated situation, commanded an exquisite prospect
towards the south across the open bay of Deva. The surrounding trees
completely shut out the neighbouring town. Only faint, distant sounds,
and the chiming of church and convent bells borne upon the air,
betokened the near presence of the busy thousands below. Innumerable
craft, moreover, moored or moving on the still blue waters, gave an air
of life to the otherwise dreamy silence, that with mistlike wings
enfolded the fair prosperous Deva and her environs as Fidunia thus
first beheld them.
But now a courtly throng pressed around, a hundred eyes were bent on
the embarrassed stranger and her singular companion, a hundred hands
out-stretched to assist her in her descent from the carriage. But no
sooner had the King himself touched the ground in safety, than he
turned, and taking her hand in his, led her slowly up the broad white
marble steps into the central hall of his magnificent palace.
She had scarcely time to glance round her ere her royal host, divining
both her fatigue and her bashfulness, summoned and gave minute
directions to the women of the palace regarding her welfare, and
resigned her into their charge. Smiling kindly on their unexpected
guest, they ushered her along lofty passages to a chamber widely
different from any the simple maiden had ever beheld either in her
wanderings or even in her dreams.
Thoroughly overcome by fatigue, and hardly pausing even to partake of
the tempting fare presented to her, or to survey the beauties of her
new abode, Fidunia sought her pillow. The neat-handed abigails, after
preparing a bed for Fido within the recess where stood his mistress's
couch, retired, first bidding her summon them at will, as their
apartments were close at hand.
Youth and exhaustion soon closed the stranger's eyes, and it was late
on the following day before Fidunia could rouse herself completely from
her heavy slumbers.
At length a continuous plashing sound mingled itself with her dreams.
She thought she was once more in her forest home, and that the little
fountain with its clear bubbling waters invited her to her morning
bath.
She slowly unclosed her eyes. But no leafy branches spread their matted
foliage above her head; lovely rosy curtains fell instead on either
side of her soft little couch. She raised herself--surprised and
wondering--at her first movement, Fido already on the alert, capered
across the tesselated floor, oddly slipping hither and thither on its
smooth surface.
She stepped carefully from her alcove, and proceeded on a voyage of
exploration. She soon ascertained that the sound of running water was
no vain product of her own imagination, but that it came from a recess
corresponding to that in which she had slept. Within this niche a
marble Triton poured through his conch-shell a continuous stream. On
either side the entrance to the snowy basin beneath, a nymph so stood
that the roseate curtains could either be held back in their extended
arms, or loosened completely to shut off the recess from the rest of
the room.
Overjoyed at discovering this welcome substitute for her oft-regretted
forest spring, Fidunia swiftly performed her simple toilet.
With all the carelessness of one little accustomed to regard her
personal appearance, she hardly even glanced at the magnificent
burnished mirror and its costly accessories, but hastened from window
to window, eager to become acquainted with her new abode.
Towards the south, connected outside by a shady verandah, three long
windows fronted the open bay, commanding the same extensive view that
had delighted her the evening before. Two of similar form opened
eastward, and Fidunia could scarcely repress a shudder, as raising her
eyes to scan the more distant horizon, she beheld, frowning behind
nearer slopes of verdant loveliness, the grim mountain of her dreams,
whose gloomy boundaries she had skirted on the previous day. A
slumberous cloud partially shrouded its dark heights. In the vista of
coast, cape, and blue headland lengthening beyond, earth, sea, and sky,
melted into one indistinguishable haze of atmospheric beauty.
Easily unfastening one of these eastern windows, Fidunia perceived a
flight of steps leading thence into the palace gardens below. Followed
by Fido, the fearless child of nature quickly descended the stairs, and
plunged into the artificial intricacies of the pleasure grounds
beneath.
A thrill of remembrance came upon her. Surely she had trodden these
trim-kept walks before, and inhaled the strange rich odour of the
blossoming orange that hung heavy on the air?
Stopping, bewildered, she raised her hand to her brow. As she thus
stood rapt in thought, the noise of approaching voices apprised her
that Antiphates, leaning on the arm of Domenichino, drew near. Swift as
lightning, recollection flashed across her. While the impatient monarch
came towards her, guided by his servant, she half expected to see and
hear the tiny elves who in her forest dreams had swung and sung their
eerie refrain amid just such scenes as these.
When the King learned that she had not yet broken her fast, he
commanded food to be brought to an arbour near at hand, where he
himself joined his guest. He found much entertainment in trying to
follow the movements of the little dog, who, summoned by his mistress,
went through all his pretty tricks.
With unwonted softness in his voice and manner, Antiphates strove to
set Fidunia at her ease, and to engage her in conversation. He led her
on to speak of herself and of her previous lonely life. He encouraged
her to tell him all that had befallen her since she left the forest.
Domenichino oftentimes listened in surprise. His master, hitherto so
hasty and imperious, with rare patience, endeavoured to overcome
Fidunia's timidity and reserve. Antiphates even forgot to murmur
continually at his own affliction--nay, he felt a certain pleasure in
claiming the young girl's assistance, as they wandered together in the
gardens, or moved from room to room of the palace.
Day after day glided swiftly away, and life became a fresh pleasure to
the weary King as he listened to the strange adventures and artless
sayings of the ingenuous maiden. He derived perpetual amusement from
her novel descriptions of familiar objects presented to him under a
widely different aspect by her humorous remarks.
For years upon years he had existed with all of visible beauty veiled
from his sight; and he now conjured up to himself an exquisite ideal of
his youthful companion. Her low melodious voice, her gentle touch, and
her soft light step, full of grace, taught him insensibly to dream of a
far fairer form than poor Fidunia actually possessed.
He became so deeply interested in his new friend, that ere long that
interest was merged in love. Morning, noon, and night, he was her
inseparable companion, nor could he rest quiet when she was absent from
him. He found in her society a nameless charm that tamed and softened
his arrogant spirit. With extraordinary humility he learnt to defer to
her slightest wish. With unwonted self-abnegation, he laid siege to the
citadel of her heart.
Listening entranced to his tender words, there now ensued a period
when, for the first time to the guileless Fidunia, if not to her more
experienced suitor,
"Love took up the glass of Time, and turned it in his glowing
hands;
Every moment, lightly shaken, ran itself in golden sands.
Love took up the harp of Life, and smote on all the chords with
might;
Smote the chord of self, that, trembling, passed in music out
of sight."
Antiphates soon told the wondering maiden all he had heard in the cave.
His thoughts turned continually upon the mysterious prophecy, and they
often held sweet counsel together over those singular but
well-remembered words.
A dim foreboding of evil in the future, and an intense clinging to the
peaceful joyous life of the present, led Fidunia to approach this
subject with secret reluctance. An inward voice told her she possessed
not beauty's potent charm; yet she felt that to her blind monarch she
was all in all. Again and again she had to stifle the rising fear of
possible change in his love, and chided herself for unworthy thoughts
and lukewarm energy.
With all the eagerness of his impetuous nature, Antiphates constantly
recurred to the charge, urging Fidunia to do her utmost to deliver him
from his infirmity. In glowing terms he depicted the pleasures of their
common existence if he were able, not merely to hear and to feel, but
to watch and to guide his heart's beloved through her future life.
As he spoke, the forest maid often felt the hidden talisman rise and
fall with the heavings of her tender bosom. Obedient to the donor, she
never disclosed its existence, even to Antiphates, or told him of her
strange dreams. It needed, however, no small resolution on her part to
avail herself of the charm so solemnly committed to her charge by Dame
Anna. At length, unable longer to resist the oft-repeated solicitations
of her royal lover, she faithfully promised him to exert her feeble
powers to the utmost on his behalf.
With a lingering footstep she sought her chamber that evening, filled
with awe at the prospect of invoking the aid of her scarce known
friend. When all was silent for the night, Fidunia trimmed the classic
lamp by her bedside, for it was the new moon, and no light came from
without. Watched only by the wakeful Fido, she drew the sparkling prism
from its accustomed place. Remembering her instructions, she placed it
in the palm of her hand, then bent (for another's sake), on peering
into futurity, she resolutely fixed her eyes on the talisman. Swaying
to and fro with the intensity of her emotions, she chanted the required
invocation:
Strange gem, upon thy crystal core
I gaze, the while I aid implore;
Trembling upon the verge of fate,
Oh, point my path ere yet too late!
I fain would gain the boon I ask.
Is mine the strength for such a task?
Canst thou unloose the links that bind,
Or vanquish powerful foes combined?
Then show whate'er there lurks of art
Within thine own mysterious heart;
On thee I turn a hopeful eye,
Bright stone of silence, make reply.
The magic stone grew larger and larger. Its brilliant centre, like a
searching eye, returned Fidunia's gaze with dazzling refulgence.
Heavier and heavier drooped her falling lids, her recumbent form sought
more and more the support of her little couch, at length borne down by
resistless force, she lay unnerved and motionless.
The lamp became extinguished. All was dark, silent, and blank. Her
corporeal frame slumbered inert and passive. But now every spiritual
faculty throbbed into keen activity. The whole chamber was filled with
soft penetrating light. The kind Anna's well-remembered form stood
beside her. With one hand she raised Fidunia on her couch, with the
other she pointed towards the south.
To Fidunia's intense surprise, she beheld a ray of moonlight illumine
the sombre waters of the Bay of Deva, reaching in one narrow unbroken
line to what she well knew as the distant though hitherto unvisited
island of Spera. She gazed bewildered from her raised alcove, which
commanded an easy view of the landscape beneath, through the wide, open
windows.
How could the small silver horn of the newborn moon cast such brilliant
light on the dark ocean? She turned a troubled glance towards her
unwonted visitant, but her voice was spell-bound; the questions she
fain would have uttered died upon her lips. With a sad and solemn
gesture her protectress still pointed towards the heights of Spera,
then sighed, rather than said these lines:
Far, far o'er the depths of that shimm'ring blue sea,
The drops trickle slowly so sought for by thee;
Enwrapt by the jealous embrace of the deep,
A lake without sky, without motion doth sleep.
Though distant, and hidden the shrine of the cave
By the busy bright waters its entrance that lave,
Yet only the touch of an innocent maiden
Can e'er give effect to those drops virtue-laden.
At midnight a ray shall illumine the portal
All sombre and silent, ne'er threaded by mortal.
At midnight, by moonlight, that path can be crossed,
By her, who heroic, ne'er counteth the cost.
Oh, chilly the ocean, and lonely the hour,
Or the charm that thou seekest is reft of its power;
And voiceless and mute thine endeavours must be,
Or fruitless thy labours and harmful to thee.
Yet, maiden, forbear! ere thou challenge the spell
Remember--with thee and with thine it is well!
In thee and thy love the blind monarch is blest:
Then dwell in his palace--Fidunia--at rest.
As the last couplet fell on Fidunia's ears all else became as nought.
The dear thought of her first and faithful lover filled her imaginative
mind. What recked she of trouble or sorrow to be undergone in his
service! Would she not even give life itself for the sake of him who
had first called into existence all the passionate but unknown wealth
of her unselfish soul! Dreamily she recalled to herself his whispered
vows, his ardent tones, and thus from waking dreams slowly fell on
sleep, undisturbed and profound.
It was late the following morning before she awoke to the realities of
life. As she dressed herself she pondered much over the visions of the
night. Was all a dream, like her forest fancies?
She looked everywhere for the talisman, but it was nowhere to be seen.
Its absence weighed somewhat heavily on her mind. The reality of her
midnight experience was brought home to her, as she perpetually missed
the shining stone from its wonted hiding-place.
Fidunia now hastened to her monarch's presence. Considering that the
loss of the talisman released her from her promise of secrecy, she
confided its whole history to the astonished King. She told him also
her waking vision of the previous night. She described Dame Anna's
appearance, and repeated some of her words.
Thoroughly roused Antiphates entreated Fidunia to keep nothing more
concealed from him. Using all his powers of persuasion he at length
drew from her unwilling lips the particulars of her three wild forest
dreams.
[Illustration: FIDO AND FIDUNIA.
"Thoroughly roused, Antiphates entreated Fidunia to keep nothing
more concealed from him."--P. 170.]
In a voice trembling with emotion he hailed the forest maiden as his
predestined deliverer, nor was his eager curiosity satisfied till he
had asked innumerable questions. Fidunia sighed as she noted his
feverish agitation. Remembering the warning contained in the last
rhythmical lines, she feared lest his hopes should be dashed to the
ground.
As they sat together in his favourite turret above the castle porch, he
explained to her that rumour spoke of a hidden cave in the Isle of
Spera. Recalling to mind the line of light she had so distinctly seen
across the bay, Fidunia pointed it out as having terminated beneath the
highest peak of the island. Antiphates decided that an endeavour to
find the cave should be made when the moon next became full. He would
fain himself have aided in the search; but Fidunia, anxious to have her
mind steadfastly set on the one object of the expedition, persuaded him
to remain within the palace, and to allow her to go forth guarded only
by Domenichino.
