A man in love, though the hero of many battles, shall be afraid in the presence of his beloved, and it shall be easier for him to challenge an enemy than to ask her love in return.
Count Corti's eagerness to face the lion in the gallery of the Cynegion had established his reputation in Constantinople for courage; his recent defence of the harvesters raised it yet higher; now his name was on every tongue.
His habit of going about in armor had in the first days of his coming subjected him to criticism; for the eyes before which he passed belonged for the most part to a generation more given to prospecting1 for bezants in fields of peace than the pursuit of glory in the ruggeder fields of war. But the custom was now accepted, and at sight of him, mounted and in glistening2 armor, even the critics smiled, and showered his head with silent good wishes, or if they spoke3 it was to say to each other: "Oh, that the Blessed Mother would send us more like him!" And the Count knew he had the general favor. We somehow learn such things without their being told us.
Up in the empyrean courtly circles his relations were quite as gratifying. The Emperor made no concealment4 of his partiality, and again insisted on bringing him to Blacherne.
"Your Majesty5," the Count said one day, "I have no further need of my galley6 and its crew. I beg you to do with them as you think best."
Constantine received the offer gratefully.
"The galley is a godsend. I will order payment for it. Duke Notaras, the Grand Admiral, will agree with you about the price."
"If Your Majesty will permit me to have my way," the Count rejoined, "you will order the vessel7 into the harbor with the fleet, and if the result of the war is with Your Majesty, the Grand Admiral can arrange for the payment; if otherwise"--he smiled at the alternative--"I think neither Your Majesty nor myself will have occasion for a ship."
The galley was transferred from the Bay of Julian to anchorage in the Golden Horn. That night, speaking of the tender, the Emperor said to Phranza: "Count Corti has cast his lot with us. As I interpret him, he does not mean to survive our defeat. See that he be charged to select a bodyguard8 to accompany me in action."
"Is he to be Captain of the guard?"
"Yes."
The duty brought the Count to Blacherne. In a few days he had fifty men, including his nine Berbers.
These circumstances made him happy. He found peace of mind also in his release from Mahommed. Not an hour of the day passed without his silently thanking the Sultan for his magnanimity.
But no matter for rejoicing came to him like the privilege of freely attending the Princess Irene.
Not only was her reception-room open to him; whether she went to Blacherne or Sancta Sophia, he appeared in her train. Often when the hour of prayer arrived, she invited him as one of her household to accompany her to the apartment she had set apart for chapel9 exercises; and at such times he strove to be devout10, but in taking her for his pattern of conduct--as yet he hardly knew when to arise or kneel, or cross himself--if his thoughts wandered from the Madonna and Child to her, if sometimes he fell to making comparisons in which the Madonna suffered as lacking beauty--nay, if not infrequently he caught himself worshipping the living woman at the foot of the altar rather than the divinity above it, few there were who would have been in haste to condemn11 him even in that day. There is nothing modern in the world's love of a lover.
By the treaty with Mahommed he was free to tell the Princess of his passion; and there were moments in which it seemed he must cast himself at her feet and speak; but then he would be seized with a trembling, his tongue would unaccountably refuse its office, and he would quiet himself with the weakling's plea--another time--to-morrow, to-morrow. And always upon the passing of the opportunity, the impulse being laid with so many of its predecessors12 in the graveyard13 of broken resolutions--every swain afraid keeps such a graveyard--always he sallied from her door eager for an enemy on whom to vent14 his vexation. "Ah," he would say, with prolonged emphasis upon the exclamation--"if Mahommed were only at the gate! Is he never coming?"
One day he dismounted at the Princess' door, and was ushered15 into the reception-room by Lysander. "I bring you good news," he said, in course of the conversation.
"What now?" she asked.
"Every sword counts. I am just from the Port of Blacherne, whither I accompanied the Grand Equerry to assist in receiving one John Grant, who has arrived with a following of Free Lances, mostly my own countrymen."
"Who is John Grant?"
"A German old in Eastern service; more particularly an expert in making and throwing hollow iron balls filled with inflammable liquid. On striking, the balls burst, after which the fire is unquenchable with water."
"Oh! our Greek fire rediscovered!"
"So he declares. His Majesty has ordered him the materials he asks, and that he go to work to-morrow getting a store of his missiles ready. The man declares also, if His Holiness would only proclaim a crusade against the Turks. Constantinople has not space on her walls to hold the volunteers who would hasten to her defence. He says Genoa, Venice, all Italy, is aroused and waiting."
"John Grant is welcome," the Princess returned; "the more so that His Holiness is slow."
Afterward16, about the first of December, the Count again dismounted at her door with news.
"What is it now?" she inquired.
"Noble Princess, His Holiness has been heard from."
"At last?"
"A Legate will arrive to-morrow."
"Only a Legate! What is his name?"
"Isidore, Grand Metropolitan17 of Russia."
"Brings he a following?"
"No soldiers; only a suite18 of priests high and low."
"I see. He comes to negotiate. Alas19!"
"Why alas?"
"Oh, the factions20, the factions!" she exclaimed, disconsolately21; then, seeing the Count still in wonder, she added: "Know you not that Isidore, familiarly called the Cardinal22, was appointed Metropolitan of the Russian Greek Church by the Pope, and, rejected by it, was driven to refuge in Poland? What welcome can we suppose he will receive here?"
"Is he not a Greek?"
"Yes, truly; but being a Latin Churchman, the Brotherhoods23 hold him an apostate24. His first demand will be to celebrate mass in Sancta Sophia. If the world were about shaking itself to pieces, the commotion25 would be but little greater than the breaking of things we will then hear. Oh, it is an ill wind which blows him to our gates!" Meantime the Hippodrome had been converted into a Campus Martius, where at all hours of the day the newly enlisted26 men were being drilled in the arms to which they were assigned; now as archers27, now as slingers; now with balistas and catapults and arquebuses; now to the small artillery28 especially constructed for service on the walls. And as trade was at an end in the city, as in fact martial29 preparation occupied attention to the exclusion30 of business in the commercial sense, the ancient site was a centre of resort. Thither31 the Count hastened to work off the disheartenment into which the comments of the Princess had thrown him.
That same week, however, he and the loyal population of Constantinople in general, were cheered by a coming of real importance. Early one morning some vessels32 of war hove in sight down the Marmora. Their flags proclaimed them Christian33. Simultaneously34 the lookouts35 at Point Demetrius reported a number of Turkish galleys36 plying37 to and fro up the Bosphorus. It was concluded that a naval38 battle was imminent39. The walls in the vicinity of the Point were speedily crowded with spectators. In fact, the anxiety was great enough to draw the Emperor from his High Residence. Not doubting the galleys were bringing him stores, possibly reinforcements, he directed his small fleet in the Golden Horn to be ready to go to their assistance. His conjecture40 was right; yet more happily the Turks made no attempt upon them. Turning into the harbor, the strangers ran up the flags of Venice and Genoa, and never did they appear so beautiful, seen by Byzantines--never were they more welcome. The decks were crowded with helmed men who responded vigorously to the cheering with which they were saluted41.
Constantine in person received the newcomers at the Port of Blacherne. From the wall over the gate the Princess Irene, with an escort of noble ladies, witnessed the landing.
A knight42 of excellent presence stepped from a boat, and announced himself.
"I am John Justiniani of Genoa," he said, "come with two thousand companions in arms to the succor43 of the most Christian Emperor Constantine. Guide me to him, I pray."
"The Emperor is here--I am he."
Justiniani kissed the hand extended to him, and returned with fervor44:
"Christ and the Mother be praised! Much have I been disquieted45 lest we should be too late. Your Majesty, command me."
"Duke Notaras," said the Emperor, "assist this noble gentleman and his companions. When they are disembarked, conduct them to me. For the present I will lodge46 them in my residence." Then he addressed the Genoese: "Duke Notaras, High Admiral of the Empire, will answer your every demand. In God's name, and for the imperilled religion of our Redeeming47 Lord, I bid you welcome."
It seemed the waving of scarfs and white hands on the wall, and the noisy salutations of the people present, were not agreeable to the Duke; although coldly polite, he impressed Justiniani as an ill second to the stately but courteous48 Emperor.
At night there was an audience in the Very High Residence, and Justiniani assisted Phranza in the presentation of his companions; and though the banquet which shortly succeeded the audience may not, in the courses served or in its table splendors49, have vied with those Alexis resorted to for the dazzlement of the chiefs of the first crusade, it was not entirely50 wanting in such particulars; for it has often happened, if the chronicles may be trusted, that the expiring light of great countries has lingered longest in their festive51 halls, just as old families have been known to nurture52 their pride in sparkling heirlooms, all else having been swept away. The failings on this occasion, if any there were, Constantine more than amended53 by his engaging demeanor54. Soldier not less than Emperor, he knew to win the sympathy and devotion of soldiers. Of his foreign guests that evening many afterwards died hardly distinguishing between him and the Holy Cause which led them to their fate.
The table was long, and without head or foot. On one side, in the middle, the Emperor presided; opposite him sat the Princess Irene; and on their right and left, in gallant55 interspersion56, other ladies, the wives and daughters of senators, nobles, and officials of the court, helped charm the Western chivalry57.
