The Lady Iduna was very unhappy. She thought of her father, she thought of Iskander. The past seemed a dream; she was often tempted2 to believe that she was still, and had ever been, a prisoner in the Serail of Adrianople; and that all the late wonderful incidents of her life were but the shifting scenes of some wild slumber3. And then some slight incident, the sound of a bell or the sign of some holy emblem4, assured her she was in a Christian5 land, and convinced her of the strange truth that she was indeed in captivity6, and a prisoner, above all others, to the fond companion of her youth. Her indignation at the conduct of Nic?|us roused her courage; she resolved to make an effort to escape. Her rooms were only lighted from above; she determined7 to steal forth8 at night into the gallery; the door was secured. She hastened back to her chamber9 in fear and sorrow, and wept.
Twice in the course of the day the stern and silent matron visited Iduna with her food; and as she retired10, secured the door. This was the only individual that the imprisoned11 lady ever beheld12. And thus heavily rolled on upwards13 of a week. On the eve of the ninth day, Iduna was surprised by the matron presenting her a letter as she quitted the chamber for the night. Iduna seized it with a feeling of curiosity not unmixed with pleasure. It was the only incident that had occurred during her captivity. She recognised the hand-writing of Nic?|us, and threw it down with; vexation at her silliness in supposing, for a moment, that the matron could have been the emissary of any other person.
Yet the letter must be read, and at length she opened it. It informed her that a ship had arrived from Athens at the coast, and that to-morrow she must depart for Italy. It told her also, that the Turks, under Mahomed, had invaded Albania; and that the Hungarians, under the command of her father, had come to support the Cross. It said nothing of Iskander. But it reminded her that little more than the same time that would carry her to the coast to embark15 for a foreign land, would, were she wise, alike enable Nic?|us to place her in her father’s arms, and allow him to join in the great struggle for his country and his creed16. The letter was written with firmness, but tenderly. It left, however, on the mind of Iduna an impression of the desperate resolution of the writer.
Now it so happened, that as this unhappy lady jumped from her couch, and paced the room in the perturbation of her mind, the wind of her drapery extinguished her lamp. As her attendant, or visitor, had paid her last visit for the day, there seemed little chance of its being again illumined. The miserable17 are always more unhappy in the dark. Light is the greatest of comforters. And so this little misfortune seemed to the forlorn Iduna almost overwhelming. And as she attempted to look around, and wrung18 her hands in very woe19, her attention was attracted by a brilliant streak20 of light upon the wall, which greatly surprised her. She groped her way in its direction, and slowly stretching forth her hand, observed that it made its way through a chink in the frame of one of the great mirrors which were inlaid in the wall. And as she pressed the frame, she felt to her surprise that it sprang forward. Had she not been very cautious the advancing mirror would have struck her with great force, but she had presence of mind to withdraw her hand very gradually, repressing the swiftness of the spring. The aperture21 occasioned by the opening of the mirror consisted of a recess22, formed by a closed-up window. An old wooden shutter23, or blind, in so ruinous a state, that the light freely made its way, was the only barrier against the elements. Iduna, seizing the handle which remained, at once drew it open with little difficulty.
The captive gazed with gladdened feelings upon the free and beautiful scene. Beneath her rose the rich and aromatic24 shrubs25 tinged26 with the soft and silver light of eve: before her extended wide and fertile champaign, skirted by the dark and undulating mountains: in the clear sky, glittering and sharp, sparkled the first crescent of the new moon, an auspicious27 omen14 to the Moslemin invaders28.
Iduna gazed with, joy upon the landscape, and then hastily descending29 from the recess, she placed her hands to her eyes, so long unaccustomed to the light. Perhaps, too, she indulged in momentary30 meditation31. For suddenly seizing a number of shawls; which were lying on one of the couches, she knotted them together, and then striving with all her force, she placed the heaviest, coach on one end of the costly32 cord, and then throwing the other out of the window, and entrusting33 herself to the merciful care of the holy Virgin34, the brave daughter of Hunniades successfully dropped down into the garden below.
She stopped to breathe, and to revel35 in her emancipated36 existence. It was a bold enterprise gallantly37 achieved. But the danger had now only commenced. She found that she had alighted at the back of the castle. She stole along upon tip-toe, timid as a fawn38. She remembered a small wicket-gate that led into the open country. She arrived at the gate. It was of course guarded. The single sentinel was kneeling before an image of St. George, beside him was an empty drinking-cup and an exhausted39 wineskin.
“Holy Saint!” exclaimed the pious40 sentinel, “preserve us from all Turkish infidels!” Iduna stole behind him. “Shall men who drink no wine conquer true Christians41!” continued the sentinel. Iduna placed her hand upon the lock. “We thank thee for our good vintage,” said the sentinel. Iduna opened the gate with the noiseless touch which a feminine finger can alone command. “And for the rise of the Lord Iskander!” added the sentinel. Iduna escaped!
Now she indeed was free. Swiftly she ran over the wide plain. She hoped to reach some town or village before her escape could be discovered, and she hurried on for three hours without resting. She came to a beautiful grove42 of olive-trees that spread in extensive ramifications43 about the plain. And through this beautiful grove of olive-trees her path seemed to lead. So she entered and advanced. And when she had journeyed for about a mile, she came to an open and very verdant44 piece of ground, which was, as it were, the heart of the grove. In its centre rose a fair and antique structure of white marble, shrouding45 from the noon-day sun the perennial46 flow of a very famous fountain. It was near midnight. Iduna was wearied, and she sat down upon the steps of the fountain for rest. And while she was musing47 over all the strange adventures of her life, she heard a rustling48 in the wood, and being alarmed, she rose and hid herself behind a tree.
And while she stood there, with palpitating heart, the figure of a man advanced to the fountain from an opposite direction of the grove. He went up the steps, and looked down upon the spring as if he were about to drink, but instead of doing that, he drew his scimitar, and plunged49 it into the water, and called out with a loud voice the name of “Iskander!” three times. Whereupon Iduna, actuated by an irresistible50 impulse, came forward from her hiding-place, but instantly gave a loud shriek51 when she beheld the Prince Mahomed!
“Oh! night of glory!” exclaimed the prince, advancing. “Do I indeed behold52 the fair Iduna! This is truly magic!”
“Away! away!” exclaimed the distracted Iduna, as she endeavoured to fly from him.
“As well as you deserve, ravisher!” exclaimed a majestic54 voice. A tall figure rushed forward from the wood, and dashed back the Turk.
“I am here to complete my contract, Prince Mahomed,” said the stranger, drawing his sword.
“Iskander!” exclaimed the prince.
“We have met before, prince. Let us so act now that we may meet for the last time.”
“Infamous, infernal traitor,” exclaimed Mahomed, “dost thou, indeed, imagine that I will sully my imperial blade with the blood of my run-away slave! No I came here to secure thy punishment, but I cannot condescend55 to become thy punisher. Advance, guards, and seize him! Seize them both!”
Iduna flew to Iskander, who caught her in one arm, while he waved his scimitar with the other. The guards of Mahomed poured forth from the side of the grove whence the prince had issued.
“And dost thou indeed think, Mahomed,” said Iskander, “that I have been educated in the Seraglio to be duped by Moslemin craft. I offer thee single combat if thou desirest it, but combat as we may, the struggle shall be equal.” He whistled, and instantly a body of Hungarians, headed by Hunniades himself, advanced from the side of the grove whence Iskander had issued.
“Come on, then,” said Mahomed; “each to his man.” Their swords clashed, but the principal attendants of the son of Amurath deeming the affair under the present circumstances assumed the character of a mere56 rash adventure, bore away the Turkish prince.
“Epirus is prepared,” replied Iskander.
The Turks withdrew. Iskander bore the senseless form of Iduna to her father. Hunniades embraced his long-lost child. They sprinkled her face with water from the fountain. She revived.
“Where is Nic?|us?” inquired Iskander; “and how came you again, dear lady, in the power of Mahomed?”