Domenichino secretly hired, as for his own use, one of the boats
belonging to a fisherman of Spera. He carefully questioned the men of
the place about their island. They all seemed aware of the probable
existence of a cave only accessible from the sea, but partly from the
dreamy indolence common to those climes, partly from superstition, no
one had as yet discovered its entrance. A thousand old legends,
however, sung of the hidden beauties of this wondrous grotto, a hundred
wild tales were told among these simple people of the magic and
wonder-working fountain therein concealed from mortal eyes.
At last the time arrived when, at midnight, Cynthia should reach her
cold meridian of beauty. Fidunia resolved to leave Fido for the first
time behind her. She committed him to the willing charge of the King,
but the little animal, who from the first had taken a dislike to
Antiphates, could not be got away from his mistress's chamber. There,
extended on the moonlit verandah, he remained during her absence,
disconsolate and wakeful.
It was a night of peaceful calm. As the sturdy rowers urged on their
vessel, her bows parted the waters into a thousand phosphorescent
ripples, which, widening as the boat moved onward, spread into one
broad, flaming wake in their rear.
Fidunia carried with her an ancient gold goblet, wherein the King
besought her to place the precious drops, should she succeed in
obtaining them. Grasping it tightly in her hand, as if to persuade
herself she was not dreaming, she gazed awestruck on the overwhelming
beauty of the landscape, arrayed in night's fairest covering.
Already distant, the City of Deva lay white and ghost-like under the
moon's pale ray. Here and there a gleam of light showed that there were
watchers on land, and from the high turret window of Castle Xylina one
ruddy gleam shot a quivering reflection far along the ever-lengthening
track of their little craft.
Before them the nearing crags of Spera rose abrupt and beetling towards
the sky. The boat moved rapidly along. Now became audible the surging
swell and low muffled boom of the ocean, ever chafing, ever restless,
even when apparently at peace; and ever repelled by those giant
sentinels of the deep. Numbers of sea-birds, disturbed by the unwonted
splash of oars, wheeled screaming above their heads, and suddenly
brought to Fidunia's mind with agitating distinctness the recollection
of her second forest dream.
But all other thoughts were merged in the approaching performance of
her self-imposed task. They had gradually rounded the opening to a
little bay where the water seemed more shallow, and the sea only broke
in tiny wavelets upon a small shelf of pearly white sand. Here Fidunia
stepped from the boat. Leaving human companionship behind, she slowly
paced along the narrow margin. Finally, following the moon-lit line and
heedful of Domenichino's oft-repeated instructions, she disappeared
behind the frowning ledge of rock which bounded the narrow inlet.
Only a very few minutes after she had thus gone from their sight, they
could hear dimly across the intervening waters, the faint tolling of
the midnight bells in the great City. In indescribable anxiety
Domenichino, who alone (among these rude boat-men) knew her peril,
counted the minutes till Fidunia's return, and resolved that at the
expiration of a certain time he would at all risks persist in following
the unprotected maiden.
But, ere the appointed period had elapsed, Fidunia, with buoyant steps,
turned swiftly the dark boundary and rapidly drew near. High resolve
sat upon her brow and stamped her features with a noble ardour. Closely
clasped to her bosom she held the precious vase, but to no mortal ear
might she unfold the thrilling tale of her solitary experience.
Had she within those mystic precincts heard a warning voice which bade
her pause ere she dashed the cup of earthly happiness from her lips?
How and where had she obtained the crystal liquid that leapt and
sparkled in its golden prison? Had she entered the ice-cold waters and
braved the wave-engulfing arms of the merry, malicious mer-men, who
warily watch, and at the midnight hour have power to bear to their
coral haunts the bold earth-maiden who shall step within their native
element?
These, and numberless other questions, crowded into Domenichino's mind
as he sped to meet her; but she raised her finger to her lips, and with
a mute gesture of entreaty silently took her place in the little
vessel. The weather-beaten boatmen shrank back as she passed them by,
her hair and garments glistening with a thousand rainbow-coloured
drops; yet, as she dreamily took her place in the stern, one, less
bashful than his compeers, awkwardly placed his rough coat so as to
shelter and keep her warm.
The wind had arisen. It swept moaningly around, hurrying dark clouds
across the face of the moon, and presently shrouding her altogether
from their sight. But the red tower-light from distant Xylina guided
the homeward-bound crew, and ere very long they were safely landed
below the slumbering City.
Still voiceless, Fidunia, with lagging footsteps, ascended the steep
hill. Her energy was gone; she leant heavily on Domenichino's arm, and
but for his aid must have fallen more than once exhausted by the way.
At last the castle was reached. In answer to her signal the faithful
esquire knocked at his master's turret door. An impatient voice bade
them enter. Antiphates himself, stumbling hastily to meet them, started
as he took Fidunia's cold hand in his. She gently withstood his eager
inquiries and solicitude for her health. "Sire," she murmured, "I am
very weary, but these poor hands must this night bathe your eyes."
At her words the King, obedient, sank on a couch near at hand, and
Fidunia, dipping her fingers into the golden goblet, timidly pressed
them again and again over his burning eyelids. Her cool, soft touch
soothed his irritated nerves and brought refreshing peace to his
restless mind. A strange calm folded its enshadowing wings around those
busy brows and wrapt the imperious monarch in a sweet and childlike
slumber.
Raising her finger again to her lips, in token of silence, and signing
to Domenichino to leave his sovereign for the night, Fidunia quitted
the turret chamber and sought her own apartment. Here the listening
Fido greeted her approaching footsteps with a whine of delight, and
testified his joy at her return by many expressive gambols.
Long into the night she sat on her balcony, acting over in thought
again and again the exciting scenes of that eventful evening. It seemed
to her she had only just fallen asleep when she was suddenly startled
from her slumbers by a loud pæan of rejoicing blown from the castle
wall by the silver trumpets.
For a moment recollection failed her, but then glad certainty flashed
on her mind, and, as if to make assurance doubly sure, some of the
women of the palace, rushing abruptly into her chamber, confirmed the
glad tidings. They urged her to arise and dress in haste, for the King
could not rest till he had seen and thanked his deliverer in person.
Fidunia hurriedly arrayed herself. Accompanied by Fido, she hastened
along the now well-known passages of the palace. She ascended the broad
stairs and passed the tall guards in the corridor, with their nodding
plumes. The doors of the presence chamber were thrown open before her.
On the threshold she stood a moment irresolute. Then, notwithstanding
their intimacy, knowing his newly-gained power, she advanced timidly
towards the great King. There was a pause, she raised her eyes to his.
The monarch seemed transformed! Instead of half-closed, unseeing eyes,
and all the accompanying hesitation and uncertainty, two searching orbs
now bent their dark majesty full on the bashful maiden. In that one
moment she drank in the fatal secret, which no after-words could
disguise.
It was but too true!
A passionate adorer of beauty, Antiphates had, during the past months,
almost unknown to himself, clothed his unseen love with perfect
loveliness. His heart therefore beat high with expectation as her
footfall was heard at the door, and when, with her attendant Fido, she
entered alone, he could not control the impulse of disappointment too
plainly written on his expressive, speaking countenance.
The dawn of light on his long-darkened orbs revealed to him the
unattractive colouring and irregular features of the being he had in
blindness learned to adore, and no self-command on his part could
conceal from love's unerring instinct his change of mood.
Now, however, with well-simulated alacrity, he rose from his throne.
Stepping down with a free, unfettered gait, widely different from his
wonted stumbling manner, he took the maiden's hand in his own. Pouring
confused and hurried thanks into her ear, he led her to the seat where
she had passed so many happy hours.
In vain he strove to conjure back the fascination Fidunia once
possessed for him. Oh! subtle influence! who can accurately define the
thrilling tie that makes the one we love different from all the world
beside? who, when the frail chain of enchantment is once severed, can
join again those mystic links?
The King and Fidunia conversed in low tones, apparently unchanged: the
gay courtiers around at least observed no cloud on the horizon. Waiting
within call, they clustered eagerly around Domenichino to hear his
adventures of the previous night, and to discuss together the
approaching marriage of the maiden, now beloved by all, with their
fortune-favoured prince. They recked not of the cold shadow that crept
slowly into the little maid's heart, and clouded her fair and hitherto
untroubled sky.
Fido alone, close and vigilant, marked the awakening sorrow of his
beloved mistress. He felt the hand that caressed him grow cold and
pulseless. He noted the accent of despair in Fidunia's choking voice.
His unsophisticated nature rose indignant at the selfishness of the
human friend, who (after such vows breathed, and responded to by her to
whom they were addressed), could change and grow indifferent to the
being who had gone through so much for his sake.
How true it is that maidens, like flowers, expand in the presence of
him they love, in the warm sunshine of adoration. When that cheering
beam is withdrawn, how colourless and scentless, how devoid of beauty,
do their drooping blossoms become!
Even so it was with Fidunia, the happy light that had of late dawned in
her gray eyes now faded away. Hour after hour she wept alone on her
sleepless pillow, sadly musing over times departed,
"Departed never to return."
One wakeful night she poured out her thoughts in these words:
The silent hour of night prevailed, the Earth
Was in her first and dewy slumber, while
The Moon unveiled her pure and peerless light,
And threw her radiance o'er the dusky haunts
Of men.
An atom on the world's broad breast
Alone, beneath those chilly beams I mused,
On Death and Immortality.
My soul
Sped swiftly upward on the ethereal ray,
And left enthralled the grosser part of self,
The slumbering mortal portion of my frame.
* * * * *
The spirit world was gained, and for a space
Enchantment wove mine aching heart a strange
Bright web of many hued delight. She gave
To that brief Dream all the reality
That made its flying moments passing sweet.
The kindly echoes lent their magic aid,
And tones reverberated in mine ear
Whose music gently whispered rapture, not
Of Earth, but of some far-off lovely Land,
A Time when all that is not yet may be.
* * * * *
With trembling sigh, from happiness too great,
I all unknowing broke the mystic spell,
And shivering back, through dark and dreary ways,
No Moon to guide the weary feet, no Light
To cheer the falling spirit, once again
Within dull clay poor Psyche found her home,
And woke to bitter loneliness and woe.
She had in truth a rough awakening from her dream of happiness. As day
by day the restless monarch showed more and more the change in his
feelings that perfect vision had wrought, Fidunia not only passed
through the deep waters of sorrow in realizing his alienation, but
experienced moreover a fresh and equally poignant pain as the veil of
illusion fell from her disenchanted eyes, and taught the simple-hearted
young girl that she could never again regard her monarch with the same
trusting faith.
To one of hasty impulsive temperament like Antiphates, dissimulation
proved impossible: however much he was bound, alike by the ties of
honour and of gratitude, to keep the vows publicly pledged to his
deliverer, he could not forgive the hapless girl her lack of outward
beauty. He valued not the delicate refinement of her nature. He marked
not the ethereal spirit that shone unconquerable through her
transparent eye. His affection had been of the earth, earthy;
evanescent as frail mortality itself.
Nor was Fidunia's spirit formed in a mould to sicken and die of
unrequited affection. In happier days, the happiest of her short life,
she had, in spite of the vast difference in their ages, learned to
regard the gifted King with something akin to reverential love. The
eager wooing of one so talented and fascinating could not fail to
produce some corresponding effect on the imagination of the forest
maiden. Not unsolicited she had yielded up her gentle heart, and come
gradually to centre all the hopes and thoughts of her young life upon
Antiphates.
She now grew to spend longer hours each day in wandering round the
precincts of Xylina. The child of nature, she ever found her truest
solace beneath the wide canopy of heaven. There no walls pent in her
labouring sobs, no human eye beheld the slowly falling tears, mourners
over a vanished past, that welled up one by one from her burning heart;
tears that slowly rising, purified still further her much afflicted
spirit, and weaned her soul from the earthly love which for a time had
satisfied that strange immortal portion of mortality.
Fido, ever beside his mistress, grew like her, pensive and forlorn. He
knew she was in grief, and his mute sympathy gave her comfort, as
together they climbed through the mazy wood, or explored the hills that
rose behind the castle.
In these wanderings, Fidunia came frequently to a knoll, commanding the
lovely expanse of waters beneath. Looking across the broad bay of Deva,
the horizon was bounded only by the fair island of Spera, so fraught
with memory's brightest records. Here upon a bank of wild thyme,
sheltered by the cool olive trees, and fanned by the passing breeze,
she pondered over her mysterious lot, and shudderingly thought of the
blank untrodden future.
But counsel and comfort already approached. One day as she thus sat,
rapt and musing, a gentle voice addressed her; turning half alarmed,
she beheld the sweetest face her eyes had ever dwelt upon. That
countenance shone with heaven-born beauty. "Sister Angela" (for thus
the stranger was called) had also sorrowed, but she had found lasting
comfort in the convent of Saint Sebastian. This monastery was near at
hand, though partially concealed by the dense foliage and the masses of
creepers which clothed its outer walls. Angela had oftentimes seen and
yearned over the sorrowful young girl, and at last, issuing forth,
ventured to greet her.
She tenderly saluted Fidunia, who, before long, learnt to love and
trust her new friend. She soon came daily to seek for guidance and
comfort at her hands, confiding to Angela's sympathizing ears the
chequered story of her brief life.
Meantime, to add still further to the griefs of poor Fidunia, her
little dog disappeared. She first missed him one afternoon as, after
long converse with her new found friend, she turned to descend the
grassy slopes to Castle Xylina.
During those hours she had formed a high and holy resolution. Alone in
the world, she aspired to become one of the sisterhood to whom Angela
belonged, and to find an asylum for her wearied wounded heart within
the sacred walls of Saint Sebastian.
On reaching the Castle, Fidunia sought everywhere for Fido, but no one
had seen him, or could tell whither he had gone. While occupied in
threading the long passages and calling anxiously for her missing
companion, she met Domenichino hastening to entreat her attendance on
the King. Without returning to her chamber to alter her attire, Fidunia
turned and accompanied him to the royal presence.
Antiphates met her at the entrance of the hall. In kind yet constrained
tones the monarch condoled with her as he heard of Fido's
disappearance. He gave orders moreover that the strictest search should
at once be instituted throughout Deva and its environs for Fidunia's
dear little favourite.
"But now," continued the King, leading her to a deep embrasure, whence
could be seen the fair landscape beneath, "I am anxious you should name
the day for the ceremony that is to unite the debtor to his mistress,
and thus permit me to fulfil my plighted troth." So saying, he carried
her hand lightly to his lips, and looked searchingly upon her. But even
his bold eyes fell rebuked beneath Fidunia's pure enquiring gaze, now
divested of all hesitation or embarrassment. No word of reproach for
his altered behaviour towards her, since she had restored his sight,
fell from her. No murmur escaped her. But her voice quavered as, in a
few simple sentences, she unfolded to him the purpose she had that day
formed of taking upon herself the vows of Saint Sebastian.
A sense of momentary shame at his own want of generosity dyed the
King's rough cheek a deeper hue. He felt his inability to urge Fidunia
with any zest to renounce her lofty aspirations. He strove to conceal
his satisfaction, but he knew too well that her voluntary self-devotion
relieved him from a perplexing dilemma.
Nevertheless he cast about in his mind for some form of remonstrance;
but before he could frame the words on his unwilling lips, she was
gone.
Stung to her inmost heart by the inscrutable changes in his variable
nature, and already overwrought by the day's emotions, the hapless
Fidunia only reached her chamber in time to shut from every human eye
her deadly struggle, her last overwhelming battle with wounded mortal
love.
Days slowly elapsed without intelligence of Fido, and the arrangements
became gradually completed by which, upon the Festival of All Saints,
Fidunia was to enter her noviciate.
All Hallow's Eve drew near. On the morrow the lonely Fidunia was to bid
farewell to the outer world, and rest her wearied tempest-tossed head
within the peaceful cloistered shades.
She sought her luxurious chamber for the last time, and unfastening the
window, stepped out on the broad balcony. The glorious full moon once
more illuminated with clear cold light each beloved object in the
exquisite panorama so dear to her.
Human sorrow asserted its own in the maiden's breast, as in spirit she
bade farewell to the slumbering monarch who, for a brief period, had
been her sun and firmament, the "all" for which in the forest depths
her innocent soul had insensibly pined.
A sudden pattering footstep sounded near, and looking inwards, lo!
through the moonlit chamber, approached the truant Fido. In the
imperfect light he seemed faint and weary; but Fidunia sprang to meet
him, and raised and fondled the little wanderer in her arms, asking him
the while many a question about his strange absence, half reproaching
him for his desertion.
As she held the little dog close to her breast, rejoicing over his
return, she felt something of a novel character around his neck. She
gently unfastened a cord, and found attached to it a small phial
carefully sealed, yet emitting a wondrous fragrance.
Somehow assuming from her companion's quiescent attitude that the flask
was for her own use, she slipped it into her bosom, and forgetting all
else, again yielded herself to vague yearnings over the unfulfilled
visions of the past. It was long before she stepped from the window,
and placing Fido on the ground prepared for her last night's rest in
the palace.
As she let down the now lengthened tresses of her thick hair, Fido
though evidently exhausted, refused to lie down. Seemingly ill at ease,
he watched her every movement with painful anxiety. When at length she
drew near the marble bath, wherein she nightly plunged, his agitation
knew no bounds, and as in undressing she displaced the phial from her
garments he uttered a series of short sharp barks restlessly springing
the while backwards and forwards from his mistress to the edge of the
alcove. So close was the companionship between Fidunia and her faithful
companion, that she at once divined his meaning, and undoing the seal
and extracting the stopper from the bottle, she emptied its contents
into the water. Scarcely had she done so when the whole chamber became
filled with a delicious perfume. As one in a trance, half overcome by
the powerful scent, Fidunia entered her bath, and felt at once the
extraordinary invigorating power which seemed to emanate from those few
drops of liquid.
All sorrow was lifted from her heart. Already in imagination she joined
in the sweet praiseful strains of the Sebastian sisters. Angelic forms
moved around her, and the moon's pale rays at length guided the weary
maiden to her pillow. Stretching out one soft arm over her faithful
dog, lying in his cot by her side, and lulled by a foretaste of
heaven's own music, Fidunia sank into dreams of ecstatic beauty.
The loud pealing of a thousand bells for the Festival of All Saints at
last awoke the neophyte from her deep repose. For a moment she started
and half forgot her resting place; but her eye fell upon her little
dog. Something strange in his attitude struck her. Startled, she sprang
to her feet and bent over him.
His sleep was surely very deep! Yes, Fidunia! sound are those slumbers
from which not even the touch of thy beloved hand can rouse his wearied
form, or call forth a response from the wistful eyes, wont to hang upon
thy lightest gesture.
With an exceeding bitter cry, Fidunia fell beside her lost favourite
and vainly chafed his stiffening limbs. As she stooped over him, her
eyes swimming in tears, she perceived in the morning light a small
scroll lying on the floor by his couch. She hastily raised it, and
noted "This for Fidunia" traced upon the outer covering. She tore it
open, and through the mists of sorrow that perpetually dimmed her
vision, she read these words:
"Sweet daughter, when thou readest this, thy faithful servant will
be no more. Know that the little dog, Fido, through many past days
and nights hath mourned over thine exceeding sorrow and thy low
estate.
"He held thee altogether lovely, but he knew from human fellowship
that those who owed most to thy labours, my child, had weighed
thine outward beauty in the balance and found it wanting. He
watched thine affliction till his own heart went nigh to break; and
then, calling to remembrance my counsels and assistance to thee, he
left thy side, and through many hardships and with great fatigue he
gained once more my little cottage by the wide and spreading
common. I made known to him that the gift of earthly beauty could
only be thine through the self-sacrifice of one who loved thee to
the death. Thy faithful companion hath cheerfully laid down his
sinless existence for thy dear sake.
"Heaven guard thee and guide thee, Fidunia!
"ANNA."
As Fidunia, penetrated to her very inmost soul by the dying fidelity of
her beloved dog, sank again over his inanimate frame, a loud and
persistent knocking made itself heard at her chamber door. She had
barely time to cast on her outer garments before the palace women,
alarmed by her first cry, and hearing no response to their summons,
thrust open the door and drew inquisitively near the weeping maiden.
Fidunia rose from her knees, and casting an indignant look on the
amazed intruders, she exclaimed, "Behold your thoughtless work! It was
through you and yours that my poor dog learnt the small esteem in which
his mistress was held, and has thus been goaded to his death."
No answer came from the gathering throng. Awed and abashed, they herded
together. Whence came the ineffable beauty that sat upon Fidunia's
brow, and cast a radiance over her shining hair? That it was the forest
maiden none could doubt, but how exquisitely soft and fair her
lineaments, as standing in the morning sun before her dead comrade's
couch, she gave vent to her feelings of passionate reproach.
At this moment Domenichino, hastily entering, heralded the King's
approach. The news of the death of Fido and of Fidunia's miraculous and
new-born beauty had spread like wild-fire through the Castle.
Antiphates, no less bewildered than his subjects, hesitated half
awe-struck on the threshold of the young girl's chamber, which he now
for the first time proposed to enter. Recovering himself promptly,
however, with an imperious gesture he signed to his surrounding people
to leave the apartment, and then slowly advanced to the now silent but
still weeping Fidunia.
In bygone days, all unknown to the sightless monarch, the very sound of
his approaching footsteps had power to suffuse her cheek with blushes.
Now coldly conscious of his presence, she stood before him without
responsive sign, the loveliest creature upon God's wide earth, the
realized ideal of his fairest dreams.
Wrapped in her white morning robe, with her yet unbound hair falling
back in rich clustering masses from her pure pale brow and pearly skin
of dazzling whiteness; a solemn depth shone from her dark blue eyes,
bearing still a wealth of tears unshed; while a faint evanescent colour
like the transparent petal of the wood anemone played upon her rounded
cheek.
All unknown to herself, clothed in this wondrous panoply of beauty,
Fidunia awaited her sovereign's commands. To her unspeakable surprise
the monarch seemed overcome with some unbidden emotion. Again and again
he vainly assayed to speak; at length, drawing near, he bent his proud
knee before her, and in agitated tones besought her pardon.
"Sire," replied Fidunia, "as regards myself, I have little to forgive,
but would that my dumb companion had been spared the knowledge that
hath cost him his faithful life."
"Oh, Fidunia!" cried the enamoured Prince, "forget these sad weeks
wherein we have suffered disquiet, and during which untoward shadows
have obscured my vision, and consent, as you once promised, to be my
bride. I swear to you, my darling," continued he, pressing closer to
the shrinking girl, "that in my love and tender care you shall find
consolation even for the death of your poor lost favourite."
With an effort Fidunia extricated her hand from his nervous grasp, and
the red flush of indignation mounting higher and higher, she exclaimed,
"Nay, my liege, this is neither the time nor the place wherein to renew
the vows which of late have sat so light on thy heart and conscience.
Here in the presence of the faithful dead, spare me, I pray thee, all
reference to the unfaithful past. That chapter is closed for ever. On
this morning, with thy free consent, I take upon myself new and holy
vows. Yes," repeated she, raising her speaking eyes to the glorious
eastern sky, "I am accounted worthy to become the lowly bride of
Heaven." And as if in confirmation of her words, a gust of wind brought
faintly to their ears, through the wide open window, the glad chiming
of the Saint Sebastian bells, ringing in anticipation of the ceremonial
of the day.
"Now by my crown and kingdom," whispered Antiphates, in burning ardent
tones, "that thou never shalt become, for mine thou art and mine thou
shalt remain while I have life and power to keep thee." So saying he
sprang to his feet and enfolding Fidunia in his arms, pressed her
fiercely to his breast.
Weary and distraught, and well nigh overcome with the struggle, as she
felt the loud pulsations of his throbbing heart, and experienced the
mesmeric influence of strong earthly passion, the sorely bestead maiden
breathed from her fainting soul an earnest prayer for guidance; and her
silent petition for aid in the hour of need was answered.
A low strain of music sounded through the chamber, and the reluctant
King involuntarily released his trembling captive, as the door slowly
opening admitted two by two the veiled and white arrayed sisters of
Saint Sebastian coming to adorn their promised novice for the
approaching ceremony.
In vain the distracted Prince commanded them to pause in their holy
duties, in vain he implored Fidunia to delay even for a day her
irrevocable vows.
Borne back by the gentle but resistless force of the sacred band, and
secretly abashed at the recollection of his own conduct, Antiphates
stood spell-bound, devouring with hungry eyes the peerless beauty of
the maid, whom too late, he knew to be the one golden hope of his life.
They arrayed her in bridal robes of exceeding splendour. They placed a
coronal of blooming orange flowers upon her faultless head.
When all was completed Fidunia, turning to Domenichino, pleaded with
him to convey what remained of her devoted servant to the little thymy
knoll beneath the olive trees, and there within easy reach of her
convent walls, to lay to rest the still beautiful form of the faithful
Fido.
Then, stepping aside as if to bid him farewell, she raised and kissed
the silent Prince's hand, murmuring in tones that he alone could hear,
"while life lasts I shall pray for thee." Ere he could respond the
procession slowly re-formed, and descending the broad palace-stairs,
swept onwards along the avenue of grassy sward, and through the
orange-scented gardens of Xylina to the hallowed precincts of Saint
Sebastian on the Hill.
Within the chapel where the holy fathers waited, many had collected to
witness the ceremony, but the King and his cortége occupied the places
nearest to the sisters and the young aspirant.
Through his intervention her meditations were yet again disturbed, as
he besought her once more to turn from her purpose, and to remain amid
the outer world as his loved and honoured bride. She steadfastly
refused to listen to his entreaties. The service proceeded, and the
novice at length prepared to pass through the iron gateway that should
now close to all eternity between her and the world without. A ray from
heaven fell on her beautiful figure, and illumined her devout features,
as she stood waiting to receive the white consecrated veil of the
sisterhood.
The long enveloping folds shrouded her from head to foot, and as
Fidunia's golden head disappeared for ever from the sight of man, the
whole air became filled with the celestial voices of the choir, singing
these glorious words,
"She is not dead, but liveth."
EUDÆMON:
OR
_THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH_.
On the eastern side of the Isle of Raasay there still stands a lonely
ruin known as Castle Brochel. Perched upon precipitous rocks at the
very verge of the ocean, it is easy to imagine how, armed and
provisioned, this fortress held its own amid the perpetual warfare of
early Celtic times.
[Illustration: EUDÆMON
P. 199.]
Castle Brochel has always borne a doubtful reputation. According to
tradition, it was originally built with the price of blood, for the
ancient legend runs somewhat after this fashion.
Shiel Torquil went forth with his dogs one morning to hunt the red deer
on the wild mountains Blaven and Glamaig, in the neighbouring Island of
Skye. Shiel Torquil had with him only one retainer, but he was a host
in himself, being surnamed, from his immense size and strength, the
Gillie More. After some time they sighted a stag. In the ardour of the
chase the dogs soon ran out of sight, pursuing their quarry towards the
shore at Sligachan.
Now it so happened that the young Kreshinish in his galley was anchored
on that side of the island within sight of the beach. He saw the hunted
animal about to take to the water, and swim, as deer are often known to
do, across the narrow strait which lies between Skye and Raasay.
Kreshinish and his men at once landed and took possession, not only of
the stag itself, but of the dogs which, panting and exhausted, were
unable to offer any resistance.
Shiel Torquil presently appeared on the scene and angrily asked for his
deer and his hounds. Kreshinish refused to deliver them up. A bloody
struggle ensued, during which the Gillie More inflicted a fatal wound
upon the ill-fated young chieftain who unwittingly (at first) had
interfered with the sports of another. This brought the affray to a
speedy conclusion, and Shiel Torquil with his follower carried off deer
and dogs in triumph.
Not long after this the poor old father of Kreshinish came to Skye to
seek for the murderer of his son, and publicly offered the reward of a
bag of silver to any one who would show him the guilty man. The Gillie
More, hearing of the promised guerdon, boldly entered the presence of
the elder Kreshinish. Confessing that he himself had slain the youthful
chieftain, he urged in self-defence the young man's overbearing conduct
in attempting to carry off Shiel Torquil's stag-hounds and game.
The bereaved father, obliged by the stringent laws of Highland honour
to fulfil his solemn promise, reluctantly bestowed the bag of silver on
the very man who had cut off his only child in the early bloom of
manhood. The Gillie More, however, haunted by remorse, and still
fearing the avenger's footstep, entreated his master to accept the
money and build therewith a retreat for them both.
Shiel Torquil granted his henchman's request. After some time spent in
searching for a suitable site, they at last selected the wild easterly
shore of Raasay. Here were speedily raised the frowning walls of Castle
Brochel. Secured from sudden attack by the inaccessible situation of
their refuge, the Gillie More and his master lived in peace for many
years.
Their retired habits, and their dislike to intruders, coupled with this
strange tale of robbery and murder, caused the Castle, though
newly-built, to be regarded with no friendly eye. When they died, it
was left untenanted for a considerable time. Many reports were
circulated concerning the strange sights and sounds to be seen and
heard at the eerie hour of twilight, or amid the silent watches of the
night, by the belated traveller who chanced to pass that way by sea or
by land.
At the period of which we speak, Castle Brochel had however for some
time been inhabited by a being whose origin was partially shrouded in
mystery, the gloomy Eudæmon, known as the "Enchanter of the North."
Long years ago, Valbiorn, the wild sea-king, persuaded the lovely
Bragela, Sorglan's fair-haired daughter, to fly with him from her home.
Terrible was Sorglan's wrath when he discovered that his hereditary
enemy had deprived him of his only child, and undying was his
resentment. But filial disobedience brought its own punishment. Before
very long the restless Valbiorn was once more roaming alone on the high
seas, spreading war and confusion in his wake.
It was next rumoured that the gentle Bragela, heart-broken and
deserted, had, with her little babe and an old and faithful attendant,
one-eyed Donald, taken up her abode in the lonely Castle Brochel. Here
she reared her son, within whose infant mind the powers of good and
evil seemed to struggle with unwonted energy.
Unceasing were the prayers that the loving mother offered up over her
child, for his strange nature caused her many tears. At times he would
sit contented by her side, and fixing on her his large dark eyes,
listen attentively to her words of instruction and wisdom. Or wandering
with her, as soon as he could run alone, over the hills near at hand,
he learnt the names and properties of various medicinal herbs, and the
hours when they should be gathered to render their use efficacious.
Wondrously effectual was the healing touch he inherited from his fair
young mother and brought to light in future years.
On other days a mad spirit of wild wantonness seemed to possess the
boy. He would destroy everything upon which he could lay his hand, or
tear along recklessly over the rugged walls and dangerous precipices on
which the Castle stood, where a single false step would have dashed him
to pieces on the rocks beneath. If his mother tearfully besought him to
return to her, he would burst into loud fits of laughter, and shriek
until the very sea-birds flew affrighted from the spot.
When these strange paroxysms seized him, Bragela found that nothing had
the least effect upon her wayward child save music. It was wholly by
accident she first discovered the soothing charm of melody on his
turbulent nature.
One day, after watching his wild antics till her very heart grew sick
within her, she re-entered the hall wearied and discouraged. Gradually
consoling herself as she remembered how often the young rebel had come
down in safety from his perilous haunts, she drew to her the harp, her
father's gift in days of yore, which in all her wanderings she had
carried with her. Striking chord after chord on its well-worn strings,
she at length began to mingle her sweet voice with its thrilling tones.
She sang of her childhood's happy home, and her tenderly-loved father,
of the still beloved though faithless Valbiorn, of the perils they had
together undergone, of the blissful hours she had once enjoyed when the
fierce warrior forgot everything save her gentle strains, and lay
entranced at her feet drinking in every word, and whispering in ardent
tones that "her voice was as that of the angels in heaven."
She would have sung on of sorrow and forlorn solitude, but voice and
heart alike failed her. Clasping her arms around her cold harp, the
forsaken Bragela bowed her head on its shoulder and wept aloud.
But a little rough hand was laid upon her neck. "Mother, mother,"
whispered her boy; "you must not weep, you are not forlorn or lonely,
for I am here to care for you, and to protect you."
Surprised and touched, Bragela turned to look upon the child. The wild
light had died out of his eyes, and in its place shone through those
brilliant orbs the tender protecting instinct of his sex. He drew
closer to her, and pressing his little curly head on her soft bosom, he
murmured, "I am sorry, mother dear; forgive me this time."
Poor Bragela gladly folded the young truant to her heart. Henceforward
she derived unspeakable comfort from this new influence over his
boisterous spirit. For his sake she cheerfully resumed the art she had
deemed laid aside for ever. When the wild fit again and again returned
upon her boy, she would even carry her harp into the outer court. There
inuring herself, with all a mother's courage, to behold without
shuddering his maddest freaks, by her sweet singing and playing she
gradually lured him to her side, and awakened his better self.
These happy days, however, could not continue for ever. Eudæmon's
mother had gone through too many trials, and was of too tender a nature
to endure such grief with impunity. There came a time when the gentle
Bragela laid down her wearied head to rest; her dim eye kindled not
with affection when her terrified boy bent over her, her cold hand for
the first time gave him no responsive caress. Her sorrows were over,
but loud and long were the lamentations of her child; thus left alone
with one poor old man and his faithful dog Luachan.
At dead of night strange lights and sounds arose about that rugged
dwelling. Watchers at a distance beheld the lonely castle enveloped in
fiery smoke. Amid the wreathing vapours a figure of unearthly
proportions carried to the sea a white-robed form with long flowing
hair. The repentant Valbiorn, too late to save, or even to hold
converse with his neglected Bragela, bore to his immortal home her
precious remains. There he was able by his magic skill to endow her
inanimate body with the semblance of life. He mournfully placed the
beautiful image in the vaulted halls of Thuisto, where he could for
ever gaze on the fatal beauty that had brought such misfortune on its
possessor.
Valbiorn tried every art to persuade his son to accompany him; but
before her death Bragela had warned her child of the cruel nature of
the sea-kings. She told him of her humble trust that notwithstanding
her early disobedience (so heartily repented of), her soul might ascend
to heaven, and though the still heathen Valbiorn could take her body,
yet she felt her spirit would be safe with Him who gave it.
She explained to Eudæmon that if he came under his dread father's
influence, the sea-king and his wild companions would strive their
utmost to make him forget and neglect her careful instructions. She
entreated him to be steadfast in his resistance to temptation,
prophesying that eventually he might even have the great happiness of
rescuing his father from the darkness of heathendom; if only he lived
on in faith and simplicity, serving his unseen but all-powerful Maker,
studying the books she left him, and endeavouring as best he might to
help the poor ignorant Highlanders around.
The crafty Valbiorn finding all his endeavours powerless to persuade
Eudæmon to quit his abode of safety, resolved to destroy his
disobedient son and his refuge at the same time. But here the loving
mother's foresight helped in the preservation of her child. Among the
other treasures carried by the fugitive Bragela to Castle Brochel, were
some fowls of the famous breed first reared by the witch Fantunina,
which by their watchfulness are able to protect their possessors from
the powers of evil.
Night after night, therefore, when the emissaries of the baffled
sea-king strove to destroy the Castle by fire, the magic cock, ever on
the alert, flapped his wings and loudly proclaimed the approach of
danger. Then Eudæmon arising from his lonely couch, wrestled in silent
prayer until the first faint streaks of daylight in the eastern sky
showed him that night's dominion was over. Thus baulked of his prey,
Valbiorn withdrew in a terrible tempest to Thuisto, nor did his son
again hear of him for many and many a long day.
A considerable period elapsed, during which Eudæmon grew apace in
stature and in knowledge. He not only studied the many books of magic
lore left to him, but he also learnt marvellous lessons from Nature
herself. In his lonely isolation he had leisure to attend to what our
common mother is ready to teach us all, would we but tarry awhile in
our busy lives and hearken to her still small voice.
Separated by his birth and dwelling-place from mankind in general,
Eudæmon strove to benefit the few he could befriend. The island people,
as a rule, rarely beheld him. But in sickness or trouble they ever
turned (tremblingly, it is true) to the Castle gate, where they waited
while the trusty Donald apprised his master of the presence of the
suppliants without.
Strange cures were wrought by the simple remedies Eudæmon compounded
from the various herbs and minerals his mother had shown to him, or
with which his studies had rendered him familiar. To seek these herbs
at a propitious time, the youth issued from the Castle at dead of
night, with his faithful Luachan, and traversed the hills till break of
day, when, wearied, and full of sleep, he often, on his return, passed
the daylight hours in repose.
He was, moreover, a keen and unerring marksman, swift and sure of foot,
and of iron nerve. The shuddering Highlanders sometimes marked his
eager pursuit of the wild goats, which at that time abounded in the
island. Master and hound seemed alike dauntless and fearless in the
chase, and whether from his early love of climbing, or from his mixed
descent, it is hard to say, but it is very certain that Eudæmon and his
dog were often seen scrambling across the beetling crags that overhung
the sea, in places where no human foot has trodden before or since. He
and Luachan also knew where the golden eagle built her eyrie. He even
caught and tamed a young nestling, which loved Castle Brochel as its
home, and would only feed from her master's hand. With Donald's
assistance moreover he had constructed a rude boat, in which they went
forth occasionally to seek a portion of their subsistence by fishing.
Passionately fond of companionship, and denied that of his own fellows,
Eudæmon, by dint of long perseverance, collected around him a motley
variety of animals. Tame seals lived on the rocks below his dwelling.
In perfect security around and beneath the Castle walls roosted and
nested a perfect colony of sea-birds. A little flock of goats amply
supplied the three inhabitants with milk; while conies, blue hares,
domestic fowls of various kinds, and last, but not least, serpents,
from time immemorial the emblems of wisdom, throve and multiplied
within the precincts or in close proximity to Eudæmon's home.
In those remote times, it is not surprising that old Donald, with his
queer, misshapen figure, and solitary glaring eye, his youthful master,
so wise beyond his years, and even the poor collie Luachan, whose
sagacity was far above the average, were one and all regarded with some
degree of superstitious mistrust.
It was said, that in the little turret chamber, highest in the Castle
wall, from which at night streamed forth a ruddy ray of light, Eudæmon
held converse with visitants from another world, and that many a storm
was concocted and wafted abroad by their dark agency.
While the young student strove anxiously to benefit the cases of
sickness brought before him--sometimes, indeed, spending whole nights
wrestling face to face with death, by the side of some poor peasant's
bed--a few of the people were ungrateful enough to attribute his cures
to magic art and to an unholy alliance with the powers of darkness.
Some humble hearts, however, throbbed with responsive gratitude at the
very mention of his name; and there was one mother who, though the King
of Terrors had proved too powerful for his adversary's skill, never
forgot the tear of sorrow that fell from the young man's eye, as, after
long watching and many unavailing remedies, her bonnie bairn breathed
out her innocent life in Eudæmon's arms.
His fame was gradually bruited abroad, and as years rolled on he became
widely known as "the Enchanter of the North."
From all the surrounding districts the inhabitants flocked in boats to
seek his advice. Fishermen asked for charms, to ensure a successful
summer. Ere the sailors put to sea, they deemed themselves lucky if
they could secure one of Eudæmon's so-called "amulets" against
disaster. These were, in reality, small bags manufactured and sold (in
private) by the one-eyed seneschal, whose master would have been sorely
displeased, had he discovered the chaffering trade driven in "charms"
by the cunning old man, who thus rivalled Gehazi of ancient times!
Now it chanced that about this time there dwelt on the Lowland Borders,
a King and Queen of Clutha, whose only daughter was afflicted with a
terrible misfortune.
The Princess Miranda was beautiful as the day. Her parents, who had
long lived in the bonds of matrimony without possessing any children,
felt inexpressible joy as they welcomed their sweet little girl into
the world. Bells were rung and bonfires lighted upon all the hills on
either side of the river Clutha, which ran through her father's
domains. Everything went on propitiously, until, in an hour of woe, it
was discovered that the infant Princess could not speak!
This dire and unexpected calamity threw the whole Court, and indeed the
nation at large, into deep distress. All, both high and low, heartily
sympathized with the grief-stricken parents. Philosophers, astrologers,
physicians, and wise women were each consulted in their turn; but all,
alas! in vain. At last, in desperation, the unhappy parents even
offered the hand and dowry of their daughter as a reward to any man who
should be fortunate enough to set her tongue at liberty.
Years rolled on. The King and Queen were disappointed in their hope of
other offspring. Their feelings became more and more bitter, as they
reflected on the confusion that would inevitably arise, should they
die, and the dumb Miranda be called to the throne. They feared, with
reason, that wicked men might take advantage of the Princess's helpless
condition, and wrest the crown and kingdom from her hands.
Ambassadors from many surrounding countries were attracted by the
beauty of Miranda's portraits, carefully and widely disseminated by her
prudent mother. One by one, however, these envoys disappeared, on
finding that the beautiful Princess, though possessed of every other
charm, was dumb.
The King and Queen, to soften as far as possible their child's
misfortune, gave orders that her play-mates and attendants were always
to address her in writing. All at court were told to conceal from the
Princess as much as possible the difference between her own condition
and that of the maidens around her.
The consequence of these ill-judged regulations was that the Court of
Clutha became almost as silent as the grave. Even musical
instruments--with the exception of the fife and the drum, necessary for
military and state occasions--were completely banished from the
precincts of the palace, to save the youthful Miranda from discovering
what it was to be without a voice for singing or speaking.
Under these circumstances it is not to be wondered at that foreign
courtiers found King Murdoch's Court insufferably dull, especially as
the lovely Princess, herself a prey to melancholy, spent the greater
part of her time amid the wild moors and glens surrounding her father's
castle, where at least she could uninterruptedly listen to the sounds
of Nature. The sweet singing, or startled calls of the various birds,
the rippling and murmuring of the rushing waters, the ceaseless humming
of the insects, the sighing of the wind among the leaves and branches
of the trees--each and all she heard and learnt to love.
Among the ambassadors referred to there was one representing a Prince,
whose ardour could not be checked by the Princess's cruel misfortune.
Some short time before the period of which we speak, the King and Queen
of Clutha, accompanied by their daughter, paid a visit to the Queen's
sister, a powerful Princess in Ireland.
Left early a widow, Queen Hildegonda had long since forgotten all the
softer charms of womanly nature. Forced, when hardly more than a girl
herself, to protect her infant son, Prince Eochy, the heir to his
father's wide domains, from the continued assaults, not only of
neighbouring chieftains, but also of rebellious and usurping subjects,
she had become a very amazon. By her wise and judicious regency, she
had secured a peaceful rule for her son. But when the time came for him
to take his rightful place, the proud mother could not bring herself to
resign the reins of power. Eochy, as effeminate and weak as his mother
was masculine and daring, willingly yielded to her the responsibilities
of government, and passed his life in idle poetical dreams and
frivolous amusements.
On Miranda's appearance, however, the susceptible Prince, as might have
been expected, was captivated by his fair cousin's matchless beauty. In
vain the maiden's parents bestowed upon Eochy their own approval. In
vain the enamoured youth besought his mother to favour his suit.
Hildegonda, inexorable and unyielding, declared that no dumb Queen
should ever reign in Cashel, and commanded her son to retire to a
distant province until his relatives had departed.
Murdoch and his spouse lost no time in quitting with their daughter
these inhospitable shores. When they once more reached home, they were
roused by Hildegonda's insulting behaviour to attempt still more
earnestly to unravel the cruel mystery that bound the lips of their
beautiful daughter.
In the meantime the hapless Eochy utterly failed to make any deep
impression on his cousin's heart. He languished in all the misery of
unrequited love, and continually breathed forth his lamentations in
odes and poems such as this:--
"What though I be King of the Emerald Isle,
And my Court in its Castle with beauty be bright,
To me it were brighter by far could the smile
Of the one I remember but gladden my sight.
"Ah yes! I remember too faithfully yet
That evening and all its enchantment to me,
That silvery wreath I shall never forget,
That star-spangled Maiden from over the sea.
"I had gazed on the snow-mantled vale as it lay
In the silence of morning all spotless and white,
And I wished that unchanged the fair prospect would stay
To delight me, no sunset, no evening, no night:
"But the evening would come, and with evening a glow
So rosy and glorious and delicate shone,
Bright Phoebus, I vowed, must be wooing the snow,
And I envied the sweet bridal blush he had won.
"I had gazed on the ocean so calm and serene,
The breezes seemed hushed to be watching her sleep:
I whispered, could mortal imagine a scene
More sweet than the peacefully slumbering deep?
"But the sun shining forth, on a sudden there grew
Such a change, every ripple seemed laughing and glad,
Such a dazzling and glancing of golden and blue,
I wondered it e'er could seem slumbering or sad.
"Sweet, when I had met thee the charms were united,
The snow of that morn of that evening the glow
On thy cheek and thy brow,--Oh, I would they were plighted
To me, as they were 'twixt the sun and the snow!
"And the laughter of ocean I saw in thine eyes,
When a light from within had enkindled the flame,--
How I wished I knew what might be worthy the prize
Those fair joyous glances for ever to claim!
"Let them boast that the daughters of Erin are bright,
Let them sing their wild songs to the maids of Kildare;
I'll sing, and I'll sing till they own I am right,
There's a maiden in Scotland, a maiden more fair!"
When Miranda received by special messengers these and other similar
effusions from the love-sick Eochy, she conjured up before her mind's
eye the sandy locks, the unmeaning grey eyes, the ungraceful lounging
figure, and the good-natured but facile countenance of the effeminate
young Prince. She smiled to herself as she contrasted him with the
ideal hero of her imagination, sprung from the well-remembered tales of
the dark impetuous sea-kings of the north.
About this time the King and Queen heard of and resolved to consult the
oracle at Cumbrae for their afflicted daughter. They hoped to gain from
the shrine of the far-famed lion some insight into her dark destiny.
After they had offered the richest gifts, and personally invoked its
mysterious aid, the oracle returned the following enigmatical answer to
their prayers, nor could the utmost entreaties gain from it any further
explanation:--
"The Eagle that soared o'er Kyle Akin's swift strait,
Hath wooed and hath won the soft dove for his mate;
Affliction hath wearied affection to rest,
And cold is the heart in that mother's fond breast.
"The strange freaks of fate in one web have entwined,
What the Eaglet and maiden alone can unbind;
By chequered adventure, and music's soft thrill,
The compass shall aid in deliverance from ill.
Arise and speed northward, the prophet hath spoken,
Miranda's long silence by love shall be broken."
Enquiries were at once set on foot regarding the mysterious "Eaglet"
mentioned by the oracle. It was discovered that a certain Enchanter of
the north named Eudæmon, was sometimes called "the Tamer of the Golden
Eagle," and was indeed by some supposed to have been reared in an
eagle's nest. The hopes of the afflicted parents rose high as they
listened to the wondrous tales told of the great Enchanter's power.
A gorgeous galley was forthwith prepared wherein the King and Queen
with their daughter embarked, taking with them but a slender retinue,
for it was rumoured that the wise man lived secluded from his fellows,
and would not brook intrusion. A small flotilla to protect and watch
over the royal vessel received orders to hover near, but on no account
to come within sight of the wizard's castle, for fear of exciting his
displeasure.
The voyage was long and perilous. Autumn had already far advanced.
Equinoctial gales lashed the western sea into swelling billows, so that
after struggling with difficulty up the stormy sounds of Mull and
Sleat, the galley containing the Princess and her parents, at length
became separated from all her convoys and stranded on the western coast
of Raasay. The King, Queen, and Princess barely escaped with their
lives; their attendants also were saved, but the choice treasures
intended to propitiate the Enchanter were carried by mermaidens as
spoil to the palace of the sea gods.
Drenched and perishing with cold, the unfortunate voyagers were rescued
from the bleak shore, and hospitably entertained by the poor islanders,
who little imagined that in these storm-beaten mariners they beheld the
great King Murdoch, the wise Queen Margaret, and the unfortunate
Princess Miranda.
It is true that the Queen, with that prudence and forethought which
occasionally guided her smaller actions, had caused her chief dresser
to sew their three second-best Crowns into a small package, which was
still attached to her belt and concealed by her dress, but with this
exception (which seemed of little practical use), nothing remained to
mark the exalted station of the royal wanderers.
Great, however, was their satisfaction to find that they were
shipwrecked on the _very_ island where the Enchanter of the North
had his lonely abode. They made many enquiries concerning him, and
heard that his actions were beneficent, and his cures almost certain.
They were, nevertheless, warned by the islanders that nothing more
excited his indignation than the presence of many people at his gate.
He had, indeed, been known to refuse aid altogether to their comrades,
who, from superstition or folly, had gone in numbers to beset the
Castle entrance.
It was now therefore customary among these simple yet considerate
people, to convoy the suppliant within a short distance of Castle
Brochel. They then remained waiting on the hill above, while their
fellow descended and returned. So universal had this practice become,
that a small shieling was gradually thrown together stone upon stone by
islanders waiting on different occasions for some friend below; exposed
for the time being to all the inclemency of that most variable climate.
Here then the King and Queen waited while their beloved daughter
(bearing with her the white and silver tablets by means of which she
was wont to communicate with others) was told to present herself at the
wicket-gate of the Castle. She was moreover given money wherewith to
propitiate the much-dreaded Donald--the stern one-eyed guardian of the
Enchanter's abode.
It was one of those days in early November when the exquisite "Indian
summer" sometimes casts a perfect halo of beauty over the "soft"
north-western atmosphere of Scotland. The little group paused on the
eminence immediately commanding the tall gaunt building below. In
reality, the Castle top was above them; but to gain access to its
portals, it was necessary to descend to a considerable depth, and then
remount by a narrow cause-way to its frowning door.
The afternoon sun gilded the turrets with golden radiance, beyond
slumbered the blue rippling waters, calm and treacherous, giving no
sign of their cruel strength. Far in the distance like faint clouds,
lay the curving outline of the Highland hills, tipped with snow, and
dimly visible as they blushed pink in the parting rays of the monarch
of day.
The last farewell spoken, and the afflicted child tenderly pressed to
her parents' hearts; the gentle Miranda, with slow footstep, descended
the fateful path.
In the meantime Eudæmon, by his consultations with the stars (an art
partly taught him by his mother, who had carried away for her child,
when she escaped from Valbiorn's terrible dwelling, strange manuscripts
of astrological and magic lore), had become aware of the impending
visit of a being whose fate was mysteriously connected with his own.
He was absorbed in abstruse calculations when Luachan, suddenly
pricking up his ears, and impatiently scratching at the door, gave
notice that some stranger approached the castle. On his master's
unfastening the latch, the fleet animal made one bound, and disappeared
down the narrow staircase, while the magician heard old Donald's
querulous quavering tones raised high, as if to refuse admittance.
Quick as thought Eudæmon sprang lightly after his dog, and entered the
hall, where an astonishing sight greeted his bewildered eyes.
A maiden of surpassing beauty had evidently made her way into the
Castle when the seneschal was off his guard. She now stood irresolute
in the centre of the apartment. Luachan, contrary to immemorial custom
(for, as a rule, he was surly to strangers), gambolled around the
beautiful unknown with extravagant gestures of affectionate welcome,
while the one-eyed Donald, shaking in his hoary wrath, poured forth an
incomprehensible flood of Celtic indignation.
Eudæmon rushed forward, and signed to the old man to hold his peace,
then turning to his fair visitant, he gently asked her will. Miranda,
amazed to behold in the dreaded Enchanter no ancient, withered seer, no
venerable prophet, as she had anticipated, but the dark-haired ideal of
her wild dreams about the sea kings of the north, remained rooted to
the spot, ashamed of her wilful intrusion and covered with burning
blushes.
Eudæmon gazed, like one entranced, on his mysterious guest. Her long
golden tresses, and her exquisite beauty of feature and form, startled
the recluse of the rock. At first he almost imagined her to be of
angelic extraction; but her unmistakeable confusion betrayed mortal
birth, and in bolder tones the Enchanter again requested her to make
known her wishes.
The Princess, seized with sudden terror, looked towards the door by
which she had entered, but it was closed, and Donald stood before it,
glaring at her angrily with his solitary orb. In her distress her hand
involuntarily sought the tablets, where she now remembered that she
herself had written the following explanatory lines, during her long
and tedious journey from the south. With a bashful half-smile,
therefore, she unclasped the ivory pages from her side, and timidly
handed them to the Magician, who there beheld inscribed these lines.
"Hearken mighty seer, Eudæmon,
Tamer of the golden Eagle,
Aquila the golden Eagle,
Hearken, merciful Eudæmon,
Measurer of the raging tempest,
Of the unseen raging tempest,
Hearken to a lowland maiden,
To the silent maid Miranda
To the sad Princess Miranda.
"I am come from Clutha's waters,
From its distant tranquil waters,
Where through changing isles of sunshine,
Looms the ocean, where the west wind
Rustles through the matted foliage,
Or, with a delicious shiver,
Sweeps along the silver beeches.
I am come to sea-girt Raasay,
To the wave-washed island Raasay,
To the storm-swept, rugged Raasay,
I have braved Kintyre's wild headlands--
Braved its mountain-rising billows,
Braved dark Cory-Vreckan's whirlpool,
Braved the fortress of Artornish,
Braved the fabled Ardnamurchan,
Ship-engulfing Ardnamurchan,
Braved the blasts from Scuir-na-gillean,
But to plead with thee for succour,
Aid against the fell enchantment,
Terrible unknown enchantment,
Which hath bound my lips to silence--
Gloomy unresponsive silence.
Maidens' mouths were made for singing,
Song and laughter are their sunshine;
Cheering thus the world around them,
Wakening mirth with voice melodious.
Pity, then! oh, great Enchanter!
Pity the poor spell-bound Princess,
Silent, sorrowful, dumb maiden,
And with pity give assistance,
Read the tale she cannot tell thee,
Charm the woes no sighs can cure."
Eudæmon perused the tablets with eager attention more than once, then,
turning a keen, piercing eye on Miranda, he exclaimed.
"Princess! I do not now hear of your misfortune for the first time. I
knew that you and your parents were in search of me and of my castle.
During my researches and observations I have discovered that the
conjunction of stars at your birth left one unfavourable moment. This
was taken advantage of by Valbiorn to avenge upon your innocent lips a
grudge he owed to your father, having been, in days gone by, an
unsuccessful suitor for your mother's hand.
"By much careful study of the heavens I have ascertained that the
enchantment can only be dissolved by my aid and that under very
difficult conditions. Rest assured, however, that no effort on my part
shall be wanting to set you free. But," continued Eudæmon, bending low
before Miranda, "will your parents consent to remain under my humble
roof a while, since what we must go through together will take days, if
not weeks, to accomplish?"
The Princess joyfully clasped her hands, and while tears of joy ran
down her fair cheeks at the prospect of deliverance, she inclined her
head over and over again, to intimate that her parents would thankfully
accept Eudæmon's welcome invitation.
The Enchanter now offered his hand to Miranda, and while Luachan
testified his delight by bounding around them, led her through the
Castle gate and accompanied her in search of the King and Queen. With
all the unreasonableness of human nature, these potentates advancing to
meet them, half expected to hear their daughter already speaking. They
graciously accosted Eudæmon, however, and anxiously listened to his
explanations.
It was finally arranged that the Queen and her daughter, with their
solitary waiting-maid, (much to Donald's disgust), should be installed
in a part of the Castle now never used, but where were still to be
seen, when the doors were unlocked, the last traces of the gentle
Bragela's feminine occupations. The islanders cheerfully lent what aid
they could, and King Murdoch with his attendant was permanently fixed
in the small shieling on the hill. It was impossible to accommodate him
in the Castle, for though lofty, its proportions were narrow and
cramped. Except to sleep therefore he very seldom left the precincts of
Eudæmon's dwelling.
For several days and nights the Enchanter shut himself up alone in his
high turret, examining dusty old volumes, and reading the heavens, by
the aid of an instrument he himself had constructed. At the end of that
time he emerged from his solitary chamber, descending with eager rapid
step to join his guests at their evening meal. He bore under his arm a
small box and a piece of board roughly marked in squares of two
colours. His dark features wore an expression of anxious excitement.
No sooner had the last traces of the repast been cleared away than
Eudæmon placed his board upon the table. Opening the box he then
displayed to the Princess's delighted gaze a number of little men of
various sizes and shapes. These were in fact neither more nor less than
a set of chessmen which he had laboriously carved in wood with his own
hands, and stained in two different colours, having ascertained the
mode of using them from the careful study of ancient manuscripts.
Long before the Princess Miranda appeared in Raasay, Eudæmon had known
and pondered over the mystic answer returned to her parents by the
Cumbrae oracle. He diligently sought among his mother's ancient volumes
of magic lore for some solution of the phrase "chequered adventure." At
length he came upon the description of the ancient game of chess
illustrated by rough drawings.
His attention was at once arrested by discovering that this game must
be played upon a "chequered" board. After careful research he finally
resolved to make the trial. It took him, however, a considerable time
to fashion the various pieces from the old pictures he possessed.
The Princess, her countenance lit up with curiosity and interest, was
soon seated at the little table opposite the Enchanter. Several
evenings were spent in teaching her the various moves of the different
pieces, and explaining to her the rules of the game.
Eudæmon was fully aware that only one hour during the twenty-four was
available for the purpose of disenchantment.
Some evenings later the King and Queen, already grown somewhat sleepy,
nodded drowsily in their chairs. The faithful Luachan lay between his
master and the fair young guest, whose bright eyes gleamed with
unwonted animation. Then the dark Enchanter arising from his seat
trimmed the torch above their heads, and prepared, at midnight, to play
in earnest the mystic game, so fraught with meaning to the afflicted
Princess.
Miranda sat in an old-fashioned chair of curiously carved wood. Her
white dress and her fair tresses reflected the flickering light, thus
giving some brightness to the lofty hall, whose gloomy proportions were
but partially revealed by the blazing fire and the fitful glare of the
torch. The most profound silence reigned in the chamber, only broken by
the cheerful crackling of the firewood or an occasional snore from the
slumbering King.
Fully instructed in the moves by Eudæmon during the previous nights,
the Princess and the Enchanter played an interesting game. He had cast
aside his long upper robe of black velvet and showed the tightly
fitting red under-suit which set off his active form to greatest
advantage. He placed himself on a somewhat ricketty "creepie," for the
unwonted number of guests had used up all his available chairs. As he
bent eagerly forward the ruddy light fell on his swarthy face, and his
small closely cropped, though curly black head. His burning eyes fixed
alternately on the game, and on his silent opponent, seemed to pierce
through all they surveyed.
The hour wore on, they exchanged several pieces. Eudæmon then moving a
bishop, placed his antagonist's king in "check." He uttered the
prophetic word. Miranda, thoroughly absorbed, took up her King, and was
about to place him within range of her enemy's Queen. The Enchanter
gently motioned her hand aside, pointing to his own piece in
explanation.
At this moment Miranda broke into such silvery peals of laughter, that
Luachan, affrighted, sprang barking from his resting place. Eudæmon in
his surprise and delight moved suddenly and upset the whole board
incontinently on the floor, ruining the game. Queen Margaret starting
up, rushed across the hall. She first held her child at arm's length as
if to examine into and convince herself of her identity, then clasping
her tightly to her heart, shed tears of gladness over her laughing
daughter. It was indeed evident that the "chequered adventure" had
fulfilled its mission, and broken the first link in the silent
Miranda's chain of enchantment.
The excited parents knew not how to express their feelings of
gratitude, but listened in wondering astonishment to Miranda's ringing
peals of laughter, as, enraptured with her newly gained accomplishment,
she danced round the hall, accompanied by Luachan, who vied with her in
gambols of ecstatic joy. Eudæmon had never before beheld anything more
graceful than the young Princess appeared to him in all her unconscious
beauty of movement.
Inspired by a sudden desire to emulate and join in her mirthful steps,
he stretched forth his hand as she passed him; she swiftly caught it,
and drew him merrily on; thus maid, master, and dog together paced a
wild impromptu measure of delight.
Donald, hastening in to ascertain the cause of this unusual commotion,
gazed around, rubbed his solitary eye, and looked again and again.
Where was the gloomy Eudæmon, the dreaded Enchanter of the North? The
youth heretofore so staid and reserved now flushed and laughing,
pirouetted round the bewildered old man with the smiling maiden.
Together they clapped their hands at his amazement.
But now the Queen, with the dignity of manner that she well knew how to
assume, bade her daughter remember who and what she was. Forgetting her
late gratitude to their benefactor, she swept haughtily from the
apartment, followed by her husband and her unwilling child. Miranda's
pleading eyes, however, gave Eudæmon the thanks he most cared to
receive, and entirely obliterated from his mind all thought of
resentment against her uncertain parents. At the same time he
determined to take no further steps until the King and Queen themselves
again spoke of their daughter's affliction.
Several days elapsed. The character of the Castle was completely
changed. The hitherto hermit like Eudæmon felt impelled to try and
elicit again those silvery peals of laughter that rang on his ear with
such a curious thrill of pleasure. Nor was he unsuccessful in his
efforts. Again and again the old walls re-echoed with the welcome
sound. The Enchanter himself felt once more a boy as he played long
games of chess with Miranda, or pointed out to her his numerous pets
and their diverse habits. The Princess, however, was admonished to keep
carefully within her mother's sight; she wast herefore unable to
scramble with him as he wished among the wild hills and cliffs around.
But the time flew swiftly by, and at length one morning the King and
Queen craved an audience of their young host. Laying aside all traces
of their late assumption of majesty they humbly entreated him to strive
to work out still farther their daughter's cure.
Eudæmon listened in silence, fixing on them his piercing dark eye,
until they moved uneasily beneath his searching glance. "I am esteemed
worthy to aid in your child's disenchantment," he answered sternly,
"but am too much beneath her in your eyes to tread with her the mazy
measures of the dance, or to join in her everyday pursuits."
King Murdoch and his wife eagerly disclaimed any idea of making so
ungenerous a return for his kindness. At length Eudæmon (who completely
saw through their shallow minds, and only spoke to obtain more freedom
for their daughter) promised to continue his lucubrations.
That evening for the first time since her death, he drew from a deep
recess the dust-covered harp that had once quivered in responsive
melody beneath the musical touch of his fair young mother. Miranda and
the Queen curiously examined the quaint instrument, and helped to
disentangle and divest it of its broken strings. Eudæmon, who had often
studied its mechanism, brought forth new strings he himself had
manufactured, and showed Miranda where and how they should be placed.
Several evenings passed in putting the harp to rights, then the
Princess under Eudæmon's magical tuition strove to place aright upon it
her slender fingers. Morning, noon, and night Miranda strove to play
the melodies that ever floated before her mind's eye as sung to her by
Eudæmon, who placed beside her scrolls, on which the words of the songs
were written out.
One of them ran thus:
Thou speak'st of to-morrow, yet seemest to sigh,
And something there gleams like a tear in thine eye,
But though the sweet days of our converse are o'er,
The friendship that binds us shall cease nevermore.
When music entrancing shall steal on thine ear,
And songs shall be sung thee thou lovest to hear,
Oh, may one wild note of my harp seem to thrill,
And recall to thee one who remembers thee still.
And ever amid the dark shadows of life,
When faint from the battle or weary with strife,
Ah! then shall arise like the sun through a shower,
The remembrance of all we have felt in this hour.
When moonlight around thee shall flood the pale sea,
May thoughts of the north come like visions to thee,
And remind thee of hours when we once used to stray,
By the ocean's dark verge at the close of the day.
Roll onwards, roll onwards, thou swift flowing Clyde,
Yet may our loved friends ne'er resemble thy tide,
But changeless and steadfast look back through long years,
To the parting that left us in silence and tears.
This song, which Eudæmon had himself composed, and set to an old tune,
was an especial favourite of Miranda's. She made the Enchanter sing it
over again and again; though, strange to say, the master who taught her
fair hands to stray over the harp, could not himself draw one sound
from its capricious chords. The Princess, however, soon became enabled
to accompany all his songs, every day she learnt some new, and to her
more entrancing, melody. For it will be remembered that her parents had
hitherto, through mistaken affection, carefully kept all music from her
knowledge.
The black and gold harp, which Eudæmon and Miranda had together tuned
and restored, formed a beautiful contrast to the white flowing robes
and the fair arms of the young Princess. Her long tresses bound only by
the pale blue snood of the Scottish maiden, waved around her. As she
raised her eyes to watch every motion of Eudæmon's mouth, she gave one
the idea of an inspired being, from whose very finger-tips emanated the
soul of melody. Thus they often sat late into the night, drinking in
sweet sounds, and poring together over poor Bragela's old manuscripts.
Meanwhile Miranda's parents, closely guarding as they thought their
precious daughter, hardly suspected that, while engaged in finding a
tongue, she might hopelessly lose her heart.
At last, one evening Eudæmon for the hundredth time sang again that
verse beginning
When music entrancing shall steal on thine ear.
Just as he reached the end, Miranda suddenly, as if by an irresistible
impulse, opened her lips. With wonderful pathos, and in a voice which
seemed to the young man the sweetest that could sound on earth, she
finished the line:--
Recall to thee one who remembers thee still.
