Stretches to airy distance, till it seems
Lifted in air,—green cornfields, olive groves1
Blue as their heaven, and lakes, and winding2 rivers.”
James Gates Percival.
Now in the fitful lurid3 glow of a hundred campfires, now in the gloomy shadows of tents or trees, Zopyrus crept stealthily toward the tent of Artabazus. It was approaching midnight, and with the exception of the occupants of Mardonius’ tent, the Persians slept, many of them for the last time before their eternal rest. Less than fifteen minutes had elapsed since Zopyrus had quitted the tent of Mardonius, leaving the Persian and Theban leaders in a heated discussion pertaining4 to the morrow’s battle. He felt assured that affairs of war would detain Artabazus for at least a half hour and possibly longer. The tent of Artabazus, though at no great distance from that of Mardonius, was difficult of access, and Zopyrus realized that his work must be accomplished5 not only swiftly, but silently as well.
71
A guard walking back and forth6 before the entrance to the women’s tent was the only living soul visible; his measured tread the only sound audible. Zopyrus stood like an inanimate object beside a low bush near the tent. He watched the guard for some time, studying the opportune8 moment to spring. Now the fellow’s march brought him so close to the hidden figure that the latter had but to reach forth his hand—A muffled9 cry of bewilderment, a brief struggle, a suppressed groan10 of agony, and Zopyrus leaped over the prostrate11 form and entered the tent of the women.
The eunuch, a creature of repulsive12 form and malignant13 countenance14, stood just within the entrance. The noise of the struggle, brief and silent though it was, had reached his ears. With the stealth and agility15 of a panther he approached and leaped upon his prey16 as the latter entered. With dagger17 raised aloft he would have dealt a fatal blow had not Phædime with the strength of an Amazon, held his arm as it was about to descend18.
“Wait, Amorges,” she cried, “do not harm this man till we learn his mission!” Turning to Zopyrus she said, “Speak stranger, what would you in the harem of Artabazus?”
Zopyrus glanced quickly about him at the silken hangings richly broidered; at the heavy woven tapestries19 which adorned20 the sides of the tent; at panels composed of the variegated21 plumage of birds, and gloriously flashing jewels; the beautifully gowned women who surveyed him with unabashed curiosity, their shining black eyes flashing their appreciation22 of the unusual over the tops of fans of ostrich23 feathers. He turned again to Phædime.
“I seek one Ladice by name, a Greek girl brought here against her will.”
72
“Just a moment, I will bring her.” To the eunuch she whispered aside, “I will fetch a gag. Do not touch him yet.”
She returned shortly with Ladice whose appearance of unutterable wretchedness wrung24 Zopyrus’ heart.
“This officer says he has come to take you away, Ladice,” said Phædime giving a sidelong glance at the girl to observe her reception of the news.
The Greek maiden25 took a step forward, gazing earnestly into Zopyrus’ face. “It is not he, no it is not he! But tell me he is not dead!”
Zopyrus spoke26 gently, “I must confirm the ill news, fair maiden. Masistius died heroically on the field of battle and I am to succeed him in an attempt to rescue you.”
Amorges and Phædime exchanged glances, the former intimating by a nod that it was time to produce the gag, but Phædime still hesitated, for the girl, Ladice, flung herself with a sob27 at Zopyrus’ feet.
“It can’t be true,” she cried, “I loved him and he promised to return, oh tell me it isn’t true!”
Zopyrus gazed with compassion28 into the tear-stained face as he replied: “It is indeed true, but tell me, do you really wish to escape from the clutches of Artabazus?”
The girl glanced furtively29 about her in horror as if she expected to see the odious30 form conjured31 before her at the mention of his name.
“Yes, I will do anything to escape from him and if——” but her words were cut short by a muffled cry of terror.
73
Phædime had seized the eunuch and forced the gag into his mouth. “Come, help me bind32 him!” she called loudly to Zopyrus.
It was the work of a few moments, and when they were finished, poor Amorges lay in one corner of the tent, prone33 and helpless.
“You may depend upon me to help you in this project,” Phædime said to Zopyrus. “It is necessary to lay bare to you the secrets of a woman’s heart. I love Artabazus, and in his affections I have held first place till this Greek girl,” (here she cast a scornful glance at Ladice), “was brought here, and after this battle was fought she would have been his. You see it is to my interest to get her away and to that end I will lend you my assistance. Perhaps we had better kill the eunuch to be assured of our safety. What say you?”