And of the guests, the names of a few have been preserved by history, together with the commands to which they were assigned in the siege.
There was Andrew Dinia, under Duke Notaras, a captain of galleys.
There was the Venetian Contarino, intrusted with the defence of the Golden Grate.
There was Maurice Cataneo, a soldier of Genoa, commandant of the walls on the landward side between the Golden Gate and the Gate Selimbria.
There were two brothers, gentlemen of Genoa,
Paul Bochiardi and Antonin Troilus Bochiardi, defendants58 of the Adrianople Gate.
There was Jerome Minotte, Bayle of Venice, charged with safe keeping the walls between the Adrianople Gate and the Cerco Portas.
There was the artillerist59, German John Grant, who, with Theodore Carystos, made sure of the Gate Charsias.
There was Leonardo de Langasco, another Genoese, keeper of the Wood Gate.
There was Gabriel Travisan; with four hundred other Venetians, he maintained the stretch of wall on the harbor front between Point Demetrius and the Port St. Peter.
There was Pedro Guiliani, the Spanish Consul60, assigned to the guardianship61 of the wall on the sea side from Point Demetrius to the Port of Julian.
There also was stout62 Nicholas Gudelli; with the Emperor's brother, he commanded the force in reserve.
Now these, or the major part of them, may have been Free Lances; yet they did not await the motion of Nicholas, the dilatory63 Pope, and were faithful, and to-day exemplify the saying:
"That men may rise on stepping-stones
Of their dead selves to higher things."
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prospecting
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| n.探矿 | |
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glistening
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| adj.闪耀的，反光的v.湿物闪耀，闪亮( glisten的现在分词 ) | |
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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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concealment
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| n.隐藏, 掩盖，隐瞒 | |
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majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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galley
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| n.（飞机或船上的）厨房单层甲板大帆船；军舰舰长用的大划艇； | |
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vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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bodyguard
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| n.护卫，保镖 | |
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chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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condemn
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| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
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predecessors
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| n.前任( predecessor的名词复数 )；前辈；（被取代的）原有事物；前身 | |
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graveyard
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| n.坟场 | |
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vent
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| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
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ushered
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| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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metropolitan
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| adj.大城市的，大都会的 | |
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suite
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| n.一套(家具)；套房；随从人员 | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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factions
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| 组织中的小派别，派系( faction的名词复数 ) | |
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disconsolately
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| adv.悲伤地，愁闷地；哭丧着脸 | |
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cardinal
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| n.(天主教的)红衣主教；adj.首要的，基本的 | |
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brotherhoods
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| 兄弟关系( brotherhood的名词复数 )； （总称）同行； （宗教性的）兄弟会； 同业公会 | |
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apostate
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| n.背叛者，变节者 | |
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commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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enlisted
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| adj.应募入伍的v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
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archers
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| n.弓箭手，射箭运动员( archer的名词复数 ) | |
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artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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exclusion
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| n.拒绝，排除，排斥，远足，远途旅行 | |
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31
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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simultaneously
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| adv.同时发生地，同时进行地 | |
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lookouts
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| n.寻找（ 某人/某物）( lookout的名词复数 )；是某人（自己）的问题；警戒；瞭望台 | |
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galleys
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| n.平底大船，战舰( galley的名词复数 )；（船上或航空器上的）厨房 | |
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plying
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| v.使用（工具）( ply的现在分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
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naval
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| adj.海军的，军舰的，船的 | |
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imminent
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| adj.即将发生的，临近的，逼近的 | |
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conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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41
saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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43
succor
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| n.援助，帮助；v.给予帮助 | |
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fervor
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| n.热诚；热心；炽热 | |
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disquieted
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| v.使不安，使忧虑，使烦恼( disquiet的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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lodge
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| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
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redeeming
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| 补偿的，弥补的 | |
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courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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splendors
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| n.华丽( splendor的名词复数 )；壮丽；光辉；显赫 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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festive
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| adj.欢宴的，节日的 | |
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52
nurture
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| n.养育，照顾，教育；滋养，营养品；vt.养育，给与营养物，教养，扶持 | |
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Amended
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| adj. 修正的 动词amend的过去式和过去分词 | |
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demeanor
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| n.行为；风度 | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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interspersion
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| n.散布，布置，点缀 | |
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chivalry
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| n.骑士气概，侠义；（男人）对女人彬彬有礼，献殷勤 | |
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defendants
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| 被告( defendant的名词复数 ) | |
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artillerist
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| 炮手，炮兵，炮术家 | |
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consul
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| n.领事；执政官 | |
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guardianship
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| n. 监护, 保护, 守护 | |
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dilatory
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| adj.迟缓的，不慌不忙的 | |
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