The storm continued till near daybreak. At sunrise the wind abated1, and was rapidly succeeded by a dead calm; about the same time the last cloud disappeared, leaving the sky an azure2 wonder, and the shores of the Bosphorus far and near refreshed and purified.
After breakfast, Mirza conducted the Prince of India to another private audience with Mahommed. As the conference had relation to the subjects gone over in the night, the colloquy3 may be dispensed4 with, and only the conclusions given.
Mahommed admitted he had not been able to sleep; in good spirits, however, he agreed, if the Prince were accountable for the wakefulness, he was to be forgiven, since he had fairly foretold5 it, and, like other prophets, was entitled to immunity6. The invitation to remain at the Castle was renewed, and again declined.
Mahommed next conceded the expediency7 of his waiting to hear what further the stars might say with respect to the great business before him, and voluntarily bound himself to passive conduct and silence; in assuagement8 of the impatience9 he knew would torment10 him, he insisted, however, upon establishing a line of couriers between his place of residence, wherever it might be, and the White Castle. Intelligence could thus be safely transmitted him from Constantinople. In furtherance of this object the Governor of the Castle would be instructed to honor the requests of the Prince of India.
Mahommed condescended11 next to approve the suggestion of a secret agency in Constantinople. Respecting a person for the service, the delicacy13 of which was conceded, he had reached the conclusion that there was no one subject to his control so fitted in every respect as Mirza. The selection of the Emir might prove troublesome since he was a favorite with the Sultan; if investigations14 consequent on his continued absence were instituted, there was danger of their resulting in disagreeable exposure; nevertheless the venture was worth the while, and as time was important, the Emir should be sent off forthwith under instructions in harmony with the Prince's advice. Or more clearly, he was to betake himself to Italy immediately, and thence to the Greek capital, a nobleman amply provided with funds for his maintenance there in essential state and condition. His first duty when in the city should be to devise communication with the White Castle, where connection with the proposed line of couriers should be made for safe transmission of his own reports, and such intelligence as the Prince should from time to time consider it advisable to forward.
This of course contemplated15 recognition and concert between the Emir and the Prince. In token of his confidence in the latter, Mahommed would constitute him the superior in cases of difference of opinion; though from his knowledge of Mirza's romantic affection acquired in Mecca and on the road thither16, he had little apprehension17 of such a difference.
Mahommed and the Prince were alike well satisfied with the conclusions between them, and their leave-taking at the end of the audience was marked with a degree of affection approaching that of father and son.
About mid-afternoon the Prince and Sergius sallied from the Castle to observe the water, and finding it quiet, they determined18 to embark19.
The formalities of reception in the Castle were not less rigidly20 observed at the departure. In care of the eunuch the Princess and Lael descended12 to the hall of entrance where they were received by the supposed Governor, who was in armor thoroughly21 cleansed22 of dust and skilfully23 furbished. His manner was even more gallant24 and dignified25. He offered his hand to assist the Princess to seat in the chair, and upon taking it she glanced furtively26 at his face, but the light was too scant27 for a distinct view.
In the Castle and out there were no spectators.
Passing the gate, the Princess bethought her of the story-teller, and looked for him well as she could through the narrow windows. At the landing, when the Governor had in silence, though with ease and grace, helped her from the carriage, the porters being withdrawn28, she proceeded to acknowledgments.
"I am sorry," she said, through her veil, "that I must depart without knowing the name or rank of my host."
"Had I greater rank. O Princess," he returned, gravely. "I should have pleasure in introducing myself; for then there would be a hope that my name supported by a title of dignity, would not be erased29 from your memory by the gayeties of the city to which you are going. The White Castle is a command suitable to one of humble30 grade, and to be saluted31 Governor, because I am charged with its keeping, satisfies my pride for the present. It is a convenient title, moreover, should you ever again honor me with a thought or a word."
"I submit perforce," she said. "Yet, Sir Governor, your name would have saved me from the wonder of my kinsman32, if not his open question, when, as I am bound to, I tell him of the fair treatment and high courtesy you have shown me and my friends here while in refuge in your Castle walls. He knows it natural for the recipient33 of bounty34 to learn who the giver is, with name and history; but how amazed and displeased35 he will be when I barely describe your entertainment. Indeed, I fear he will think me guilty of over description or condemn36 me for ingratitude37."
She saw the blood color his face, and noticed the air of sincerity38 with which he replied. "Princess, if payment for what you have received at my hands were worthy39 a thought, I should say now, and all my days through, down to the very latest, that to have heard you speak so graciously is an overprice out of computation."
The veil hid her responsive blush; for there was something in his voice and manner, possibly the earnestness marking them, which lifted the words out of the commonplace and formal. She could not but see how much more he left implied than actually expressed. For relief, she turned to another subject.
"If I may allude40 to a part of your generous attention, Sir Governor, distinguishing it from the whole, I should like to admit the pleasure had from the recitation of the Arabian story-teller. I will not ask his name; still it must be a great happiness to traverse the world with welcome everywhere, and everywhere and all the time accompanied and inspired by a mind stored with themes and examples beautiful as the history of El Hatim."
A light singularly bright shone in the Governor's eyes, significant of a happy idea, and with more haste than he had yet evinced, he replied:
"O Princess, the name of the Arab is Aboo-Obeidah; in the desert they call him the Singing Sheik, and among Moslems, city bred and tent born alike, he is great and beloved. Such is his sanctity that all doors he knocks at open to him, even those of harems zealously42 guarded. When he arrives at Adrianople, in his first day there he will be conducted to the Hanoum of the Sultan, and at her signal the ladies of the household will flock to hear him. Now, would it please you, I will prevail on him to delay his journey that he may visit you at your palace."