Amorges’ eyes fairly started out of their sockets34 as the two approached. Seeing that the threat had proved effectual, Phædime spurned35 the defenceless body with her foot and asked: “Will you intimate to Artabazus upon his return that violence was done you by the soldier who rescued Ladice, and that I tried to help you?”
The wretched fellow indicated affirmation as well as his bonds permitted and Phædime turned to Zopyrus and Ladice.
“Now go and may success crown your efforts.”
“Before we go,” said Zopyrus to Ladice, “you must don this garb36 to facilitate our escape.”
He held out to her a bundle of dark clothing. The girl withdrew to an adjoining chamber37 and soon appeared in the uniform of a Persian foot-soldier.
74
“Your disguise is excellent,” exclaimed Zopyrus delightedly, “now let us hasten,” and with a brief expression of gratitude38 to Phædime for her share in the escape, he and Ladice took a hasty departure.
Only the glowing embers of camp-fires remained. The flickering39 deceptive40 shadows that had annoyed Zopyrus in his approach to the harem-tent had disappeared, and in their stead the encampment lay around the fugitives41 in the tranquil42 light of a full moon, the white tents gleaming like snow-covered hillocks. Already the Persian felt that this omen7 presaged43 success. They threaded the narrow alleys44 which separated the tents in silence so as not to betray their presence, and arrived without mishap45 at an intersection46 of alleys, about thirty yards from the tent of Mardonius.
“Let us turn to the left here,” whispered Zopyrus, “and thus avoid passing Mardonius’ tent.”
Scarcely had the words escaped his lips when the sound of footsteps and low talking broke the silence.
“What is your hurry? Why will you not abide47 the night with Mardonius till we decide whether or not it is advisable to attempt to cut off the Greek reinforcements?” questioned the voice of Asopodorus.
Then to the horror of the fugitives, the voice of Artabazus made answer.
“Tomorrow will be time enough for that. I am weary of consultations48 of war, and who knows if I be living tomorrow at this time! I have a fair Greek captive who will this night help me to forget the dangers of the morrow, and to her I now go despite my promises to await the close of battle.”
75
It was now too late to turn without arousing the suspicion of the approaching Artabazus. Zopyrus could feel the trembling hand of the girl upon his arm.
“Have courage,” he whispered, “and say not a word.”
Artabazus’ features expressed surprise at meeting anyone at this time of the night.
“Well if it isn’t Zopyrus! Have you turned somnambulist?” he asked jocosely49, but with a hint of mistrust in his voice.
“You forget, Artabazus, the task I am this night to perform at the fountain of Gargaphia. By the time I reach its vicinity the moon will be low.”
“To be sure I remember now, but whom have you with you?” questioned the officer curiously50.
“Mardonius bade me take a man with me, and this youth wished to go,” replied Zopyrus with an air of indifference51.
Artabazus looked disapprovingly52 at the slight figure of the foot-soldier.
“He doesn’t look very capable,” he remarked.
“Nevertheless he is courageous53, and though young, I decided54 to try him out.”
“What is your name?” asked Artabazus of the silent figure.
The question took Zopyrus completely by surprise, but with joy he observed that Ladice maintained discreet55 silence.
“His name is Ladisius,” answered Zopyrus, “and now if you will permit, we must be on our way, for a great deal depends upon this mission.”
76
As soon as Artabazus was out of hearing, Zopyrus said to his companion. “That was indeed a narrow escape and now we must hasten with all possible speed, for Artabazus will begin pursuit as soon as he learns of your escape.”
“Halt! Give the password,” demanded the sentry56 at the edge of the encampment.
Zopyrus easily made known his identity to the sentinel who was apprised57 of his mission to Gargaphia. Once beyond the confines of the camp the two breathed more freely. The soft breeze which fanned their cheeks was laden58 with the vernal odors of field and forest. The meadows through which they sped, were dotted with field lilies and asphodel, myriads59 of them, their white blossoms gleaming from the grass like the stars from the heavens till it seemed to the fugitives that in their flight earth and sky had changed places and that they trod the milky-way.
“How far is it to the fountain of Gargaphia?” asked Ladice after they had gone for some time in silence.
Zopyrus paused a moment, scanning his companion’s face to ascertain60 whether or not she had put her question seriously. Assured that she was in earnest, he continued his pace, talking the while.
77
“You are not with a Persian soldier as you suppose, my little friend. Zopyrus, the Persian, ceased to exist when he witnessed the death of his comrade, Masistius. My father was a Persian, satrap of Sardis, my mother a Greek whose parents were Athenians. My environment forced me to don uniform and follow the Persian king, but the natural heritage from my mother, and her early tutelage, caused my soul to cry out continually against the actions of my body. For months I was a prey of weakness and indecision. My every act was accomplished after agonizing61 periods of vacillation62. My will-power was being destroyed and though cognizant of the fact, I seemed powerless to retrieve63 the volition64 I once possessed65. With the death of Masistius all bonds of honor with the Persians seemed severed66, and I pledged myself to save Athens if it were not already too late. If I seem a traitor67 in your eyes, judge me not too harshly. Gold is not my motive68, for I shall be poorer for this choice I have made; safety is no object, for I intend to make atonement by wielding69 the sword in the Greek cause. Have I convinced you, fair maid, that my incentives70 are pure, and that I do well to allow this determination to supercede my former hesitancy?”
He was satisfied with her ready nod of assent71. At last they reached the entrance to Oak Heads pass, by which means they would be enabled to cross Mt. Cithæron. Their progress was greatly impeded72 by the dense73 tangle74 of underbrush. The branches of trees met overhead, forming a canopy75 of foliage76 so thick that the moon’s beams could not penetrate77. For hours the crackling of twigs78 underfoot, and an occasional hoot79 from some night-owl were the only sounds that disturbed the tranquility of the night.
Suddenly Ladice stopped and asked abruptly80: “Did you hear that?”
“Yes,” replied her companion, “I heard a slight sound, but I think it is a prowling beast on some nocturnal journey. Stay close and keep your hand upon your dagger for you may have to use it.”
78
Scarcely had he ceased to speak before a command in Greek was given to halt and give the password. Before Ladice could realize what had happened, she heard the sounds of struggle. Her eyes, accustomed to the darkness, could faintly discern the gleam of weapons, but she dared not strike for she could not distinguish between the antagonists81. She soon realized that they were not fighting near her, and a sudden fear seized her; they might miss their footing and slip over the edge of the declivity82! She decided to raise her voice in warning, when the unmistakable sound of breaking twigs and loosened stones rolling down the precipice83, convinced her that her worst fears were an actuality. Stunned84 with horror she stood for some time unable to decide what to do. At last dreading85 that Artabazus might by now be well on his way in pursuit of her, she pressed on in an agony of fear. The foliage was now a little thinner and she could see the first faint glow of dawn in the sky. Her physical progress was more rapid, but mentally she was stupified by the horror of her rescuer’s fate, and she did not hear the sounds of approaching footsteps till they were immediately behind her.
Her first expression was one of relief that her pursuer was not Artabazus, but she observed with chagrin86 that he wore a Greek uniform. Raising her eyes half fearfully to his face she uttered an exclamation87 of joy. It was Zopyrus!
79
“I am glad I did not have to kill the fellow to get this uniform, for I am a Greek. His neck was broken in the fall and as for me—” he pointed88 to his right arm which hung useless by his side, “I’m afraid I shall not be of much service to Greece!”
Ladice opened her knapsack and tore from her dress a strip with which she dexterously89 bandaged the broken member. This done, she discarded the Persian uniform for the torn dress and together they descended90 the southern slope of Mt. Cithæron as the roseate hues91 of morning gradually melted away into bright daylight.
80
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1
groves
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| 树丛，小树林( grove的名词复数 ) | |
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2
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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3
lurid
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| adj.可怕的；血红的；苍白的 | |
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4
pertaining
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| 与…有关系的，附属…的，为…固有的(to) | |
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5
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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6
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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7
omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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8
opportune
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| adj.合适的，适当的 | |
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9
muffled
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| adj.（声音）被隔的；听不太清的；（衣服）裹严的；蒙住的v.压抑，捂住( muffle的过去式和过去分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
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10
groan
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| vi./n.呻吟，抱怨；(发出)呻吟般的声音 | |
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11
prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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12
repulsive
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| adj.排斥的，使人反感的 | |
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13
malignant
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| adj.恶性的，致命的；恶意的，恶毒的 | |
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14
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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15
agility
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| n.敏捷，活泼 | |
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16
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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17
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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18
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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19
tapestries
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| n.挂毯( tapestry的名词复数 )；绣帷，织锦v.用挂毯（或绣帷）装饰( tapestry的第三人称单数 ) | |
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20
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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21
variegated
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| adj.斑驳的，杂色的 | |
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22
appreciation
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| n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨 | |
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23
ostrich
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| n.鸵鸟 | |
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24
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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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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26
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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27
sob
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| n.空间轨道的轰炸机；呜咽，哭泣 | |
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28
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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29
furtively
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| adv. 偷偷地, 暗中地 | |
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30
odious
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| adj.可憎的，讨厌的 | |
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31
conjured
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| 用魔术变出( conjure的过去式和过去分词 )； 祈求，恳求； 变戏法； （变魔术般地） 使…出现 | |
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32
bind
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| vt.捆，包扎；装订；约束；使凝固；vi.变硬 | |
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33
prone
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| adj.(to)易于…的，很可能…的；俯卧的 | |
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34
sockets
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| n.套接字，使应用程序能够读写与收发通讯协定(protocol)与资料的程序( Socket的名词复数 )；孔( socket的名词复数 )；（电器上的）插口；托座；凹穴 | |
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35
spurned
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| v.一脚踢开，拒绝接受( spurn的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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36
garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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37
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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38
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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39
flickering
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| adj.闪烁的，摇曳的，一闪一闪的 | |
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deceptive
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| adj.骗人的，造成假象的，靠不住的 | |
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fugitives
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| n.亡命者，逃命者( fugitive的名词复数 ) | |
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tranquil
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| adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的 | |
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43
presaged
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| v.预示，预兆( presage的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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44
alleys
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| 胡同，小巷( alley的名词复数 )； 小径 | |
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45
mishap
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| n.不幸的事，不幸；灾祸 | |
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intersection
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| n.交集，十字路口，交叉点；[计算机] 交集 | |
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47
abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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consultations
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| n.磋商（会议）( consultation的名词复数 )；商讨会；协商会；查找 | |
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49
jocosely
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| adv.说玩笑地，诙谐地 | |
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50
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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51
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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52
disapprovingly
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| adv.不以为然地，不赞成地，非难地 | |
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53
courageous
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| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
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54
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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55
discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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56
sentry
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| n.哨兵，警卫 | |
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57
apprised
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| v.告知，通知( apprise的过去式和过去分词 )；评价 | |
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58
laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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myriads
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| n.无数，极大数量( myriad的名词复数 ) | |
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60
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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61
agonizing
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| adj.痛苦难忍的；使人苦恼的v.使极度痛苦；折磨(agonize的ing形式) | |
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62
vacillation
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| n.动摇；忧柔寡断 | |
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63
retrieve
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| vt.重新得到，收回；挽回，补救；检索 | |
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volition
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| n.意志；决意 | |
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65
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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66
severed
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| v.切断，断绝( sever的过去式和过去分词 )；断，裂 | |
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67
traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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68
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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69
wielding
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| 手持着使用（武器、工具等）( wield的现在分词 )； 具有； 运用（权力）； 施加（影响） | |
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incentives
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| 激励某人做某事的事物( incentive的名词复数 )； 刺激； 诱因； 动机 | |
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71
assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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72
impeded
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| 阻碍，妨碍，阻止( impede的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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73
dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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tangle
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| n.纠缠；缠结；混乱；v.(使)缠绕；变乱 | |
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canopy
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| n.天篷，遮篷 | |
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foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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penetrate
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| v.透(渗)入；刺入，刺穿；洞察，了解 | |
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twigs
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| 细枝，嫩枝( twig的名词复数 ) | |
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hoot
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| n.鸟叫声，汽车的喇叭声； v.使汽车鸣喇叭 | |
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abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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antagonists
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| 对立[对抗] 者，对手，敌手( antagonist的名词复数 )； 对抗肌； 对抗药 | |
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declivity
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| n.下坡，倾斜面 | |
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precipice
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| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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84
stunned
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| adj. 震惊的，惊讶的 动词stun的过去式和过去分词 | |
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dreading
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| v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的现在分词 ) | |
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chagrin
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| n.懊恼；气愤；委屈 | |
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exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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dexterously
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| adv.巧妙地，敏捷地 | |
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descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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hues
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| 色彩( hue的名词复数 )； 色调； 信仰； 观点 | |
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