“Alas! noble sir, my twice deliverer,” answered Iduna, “I have, indeed, again been doomed59 to captivity, but my persecutor60, I blush to say, was this time a Christian prince.”
“The villain, Lord Iskander, is your friend; and your pupil, dear father.”
“Nic?|us of Athens!” exclaimed Hunniades.
Iskander was silent and melancholy62.
Thereupon the Lady Iduna recounted to her father and Iskander, sitting between them on the margin63 of the fount, all that had occurred to her, since herself and Nic?|us parted with Iskander; nor did she omit to relate to Hunniades all the devotion of Iskander, respecting which, like a truly brave man, he had himself been silent. The great Hunniades scarcely knew which rather to do, to lavish64 his affection on his beloved child, or his gratitude65 upon Iskander. Thus they went on conversing66 for some time, Iskander placing his own cloak around Iduna, and almost unconsciously winding67 his arm around her unresisting form.
Just as they were preparing to return to the Christian camp, a great noise was heard in the grove, and presently, in the direction whence Iduna had arrived, there came a band of men bearing torches and examining the grove in all directions in great agitation68. Iskander and Hunniades stood upon their guard, but soon perceived they were Greeks. Their leader, seeing a group near the fountain, advanced to make inquiries69 respecting the object of his search, but when he indeed recognised the persons who formed the group, the torch fell from his grasp, and he turned away his head and hid his face in his hands.
Iduna clung to her father; Iskander stood with his eyes fixed70 upon the ground, but Hunniades, stern and terrible, disembarrassing himself of the grasp of his daughter, advanced and laid his hand upon the stranger.
“Young man,” said the noble father, “were it contrition71 instead of shame that inspired this attitude, it might be better. I have often warned you of the fatal consequences of a reckless indulgence of the passions. More than once I have predicted to you, that however great might be your confidence in your ingenuity72 and your resources, the hour would arrive when such a career would place you in a position as despicable as it was shameful73. That hour has arrived, and that position is now filled by the Prince of Athens. You stand before the three individuals in this world whom you have most injured, and whom you were most bound to love and to protect. Here is a friend, who hazarded his prosperity and his existence for your life and your happiness. And you have made him a mere pander74 to your lusts75, and then deserted76 him in his greatest necessities. This maiden77 was the companion of your youth, and entitled to your kindest offices. You have treated her infinitely78 worse than her Turkish captor. And for myself, sir, your father was my dearest friend. I endeavoured to repay his friendship by supplying his place to his orphan79 child. How I discharged my duty, it becomes not me to say: how you have discharged yours, this lady here, my daughter, your late prisoner, sir, can best prove.”
“Oh! spare me, spare me, sir,” said the Prince of Athens, turning and falling upon his knee. “I am most wretched. Every word cuts to my very core. Just Providence80 has baffled all my arts, and I am grateful. Whether this lady can, indeed, forgive me, I hardly dare to think, or even hope. And yet forgiveness is a heavenly boon81. Perhaps the memory of old days may melt her. As for yourself, sir—but I’ll not speak, I cannot. Noble Iskander, if I mistake not, you may whisper words in that fair ear, less grating than my own. May you be happy! I will not profane82 your prospects83 with my vows85. And yet I’ll say farewell!”
The Prince of Athens turned away with an air of complete wretchedness, and slowly withdrew. Iskander followed him.
“Nic?|us,” said Iskander; but the prince entered the grove, and did not turn round.
“Dear Nic?|us,” said Iskander. The prince hesitated.
“Let us not part thus,” said Iskander. “Iduna is most unhappy. She bade me tell you she had forgotten all.”
“God bless her, and God bless you, too!” replied Nic?|us. “I pray you let me go.”
“Nay! dear Nic?|us, are we not friends?”
“The best and truest, Iskander. I will to the camp, and meet you in your tent ere morning break. At present, I would be alone.”
“Dear Nic?|us, one word. You have said upon one point, what I could well wish unsaid, and dared to prophesy86 what may never happen. I am not made for such supreme87 felicity. Epirus is my mistress, my Nic?|us. As there is a living God, my friend, most solemnly I vow84, I have had no thoughts in this affair, but for your honour.”