"The adventure might distress43 him," she replied.
"Say not so. In such a matter I dare represent and pledge him. Only give me where you would have him come, and the time, O Princess, and he will be there, not a star in the sky more constant."
"With my promise of good welcome to him then," she said, well pleased, "be my messenger, Sir Governor, and say in the morning day after to-morrow at my palace by Therapia. And now thanks again, and farewell."
So saying she held her hand to him, and he kissed it, and assisted her into the boat.
The adieux of the others, the Prince of India, Sergius and Lael, were briefer. The Governor was polite to each of them; at the same time, his eyes, refusing restraint, wandered to where the Princess sat looking at him with unveiled face.
In the mouth of the river the boats were brought together, and, while drifting, she expressed the pleasure she had from the fortunate meeting with the Prince; his presence, she doubted not, contributed greatly to the good conclusion of what in its beginning seemed so unpromising.
"Nor can I convey an idea of the confidence and comfortable feeling I derived44 from the society of thy daughter," she added, speaking to the Prince, but looking at Lael. "She was courageous45 and sensible, and I cannot content myself until she is my guest at Therapia."
"I would be greatly pleased," Lael said, modestly.
"Will the Princess appoint a time?" the Wanderer asked.
"To-morrow--or next week--at your convenience. These warm months are delightful46 in the country by the water side. At Therapia, Prince--thou and thine. The blessing47 of the Saints go with you--farewell."
Then though the boats kept on down toward Constantinople, they separated, and in good time the Prince of India and Lael were at home; while the Princess carried Sergius to her palace in the city. Next day, having provided him with the habit approved by metropolitan48 Greek priests, she accompanied him to the patriarchal residence, introduced him with expressions of interest, and left him in the holy keeping.
Sergius was accepted and rated a neophyte49, the vanity of the Byzantine clergy50 scorning thought of excellence51 in a Russian provincial52. He entered upon the life, however, with humility53 and zeal41, governed by a friendly caution from the Princess.
"Remember," she said to him, as they paused on the patriarchal doorsteps for permission to enter, "remember Father Hilarion is regarded here as a heretic. The stake, imprisonment54 in darkness for life, the lions in the Cynegion, punishment in some form of approved cruelty awaits a follower55 of his by open avowal56. Patience then; and when endurance is tried most, and you feel it must break, come to me at Therapia. Only hold yourself in readiness, by reading and thought, to speak for our Christian57 faith unsullied by human inventions, and bide58 my signal."
And so did he observe everything and venture nothing that presently he was on the road to high favor.
收听单词发音 |
1
abated
|
|
| 减少( abate的过去式和过去分词 )； 减去； 降价； 撤消（诉讼） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
azure
|
|
| adj.天蓝色的，蔚蓝色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
colloquy
|
|
| n.谈话，自由讨论 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
dispensed
|
|
| v.分配( dispense的过去式和过去分词 )；施与；配（药） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
foretold
|
|
| v.预言，预示( foretell的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
immunity
|
|
| n.优惠；免除；豁免，豁免权 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
expediency
|
|
| n.适宜；方便；合算；利己 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
assuagement
|
|
| n.缓和；减轻；缓和物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
impatience
|
|
| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
torment
|
|
| n.折磨；令人痛苦的东西(人)；vt.折磨；纠缠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
condescended
|
|
| 屈尊，俯就( condescend的过去式和过去分词 )； 故意表示和蔼可亲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
descended
|
|
| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
delicacy
|
|
| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
investigations
|
|
| （正式的）调查( investigation的名词复数 )； 侦查； 科学研究； 学术研究 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
contemplated
|
|
| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
thither
|
|
| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
apprehension
|
|
| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
determined
|
|
| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
embark
|
|
| vi.乘船，着手，从事，上飞机 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
rigidly
|
|
| adv.刻板地，僵化地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
thoroughly
|
|
| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
cleansed
|
|
| 弄干净，清洗( cleanse的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
skilfully
|
|
| adv. (美skillfully)熟练地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
gallant
|
|
| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
dignified
|
|
| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
furtively
|
|
| adv. 偷偷地, 暗中地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
scant
|
|
| adj.不充分的，不足的；v.减缩，限制，忽略 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
withdrawn
|
|
| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
erased
|
|
| v.擦掉( erase的过去式和过去分词 )；抹去；清除 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
humble
|
|
| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
saluted
|
|
| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
kinsman
|
|
| n.男亲属 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
recipient
|
|
| a.接受的,感受性强的 n.接受者,感受者,容器 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
bounty
|
|
| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
displeased
|
|
| a.不快的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
condemn
|
|
| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
ingratitude
|
|
| n.忘恩负义 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
sincerity
|
|
| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
worthy
|
|
| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
allude
|
|
| v.提及，暗指 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
zeal
|
|
| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
zealously
|
|
| adv.热心地；热情地；积极地；狂热地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
distress
|
|
| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
derived
|
|
| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
courageous
|
|
| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
delightful
|
|
| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
blessing
|
|
| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
metropolitan
|
|
| adj.大城市的，大都会的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
neophyte
|
|
| n.新信徒；开始者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
clergy
|
|
| n.[总称]牧师，神职人员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
excellence
|
|
| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
provincial
|
|
| adj.省的，地方的；n．外省人，乡下人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
humility
|
|
| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
imprisonment
|
|
| n.关押，监禁，坐牢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
follower
|
|
| n.跟随者；随员；门徒；信徒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
avowal
|
|
| n.公开宣称，坦白承认 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
Christian
|
|
| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
bide
|
|
| v.忍耐；等候；住 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |