The Rise of Iskander by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli
page 70 of 100 (70%)
page 70 of 100 (70%)
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"Alas!" exclaimed the prince, "I can no longer control my passion. My life, not my happiness merely, depends upon Iduna becoming mine. Bear with me, my beloved, bear with me! Were you Nicaeus, you too would need forgiveness." "I beseech you, cease!" exclaimed Iduna, in a firmer voice; and, withdrawing her hand, she suddenly rose. "This is neither the time nor place for such conversation. I have not forgotten that, but a few days back, I was a hopeless captive, and that my life and fame are even now in danger. Great mercies have been vouchsafed to me; but still I perhaps need the hourly interposition of heavenly aid. Other than such worldly thoughts should fill my mind, and do. Dear Nicaeus," she continued, in a more soothing tone, "you have nobly commenced a most heroic enterprise: fulfil it in like spirit." He would have replied; but at this moment the staff of the Eremite sounded among the rocks. Baffled, and dark with rage and passion, the Prince of Athens quitted Iduna, and strolled towards the upper part of the glen, to conceal his anger and disappointment. "Eat, gentle youth," said the Eremite. "Will not thy brother join us? What may be his name?" "Nicaeus, holy father." "And thine?" Iduna blushed and hesitated. At length, in her confusion, she replied, "Iskander." |
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