The interest increased tenfold when, attended, or rather guarded—few could tell which—Luigi Vincenzio, attired with some care, but deadly pale, bearing an expression of fearful internal agony on his countenance, slowly advanced up the choir17 to the altar. The gaze of Gonzalvo moved not from him; serious it was, yet scarcely stern, and the tone was calm in which he said, “We have heard, Signor Vincenzio, you accept the conditions proposed!—have we heard aright?” Luigi simply bowed his head in answer, imagining the oath of fealty18 to Ferdinand, and denial of Frederic, would next be administered; but it came not, silence reigned19 again uninterrupted as before. Then came sounds along the corridor; the folding-doors at the base of the chapel were flung wide open, and the Lady Elvira, more than usually majestic20 in mien21 and carriage, entered, followed by several attendants; her resplendent beauty was heightened by an expression of countenance none could define, save that it affected22 the most indifferent spectator then present with a species of awe23, of veneration24, that could have bowed every knee in unfeigned homage25. Stars of diamonds glittered in her raven26 hair, and sparkled down the bodice and front of her dark velvet robe. The first glance of all rested immovably, seemingly fascinated, on her; the next turned on the slight figure she led forward; but every curious effort to discover the stranger’s identity was rendered vain by the thick shrouding27 veil which completely enveloped28 her; permitting nothing but the tiny foot and exquisitely-turned ankle to be visible.
A strong shudder29 had convulsed the form of Vincenzio; he tried to step forward, to speak, but all power appeared to forsake30 him, till a voice, sweet, clear, and silvery, uttered the simple words “I will,” the customary rejoinder to the priest’s demand, “wilt31 thou accept this man as thy wedded32 lord,” and its attendant vows34 to “love, honour, and obey.” The voice thrilled through him, awakening35 him to consciousness, he knew not how or why; and he saw he was kneeling before the altar, beside that veiled and shrouded36 form by whom Gonzalvo and his daughter were both standing37, as if from their hands he received her. Gradually everything became distinct; La Palice was at his side, his hand upon his shoulder, as if rousing him from that deadening stupor38. He recognised his friends amidst the noble group standing around. Had the marriage vow33 been administered to him? If so, he must have replied, or the ceremony could not have continued, but he knew not he had spoken; and what had in fact aroused him?—a voice!—whose voice?—to whom was he irrevocably joined? Not that one whom his fevered fancy had so wildly pictured, for she stood there looking on the ceremony, as calm and motionless as the most indifferent spectator.
It was over. Vincenzio and his nameless bride rose from their knees, and then it was the hands of Gonzalvo removed the veil and led her forward, that the eyes of all might rest with admiration39 on the loveliness displayed. A cry of astonishment40 burst simultaneously41 from the French prisoners and Neapolitans around, and the latter rushed forward and prostrated42 themselves before her, clasping her robe, her feet, ’mid sobs44 and tears calling on heaven to bless the daughter of their king, the being whom from her cradle they had well-nigh worshipped—the Princess Constance! but one alone stood speechless; one alone had no power to go forward, for all seemed to him a dream, whose bewildering light and bliss45 would be for ever lost in darkness. But as those eyes turned on him, that radiant glance sought his, there was one sob43, one choking cry, and Luigi had bounded forward, had clasped her to his heart. And then he would have flung himself at Gonzalvo’s feet, to pour out the burdening load of gratitude46 that almost crushed him with its magnitude, but Gonzalvo, grasping his hand in the friendly pressure of sympathy, forbade all speech till he had been heard.
“It has been said,” he exclaimed, “that to the King of Naples and his ill-fated family Gonzalvo de Cordova is incapable47 of generosity48, or even of humanity; because the stern mandate49 of his sovereign demanded the sacrifice of his own private sentiments of generosity and honour, and compelled the captivity50 of Frederic’s heir. My friends, I plead no excuse, no offence for this dark deed; but now that nought51 but Gonzalvo’s own heart may dictate52, I bid ye absolve53 me of all undue54 severity, all unjust dishonour55. The Princess Constance offered her liberty for that of the Signor Vincenzio; but, nobles of Naples, Gonzalvo scorned it. She is free, as is her husband. His ransom56, five thousand marks, is discharged from my private coffers, and settled as a marriage dowry on his bride. Both, then, are free, unshackled by condition, free as the winds of heaven to travel where they list. We heard of a noble of France hostile to this union, and on account of his birth approved of by King Frederic; and therefore it is we have been thus secret, and would counsel Signor Vincenzio to accept the vessel57 lying at anchor, ready for his use, and convey his gentle bride to the court of her father without delay. We will take all blame; for the union, as ye have all witnessed, hath been without consent of the bridegroom. For thee, Signor Vincenzio, thy fault is unconditionally58 pardoned, a grace won for thee by the truth and glorious heroism59 of thy gentle bride. No thanks—to us they are not due; we had been terrible in wrath60, resolute61 to demand the forfeit62 of rebellion, even to the last, save for one whose earnest pleadings we had no power to resist. In your love, your happiness, think on Gonzalvo’s daughter, for to her ye owe it all.”
It needed not the name: ere that rich voice ceased, Vincenzio and his bride were kneeling at the feet of the Lady Elvira; the former pouring forth63 with passionate64 eloquence65 his gratitude, his veneration; in words burning, thrilling, known only to Italy’s impassioned clime. She heard, and a faint quivering smile was on those lips; one hand she yielded to his respectful homage, and laid the other caressingly66, fondly, on the beautiful head of Constance, whose face was lifted up to hers beaming in all the blissful confidence of love, of joy, of devotion, conscious that to her she owed all that made life dear.
“Bid Constance tell thee how much Elvira owes to her, Signor Vincenzio, and thou wilt learn I have yet more cause of gratitude than thou hast,” she said, and not one word quivered. “To thee she hast given a life; to me—what is far more valuable—Elvira to herself, unstained, unscathed; her soul of honour cloudless, true, when all methought had failed. Farewell! be happy, and may good angels guard ye both!”
She raised the Princess, and folded her to her heart. “There was an eye thou knewest not upon thee in his prison,” she whispered, ’ere she released her. “Constance, hadst thou failed, we had both been lost, for I had seen no stronger spirit than my own. Thou hast saved us both, and must be blessed.” She printed a long kiss on that beautiful brow, and placed her in her husband’s arms. A brief interval67 of congratulation, of joyful68 conference followed, and then all within that chapel was silent and deserted69. Hours passed. The chieftain of Spain had returned from accompanying Vincenzio and his bride to their vessel, though he had tarried to watch them weigh anchor and disappear in the distance. He inquired for his daughter, sought her in all her haunts, and lastly, with a strange foreboding, re-entered the chapel. No voice, and at first no figure met his eye or ear; he rushed forwards, a beautiful form lay either lifeless or in a deep swoon at the altar’s foot, her rich and luxuriant hair falling heavily and darkly around her. It was the Lady Elvira.
The remainder of the Lady Elvira’s career is a matter of history: with it the romancer interfereth no further.
点击收听单词发音
1 pointed | |
adj.尖的,直截了当的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
2 casements | |
n.窗扉( casement的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
3 chapel | |
n.小教堂,殡仪馆 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
4 citadel | |
n.城堡;堡垒;避难所 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
5 lavishly | |
adv.慷慨地,大方地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
6 shrine | |
n.圣地,神龛,庙;v.将...置于神龛内,把...奉为神圣 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
7 virgin | |
n.处女,未婚女子;adj.未经使用的;未经开发的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
8 saviour | |
n.拯救者,救星 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
9 gems | |
growth; economy; management; and customer satisfaction 增长 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
10 velvet | |
n.丝绒,天鹅绒;adj.丝绒制的,柔软的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
11 mosaic | |
n./adj.镶嵌细工的,镶嵌工艺品的,嵌花式的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
12 attired | |
adj.穿着整齐的v.使穿上衣服,使穿上盛装( attire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
13 fixed | |
adj.固定的,不变的,准备好的;(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
14 repose | |
v.(使)休息;n.安息 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
15 countenance | |
n.脸色,面容;面部表情;vt.支持,赞同 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
16 meditation | |
n.熟虑,(尤指宗教的)默想,沉思,(pl.)冥想录 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
17 choir | |
n.唱诗班,唱诗班的席位,合唱团,舞蹈团;v.合唱 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
18 fealty | |
n.忠贞,忠节 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
19 reigned | |
vi.当政,统治(reign的过去式形式) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
20 majestic | |
adj.雄伟的,壮丽的,庄严的,威严的,崇高的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
21 mien | |
n.风采;态度 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
22 affected | |
adj.不自然的,假装的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
23 awe | |
n.敬畏,惊惧;vt.使敬畏,使惊惧 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
24 veneration | |
n.尊敬,崇拜 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
25 homage | |
n.尊敬,敬意,崇敬 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
26 raven | |
n.渡鸟,乌鸦;adj.乌亮的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
27 shrouding | |
n.覆盖v.隐瞒( shroud的现在分词 );保密 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
28 enveloped | |
v.包围,笼罩,包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
29 shudder | |
v.战粟,震动,剧烈地摇晃;n.战粟,抖动 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
30 forsake | |
vt.遗弃,抛弃;舍弃,放弃 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
31 wilt | |
v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎;(指人)疲倦,衰弱 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
32 wedded | |
adj.正式结婚的;渴望…的,执著于…的v.嫁,娶,(与…)结婚( wed的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
33 vow | |
n.誓(言),誓约;v.起誓,立誓 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
34 vows | |
誓言( vow的名词复数 ); 郑重宣布,许愿 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
35 awakening | |
n.觉醒,醒悟 adj.觉醒中的;唤醒的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
36 shrouded | |
v.隐瞒( shroud的过去式和过去分词 );保密 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
37 standing | |
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
38 stupor | |
v.昏迷;不省人事 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
39 admiration | |
n.钦佩,赞美,羡慕 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
40 astonishment | |
n.惊奇,惊异 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
41 simultaneously | |
adv.同时发生地,同时进行地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
42 prostrated | |
v.使俯伏,使拜倒( prostrate的过去式和过去分词 );(指疾病、天气等)使某人无能为力 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
43 sob | |
n.空间轨道的轰炸机;呜咽,哭泣 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
44 sobs | |
啜泣(声),呜咽(声)( sob的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
45 bliss | |
n.狂喜,福佑,天赐的福 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
46 gratitude | |
adj.感激,感谢 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
47 incapable | |
adj.无能力的,不能做某事的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
48 generosity | |
n.大度,慷慨,慷慨的行为 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
49 mandate | |
n.托管地;命令,指示 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
50 captivity | |
n.囚禁;被俘;束缚 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
51 nought | |
n./adj.无,零 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
52 dictate | |
v.口授;(使)听写;指令,指示,命令 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
53 absolve | |
v.赦免,解除(责任等) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
54 undue | |
adj.过分的;不适当的;未到期的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
55 dishonour | |
n./vt.拒付(支票、汇票、票据等);vt.凌辱,使丢脸;n.不名誉,耻辱,不光彩 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
56 ransom | |
n.赎金,赎身;v.赎回,解救 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
57 vessel | |
n.船舶;容器,器皿;管,导管,血管 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
58 unconditionally | |
adv.无条件地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
59 heroism | |
n.大无畏精神,英勇 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
60 wrath | |
n.愤怒,愤慨,暴怒 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
61 resolute | |
adj.坚决的,果敢的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
62 forfeit | |
vt.丧失;n.罚金,罚款,没收物 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
63 forth | |
adv.向前;向外,往外 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
64 passionate | |
adj.热情的,热烈的,激昂的,易动情的,易怒的,性情暴躁的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
65 eloquence | |
n.雄辩;口才,修辞 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
66 caressingly | |
爱抚地,亲切地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
67 interval | |
n.间隔,间距;幕间休息,中场休息 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
68 joyful | |
adj.欢乐的,令人欢欣的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
69 deserted | |
adj.荒芜的,荒废的,无人的,被遗弃的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
欢迎访问英文小说网 |