“I know it, my dear friend, I know it,” replied Nic?|us. “I keenly feel your admirable worth. Say no more, say no more! She is a fit wife for a hero, and you are one!”
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收听单词发音
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1
passionate
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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emblem
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| n.象征，标志；徽章 | |
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Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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captivity
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| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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imprisoned
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| 下狱，监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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embark
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| vi.乘船，着手，从事，上飞机 | |
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creed
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| n.信条；信念，纲领 | |
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miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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wrung
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| 绞( wring的过去式和过去分词 )； 握紧（尤指别人的手）； 把（湿衣服）拧干； 绞掉（水） | |
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woe
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| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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streak
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| n.条理，斑纹，倾向，少许，痕迹；v.加条纹，变成条纹，奔驰，快速移动 | |
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aperture
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| n.孔，隙，窄的缺口 | |
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recess
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| n.短期休息，壁凹（墙上装架子，柜子等凹处） | |
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shutter
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| n.百叶窗；(照相机)快门；关闭装置 | |
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aromatic
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| adj.芳香的，有香味的 | |
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shrubs
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| 灌木( shrub的名词复数 ) | |
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tinged
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| v.（使）发丁丁声( ting的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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auspicious
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| adj.吉利的；幸运的，吉兆的 | |
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invaders
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| 入侵者，侵略者，侵入物( invader的名词复数 ) | |
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descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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meditation
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| n.熟虑，（尤指宗教的）默想，沉思，（pl.）冥想录 | |
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costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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entrusting
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的现在分词 ) | |
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virgin
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| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
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revel
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| vi.狂欢作乐，陶醉；n.作乐，狂欢 | |
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emancipated
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| adj.被解放的，不受约束的v.解放某人（尤指摆脱政治、法律或社会的束缚）( emancipate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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fawn
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| n.未满周岁的小鹿；v.巴结，奉承 | |
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exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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Christians
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| n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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42
grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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ramifications
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| n.结果，后果( ramification的名词复数 ) | |
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verdant
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| adj.翠绿的，青翠的，生疏的，不老练的 | |
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shrouding
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| n.覆盖v.隐瞒( shroud的现在分词 )；保密 | |
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perennial
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| adj.终年的；长久的 | |
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musing
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| n. 沉思，冥想 adj. 沉思的, 冥想的 动词muse的现在分词形式 | |
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rustling
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| n. 瑟瑟声，沙沙声 adj. 发沙沙声的 | |
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49
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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50
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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51
shriek
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| v./n.尖叫，叫喊 | |
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52
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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53
leech
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| n.水蛭，吸血鬼，榨取他人利益的人；vt.以水蛭吸血；vi.依附于别人 | |
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majestic
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| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
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55
condescend
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| v.俯就，屈尊；堕落，丢丑 | |
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56
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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57
fray
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| v.争吵；打斗；磨损，磨破；n.吵架；打斗 | |
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58
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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persecutor
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| n. 迫害者 | |
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villain
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| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
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melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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margin
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| n.页边空白；差额；余地，余裕；边，边缘 | |
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64
lavish
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| adj.无节制的；浪费的；vt.慷慨地给予，挥霍 | |
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gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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70
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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contrition
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| n.悔罪，痛悔 | |
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ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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shameful
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| adj.可耻的，不道德的 | |
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pander
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| v.迎合；n.拉皮条者，勾引者；帮人做坏事的人 | |
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75
lusts
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| 贪求（lust的第三人称单数形式） | |
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deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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orphan
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| n.孤儿；adj.无父母的 | |
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80
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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81
boon
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| n.恩赐，恩物，恩惠 | |
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82
profane
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| adj.亵神的，亵渎的；vt.亵渎，玷污 | |
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83
prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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84
vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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85
vows
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| 誓言( vow的名词复数 )； 郑重宣布，许愿 | |
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prophesy
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| v.预言；预示 | |
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supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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