Amazed at her own daring, and astonished by her unwonted power, the
fair songstress started blushing from her seat. In an uncontrollable
burst of emotion she rushed weeping from the chamber. Queen Margaret,
unable to believe it was her dumb child's voice she had heard give
utterance to such melodiously thrilling notes, rose also from her
chair, and cast an eager inquiring glance upon Eudæmon. Himself
overcome with emotion, the Enchanter did not trust his voice to speak,
but merely bowed his head; then, filled with yearning sympathy for the
strangely-afflicted Princess, he opened the outer door of the hall, and
hastily stepped forth on to the turreted court that overhung the shore.
It was a night of exquisite beauty--the water, calm as a mirror,
stretched its dark amplitude between the solitary watcher and the far
mainland of the Ross-shire hills. Orion, in all his resplendent
grandeur, sparkled before him, and seemed in silent majesty to rebuke
the feverish turbulence of the Enchanter's too human heart. High and
cold above his head the silver crescent moon travelled dreamily across
the vaulted heaven, and, as if to remind Eudæmon of her presence, cast
her glittering likeness into the deep ocean's embrace, far below his
feet. One by one, in gentle crashing cadence, the tiny wavelets broke
beneath the Castle wall.
Insensibly soothed and quieted by nature's wondrous charm, the
philosopher leant his burning head upon his hands, and absently gazed
seawards.
Suddenly the casement above was thrown violently open, and Queen
Margaret, in terror-stricken accents, besought his speedy aid.
He re-entered the hall. It was empty and desolate, the torch was
extinguished, the fire flickered low upon the hearth. He heard a
confused murmur of voices, and recognised Luachan's muffled howl of
distress in the distance.
Following the sounds, he hastened up the narrow stair, and found a
sorrowful group at the door of the room set apart for the Queen and her
daughter. Pressing past Murdoch and Donald, and angrily motioning to
Luachan to be silent, the Enchanter himself uttered a cry of anguish as
his eye fell upon Miranda's death-like form. Stretched upon the rude
bed, with her dishevelled tresses tangled around her pale face, on
which were still the traces of tears, the poor Princess looked as if
she had for ever closed her eyes to mortal scenes.
On Eudæmon's entrance, the unhappy mother rushed towards him,
exclaiming, "Save her, save her! restore our darling; all shall be as
you wish, if but you bring her back to life!" A deep red flush mounted
to the Enchanter's very temples as the Queen, fervently pressing his
hand, whispered these words, fraught with so much meaning, into his
willing ear. But he needed no promised guerdon to urge him to his
labour of love.
Kneeling beside the low couch, he vainly chafed Miranda's ice-cold
hands. He listened over her heart--not even the feeblest flutter
rewarded his strained attention. He placed a tiny polished tablet over
her parted lips; its surface remained clear and unsullied by mortal
breath. A sudden thought struck terror to his soul. He turned a keen
glance on the mother's face; her eye fell before his; a guilty blush
suffused her cheek. "You have forgotten my earnest charge," he cried,
"and now it may be too late to save your child."
At this moment the magic cock was heard through the open casement
crowing loudly in the castle yard. Eudæmon flew to the window and
anxiously peered into the night. Right above his head, and
threateningly suspended directly over the Castle, was a meteor of
unwonted size and brilliancy. He fell on his knees where he stood, and
stretching forth his arms silently implored Heavenly protection against
the powers of evil. Again and again the ball of fire grew lurid and
glowing, as though it were about to descend and bury them beneath
burning ruins, but each time Chanticleer's warning voice sounded
cheerfully near at hand, and at length the red globe, with a loud
hissing noise, fell prone and harmless into the dark ocean depths.
Relieved from the pressing danger without, Eudæmon now turned to the
sorrow within.
Since the appearance of the Royal wanderers upon the island, he had
held many private conversations with the Queen concerning her
daughter's disenchantment.
The anxious mother over and over again informed him that the dearest
object of their heart, in seeking to free their child from the spell
which bound her, was that Miranda should be united in marriage with
some powerful monarch, who would aid her, in due time, to rule over her
own somewhat troublous kingdom of Clutha.
She little knew that Eudæmon was intimately acquainted with their past
history, nor did she suspect that he was aware of the vow made by
herself and King Murdoch in bygone days. Wearied by vain endeavours to
accomplish their daughter's disenchantment, they had then solemnly
bound themselves by an oath to bestow Miranda's hand on the man who
should succeed in releasing her spell-bound voice.
During the long years which had elapsed since Bragela's death,
Valbiorn's hard heart had gradually softened towards her only child. He
knew of the promised reward. From afar he watched with keen suspicion
the movements of the King and Queen. He foresaw that Eudæmon would love
Miranda, if fate brought them together. For his sake he resolved to
help the Princess, but, at the same time, he determined that the gift
of speech should only be restored to render her a more fitting bride
for his son.
When, therefore, the young Enchanter retired to his turret chamber, he
often held secret interviews with his dread father, and succeeded in
gaining a pledge of assistance from Valbiorn. But Eudæmon feared that
if his vindictive parent once suspected Queen Margaret's intentions, he
would not only refuse his aid altogether, but would become her
deadliest foe.
Before the King and Queen set sail for the Highlands, she had resolved
that their solemn oath should be buried in oblivion. She satisfied her
conscience by lading their ship with precious gifts destined for the
propitiation of the Enchanter.
Had Eudæmon been the ancient prophet she thought he was, he would
probably have accepted golden rewards with delight. The treasures,
however, never reached the island; they were engulfed in the stormy
ocean.
As soon as Miranda's mother saw Eudæmon, she perceived that his deep
interest in her fair daughter might be turned to good account. She
persuaded her husband to leave the matter in her hands, priding herself
upon her powers of negociation.
Feeling instinctively the young man's innate delicacy of mind, the wily
Queen took good care to enlist his sympathies for her afflicted child.
At the same time she continually alluded to Miranda's exalted station,
tacitly ignoring the possibility of a suitor for her hand whose
pretensions were less than royal.
Eudæmon was wont to listen to her words with respectful courtesy,
though occasionally his skill in necromancy stood him but in poor
stead, when his rebel heart sent a crimson glow over his dark features.
Still he invariably replied in measured tones that his own desires
perfectly coincided with those of the maiden's parents; that his chief
wish was to promote the welfare and happiness of the young Princess,
and to render her any assistance in his power.
Latterly, however, during the long hours spent at chess, in rambling
about the Castle and its precincts, or in singing and playing over the
harp, the good Queen's heart misgave her, and she took the somewhat
bold step of directly warning her benefactor and host against engaging
her daughter's affections.
Notwithstanding his powers of self-control, Eudæmon had to pause a
moment and curb the hasty impulse of anger, ere he answered in low,
husky tones,
"Madam, for your child's sake, I have embarked upon the perilous
undertaking of striving to free her from the well-woven spell which for
nineteen long years has bound her lips to silence, and cast a blight
over her young life.
"The Princess Miranda's happiness is at stake. I persevere, therefore,
in my endeavours to aid her. Absorbed, however, in a struggle to the
death with the dread powers of darkness, I have now little time to
regard her in any other light but that of the ill-fated victim of
enchantment. I will, nevertheless, warn you that your child is
innocence itself. Her spirit must inevitably be sorely tried during
coming events, and very little more might serve to unhinge her mind.
Take heed, therefore, that you suffer no word of what has passed
between us to reach her unsuspecting ears.
"I have no desire to interfere with the brilliant destiny you have
mapped out for your daughter, or to tempt her to disobey her parents.
"But though you ignore the vow you took upon yourself in less hopeful
days, it is remembered by one who never forgets. Within and around this
Castle exists an invisible agency; nor can what passes here be kept
from the knowledge of a mightier power than mine.
"More I dare not say. I have no wish to stand before you as a
suppliant. For the present, I pray you only to remember that you are my
honoured guests, and that my time and my thoughts are alike devoted to
your service."
As he spoke, the excited and wounded Enchanter drew himself to his full
height. Indignant lightning flashed from his eyes, controlled passion
vibrated in his voice.
The Queen, frightened and conscience-stricken, gazed bewildered upon
Eudæmon, as, with an abrupt reverence, he turned and quitted her
presence. For many hours he disappeared from the neighbourhood of the
Castle, and several days elapsed before he regained his wonted
equanimity of bearing.
On this eventful night, therefore, the young Seer heard with mingled
feelings the terrified mother's significant words. But there was now no
time for further explanation. When the threatened attack from without
had been warded off, the Enchanter turned from the turret window and
exclaimed, "Away with you all; you must quit this chamber and leave me
alone with the maiden and her mother, if it be not already too late to
attempt to restore her ebbing life."
Thereupon he strode to the threshold, and assuming an air of majesty
they had never before remarked, he waved them in silence from the
apartment.
No sooner had they all quitted the room, than Eudæmon drew the bolt
across the door, and approaching the Queen, who hung weeping over her
lifeless daughter, he thus sternly addressed her:--
"You have neglected my warning, and by your heedless words have
awakened a fresh struggle in the breast of this sorely tried child.
There remains but one chance of recalling her gentle spirit from the
Valley of the Shadow of Death. But be assured, proud Queen, that
though, for the sake of the Princess herself, I now lay bare before you
the inmost secret of my heart; yet she shall never know, until she
hears the truth from your lips, that for her alone that heart shall
beat through time and through eternity."
So saying, the young Enchanter drew near Miranda's prostrate form. He
threw himself on the floor beside her couch, and seizing her resistless
hands, wildly pressed them in his own. Tenderly and reverently he
addressed the insensible maiden in tones and words of fondest
endearment. For long it seemed as though even the electric thrill of
mortal love was powerless against the magic swoon into which the
Princess had fallen on hearing for the first time her mother's strange
accusing words.
At last Eudæmon (who held her hand in his as he fervently prayed for
her restoration to life) fancied he perceived a feeble movement. He
arose, and earnestly imprinting on his memory those features so sacred
to him in their helpless repose, he retired to the window and there
continued his prayer.
Meanwhile Miranda, quivering back to consciousness, imagined she heard
a familiar voice addressing her in the wild tones of a passionate love
hitherto unknown. A strange new pain shot into her innocent soul, and
awoke her once more to play her part in this world's theatre.
She slowly opened her eyes, and looked around. By the light of the
feeble lamp she gradually became aware of Eudæmon's presence, as he
knelt near the open casement, through which faintly glimmered the first
signs of approaching dawn. She stirred uneasily on her couch. The
Enchanter arose from his answered prayer. Stepping across the chamber,
he opened the door to the impatient watchers without. Before Queen
Margaret could recover from her astonishment, or could indeed realize
that her child was safe, Eudæmon was gone. He went out silently as the
others entered. Calling Luachan, he departed thence with his faithful
dog, to seek amid the solitudes of nature that peace which at present
was denied him by his wildly throbbing bosom.
Many days elapsed before the Princess, shaken and confused by all she
had gone through, again descended the stairs and approached once more
the fated harp. From the moment in which her feelings had found vent in
song, and escaping from the hall she had sought relief from tears in
her lonely chamber, all seemed like a dream. Her mother's reproaches on
discovering her strange agitation, her deep swoon, and the words she
thought she had heard as she woke, each and all were regarded by her as
the creatures of her own too vivid imagination.
Queen Margaret, already forgetting her renewed promises, and fondly
caressing her child, never recurred to the past. The Enchanter,
entering as before with energy into all that concerned Miranda's
interests, looked and moved to the awe-struck eyes of the simple
Princess an exalted being, free from the weaknesses or restless
anxieties of mortal love.
Miranda's new power gave them all exquisite pleasure. She herself found
rich stores of unimagined delight, as she poured forth her growing
aspirations in floods of song. Strange to say, it was in singing alone
that she gave utterance to her feelings. No spoken word as yet could
pass the enchanted barrier of her lips.
A visible cloud sat upon Eudæmon's swarthy brow. He foresaw that
Miranda's disenchantment could only be accomplished amid real dangers
and difficulties, and his heart misgave him as he realized the faint
trust that could be placed in the ready promises of the Queen.
Day after day elapsed without further adventure, no allusion was made
to the remarkable words that had fallen from Miranda's mother when she
was overwhelmed by the immediate danger of her child.
At length, one evening, after Miranda had retired weary to her couch,
the young Seer set forth to her parents the only course to be pursued,
if the Princess were ever to obtain the power of speech.
He explained to them that far away, in the mysterious halls of Thuisto,
there existed a wondrous compass, with which Miranda's fate was closely
connected. He told them, moreover, that with the aid of magic he could
introduce himself, the Princess, and her mother into the weird abode of
the sea-kings.
But to do this, and to escape in safety, silence and obedience were
imperatively necessary. Before venturing on so serious a risk, he
therefore solemnly entreated the Queen sooner to rest content with the
partial disenchantment of her daughter, and to quit in peace his lonely
abode, than to enter lightly upon this grave adventure. For when once
within the enchanted precincts of Thuisto, if they transgressed ever so
slightly, the rules laid down for their observance, they would draw
down, not only upon himself--for which he little cared--but perchance
upon Miranda, the fatal vengeance of the ever-watchful guardians of
those submarine palaces.
Again and again the eager mother promised, nay, even swore to obey his
strict injunctions, urging him to make the attempt. At last, with heavy
foreboding, Eudæmon prepared to encounter the dangers of the coming
expedition.
Miranda was told of the projected scheme. The Enchanter explained to
her that in the submerged vaults of Thuisto she would probably first
find the use of her voice in speech. He warned her, however, that she
must endeavour to speak only when he bade her, and Queen Margaret was
once more pledged to maintain strict silence.
The eventful night arrived. The poor forsaken king and the disconsolate
dog Luachan (too intelligent to move from the shore where his beloved
master bade him remain and guard the stranger), together strained their
eyes from the wild beach below Castle Brochel, as the little boat
containing the travellers became a faint speck on the starlit sea.
Eudæmon and the one-eyed Donald rowed their precious burden quickly on,
until reaching a barren rock, the Enchanter sprang lightly on shore;
carefully handing out Queen Margaret and her daughter, he then bade the
old man row home to the Castle and return again for them at day-break.
Hardly had the regular plash of Donald's retreating oars died away,
before they became conscious that they were gradually sinking through
the ocean. The broad, flat surface on which they stood afforded them
ample footing, and though they heard, on either side, the swift rushing
of the divided waters, not a drop touched them; not an oscillation
disturbed their balance, as, supported and cheered by Eudæmon's
friendly whispers, and fast clinging together, mother and daughter
descended through the sea to unknown regions, enveloped in a darkness
that might be felt.
Mindful of her plighted word, the Queen uttered no sound, but she bore
very heavily upon the young Enchanter's arm, keeping him in constant
uneasiness. At length a blinding flash of light smote on their dazzled
eyes; the downward motion ceased, and the stone on which they stood
sank to its resting-place with a loud clang.
As they became inured to the brightness, they beheld before, behind,
around them on every side, as far as sight could reach, a vast
labyrinth of arched and pillared cloisters, stretching into
interminable distance, and lit by some mysteriously effulgent ray,
which seemed to their bewildered gaze to proceed from the centre of a
broader aisle, at one extremity of which they themselves stood.
Eudæmon, motioning them to follow, trod slowly the echoing pavement,
and advanced towards the distant focus of light.
Now sounded forth music such as earthly ears have seldom heard. It was
as if all the harmonies of water's various movements swelled into one
indescribable wave of translucent melody, that penetrated soul and body
with its enervating power. Relaxed in every fibre by this weird
influence, Eudæmon with difficulty urged forward his drooping comrades.
Prepared, however, to resist to the utmost the charms of witchcraft, he
drew forth his magic horn, and its reviving fragrance quickly restored
energy to their unstrung frames.
Their interest also was freshly aroused by exquisite statues, which,
almost endued with life, and perfect in colouring, seemed to smile on
them from either side as they proceeded. They reached the circle whence
emanated the diverging rays of light. Before them blazed a dazzling but
empty throne. From its midst shone those awe-inspiring beams.
Eudæmon uttered a low cry. There, beauteous as he remembered her in his
boyhood's early days, but with a calm expression of perfect peace she
had never worn during her child's lifetime, in a marble niche close
beside the vacant seat, stood the lovely Bragela. Her long golden
tresses rippled over her shoulders, her flowing robes half showed, half
concealed her matchless shape, while her azure eyes, with their
heavily-fringed lids, fell fixed and cold on the eager countenance of
her son.
A moment he paused, half expectant, dreaming that her loved spirit must
awake and welcome him, but in that instant her last words flashed
across his mind. He realized that Valbiorn's skill had only thus been
able to immortalize the fair, soulless clay. He remembered once more
why he had sought that dread abode, and he noted that Bragela's
beautiful motionless hand pointed to a small amber pedestal, which at a
few paces distant seemed to glow with lambent flame.
He approached: upon its summit lay the object of his search, the magic
compass of the sea-kings, potent to work weal or woe. Turning to
Miranda, he gently drew her forward, and placed the timid maiden over
against himself on the southern side of the mystic pillar.
The whole of the magic compass quivered and shone with the appearance
of red-hot metal, but Eudæmon whispered to the Princess that she must
with a firm hand raise the needle from its place, and, turning towards
the north, pronounce these words in an audible voice,
"As points the faithful needle to the pole."
Miranda stooped trembling over the flaming altar, but with gentle
courage she took the fiery needle in her hand; as she did so, she
raised her eyes trustingly towards her guide, and moved a step nearer
to him.
Here in the enchanted palace of his fathers, surrounded by mysterious
influences, and excited by the anticipated victory over Miranda's
spell, the youth for once forgot his careful self-command. He also
advanced, and stretched out his eager hands to bound the needle's
range.
In a low musical tone the Princess pronounced the fateful words; ere
she finished, she leant insensibly forwards, and the needle almost
touched the Enchanter's breast. Overcome with mingled emotions,
Miranda, while she spoke, swayed visibly to and fro, and as if to
support her, Eudæmon's arms fell on either side of her tottering
figure.
At this moment the Queen, terribly discomposed, and forgetting in her
displeasure every solemn promise she had made, rushed forward, loudly
crying, "Misguided girl!" but ere she could continue her sentence, a
tremendous peal of thunder shook the ground beneath their feet, and
vibrated around them. An intensely lurid ray of light darted athwart
the heretofore empty throne. To Queen Margaret's unspeakable dread, she
beheld indistinctly amid the dazzling beams an awful form enthroned in
fire. A rushing noise filled her ears, she became insensible, and as
she did so, she seemed to fall prone through interminable depths.
* * * * *
It was long before she recovered her consciousness, but at last she was
aroused by the sound of sweet singing,
"I would I were a little bird,
To build upon his breast,
Or if I were a nightingale,
To soothe my love to rest.
To gaze upon his tender eyes,
All my reward should be,
For I love, I love, I love my love,
Because my love loves me."
Opening her eyes with a shiver at the wild pathos of these tones, the
Queen, by the chill bright light of the December sun, beheld her
daughter, with Luachan beside her, seated on the beach of Raasay and
twining pieces of damp sea-weed into her long hair.
Queen Margaret raised herself from the ground, and drew her hand across
her brow. What had happened?
She herself lay on the grass close to the sea-shore; and near at hand
Castle Brochel towered frowning into the morning sky. She called to her
daughter. Miranda heeded not.
But now the sound of oars was heard, one-eyed Donald roughly grated his
boat on the shingle, and scrambling out, asked the Queen somewhat
gruffly how she came there.
Confused and distressed, she could give no satisfactory answer. Donald
then recounted to her how he had been rowing for hours round and round
the spot where they had landed the previous night, unable to discover
any trace of the large flat rock on which they had disembarked. At last
in despair he had returned to the Island.
When he observed Miranda and her mother on the shore he expected also
to see Eudæmon near at hand. Disappointed in this hope, he now
continued, pointing inland with his long, skinny finger. "I wadna say
but the maister is in the Castle itsel'."
At this moment, however, the Princess approached them, singing, sadly,
"But should it please the pitying powers,
To call him to the sky,
I'll plead a guardian angel's charge,
Around my love to fly.
To guard him from all danger,
How happy I should be,
For I love, I love, I love my love,
Because my love loves me."
As she sang, Luachan uttered a melancholy howl. The perplexed seneschal
looked from one to another in silent amazement, then muttering to
himself, "It's no unco canny for the beast to howl that gate," he
hastened, as fast as his withered limbs would permit, up the steep
ascent to the Castle gate.
Meantime the Queen gazed fixedly on her daughter. What strange
alteration had taken place in her beloved child? Those gentle blue
eyes, wont to rest so placidly on all they surveyed, now restlessly
turned from side to side, and never looked her straight in the face.
Her busy fingers plucked nervously at the wet garlands she carried on
her arms, and her lips moved ceaselessly, though no audible sound came
from them.
"Miranda, my love," said the anxious mother, "how came we hither?" A
look of unutterable woe troubled the maiden's face. She drew from her
bosom a golden needle, and holding it towards the north, she exclaimed,
"As points the faithful needle to the pole."
Swinging the long slimy sea-weeds around her, she then suddenly gave a
shrill laugh, and rushed up the castle hill, followed by Luachan, whose
drooping ears and limp tail, seemed to the Queen's excited imagination
prophetic of evil.
Stiff and sore in every limb from her unusual exposure, Queen Margaret
raised herself from the ground and toiled slowly up the steep ascent.
Ere she reached the crest of the rocks upon which the Castle stood, the
King came forth to meet her. In a terrible voice he cried--"What have
you done to our child, to my darling Miranda?"
Thoroughly overcome with fatigue and misery, the poor Queen burst into
tears, and Murdoch forgetting for the moment all save his wife's
uncontrollable emotion, soothed her as best he could, and led her into
the Castle hall.
Here she told her husband the strange events of the past night. She
related their various adventures after Donald left them on the rock,
and now, when too late, she bitterly lamented over her own hasty
interference, and her imprudent words. She described how she had only
time to perceive a being of noble and majestic mien seated on the
previously empty throne. As his eye fell upon her she became
unconscious, and could remember nothing more until she found herself on
the beach at Raasay in the early morning.
The hours of this melancholy day wore slowly on, but no Eudæmon
appeared. At last, towards evening, they forced open the door of his
little turret chamber--it was empty. All his books and instruments were
gone; everything belonging to him or his mother had disappeared from
the Castle. Even the harp itself, beside which so many pleasant
evenings had been whiled away, was no longer there.
The only things left, and upon these Miranda flew with eagerness, were
the chess-board, the wooden men he had so patiently carved for her, and
the box to contain them. For long hours the poor child would sit as in
a dream, arranging and re-arranging the motley pieces, softly laughing
to herself the while; for her mind was hopelessly gone.
Eudæmon had never wholly disclosed the fact that when they entered the
enchanted precincts of Thuisto, any infringement of the rules
prescribed must re-act upon himself. In his unselfish devotion, he
imagined that if he alone fell a victim to the powerful sea-kings, his
beloved and her mother would be saved. Freed at last from enchantment,
he trusted that the Princess and her parents would then live on as
happily as if no forfeit had been paid for Miranda's deliverance.
He fathomed not the unchanging love that had of late struggled into
existence in the dreamy maiden's breast. In the terrible moment that by
no fault of his own determined his fate, Eudæmon for once forgot his
careful self-control, and clasped Miranda to his heart. In his dread
father's presence he bade her a long farewell; he knew not that the
sorrow of parting would overwhelm her gentle spirit, and break her
tender heart.
King Murdoch and his wife took their daughter by slow stages to her
native country, hoping to benefit her by the change. But no following
spring should ever re-kindle the roses in those waning cheeks--no
mortal hand arrest the progress of decay. The faithful Luachan could
not be separated from her, he was her constant comfort and playmate.
There was a spot on the little Cumbræ where Miranda loved to sit and
gaze across the Clyde's broad estuary to the blue hills of Arran.
Perhaps their clear outline reminded her of the Cuchullins, as seen
from Raasay. Perhaps being on an island, spoke to her of the halcyon
past.
Be that as it may, one day, towards evening, alarmed by her long
absence, the attendants sought and found her here, cold and motionless.
One arm was clasped around Luachan's neck, the other, faithful in
death, still pointed the golden needle to "the true and tender north."
They buried Miranda where she lay. On that far island you still may see
the lonely tomb, beneath which the weary one is at rest, and drop,
perchance, a tear over her untimely fate.
Yes! They are united at last never more to part! Behold, in the regions
of eternal peace, a youth divinely fair, a maiden serenely beautiful.
Together they bow before the Almighty Ruler they served on earth, and,
as they cast their golden crowns at his feet, the tongue of the dumb
sings sweetly, "God is Love!"
Castle Brochel was never more inhabited. Donald, a sincere mourner for
his kind young master, could not bear to live by himself within its
shadowy portals. He transferred what he needed to the shieling near at
hand, and thence descending every day, kept all in readiness for the
expected return of the youth he loved so well.
But the old man watched in vain. He was gathered at last to his
fathers. The lonely, neglected Castle fell into decay, and still,
through following ages, the well-remembered Enchanter returned not, to
awaken with his light springing footsteps the echoes of that deserted
abode. Desolation and solitude spread their wings around its
time-honoured precincts, and cast a halo of their own over its
crumbling walls.
Break gently, ye wavelets, on Raasay's lone shore,
Eudæmon shall roam on your mountains no more.
As fragrance distilled by the cold air of night,
So Absence and Time shall bring forth to the light,
The deeds and the virtues of one without guile,
Whose genius and wisdom shed light o'er your isle.
Mourn wildly, ye seabirds!--all nature make moan!
His chamber is empty--his footsteps are gone.
He toiled unrewarded--no guerdon he sought,
As soothing relief to the weary he brought;
But the mother's soft tear, and the infant's glad cry,
The blessings of gratitude garnered on high,
Shall, e'en in his Home, 'mid the Regions of Light,
Add lustre untold to his coronal bright.
THE END.
LONDON
R. CLAY, SONS, AND TAYLOR, PRINTERS,
BREAD STREET HILL.
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