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 BARON BRUNO; 
 
 OR, 
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER, 
 other tfuirn Stories. 
 
 LOUISA MORGAN. 
 
 WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY K. CALDECOTT. 
 
 MACMILLAN AND CO. 
 
 1875.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS ; OR, THE UK BELIEVING 
 
 PHILOSOPHER . . 
 
 KSGAIR: THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL 49 
 
 EOTHWALD : THE YOUNG SCULPTOR 91 
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA 
 
 EUD/EMON ; OR, THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH .... 199 
 
 751629
 
 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 ESGAIR Frontispiece. 
 
 VIGNETTE Tilh'. 
 
 "THE DREAMER STARTED FROM HIS CHAIR" 8 
 
 BARON BRUNO AND ALCYONE 
 
 EOTHWALD AND DUVA IN THE CAVE . 
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA 123 
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA . . . . , 170 
 
 199
 
 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS 
 
 OR, 

 
 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; 
 
 OR, 
 
 BARON BRUNO was the Prime Minister of the 
 Hereditary Grand Duke of Rumpel Stiltzein. Besides 
 being Prime Minister, he was the cleverest man in 
 the kingdom. This is saying a good deal, for were 
 there not (besides all the men of science, the physi- 
 cians, the literati, and the great philosophers of the 
 day) the General-in-Chief of the Grand-Ducal army, 
 Prince Edlerkopf ; the great High Almoner, Herr von 
 Pfenig; and also the accomplished Graf von Wild 
 Kranz, the most able lawyer and the politest man 
 about court ? So humble and gentle, indeed, were his 
 manners, that strangers sometimes took it upon them- 
 selves to dispute the opinion of their modest neigh- 
 bour. -But such hardy persons seldom repeated the 
 experiment after Wild Kranz had completely over- 
 turned their arguments in his quiet, hesitating tone, 
 with a shrewd glance of enjoyment twinkling in his 
 
 B 2
 
 4 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 small wary eye ; and woe to the man who a second 
 time opposed his will or challenged his decision. 
 
 Very different was Baron Bruno. Impetuous, fiery, 
 and caustic, gifted with inexhaustible memory, and 
 brimming over with barbed sarcasm, he was often 
 misunderstood and disliked in the outer world, but 
 invariably beloved by those who knew him intimately. 
 
 Pfenig and Edlerkopf were devoted friends, as well 
 as ministers at court. They had been educated to- 
 gether, and while Edlerkopf lent to the counsels of 
 state the aid of wise and deliberate judgment and the 
 weight of his nobly impartial character, Pfenig was 
 the most wonderful manager of the public purse, and 
 could not only calculate the incoming revenue within 
 a hairsbreadth, but could also regulate government 
 expenditure so exactly as to keep all departments 
 amply supplied, and yet preserve a due regard to 
 economy. 
 
 You may well imagine that with four ministers 
 such as these the Grand Duke had little difficulty in 
 maintaining peace and contentment in his beautiful 
 kingdom of Rumpel Stiltzein ; and that from every 
 side artisans, labourers, and mechanics flocked to the 
 small domain, within whose narrow boundaries pros- 
 'perity sat enthroned. To add to his happiness, the 
 Grand Duchess became the proud mother of twin 
 children, the spirited handsome Prince Bertrand and
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 5 
 
 the lovely gentle Princess Berta. They were now 
 in their tenth year, and seemed only born to give 
 pleasure and hope to their parents and to the whole 
 principality. 
 
 Edlerkopf, Wild Kranz and Pfenig were all married, 
 but Bruno had a solitary home ; and no one without 
 ocular demonstration would have believed in what a 
 shabby den this great statesman passed much of his 
 time. In his town-house he had magnificent saloons, 
 where all that was fair and choice delighted his guests ; 
 but near the roof of this dwelling, and far above the 
 haunts of men, there, like the eagle, Bruno had his 
 eyrie, where, with ill-concealed impatience, he would 
 hardly even permit the cleaning incursions of his 
 maids, and few and far between were the footsteps 
 that trod those time-worn boards. Here the Baron 
 sat surrounded by dusty piles of books, now poring 
 intently over the records of the past, now eagerly 
 scanning the papers of the day, now striding up and 
 down the narrow chamber, composing his speech for 
 the Reichstag, or dashing off answers to his numerous 
 correspondents. There also at the threshold would 
 pause the faithful messengers who bore from minister 
 to minister the secret boxes of state papers, and 
 waited to obtain from each his signature before pro- 
 ceeding on their rounds. 
 
 A few steps and a small door led from the sane-
 
 6 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 tuary which I have described to the roof. Here 
 Bruno had a little observatory on one side fitted 
 up with a revolving cupola ; so that when he sat in 
 the centre of this round miniature house he could 
 turn his telescope, without himself moving, upon any 
 part of the heavens, and seek with keen unfalter- 
 ing eye the verification of calculations he had made, 
 or diligently mark the alteration and movement 
 among the visible planets. But the rest of the roof 
 was a free uncovered space, upon which a comfortable 
 chair and rug, generally kept within the observatory, 
 to be safe from the wear and tear of the elements, 
 were often placed. From this lonely elevated seat the 
 Baron would then study the myriads of stars with 
 his own unaided and unerring vision, until they 
 became to him dear and well-known companions. 
 
 During such silent hours of the night, when all 
 around teemed with nature's glorious presence, Bruno 
 indulged in long soliloquies. Sometimes he pondered 
 curiously over the strange difference between himself 
 and his colleagues. He well knew that, when weary 
 with the lengthened debates and vitiated air of the 
 Reichstag (which often extended its sittings till long 
 after midnight), Pfenig and Edlerkopf hastened home 
 to their faithful wives, and derived from their society 
 a pleasure little short of bliss ; and found endless 
 interest in watching and fostering the mental and
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 7 
 
 physical growth of their children ; while Wild Kranz, 
 though often delayed in his law chambers till near 
 daybreak, (the keenest and hardest lawyer of his 
 day,) considered no happiness like the sacred domestic 
 felicity he also experienced when surrounded by his 
 family. When these and other similar reflections 
 weighed on Bruno's mind, he would lift his piercing 
 eyes heavenward, and, shrugging his shoulders, mur- 
 mur, half aloud : " O, ye stars ! ye are wife and 
 children to me. As I gaze alone on you by night, 
 I feel a secret satisfaction surpassing the keenest 
 emotions experienced by these weak dreamers in 
 their so-called felicity. O, immortal heavens ! en- 
 fold me in your vast space, and teach a finite 
 mortal to comprehend in faint measure your infinite 
 beauty and eternal unswerving laws." Bruno's fervid 
 nature suffered no chill from such midnight exposure ; 
 his iron frame was proof against fatigue ; his restless 
 intellect but seldom needed or courted repose. 
 
 It was a hot night in July, worried and jaded, 
 after a wearisome debate in the Reichstag, the 
 Baron walked through the empty streets. The latest 
 revellers were already housed, a strange hush hung 
 over the noisy, populous city, and refreshing breezes 
 blew on his burning brow, as he at length reached 
 his home, and ascended to his upper chamber. With 
 a sigh of contentment he stepped on the roof, and
 
 8 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 prepared to enjoy his well-earned repose. Throwing 
 himself into his easy-chair, and drawing his soft 
 rug across his feet, he became absorbed in the 
 contemplation of the firmament above. 
 
 As the night wore on, thoughts, till now strangers 
 to him, took possession of his mind. A new yearning 
 for companionship awoke in his world-wearied bosom. 
 In vague, uneasy discontent with his solitary condi- 
 tion, he turned restlessly from side to side, and at 
 length exclaimed aloud : " To you, distant stars ! I 
 nightly offer the homage of a constant worshipper ; 
 would that you in return could give me to know the 
 spell of love, and teach me what it is that inspires 
 the painter, the poet, and the lover." 
 
 Hardly had the thought crossed his mind, or the 
 half-uttered words risen to his lips, when a meteor fell 
 swiftly rushing from the stars on which he gazed. He 
 strove to follow it with his eye, but was dazzled by the 
 blinding flash of light. For a moment fire seemed to 
 surround him. When the bright glow became less 
 intense, lo ! upon the roof near at hand, where that 
 vivid ray had fallen, shone a shimmering shape. 
 The dreamer started from his chair. Bewildered 
 and entranced, he deemed her the creature of his 
 imagination ; and surely mortal eye had never be- 
 held a form so fair. In trailing garments of palest 
 azure there stood the perfect ideal of a poet's dream.
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 9 
 
 From her hair gleamed a faint effulgence, and her 
 deep tender eyes sent a strange thrill to the philoso- 
 pher's heart. 
 
 The burden of many years fell from Bruno ; the 
 ardour of youth rushed through his veins ; ambition, 
 politics, calculations, all disappeared like fallen leaves 
 before the autumn wind ; and in agitated tones he 
 besought his beautiful visitant to tell him whence 
 she came. 
 
 " Son of earth ! " replied the fair unknown, " thou 
 hast watched and loved our stars for long years. 
 We in our turn have known thee, and have guarded 
 thee and thy fortunes in many a time of danger. 
 Thou wouldest know the spell of love. It is even 
 now awakening within thy rugged breast ; but be- 
 ware ! Thou hast disbelieved in immortality, and 
 doubted the eternal power of our great Creator. 
 We love thee ! we yearn to save thy soul ! We long 
 to soften thee through human affection ; that when 
 thy poor earth is no more, thou mayst find an ever- 
 lasting home, where 
 
 ' Infinite day excludes the night, 
 And pleasures banish pain.' 
 
 I Alcyone, sent by my sisters I am here to speed 
 thine upward way." 
 
 Bruno, spell-bound, eagerly listened. Deeply ena-
 
 io BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS', OR, 
 
 moured of the lovely messenger, he succeeded in win- 
 ning from the fair denizen of the stars her consent to 
 remain with him on one condition. She stipulated 
 that she should be permitted every month to spend 
 the evening hours of this self-same night entirely 
 alone beneath the canopy of heaven, without inter- 
 ruption or intrusion, for her life depended on the due 
 observance of this time of " retreat." 
 
 She also added, falteringly, that if her faith were 
 once doubted she must quit for ever the pleasant 
 paths of human fellowship, and be claimed again by 
 her immortal sisters. The Baron gladly vowed to 
 keep what seemed to him such wondrously simple 
 promises by which to gain so peerless a bride. The 
 time passed swiftly as these arrangements were made, 
 and ere long the first streaks of daylight appeared in 
 the east. Alcyone, faint and weary, was conducted 
 to a chamber for rest and repose ; and the Baron 
 aroused his servants and informed them that he was 
 about to be married. 
 
 In the country of Rumpel Stiltzein it was customary 
 to celebrate marriages in the evening; there were 
 therefore still available a good many hours for the 
 requisite preparations. 
 
 The court of the Grand Duke was considerably 
 agitated by the unexpected news. Strange rumours 
 were set afloat regarding the newly-elected bride. The
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 11 
 
 Prime Minister's answer to all inquiries was the same. 
 He let it be understood that the Lady Alcyone was 
 an orphan relative lately committed to his charge ; 
 that she had suddenly arrived from the country the 
 evening before, when he came to the conclusion that 
 the best way of taking care of her would be to marry 
 her, and having gained the lady's consent, all was well. 
 
 It is true that Bruno had a private interview with 
 his Prince ; but as it was held with closed doors, the 
 substance of their conversation is unknown. The 
 only thing certain is, that the Grand Duke himself 
 consented to give away the bride. 
 
 Edlerkopf, Pfenig and Wild Kranz, with their wives 
 and families, and all the chief members of the court 
 promised to attend at the ceremony, and great were 
 the rejoicings that the solitary philosopher was about 
 to enjoy the sweet pleasures of home life. All re- 
 joiced, because they believed the change would be for 
 the Baron's happiness ; but there was one dissentient 
 mind. The Countess Olga von Dunkelherz, one of 
 the ladies-in-waiting on the Grand Duchess, was 
 a spinster of a certain age, and of undisputed 
 ability ; celebrated for her witty tongue and smart 
 sayings. She was not displeased when rumour 
 coupled her name with that of the Prime Minister, 
 and when the courtiers rallied her about the Baron's 
 attentions. The truth was that Bruno had never for
 
 12 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 a moment regarded her in the light of his future 
 Baroness ; her manners wanted the repose and soft- 
 ness which to him constituted a woman's chief charm. 
 In spite of her masterly intellect, her conversation 
 often bored him. For in his moments of relaxation 
 he turned to the fair and softer sex for sympathy 
 and recreation, not to involve his wearied brain in 
 arguments about the last geological discovery, or 
 the newest theory of electricity. 
 
 But as he remained single, and they were constantly 
 together, the Countess Olga had insensibly grown to 
 regard him as her own property. Imagine there- 
 fore her astonishment and her displeasure when the 
 Grand Duchess, summoning her ladies to her apart- 
 ment, gave them instructions to lay out her state 
 .robes, and prepare for a grand court ceremonial, as 
 'Baron Bruno's wedding was to take place that very 
 evening within the palace. 
 
 All was bustle and confusion; but the labours of 
 the court cook were something superhuman. It re- 
 quired, indeed, the utmost efforts of genius and in- 
 dustry combined to produce so splendid a feast at 
 such short notice. It is only due, however, to 
 Francabelli's reputation as first clief of the Grand 
 Duchy, if not of the world at large, to record that the 
 execution of his designs was on this occasion carried 
 out with peculiar success.
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 13 
 
 At last the nuptial hour approached, and excited 
 curiosity was gratified by the sight of the bride, as 
 she was led slowly through the palace by the Grand 
 Duke. Her wondrous beauty amazed every one, as 
 also the radiant simplicity of her attire. She wore 
 her robes of flowing azure, and over her forehead 
 there sparkled a gem of extraordinary brilliancy, 
 which seemed absolutely to blaze with light. 
 
 As Alcyone advanced towards the altar, Baron 
 Bruno, clad in his splendid court uniform, embroi- 
 dered with gold, and covered with decorations, 
 stepped forth to meet her, and the wedding cere- 
 mony was soon completed. The priest dipped his 
 hand in the holy water and sprinkled some over 
 bride and groom during his final benediction ; as 
 he did so, the Countess Olga, who stood near with 
 her royal mistress, rushed forward, exclaiming, " She 
 is a witch ! she is a witch ! the holy water has scared 
 her!" All eyes turned instantly on Alcyone, who 
 shuddered visibly, and would have fallen to the 
 ground where she knelt had not her husband's 
 strong arm encircled and held her up. A mortal 
 pallor overspread her fair countenance, and, strange 
 to relate, the glittering gem on her forehead 
 became opaque, and was clouded over with a 
 dim moisture. By the aid of strong perfumes she 
 gradually revived, but was thoroughly shaken and
 
 14 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 overcome. Baron Bruno, therefore, craving the indul- 
 gence of the Grand Duke, begged permission to 
 retire at once with his bride, and entreated that their 
 absence should not be allowed to cast a shadow over 
 the rejoicings at court. 
 
 Now Bombastes, the Grand Duke, though of a 
 choleric temperament, was still at heart a man of 
 just and keen perception. He perceived that the 
 newly-made baroness was indisputably over-fatigued, 
 and that it was only natural her bridegroom should 
 wish to take every care of her. He instantly, 
 therefore, granted his Prime Minister's request, and 
 calling the other great officers of state around him, 
 invoked their aid to carry on the court revels with 
 due spirit and merriment ; at the same time adding, 
 in an undertone, that he trusted his faithful servant 
 had not undone himself by marrying an unknown 
 beauty without parents, relations, or antecedents ! 
 
 The three ministers, Edlerkopf, Pfenig, and Wild 
 Kranz, with their wives and children, joined heart 
 and soul in the gaieties of the evening. The chil- 
 dren, with their friends Prince Bertrand and Prin- 
 cess Berta, were, as a great treat, allowed to 
 sit up to supper, and had a small side-table to 
 themselves. Here old Donnerfuss, the head butler, 
 kept them well supplied with all they demanded, 
 and they behaved with decorum for a considerable
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 15 
 
 time. At length, wearied with the protracted courses, 
 and finding it impossible to eat any more, the 
 thoughtless boys amused themselves by sticking 
 burrs on the footmen's silken calves as they passed 
 to and fro. These naughty children had purposely 
 provided themselves with a quantity of these instru- 
 ments of torture, in hopes of finding some use for 
 them during the dull state supper. For some time 
 they pursued their fun unnoticed during the general 
 bustle, and quite undisturbed by the muttered male- 
 dictions of their victims. At last Bombastes, having 
 an observant eye, became aware of some inter- 
 ruption in the serving of the dinner. Looking round 
 the hall, he noticed on every side agitated footmen 
 carefully examining their lower extremities. In a 
 voice of thunder he demanded of the Lord Chamber- 
 lain an explanation of such unprecedented behaviour. 
 The Lord Chamberlain called up the High Steward 
 of the Household, who, in his turn, required Donner- 
 fuss to explain this breach of discipline. Thereupon 
 the fifty red-faced footmen, seeing all eyes turned 
 upon them, at once resumed their duties, regardless 
 of pricking sensations about the leg and unseemly 
 excrescences upon the otherwise fair white propor- 
 tions of their well-filled stockings. Donnerfuss, in 
 a frightened whisper, revealed the truth to the High 
 Steward, and he, in his turn, narrated the mischievous
 
 16 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 exploit of the boys to the Lord High Chamber- 
 lain. Bombastes now impatiently beckoned the latter 
 to his Grand-ducal chair, and insisted upon hearing 
 the whole root of the matter. Sanftschriften, who 
 was himself a parent, and naturally kind hearted, 
 tried to soften down the affair ; but as Bombastes 
 listened, his large, round, prominent eyes seemed as 
 if they would absolutely start from his head at the 
 recital of this outrage on decorum. He sternly com- 
 manded the culprits to retire to bed ; and, glancing 
 wrathfully at Edlerkopf, Pfenig, and Wild Kranz (who 
 sat quaking in their shoes), he added further: "As 
 to the well-brought-up sons of these great noblemen, 
 their domestic life is beyond the control of their poor 
 sovereign ; but for the next month I give orders 
 that no dessert of any kind shall pass the lips of 
 Prince Bertrand, who has thus misbehaved himself 
 in so shameful and public a manner." Princess 
 Berta and the other little girls, distressed at the 
 disgrace of their playmates, rose also at once from 
 the table, and accompanied them from the hall. 
 Thus it came to pass that the court children had 
 no very pleasant associations with the day of Baron 
 Bruno's wedding. Indeed, you may be very certain 
 that the three ministers gave their sons the same 
 punishment as Prince Bertrand ; and therefore for 
 a whole month the boys had good reason to re-
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 17 
 
 member the marriage feast, as their tutors, gover- 
 nesses, and nurses, were strictly enjoined to carry 
 out the Grand Duke's peremptory edict. Princess 
 Berta and the other small girls, tender and soft- 
 hearted as little maidens ever should be, did their 
 best to alleviate the punishment of their playmates 
 by voluntarily depriving themselves of all sweet 
 things for the same period, which, I am sure you 
 will agree with me, required much self-denial, on the 
 part of those dessert-loving damsels, and was no small 
 proof of affection. 
 
 In the meantime Bruno had taken his bride to 
 a small cottage he owned on the borders of a wide 
 and gloomy forest. Here they passed the few days 
 which, by the indulgence of his royal master, Bruno 
 was enabled to spare from the affairs of state, When 
 they were alone together, his wife expressed to him 
 her conviction that some ill-disposed person had 
 tampered with the holy water, so as to affect that 
 which was sprinkled over them. She had also felt 
 during the ceremony the near presence of an anti- 
 pathetic and malign influence. Alcyone further- 
 more explained to her husband that the gem on her 
 forehead was a talisman, which paled and grew dim 
 on the approach of danger, or when exposed to 
 poison. The Baron at once remembered the dull 
 appearance presented by the jewel when the holy 
 
 C
 
 1 8 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 water fell near it, but he also became unreasonably 
 vexed when his bride refused to loosen it, even for 
 one moment, from her hair, to permit him to examine 
 it in his hand. 
 
 He gradually grew to regard its brilliance with 
 a certain amount of suspicion, and more than once, 
 when the gentle Alcyone laid her head upon his 
 shoulder, he felt as if a fiery eye shone guardian 
 over her and watched unsleepingly his every move- 
 ment. When in his vexation Bruno allowed himself 
 to speak harshly for the first time to his young wife, 
 Alcyone tearfully deprecated his displeasure. She 
 assured him her life was bound up in her talisman, 
 and that if she parted with it, for ever so brief a 
 space, she must at once return to the regions whence 
 she came. After this explanation Bruno rarely re- 
 ferred to the disputed point, but it is not too much 
 to say that the lurid ray of the strange gem often 
 in their happiest moments sent a sudden thrill to 
 his heart's core, and gave a feeling of insecurity to 
 his most private hours of retirement. 
 
 " It is the little rift within the lute 
 That by and by will make the music mute, 
 And, ever widening, slowly silence all. 
 
 " The little rift within the lover's lute, 
 Or little pitted speck in garnered fruit, 
 That rotting inwards slowly moulders all."
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 19 
 
 I have already hinted that Bruno was of a sceptical 
 turn of mind. Possessed of rare intellectual powers, 
 he had studied metaphysics to such an extent, and 
 become so thoroughly master of the strange theories 
 propounded by the deep-thinking German philoso- 
 phers of the day, that he could not bend himself to 
 the simplicity of that religion which only demands 
 the faith of a little child ; he disbelieved the im- 
 mortality of the soul, and professed to doubt the 
 existence of a future state. 
 
 But though he and his bride widely differed in 
 faith, yet day by day she became more and more 
 endeared to him, by the lovely nature of her mind no 
 less than by the graces of her person. Her exceeding 
 humility and true-hearted simplicity showed to him 
 in a new light those religious duties at which in less 
 peaceful days he was wont to cavil. Well would it 
 have been for both could their lives have been thus 
 spent far from the busy world, in the calm retreat, 
 where for the first time the gray-haired man recalled 
 soft prayers which a mother's lips (long since silent 
 and cold) had murmured over his infant head. 
 
 But the calls of duty had to be obeyed, and ere 
 long the prime minister and his bride returned to 
 Aronsberg, to take their place at court and in society, 
 and to have endless fetes and receptions given in 
 their honour. Here Alcyone's gentle unassuming 
 
 C 2
 
 20 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS j OR, 
 
 manners, added to her great beauty, made her 
 a universal favourite. The malicious Grafin von 
 Dunkelherz, however, disseminated strange stories 
 concerning the new Baroness, and aroused the sus- 
 picions of those who were already perhaps somewhat 
 jealous of the many charms united in the fair person 
 of the young stranger. 
 
 Amid the series of festivities given in honour of the 
 newly-married couple, it was observed that whenever a 
 storm of thunder and lightning broke over the neigh- 
 bourhood Alcyone was painfully agitated. Wherever 
 she and her husband might be, she implored him 
 to convey her home as soon as possible ; the electric 
 influence so entirely overcame her that more than 
 once she seemed completely gone so utterly did she 
 lose colour and consciousness so deadly pale did she 
 become. To Bruno's impetuous nature this unfortu- 
 nate tendency proved a serious annoyance. He 
 considered that by a little firm exercise of moral 
 courage his wife could have retained her senses. 
 Often after conveying her home and reappearing 
 alone (by her earnest request) at some state banquet, 
 he would be universally rallied about her captious- 
 ness, and even made to see (owing to Olga's kind 
 offices) that his friends considered the whole affair in 
 a somewhat mysterious light. It will be remembered 
 that Alcyone stipulated for one night of retirement
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 21 
 
 every month, when, undisturbed and alone, she spent 
 long solitary hours upon the roof. She entreated 
 Bruno, by all his affection for her, neither to approach 
 the place himself nor to suffer any one else to intrude 
 upon her privacy. Somehow or other this circum- 
 stance, with numerous additions, became bruited 
 abroad, and it was whispered that the Baron's wife 
 was in regular communication with demons. Bribed 
 and listening servants heard voices of no earthly 
 timbre, speaking in an unknown language. More they 
 were unable to say, for Bruno as yet kept faithful 
 guard over his wife's hours of mystic retreat. 
 
 At last, however, the time approached when the 
 sittings of the Reichstag terminated, and when 
 all who could forsook the dusty purlieus of the 
 town for the mountains, the sea, or their country 
 dwellings. People began to be too busy making their 
 own plans to attend to those of their neighbours, 
 and Bruno retired once more with his Baroness to 
 Tieftraume Forest. There in their small cottage, with 
 its low long veranda covered with creepers, they 
 spent weeks nay, months of uninterrupted happi- 
 ness. On one side of their home patches of wild 
 moorland were beautifully interspersed with cultivated 
 oases of garden. Towards the east rose the dark 
 masses of the pine forest, giving with their sombre 
 colouring an ever-fresh beauty to the foreground of
 
 22 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 lovely flowering shrubs. Passing through tangled 
 masses of bramble and fern, the path led by bare 
 gray rocks and tufts of purple heather to some ivy- 
 covered bower ; or you came upon some exquisite 
 smooth-shaven little lawn, jewelled in bright patterns 
 of many coloured flowers, and adding brilliance and 
 perfume to the scene. 
 
 Here Alcyone and her husband wandered toge- 
 ther, or, perhaps descending the steps at the end 
 of their garden, stood on the brink of the little river 
 Naecken, which tumbled and hurried through its nar- 
 row rocky channel, thus dividing them from the 
 forest. Lower down the streamlet formed a small 
 lake, on which a boat was kept, and where Bruno was 
 wont to row his wife, and try to teach her unskilful 
 hand to guide the oar. He laid these lines beside 
 her one morning towards the end of their country 
 sojourn when, fresh and fair as Aurora herself, she 
 took her place at their morning meal : 
 
 " One moment let me live the time again, 
 The sweet, sweet time when o'er the silvery loch 
 The frail bark sped, or hand-in-hand we climbed 
 Together, where the divided mountain path 
 Stopped like a thing perplexed, or haply stood 
 To watch yon dark blue vault where white clouds sailed 
 Onward and onward through the homeless sky ; 
 Or when, returning from a mid-day ride, 
 We turned to gaze where far-off heathery vales 
 Gleamed between shadowy hills, and dark woods rained
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 23 
 
 Transparent sunshine through their golden leaves. 
 And sweet it was to rob the miser night, 
 Of her rich hours, as side by side we sat, 
 Seeking to chain the time that fled too fast, 
 By mazy labyrinths of sweet discourse ; 
 These things can never die there is no death 
 Of happy feelings, gentlest sympathies, 
 And that delicious sadness, whose deep tints 
 Fall like soft shadows o'er the sunny past. 
 Therefore in years to come a calm, clear voice, 
 Like a stray note of some forgotten tune, 
 Shall rise from out these happy autumn days, 
 Waking a melody of gentler thoughts 
 Through all the silent chambers of my heart." 
 
 The Baron was often obliged to return to town for 
 a day on important business, or to attend his royal 
 master at the Prince's Chateau ; but Alcyone never 
 wearied when alone with nature ; and these little 
 separations lent a new delight to the hour of reunion. 
 Jaded and tired from his hot journey, Bruno would 
 then seat himself in the veranda and recount to his 
 fondly-listening wife all the little adventures of the 
 day, while her cool, soft hand laid on his burning 
 brow, or her gentle voice, carolling forth low songs in 
 the silent twilight, soothed and refreshed his hard- 
 worked brain. It was at times like these, when 
 husband and wife were drawn very near, that Alcyone 
 spoke of her faith, and allowed him to see and know 
 the firm unfaltering trust that possessed her simple 
 mind. She sometimes referred to the possibility of
 
 24 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 their separation to her hope of ultimate reunion. 
 When, however, she had but half uttered such words, 
 Bruno, enfolding her in his arms, with a quivering voice 
 would beseech her to be silent, and not break his heart. 
 Autumn disappeared, and next came winter with 
 all its delightful accompaniments of snow and sleigh- 
 ing. Merrily tinkled the bells and fast flew the steeds 
 under Bruno's skilful guidance, as their gaily-decorated 
 sledge was whirled through the broad thoroughfares 
 and snowy parks of Aronsberg. Christmas also 
 passed by, and Santa Klaus sent joy to the hearts of 
 myriads of children with his mysterious gifts. Months 
 again rolled away, and the glad Easter Feast was in 
 full celebration when, with the first sweet violets, 
 came a dear little child to bless and brighten the 
 home of Alcyone and her husband. They called her 
 Violet because she bloomed into life at the same time 
 as those fragrant flowers, and Stella was added in re- 
 membrance of the sacred mystery known only to 
 her parents. In the fulness of his joy, Bruno dis- 
 missed, as he thought for ever, from his mind the cruel 
 unworthy thoughts he had once been led to entertain 
 of his bride. It would be difficult to describe this 
 infant to those who never saw her ; but let each one 
 think of all the children he has been privileged to 
 know. If among such dear ones he can recall 
 some babe of a beauty too rare and fair to attain
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 25 
 
 to maturity in this bleak world, then he may in some 
 faint degree picture to himself the nameless charm 
 that surrounded the little Violet as with a halo. 
 
 Various changes now for a time partially relieved 
 the Baron from official duties ; wrapped up in his 
 domestic happiness, nearly a year passed swiftly by 
 before he was once more drawn into the unceasing 
 whirl of political and social court life. 
 
 It was already June, the busiest season in the 
 Aronsberg world. Plunged in the necessary rounds 
 of visiting and receiving, the Baroness had but little 
 time to enjoy, as she wished, the society either of her 
 husband or of the little Violet, now at a most en- 
 gaging age. It is true that it was totally against 
 her own wish that Alcyone took so active a part in 
 the gay world. Bruno, whom nature had formed to 
 shine in society, and gifted with marvellous conversa- 
 tional powers, chafed under her continual excuses, 
 and, returning with eager zest to his old life, insisted 
 upon the Baroness assuming that prominent place in 
 society which was hers by right as the wife of the 
 Prime Minister. 
 
 It was about this time that the artful Countess 
 Olga began once more to drop poisoned words about 
 the court concerning Alcyone. Ever on the alert to 
 open the Baron's eyes to the folly of what she called his 
 strange infatuation, she eagerly hailed the first signs of
 
 26 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 coolness between him and his wife. In an unguarded 
 moment Bruno let fall some hasty expression regard- 
 ing her absence from a court ball, and Olga, with 
 honeyed words, sympathizing in his disappointment, 
 hinted that rumour credited the Baroness with some 
 private amusement at home, she so rarely vouch- 
 safed to favour the court with her presence for more 
 than the briefest possible attendance at the levees of 
 the Grand Duchess. 
 
 Bruno's conscience smote him while he listened to 
 the Countess von Dunkelherz's ill-natured remarks. 
 He answered somewhat shortly that the little Violet 
 being an only child and very delicate, absorbed 
 much of her mother's attention, and therefore she 
 had the best of excuses for remaining at home. A 
 beginning had nevertheless been made, and Olga 
 took good care to keep up her renewed intimacy 
 with the Prime Minister. 
 
 It may have been the vitiated town air which 
 now affected Violet's health ; but she sensibly 
 drooped, and caused her mother the keenest anxiety. 
 Her father (prompted by his evil adviser,) although 
 affectionate arid kind, deemed his wife fanciful when 
 she fretted over the child's altered appearance, and 
 became more and more displeased if Alcyone 
 absented herself from society. 
 
 There was to be a grand masked ball in honour of
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 27 
 
 Prince Bertrand and Princess Berta's birthday. They 
 were allowed to choose their own diversion, and tney 
 fixed that their father and the Grand Duchess should 
 appear as Oberon and Titania, and that every guest 
 should personate some fairy character. All was ex- 
 citement, while the Grand Duke himself, assisted by 
 the court painter, and somewhat guided by the pre- 
 dilections of his children, chose the dress to be worn 
 by each visitor, and had it written on the card of 
 invitation. Berta and her brother settled to repre- 
 sent Prince Hempseed and his sister Olivia. Other 
 heroes and heroines too numerous to be recorded were 
 selected. Snow-white and Rose-red, the Blue Bird, 
 the Yellow Dwarf, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, 
 and many others found suitable representatives, but 
 the Prime Minister and his wife were requested to 
 become, for the time being, Puss in Boots and the 
 White Cat. At one o'clock all masks were to be 
 removed, and a complete transformation-scene en- 
 acted, as regarded many of the characters, who 
 would at that hour, like the White Cat and Cinderella, 
 throw off their disguise, and, uncovering their faces, 
 shine forth resplendent in garments the most exqui- 
 site that could be devised for the occasion. Then, 
 marshalled in due rank, the King and Queen of 
 Fairyland proposed to lead their motley subjects to 
 supper. The fun grew fast and furious in the little
 
 28 BARO-N BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 court of Rumpel Stiltzein. Desperate were the 
 efforts of the tailors, milliners, and shoemakers to 
 meet the multifarious demands made on their time, 
 which was very short ; and on their invention, which 
 was taxed to the utmost. 
 
 Alcyone from the first disliked the idea of the 
 ball, and all the rampant merriment connected with 
 it. Her ailing child required constant care, and she 
 herself felt far from strong. She mooted the question 
 of remaining at home, but Bruno would not hear of this, 
 and indeed answered her so reproachfully when she 
 proposed it, that she made up her mind to sacrifice 
 her own desires, and please him by endeavouring to 
 throw herself heartily into the affair. During the 
 many necessary discussions with the other court 
 ladies as to the all-important subject of dress, the 
 Baroness was left alone with Olga, who of late had, 
 to all appearance, been her most sympathizing friend. 
 The crafty Countess soon extracted from Alcyone the 
 little history of her own reluctance to appear, her 
 husband's consequent displeasure, and her determina- 
 tion to gratify him by paying every possible attention 
 to her dress. 
 
 The eventful evening at length arrived. Baron 
 Bruno, after an early dinner, was compelled to attend 
 for a short period an important sitting of the Reichs- 
 tag. His house was at some distance from the public
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 29 
 
 offices of state ; he therefore took his fancy ball-dress 
 with him, and settled to change his attire in his own 
 small official room, while Alcyone should start at a 
 later hour, and call for him on her way to the palace. 
 Alcyone felt unusually sad as her husband waved 
 her a hasty adieu and speeded off to the Reichstag. 
 He strictly enjoined her to observe due punctuality in 
 her engagements, as the Grand Duke wished to enter 
 the ballroom in a grand procession formed of all his 
 chief ministers and officers of state, court ladies, and 
 hereditary noblemen. 
 
 Violet had perceptibly drooped more and more, 
 though her fond father refused to see the change. 
 He only, however, saw his little daughter at brief 
 intervals of his busy, life, when a flush of delight at 
 his approach rounded her pale cheeks, and her dark- 
 blue eyes sparkled with the keen joy of being tossed 
 or fondled in his arms. 
 
 After Bruno's departure, Alcyone ascended the 
 nursery stairs, and found Violet already in bed, but 
 restless and uneasy, and tossing to and fro. The 
 large windows stood wide open, though very little 
 air seemed as yet to stir among the trees of the 
 square in which they lived. 
 
 The mother sat down beside her child. The baby 
 was at once comforted, and held out its little arms to 
 be taken to her bosom. Alcyone lifted her from the
 
 30 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 cot, and, dismissing the maids, seated herself by the 
 window in a low rocking-chair, and crooned soft 
 lullabies to her infant. The babe did not yet sleep, 
 but she lay soothed and quiet, gazing into her 
 mother's sweet face, and smiling when she caught 
 the bright sparkling of the radiant gem. 
 
 Suddenly the peaceful scene was changed ; with 
 a troubled cry the little Violet started up, and at 
 the same instant Lady Olga stood in the doorway. 
 Hardly apologising for her unexpected appearance 
 in the Baroness's private apartments, Olga unfolded 
 her extraordinary plan. After expressing great sym- 
 pathy for the child's indisposition, and professing to 
 understand fully Alcyone's distressing position, she 
 asked leave to proceed at once to the Baroness's 
 dressing-room, and there and then array herself in 
 the garments of the "White Cat." As she and 
 Alcyone were much the same height and size, this 
 change of dress could be very easily accomplished, 
 and would form an indistinguishable disguise ; she 
 then further proposed to set off in the carriage and 
 personate the fair young Baroness at the ball. At 
 first Alcyone would not listen to her artful sugges- 
 tion, justly fearing the displeasure of her husband ; 
 but Olga assured her that long before the deception 
 must at any rate cease (on the unmasking at one 
 o'clock) she would, using the privilege of an old
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 31 
 
 acquaintance, explain the whole affair to Baron Bruno, 
 and represent to him aright the mother's fears for 
 her child. Indeed those fears seemed but too well 
 founded, for since Olga's entrance the baby had 
 grown wild and feverish, and kept up an incessant 
 moaning as if in actual pain. Harassed and per- 
 plexed therefore, Alcyone at length yielded a re- 
 luctant consent, and, ringing the bell, ordered lights 
 to be placed in her dressing-room, and attendance 
 to be given to aid the Countess von Dunkelherz in 
 her somewhat difficult toilet. One consideration 
 which weighed much with Alcyone in her final 
 decision, was the unfortunate coincidence that this 
 happened to be the very night of her monthly 
 retirement that mysterious proceeding of which 
 her husband had now grown so impatient that she 
 was fain never to mention it, but strove to accom- 
 plish her purpose as best she might without attract- 
 ing his attention. She had all the time hoped to 
 slip away unnoticed from the ball, but she well knew 
 this would be a very difficult matter to accomplish, 
 as besides her own timidity about leaving the palace 
 by herself, her extreme beauty made her remarkable 
 in whatever society she moved. 
 
 Still it was with a foreboding of evil she resolved 
 for the first time to act without her husband's know- 
 ledge, and remain unbidden at home.
 
 32 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS j OR, 
 
 It is scarcely necessary to add that Olga, from 
 frequent inquiries and a diligent system of espionage, 
 was well aware of the mysterious and so-called soli- 
 tary hours entered upon by the Baroness at stated 
 intervals, and she was equally cognisant of the fact 
 that the wonted period had arrived for the observ- 
 ance of this strange custom, and had laid her plans 
 accordingly. 
 
 The evening wore on ; after the noisy departure 
 of the carriage containing its unusual occupant, all 
 within the house became peaceful and silent. With- 
 out was heard the ceaseless hum of the busy city, but 
 faint, far, and mellowed by distance. Overhead the 
 stars twinkled cheerfully forth from the blue bed on 
 which they had lain fast asleep during the hot reign 
 of the sun. 
 
 It is twilight in the city, 
 
 And the sun has sunk afar, 
 Where a brightness gilds the pathway 
 
 Of the quiet evening star. 
 
 Dimly in the hazy distance 
 
 Twinkle all the myriad eyes 
 Glittering far into the darkness, 
 
 Where the mighty city lies. 
 
 Twittering through the leafy branches, 
 
 Birds are calling soft and low, 
 Scarcely heard amid the humming 
 
 Of the city's ceaseless flow.
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 33 
 
 Yet I hear their gentle voices, 
 And their evening hymn of love, 
 
 While the stars are clearer shining, 
 From the dark-blue heaven above. 
 
 Happy children ! careless playing, 
 In and out beneath the trees, 
 
 With your childish hair all streaming, 
 Floating on the evening breeze. 
 
 Pure and blissful hours of childhood, 
 Never prized until gone by, 
 
 Stay, oh ! stay a while ! and o'er me, 
 Let your lingering radiance lie. 
 
 Leave a gleam of that bright sunshine 
 Which was ours in days of yore, 
 
 Ere we parted for life's battle, 
 Ere we left home's peaceful shore. 
 
 Voices then with ours were mingling, 
 That on earth are silent now, 
 
 Arms around us fondly twining, 
 That have long been still and low. 
 
 Yes in gazing on the starlight, 
 Fancy sometimes strives to trace 
 
 Forms beloved amid the twilight, 
 Or a well- remembered face. 
 
 Angels now ! yet be our guardians, 
 
 In this tearful vale below, 
 Shedding light around our pathway, 
 
 Giving comfort as we go. 
 
 So when life's frail chord is loos'ning, 
 And our eyes to sorrow close, 
 
 When the glorious morn is dawning 
 O'er the long sad night of woes,
 
 34 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS j OR, 
 
 Linger near us that, when rising, 
 
 We may child-like meet again 
 Where the severed are united, 
 
 Where the weary have no pain. 
 
 Ever and anon the deep musical bell of the 
 Reichstag clock boomed forth amid the darkening 
 shadows, telling of time's rapid progress and re- 
 morseless flight, yet giving to many of the dwellers 
 in Aronsberg a feeling of joyful security and safety. 
 For the tall tower stood over and among them like 
 some mighty guardian whose ceaseless care and un- 
 sleeping vigilance kept watch amid the city by day 
 and by night and with cheerful voice proclaimed his 
 vicinity thus oftentime becoming a loved com- 
 panion to weary mortals whom sickness, separation, 
 anxiety, or sorrow kept awake through the livelong 
 night. 
 
 Chime, Aronsberg bells, chime ceaselessly on, 
 Till partings be over and weary work done. 
 Boom o'er the broad waters, thou musical tone, 
 Remorseless thy knell, and I sorrow alone, 
 For perchance in my bosom shall waken no more, 
 The rapture that thrilled to thy chiming of yore. 
 
 The baby now sank to rest in its tiny cot, a 
 heavenly smile irradiated its little countenance, as 
 if in some happy dream it was more than compen- 
 sated for the uneasy hours of pain and unrest so 
 lately experienced. 
 
 The hour of Alcyone's isolation approached :
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 35 
 
 wrapped in her long flowing robes, with her beautiful 
 hair streaming over her shoulders, she bent over the 
 sleeping Violet and dropt a kiss and murmured a 
 blessing over her child ; then slowly ascended the 
 narrow stair which led to Bruno's solitary chamber. 
 The small door opened, then closed again with a 
 spring, and all was still, while the nurses below, 
 whispering together, knew their mistress was alone 
 with the stars. 
 
 Nearly an hour passed by, and tranquillity reigned 
 around ; most of the servants had gone to bed, those 
 who remained up were in the lower and more distant 
 parts of the house. Hasty sounds suddenly broke 
 upon the still night air ; the Baron's champing steeds 
 drew up in the courtyard ; Bruno himself, flushed and 
 agitated, sprang rapidly up- stairs, followed by the 
 ruthless Olga ! He pushed past his astonished 
 domestics, noisily calling and seeking Alcyone in 
 every room, including the nursery, where he roused 
 and startled his sleeping child. Finally he ascended 
 his own narrow stair, and entered the study. He 
 paused at the small door so often described, and 
 tapping, called his wife's name once or twice ; no 
 response came ; without a moment's compunction, in 
 excited passion, he drew the key from an inner 
 pocket, and, unlocking the door he had solemnly 
 promised to regard as sacred, threw it violently open. 
 
 D 2
 
 36 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 With a loud grating noise the ill-fated portal swung 
 back on its hinges, and disclosed to his bewildered 
 eyes a wondrous sight. Around his wife stood five or 
 six maidens of surpassing beauty ; like her yet un- 
 like for oh ! how clearly he could see the marks of 
 human sorrow and care which cast their shadow over 
 her countenance alone. Each bore on her forehead a 
 brilliant jewel resembling Alcyone's ; the most deli- 
 cious perfume was wafted on the air, and an inde- 
 scribable mellow glow of light emanated from and 
 yet illuminated the lovely strangers. More than this 
 he had not time to observe ; a terrible explosion 
 shook the house to its foundation, and he became 
 enveloped in a choking impenetrable vapour. Olga 
 also, who, unobserved, with a bevy of terrified servants, 
 had followed in his footsteps, was half suffocated, 
 seeing, however, nothing of those radiant forms. 
 
 As the light breeze dissipated the stifling fumes, 
 Alcyone, with sorrow and dismay imprinted on her 
 gentle features, stood inquiringly before her husband, 
 as if to demand some explanation of this sudden 
 violation of their compact. But now a youth, whom 
 Bruno had never before seen, stepped from behind 
 Alcyone, with cold and majestic mien. Bowing 
 gravely to the Baron, he thus addressed him, in low 
 thrilling tones : " Behold in me, Hyas, the brother of 
 Alcyone, come hither to aid and defend my sister
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 37 
 
 in the hour of need. I demand a full examination 
 into her conduct. Before others you have doubted 
 her and intruded on her privacy before others her 
 character must be cleared ! " 
 
 Stunned and bewildered by these swiftly succeed- 
 ing events, Bruno's ready tongue for once completely 
 failed him. Now alas ! when too late, he bitterly 
 regretted his precipitation, and the credence he had 
 too easily lent to wicked and baseless insinuations. 
 
 Instead of keeping her promise to Alcyone, and 
 explaining aright to the Baron his wife's unpremedi- 
 tated absence, Olga had made out that the whole 
 affair was a preconceived plot which she had been 
 induced to conceal till the last moment. She had 
 furthermore hinted that the gravest suspicions were 
 aroused by the Baroness's non-appearance, which of 
 course became universally known and commented 
 upon at the hour of unmasking. At last she had so 
 worked upon Bruno's ardent temperament that, for- 
 getting everything save the jealousy of the moment, 
 he rushed wildly home, causing quite a sensation at 
 court and doing irreparable mischief to his domestic 
 happiness. 
 
 In spite of his sister's tearful remonstrances, Al- 
 cyone's brother now demanded of the Baron when a 
 public inquiry could be instituted ; and on hearing 
 that it was possible on the morrow, he instantly cited
 
 38 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 the affrighted Grafin von Dunkelherz to appear and 
 proffer her charge against the fair Alcyone, who 
 for the first time recognised in the Countess a deadly 
 enemy. 
 
 Hyas furthermore insisted on keeping watch over 
 his sister and her child until Alcyone was proved 
 beyond blame in the eyes of the world. They were 
 left alone together. The baffled Olga slunk away 
 to her home. Bruno, distressed and repentant, un- 
 availingly paced his lonely chamber until morning 
 arrived. 
 
 At the earliest possible moment (after the late 
 carousals of the night before) the Prime Minister 
 demanded an audience of his sovereign, and the 
 matter being then fully explained, the Grand Duke 
 commanded that the trial of the Baroness should 
 take place at noon, in the Hochplatz, a large open 
 space surrounded by public buildings and gardens, 
 and not far from the Grand Ducal Palace. Bom- 
 bastes, at Hyas' request, also sent criers in every 
 direction to summon the people to attend, and by 
 twelve o'clock the vast square was filled to over- 
 flowing. 
 
 The Grand Duke and Duchess, with the lords 
 and ladies in waiting and other state officials, sat 
 upon a raised platform in the centre, surrounded by 
 a guard of honour. Edlerkopf, at the head of a
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 39 
 
 brilliant staff of officers, kept the immense assembly 
 from encroaching on the crimson dai's where accused 
 and accuser were placed near at hand. Bruno, pale 
 and heart-stricken, stood there. At some little 
 distance Hyas and his sister sat together, their strik- 
 ing resemblance and singular beauty attracting every 
 eye. It was observed that Hyas bore on his un- 
 covered head a jewel almost surpassing in radiance 
 that which sparkled on his sister's brow. Alcyone 
 never raised her head, but bent over her child, whom 
 she carried in her arms. 
 
 A profound silence reigned over the excited throng 
 as Hyas bending low to the Duke, declared that his 
 sister's honour had been tarnished by the foul asper- 
 sions cast upon it, and that he had traced many of 
 these reports to the Countess von Dunkelherz ; he 
 therefore demanded that she should frankly say of 
 what she accused the Baroness Bruno. 
 
 Olga, who by this time had entirely recovered from 
 her previous confusion, now advanced. Craning her 
 long neck, and glancing spitefully at the drooping 
 form of the suffering Alcyone, she thus answered 
 Hyas' summons : 
 
 " I charge the Lady Alcyone with being a witch. 
 She cannot part, even for one moment, with the gem 
 she bears on her forehead ; she keeps mysterious 
 assignations with beings from another world ; and she
 
 40 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 has so bewitched her husband, the acute and learned 
 Baron Bruno, that he is hardly accountable for his 
 actions." 
 
 At these cruel words an ominous murmur ran 
 through the crowd, and half stifled cries arose. 
 " Burn the witch ! " " Deliver our Baron from her 
 spells!" "Cut off root and branch mother and 
 child!" Such were some of the menaces hoarsely 
 muttered by the surging and fickle multitude. It 
 was with no small difficulty that Edlerkopf, at the 
 head of his guards, restrained the populace from lay- 
 ing violent hands on the Baroness and her brother. 
 Hyas, cool and collected, waited until the gathering 
 tumult was in some measure quieted ; his clear voice 
 then penetrated far and wide. "Ye have heard, O 
 people," he exclaimed, " the voice of the traducer ; ye 
 shall now give ear to unwilling testimony in favour 
 of the accused." 
 
 So saying he divested himself of his long-flowing 
 outer garment, and warning all around to preserve 
 strict silence, he drew a large circle round himself 
 and his sister, and also compelled the Countess von 
 Dunkelherz, much against her will, to remain within 
 the mystic boundary. Taking then a small packet 
 from his breast, he scattered some powder on the 
 ground and muttered strange words in an unknown 
 tongue. Then arose amid the calm sunshine of that
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 41 
 
 lovely summer day the sound of rushing whirlwinds 
 and stormy gusts ; a dark cloud intervened between 
 the earth and the sun, enveloping all around in sul- 
 phureous darkness. When it cleared away, lo ! high 
 within the magic circle towered a gigantic pillar 
 of smoke. From the centre of this terrible apparition 
 gleamed forth two fiery eyes. A cold chill of horror 
 ran through the spectators, though the air was hot 
 and sultry. 
 
 Hyas now motioned to Bruno that his lips must 
 ask the fateful question. The Baron, compelled to 
 speak, reluctantly addressed himself thus to the 
 hideous shape : " Dread Spirit, whether of good 
 or of evil, I adjure thee to tell me whether the 
 Lady Alcyone has been true and faithful to me, 
 and guiltless of the foul deeds ascribed to her." 
 
 " Blind mortal ! " replied the cloudy phantom, 
 " pure and transparent as the dewdrop hath the 
 heart of Alcyone been unto thee ; there breathes 
 not on your dull earth a spirit more free from 
 guile." 
 
 As these words fell from above, a low muttered 
 growl of thunder was heard, while Hyas, turning 
 to the silent, awe-struck beholders, cried aloud, " The 
 innocence of my sister is proved by the reluctant 
 words of Varishka, the dark genie, who could have 
 claimed her for his own had her deeds been evil.
 
 42 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 But, alas ! I fear the dread witness has exhausted 
 one innocent life in the fierce struggle." 
 
 As he spoke thick darkness fell upon them, and 
 when it cleared away the mysterious shape had dis- 
 appeared. The bright sun poured its health-giving 
 rays again over the panic-stricken multitude, and a 
 cool wind blew away the last traces of the awful 
 Varishka. All eyes were bent on Hyas, whose 
 beauty seemed absolutely marvellous, as, tenderly 
 embracing his sister, he turned swiftly aside into 
 the crowd, and ere they were aware had totally 
 disappeared from view. Loud acclamations in 
 favour of Alcyone rang forth from the changeful 
 thousands on either side, as they swayed to and 
 fro preparatory to breaking up altogether. 
 
 Bruno alone stood irresolute ; a thousand con- 
 flicting emotions paled his usually ruddy cheek; 
 but his wife's sweet voice called to him. He 
 approached her ; her face was full of anxiety. 
 " Let us return home at once," she whispered ; " I 
 fear for our babe." 
 
 And well she might, for the fragile Violet lay 
 almost lifeless on her mother's knee, the laboured 
 breath passing slowly through her cold lips. They 
 drove rapidly home. The Baron, full of remorse, 
 would fain have thrown himself at his wife's feet, 
 but her thoughts were turned only to her suffering
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 43 
 
 child, as she at last bore it into the nursery, where 
 in happier days she had so often lulled it to sleep. 
 For some time Bruno remained beside her, and 
 aided in trying various restoratives. At length, 
 summoned by his official duties, he was forced to 
 depart. Several hours elapsed before he could 
 absent himself from the Reichstag. 
 
 A strange hush pervaded his home as he once 
 more entered its portals. He gained the nursery 
 door, and, pausing, gently pushed it aside. In the 
 waning light he beheld his wife half kneeling, half 
 lying upon their little one's cot. Violet's face, 
 illumined by the last rays of daylight, was pale 
 and peaceful. It shone with a solemn light 
 unlike, oh ! how unlike, his own playful pet ! Pier 
 dark blue eyes were heavily closed, and her little 
 hands meekly folded on her breast. The mother's 
 voice stole on his ear " Fare thee well, my darling ! 
 good-bye, my angel child ! but only for a brief 
 space I bid thee adieu. Thou art folded now in 
 arms that can shelter thee more safely from the pass- 
 ing blast than those of thy poor mother. I shall go 
 to thee, my Violet but never, never more shalt thou 
 return to me." These and many similar words were 
 poured forth by the weeping mother as Bruno 
 unobserved stood silently listening. His heart felt 
 readv to burst; it seemed as if some chord within
 
 44 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS; OR, 
 
 him gave way at that moment with a throb of 
 pain. 
 
 For a long time unknown to himself Alcyone's soft 
 influence had gradually undermined his harsh scepti- 
 cism. At that moment a ray of heavenly light shot as it 
 were from the upward pathway of his dead child into 
 the dark recesses of his soul, and with tender humility 
 he knelt by his wife's side and placed his hand on 
 hers. Startled and amazed, she turned and met her 
 husband's eye : it shone with a new and softened 
 light ; there was no need for him to explain to her 
 what he felt. Over the death-bed of their fairest 
 hope they for the first time experienced the ineffable 
 yet chastened joy of sharing the same faith of wor- 
 shipping together the same unseen God. 
 
 At length Alcyone slowly rose from her knees, 
 and casting a long, fond look on the lifeless form 
 of her babe, she led her husband from the chamber. 
 Together they ascended the narrow stair ; together 
 they opened the small, well-known door, and emerged, 
 hand-in-hand, amid the now darkened twilight, upon 
 the open roof. 
 
 " Bruno," murmured she, " the time for our sepa- 
 ration has come ; you have declared your belief 
 in the immortality of the soul ; your poor Alcyone, 
 in the midst of her imperfections, has brought you 
 one step nearer the gates of Paradise. I now
 
 THE UNBELIEVING PHILOSOPHER. 45 
 
 return to my celestial home, but shall there await 
 you, my beloved, in the sure and certain hope 
 of a long eternity together unchequered by the 
 sorrows that have assailed our path in this mortal 
 world." 
 
 Thus saying, for the first time, the gentle Alcyone 
 passionately strained her arms around her husband ; 
 the pressure relaxed, he tottered forward ; he was- 
 alone ! A long trail of light shone for a moment 
 athwart the evening sky ; the peaceful Pleiades 
 beamed forth in brightest beauty ; he called aloud, 
 but only silence reigned around ; in uncontrollable 
 emotion the strong man fell fainting to the ground. 
 
 How long he thus remained he never knew ; but 
 he woke at last to find the midnight moon shining 
 upon him. He raised himself, confused and aching; 
 he passed his hand across his brow Was the past 
 a reality ? A tear rolled down his time-worn cheek 
 which his keen eye had never shed, but it might be 
 the cold dewdrop of the early morn. Beside him lay 
 the coat and hat he had worn in returning from the 
 Reichstag. It must be some long, strange dream 
 that, coming on him exhausted and weary, had 
 'harassed his brain through the weird watches of 
 the night. 
 
 As these thoughts coursed through his mind his 
 eye fell on his left hand ; upon it there sparkled a
 
 46 BARON BRUNO AND THE STARS. 
 
 stone of extraordinary brilliancy, which recalled to 
 him the gem on Alcyone's forehead. He strove to 
 remove the jewel, but, though easily fitting to his 
 finger, the magic circlet refused to be taken from 
 its place. 
 
 The reality of the past then rushed upon the proud 
 Baron's mind with the resistless force of inward 
 conviction. Humbled and sorrowful, the great philo- 
 sopher's wondrous attainments and mighty intel- 
 lectual resources seemed for the moment to become 
 as less than the dust beneath his feet. With the 
 simple faith of a little child, he bent his knee alone 
 before his Maker, and cried, in tones of repentant 
 sadness, " Lord, I believe, help Thou mine unbelief."
 
 ESGAIR: THE BRIDE OF LLYN 
 IDWYL.
 
 ESGAIR: THE BRIDE OF LLYN 
 IDWYL. 
 
 AMONG the mountains of Caernarvonshire none 
 are more gloomy and precipitous than the dark 
 sister Glydirs Fawr and Bach. Towering sublimely 
 above the solitary waters of Llyn Idwyl, they rear 
 their proud summits well nigh on a level with that 
 of the loftier but less rugged Snowdon. 
 
 Where is the wayfarer who can forget a calm 
 autumn sunset seen from those barren heights ? 
 
 Valleys far and near shrouded in dim purpling 
 mists ; shadowy gigantic forms looming faintly in 
 the deepening twilight ; rose-tipped peaks floating 
 amid a halo of glory in the evening sky ; silver 
 streamlets breaking here and there in white lines the 
 dusky shades below ; while afar, in the distance, the 
 broad slumbering ocean bids a glittering farewell to 
 the monarch of the day. 
 
 Such was the panorama spread before the young 
 Llewelyn many years ago, when in toilsome search 
 after strayed sheep he came suddenly upon the high-
 
 50 ESC AIR: 
 
 est part of the mountain. To his wearied eyes, how- 
 ever, nature for the time had no charm. With hurried 
 and anxious footsteps he leapt from rock to rock, 
 dreading to find some of his wandering flock with 
 broken limbs. For, as with many other Welsh 
 mountains, the crest of the Glydir Fawr is entirely 
 composed of huge boulders roughly hurled together ; 
 deep treacherous crevices being often entirely con- 
 cealed from view by the luxuriant growth of ferns, 
 heather, and bilberries, which yield most unsub- 
 stantial footing to the unwary. 
 
 Llewelyn's father, " Dafydd ap Gwynant," a well- 
 known chieftain, had been slain in battle, and most 
 of his possessions seized by his foes. The widowed 
 Gwynneth, in terror for the safety of her only child, 
 fled with him to the wild region now known as the 
 pass of Nant Francon. There in solitude she reared 
 her boy to habits of frugal simplicity. As years rolled 
 on the widow prospered and her flocks increased. Yet 
 still Llewelyn remained her only herd, and at even- 
 tide the steep sides of Llyn Ogwyn and Llyn Idwyl 
 re-echoed with his loud carols and joyous shouts, as 
 he summoned the cattle and sheep to their nightly 
 fold. 
 
 In these remote times wolves and other wild beasts 
 still lurked among the Welsh hills. Nor did they 
 limit their ravages to the destruction of animals
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 51 
 
 alone, but when rendered desperate by hunger visited 
 human habitations in search of their prey. Witness 
 the touching history of Gelert the faithful hound, 
 whose tomb is still to be seen in the little valley 
 over which a dog's fidelity has shed undying renown. 
 Hence the necessity for carefully collecting the herds 
 at nightfall within some place of security. 
 
 Llewelyn at length discovered his missing lambs on 
 the steep northern sides of the Glydir, and herding 
 them hurriedly together, crossed the shoulder of the 
 mountain and descended towards Llyn Idwyl by the 
 rugged pathway which leads past the narrow gorge 
 now known as " the Devil's Kitchen." It was rapidly 
 growing dark as he reached the plain, and he was 
 hastening homewards, when by the waning light he 
 perceived the surface of that gloomy lake to be 
 strangely agitated. As he gazed, the head of a lovely 
 maiden rose above the ripples, and seemed to his ex- 
 cited imagination to regard him with a tender wistful 
 look. He rushed to the water's brink, and was about 
 to cast off his coat and swim to the aid of the fair 
 unknown, when, soft and clear as an evening bell, 
 these words rang through the still air : 
 
 " Three times lost, and three times won, 
 Canst thou win me, Dafydd's son ? 
 Tender must thou be to me, 
 Tender should I be to thee. 
 
 E 2
 
 52 ESGAIR : 
 
 To my mate in bridal hour 
 I can bring a princely dower ; 
 But my wooing must be soon, 
 Ere has waned September's moon." 
 
 Enraptured by these silvery notes, Llewelyn strained 
 every nerve to listen, and as the nymph falteringly 
 uttered the last words he felt a magic thrill run through 
 his frame. He became possessed with a sudden desire 
 to behold the entire form of the beautiful being whose 
 head alone smiled on him across the watery waste ; 
 but as he approached nearer the sweet face disap- 
 peared, the surface of the loch became glassy and 
 still. The pale rays of the rising moon illumined only 
 the wide level mirror of Llyn Idwyl, and amazed and 
 bewildered the youth turned to his home. 
 
 After folding the sheep he entered the cottage. 
 His mother had prepared a fragrant supper; but 
 through Llewelyn's veins there ran a secret fire, and 
 he turned restlessly from the food he was wont to 
 relish in his calmer hours. 
 
 Gwynneth was a mother in ten thousand. Though 
 she had wandered far to obtain the oakleaves over 
 which she had slowly smoked the pink trout ; though 
 her hands had been stung when she robbed the 
 wild bees of their honey for her boy ; though when 
 faint and tired from her long ramble she had risen 
 with fresh energy to mix and bake for her son the
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 53 
 
 scones he loved ; yet when she saw his disquietude 
 and lack of appetite, no murmur, no query crossed 
 her lips. Patiently she herself partook of the humble 
 fare, and strove to cheer her moody child, while her 
 own heart ached with vague doubts and fears. 
 
 Hardly, however, had she cleared away the last 
 traces of the half-consumed meal when Llewelyn ex- 
 tended himself full length on the deerskins at her feet, 
 laid his hot head on her soothing lap, and by the flicker- 
 ing light of the fire (fed at intervals with cones from 
 the pine forest) related to her his strange adventure. 
 
 As Gwynneth listened to his words the iron entered 
 into her soul. Every mother can sympathize with 
 the pang she then experienced. The child she had 
 borne through labour, sorrow, and pain ; the infant 
 she alone nourished and brought to manly strength ; 
 the all upon which every hope, every thought of the 
 future is centred the widow's only son the idol of 
 her heart his love is passing from her. She is no 
 longer to him the first, the dearest. Dreams of a 
 nearer and dearer one are wakening in his young 
 bosom. The mother is now his confidant ; but well 
 does she know that ere long the newly-beloved 
 will be his only thought ; that into her ear alone 
 will be poured all the aspirations of his life. That 
 henceforth and for evermore the mother must resign 
 her son's heart to the keeping of another. Gwyn-
 
 54 ESGAIR .- 
 
 neth in that hour felt the cold hand of fate clutch 
 her past happiness. Her pulse stood still. But she 
 was a noble woman. She knew the law of life was 
 resistless. Come from a race of kings, with proud 
 resolve she nerved her wounded spirit, and cast- 
 ing all meaner thoughts of self aside, threw herself 
 with ardour into the interests of her son. 
 
 While Llewelyn described the events of the even- 
 ing, the mists cleared from the past and his mother 
 dimly remembered an ancient tradition heard in days 
 gone by. The half-forgotten legend ran thus : 
 A prince of royal Welsh blood fell in love with 
 and wedded a water Nixie. No sooner, however, were 
 his espousals accomplished than he, with his palace 
 and all his treasures, became enchanted and 
 covered by the waters of Llyn Idwyl, which then, 
 at Venedotia's dread command, rose to its present 
 height. The water god, through the marriage-tie 
 of his beautiful child, had gained a subtle power 
 over her human lover, and despite her entreaties 
 worked this cruel spell to secure to her the un- 
 changing faith of a mortal. While Gwynneth told 
 this strange story, an old prophecy concerning this 
 very prince, which she had often heard in her youth, 
 suddenly flashed across her mind. Surprised it 
 should so long have escaped her memory, she thus 
 recited it to her listening son
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 55 
 
 " When Rhuddlan's child with man shall mate 
 A light shall break on Rhuddlan's fate ; 
 When thrice three wedded years pass by 
 Llyn Idwyl's waters shall run dry ; 
 But if that wedded peace be riven, 
 By blows at random three times given, 
 Esgair must seek her father's cave, 
 Nor quit again the gloomy wave ; 
 No slow revolving years shall wake 
 The spell-bound slumberers of the lake." 
 
 " My son," exclaimed Gwynneth, " all is now 
 clear to me. The fair daughter of King Rhuddlan 
 has seen and chosen you to be the deliverer of 
 herself and her family, who once owned the greater 
 part of Wales ; but who fell under Venedotia's 
 spell so long ago that their existence is forgotten 
 by the oldest inhabitant. I am proud that my 
 child should aid in restoring our ancient line of 
 kings. But Llewelyn," murmured she, placing her 
 hand fondly on his brown wavy locks, "you must 
 pray for strength, and enter on this strange ad- 
 venture with the aid of heavenly courage." Long 
 into the night sat that gentle mother holding 
 counsel with her son, and even when they sought 
 their rude couches but scant sleep sealed their 
 eyelids. 
 
 Next day Llewelyn fulfilled his various duties 
 with feverish impatience, he yearned for the even- 
 ing hour, and as the moon's rays fell over the
 
 56 ESGA1R : 
 
 lone heights of the Glydir he stood once more 
 by Llyn Idwyl's brink, and in a low clear voice 
 uttered these words : 
 
 " By the Glydir's rugged side, 
 By thy father's captive pride, 
 By the strains of mortal love 
 Stealing o'er thee from above, 
 By thine own enchanted lake, 
 Esgair, fairest ! hear and wake ! " 
 
 Scarcely had he finished, when a long train of 
 light shot across the loch, and, glittering with a 
 thousand watery diamonds, Esgair half arose and 
 stretched forth towards him her lovely arms. A 
 smile of hope irradiated her pure countenance, and 
 as Llewelyn knelt awestruck upon the beach, she 
 slowly chanted these lines : 
 
 " Through Llewelyn's devotion deliverance draws near ; 
 'Twixt sunset and sunrise to-morrow be here, 
 Though strife be around thee yet suffer no fear 
 If Rhuddlan's poor daughter to thee seemeth dear ; 
 Forget not that o'er her the sign must be crossed, 
 Or she and her kindred for ever are lost ! " 
 
 With a parting wave of her hand Esgair slowly 
 disappeared, and nought was visible save the re- 
 flection of the moon, which, dancing and sparkling 
 across the dark agitated bosom of Llyn Idwyl, 
 ended in a pathway of light at Llewelyn's feet.
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 57 
 
 It was an omen of hope for the morrow, and with 
 joyful steps he returned to his home. Here, how- 
 ever, he was somewhat harassed by fears as to the 
 poor accommodation they could offer to the bride. 
 
 "Dear mother," he urged, "she is a high-born 
 princess ; her hair, neck, and arms sparkle with price- 
 less jewels. She may scorn our lowly hut, and re- 
 proach me for bringing her to so humble a home." 
 
 " Nay, my son," replied Gwynneth ; " the heart of 
 a true maiden seeketh ever something more precious 
 than gold or riches ; the love of a faithful partner 
 is doubtless what Esgair yearns to find. It is, 
 moreover, borne in upon me that the daughter of 
 Rhuddlan will not come dowerless to the son of 
 Dafydd. Be she poor, however, or be she rich, 
 we will give her the best we have ; and I tell 
 you she will hold it dearer than life." 
 
 Heaven that night shed its own peace over the 
 widow and her son, and their last evening alone 
 together was long remembered by each as a time 
 of holy calm. By day -break next morning they 
 were already astir. Many preparations had still to 
 be made. Llewelyn went across the hills to 
 petition Saint Tudno to pronounce his bridal bene- 
 diction. The holy father was now making his 
 yearly pilgrimage through Wales, visiting and 
 cheering his feeble scattered flock, who clung fast
 
 58 ESGAIR : 
 
 together and revered with a passionate tenderness 
 their few and faithful teachers. 
 
 It was at an ancient farm upon the slopes of Carnedd 
 Llewelyn that Llewelyn and his mother had, only a 
 few days agone, knelt and received the good priest's 
 blessing, and Gwynneth doubted not that he would con- 
 sent to partake for one night of their rude hospitality, 
 for the purpose of uniting her son and the rescued 
 Esgair in the bands of holy wedlock. 
 
 Ere the sun had passed its meridian, Gwynneth's 
 hopes were realized. The venerable father, guided by 
 Llewelyn, safely reached her door, and after partaking 
 with them of their frugal noontide meal retired to rest 
 a while, and to resume the devotions broken in upon 
 by his unforeseen expedition. It weighed much on his 
 mind that no church was near wherein the espousals 
 might be celebrated, but he was fully conscious of the 
 difficulties of Llewelyn's position. He shrewdly sus- 
 pected that until holy rites had been performed the 
 wild spirits would do their utmost to reclaim and 
 recapture the newly-rescued bride. Ere seeking his 
 chamber therefore, the good father carefully sprinkled 
 holy water around the dwelling, and fervently besought 
 Heaven's blessing on the approaching union. 
 
 Some time before the hour of sunset Llewelyn and 
 his mother started for the banks of Llyn Idwyl. They 
 followed the rocky course of that little stream, which
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 59 
 
 still breaks in foam from the eastern side of the loch, 
 and babbling and brawling flows past the very stones 
 where Gwynneth's little cottage once stood. The 
 evening was wild and threatening, and the sky had 
 strangely changed since Saint Tudno alighted at 
 their dwelling. Thunder reverberating through the 
 mountains awakened hoarse echoes on every side. 
 Wild clouds in fantastic shapes scudded across the 
 lowering heavens, and fitful gleams from the sinking 
 sun threw dark shadows across their pathway. Ever 
 and anon drenching showers brushed by in short 
 sharp gusts, half blinding them, and causing inexplic- 
 able terror to the ponies ; one of which Gwynneth 
 rode and the other Llewelyn led for his bride. More 
 than once, as they pursued their way, Gwynneth 
 imagined that white arms and hooded figures waved 
 defiance before her; but surprise and doubt held her 
 mute, or perhaps ere she could speak the rain dashed 
 on her face and she perceived that her fancy had 
 conjured menacing forms from the eddying spindrift 
 around. Llewelyn also was haunted by outbursts of 
 mocking laughter, but when, amazed, he turned to his 
 mother, the wild turbulence of the little streamlet 
 taught him he had mistaken its noisy vehemence for 
 sounds of demoniacal mirth. 
 
 At last they reached Llyn Idwyl's side. The sky 
 once more grew calm and clear. The sun had long
 
 60 ESGAIR : 
 
 since disappeared behind the dark mountain, and the 
 stars faintly twinkling overhead had already lit their 
 feeble lamps. The lake itself, however, presented a 
 wild scene. Furious gusts of wind agitated the sur- 
 face. Sheets of spray bearing the semblance of 
 hideous figures were dashed hither and thither. A 
 rushing noise as of a thousand waterfalls drowned 
 every other sound, and Llewelyn in vain tried to make 
 his voice audible amid the din of the elements. Again 
 and again he endeavoured to shout Esgair's name, but 
 the mad roaring of the winds and waves was all that 
 could be heard. 
 
 " To your knees, my son, and pray for help," 
 whispered Gwynneth in his ear, and in despair 
 Llewelyn sank on the ground and fervently invoked 
 the aid of Heaven. As if in answer to his prayer, 
 at this instant the moon tipped the frowning moun- 
 tain ; her bright rays irradiated the wild scene beneath 
 and diminished in some measure the confusion and 
 uproar. Then, white and dripping as a storm-tost 
 waterlily, the lovely figure of Rhuddlan's daughter 
 slowly emerged from the lake until her feet were 
 visible. She advanced along the moon-lit path, which 
 alone remained serene and calm. On either side 
 horrid arms were stretched as if to grasp her shrinking 
 form, and rude blasts of spray burst in torrents over 
 her defenceless head.
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 61 
 
 Llewelyn knelt in silent prayer till she neared the 
 water brink, when, springing to her side, he drew her 
 tenderly on shore, signing at the same time on her brow 
 the holy symbol of the cross ; while wild shrieks and 
 groans resounded across the lake. He lifted Esgair, 
 trembling and exhausted, on the pony, where his strong 
 arm was needed to support her. The moon suddenly 
 disappeared behind a cloud ; the rain burst forth with 
 redoubled vehemence, while such peals of thunder 
 broke around and above them that the startled ponies 
 could hardly be restrained from dashing madly away. 
 Llewelyn, well-nigh desperate, in vain strove to 
 recognize the homeward path. Black darkness en- 
 compassed them and hid every well-known landmark 
 from view. 
 
 Just as he was at his wits' end, suddenly gleamed 
 afar a small bright cross, shedding divine lustre 
 through the gloom. At the same instant there fell 
 on their ears the faint chime of distant bells a strange 
 unaccustomed sound in those wild regions. They 
 paused not, however, to question the cause of the 
 welcome phenomena ; but with gladness turned in the 
 direction of the cross, which moved before them as 
 they advanced ; Llewelyn still supporting Esgair, and 
 murmuring words of encouragement into her ear. 
 More than once he received rough buffets from in- 
 visible foes, and wicked threats were whispered by the
 
 62 ESC AIR: 
 
 hoarse blasts ; but he kept his eyes fixed steadfastly 
 on the sacred symbol which guided them in the path 
 of safety, and ere long the unnatural tempest spent 
 itself. The fiery cross grew dim, and finally disap- 
 peared, and the rest of their homeward route was 
 accomplished by the returning light of the moon. 
 
 Nearer and nearer rang the joyful bells, as if 
 crashing forth a psean of welcome to the belated 
 wanderers ; and what was their astonishment on 
 coming within sight of the place where their humble 
 dwelling lately stood amid unbroken solitudes, to 
 observe innumerable twinkling lights borne to and 
 fro, while, by the light of the moon, the tall battle- 
 ments of some huge building rose over the site 
 once covered by their happy little home. 
 
 Confused and perplexed, Gwynneth thought to 
 chide her son for bringing them the wrong way. But 
 now Esgair, with new life, sprang to the ground, 
 and, turning towards Gwynneth, said with exceeding 
 grace, 
 
 " This was my father's home. He bestows it will- 
 ingly upon us it is yours. But, oh ! take me to 
 your heart, and give me a mother's love." 
 
 Gwynneth hastened to alight, and clasping her 
 new daughter to her bosom, hesitated no longer to 
 enter the massive portals thrown wide open before 
 them. As they stepped beneath the archway, solemn
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 63 
 
 strains of music became audible. A long line of 
 priests and choristers moved across the lofty hall 
 within ; bands of fair maidens robed in white 
 approached Esgair, and tenderly saluting her placed 
 her in their midst. Last of all the holy Father 
 Tudno drew near and motioned Gwynneth and 
 Llewelyn to his side. 
 
 Deeply agitated by a thousand conflicting emo- 
 tions, Gwynneth, Esgair, and Llewelyn now beheld 
 before them as they advanced a small chapel 
 brilliantly lighted for high festival. With slow and 
 reverend step Saint Tudno withdrew within the altar 
 space, and united in holy wedlock the strangely- 
 mated pair before him. Long and lowly did they 
 bend before the sacred shrine, and when at length 
 they retired down the aisles, the clear high voices 
 of the singers rang out in joyful strains, while far 
 overhead the jubilant bells told with their iron 
 tongues the glad news that the first bar of fate had 
 been undone the condition fulfilled that ran thus in 
 the old legend : 
 
 " When Rhuddlan's child with man shall mate 
 A light shall break on Rhuddlan's fate." 
 
 Time fails me to tell of the splendours of 
 that night of rejoicing, or the magnificent appoint- 
 ments of the castle. But it is impossible to pass 
 by in silence the exceeding beauty of the bride,
 
 ESGAIR : 
 
 or the manly serious grace of her bridegroom. 
 Esgair's waving' nut-brown tresses fell over her 
 shoulders, bound here and there by priceless dia- 
 monds. Her violet eyes, her dazzling complexion, 
 her long robe of silver sheen, displaying every 
 motion of her graceful figure, her wondrous 
 charm of manner, all enchanted the beholder. 
 She looked and moved the daughter of a hundred 
 kings. 
 
 Llewelyn's countenance, even in that deep hour of 
 joy, wore the chastened expression of one who has 
 struggled and suffered. In the midst of his new- 
 found wealth he was fain to remember, with a feeling 
 akin to pain, that this proud castle and all its ap- 
 purtenances was the heritage of his wife and her 
 father. But as Esgair turned her soft eyes upon him, 
 the toils of the past and the uncertainty of the future 
 were alike forgotten, and love beamed effulgent on 
 his soul. 
 
 Night and stillness fell over that great castle. 
 Only alone in an upper chamber the widowed wife 
 the lonely mother wrestled in silent prayer for 
 her children until the day broke over the east and 
 opened to the world once more the golden gates of 
 the sun. 
 
 On the morrow all was new and strange to Gwyn- 
 neth and Llewelyn ; but Esgair guided them from
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 
 
 room to room of the splendid palace, and related 
 to them endless tales told her by her father, of what 
 had happened within its walls, ere the spell of 
 enchantment consigned him and his to the dark 
 waters of oblivion. 
 
 To Gwynneth the long corridors and stately 
 chambers with their quaint hangings of tapestry 
 recalled her early home. Llewelyn (who though 
 of princely race, had been reared in poverty) felt a 
 certain restraint amid all this new-found grandeur, 
 and bore with ill-concealed impatience the minis- 
 trations of the countless servants, whose presence 
 fettered his free action and oppressed his simple 
 nature. 
 
 Soon, however, the varied interests of his new 
 position became all-engrossing. Surrounded by re- 
 tainers skilled in every kind of sport, possessed of 
 the fleetest steeds and truest falcons in the country, 
 blessed with the tenderest of wives and mothers, 
 he seldom had time to revert even in thought to 
 the fewer and less luxurious pleasures of his youth. 
 He and Esgair became passionately fond of hawk- 
 ing, and many happy days were thus spent, when, 
 splendidly mounted and attended by a numerous 
 train, they would scour the country around and 
 return wearied yet joyous at eventide to relate to 
 Gwynneth the adventures of the day. 
 
 F
 
 66 ESGAIR : 
 
 It was during one of these hunting excursions 
 that Esgair, roused by the excitement of the chase, 
 urged her palfrey to its utmost speed, and distancing 
 all her companions, came suddenly to a small level 
 plateau amid the mountains. Here a little streamlet 
 had its birth, gushing forth from the rock itself in cold 
 purity. The hawk was already stooping over its 
 quarry, and Esgair finding herself alone, called re- 
 peatedly to the bird in great fear lest it should fail in 
 its object. While she was thus employed, Llewelyn 
 came rapidly in sight, and riding up to her, play- 
 fully struck her on the shoulder with his gauntlet, 
 crying gaily, " Methought, fair lady, you were running 
 away from us all ; but you have deftly won the race 
 to-day, and yours must be the heron's plume." 
 
 The rest of the merry party now came up, but 
 while with eager excitement they watched the pro- 
 tracted struggles of the two birds, Llewelyn turned 
 his own and his wife's palfrey aside, and under pre- 
 tence of arranging her dress whispered to Esgair, 
 " Nay, dearest, wherein have I vexed thee ? I was 
 only watchful for thy dear sake, fearing when out of 
 my sight lest evil should befall thee." 
 
 To his great surprise tears dimmed her eyes, and 
 the colour mantled higher in her flushed cheek as 
 she murmured in low tones, " You have struck the 
 first blow."
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 67 
 
 Amazed and incredulous, it was some time before 
 Llewelyn could recall to mind the weird pro- 
 phecy his mother had repeated to him. As they 
 leant sadly over their panting horses by the little 
 spring, a white arm emerged from the mossy 
 bank and waved beckoning towards Esgair, while, 
 like a faint sigh of the breeze, fell these chill 
 numbers on their ears 
 
 " One blow hath fallen on Esgair's fate, 
 And grieved Llewelyn's gentle mate." 
 
 Thoroughly startled he rushed forward, but the 
 fancied apparition was only a little shower of spray 
 which, caught by the eddying wind, dashed itself over 
 him, wetting his gay clothes and soaking him to the 
 skin. Were the words he had heard but the offspring 
 of his own imagination ? 
 
 Now with loud cries the victory of the falcon was 
 proclaimed, and the gallant esquire, riding up to his 
 mistress, courteously presented her with the heron's 
 plume, and craved permission to fasten it in her hat. 
 Esgair accepted the gift with her wonted grace, but it 
 was with saddened hearts that she and Llewelyn 
 turned homewards. The dispiriting influence soon 
 communicated itself to fcheir followers, and in melan- 
 choly guise the merry party of the morning silently 
 re-entered the castle walls. 
 
 F 2
 
 68 ESGAIR: 
 
 Ere they retired to rest, however, Esgair and Lle- 
 welyn sought the little chapel where their marriage 
 vows had been interchanged, and as they knelt 
 together in prayer an ineffable calm soothed their 
 troubled spirits, and on seeking their chamber a deep 
 joy cradled them to rest. 
 
 Their life now passed away in uneventful happiness, 
 until, as the time drew near the birth of Christ, Esgair 
 had a son, whose advent was hailed with universal 
 rejoicing. Llewelyn with trembling joy welcomed his 
 little child, and drew many hopeful auguries for the 
 future from his first seeing the light in the glorious 
 holy tide of Christmas. Esgair suffered considerably 
 in health, causing her husband great anxiety, and it 
 was some time before she could resume her wonted 
 place in the castle. But she seemed strangely 
 anxious to have her child baptized at the earliest 
 possible moment. They were obliged, however, to 
 wait some little time for the holy Father Tudno, who, 
 again travelling that way on his stated rounds, pro- 
 mised by a certain day to receive the babe into the 
 arms of the Church. 
 
 Meanwhile the nurses were forbidden to stray 
 without the precincts of the castle, and specially 
 warned against approaching either of the lakes which 
 lay within such easy distance Llyn Ogwyn and 
 Llyn Idwyl. It was rumoured that strange forms were
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN JDWYL. 69 
 
 to be sometimes seen wandering round the castle. 
 Esgair herself, whose gentle ways had endeared her 
 to all around, began to be regarded with suspicion, 
 as, when hardly strong enough to leave her chamber, 
 she insisted on taking solitary walks, was long absent, 
 and frequently returned with traces of tears on her 
 cheek. At such times she would redouble her cau- 
 tions to the nurses, and sit for hours watching uneasily 
 over her babe. They told wild tales, moreover, of 
 seeing their mistress in the dead of night leaning over 
 the little one's cradle and with clasped hands and 
 streaming eyes seeming to wrestle in prayer with some 
 invisible power. She would then clasp the infant in 
 her arms, sign a cross over its forehead and replace it 
 slumbering and unconscious in its cot. 
 
 But the slow weeks moved on, St. Valentine's day 
 at last arrived, and w^h it the good Father to perform 
 the promised rite. Every preparation made, and the 
 little chapel adorned with the pale flowers of early 
 spring time the drooping snowdrop, and the Christ- 
 mas rose, nestling in rich green moss from the glen^- 
 Gwynneth proudly bore her little grandson to the font, 
 and the holy service began. 
 
 The wind and rain without, hitherto hardly noticed, 
 now dashed with such force against the casements as 
 to endanger their frail fastenings, while above the 
 chant of the choristers could be distinctly heard the
 
 70 ESC AIR : 
 
 wild howling of the tempest. The little child itself 
 moved restlessly from side to side, and seemed to feel 
 an adverse influence threatening its fate. All eyes, 
 however, were turned on the lady of the castle, who, 
 with mortal terror depicted on her countenance, 
 eagerly scanned the high windows and shuddered 
 visibly as the storm increased. But now the rever- 
 end Father took the babe in his arms and ascended 
 the steps of the font. Louder and louder roared the 
 fierce winds without, and as one mighty gust shook 
 the chapel to its very foundations, Esgair uttered a 
 faint moan. Llewelyn impatiently turned for the 
 first time towards her, and, angrily touching her 
 shoulder to recall her attention to the service, mut- 
 tered some hasty rebuke about disturbing the people 
 around by her ill-timed fears. Father Tudno at this 
 moment formally demanded the child's name, and 
 Llewelyn gave him, as had already been agreed upon, 
 the name of " Rhiwallon." As the holy Father, re- 
 peating over the infant the tender words of his faith, 
 was about to sign on its brow the sacred symbol of 
 the cross, a terrific blast shattered the casements into 
 a thousand pieces, all the lights throughout the 
 chapel were instantly extinguished, while a deluging 
 shower fell on the group round the font. Eldritch 
 laughter rang through the air, a piercing shriek was 
 heard, and phantom forms tried to wrench the little
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 71 
 
 babe from the good priest's arms. Undismayed and 
 calm however, Saint Tudno gathered the helpless 
 lamb of the fold still closer in his sheltering clasp, 
 and ere the strife of the rough elements well-nigh 
 reached him, the little Rhiwallon was already a 
 member of the eternal Church. But in Llewelyn's 
 awe-struck ear sounded these dread words 
 
 " Blare wildly ye breezes a blast of delight, 
 A blow hath been struck by Llewelyn this night." 
 
 Now with flying footsteps came a page bearing a 
 torch. The wild force of the tempest seemed to 
 have spent itself, and comparative peace reigned 
 without the castle. Within, the lights were once 
 more kindled, but their rays fell upon a cold inanimate 
 form. Poor Esgair had fallen forwards, her head lay 
 on the hard stone floor, her hands were still raised as if 
 in supplication to some invisible power, while dark 
 red blood slowly oozed forth from beneath her luxuri- 
 ant tresses. With a cry of terror Llewelyn raised her 
 in his arms. He found that in falling she had struck 
 against the stone siep of the font, and a somewhat 
 deep wound was made under her thick soft hair. 
 He bore her tenderly to her chamber. Through the 
 livelong night with keen anguish he and his mother 
 (suffering no meaner hand to tend her) ministered to 
 her wants. At times she cried uneasily for her babe, 
 nor could they soothe or appease her until the little
 
 72 ESGAIR: 
 
 Rhiwallon was brought and laid beside his suffering 
 mother in the great state bed, with its dark gorgeous 
 hangings and curious antique carving. Llewelyn, 
 heart-sore and grievously conscience-stricken, bent 
 over the half-slumbering pair. They seemed to his 
 excited imagination like the flower and the bud rudely 
 torn from the parent stem and fading before his 
 very eyes. He listened anxiously over their lips 
 to assure himself of their actual breathing. Esgair, 
 half-awakened, moved restlessly until feeling her 
 babe again cradled in her arms, she murmured low 
 words of endearment over him, and sank once more 
 into troubled slumber. Many days she struggled 
 between life and death ; and as Llewelyn kept the 
 weary watches by her side, he mournfully remembered 
 that it was his own thoughtless temper which had 
 brought all this upon his faithful wife, and recklessly 
 dissolved one more link that bound her life to his. 
 She explained to him that her fears had been roused 
 lest the powerful Venedotia should gain possession 
 of their boy ere he was christened, and hence the 
 strange precautions she had taken and her extreme 
 terror in the chapel. She was unable, moreover, 
 to warn those around her, as her first word of eluci- 
 dation would have sealed the death-warrant of her 
 babe ; so powerful was the spell still exercised by 
 the fierce enchanter over Rhuddlan's ill-fated race.
 
 THE BRIDE OF LL YN ID WYL. 73 
 
 April breezes brought sounds of spring into the 
 land ere Esgair, pale and wan like one who has 
 passed through the valley of the dark shadow was 
 once more borne down the castle stair and carried 
 abroad to be invigorated by the reviving vernal air. 
 She had taken a strong dislike to the " Castle of 
 the Lakes," as their present home was called. Nor 
 can this be wondered at, considering the baneful in- 
 fluence that had threatened not only her own but her 
 infant's life. She entreated Llewelyn to build 
 another dwelling by the sea-shore, where strength 
 and health might more rapidly return to her, and 
 where she hoped to be in a measure free from the 
 fell designs of Venedotia. 
 
 With eager zest her repentant husband followed 
 the bent of Esgair's mind, and, after many pleasant 
 excursions to the neighbouring shores in search of 
 a site, they at length resolved to raise the walls 
 of their new castle in the centre of the rich plain 
 which then lay between the proud headlands of Pen- 
 maenmaur and Penmaenbach. 
 
 Esgair took intense interest in the progress of 
 the builders, who were now set to work with the 
 utmost diligence. Throughout the long summer, she, 
 Gwynneth, Llewelyn, and the babe with his nurses, 
 dwelt in a little shieling on the steep sides of 
 Penmaenrnaur. Daily descending to the broad fer-
 
 74 ESGAIR : 
 
 tile meadows amid which was to be their future 
 home, they cheered and encouraged the labourers at 
 their work. Ere the mellow September time came 
 round, the walls of the new castle had already risen to 
 a considerable height. 
 
 It was now two years since the bridal day of Esgair 
 and Llewelyn. Never had mortal man been blessed 
 with a gentler, sweeter help-mate. High and low wor- 
 shipped their kind mistress ; and the most unruly of 
 their half-savage retainers would fly to anticipate her 
 slightest desire. 
 
 The little Rhiwallon was a lovely babe; healthy and 
 well tended ever since his birth, his firm limbs and 
 rosy cheeks were full of promise. His dark eye 
 already beamed with intelligence, and his broad brow 
 bore the impress of future intellectual power. What 
 long hours that fond mother passed alone with 
 her babe! At eventide she ascended the wooden 
 steps of the shieling, and sending the women to make 
 merry with their friends without, hungrily watched 
 over her child. Gwynneth and Llewelyn perhaps 
 sitting silent below, heard sounds as of a cushat 
 dove cooing over its young. Sometimes the tones 
 became more audible, and words could be dis- 
 tinguished the mother crooning to her little one as 
 if he could understand. 
 
 " Thou art delivered, my baby, from the evil fate
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 
 
 that menaces thy poor mother. Thy pure forehead 
 bears on it the sign of the holy cross. Over thee the 
 angel of darkness hath now no power save through 
 that mother's will. How could they think, my child, 
 that to save herself a parent would yield up her 
 darling. Nay, nay ; when they tempted me to delay 
 thy baptismal hour, they fathomed not the undying 
 love Rhiwallon's mother bears her beautiful boy her 
 treasure ! " 
 
 Such and other dreamy wailing words overheard 
 in the gloaming by Gwynneth and her son, revealed 
 to them the unselfish part Esgair had played in 
 the events of the past. Pangs of remorse again op- 
 pressed Llewelyn as he recalled his harsh rebuke in 
 the chapel. He now surmised that could the Evil 
 Powers only gain possession of Rhiwallon, Rhuddlan 
 and his race, including Esgair herself, would be de- 
 livered from all future trouble, and freed for ever from 
 the mystic enchantments of Venedotia. But while 
 Gwynneth and Llewelyn trembled at the danger* to 
 which the infant had been exposed, they prized more 
 tenderly than ever his fragile mother, whose conduct 
 had throughout been above praise; and kneeling down, 
 they offered sincere prayer that through the exceed- 
 ing faith and purity of Esgair's life she might, with 
 heavenly aid, prevent the sacrifice of her child, and 
 yet live to accomplish the deliverance of her race.
 
 76 ESGAIR: 
 
 It was a lovely September afternoon, the sun 
 streamed down on the rich purple heather, where 
 Esgair, playing with her boy, sat beside a small 
 rivulet close to the walls of the rising castle. The 
 workmen, resting for their afternoon meal, were re- 
 freshed with milk provided for them by the kind com- 
 mand of their lady. Gwynneth, busily engaged in 
 some labour of love, had remained up at the little 
 shieling, while the solitary nurse who accompanied 
 Esgair was seated with her work at some distance 
 from the mother and her child. 
 
 Llewelyn had gone forth at break of day to 
 hunt the deer, and as yet there was no sign of his 
 return. A halo of sylvan peace enshrouded the fair 
 scene and the actors therein. Amid autumnal 
 silence the distant sea lay smooth as glass. Like 
 a dim blue mist slumbered the far outline of the 
 low-lying islands without. On either side rose 
 the frowning sentinels of the vale between the giant 
 Penmaenmaur and the scarcely smaller Penmaen- 
 bach ; while behind the smiling plain rose heathery 
 slopes, undulating in successive lines towards the 
 gloomy Tal-y-van. 
 
 Stretched on soft furs Esgair played with her beauti- 
 ful laughter-loving babe. Sometimes she tossed him 
 crowing aloft, and caught him tenderly again to her 
 heart, then, changing from grave to gay, would whisper
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 77 
 
 softly in his little ear strange old tales and legends. 
 (It was afterwards asserted that when Rhiwallon grew 
 to be a man many of his wondrous gifts came from his 
 unconscious remembrance of that mother lore.) After 
 much time thus spent in dallying with her infant, at 
 length Esgair raised him in her arms and descended 
 with him to the brink of the murmuring streamlet, 
 being thus lost sight of by the nurse, who, still within 
 easy hail, did not move from her all-engrossing 
 handicraft. 
 
 The peaceful afternoon wore onwards, and soon 
 Llewelyn, hot and fatigued, and with a somewhat 
 clouded brow (for the day's sport had been unsuc- 
 cessful), came striding' down the narrow path, and, 
 accosting the nurse, inquired for her mistress and child. 
 The maid pointed out the course of the rivulet, and 
 Llewelyn springing forward soon cleared the short 
 space between, and gained the little eminence where 
 the furs, still scattered in rich profusion, bore witness 
 to the late presence of Esgair and the babe. Looking 
 impatiently around in quest of them, to his horror 
 and surprise Llewelyn perceived his son in the arms 
 of a strange old man with a long hoary beard and 
 white flowing garments. The little boy seemed 
 pleased and happy ; he was cooing to his mother, 
 while she, seated on a rock in the midst of the 
 purling brook, and within a stone's-throw of where
 
 78 ESGAIR : 
 
 Llewelyn stood, watched Rhiwallon's every movement 
 with keen delight. Llewelyn paused not to observe 
 the majestic stature and noble countenance of the un- 
 known (who was, in fact, the ancient Rhuddlan, the 
 babe's grandfather), nor remembered till afterwards, 
 when it was too late, Esgair's look of entranced 
 happiness. So absorbed was she that she did not 
 hear her husband's exclamation of anger, did not 
 see his rapid steps down the hillock, knew and felt 
 nothing till he roughly smote her on the shoulder and 
 sharply asked what she meant by allowing their child 
 (during his absence) to become the plaything of any 
 old vagrant about the place, letting him also run 
 the risk of every passing infection of illness. He 
 would have added more bitter words of reproach, but 
 as he spoke the old man suddenly disappeared. The 
 baby gave a loud cry and fell splashing into the 
 water. His mother at once caught and drew him out, 
 and, with streaming eyes laid him on Llewelyn's 
 breast, while around, above, below, with a sound of 
 many rushing waters, could be distinguished these 
 hoarsely-muttered words : 
 
 " The final undoing of Fate hath begun, 
 
 And Esgair's frail portion of happiness done ; 
 
 Arise and return to us, child of the lake, 
 
 Nor nursling nor husband thy slumbers shall wake. " 
 
 Quick as light Esgair turned a strange look of
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 79 
 
 terror on her husband. "The waters, the cruel waters!" 
 she cried ; " haste to the hills ere it be too late hasten, 
 or they will overwhelm you ! " No thought of her 
 own fate unnerved the heroic woman. Waving wildly 
 to the workmen, she bade them escape for their lives, 
 and indeed the nurse had already seen from above, 
 and turned to warn them of an impending tempest. 
 Lurid clouds veiled the sun, wild winds sighed around, 
 strange shapes arose in the bed of the little river, 
 madly leaping to and fro, while, stranger than all, 
 and striking consternation to the bravest heart, with 
 low growls as of far thunder, arose a huge black wall 
 of water in the distant sea, and seemed ever approach- 
 ing nearer. Sea gulls and cormorants wheeled in 
 the air above, uttering dissonant cries. Affrighted 
 and amazed, the terrified workmen left tools, clothes, 
 and implements behind and fled in desperate haste 
 towards the mountains. 
 
 At this moment Esgair, turning, perceived that 
 Llewelyn, paralyzed with terror and remorse, could 
 move neither hand nor foot to save himself or the 
 child. Endued for the time being with superhuman 
 strength, she snatched the babe from his arms, and 
 crying " Follow me," swept rapidly across the un- 
 even ground, sometimes stumbling and nearly fall- 
 ing, but never stopping to take breath until, on the 
 slopes of Moel Llys, she reached the trembling
 
 8o ESGAIR : 
 
 crowd, who from this vantage-ground watched the 
 wild work of destruction below. Breathless and ex- 
 hausted she flung herself down on the soft turf 
 and soothed the bitterly crying and frightened 
 infant. 
 
 Esgair's hurried flight awoke Llewelyn from the 
 stupor of despair. He followed and aided her as 
 best he could, and now stood by her side. In 
 silent awe that little assembly beheld the appalling 
 inroad of the waters. Like a dark pall, the slow 
 moving mass spread itself over the fertile lands 
 below ; ere long it reached the castle ; the unfinished 
 walls disappeared, and soon a wide watery waste 
 covered the whilome scene of busy labour and the 
 rich fields around. At length the remorseless waves 
 dashed unavailingly beneath the rising ground where 
 stood the trembling fugitives. Loud thanksgivings 
 for their safety arose from these simple pious men, 
 and they gratefully acknowledged the hand of Pro- 
 vidence in their wonderful escape from a watery 
 grave. 
 
 But now low sobs of anguish were heard, a mother 
 like Rachel of old weeping over her child, and 
 refusing to be comforted. The gentle Esgair, wan 
 and weary, lay prostrate upon the ground. Pain- 
 fully she drew her labouring breath and strained 
 Rhiwallon to her poor aching heart. Her eyes were
 
 THE BRIDE OF LL YN ID IV YL. 8 1 
 
 mournfully fixed on Llewelyn, as if to take a last 
 farewell. His grief could find no utterance. With 
 gloomy foreboding he recalled the words of the 
 ancient legend, and a cold thrill ran through him as 
 he remembered that his fatal impatience had not 
 only tempted Esgair's fate, but according to the 
 old prophecy had .riveted still more firmly the spell 
 that bound her hapless kinsmen ; for was it not 
 written 
 
 But if that wedded peaoe be riven, 
 By blows at random three times given, 
 Esgair must seek her father's cave, 
 Nor quit again the gloomy wave, 
 No slow revolving years shall wake 
 The spell-bound slumberers of the lake. 
 
 By this time the tempest had gradually died 
 away. A faint melotiy of unearthly beauty fell 
 on their ears as they listened wondering and en- 
 tranced, they heard these thrilling words: 
 
 Three times lost, and three times won, 
 Thou hast wedded Dafydd's son : 
 Brow that holy sign hath crossed 
 Ne'er can be by witchcraft lost. 
 By thy faith and suffering power 
 Thou hast won the conquering hour ; 
 Though the spell on thee must break, 
 Rhuddlan's race from sleep shall wake ; 
 Thou and thine shall dwell in light, 
 Saved by glory infinite. 
 Rise, the evil spell is broken, 
 Peace be thine, and this the token. 
 
 G
 
 82 ESGAIR : 
 
 As the voice ceased the sun broke through the 
 clouds, and from his western declivity threw a long 
 radiance across the calming ocean. Within this 
 glittering pathway stood an angel of exceeding 
 beauty, and of grave and majestic countenance. 
 With his left hand he beckoned to Esgair. With 
 his right he pointed to the golden rays behind 
 him, within which myriad shapes of brightest loveli- 
 ness seemed to move. The light fell on Esgair's 
 head as she arose with new strength from the 
 earth. Already a solemn stillness hushed the grief 
 of her pale features and a new expression beamed 
 from her pure face. 
 
 " Heaven guard and guide thee, my babe," she 
 said, and placing him tenderly in his nurse's arms, 
 turned to Llewellyn imploring him to wish her 
 farewell. He approached and wildly cast his 
 arms around her the strong passions of earth 
 still raged uncontrolled in his unchastened bosom 
 but she slowly disengaged herself from his de- 
 spairing caress and hopefully trod the brief steps 
 that divided her from the heavenly visitant. The 
 angel took her by the hand- once more with over- 
 flowing tenderness she waved adieu to her husband, 
 and ere the awestruck Llewelyn could move from 
 where he stood, the red sun disappeared with a 
 sudden dip behind the distant island. With him
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 83 
 
 also, alas ! were gone the last faint traces of that 
 pathway of light, wherein had moved, but a moment 
 before, those bright blessed forms, connecting earth 
 with the upper world. 
 
 Breaking from his trancelike despair, Llewelyn 
 madly rushed to the water's brink and again and 
 again strove to end his miserable existence by 
 flinging himself into the gloomy sea. But his 
 people restrained him, and the nurse brought the 
 little Rhiwallon to his side. The unhappy father 
 turned to look on his child, then with renewed 
 agony, as he remembered how he had for ever 
 deprived that tender nursling of a mother's care, 
 he groaned aloud and smote his hands wildly 
 together. But now, through the quiet evening air 
 calm and serene like dew on the parched and 
 weary herb, was borne this soothing message from 
 invisible realms : 
 
 Farewell to the home of my brief mortal years, 
 Farewell to the valley of sunshine and tears. 
 Now over our castle on Arvon's pale shore 
 The waters of Meinai shall surge evermore. 
 Llyn Idwyl ! sleep calmly thou desolate lake. 
 Dark Glydirs ! no Esgair your echoes shall wake. 
 But mourn not, Llewelyn, the fate of thy love, 
 She smiles still upon thee from regions above. 
 Arise and walk onward, nor idly repine, 
 A mission that angels might sigh for is thine, 
 To guide and to shelter through life's opening days 
 RhiwalJon, whose future all Cymri shall praise. 
 
 G 2
 
 84 ESGAIR: 
 
 The Spirit Divine hath inclined to my voice, 
 And parents and kindred around me rejoice. 
 My fate is accomplished the spell overcome, 
 And Paradise opens to Rhuddlan a home. 
 
 The sudden shadow that had followed sunset 
 now gave way to gorgeous colouring. From the 
 closed western portals of the day emerged rich 
 waving lines of gold and roseate hue, and spread 
 far overhead. Behind the distant islands where 
 the sun had disappeared glowed an atmosphere of 
 living amber. For a brief moment the gates of 
 Paradise were indeed " standing ajar " to receive 
 the now immortal Esgair and her long lost kindred. 
 
 Awhile the watchers on the shore continued on 
 their knees hoping once more to see that heavenly 
 visitant or hear again the soul-stirring voice that 
 had fallen from unseen lips. At last one by one 
 they arose, and gazing seawards by the waning 
 light beheld the broad band of waters still 
 covering the fertile plains, the green meadows, 
 and the unfinished castle. Little rippling waves 
 broke at their feet and marked the boundary line, 
 where to this day, the waves surge and swell be- 
 tween the mighty Penmaens upon the Cambrian 
 Coast. 
 
 At this moment Gwynneth arrived breathless in 
 their midst and joined her lamentations to those
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 
 
 of the little babe, who, missing his mother, bewailed 
 her loss in heart-rending tones. 
 
 The workmen now turned to seek a night's 
 lodging where they could, for their temporary 
 dwellings had shared the fate of the more lordly 
 castle. Llewelyn, still carrying his child, motioned 
 to his mother to draw somewhat aside, and as 
 they slowly remounted the hill, frequently paus- 
 ing to cast wistful glances around, and to strain 
 their eyes in vain toward the fading west, he 
 related to her the various occurrences of that 
 fatal day and repeated the farewell words of his 
 lost wife. " Hear me, mother," exclaimed he, 
 as they gained the door of the shieling ; " by 
 the remembrance of my Esgair's pure and holy 
 life, I devote myself henceforth to the fulfilment 
 of her behest, and while life and strength remain 
 I promise so to cherish and bring up our child 
 (aided by heavenly power) that he shall renew 
 the memory of his sainted mother, and become 
 the benefactor of mankind." 
 
 Clasping the babe closer in his arms he turned 
 to enter at the lowly door, but with a cry of joy 
 the infant stretched out its little arms, and lo ! soft 
 and pure in the western sky gleamed through the 
 dusk the gentle Evening Star. Then Llewelyn knew 
 in his heart that his vow had been heard, and
 
 86 
 
 ESGAIR : 
 
 that an angel spirit shone approval of his humble 
 resolution. 
 
 With mournful resignation, aided by his mother 
 and cheered by the ministrations of the good 
 Father Tudno, Llewelyn passed the remainder of 
 his days in the careful up-bringing of his son. 
 They never returned to the Castle of the Lakes. 
 For at daybreak on the morning which succeeded 
 Esgair's translation, a messenger arrived footsore 
 and weary bringing strange tidings of devastation. 
 As the last stroke of midnight clanged from the castle 
 clock the whole mighty fabric disappeared, and 
 with it the numerous servants, the fleet steeds, 
 and the fabulous wealth which Esgair's bridal night 
 had brought to Llewelyn. 
 
 Gwynneth and Llewelyn now fixed their abode 
 on the giant slopes of Penmaenmaur, and often 
 at sunset the father was seen pointing up the 
 golden pathway and watching with his little son 
 for the first pale ray of the Evening Star. 
 
 Rhiwallon grew and flourished apace. His was 
 a fearless nature. He loved the sea, the hills, 
 the birds, and the flowers. His childish brow 
 only became clouded with pain or sorrow for the 
 sufferings of man and beast, which even in earliest 
 boyhood he ever yearned to alleviate. 
 
 When still an infant he was often found with a
 
 THE BRIDE OF LLYN IDWYL. 87 
 
 sweet smile upon his countenance, and in after 
 years could recall the dim vision of an angel form 
 that bent over and lulled him in his dreams, but 
 was ever absent when he awoke. Gwynneth and 
 Llewelyn were long spared to foster his awakening 
 talents, and ere they were gathered to their fathers 
 the name of Rhiwallon had become a household 
 word, for the sweet songs of the gentle bard are 
 to this day remembered and sung wherever the 
 Cymri tongue is known and loved. 1 
 
 1 Founded on an old Welsh legend. There is a submerged half-built 
 castle between Penmaenmaur and Penmaenbach, which can be seen 
 at low tides.
 
 EOTHWALD: THE YOUNG 
 SCULPTOR.
 
 EOTHWALD: THE YOUNG 
 SCULPTOR. 
 
 IT will not surprise you, dear children, to learn that 
 after Hans Christian Andersen wrote his touching 
 story of " The Little Mermaid," the whole world 
 sighed with a strong desire to behold the true like- 
 ness of that loving and lovely heroine. 
 
 Painters and sculptors wandered anxiously by the 
 sea-shore ; not alone in Denmark, but in many other 
 countries, seeking thus to obtain a glimpse of one of 
 the mermaidens whose whole race has been for ever 
 immortalized by the gentle Dane longing to depict 
 on canvas, or to carve in marble, the fair lineaments 
 of the faithful sea-child who gave her voice and her 
 life for the Prince she loved. 
 
 Now for successive ages it has been well known 
 among the denizens of the ocean that trouble and 
 misfortune must certainly fall on the mermaiden who
 
 92 EOTHWALD: 
 
 should visit the shore too frequently, or permit her 
 likeness to be taken in any form whatsoever. 
 
 Long, long ago, the most beautiful of the sea- 
 nymphs rose in her gambols to the surface of the 
 billows ; and as in those days mermaids wore no tails, 
 and were consequently unable to steer themselves 
 properly, she was carried on shore by the force of the 
 waves, where such was the confusion caused by her 
 charms, that gods and goddesses themselves quar- 
 relled about her, and artists in their enthusiasm 
 neglected everything else to depict in all its bewil- 
 dering beauty the sea-born loveliness of " Aphrodite." 
 Great was the indignation excited by the appearance 
 of this fair interloper in the aerial courts, and 
 " Here," the Queen of Olympus, persuaded her hus- 
 band, the awful " Jove," to issue a decree ordaining 
 that henceforth and for evermore all mermaidens 
 should bear long tails ; thus confining their dan- 
 gerous influence to their own native element ; and 
 furthermore forbidding them, on pain of severest 
 penalties, to hold communication with the inhabitants 
 of earth or sky. 
 
 Though centuries have rolled away, this dread 
 command is still remembered and obeyed, and hence 
 the extreme difficulty experienced by those whose 
 artistic longings had been kindled afresh by the 
 glowing descriptions of the sweet Danish writer,
 
 THE YOUNG SCULPTOR. 93 
 
 One golden evening during the brief but glorious 
 northern summer, the young sculptor, Eothwald, 
 after a weary day of unavailing search for the 
 far-famed mermaidens, threw himself down on the 
 soft grass by a river's side, and lulled by the soft 
 ceaseless murmur of the rushing waters, sank into 
 deep dreamless sleep. As the drowsiness of fatigue 
 wore itself away, he became gradually conscious of 
 ravishing strains of music, and rousing himself half 
 awakened to listen to the dulcet sounds, he still heard 
 the harmonious cadences of some stringed instrument 
 swell and thrill in tones of unearthly beauty. 
 
 Eothwald arose softly from his grassy couch, and 
 stole noiselessly along. Keeping himself carefully 
 concealed behind rocks and brushwood, he followed 
 the sound, till at a bend of the stream he beheld the 
 young river god Nacken, seated at the entrance to a 
 grotto, playing and singing to his harp strains of 
 heaven-born music ; while, bathed in the evening 
 sunshine, and with their arms lovingly intertwined, 
 there on the surface of the water, in rapt attention, 
 floated the lovely mermaiden sisters, Duva and 
 Himinglafa, unsuspicious of danger, and forgetful of 
 all else, for the spell of love's magic numbers hung 
 over them and rivetted their attention. 
 
 The inspired Nacken continued his impas- 
 sioned lay ; the blushing Himinglafa, to whom his
 
 94 EOTHWALD 
 
 song of homage was addressed, shook her long 
 chestnut tresses until they formed a veil around her, 
 and laid her soft cheek on the shoulder of the in- 
 nocent Duva, who, childlike, wondered at her 
 sister's excess of emotion. 
 
 A while Eothwald remained motionless, over- 
 whelmed by the beauty of the scene, but soon the 
 surpassing loveliness of the sea-sisters fired his 
 artistic mind with keen ardour ; he felt within him- 
 self that could he but reproduce these enchanting 
 forms in marble, he would die content. He 
 resolved to seek his home, and return thence pro- 
 vided with all the necessary materials for working. 
 He had noticed during his wanderings, not far from 
 this very spot, a cave, where he fancied he could work 
 undisturbed. The clay by this river being famous 
 for its plastic properties, it would be easy for him to 
 model by day concealed from all beholders, and at 
 eventide to steal forth unobserved, and gain new 
 ideas of beauty from the fair sisters now before him. 
 
 As he silently pondered and matured this plan, a 
 silvery voice was heard afar, and, quick as light, Duva 
 and Himinglafa sprang away through the darkening 
 waters at their mother's call, while Nacken, carrying 
 his harp with him, abruptly disappeared within the 
 shadowy entrance of the grotto. 
 
 Darkness came suddenly on ; the river, cold and
 
 THE YOUNG SCULPTOR. 93 
 
 black, ran past Eothwald with sullen murmurings ; 
 the wild owl swept close by where he stood, brushing 
 his face with her wing, and uttering her desolate cry. 
 The startled scnlptor well-nigh missed his footing, 
 and only escaped falling into the stream by catching 
 hold of the boughs above his head. But undismayed 
 and undaunted, he groped his way successfully out 
 of the wood, and then hastened cheerfully home- 
 wards, light-hearted and content ; for what were 
 darkness, danger, or fatigue ? The quenchless fire of 
 genius burned within his breast ; the long dreamt-of 
 ideal was no longer a faint, far-off vision, but had 
 become to him a reality of dazzling beauty. 
 
 Ere daylight returned Eothwald had been to his 
 home and informed his old housekeeper that he 
 was bound for a few days' trip into the country. 
 He put together his working tools, and having at 
 her earnest request taken some provisions in his 
 knapsack, he swallowed a hasty meal, and before 
 the sun was yet high in the heavens, was already 
 ensconced in the cave and fast asleep in its welcome 
 shade, after all the fatigue and excitement of the 
 last few but eventful hours. 
 
 And now night after night, sheltered by brush- 
 wood, rock, and fern, the enthusiastic youth engraved 
 on his heart the exquisite beauty of those fair 
 denizens of the sea ; nay more, in the ardour of
 
 96 EOTHWALD : 
 
 his pursuit he became himself enamoured of the 
 lovely childlike Duva. Often while Nacken and 
 Himinglafa held sweet converse together, their com- 
 panion unobserved would float silently nearer and 
 nearer to the shore. Sometimes she amused herself 
 by twining long wreaths of the ferns and creepers 
 which hung over the river bank. Sometimes she 
 laughingly lifted small silvery fish from their holes 
 beneath the bank ; then remembering that air to 
 them was death, she would place them gently once 
 more in their native element, and smiling, watch 
 their playful movements when they frisked around 
 her, as if in gratitude, before they swam away. 
 Sometimes flinging her long tresses of hair over 
 the grass by the river margin, clasping her hands 
 above her head, reposing half on land and half on 
 water, she would lie with all a maiden's dreamy 
 thoughts of the unknown future, her clear blue eyes 
 fixed on the starry vault above, her every action a 
 study of grace and poetry, until Himinglafa's soft 
 summons roused her, when springing again into life 
 and motion, the agile Duva excited new admiration in 
 the sculptor's mind as with the swiftness of a startled 
 bird she flitted across the water and disappeared with 
 her sweet sister beneath the briny wave. 
 
 It is not given to me to say how Duva and Eoth- 
 wald first became acquainted ; but it is certain that
 
 THE YOUNG SCULPTOR. 97 
 
 before the young sculptor had spent many nights by 
 the water's side, that innocent child of the sea grew 
 to know what it was that made the long hours pass 
 so swiftly to Himinglafa and Nacken, when they 
 were together ; for a feeling hitherto unknown sprang 
 up within her own simple breast, and taught her to 
 welcome with beating heart the appearance of her 
 new friend. 
 
 What long happy hours they passed together by 
 starlight and moonlight on that river brink ! How 
 endless were the words they had to say to each other 
 in those stolen interviews ! and yet, though all seemed 
 so untroubled, a secret care disturbed the peace of 
 either loving bosom. It is true that Duva had at- 
 tempted to lighten hers by confiding it to her lover, 
 for early in their acquaintance she told him that she 
 longed to whisper in her mother's ear the story of her 
 Eothwald, and to find in the majestic Ran's motherly 
 bosom a soft pillow whereon to still the flutterings of 
 her awakened heart ; but in tones of displeasure the 
 young sculptor chid her childlike impulse, and went 
 so far as to threaten that should she ever breathe 
 to her family the fact of his existence, he could 
 never seek her more. 
 
 Chilled and frightened at hearing Eothwald address 
 her in accents such as he had never used before, the 
 gentle Duva tearfully promised to comply with his 
 
 H
 
 EOTHWALD: 
 
 request, and to conceal from all the knowledge of 
 her earthly lover. But the concealment preyed on 
 her mind, and though in his presence she forgot all 
 save the bliss of being beloved, yet she had for ever 
 lost the joyous serenity of her early youth ; while 
 the very look which roused her watchful mother's 
 anxiety, gave her in her lover's eye, a more etherial 
 air of languor and grace. 
 
 Eothwald's secret care was widely different : he 
 knew that his Duva might in some terrible unknown 
 manner have to suffer for his love ; but his anxiety 
 was lest he should not succeed in obtaining her per- 
 fect likeness, and thence partly came his reluctance 
 to allow her to speak of him to her people. He made 
 sure they would remind her of the perils of holding 
 intercourse with mankind, and probably put a com- 
 plete stop to their clandestine meetings, now only 
 carried on undei the shadow of the more legitimate 
 attachment of Himinglafa and Nacken. 
 
 While the inexperienced Duva only knew and felt 
 she loved, the more worldly Eothwald gazed upon 
 her with a critical and artistic eye, and often sent 
 a chill of cold presentiment to her very heart's core, 
 when to her gentlest words he vouchsafed no answer ; 
 but, absently scanning her perfect form, would strive 
 to compare and calculate in his mind the accuracy 
 of his progressing model in the cave.
 
 THE YOUNG SCULPTOR. 99 
 
 He found it easy to obtain Duva's compliance with 
 all his requests save one ; but it was for long in vain 
 that he besought her to leave her watery home. 
 Many a time and oft they parted almost in anger, 
 and the poor little sea-nymph more than once weep- 
 ingly entreated him sooner to quit her for ever, 
 and go back to his own kith and kind. But Eoth- 
 wald always returned afresh to the charge, for, be- 
 sides his real attachment to the gentle maid herself, 
 he knew that could he but once behold her fair 
 proportions near him in the cave, he could success- 
 fully finish his now nearly completed model ; and, 
 by imparting to it those life-like touches which 
 alone it required, he would be enabled to give to 
 the world for the first time the perfect image of a 
 mermaiden. With true artistic fervour he forgot his 
 mortal love in the eager pursuit of his immortal art, 
 and, brought completely to a standstill by the haras- 
 sing intensity of his longing to have the living form 
 at hand to aid him in his work, he grew so unkind 
 towards Duva that with saddened heart the poor 
 child promised to comply with his prayer, and 
 arranged to accompany him through the wood the 
 following night, when the yellow harvest moon 
 would reign in her fullest beauty. 
 
 Words cannot paint the overflowing sorrow that op- 
 pressed the pale mermaiden's heart that eventful day 
 
 H 2
 
 EOTHWALD: 
 
 as she joined her parents and sisters, for what an in- 
 ward voice told her, was the last time. Old Agir, 
 her father, gathered her to his bosom, and pressed his 
 little Duva to tell her trouble, but with a forced 
 smile she first nestled closer to that protecting shoulder 
 and then sprang half sobbing away, and they thought 
 she grieved over the approaching bridals of Nacken 
 and Himinglafa and the prospect of losing her 
 favourite sister. 
 
 The wild young Kolga blew through her shell, and 
 in her efforts to cheer Duva made such a bubbling 
 amid the water, that people passing in boats far above 
 the sea-king's palace, paused on their oars to watch 
 the agitated surface and thought they had discovered 
 a new ocean spring. 
 
 Hairing and Blodughadda caressed their little sister 
 and playfully asked her to choose whether they should 
 all wear coral or pearls at Himinglafa's wedding, but 
 with trembling lip she turned away, unable to trust 
 her voice in answer to their laughing affection, and 
 for the first time they deemed their pet Duva was 
 sullen. Ah ! how little they knew the aching throbs 
 of pain that strangled her sweet voice and silenced 
 their sorrow-stricken playmate. 
 
 At last the hour of sunset drew near. Together, as 
 usual, Himinglafa and Duva rose to the surface of 
 the darkening ocean, and soon were greeted by the
 
 THE YOUNG SCULPTOR. 101 
 
 entrancing strains of Nacken's harp. Slowly Duva dis- 
 engaged herself from her sister's embrace and lingered 
 long near the companion, till now the sharer of every 
 joy or care. But time's relentless wheel rolled on, and 
 through the woods by the river's brink gleamed the 
 golden radiance of the harvest moon, as the mermaiden 
 at length approached the shore where her lover kept 
 anxious watch. With joyful eagerness Eothwald 
 greeted her, and in low trembling tones whispered 
 loving thanks into her ear ; even then Duva would 
 have withdrawn her consent, but the impatient Eoth- 
 wald, without pausing, threw his strong arms around 
 her, raised his beloved burden from the glittering 
 water, and bore her swiftly towards the cave. 
 
 A feeling of deadly sickness came over the little 
 sea-maid as she was thus lifted from her native 
 element, but the soothing words of her lover infused 
 new life into her fainting frame, and in safety they 
 reached the cave, where Eothwald joyfully deposited 
 his lovely charge on the couch he had so long prepared 
 for her use. 
 
 Uttering but scant welcome the sculptor flew 
 rapidly to his work, for already fatigue and ex- 
 haustion clouded the sweet eyes, that were wont to 
 sparkle so merrily, and spread a new languor over 
 the limbs of his exquisite model. With passionate 
 energy Eothwald moulded his plastic clay, completely
 
 EOTHWALD; 
 
 forgetting in his ardour the unwonted position of 
 the sea-king's daughter, arid her need of watchful 
 tenderness. 
 
 A stranger in a new and untried world a timid 
 maiden strayed for the first time far beyond the pro- 
 tecting care of parents and brethren, the little Duva 
 reclined amazed upon her fragrant bed of leaves. 
 Strange thrills were sent through her by the strong 
 night perfumes exhaled on every side from earthly 
 leaf, tree, and flower. 
 
 At last she was upon that land about which from 
 childhood she had dreamed, with an eager desire to 
 explore its forbidden mysteries. But she thought 
 not of these things, her whole heart was absorbed in 
 Eothwald. The young sculptor no longer gazed on 
 her with the melting eye of love. By the flickering 
 light of the torch which shed its ruddy glow over 
 the cave, she could perceive the artist's glance now 
 fixed on his clay figure, now turned upon herself 
 with a searching look of restless dissatisfaction 
 due in reality to the shortcomings of his own handi- 
 work, but which chilled and saddened Duva's sensi- 
 tive heart 
 
 Again and again the gentle maiden nerved her 
 voice to speak, but faintness overpowered her, and a 
 dreamless sleep already fanned her with its over- 
 shadowing wings. Eothwald's form swam magnified
 
 TffiS YOUNG SCULPTOR. 103 
 
 before her eyes, and then vanished altogether amid 
 the mist of gathering tears. -The cave grew dim 
 the little sea-child again beheld the palace of her 
 father her lovely sisters waved a mute welcome 
 through the changing atmosphere. With the tre- 
 mulous sigh of a repentant child that has erred, 
 but returns with glad sorrow to fling itself on its 
 mother's breast, Duva, forgetting all save that joyful 
 vision, stretched? forth her innocent arms with a low 
 murmur of tenderness, and a gesture of delight. 
 
 " Can you not remain as I placed you ? " im- 
 patiently muttered the sculptor, as the sudden move- 
 ment of Duva's arms altered her whole position, and 
 lost irretrievably the graceful attitude he was striving 
 faithfully to immortalise. Even as he spoke, some- 
 thing about his beloved alarmed him ; he rushed 
 across the cave, but ere he could touch her, Duva's 
 fair form had disappeared she was gone! 
 
 The red torch flickered high, and suddenly ex- 
 pired. The moon's ray, cold and pale, penetrated 
 within the cave, and lo ! upon the spot so lately 
 pressed by the enchanting figure of the poor little 
 stranger, pure and transparent in the silvery light, 
 glistened a white pearly shell, while a tiny rivulet 
 stole silently from beneath it, and trickled into 
 the moonlit glen without. 
 
 Eothwald threw himself wildly on his knees, and
 
 104 EOTHWALD: 
 
 felt the couch all over in vain in vain ! then in 
 desperation he fled out into the wood and searched 
 for his lost love, breathing her name in fondest 
 accents through the silence of the night, but alas ! 
 awakening no response from the desolate solitudes 
 around him. Wearied and heart-broken he returned 
 at length from his fruitless errand, and sank into 
 heavy slumber. 
 
 Hours had passed unheeded away, when with 
 troubled recollection he awoke and sprang to his 
 feet. Gradually he remembered that in his dreams 
 Duva had again appeared to him. With bitter tears 
 she sorrowfully told him that his own thoughtless 
 actions had parted them. He first tempted her by 
 mortal love to deceive and leave her fond parents 
 and her beloved home ; then as he moulded his 
 clay from her beautiful form, in the self-abstraction 
 of genius, he half forgot her sacrifice, and neglected 
 her tender spirit Wounded and unable to struggle 
 against her altered condition of life without the 
 comforting care of her mortal lover, she had fallen 
 a victim to the law that ruled supreme over herself 
 and her kindred, and lost her visible shape, which 
 became again transformed into the water, whence it 
 originally sprang. With streaming eyes she waved a 
 long farewell, then, lovely as a morning dream, faded 
 from his view.
 
 THE YOUNG SCULPTOR. 105 
 
 Eothwald flew back to his work with fierce energy ; 
 he felt indeed a high soaring ambition. He yearned 
 to represent worthily, to this and future generations, 
 the fair lineaments, the tender immortal beauty of the 
 sea-king's daughter, who had given him her simple 
 young heart, and whose affection he had so rudely 
 requited. A solemn inward voice told him he had 
 no time to spend in useless remorse, or in unavail- 
 ing lamentation. Death's shadowy finger already 
 beckoned him to the "silent land." Grief had snapped 
 the first chord of life's hitherto sweet melody, and 
 his days on earth were numbered. 
 
 He returned in a short space to his native city. 
 His half-finished work was slowly removed to the 
 studio. There by day and by night he laboured 
 almost ceaselessly, and wove into a wild poetical 
 dream the young life of the fair Duva and her 
 family, as she herself in days gone by had fre- 
 quently, half romancing and half in earnest, described 
 it to him. 
 
 He designed a lofty fountain, and upon its six 
 sides placed in groups of wondrous imagery her par- 
 ents, their nine lovely daughters, and the young 
 river-god Nacken, whose strains had first led him 
 to his beloved. As in his lonely studio he cease- 
 lessly toiled, he wrote down at intervals this expla- 
 nation of his labours that to all futurity might be
 
 io6 EOniWALD: 
 
 known the names and history of those whose divine 
 beauty he thus strove to commemorate. 1 
 
 "Agir, the ocean god, who hates mankind, I re- 
 present in the prime of life, with a long flowing 
 beard, which he holds back with one hand, in the 
 other he grasps a sceptre. Enthroned on a gigantic 
 shell, and planting his foot on a dolphin, his hand- 
 some features wear an expression of proud disdain. 
 
 " When the winter has passed (as our Northern 
 poets have sung) and the May sun melts the ice, 
 the ships in the harbour lift their anchors ready 
 to sail, and only the wind is wanting. Thereupon 
 Agir (who delights in punishing the pride of man- 
 kind by robbing them of their treasures taking 
 husbands from their homes, their wives, and their 
 children, and drowning the mourners in floods of 
 bitter tears) calls to his youngest daughter Kolga to 
 begin the sport. 
 
 " In the next shell-like division of the fountain, 
 I place Kolga, who, with short rough hair and 
 hoydenish action, distends to the full her rosy 
 cheeks as she blows through the valves of her shell 
 a soft, seductive wind, sufficient to swell the sails, 
 and tempt the ill-fated ships to sea. Above her, 
 
 1 The description of the different groups represented on the fountain, 
 is taken from a beautiful work of art, designed and executed by Molin, 
 a young Swedish sculptor of great promise, now dead
 
 THE YOUNG SCULPTOR. 107 
 
 shrouded in her long veil, is the mysterious and 
 majestic Ran (Agir's princely consort, and the 
 anxious mother of his many children). She en- 
 courages Ronn, her second youngest, who gently 
 and drearningly along the blue ripples stirs the first 
 breath on the calm waters. Hafring, Unn, and 
 Bylgia, with the little water-elves and sprites, help 
 to raise the swelling seas until the waves are moun- 
 tains high. 
 
 " Then the hard-hearted and vindictive Boara (once 
 scorned and deserted by a mortal lover) crushes the 
 prows to atoms. She delights in the destruction of 
 human handiwork, and is therefore portrayed with a 
 sternly beautiful though cruel countenance. Next 
 Agir calls on Blodughadda, enveloped in her long 
 flowing tresses, to descend through the deeper waters 
 and secure the ships' rich treasures, for no lock or 
 key any longer protects them. 
 
 " But the fond father misses his favourite children, 
 Himinglafa and Duva ; he loudly calls on Ran to tell 
 him where they are. ' Alas,' answers his queen, ' our 
 daughters are held captive in the web of Nacken ; 
 up there, on the fresh water-stream, they float, like 
 one charmed, listening to his melodious song. I 
 have begged and threatened, but all in vain. Me- 
 thinks one or both of them is befooled by first love.' 
 
 " Then Agir arose in fearful rage, calling upon
 
 loS KOTHWALD : 
 
 his remaining daughters to entice Nacken forth from 
 the precincts of his grotto (which, being in fresh 
 water, was beyond the sea-king's domain) into the 
 deep ocean, there to take him captive, and deliver 
 their sisters from his thraldom. 
 
 " So they all float on, displaying their charms like 
 roses and lilies playing on the waters : their beauti- 
 ful dishevelled hair, their graceful forms, their coral 
 chains, their strings of pearls, triumphantly making 
 sure of enticing the hapless youth into the salt waters. 
 But no sooner have they reached the entrance to the 
 grotto, than behold ! a youth, divinely beautiful, is 
 seen. Harp in hand, he sings a soft, melancholy 
 strain with the purest of voices. The beauteous 
 sisters, scarce moving, tarry on the heaving waters, 
 and listen, entranced, to his heart-thrilling song. 
 
 "Awakening from his own love-dreams as he marks 
 the approach of Himinglafa's lovely sisters, the young 
 river-god sings of his happy youth, when amid green 
 meadows, and under verdant trees, he listened to the 
 melodies of birds, and learnt from them the sweet art 
 of song until, restless and eager for change, he wan- 
 dered forth from his early home into the wide world, 
 with endless longing for the unattainable. To punish 
 his presumption, he was at length condemned only 
 to exist in water, and became the genius of running 
 streams. Thus he pours out his lament in strains so
 
 THE YOUNG SCULPTOR. 109 
 
 moving, that even the wild swan is arrested in her 
 flight, and the daughters of Agir, deeply enthralled, 
 heedless of their parents' call to action, remain 
 motionless before the grotto, allowing ships and 
 mariners to sail by in perfect calm. 
 
 " At length, Agir and Ran, angry and impatient, 
 hasten towards them, when, enchanted like their 
 children, by Nacken's exquisite lay, they also remain 
 to listen, forgetful of the time and of the passing 
 hours, till daylight breaks suddenly upon them. 
 The relentless laws of fate forbidding their escape 
 (if found within fresh water at sunrise), they all 
 then become spell-bound." 
 
 Such was the description Eothwald wrote of his 
 wondrous fountain, on which Nacken still dreams 
 on, harp in hand, singing of the days of yore. The 
 beautiful Himinglafa leans forward, modestly draw- 
 ing her long tresses across her white shoulders, 
 drinking in, with downcast eyes, every intonation 
 of her betrothed. The child-like Duva, adorned as 
 when the sculptor first beheld her, with long strands 
 of priceless pearls intertwined on hair, neck, and 
 bosom, raises herself from the water in the attitude 
 he had studied a thousand times, and half surrounds 
 her beloved sister with her arm, listening intently, as 
 on that well-remembered evening, to Nacken's heart- 
 thrilling music. No shadow of future sorrow clouds
 
 EOTHWALD: 
 
 Duva's fair brow ; but moulded in all the fresh inno- 
 cence of her dewy youth, she remains to this hour the 
 loveliest mermaiden that ever gladdened mortal eye. 
 
 The shell she left upon the couch of leaves, the 
 artist introduced again and again in his labour of 
 love, and indeed took from its shape the designs for 
 the six sides of his fountain, the figures on which 
 were the size of life. 
 
 At last the story of Duva's early life was given. 
 Raised from ocean, cavern, and grotto by Eothwald's 
 genius, her family were immortalized by his art. 
 The sculptor's task was completed. In a paroxysm 
 of agony, he fell on his knees as he realized that 
 though instinct with life his inspired work arose in 
 all its chill perfection before him, yet the living, 
 loving, lovely mermaiden would never more greet 
 him with her warm, shy smile, and her low, tender 
 voice. 
 
 At daybreak the old housekeeper came to light 
 the studio fire; for it was now winter-time, and the 
 snow lay thick upon the ground. By the first dim 
 ray of light she descried Eothwald kneeling before his 
 finished sculpture. Her heart misgave her ; he was her 
 foster-child dear to her as her own. She stumbled 
 forward and touched his arm ; it was cold and motion- 
 less as his own marble figures. Then a loud cry of 
 grief told the tale of death. Eothwald was no more.
 
 THE YOUNG SCULPTOR. 
 
 His immortal spirit had fled. Whether in the regions 
 of the unknown invisible world he may once more 
 meet and clasp his Duva to his breast by the blessed 
 waters of Paradise, we cannot tell, but such may be 
 the merciful will of that loving Father who watches 
 unceasingly over the creatures of his hand, and feels 
 a divine sympathy in their sorrows. 
 
 One of Eothwald's hands rested on the word Duva, 
 which he had finished chiselling beneath his beauteous 
 beloved. In his other hand was found, fast clasped 
 so fast indeed that they could not remove it from 
 his stiffened fingers a gleaming white pearly shell.
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA.
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 ONCE within a deep and gloomy forest there dwelt a 
 lonely maiden. She had never known any com- 
 panionship but that of nature, animate and inanimate. 
 She loved the birds, the shy playful squirrels, and all 
 the various animals, which having always known her 
 there, friendly and harmless, regarded her in their 
 turn, with trustful affection. 
 
 It made no difference in their feelings towards the 
 young girl that she was not beautiful. Her thick 
 sandy hair hung in coarse straight elf locks on her 
 shoulders. Her skin looked rough, and her features 
 were not prepossessing. But these poor ignorant 
 creatures only noticed that her voice was low and 
 exceeding sweet. When she stooped to fondle the 
 frolicsome rabbits, or perchance to bind up the leg 
 of some wounded hare, they thought her tender 
 fingers wondrous soft, and her warm cheek felt 
 very smooth to them as she pressed it against their 
 furry coats, and pettingly coaxed them to linger a 
 moment on her lap. 
 
 I 2
 
 ii6 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 Strange to say, though the little maid had no 
 distinct remembrance of human fellowship, yet she 
 spoke in silvery tones a language which you or I, 
 dear children, should very well understand. 
 
 She dwelt in the hollow of an old tree, and few 
 were the wants of her simple life. A clear spring, 
 bubbling up among the rocks near at hand, in the 
 centre of an open grassy space, formed a natural 
 bath, where every morning, undisturbed by fear of 
 man, she bathed herself, and wrung the water from 
 her dripping tresses. 
 
 In summer time she often slept high up between 
 the forked branches of a mighty cedar-pine, where 
 with sticks and long grass she had woven herself a 
 sort of nest. From hence also she could contem- 
 plate the stars, between whom and herself there ever 
 seemed a link of sympathy. To her untaught 
 imagination it appeared that the heavenly luminaries 
 \vere happy in being among others of their kind. 
 Whereas, had she but known it, each one of those 
 seemingly tiny lights glowed myriads of miles apart 
 from its nearest neighbour. 
 
 Fidunia dwelt serene, content with her lot ; yet it 
 was only natural that in her maturing bosom the 
 yearning instincts of womanhood should awake, and 
 that she longed, with an intensity of which she herself 
 was hardly aware, for some creature to whom she
 
 FIDO AND FID UNI A . 117 
 
 could recount, and with whom she could share, the 
 pleasures and pains of her solitary life. 
 
 In the forest where she had her home there were 
 no great alternations of heat and cold, nor was the 
 length of the days so different as we find it in our 
 own more northerly climate. Still it was spring-time 
 in this land of which I speak. The far soft tread of 
 summer already sent a reviving thrill through the 
 woods and glades, and Fidunia's thoughts turned 
 anew to her forlorn condition. 
 
 She remarked, as was her wont, the habits of the 
 brute-world around. Every bird had its mate. The 
 sober rooks perambulated the green sward in pairs. 
 The thrush wooed his love in songs of gushing 
 melody. The tender turtle-doves cooed ceaselessly 
 to each other. The very mole that burrowed by 
 the fountain side, brought a sable bride to enjoy 
 with him the hidden comforts of his subterranean 
 dwelling. 
 
 Fidunia sat and pondered over these things. 
 Again and again she tried, like Narcissus, to see her 
 image in the crystal spring. But kind nature, 
 careful to spare the little maid a needless pang, 
 ruffled the translucent surface so perpetually, that 
 the young girl's face only cast a dancing shadow 
 on the bubbling water amid the rocks. 
 
 Baffled in her hopes of even a shadowy companion,
 
 n8 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 Fidunia, with a tear in her eye, murmured " Alone, 
 ever alone ! Ah, cruel fate ! How I sigh for some- 
 thing really to love me." 
 
 Awhile she remained motionless, gazing moodily 
 into the troubled spring, but anon her quick ear 
 caught the pattering sound of little feet upon the 
 dead beech-leaves that formed a rich carpet near at 
 hand. She thought it was the squirrels, yet theirs 
 was a bounding lighter tread. She turned and, lo ! 
 running towards her across the open space, she saw a 
 beautiful dog. In colour he was almost golden ; his 
 silky hair fell soft as feathery down on either side of 
 his little body. His tail and ears of darker chestnut 
 tinge imparted piquancy to his shape. His paws were 
 exquisitely clean, and covered with lovely hair. His 
 brilliant dark brown eyes shone with extraordinary 
 intelligence at least, so Fidunia thought as the 
 little fellow slowly trotted up and stood before her, 
 wagging his bushy tail. 
 
 " Art thou come to be my companion ? " the 
 maiden joyfully cried. In answer to her question, 
 the small quadruped came nearer still, and very very 
 gently laid himself down at her feet. His mute 
 gesture was most expressive. 
 
 Fidunia surveyed him carefully, she thought she saw 
 the marks of sadness in his wistful countenance he 
 gambolled not around her, nor attempted to lick her
 
 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 
 
 hand, but fixing on her his large anxious eyes, seemed 
 to implore permission to remain by her side. Natur- 
 ally fearless and fond of animals, Fidunia drew him 
 upon her knee, and gently stroking the while his 
 silky coat she asked him " whence he came, where 
 his home, and what his name." The little creature 
 could not reply in human tongue, but he continued 
 to wag his eloquent tail, and to gaze earnestly in 
 her face. 
 
 " If you are going to be my companion, I must 
 know what to call you," said the wondering maiden. 
 " My name is Fidunia," added she dreamily but 
 at this last word the dog sprang from her lap to 
 the ground, and assumed a begging attitude in front 
 of the little damsel. " Nay, nay, my dear doggie, I 
 cannot call you Fidunia," cried she, but, after a mo- 
 ment's reflection, " would not ' Fido ' do as well ? " 
 
 Hardly had this name dropped from her lips 
 than the wise animal bounded into the air, and then 
 ran round and round in a manner most expressive of 
 joy. Fidunia delighted, clapped her hands, and as at 
 this well-known signal all her feathered and furred 
 friends came trooping around to enquire her will, she 
 at once introduced Fido to their notice, and an 
 alliance offensive and defensive was forthwith agreed 
 upon between the community at large, and their 
 mistress's new favourite.
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 Ere long Fidunia discovered that her comrade 
 was both active and playful, and though he could 
 not speak her language nor she understand his, 
 and she therefore never discovered his previous 
 history, yet she surmised that he must have been 
 separated from some one he dearly loved. For this 
 reason she bore patiently with his occasional fits of 
 low spirits. Soothed and cheered by her gentle com- 
 panionship and thoughtful sympathy, Fido, before 
 very long forgot his sorrows, and became the gayest 
 of the gay. 
 
 Echoes hitherto unknown to Fidunia in the solemn 
 forest, were roused by his shrilly bark of joy, as 
 capering round his young mistress, they wandered 
 together far adown those sylvan glades. Fidunia 
 could now indeed venture farther from home, as 
 however long they roamed abroad, the dog's won- 
 drous instinct always led them back to the gnarled 
 tree, the crystal fountain, and the green velvety 
 lawn, for so many years the little maiden's happy 
 abode. 
 
 She soon discovered that Fido was very accom- 
 plished in various ways and she fancied also that 
 he understood all she said to him he watched so 
 keenly every word that fell from her lips. 
 
 About this time strange dreams began to haunt 
 the young girl. Night after night she wandered in
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 regions such as she never remembered to have seen 
 in her waking hours. 
 
 At one time she walked amid beautiful gardens 
 on either side of her bloomed a rich profusion of 
 lovely fragrant flowers. Within each sweet floweret 
 lurked a tiny elf, and as she passed along, fairies 
 swung themselves forth singing through the perfume 
 laden air in soft musical tones, " King Antiphates 
 is blind ! King Antiphates is blind ! and the maid 
 who alone can deliver him knows not her mission ! " 
 
 At another time she climbed painfully along a steep 
 path, leading through scenes perfectly unknown to her. 
 The hot sun beat on her bare head, and she toiled on 
 and on, ever ascending, yet never reaching the craggy 
 summit towering far above. Beneath her feet, an 
 unfathomable ocean surged and swelled, and broke 
 in hoarse grumblings upon the frowning iron-bound 
 shore, sending vast sheets of spray aloft, and awaken- 
 ing strange terrors in the woodland maiden's breast. 
 White screaming sea-birds dashed around her, and 
 as they brushed her face with their wings, she heard 
 them cry wildly " The great king is blind, only 
 Fidunia can deliver him but she knows it not ! she 
 knows it not ! " 
 
 Again the little maiden found herself upon a lonely 
 terrible mountain. She stood upon dismal rocks 
 whereon appeared no vestige of life. Tossed and
 
 FIDO AND FIDUN1A. 
 
 wreathed in fantastic shapes, the very stones seemed 
 to bear the impress of writhing agony. Though now 
 cold and motionless, they had passed through the 
 seething horrors of fire. Scathed and withered, 
 repulsive alike to man beast and herb, amid their 
 desolate clefts, only the slimy reptile traced his 
 sinuous course ; or the bright- eyed lizard peered 
 warily forth on the shuddering beholder. Turning to 
 escape, if possible, from this dreary place, Fidunia 
 found herself on the very verge of a huge chasm. She 
 felt a burning heat scorch her face, and penetrate her 
 feet Long tongues of horrid flame darted in lurid 
 flashes from the thick darkness below. A sulphurous 
 vapour enveloped her in its hot and suffocating fumes. 
 She endeavoured to cry for help, but could not utter 
 a sound an echo like the reverberating growl of 
 distant thunder filled the air around her with these 
 words, " He will never see now, for the maiden 
 dreams away her life in the forest, and knows not 
 that she alone can save him." 
 
 From this last and most frightful of all her visions, 
 Fidunia woke agitated and confused. Why were 
 words of the same import evermore repeated in her 
 slumbers ? Whence came these awful voices that 
 sounded through the gloom of night ? Who was the 
 Antiphates whose misfortune was known, as it seemed, 
 to all the world save herself? It was early morn-
 
 L
 
 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 123 
 
 ing as she sat up and pondered over these things. 
 Her feverish heart was refreshed by the dewy silence 
 around. Only through the trees came the faint 
 twitter of half awakened birds. The sky, brightening 
 towards the East, heralded the approach of sunrise. 
 
 Her resolve was taken. She would set off that very 
 day and journey forth into the unknown world which 
 hitherto she had only visited in dreams. She awoke 
 Fido therefore, and explained to him despite his 
 melancholy dissuading looks, that they must leave 
 the fountain, the lawn, and the tree, and travel far 
 beyond the forest to seek their fortunes among the 
 children of men. 
 
 Clapping her hands together, she summoned her 
 faithful forest friends, who sorrowfully accompanied 
 their beloved mistress and her companion as far as 
 their strength would permit, then bade them a 
 melancholy farewell. 
 
 Quite overcome by losing sight (perchance for ever) 
 of her sylvan home and her attached little subjects, 
 Fidunia that night sobbed herself to sleep, with Fido 
 in her arms, and half regretted her determination. 
 But in her dreams angels hovered over her, and 
 whispered encouragement to the weary sad-hearted 
 maiden. 
 
 For several days more the adventurers journeyed 
 through the dense wood. At night they found shelter
 
 124 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 .in some leaf-strewn cave or upon some mossy bank, 
 beneath over-arching trees. Then the innocent pair, 
 under the protection of heaven, slumbered until day's 
 reviving beams once more cheered them on their way. 
 
 At length one afternoon they drew near the out- 
 skirts of the vast forest within whose mighty depths 
 they had so long sojourned. The setting sun reddened 
 the stems of the tall out-standing firs, and the scent 
 of fallen pine leaves hung rich and heavy on the air, 
 as they left the shade of the trees and stepped on to 
 a wide stretching common. 
 
 Fidunia, bewildered by the apparently illimitable 
 space before her, stopped perplexed and half wished 
 to retrace her steps ; but Fido bounded on, entreating 
 her by unmistakeable signs to follow him. 
 
 After crossing some old sand-pits, and scrambling 
 across an expanse of furze and heather, they saw 
 before them a small cottage ; blue smoke curled 
 cosily above it into the still evening sky; an atmo- 
 sphere of peace seemed to surround the lowly walls. 
 As they approached, however, a large flock of geese 
 and poultry of all kinds, disturbed by their footsteps, 
 made a terrible cackling, and presently a hale old 
 woman opened the door, and came out to see what 
 agitated her flock. 
 
 Fidunia, accustomed to the ways of birds, had al- 
 ready taken from her wallet some of the seeds she
 
 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 125 
 
 was wont to collect for her feathered forest friends. 
 The geese, well pleased, quickly gathered round, and 
 eagerly fed from her hand. 
 
 Meanwhile, Fido gambolled up to the cottage 
 dame, and begged before her as if to solicit her good- 
 will. Thus, propitiating mistress and fowls, the little 
 maid and her dog were kindly made welcome for the 
 night by the ancient hen-wife. 
 
 Next morning, refreshed and thankful, they pre- 
 pared to resume their journey. The good dame 
 now asked Fidunia her history, and whither she was 
 bound ; the young girl replied evasively that she 
 only wished to see the world, and was going with 
 her dog to seek their fortunes. 
 
 " Nay, my child, that is not all," said the old 
 woman ; " tell me, I pray you, the exact truth." 
 So saying, she fixed so keen, yet withal so friendly 
 a glance upon the maiden's blushing countenance, 
 that moved by a sudden impulse, Fidunia poured 
 forth her whole story. 
 
 Her hostess listened carefully to her long account, 
 and then resumed : " You have done well to con- 
 fide in me ; I am more powerful than my mean 
 surroundings would lead you to imagine. I would 
 fain have kept from you the dreams that have 
 broken the peaceful charm of the forest, and set 
 you wandering. I have, however, sisters who are
 
 126 FIDO AND FIDUN1A. 
 
 otherwise minded, and they (to work out their own 
 purposes) have sent these visions to harass and 
 perplex you. I was anxious to know how much 
 had been revealed, and therefore threw myself in 
 your way to help you. My intentions, however, 
 would have been frustrated had not you, dear 
 maiden, given me straightforward answers. 
 
 " The King Antiphates, of whom you have heard 
 in your dreams, dwells, in reality, in the great City 
 of Deva. You will come to it in time if you travel 
 along the high-road, which you can discover beyond 
 that clump of firs," continued she, pointing through 
 the open door to a little hill at some distance. " I 
 am unable to render you more assistance at present, 
 but if, after reaching the far-off city, you are ever 
 in great straits, take this crystal from your bosom 
 (where you must always carry it, concealed from 
 every eye, or it will lose its virtue) ; place it in 
 the palm of your hand, fix your eyes steadfastly 
 upon it, repeating, meanwhile, in a low tone, these 
 words : 
 
 " Strange gem ! upon thy crystal core 
 I gaze, the while I aid implore ; 
 Trembling upon the verge of fate, 
 Oh point my path ere yet too late ! 
 I fain would gain the boon I ask, 
 ' Is mine the strength for such a task ? 
 Canst thou unloose the links that bind, 
 Or vanquish powerful foes combined ?
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 127 
 
 Then, show whate'er there lurks of art 
 Within thine own mysterious heart ; 
 On thee I turn a hopeful eye, 
 Bright stone of silence, make reply ! " 
 
 So saying, she drew from her own breast a beautiful 
 sparkling prism, about the size of a pigeon's egg, 
 and gave it, with some solemnity of manner, to her 
 wondering guest. Deeply grateful, Fidunia threw 
 her arms round the kind Anna's neck, and warmly 
 thanked her for the precious talisman. With the 
 good woman's aid she then committed to memory 
 the needful lines. 
 
 When she had successfully mastered them, the 
 old wife drew her hand across her eyes, and re- 
 sumed, in a somewhat trembling tone, " I know 
 not wherefore you interest me so strangely, my 
 little maid ; but if you will be advised by one 
 who has drained the cup of earthly pleasure to 
 its very dregs, return, as yet innocent and inex- 
 perienced, with your faithful companion to the quiet 
 joys of your peaceful forest ; nor seek, amid the busy 
 haunts of men, those more exciting scenes where 
 many a grief and anxiety must of necessity be 
 yours." 
 
 She paused ; how could she cast a blight over the 
 joyousness of that poor unsuspecting heart by ex- 
 plaining to Fidunia that maidens, plain in feature,
 
 128 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 
 
 and devoid of dowry, have oftentimes, from no fault 
 of their own, but a sorry lot in this hard world com- 
 pared with that of their lovelier or more wealthy 
 sisters ? 
 
 Clothed in her long, grey dress, Fidunia still 
 knelt at Dame Anna's knee ; the light from the 
 cottage window fell full on her rough sunburnt 
 face; her straw-coloured hair contrasted unfavour- 
 ably with her dark reddish skin, and though her 
 eyes were in some measure expressive of the 
 gentle spirit within, yet their faint colour, and the 
 absence of visible eyebrow or eyelash, detracted 
 seriously from their possible charm. Her figure was 
 not ungraceful, but her strangely-fashioned robes 
 (which, prettily donned by some fairer being, could 
 have given a certain bizarre attraction of their own) 
 were but ill calculated to add comeliness to the young 
 girl's unformed limbs and tanned though shapely 
 hands. 
 
 As the compassionate dame hesitated, unwilling 
 to speak too bitterly to Fidunia of nature's apparent 
 injustice, her young guest laughingly replied, "Thank 
 you, kind mother; but I could not now remain satis- 
 fied without seeking my fate in the unknown world. 
 I shall never forget your promise, however, but seek 
 your aid with this amulet in the hour of need. Yet," 
 added she, " ere I and my dog leave your friendly
 
 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 129 
 
 hearth, we will do our best to afford you some small 
 return for the hospitality you have shown us." 
 
 Fidunia and Fido, who had a thousand times alone 
 together practised various little tricks, now went 
 through many evolutions before the delighted old 
 woman. 
 
 First, said the little maid, '" What will you do for 
 your mistress ? " No sooner had she asked this 
 question, than the dog fell mute, and apparently 
 lifeless, at her feet. His stiffened limbs made 
 it plain that he would willingly "die" for her dear 
 sake. Bidding him revive, Fidunia then drew from 
 her pocket one of the chestnuts she kept for the pur- 
 pose. When the little fellow caught sight of this, he 
 " begged " for it, but his mistress was obdurate. He 
 then "jumped" high into the air to try and win his 
 plaything ; still in vain. Next he " asked " for it 
 in doggish fashion, by loudly barking. Fidunia 
 remained relentless. But now a sudden thought 
 seemed to strike the clever animal. Raising himself 
 once more on his hind-legs, he uttered such a tuneful 
 howl his apology for " singing " that his mistress, 
 with a pretended sigh, was fain to reward him by 
 placing the promised guerdon upon the ground. 
 Instead of rushing upon it, however, Fido, in an ex- 
 ceedingly graceful attitude, bent his head on one 
 side, and gravely " considered " the desired reward. 
 
 K
 
 130 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 
 
 His meditations coinciding with his wishes, at the 
 word of command he dashed nimbly forward, 
 seized the round nut, threw it up in the air, and 
 caught it again and again ; playing, in fact, by him- 
 self a game of ball. Finally, he laid the prize gently 
 down at his comrade's feet to demonstrate that no 
 matter what he won, he would be content to surrender 
 all he possessed to her care. 
 
 Dame Anna, delighted with the pretty dog's 
 sagacity, caressed and praised him, and, after amply 
 provisioning his little mistress for the journey, wished 
 them both God-speed on their way. She strictly en- 
 joined Fidunia to refrain from mentioning this ad- 
 venture, and advised her also to keep her dreams to 
 herself, and only enquire as she went along, for the 
 great city of Deva. Leaning over her low garden- 
 gate, surrounded by her long-billed and splay-footed 
 court, the kind henwife long watched her late guests 
 as they crossed the bleak common, and reached the 
 small clump of trees which she had pointed out to 
 them as a landmark on their way to the desired 
 haven. 
 
 Soon after passing the summit crowned by these 
 few lonely firs, Fidunia stepped on to a broad high- 
 road, which she at once recognized as that described 
 by their good friend, and leading to the capital of the 
 country.
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 131 
 
 They now walked on and on for a weary time. 
 The hot sun poured down its noontide rays, the 
 dust arose in parching clouds, and followed with the 
 wind their flagging footsteps. 
 
 At last they came to a part of the road bounded 
 by a stone wall. On the other side lay a beautiful 
 green park, stretching far away in upland slopes of 
 rich pasturage. Fatigued and footsore, Fidunia and 
 her little dog clambered over the fence, and composed 
 themselves comfortably to rest in the soft grass. 
 Sheltered from the mid-day heat in their seat among 
 low brushwood and high overshadowing trees, they 
 gratefully partook of the food pressed on them ere 
 their departure by the worthy cottage wife. 
 
 Half playing, half teaching her faithful companion, 
 Fidunia held aloft a little bit of meat in one hand, 
 while with the other she bent down the branch of a 
 neighbouring tree, over which Fido at her gentle 
 command, bounded nimbly backwards and forwards. 
 
 Suddenly, a loud, harsh voice exclaimed, " What 
 business have you here ? No tramps are allowed in 
 my park." 
 
 Looking timidly round, Fidunia beheld a stout, 
 red-faced, grizzle-haired man, in leathern gaiters, who 
 angrily threatened herself and Fido with an up- 
 lifted stick. Absolutely terrified by this, her first ex- 
 perience of man, poor Fidunia felt as if glued to the 
 
 K 2
 
 132 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 spot. She could not move hand or foot. A surging 
 tide of red blood rushed over her face and neck, and 
 covered the poor child of nature with confusion. 
 
 Had she looked beautiful in her distress, perhaps 
 the rough proprietor might have treated her more 
 tenderly. As it was, increasing in violence, he drew 
 nearer still, when Fido, who already bristled with 
 rage, flew upon him, and ere he could lay hands upon 
 his trembling mistress, fixed his sharp white teeth 
 apparently in the fierce stranger's leg ; but, luckily 
 for the savage Baron, Fido's jaws only met in his 
 legging. 
 
 Coward, as well as bully, the rough man changed 
 his tone and implored Fidunia to call off her dog. 
 Recovered from her first terror, the little maid 
 beckoned to Fido to follow her, and ere this selfish 
 squire could look calmly about him, she had flown 
 nimbly over the wall, followed by her dog. 
 
 They both ran a considerable way in their terror, 
 not knowing that the friendly Anna (in reality a 
 good fairy) had thrown so much dust in the rude 
 Baron's eyes, that confused and bewildered, he knew 
 not which way the intruders had escaped, but con- 
 tinued to search for them with wicked words and 
 impotent threats long after they had left him and 
 his inhospitable domains behind. 
 
 Meantime the travellers pursued their way until,
 
 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 133 
 
 worn out and hungry, they came, towards nightfall, 
 into a small hamlet upon the great high-road. 
 
 The village inn, with its gay painted sign of the 
 "Golden Boar" flapping to and fro in the evening 
 breeze, stood invitingly open. Fidunia approached 
 its threshold. The spruce landlady, airing herself 
 with arms akimbo at the open door, stared hard at 
 the little maiden as she paused longingly in front 
 of the steps. " Can you pay for a night's lodging ? " 
 she asked in a matter of fact tone. Alas, no poor 
 Fidunia possessed not one single piece of that hitherto 
 unneeded money without which she was soon to 
 find she could gain nothing in the pleasant world she 
 .had so longed to explore. 
 
 She sorrowfully passed the cheerful preparations 
 for wayfarers better supplied than herself with all- 
 conquering gold, and heart-sore and weary sat her- 
 self down on an old stump of wood outside the 
 village smithy. 
 
 Here, however, she soon forgot her fatigue for a 
 while in watching the red furnace, and the grimy fire- 
 illumined men who moved briskly to and fro, striking 
 bright sparks from the glowing metal. They inter- 
 ested her strangely by their easy motions of power, 
 and apparently inexhaustible store of latent strength. 
 She was gradually recalled to herself, however, by 
 perceiving that she and Fido had become the centre
 
 134 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 of attraction to a gathering crowd. The children 
 accustomed to cluster round the entrance of the warm 
 and busy workshop now turned their attention to 
 this solitary maiden, and the beautiful dog, which, 
 standing before her, ever on the alert, seemed ready 
 to guard his mistress to the death. 
 
 The heated smith, coming for a moment to cool 
 himself at the half-barred entrance, found an inquisi- 
 tive group pressing round the young girl, regardless 
 of Fido's low growls, as with hair on end and 
 quivering tail, he prepared to spring on anyone who 
 might touch or insult her. 
 
 Of a kindly and generous nature, and ever ready 
 to befriend the helpless, Master Franz stepped up to 
 the stranger and civilly asked her pleasure. 
 
 Fidunia, frightened, as well she might be, by the rude 
 remarks of the gaping village girls, exclaimed in a 
 teanul voice, " Oh, sir, I know not where to go for a 
 night's lodging, I and my poor dog, we are travelling 
 to the great city of Deva, but we are tired, and unable 
 to journey farther this day." Franz, sorely puzzled, 
 looked around in vain for help or counsel. He knew 
 better than the shivering little maid before him what 
 rustic gossip meant. A stalwart bachelor living all 
 alone above his smithy, he himself, however com- 
 passionate, could offer no shelter to the poor wan- 
 derers. A sudden thought struck him. " Come with
 
 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 135 
 
 me," he cried, " to ray good friend Dorothy of the 
 " Golden Boar ; " I warrant me she will blithely give 
 thee food and lodging for the night." 
 
 " Kind, sir," answered the poor girl sorrowfully, " I 
 have no money to offer to the good lady of the inn, 
 and she has already bidden me from her door ; but," 
 continued Fidunia timidly, " I and my dog are able 
 to make some few passes together, which might give 
 amusement to the worthy Dorothy, and even induce 
 her to grant us leave to rest for the night beneath her 
 roof." 
 
 The friendly Franz chuckled with delight as he 
 exclaimed, " By my halidome, damsel, thy words 
 are well-flavoured. Dame Dorothy shall give to 
 thee and thy pretty beast a hearty meal ; and then, 
 my mates," he added, turning to the assembled vil- 
 lagers, "we will step up to the "Golden Boar" when 
 our labours for the day are ended, and see whether 
 we cannot help the maiden and her dog on their 
 voyage." 
 
 At these words Fidunia felt greatly comforted, 
 and she and Fido fearlessly retraced their steps in 
 the wake of the burly smith. 
 
 Dame Dorothy had long ere this left her door, and 
 was now engaged in the great kitchen superintending 
 with her own hands the preparation of a savoury pie, 
 which somehow or other she hoped Master Franz
 
 136 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 would that very evening help her to consume. Her 
 old husband had been gathered to his fathers many 
 months agone. Since his death the worthy woman 
 often felt the hours after dark pass very slowly. No 
 one knew this interesting fact better than the shrewd 
 yet simple smith, who, early or late, felt sure of a 
 warm welcome whenever he crossed the comfort- 
 able threshold of the " Golden Boar." 
 
 When the landlady heard steps in her passage, 
 a slight cloud of annoyance rose to her brow 
 for what mistress likes to be interrupted in her mys- 
 terious culinary rites ? The incipient frown, how- 
 ever, speedily changed to a smile as Franz's broad 
 figure appeared in the doorway. With a " welcome, 
 neighbour," she hurriedly stooped to shut the oven 
 door, an exertion which called additional colour into 
 her round healthy cheek. 
 
 "Friend Dorothy," said Franz, "I bring thee this 
 forlorn maiden ; for my sake thou wilt refresh her and 
 her dog. I must away. I have a coat of mail in 
 hand that cannot be left ; but anon I will return." So 
 saying, and without pausing for queries or doubts, the 
 brawny smith disappeared, leaving in his place the 
 weary drooping Fidunia and her little comrade. 
 
 Dorothy cast a keen scrutinizing glance on the 
 young girl, eagerly scanning her form and features. 
 Reassured by the brief inspection, her eye travelled
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 137 
 
 back to the polished mirror by the fire which re- 
 flected her own buxom charms. With some com- 
 placency she readjusted the snowy coif (slightly 
 disarranged by her labours), over her brilliant 
 black hair, and wiping her hands upon the rough 
 apron assumed for kitchen-work, she turned towards 
 Fidunia, and in no unkindly voice bade her welcome. 
 
 Nor did she do this by halves. She exerted 
 herself with real good will. Before long, rested, 
 comforted and composed, the little maid sat by her 
 new friend, and, while she fondled her faithful Fido, 
 she related her adventures (always excepting her 
 possession of the talisman and her dreams) to the 
 wondering Dorothy. 
 
 But now Franz, true to his promise, returned, 
 bringing with him many of the villagers ; for the fame 
 of the stranger and her beautiful companion haa 
 spread apace, and a rumour indeed had been set afloat 
 that the animal was gifted with supernatural powers. 
 Refreshed and inspirited, Fidunia and her dog went 
 joyfully through all the exercises previously described. 
 Besides this, she borrowed a kerchief from Dorothy. 
 She then put Fido out of the room and closed the 
 door, carefully concealing the white ensign in the 
 blacksmith's wide hanging pocket. She next called 
 her favourite ; with eager zest he burst open the half- 
 latched door, and ran round and round the chamber
 
 133 FIDO AND FID UN I A. 
 
 sniffing in every direction. At last, after a long 
 search, he was successful, and amid loud shouts of 
 surprise and delight drew forth from the depths of 
 Franz's coat the blushing Dorothy's badge, the good 
 man the while looking not one whit more composed 
 than his hostess, Fidunia then neatly folded up the 
 kerchief; and Fido, bearing it in his mouth, lightly 
 sprang on the landlady's knee and placed it gently 
 in her hand. 
 
 They repeated similar tricks over and over again. 
 Hearty plaudits were showered on the sagacious dog 
 and his youthful mistress, who, flitting to and fro 
 in anxious excitement, and rinding herself impeded 
 in her swift motions by the long folds of her grey 
 robe, drew them in a hasty yet picturesque fashion 
 through her waist-belt. Flushed and animated by the 
 friendly approval manifested on all sides, she now 
 stooped forward, wreathing her arms into a natural 
 hoop, through which Fido flew backwards and for- 
 wards with frolicsome ardour. Nor was this all, for 
 the trim landlady, in answer to an earnest whisper, 
 also rose. Clasping hands with the stranger maiden, 
 she soon learnt how to twist and retwist beneath her 
 own and Fidunia's arms in a quaint manner that 
 Franz and his comrades thought exceedingly bewitch- 
 ing. At the same time Fido, watching his oppor- 
 tunity, continually sprang between Dorothy and his
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 139 
 
 mistress, thus making a merry third in this pretty 
 exhibition. 
 
 As they at last paused, exhausted and laughing 
 over their own exertions, the swart blacksmith stood 
 forth in their midst. In sober manly tones he ad- 
 dressed his neighbours, and gave them an outline 
 of Fidunia's history, as he had gathered it from 
 herself and from Dorothy. He explained, that she 
 was travelling to the great city of Deva, but that, 
 friendless and forlorn, she was destitute of the 
 money requisite to procure for herself and her 
 companion the necessaries of life. He added, that 
 since the little maid and her pretty favourite had 
 given them so much pleasure, h-e considered that 
 it would only be making her a fair return if he and 
 his fellows collected a small sum to help their -guest 
 on her way. 
 
 His well-timed appeal met with an enthusiastic re- 
 sponse. Grey-haired old men, tender-hearted mothers 
 carrying their babes, blooming young wenches with 
 their awkward rustic swains, all pressed around to 
 deposit in Franz's cap their hard-earned yet freely- 
 bestowed mite for the astonished maiden. The 
 children whispering their thanks into Fido's willing 
 ear, threw their soft little arms around his neck, 
 and pressed their chubby faces on his coat of 
 golden silk.
 
 140 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 The bustling landlady meantime bestirred herself 
 and her household, and ere long set before the 
 company the pie she had already prepared, with 
 sundry enticing concomitants. Foaming tankards, 
 moreover, were placed on the board, wherein the 
 villagers deeply pledged the wanderer and her in- 
 separable companion. 
 
 Overcome with gratitude, Fidunia could only 
 murmur half-inarticulate thanks to her kind friends, 
 as they warmly shook her by the hand. They patted 
 Fido also, as she raised him in her arms to conceal 
 her blushing face, arid wished them both every success 
 on their journey. 
 
 Nothing is so alluring to a man as the sight of 
 the woman in whom his heart is already inte- 
 rested, engaged in works of benevolence and charity. 
 Dorothy's second thoughts regarding Fidunia stood 
 her in good stead on that eventful evening. Her 
 softened voice, as she encouraged and soothed Fido 
 and his shy mistress, sounded unusually sweet to 
 the rough blacksmith's ear. When she smiled good- 
 night to the villagers, placing the while a friendly 
 hand on Fidunia's shoulder, Franz, for the first time, 
 thought her face actually beautiful. Though no words 
 passed between them, Dorothy, when she laid her head 
 on her pillow, felt a glad thrill of joy as she recalled 
 the warm parting clasp of that hard and honest hand.
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 141 
 
 In long after years, when Franz and Dorothy 
 reigned together over the far-famed " Golden Boar," 
 surrounded by a blooming family and blessed with 
 peace and plenty, the prosperous wife and mother, 
 in the fulness of her joy, often wiped a tear from 
 her eye as she remembered the true kindness first 
 shown by her husband to the poor stranger. A kind- 
 ness that had melted her o'wn harder heart, and 
 (undeservedly for her) led to the happiest days of 
 her life. No wayfarer was ever again turned away 
 from the open door of the hostelry. Heaven increased 
 fourfold the worldly possessions of the honest couple 
 who liberally shared their portion with the poor and 
 the needy. 
 
 Followed by the good wishes, and laden with the 
 unexpected gifts conferred upon her by her kind 
 benefactors, Fidunia next day set forth once more 
 upon her solitary journey solitary, at least, -so far 
 as human society was concerned. But this strange 
 girl never considered herself lonely while she had 
 her intelligent though canine fellow-traveller. Now 
 bounding far before his young mistress, now lingering 
 in her rear or trotting quietly along by her side, 
 Fido gave her an astonishing sense of companion- 
 ship and protection. 
 
 For many days they continued to traverse long 
 tracts of beautiful undulating country. At night they
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 always found shelter in some humble farm or cottage. 
 Constant and unfailing were the bounties showered 
 around the gentle maiden and her fascinating dog, 
 when in gratitude for hospitality received they went 
 through their performances together. The money 
 collected by Franz was like the contents of the 
 widow's cruse. As fast as the purse grew empty it 
 was refilled. 
 
 Fidunia knew not that her ill-favoured countenance 
 protected her from many a rough jest and coarse 
 compliment. But it was so ; her modest demeanour 
 and unassuming ways rendered her less effectual 
 service in preserving her from insult than her want of 
 beauty. Nor was the young girl as yet conscious 
 that she lacked those personal charms without which 
 life may sometimes become so bitter to the sensitive 
 heart. 
 
 During the last days of their journey, the high 
 road gradually led the travellers towards the ocean. 
 Fidunia paused, therefore, one morning, amazed at 
 the beauty and novelty of the scene before her. The 
 road emerging from wooded valleys turned abruptly 
 to the right along the summit of perpendicular cliffs 
 some two or three hundred feet in height. At their 
 base, the blue main, hitherto unknown to the forest- 
 bred maiden, broke in tiny ripples on the silver sands. 
 It was a tideless expanse of sea, and therefore no
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 143 
 
 unsightly marks of ebbing waters strewed the beach. 
 Only a long bright undulating line showed where 
 the unstable element found its limits and mother- 
 earth claimed her own. 
 
 Resting on the bosom of the mighty deep, and 
 looming indistinctly through summer haze, Fidunia 
 saw the azure outline of a fair and distant island. 
 There also, gleaming faint across the broad bay, her 
 eager longing eyes at last discerned the white 
 environs of the far-famed city of Deva. After 
 revelling for some moments in the glad beautiful 
 prospect, Fidunia hastened her footsteps, well know- 
 ing she had still several miles to traverse before she 
 could reach the town, in which she hoped to sleep that 
 night. 
 
 It was very pleasant to trip gaily along the grass 
 by the roadside, with a lovely view before her, 
 and fresh sea-breezes to fan her brow as she sped 
 swiftly on. But as the day advanced, the heat grew 
 oppressive. Again leaving the sea, the pathway led 
 them by degrees from the midst of abundant vegeta- 
 tion into an arid and desolate region. Absorbed in 
 hopeful musings, Fidunia did not for some time 
 observe the change of scene. At last a sense of 
 oppression made her look around. The stillness was 
 frightful. No sounds of tuneful ocean saluted her 
 ear ; no melodious birds charmed, as heretofore, the
 
 144 FIDO AND F1DUNIA. 
 
 wayfarer with their thrilling notes. All was mute 
 and silent as the grave. 
 
 Fido, with drooping tail and disconsolate bearing, 
 paced soberly beside her, casting doubtful glances 
 around. With a sudden shudder Fidunia recognised 
 some of the horrid features last seen in her forest 
 visions. Here were the wreathed and fantastic 
 shapes she remembered too well, the wildly tossed, 
 the bare and herbless rocks. There, as she doubtfully 
 raised her eyes to its summit (now visible through the 
 opening gorge), was a cloud of black smoke, issuing 
 from the very mountain round whose base they were 
 journeying. 
 
 Appalled by this vivid resemblance, and seeing 
 before her an apparently endless continuance of a 
 similar loathly landscape, Fidunia's trembling and 
 really wearied limbs refused to carry her farther. 
 Looking around for a resting-place, she was com- 
 pelled to seat herself in the road itself, for a creeping 
 sensation came over her as she caught sight of the 
 bright-eyed lizards peeping between the rocks near at 
 hand, and surmised that the snakes of her dream 
 could not be far off. 
 
 Fido came and lay down beside her quite sub- 
 dued, and she opened their little store of cold roast 
 chestnuts and other provisions neatly packed in her 
 wallet. While she was thus employed, forcing her
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 145 
 
 thoughts from the surrounding desert, by endea- 
 vouring to play with her dog over each morsel of 
 their food, they all at once heard the tramp of ap- 
 proaching horses. 
 
 Fido, though seemingly hungry, dropped his un- 
 tasted meat on the ground. Pricking his ears, he 
 listened acutely to the distant sounds, uttering the 
 while a low growl. Nearer and nearer rang the iron 
 hoofs along the hard metal causeway. At length, 
 sweeping rapidly past the corner Fidunia herself had 
 so recently rounded, she beheld a splendid cavalcade. 
 
 Beckoning to Fido, she sprang alarmed to her feet. 
 Forgetting in her haste the dreaded reptiles, she flew 
 quickly to the rocks above, where, having gained a 
 vantage ground of comparative safety, she paused to 
 mark the unaccustomed pageant below. 
 
 But a few moments before, the sun, shorn of his 
 beams by thick vapours belched forth from the 
 crater above, rode lustreless aloft like a dim red 
 ball. 
 
 Now, however, bursting through the mirksome 
 canopy, his rays fell with renewed splendour upon 
 the gay accoutrements and glancing arms of a troop 
 of mounted soldiers, whose advance was heralded by 
 all the merry pomp of prancing steeds and clanging 
 steel. 
 
 Fido, instead of obeying his mistress, had remained 
 
 L
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 behind her in the centre of the road, and now, re- 
 gardless of her earnest commands, he dashed forward 
 vehemently barking. 
 
 Startled by the apparition of a species of animal 
 but little known in these parts (the few dogs in that 
 country being smooth-coated, and very different in 
 appearance from the long-haired Fido) the horse 
 nearest at hand shied to one side, and crushed 
 against his next neighbour. The two riders (hitherto 
 sitting careless and at ease) thus nearly came to- 
 gether to the ground. Enraged at this misadven- 
 ture, one of the men raised himself in the stirrup, 
 and with his long lance was about to make a thrust 
 at Fido ; but Fidunia, foreseeing her favourite's 
 danger, rushed down and seized him in her arms 
 ere the wrathful trooper had time to execute his 
 purpose. 
 
 This little by-play could not occur, however, with- 
 out in some measure hindering the onward progress 
 of the whole company; and before Fidunia or the 
 irate men could utter one word in explanation or 
 abuse, a loud voice from the rear peremptorily de- 
 manded the cause of this abrupt halt. Fidunia was 
 already escaping as fast as she could with her burden 
 up the steep hill-side, when another cavalier, of more 
 pleasing appearance, rode up and informed her that 
 " the King " wished to speak with her. Reassured by
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 147 
 
 his courteous address, she hesitated in her flight, and 
 finally remained rooted to the spot in amazement 
 and instinctive expectation. 
 
 By this time the procession was once more moving 
 on at a slower pace than before, and she now per- 
 ceived in its midst, surrounded by the glittering 
 squadron, a stately chariot, drawn by four grey 
 horses, caparisoned in blue and gold. As this 
 carriage drew nearer, Fidunia saw seated in it a 
 middle-aged man of singular yet noble bearing. Im- 
 patience and dissatisfaction were imprinted on his 
 speaking countenance as he turned fretfully from side 
 to side. He seemed unable to notice surrounding 
 objects, for his eyes, though wide open, stared 
 vacantly into space ; while the restless motion of his 
 hands betokened a mind ill at ease with itself, if 
 not with all the world around. 
 
 When this gorgeous equipage reached the spot 
 where Fidunia stood, the horses were drawn up in 
 obedience to the signal of Domenichino, the official 
 who had previously accosted her. Stepping up to 
 its occupant, he now made some deferential com- 
 munication. With a quick gesture, the King (for 
 it was he) leant over the side of the carriage, and 
 demanded, in surly tones, who and what had dared 
 to impede his royal progress. While he spoke, his 
 eyes gazed aimlessly .around, thus revealing to the 
 
 L 2
 
 148 FIDO AND FIDUN1A. 
 
 most unobservant bystander the painful fact of his 
 physical defect. 
 
 Inspired with sudden forebodings, agitated by 
 these swiftly following events, and frightened by 
 the strange looks of her interrogator, the maiden 
 knew not what to answer, but stood irresolute, hold- 
 ing her dog in her arms. Every eye turned upon 
 her, and the King angrily repeated his question be- 
 fore she found courage to reply, tremblingly, 
 
 " Oh, sire, if indeed thou art the great monarch 
 Antiphates, pardon the imprudence of my faithful 
 dog : he comes with me from the depths of our 
 forest home, where gallants and horses are alike un- 
 known, and on the approach of thy proud train he 
 sprang forth to defend his poor mistress, thus dis- 
 comfiting in some measure thy brave men-at-arms." 
 
 At this curious answer, given in all simplicity, the 
 soldiers exchanged doubtful glances, imagining Fid- 
 unia to be crazy for thus bearding their passionate 
 sovereign. But the King hungrily fastened on her 
 words. He threw himself from his chariot with 
 wonderful rapidity, and, half groping his way, half 
 guided by Domenichino (who hastily dismounted to 
 assist his royal master), seized hold of Fidunia's hand, 
 crying, " Ha ! from the forest, sayest thou, and by 
 thy voice a fair and gentle maiden ? " Ere he could 
 utter another word, however, Fido, already watching
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 149 
 
 his stumbling movements with considerable mistrust, 
 broke into such angry snarling that Fidunia, freeing 
 her hand, stepped backwards, and did not see the 
 gestures of merriment exchanged among the cavaliers 
 around, as the unfortunate monarch spoke of her 
 being " fair." 
 
 Though Fido's repeated interference was decidedly 
 provoking, yet Antiphates preserved unusual com- 
 mand over his short, uneven temper. He entreated 
 Fidunia to consider herself his guest ; to enter his 
 chariot and accompany him to his palace, whither 
 he was now returning after a noonday drive. She 
 demurred at first, because of her dog, fearing that 
 his misbehaviour might be severely visited upon him. 
 As if reading the cause of her hesitation, however, 
 and aware of her fatigue, Fido leapt from her arms, 
 and, hastily flying past the attendants, bounded upon 
 the carriage-seat, wagging his tail, and motioning to 
 his mistress to follow. Aided, therefore, by Dome- 
 nichino, she soon found herself ensconced in the 
 carriage, opposite that great potentate, whose well- 
 remembered name had first been made known to 
 her in her dreams. 
 
 As she mused on his peculiar appearance, unable 
 to discover, as he turned on her his dark expressive 
 eyes, whether the King was able to scan ber counte- 
 nance or no, he bent suddenly towards her, saying,
 
 150 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 
 
 " Maiden, I have more for thine ear than may be 
 heard by others ; meantime, I bid thee welcome to 
 my kingdom." Ere she could frame a reply to this 
 gracious speech, he leant back again and relapsed 
 into complete silence, apparently absorbed in unquiet 
 meditations. 
 
 The swift onward motion of the chariot was new 
 and strange to Fidunia. Leaving the desert region 
 behind them, they descended nearer the water's edge, 
 and sped lightly along the smooth high road. 
 
 Smiling vineyards clothed the mountain's side on 
 the one hand ; on the other, the broad blue sea 
 stretched her "ample field." The jangling of the 
 military trappings gave forth a sound not unpleasing 
 to the ear, as the escort swept merrily on. 
 
 Weary with her exertions, and lulled by the 
 monotonous movement of the carriage, Fidunia half 
 slumbered as she leant back on the luxurious 
 cushions, her mind filled with youth's vague ecstatic 
 visions of future happiness. But Fido, wary and 
 watchful, folded lovingly in his mistress's arms, 
 turned a vigilant eye alternately upon the uneasy 
 King and his glittering body-guard. 
 
 It would be impossible adequately to describe the 
 forlorn condition of the monarch, in whose stately 
 equipage destiny had thus strangely placed the forest 
 maiden and her dog. Surrounded by all the pomp
 
 FIDO AND FIDUN7A. 151 
 
 and wealth of his splendid court, he was yet debarred 
 by his misfortune from enjoying the visible beauties 
 of nature, or the works of art with which his palace 
 and kingdom abounded. 
 
 Unable to employ his powerful mind in perusing 
 the records of the past, or the writings of the poets 
 and philosophers of his own day, incapable of dis- 
 cerning the commonest objects in the world around, 
 and conscious only of a difference between light 
 and darkness, night and day, the great King's melan- 
 choly affliction demanded double commiseration in 
 an age when comforts for the blind had neither been 
 invented nor studied. 
 
 Music became a source of constant pleasure to him ; 
 nor was it surprising that he invariably judged people 
 by their voices as they spoke or sung before him, 
 forming in this unusual way a wonderfully accurate 
 conception of character. 
 
 It is needless to say that remedies of all sorts had 
 been tried upon the eyes of the hapless monarch, 
 Many physicians had exerted their utmost skill in 
 endeavouring to ameliorate his condition. He had 
 visited in turn not only the most celebrated baths 
 and watering-places, but also the various oracles then 
 existing in Europe. 
 
 Disheartened and hopeless, he had at last well-nigh 
 succumbed to his fate, when a strange incident once
 
 152 FIDO AND FIDUXIA. 
 
 more roused the seemingly subdued, yet ever dor- 
 mant passion of hope in his breast. 
 
 Antiphon (the foster-brother of the blind King), 
 while wandering on the hills surrounding Deva, in 
 his vocation of shepherd, noticed sulphureous fumes 
 issuing from a cleft he had never before observed in 
 the mountain's side. Taking with him a torch, he 
 cautiously entered the yawning aperture, and groped 
 his way along, until he suddenly found himself in a 
 lofty subterranean cave. In the centre of this cave 
 lay a marble block, fashioned like a huge coffin. 
 Antiphon hastened home to tell his neighbours of his 
 discovery and to gain assistance. Returning to the 
 cave, he and his fellows succeeded in pushing off the 
 ponderous lid, which fell crashing to the ground, and 
 broke into a thousand pieces. 
 
 Within the sarcophagus was now exposed to view 
 a shrivelled though perfect mummy ; and an old man 
 of the party recollected having heard an ancient 
 prophecy which foretold that answers regarding 
 future events should one day issue from " withered 
 lips, dumb with the silence of ages, and awful in their 
 semblance to humanity." 
 
 Antiphon at once carried the news of this prophecy 
 to King Antiphates, who, ready to do anything to 
 vary the horrors of his solitary existence, though 
 secretly doubting the efficacy of such attempts, dis-
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 153 
 
 guised himself as a shepherd, and, unknown to his 
 courtiers, accompanied his foster-brother to the 
 cave. 
 
 Here, after observing the accustomed ceremonies 
 of purification and prayer, Antiphates approached the 
 sarcophagus, and kneeling beside it, craved some 
 knowledge of his future fate, humbly demanding at 
 the same time whether any sacrifice on his part would 
 procure for him the priceless gift of sight. 
 
 Having made these inquiries, the reluctant mon- 
 arch, had now to lay low his kingly head upon the 
 breast of the long dead, and thus in a stifling and 
 constrained attitude await the much-desired response. 
 Each moment seemed an age to the afflicted prince. 
 All alone with these terrible emblems of mortality 
 (for Antiphon remained without to guard the entrance 
 of the cave) he listened for he knew not what. 
 
 At last there arose upon the still dank air, as if from 
 echoing vaults beneath, an unearthly monotonous 
 voice, chanting slowly the following words : 
 
 A mighty King is blind, 
 And severed from his kind ; 
 In his proud breast broods dark unrest, 
 No solace can he find. 
 
 The lands he calls his own, 
 His kingdom and his throne, 
 Are his by right ; yet that fair sight 
 Is kept from him alone.
 
 154 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 Revolving decades pass, 
 All flesh, we know, is grass ; 
 With whitening hair, the king sits there, 
 He groweth old alas ! 
 
 No joys of life are his, 
 He tastes no wedded bliss ; 
 A monarch born, a man forlorn, 
 Nor wife nor babe to kiss. 
 
 Far, 'mid the forest drear, 
 A maiden without peer 
 His fate shall hear, and wake with fear 
 From dreams of little cheer. 
 
 By long and lonesome way 
 Two loving hearts shall stray, 
 That sovereign blind, in haste to find, 
 And Fate's behest obey. 
 
 Yet guard thyself, oh king ! 
 
 Lest kindness sorrow bring ! 
 
 Forbear to love, or time shall prove 
 
 That joy may hide a sting. 
 
 That pearl a woman's love 
 Might angels' envy move, 
 But powers that be, in wonder see, 
 How mortals changeful prove. 
 
 Joyous and fancy-free 
 Then let the maiden be, 
 Nor teach that child from regions wild 
 , The meed of misery. 
 
 But if thou dost, thine own the cost, 
 And woe shall fall on thee ! 
 
 The hollow voice ceased, once more all was still. 
 Antiphates in vain asked other questions, and 
 listened impatiently for further replies. Meeting
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 155 
 
 with no more response, and thoroughly exhausted 
 by the foul atmosphere, he hailed his foster-brother, 
 and, aided by him, breathed again with thankful- 
 ness the pure outer air. 
 
 They returned to the palace in silence, for Ant i- 
 phates, proud and reserved, vouchsafed no hint of 
 the mysterious words to which he had listened. He 
 had indeed ample food left him for meditation. 
 
 This visit to the mummy took place during the 
 night, and the disguised King passed and repassed 
 his unslumbering sentinels by means of his own 
 signet-ring, occasionally entrusted by him to confi- 
 dential emissaries. 
 
 The apt rhymes he had heard haunted him inces- 
 santly. The mere mention of a forest was extra- 
 ordinary for with the exception of a fair-sized 
 plantation in the midst of which Castle Xylina (the 
 king's summer palace) stood, no large wood of any 
 kind existed within many miles of his capital. 
 
 As to love, the poor benighted King knew little 
 about the capricious god, save what he gathered from 
 the songs of the minstrels and troubadours, birds of 
 passage who, ever certain of kind welcome and liberal 
 patronage, flocked in numbers to his court. 
 
 Unwilling to display his infirmity unnecessarily, 
 Antiphates kept himself aloof in general from his 
 people. His palace was indeed the resort of all the
 
 156 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 
 
 most talented and intellectual men of the day. His 
 feasts were celebrated for the brilliant conversation 
 and witty repartee in which, not only his guests, 
 but the monarch himself, occasionally indulged ; 
 at the expense of many an aching hour of lonely 
 reaction. 
 
 But at these banquets no ladies were present, nor 
 had the isolated sovereign any opportunity of be- 
 coming intimately acquainted with his fairer subjects. 
 There were, it is true, the singing-girls, who nightly 
 performed before him with guitars and cymbals, and 
 gave the blind king some of the happiest hours of his 
 life. Though he could not see their graceful forms as 
 they gaily danced to their own music, yet the tinkling 
 of the silver bells on their arms and ankles formed 
 a rhythmical and tuneful accompaniment to their 
 melodious voices, that wafted fourfold enjoyment to 
 the listening monarch. He showered generous gifts 
 on these damsels, each of whom he knew apart by 
 her voice and step. They were, however, but the 
 toys of the hour. 
 
 When in pomp and state the King went abroad 
 in his chariot, his fair subjects anxiously pressed 
 together to catch a glimpse of their sovereign's stern 
 yet handsome features ; but though they gratified 
 their own curiosity, no reciprocal vision of bewilder- 
 ing charms crossed the darkened vision of their
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 157 
 
 lonely prince, as he was whirled proudly by in his 
 dazzling equipage. 
 
 Unwonted feelings therefore stirred in Antiphates' 
 bosom as the prophecy of the cave again and again 
 rang through his mind. After several days spent in 
 musing and reflection, he resolved to return to the 
 oracle, and demand more exact particulars concerning 
 the forest maiden and the " two loving hearts " men- 
 tioned, anxious to set forth in pursuit of them, if 
 need be, round the world. 
 
 Antiphon therefore, favoured by the darkness, once 
 more led his royal foster-brother to the mountain 
 side, but no cave could they discover, though for 
 several hours they wandered up and down the very 
 spot where the shepherd had carefully noted the 
 entrance by certain landmarks. 
 
 Irritated and disappointed, Antiphates at last gave 
 up the useless search, and during the succeeding 
 days busied himself in sending forth express couriers 
 over the country, north, west, and east, to seek for 
 the forest, and to find out and bring to Deva all 
 discoverable denizens of woods, forests, and thickets. 
 Besides this, he issued a royal mandate, setting forth 
 that every wandering maiden should instantly be 
 conducted to his palace. A few strolling gipsies 
 were in consequence brought before him, and told 
 innumerable falsehoods concerning their previous
 
 158 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 lives and companions, but none of them were able 
 to throw the least light upon the cause of the King's 
 defective eyesight. 
 
 Pending the result of more active measures, how- 
 ever, Antiphates was roused from the apathy into 
 which he had been plunged for many years regard- 
 ing his misfortune, and taught himself to hope he 
 hardly knew what, from the hidden pages of the 
 future. But day after day went by, and no fresh 
 event enlivened the dismal tranquillity of the palace 
 precincts. 
 
 We may thus more readily understand the 
 monarch's abrupt condescension and excitement on 
 hearing Fidunia's first words, and learning that she 
 had but lately quitted a forest. Her sweetly modu- 
 lated voice at once carried a favourable impression to 
 his sensitive ear, and, conjoined with the mysterious 
 and ever-present prophecy, touched a slumbering 
 chord in his jaded breast. 
 
 Indeed, as they now drove back to the city from 
 whence he had issued so short a time before in list- 
 less uncertainty, his mind ran riot with wild chaotic 
 fancies. 
 
 They drew near the frowning gates of Deva. A 
 sudden pause, as the massive portals rolled back on 
 their hinges, and the soldiers presented arms, awoke 
 Fidunia from her trance. She started and looked
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 159 
 
 around, eagerly surveying the splendours of that 
 enchanting capital. 
 
 Meanwhile the fairer inhabitants of the town 
 gathering, according to primeval custom, by balcony, 
 window, and doorway, to feast their eyes on the royal 
 pageant and the gallant escort of cavaliers ; passed 
 from mouth to mouth the incredible news that a 
 stranger damsel was seated in their monarch's chariot. 
 Ere the gaping crowd had time, however, to note 
 more than the mere outline of a drooping form, the 
 narrow streets were swiftly threaded, and scaling the 
 little hill on which Xylina stood, the whole squadron 
 disappeared within the leafy boundaries of King 
 Antiphates' summer residence. 
 
 Fidunia could not repress an exclamation of de- 
 lighted wonder as they halted at the palace door. 
 
 Castle Xylina rose in turreted heights of dazzling 
 whiteness above them, pure as the day it was com- 
 pleted. In that favoured climate neither smoke nor in- 
 clement weather marred the snowy beauties of its 
 marble walls and terraces. It was approached by 
 seven broad alleys: six of these, carpeted with natural 
 greensward, converged through the small wood already 
 mentioned, towards the broad central plateau. The 
 seventh avenue, leading from the town, up which the 
 King had just driven, was like the city itself, paved 
 with lava.
 
 160 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 The castle from its elevated situation, commanded 
 an exquisite prospect towards the south across the 
 open bay of Deva. The surrounding trees com- 
 pletely shut out the neighbouring town. Only 
 faint, distant sounds, and the chiming of church 
 and convent bells borne upon the air, betokened the 
 near presence of the busy thousands below. In- 
 numerable craft, moreover, moored or moving on the 
 still blue waters, gave an air of life to the otherwise 
 dreamy silence, that with mistlike wings enfolded 
 the fair prosperous Deva and her environs as Fidunia 
 thus first beheld them. 
 
 But now a courtly throng pressed around, a 
 hundred eyes were bent on the embarrassed stranger 
 and her singular companion, a hundred hands out- 
 stretched to assist her in her descent from the 
 carriage. But no sooner had the King himself 
 touched the ground in safety, than he turned, and 
 taking her hand in his, led her slowly up the broad 
 white marble steps into the central -hall of his mag- 
 nificent palace. 
 
 She had scarcely time to glance round her ere her 
 royal host, divining both her fatigue and her bash- 
 fulness, summoned and gave minute directions to 
 the women of the palace regarding her welfare, and 
 resigned her into their charge. Smiling kindly on 
 their unexpected guest, they ushered her along lofty
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 161 
 
 passages to a chamber widely different from any the 
 simple maiden had ever beheld either in her wander- 
 ings or even in her dreams. 
 
 Thoroughly overcome by fatigue, and hardly paus- 
 ing even to partake of the tempting fare presented 
 to her, or to survey the beauties of her new a'bode, 
 Fidunia sought her pillow. The neat-handed abigails, 
 after preparing a bed for Fido within the recess 
 where stood his mistress's couch, retired, first bidding 
 her summon them at will, as their apartments were 
 close at hand. 
 
 Youth and exhaustion soon closed the stranger's 
 eyes, and it was late on the following day before 
 Fidunia could rouse herself completely from her 
 heavy slumbers. 
 
 At length a continuous plashing sound mingled 
 itself with her dreams. She thought she was once 
 more in her forest home, and that the little fountain 
 with its clear bubbling waters invited her to her 
 morning bath. 
 
 She slowly unclosed her eyes. But no leafy 
 branches spread their matted foliage above her 
 head ; lovely rosy curtains fell instead on either side of 
 her soft little couch. She raised herself surprised 
 and wondering at her first movement, Fido already 
 on the alert, capered across the tesselated floor, oddly 
 slipping hither and thither on its smooth surface. 
 
 M
 
 1 62 FIDO AND FJDUNIA. 
 
 She stepped carefully from her alcove, and pro- 
 ceeded on a voyage of exploration. She soon ascer- 
 tained that the sound of running water was no vain 
 product of her own imagination, but that it came 
 from a recess corresponding to that in which she had 
 slept. Within this niche a marble Triton poured 
 through his conch-shell a continuous stream. On 
 either side the entrance to the snowy basin beneath, 
 a nymph so stood that the roseate curtains could 
 either be held back in their extended arms, or loosened 
 completely to shut off the recess from the rest of the 
 room. 
 
 Overjoyed at discovering this welcome substitute 
 for her oft-regretted forest spring, Fidunia swiftly 
 performed her simple toilet. 
 
 With all the carelessness of one little accustomed 
 to regard her personal appearance, she hardly even 
 glanced at the magnificent burnished mirror and its 
 costly accessories, but hastened from window to 
 window, eager to become acquainted with her new 
 abode. 
 
 Towards the south, connected outside by a shady 
 verandah, three long windows fronted the open bay, 
 commanding the same extensive view that had de- 
 lighted her the evening before. Two of similar form 
 opened eastward, and Fidunia could scarcely repress 
 a shudder, as raising her eyes to scan the more
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 163 
 
 distant horizon, she beheld, frowning behind nearer 
 slopes of verdant loveliness, the grim mountain of 
 her dreams, whose gloomy boundaries she had skirted 
 on the previous day. A slumberous cloud partially 
 shrouded its dark heights. In the vista of coast, cape, 
 and blue headland lengthening beyond, earth, sea, 
 and sky, melted into one indistinguishable haze of 
 atmospheric beauty. 
 
 Easily unfastening one of these eastern windows, 
 Fidunia perceived a flight of steps leading thence 
 into the palace gardens below. Followed by Fido, 
 the fearless child of nature quickly descended the 
 stairs, and plunged into the artificial intricacies of 
 the pleasure grounds beneath. 
 
 A thrill of remembrance came upon her. Surely 
 she had trodden these trim-kept walks before, and 
 inhaled the strange rich odour of the blossoming 
 orange that hung heavy on the air ? 
 
 Stopping, bewildered, she raised her hand to her 
 brow. As she thus stood rapt in thought, the noise 
 of approaching voices apprised her that Antiphates, 
 leaning on the arm of Domenichino, drew near. Swift 
 as lightning, recollection flashed across her. While 
 the impatient monarch came towards her, guided by 
 his servant, she half expected to see and hear the tiny 
 elves who in her forest dreams had swung and sung 
 "their eerie refrain amid just such scenes as these. 
 
 M 2
 
 1 64 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 When the King learned that she had not yet 
 broken her fast, he commanded food to be brought to 
 an arbour near at hand, where he himself joined his 
 guest. He found much entertainment in trying to fol- 
 low the movements of the little dog, who, summoned 
 by his mistress, went through all his pretty tricks. 
 
 With unwonted softness in his voice and manner, 
 Antiphates strove to set Fidunia at her ease, and to 
 engage her in conversation. He led her on to speak 
 of herself and of her previous lonely life. He en- 
 couraged her to tell him all that had befallen her 
 since she left the forest. 
 
 Domenichino oftentimes listened in surprise. His 
 master, hitherto so hasty and imperious, with rare 
 patience, endeavoured to overcome Fidunia's timidity 
 and reserve. Antiphates even forgot to murmur con- 
 tinually at his own affliction nay, he felt a certain 
 pleasure in claiming the young girl's assistance, as 
 they wandered together in the gardens, or moved 
 from room to room of the palace. 
 
 Day after day glided swiftly away, and life became 
 a fresh pleasure to the weary King as he listened 
 to the strange adventures and artless sayings of the 
 ingenuous maiden. He derived perpetual amusement 
 from her novel descriptions of familiar objects pre- 
 sented to him under a widely different aspect by her 
 humorous remarks.
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 165 
 
 For years upon years he had existed with all of 
 visible beauty veiled from his sight; and he now 
 conjured up to himself an exquisite ideal of his 
 youthful companion. Her low melodious voice, her 
 gentle touch, and her soft light step, full of grace, 
 taught him insensibly to dream of a far fairer form 
 than poor Fidunia actually possessed. 
 
 He became so deeply interested in his new friend, 
 that ere long that interest was merged in love. 
 Morning, noon, and night, he was her inseparable 
 companion, nor could he rest quiet when she was 
 absent from him. He found in her society a name- 
 less charm that tamed and softened his arrogant 
 spirit. With extraordinary humility he learnt to 
 defer to her slightest wish. With unwonted self- 
 abnegation, he laid siege to the citadel of her heart. 
 
 Listening entranced to his tender words, there now 
 ensued a period when, for the first time to the guile- 
 less Fidunia, if not to her more experienced suitor, 
 
 " Love took up the glass of Time, and turned it in his glowing hands ; 
 Every moment, lightly shaken, ran itself in golden sands. 
 Love took up the harp of Life, and smote on all the chords with 
 
 might ; 
 Smote the chord of self, that, trembling, passed in music out of 
 
 sight." 
 
 Antiphates soon told the wondering maiden all he 
 had heard in the cave. His thoughts turned con-
 
 166 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 tinually upon the mysterious prophecy, and they often 
 held sweet counsel together over those singular but 
 well-remembered words. 
 
 A dim foreboding of evil in the future, and an in- 
 tense clinging to the peaceful joyous life of the present, 
 led Fidunia to approach this subject with secret re- 
 luctance. An inward voice told her she possessed 
 not beauty's potent charm ; yet she felt that to her 
 blind monarch she was all in all. Again and again 
 she had to stifle the rising fear of possible change in 
 his love, and chided herself for unworthy thoughts 
 and lukewarm energy. 
 
 With all the eagerness of his impetuous nature, 
 Antiphates constantly recurred to the charge, urging 
 Fidunia to do her utmost to deliver him from his 
 infirmity. In glowing terms he depicted the plea- 
 sures of their common existence if he were able, not 
 merely to hear and to feel, but to watch and to guide 
 his heart's beloved through her future life. 
 
 As he spoke, the forest maid often felt the hidden 
 talisman rise and fall with the heavings of her tender 
 bosom. Obedient to the donor, she never disclosed 
 its existence, even to Antiphates, or told him o.f her 
 strange dreams. It needed, however, no small resolu- 
 tion on her part to avail herself of the charm so 
 solemnly committed to her charge by Dame Anna. 
 At length, unable longer to resist the oft-repeated
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 167 
 
 solicitations of her royal lover, she faithfully promised 
 him to exert her feeble powers to the utmost on his 
 behalf. 
 
 With a lingering footstep she sought her chamber 
 that evening, filled with awe at the prospect of in- 
 voking the aid of her scarce known friend. When 
 all was silent for the night, Fidunia trimmed the 
 classic lamp by her bedside, for it was the new moon, 
 and no light came from without. Watched only by the 
 wakeful Fido, she drew the sparkling prism from its 
 accustomed place. Remembering her instructions, she 
 placed it in the palm of her hand, then bent (for 
 another's sake), on peering into futurity, she reso- 
 lutely fixed her eyes on the talisman. Swaying to 
 and fro with the intensity of her emotions, she 
 chanted the required invocation : 
 
 Strange gem, upon thy crystal core 
 I gaze, the while I aid implore ; 
 Trembling upon the verge of fate, 
 Oh, point my path ere yet too late ! 
 I fain would gain the boon I ask. 
 Is mine the strength for such a task ? 
 Canst thou unloose the links that bind, 
 Or vanquish powerful foes combined ? 
 Then show whate'er there lurks of art 
 Within thine own mysterious heart ; 
 On thee I turn a hopeful eye, 
 Bright stone of silence, make reply. 
 
 The magic stone grew larger and larger. Its
 
 168 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 brilliant centre, like a searching eye, returned 
 Fidunia's gaze with dazzling refulgence. Heavier 
 and heavier drooped her falling lids, her recum- 
 bent form sought more and more the support of 
 her little couch, at length borne down by resist- 
 less force, she lay unnerved and motionless. 
 
 The lamp became extinguished. All was dark, 
 silent, and blank. Her corporeal frame slumbered 
 inert and passive. But now every spiritual faculty 
 throbbed into keen activity. The whole chamber 
 was filled with soft penetrating light. The kind 
 Anna's well-remembered form stood beside her. 
 With one hand she raised Fidunia on her couch, 
 with the other she pointed towards the south. 
 
 To Fidunia's intense surprise, she beheld a ray 
 of moonlight illumine the sombre waters of the Bay 
 of Deva, reaching in One narrow unbroken line to 
 what she well knew as the distant though hitherto 
 unvisited island of Spera. She gazed bewildered 
 from her raised alcove, which commanded an easy 
 view of the landscape beneath, through the wide, 
 open windows. 
 
 How could the small silver horn of the newborn 
 moon cast such brilliant light on the dark ocean ? 
 She turned a troubled glance towards her unwonted 
 visitant, but her voice was spell-bound ; the questions 
 she fain would have uttered died upon her lips.
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 169 
 
 With a sad and solemn gesture her protectress still 
 pointed towards the heights of Spera, then sighed, 
 rather than said these lines : 
 
 Far, far o'er the depths of that shimm'ring blue sea, 
 
 The drops trickle slowly so sought for by thee ; 
 
 Enwrapt by the jealous embrace of the deep, 
 
 A lake without sky, without motion doth sleep. 
 
 Though distant, and hidden the shrine of the cave 
 
 By the busy bright waters its entrance that lave, 
 
 Yet only the touch of an innocent maiden 
 
 Can e'er give effect to those drops virtue-laden. 
 
 At midnight a ray shall illumine the portal 
 
 All sombre and silent, ne'er threaded by mortal. 
 
 At midnight, by moonlight, that path can be crossed, 
 
 By her, who heroic, ne'er counteth the cost. 
 
 Oh, chilly the ocean, and lonely the hour, 
 
 Or the charm that thou seekest is reft of its power ; 
 
 And voiceless and mute thine endeavours must be, 
 
 Or fruitless thy labours and harmful to thee. 
 
 Yet, maiden, forbear ! ere thou challenge the spell 
 
 Remember with thee and with thine it is well ! 
 
 In thee and thy love the blind monarch is blest : 
 
 Then dwell in his palace Fidunia at rest. 
 
 As the last couplet fell on Fidunia's ears all else 
 became as nought. The dear thought of her first 
 and faithful lover filled her imaginative mind. 
 What recked she of trouble or sorrow to be under- 
 gone in his service ! Would she not even give life 
 itself for the sake of him who had first called into 
 existence all the passionate but unknown wealth 
 of her unselfish soul ! Dreamily she recalled to her
 
 170 FIDO AND FID UN I A. 
 
 self his whispered vows, his ardent tones, and thus 
 from waking dreams slowly fell on sleep, undisturbed 
 and profound. 
 
 It was late the following morning before she 
 awoke to the realities of life. As she dressed 
 herself she pondered much over the visions 
 of the night. Was all a dream, like her forest 
 fancies ? 
 
 She looked everywhere for the talisman, but it 
 was nowhere to be seen. Its absence weighed 
 somewhat heavily on her mind. The reality of her 
 midnight experience was brought home to her, as she 
 perpetually missed the shining stone from its wonted 
 hiding-place. 
 
 Fidunia now hastened to her monarch's presence. 
 Considering that the loss of the talisman released her 
 from her promise of secrecy, she confided its whole 
 history to the astonished King. She told him also 
 her waking vision of the previous night. She de- 
 scribed Dame Anna's appearance, and repeated some 
 of her words. 
 
 Thoroughly roused Antiphates entreated Fidunia 
 to keep nothing more concealed from him. Using 
 all his powers of persuasion he at length drew from 
 her unwilling lips the particulars of her three wild 
 forest dreams. 
 
 In a voice trembling with emotion he hailed the
 
 Thoroughly roused, Antiphates entreated Fidunia to keep nothing more concealed 
 from him." P. i 7 c.
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 171 
 
 forest maiden as his predestined deliverer, nor was his 
 eager curiosity satisfied till he had asked innumer- 
 able questions. Fidunia sighed as she noted his 
 feverish agitation. Remembering the warning con- 
 tained in the last rhythmical lines, she feared lest his 
 hopes should be dashed to the ground. 
 
 As they sat together in his favourite turret above 
 the castle porch, he explained to her that rumour 
 spoke of a hidden cave in the Isle of Spera. Re- 
 calling to mind the line of light she had so distinctly 
 seen across the bay, Fidunia pointed it out as having 
 terminated beneath the highest peak of the island. 
 Antiphates decided that an endeavour to find the 
 cave should be made when the moon next became 
 full. He would fain himself have aided in the search ; 
 but Fidunia, anxious to have her mind steadfastly 
 set on the one object of the expedition, persuaded 
 him to remain within the palace, and to allow her 
 to go forth guarded only by Domenichino. 
 
 Domenichino secretly hired, as for his own use, 
 one of the boats belonging to a fisherman of Spera. 
 He carefully questioned the men of the place about 
 their island. They all seemed aware of the probable 
 existence of a cave only accessible from the sea, but 
 partly from the dreamy indolence common to those 
 climes, partly from superstition, no one had as yet 
 discovered its entrance. A thousand old legends,
 
 172 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 
 
 however, sung of the hidden beauties of this won- 
 drous grotto, a hundred wild tales were told among 
 these simple people of the magic and wonder-working 
 fountain therein concealed from mortal eyes. 
 
 At last the time arrived when, at midnight, 
 Cynthia should reach her cold meridian of beauty. 
 Fidunia resolved to leave Fido for the first time be- 
 hind her. She committed him to the willing charge 
 of the King, but the little animal, who from the first 
 had taken a dislike to Antiphates, could not be got 
 away from his mistress's chamber. There, extended 
 on the moonlit verandah, he remained during her 
 absence, disconsolate and wakeful. 
 
 It was a night of peaceful calm. As the sturdy 
 rowers urged on their vessel, her bows parted the 
 waters into a thousand phosphorescent ripples, which, 
 widening as the boat moved onward, spread into one 
 broad, flaming wake in their rear. 
 
 Fidunia carried with her an ancient gold goblet, 
 wherein the King besought her to place the precious 
 drops, should she succeed in obtaining them. Grasp- 
 ing it tightly in her hand, as if to persuade herself 
 she was not dreaming, she gazed awestruck on the 
 overwhelming beauty of the landscape, arrayed in 
 night's fairest covering. 
 
 Already distant, the City of Deva lay white and 
 ghost-like under the moon's pale ray. Here and
 
 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 173 
 
 there a gleam of light showed that there were 
 watchers on land, and from the high turret window 
 of Castle Xylina one ruddy gleam shot a quivering 
 reflection far along the ever-lengthening track of 
 their little craft. 
 
 Before them the nearing crags of Spera rose abrupt 
 and beetling towards the sky. The boat moved 
 rapidly along. Now became audible the surging swell 
 and low muffled boom of the ocean, ever chafing, ever 
 restless, even when apparently at peace ; and ever re- 
 pelled by those giant sentinels of the deep. Num- 
 bers of sea-birds, disturbed by the unwonted splash 
 of oars, wheeled screaming above their heads, and 
 suddenly brought to Fidunia's mind with agitating dis- 
 tinctness the recollection of her second forest dream. 
 
 But all other thoughts were merged in the ap- 
 proaching performance of her self-imposed task. 
 They had gradually rounded the opening to a little 
 bay where the water seemed more shallow, and the 
 sea only broke in tiny wavelets upon a small shelf of 
 pearly white sand. Here Fidunia stepped from the 
 boat. Leaving human companionship behind, she 
 slowly paced along the narrow margin. Finally, fol- 
 lowing the moon-lit line and heedful of Domeni- 
 chino's oft-repeated instructions, she disappeared 
 behind the frowning ledge of rock which bounded 
 the narrow inlet
 
 I 7 4 FJDO AND FID UNI A. 
 
 Only a very few minutes after she had thus gone 
 from their sight, they could hear dimly across the 
 intervening waters, the faint tolling of the midnight 
 beHs in the great City. In indescribable anxiety 
 Domenichino, who alone (among these rude boat- 
 men) knew her peril, counted the minutes till 
 Fidunia's return, and resolved that at the expira- 
 tion of a certain time he would at all risks persist 
 in following the unprotected maiden. 
 
 But, ere the appointed period had elapsed, Fidunia, 
 with buoyant steps, turned swiftly the dark boundary 
 and rapidly drew near. High resolve sat upon her 
 brow and stamped her features with a noble ar- 
 dour. Closely clasped to her bosom she held the 
 precious vase, but to no mortal ear might she un- 
 fold the thrilling tale of her solitary experience. 
 
 Had she within those mystic precincts heard a 
 warning voice which bade her pause ere she dashed 
 the cup of earthly happiness from her lips ? How 
 and where had she obtained the crystal liquid that 
 leapt and sparkled in its golden prison? Had she 
 entered the ice-cold waters and braved the wave- 
 engulfing arms of the merry, malicious mer-men, 
 who warily watch, and at the midnight hour have 
 power to bear to their coral haunts the bold earth- 
 maiden who shall step within their native element ? 
 
 These, and numberless other questions, crowded
 
 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 175 
 
 into Domenichino's mind as he sped to meet her ; 
 but she raised her finger to her lips, and with a 
 mute gesture of entreaty silently took her place in 
 the little vessel. The weather-beaten boatmen 
 shrank back as she passed them by, her hair and 
 garments glistening with a thousand rainbow-coloured 
 drops ; yet, as she dreamily took her place in the 
 stern, one, less bashful than his compeers, awkwardly 
 placed his rough coat so as to shelter and keep her 
 warm. 
 
 The wind had arisen. It swept meaningly around, 
 hurrying dark clouds across the face of the moon, 
 and presently shrouding her altogether from their 
 sight. But the red tower-light from distant Xylina 
 guided the homeward-bound crew, and ere very long 
 they were safely landed below the slumbering City. 
 
 Still voiceless, Fidunia, with lagging footsteps, as- 
 cended the steep hill. Her energy was gone ; she 
 leant heavily on Domenichino's arm, and but for his 
 aid must have fallen more than once exhausted by 
 the way. At last the castle was reached. In answer 
 to her signal the faithful esquire knocked at his 
 master's turret door. An impatient voice bade them 
 enter. Antiphates himself, stumbling hastily to meet 
 them, started as he took Fidunia's cold hand in his. 
 She gently withstood his eager inquiries and solici- 
 tude for her health. " Sire," she murmured, "I am
 
 i?6 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 very weary, but these poor hands must this night 
 bathe your eyes." 
 
 At her words the King, obedient, sank on a couch 
 near at hand, and Fidunia, dipping her fingers into 
 the golden goblet, timidly pressed them again and 
 again over his burning eyelids. Her cool, soft touch 
 soothed his irritated nerves and brought refreshing 
 peace to his restless mind. A strange calm folded 
 its enshadowing wings around those busy brows 
 and wrapt the imperious monarch in a sweet and 
 childlike slumber. 
 
 Raising her finger again to her lips, in token of 
 silence, and signing to Domenichino to leave his 
 sovereign for the night, Fidunia quitted the turret 
 chamber and sought her own apartment. Here the 
 listening Fido greeted her approaching footsteps with 
 a whine of delight, and testified his joy at her return 
 by many expressive gambols. 
 
 Long into the night she sat on her balcony, acting 
 over in thought again and again the exciting scenes 
 of that eventful evening. It seemed to her she had 
 only just fallen asleep when she was suddenly startled 
 from her slumbers by a loud paean of rejoicing blown 
 from the castle wall by the silver trumpets. 
 
 For a moment recollection failed her, but then glad 
 certainty flashed on her mind, and, as if to make 
 assurance doubly sure, some of the women of the
 
 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 177 
 
 palace, rushing abruptly into her chamber, confirmed 
 the glad tidings. They urged her to arise and dress 
 in haste, for the King could not rest till he had seen 
 and thanked his deliverer in person. 
 
 Fidunia hurriedly arrayed herself. Accompanied 
 by Fido, she hastened along the now well-known 
 passages of the palace. She ascended the broad 
 stairs and passed the tall guards in the corridor, 
 with their nodding plumes. The doors of the 
 presence chamber were thrown open before her. 
 On the threshold she stood a moment irresolute. 
 Then, notwithstanding their intimacy, knowing his 
 newly-gained power, she advanced timidly towards 
 the great King. There was a pause, she raised her 
 eyes to his. The monarch seemed transformed ! 
 Instead of half-closed, unseeing eyes, and all the 
 accompanying hesitation and uncertainty, two 
 searching orbs now bent their dark majesty full 
 on the bashful maiden. In that one moment she 
 drank in the fatal secret, which no after -words 
 could disguise. 
 
 It was but too true ! 
 
 A passionate adorer of beauty, Antiphates had, 
 during the past months, almost unknown to himself, 
 clothed his unseen love with perfect loveliness. His 
 heart therefore beat high with expectation as her 
 footfall was heard at the door, and when, with her 
 
 N
 
 I 7 8 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 attendant Fido, she entered alone, he could not 
 control the impulse of disappointment too plainly 
 written on his expressive, speaking countenance. 
 
 The dawn of light on his long - darkened orbs 
 revealed to him the unattractive colouring and 
 irregular features of the being he had in blindness 
 learned to adore, and no self-command on his part 
 could conceal from love's unerring instinct his 
 change of mood. 
 
 Now, however, with well -simulated alacrity, he 
 rose from his throne. Stepping down with a free, 
 unfettered gait, widely different from his wonted 
 stumbling manner, he took the maiden's hand in his 
 own. Pouring confused and hurried thanks into her 
 ear, he led her to the seat where she had passed so 
 many happy hours. 
 
 In vain he strove to conjure back the fascination 
 Fidunia once possessed for him. Oh ! subtle in- 
 fluence ! who can accurately define the thrilling tie 
 that makes the one we love different from all the 
 Avorld beside ? who, when the frail chain of enchant- 
 ment is once severed, can join again those mystic 
 links ? 
 
 The King and Fidunia conversed in low tones, ap- 
 parently unchanged : the gay courtiers around at least 
 observed no cloud on the horizon. Waiting within 
 call, they clustered eagerly around Domenichino to
 
 FIDO A ND FID UNI A . 1 79 
 
 hear his adventures of the previous night, and to 
 discuss together the approaching marriage of the 
 maiden, now beloved by all, with their fortune- 
 favoured prince. They recked not of the cold 
 shadow that crept slowly into the little maid's 
 heart, and clouded her fair and hitherto untroubled 
 sky. 
 
 Fido alone, close and vigilant, marked the awaken- 
 ing sorrow of his beloved mistress. He felt the 
 hand that caressed him grow cold and pulseless. 
 He noted the accent of despair in Fidunia's choking 
 voice. His unsophisticated nature rose indignant at 
 the selfishness of the human friend, who (after such 
 vows breathed, and responded to by her to whom 
 they were addressed), could change and grow indif- 
 ferent to the being who had gone through so much 
 for his sake. 
 
 How true it is that maidens, like flowers, expand 
 in the presence of him they love, in the warm sun- 
 shine of adoration. When that cheering beam is 
 withdrawn, how colourless and scentless, how devoid 
 of beauty, do their drooping blossoms become ! 
 
 Even so it was with Fidunia, the happy light that 
 had of late dawned in her gray eyes now faded away. 
 Hour after hour she wept alone on her sleepless 
 pillow, sadly musing over times departed, 
 " Departed never to return." 
 
 N 2
 
 i So FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 One wakeful night she poured out her thoughts in 
 these words : 
 
 The silent hour of night prevailed, the Earth 
 Was in her first and dewy slumber, while 
 The Moon unveiled her pure and peerless light, 
 And threw her radiance o'er the dusky haunts 
 Of men. 
 
 An atom on the world's broad breast 
 Alone, beneath those chilly beams I mused, 
 On Death and Immortality. 
 
 My soul 
 
 Sped swiftly upward on the ethereal ray, 
 And left enthralled the grosser part of self, 
 The slumbering mortal portion of my frame. 
 
 The spirit world was gained, and for a space 
 Enchantment wove mine aching heart a strange 
 Bright web of many hued delight She gave 
 To that brief Dream all the reality 
 That made its flying moments passing sweet. 
 The kindly echoes lent their magic aid, 
 And tones reverberated in mine ear 
 Whose music gently whispered rapture, not 
 Of Earth, but of some far-off lovely Land, 
 A Time when all that is not yet may be. 
 
 With trembling sigh, from happiness too great, 
 
 I all unknowing broke the mystic spell, 
 
 And shivering back, through dark and dreary ways, 
 
 No Moon to guide the weary feet, no Light 
 
 To cheer the falling spirit, once again 
 
 Within dull clay poor Psyche found her home, 
 
 And woke to bitter loneliness and woe.
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 181 
 
 She had in truth a rough awakening from her dream 
 of happiness. As day by day the restless monarch 
 showed more and more the change in his feelings that 
 perfect vision had wrought, Fidunia not only passed 
 through the deep waters of sorrow in realizing his 
 alienation, but experienced moreover a fresh and 
 equally poignant pain as the veil of illusion fell from 
 her disenchanted eyes, and taught the simple-hearted 
 young girl that she could 'never again regard her 
 monarch with the same trusting faith. 
 
 To one of hasty impulsive temperament like Anti- 
 phates, dissimulation proved impossible : however 
 much he was bound, alike by the ties of honour and 
 of gratitude, to keep the vows publicly pledged to 
 his deliverer, he could not forgive the hapless girl 
 her lack of outward beauty. He valued not the 
 delicate refinement of her nature. He marked not 
 the ethereal spirit that shone unconquerable through 
 her transparent eye. His affection had been of the 
 earth, earthy ; evanescent as frail mortality itself. 
 
 Nor was Fidunia's spirit formed in a mould to sicken 
 and die of unrequited affection. In happier days, 
 the happiest of her short life, she had, in spite of the 
 vast difference in their ages, learned to regard the 
 gifted King with something akin to reverential love. 
 The eager wooing of one so talented and fascinat- 
 ing could not fail to produce some corresponding
 
 1 82 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 effect on the imagination of the forest maiden. Not 
 unsolicited she had yielded up her gentle heart, and 
 come gradually to centre all the hopes and thoughts 
 of her young life upon Antiphates. 
 
 She now grew to spend longer hours each day in 
 wandering round the precincts of Xylina. The child 
 of nature, she ever found her truest solace beneath 
 the wide canopy of heaven. There no walls pent in 
 her labouring sobs, no human eye beheld the slowly 
 falling tears, mourners over a vanished past, that 
 welled up one by one from her burning heart ; tears 
 that slowly rising, purified still further her much 
 afflicted spirit, and weaned her soul from the earthly 
 love which for a time had satisfied that strange im- 
 mortal portion of mortality. 
 
 Fido, ever beside his mistress, grew like her, pen- 
 sive and forlorn. He knew she was in grief, and 
 his mute sympathy gave her comfort, as together they 
 climbed through the mazy wood, or explored the 
 hills that rose behind the castle. 
 
 In these wanderings, Fidunia came frequently to a 
 knoll, commanding the lovely expanse of waters 
 beneath. Looking across the broad bay of Deva, the 
 horizon was bounded only by the fair island of Spera, 
 so fraught with memory's brightest records. Here 
 upon a bank of wild thyme, sheltered by the cool 
 olive trees, and fanned by the passing breeze, she
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 183 
 
 pondered over her mysterious lot, and shudderingly 
 thought of the blank untrodden future.- 
 
 But counsel and comfort already approached. 
 One day as she thus sat, rapt and musing, a gentle 
 voice addressed her; turning half alarmed, she be- 
 held the sweetest face her eyes had ever dwelt upon. 
 That countenance shone with heaven-born beauty. 
 " Sister Angela" (for thus the stranger was called) 
 had also sorrowed, but she had found lasting comfort 
 in the convent of Saint Sebastian. This monastery 
 was near at hand, though partially concealed by the 
 dense foliage and the masses of creepers which 
 clothed its outer walls. Angela had oftentimes seen 
 and yearned over the sorrowful young girl, and at 
 last, issuing forth, ventured to greet her. 
 
 She tenderly saluted Fidunia, who, before long, 
 learnt to love and trust her new friend. She soon 
 came daily to seek for guidance and comfort at 
 her hands, confiding to Angela's sympathizing ears 
 the chequered story of her brief life. 
 
 Meantime, to add still further to the griefs of poor 
 Fidunia, her little dog disappeared. She first missed 
 him one afternoon as, after long converse with her 
 new found friend, she turned to descend the grassy 
 slopes to Castle Xylina. 
 
 During those hours she had formed a high and 
 holy resolution. Alone in the world, she aspired to
 
 1 84 FIDO AND FIDUN1A. 
 
 become one of the sisterhood to whom Angela be- 
 longed, and to find an asylum for her wearied 
 wounded heart within the sacred walls of Saint 
 Sebastian. 
 
 On reaching the Castle, Fidunia sought everywhere 
 for Fido, but no one had seen him, or could tell 
 whither he had gone. While occupied in threading 
 the long passages and calling anxiously for her 
 missing companion, she met Domenichino hastening 
 to entreat her attendance on the King. Without 
 returning to her chamber to alter her attire, Fidunia 
 turned and accompanied him to the royal presence. 
 
 Antiphates met her at the entrance of the hall. 
 In kind yet constrained tones the monarch condoled 
 with her as he heard of Fido's disappearance. He 
 gave orders moreover that the strictest search should 
 at once be instituted throughout Deva and its en- 
 virons for Fidunia's dear little favourite. 
 
 " But now," continued the King, leading her to a 
 deep embrasure, whence could be seen the fair land- 
 scape beneath, " I am anxious you should name the 
 day for the ceremony that is to unite the debtor to 
 his mistress, and thus permit me to fulfil my plighted 
 troth." So saying, he carried her hand lightly to his 
 lips, and looked searchingly upon her. But even his 
 bold eyes fell rebuked beneath Fidunia's pure enquir- 
 ing gaze, now divested of all hesitation or embarrass-
 
 FIDO AND FID UN I A. 185 
 
 ment. No word of reproach for his altered behaviour 
 towards her, since she had restored his sight, fell 
 from her. No murmur escaped her. But her voice 
 quavered as, in a few simple sentences, she unfolded 
 to him the purpose she had that day formed of 
 taking upon herself the vows of Saint Sebastian. 
 
 A sense of momentary shame at his own want of 
 generosity dyed the King's rough cheek a deeper hue. 
 He felt his inability to urge Fidunia with any zest 
 to renounce her lofty aspirations. He strove to con- 
 ceal his satisfaction, but he knew too well that her 
 voluntary self-devotion relieved him from a perplex- 
 ing dilemma. 
 
 Nevertheless he cast about in his mind for some 
 form of remonstrance ; but before he could frame the 
 words on his unwilling lips, she was gone. 
 
 Stung to her inmost heart by the inscrutable 
 changes in his variable nature, and already over- 
 wrought by the day's emotions, the hapless Fidunia 
 only reached her chamber in time to shut from every 
 human eye her deadly struggle, her last overwhelm- 
 ing battle with wounded mortal love. 
 
 Days slowly elapsed without intelligence of Fido, 
 and the arrangements became gradually completed 
 by which, upon the Festival of All Saints, Fidunia 
 was to enter her noviciate. 
 
 All Hallow's Eve drew near. On the morrow the
 
 1 86 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 lonely Fidunia was to bid farewell to the outer 
 world, and rest her wearied tempest-tossed head 
 within the peaceful cloistered shades. 
 
 She sought her luxurious chamber for the last time, 
 and unfastening the window, stepped out on the 
 broad balcony. The glorious full moon once more 
 illuminated with clear cold light each beloved object 
 in the exquisite panorama so dear to her. 
 
 Human sorrow asserted its own in the maiden's 
 breast, as in spirit she bade farewell to the slumbering 
 monarch who, for a brief period, had been her sun and 
 firmament, the "all" for which in the forest depths 
 her innocent soul had insensibly pined. 
 
 A sudden pattering footstep sounded near, and 
 looking inwards, lo ! through the moonlit chamber, 
 approached the truant Fido. In the imperfect light 
 he seemed faint and weary ; but Fidunia sprang to 
 meet him, and raised and fondled the little wan- 
 derer in her arms, asking him the while many a 
 question about his strange absence, half reproaching 
 him for his desertion. 
 
 As she held the little dog close to her breast, 
 rejoicing over his return, ,she felt something cf a 
 novel character around his neck. She gently un- 
 fastened a cord, and found attached to it a small 
 phial carefully sealed, yet emitting a wondrous 
 fragrance.
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 187 
 
 Somehow assuming from her companion's quiescent 
 attitude that the flask was for her own use, she slipped 
 it into her bosom, and forgetting all else, again yielded 
 herself to vague yearnings over the unfulfilled visions 
 of the past. It was long before she stepped from 
 the window, and placing Fido on the ground pre- 
 pared for her last night's rest in the palace. 
 
 As she let down the now lengthened tresses of her 
 thick hair, Fido though evidently exhausted, re- 
 fused to lie down. Seemingly ill at ease, he watched 
 her every movement with painful anxiety. When at 
 length she drew near the marble bath, wherein she 
 nightly plunged, his agitation knew no bounds, and 
 as in undressing she displaced the phial from her 
 garments he uttered a series of short sharp barks 
 restlessly springing the while backwards and forwards 
 from his mistress to the edge of the alcove. So close 
 was the companionship between Fidunia and her 
 faithful companion, that she at once divined his 
 meaning, and undoing the seal and extracting the 
 stopper from the bottle, she emptied its contents into 
 the water. Scarcely had she done so when the whole 
 chamber became filled with a delicious perfume. As 
 one in a trance, half overcome by the powerful scent, 
 Fidunia entered her bath, and felt at once the extra- 
 ordinary invigorating power which seemed to emanate 
 from those few drops of liquid.
 
 1 88 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 All sorrow was lifted from her heart. Already in 
 imagination she joined in the sweet praiseful strains 
 of the Sebastian sisters. Angelic forms moved around 
 her, and the moon's pale rays at length guided the 
 weary maiden to her pillow. Stretching out one soft 
 arm over her faithful dog, lying in his cot by her side, 
 and lulled by a foretaste of heaven's own music, Fidu- 
 nia sank into dreams of ecstatic beauty. 
 
 The loud pealing of a thousand bells for the Festi- 
 val of All Saints at last awoke the neophyte from 
 her deep repose. For a moment she started and half 
 forgot her resting place ; but her eye fell upon her 
 little dog. Something strange in his attitude struck 
 her. Startled, she sprang to her feet and bent over 
 him. 
 
 His sleep was surely very deep ! Yes, Fidunia ! 
 sound are those slumbers from which not even the 
 touch of thy beloved hand can rouse his wearied 
 form, or call forth a response from the wistful eyes, 
 wont to hang upon thy lightest gesture. 
 
 With an exceeding bitter cry, Fidunia fell beside 
 her lost favourite and vainly chafed his stiffening 
 limbs. As she stooped over him, her eyes swimming 
 in tears, she perceived in the morning light a small 
 scroll lying on the floor by his couch. She hastily 
 raised it, and noted " This for Fidunia " traced upon 
 the outer covering. She tore it open, and through
 
 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 189 
 
 the mists of sorrow that perpetually dimmed her 
 vision, she read these words : 
 
 " Sweet daughter, when thou readest this, thy faith- 
 ful servant will be no more. Know that the little 
 dog, Fido, through many past days and nights hath 
 mourned over thine exceeding sorrow and thy low 
 estate, 
 
 " He held thee altogether lovely, but he knew from 
 human fellowship that those who owed most to thy 
 labours, my child, had weighed thine outward beauty 
 in the balance and found it wanting. He watched 
 thine affliction till his own heart went nigh to break ; 
 and then, calling to remembrance my counsels and 
 assistance to thee, he left thy side, and through many 
 hardships and with great fatigue he gained once more 
 my little cottage by the wide and spreading common. 
 I made known to him that the gift of earthly beauty 
 could only be thine through the self-sacrifice of one 
 who loved thee to the death. Thy faithful com- 
 panion hath cheerfully laid down his sinless existence 
 for thy dear sake. 
 
 " Heaven guard thee and guide thee, Fidunia ! 
 
 "ANNA." 
 
 As Fidunia, penetrated to her very inmost soul by 
 the dying fidelity of her beloved dog, sank again over
 
 190 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 
 
 his inanimate frame, a loud and persistent knocking 
 made itself heard at her chamber door. She had 
 barely time to cast on her outer garments before the 
 palace women, alarmed by her first cry, and hearing 
 no response to their summons, thrust open the door 
 and drew inquisitively near the weeping maiden. 
 
 Fidunia rose from her knees, and casting an in- 
 dignant look on the amazed intruders, she exclaimed, 
 "Behold your thoughtless work ! It was through 
 you and yours that my poor dog learnt the small 
 esteem in which his mistress was held, and has thus 
 been goaded to his death." 
 
 No answer came from the gathering throng. 
 Awed and abashed, they herded together. Whence 
 came the ineffable beauty that sat upon Fidunia's 
 brow, and cast a radiance over her shining hair ? 
 That it was the forest maiden none could doubt, but 
 how exquisitely soft and fair her lineaments, as 
 standing in the morning sun before her dead com- 
 rade's couch, she gave vent to her feelings of 
 passionate reproach. 
 
 At this moment Domenichino, hastily entering, 
 heralded the King's approach. The news of the 
 death of Fido and of Fidunia's miraculous and new- 
 born beauty had spread like wild-fire through the 
 Castle. 
 
 Antiphates, no less bewildered than his subjects,
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 191 
 
 hesitated half awe-struck on the threshold of 
 the young girl's chamber, which he now for the 
 first time proposed to enter. Recovering himself 
 promptly, however, with an imperious gesture he 
 signed to his surrounding people to leave the apart- 
 ment, and then slowly advanced to the now silent but 
 still weeping Fidunia. 
 
 In bygone days, all unknown to the sightless 
 monarch, the very sound of his approaching footsteps 
 had power to suffuse her cheek with blushes. Now 
 coldly conscious of his presence, she stood before 
 him without responsive sign, the loveliest creature 
 upon God's wide earth, the realized ideal of his 
 fairest dreams. 
 
 Wrapped in her white morning robe, with her yet 
 unbound hair falling back in rich clustering masses 
 from her pure pale brow and pearly skin of dazzling 
 whiteness ; a solemn depth shone from her dark 
 blue eyes, bearing still a wealth of tears unshed ; 
 while a faint evanescent colour like the transparent 
 petal of the wood anemone played upon her rounded 
 cheek. 
 
 All unknown to herself, clothed in this wondrous 
 panoply of beauty, Fidunia awaited her sovereign's 
 commands. To her unspeakable surprise the mon- 
 arch seemed overcome with some unbidden emotion. 
 Again and again he vainly assayed to speak ; at
 
 192 FIDO AND FID UNI A. 
 
 length, drawing near, he bent his proud knee before 
 her, and in agitated tones besought her pardon. 
 
 " Sire," replied Fidunia, " as regards myself, I 
 have little to forgive, but would that my dumb 
 companion had been spared the knowledge that hath 
 cost him his faithful life." 
 
 " Oh, Fidunia ! " cried the enamoured Prince, 
 " forget these sad weeks wherein we have suffered 
 disquiet, and during which untoward shadows have 
 obscured my vision, and consent, as you once promised, 
 to be my bride. I swear to you, my darling," continued 
 he, pressing closer to the shrinking girl, " that in my 
 love and tender care you shall find consolation even 
 for the death of your poor lost favourite." 
 
 With an effort Fidunia extricated her hand from 
 his nervous grasp, and the red flush of indignation 
 mounting higher and higher, she exclaimed, " Nay, 
 my liege, this is neither the time nor the place wherein 
 to renew the vows which of late have sat so light 
 on thy heart and conscience. Here in the presence 
 of the faithful dead, spare me, I pray thee, all 
 reference to the unfeithful past. That chapter is 
 closed for ever. On this morning, with thy free 
 consent, I take upon myself new and holy vows. 
 Yes," repeated she, raising her speaking eyes to the 
 glorious eastern sky, " I am accounted worthy to 
 become the lowly bride of Heaven." And as if in
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 193 
 
 confirmation of her words, a gust of wind brought 
 faintly to their ears, through the wide open window, 
 the glad chiming of the Saint Sebastian bells, ringing 
 in anticipation of the ceremonial of the day. 
 
 " Now by my crown and kingdom," whispered 
 Antiphates, in burning ardent tones, "that thou never 
 shalt become, for mine thou art and mine thou shalt 
 remain while I have life and power to keep thee." 
 So saying he sprang to his feet and enfolding Fidunia 
 in his arms, pressed her fiercely to his breast. 
 
 Weary and distraught, and well nigh overcome 
 with the struggle, as she felt the loud pulsations 
 of his throbbing heart, and experienced the mesmeric 
 influence of strong earthly passion, the sorely bestead 
 maiden breathed from her fainting soul an earnest 
 prayer for guidance ; and her silent petition for aid 
 in the hour of need was answered. 
 
 A low strain of music sounded through the 
 chamber, and the reluctant King involuntarily re- 
 leased his trembling captive, as the door slowly 
 opening admitted two by two the veiled and white 
 arrayed sisters of Saint Sebastian coming to adorn 
 their promised novice for the approaching ceremony. 
 
 In vain the distracted Prince commanded them to 
 pause in their holy duties, in vain he implored 
 Fidunia to delay even for a day her irrevocable vows. 
 
 Borne back by the gentle but resistless force of 
 
 O
 
 194 FIDO AND F I BUN I A. 
 
 the sacred band, and secretly abashed at the recol- 
 lection of his own conduct, Antiphates stood spell- 
 bound, devouring with hungry eyes the peerless 
 beauty of the maid, whom too late, he knew to be 
 the one golden hope of his life. They arrayed her 
 in bridal robes of exceeding splendour. They placed 
 a coronal of blooming orange flowers upon her fault- 
 less head. 
 
 When all was completed Fidunia, turning to Do- 
 menichino, pleaded with him to convey what re- 
 mained of her devoted servant to the little thymy 
 knoll beneath the olive trees, and there within easy 
 reach of her convent walls, to lay to rest the still 
 beautiful form of the faithful Fido. 
 
 Then, stepping aside as if to bid him farewell, 
 she raised and kissed the silent Prince's hand, mur- 
 muring in tones that he alone could hear, "while 
 life lasts I shall pray for thee." Ere he could re- 
 spond the procession slowly re-formed, and descending 
 the broad palace-stairs, swept onwards along the 
 avenue of grassy sward, and through the orange- 
 scented gardens of Xylina to the hallowed precincts 
 of Saint Sebastian on the Hill. 
 
 Within the chapel where the holy fathers waited, 
 many had collected to witness the ceremony, but 
 the King and his cortege occupied the places nearest 
 , to the sisters and the young aspirant
 
 FIDO AND FIDUNIA. 195 
 
 Through his intervention her meditations were 
 yet again disturbed, as he besought her once more 
 to turn from her purpose, and to remain amid the 
 outer world as his loved and honoured bride. She 
 steadfastly refused to listen to his entreaties. The 
 service proceeded, and the novice at length prepared 
 to pass through the iron gateway that should now 
 close to all eternity between her and the world with- 
 out. A ray from heaven fell on her beautiful figure, 
 and illumined her devout features, as she stood 
 waiting to receive the white consecrated veil of the 
 sisterhood. 
 
 The long enveloping folds shrouded her from head 
 to foot, and as Fidunia's golden head disappeared for 
 ever from the sight of man, the whole air became 
 filled with the celestial voices of the choir, singing 
 these glorious words, 
 
 " She is not dead, but liveth."
 
 EUOdSMON : 
 
 OR 
 
 THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH.
 
 p. 199.
 
 EUD/EiMON : 
 
 THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 
 
 ON the eastern side of the Isle of Raasay there still 
 stands a lonely ruin known as Castle Brochel. 
 Perched upon precipitous rocks at the very verge of 
 the ocean, it is easy to imagine how, armed and 
 provisioned, this fortress held its own amid the perpe- 
 tual warfare of early Celtic times. 
 
 Castle Brochel has always borne a doubtful repu- 
 tation. According to tradition, it was originally 
 built with the price of blood, for the ancient legend 
 runs somewhat after this fashion. 
 
 Shiel Torquil went forth with his dogs one morning 
 to hunt the red deer on the wild mountains Blaven 
 and Glamaig, in the neighbouring Island of Skye. 
 Shiel Torquil had with him only one retainer, but he 
 was a host in himself, being surnamed, from his im- 
 mense size and strength, the Gillie More. After
 
 EUDsEMON 
 
 some time they sighted a stag. In the ardour of 
 the chase the dogs soon ran out of sight, pursuing 
 their quarry towards the shore at Sligachan. 
 
 Now it so happened that the young Kreshinish in 
 his galley was anchored on that side of the island 
 within sight of the beach. He saw the hunted animal 
 about to take to the water, and swim, as deer are 
 often known to do, across the narrow strait which lies 
 between Skye and Raasay. Kreshinish and his men 
 at once landed and took possession, not only of the 
 stag itself, but of the dogs which, panting and ex- 
 hausted, were unable to offer any resistance. 
 
 Shiel Torquil presently appeared on the scene and 
 angrily asked for his deer and his hounds. Kreshi- 
 nish refused to deliver them up. A bloody struggle 
 ensued, during which the Gillie More inflicted a fatal 
 wound upon the ill-fated young chieftain who un- 
 wittingly (at first) had interfered with the sports of 
 another. This brought the affray to a speedy con- 
 clusion, and Shiel Torquil with his follower carried 
 off deer and dogs in triumph. 
 
 Not long after this the poor old father of Kreshinish 
 came to Skye to seek for the murderer of his son, and 
 publicly offered the reward of a bag of silver to any 
 one who would show him the guilty man. The Gillie 
 More, hearing of the promised guerdon, boldly 
 entered the presence of the elder Kreshinish. Con-
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 201 
 
 fessing that he himself had slain the youthful chief- 
 tain, he urged in self-defence the young man's over- 
 bearing conduct in attempting to carry off Shiel 
 Torquil's stag-hounds and game. 
 
 The bereaved father, obliged by the stringent laws 
 of Highland honour to fulfil his solemn promise, re- 
 luctantly bestowed the bag of silver on the very man 
 who had cut off his only child in the early bloom of 
 manhood. The Gillie More, however, haunted by 
 remorse, and still fearing the avenger's footstep, 
 entreated his master to accept the money and build 
 therewith a retreat for them both. 
 
 Shiel Torquil granted his henchman's request. 
 After some time spent in searching for a suitable 
 site, they at last selected the wild easterly shore 
 of Raasay. Here were speedily raised the frowning 
 walls of Castle Brochel. Secured from sudden attack 
 by the inaccessible situation of their refuge, the 
 Gillie More and his master lived in peace for 
 many years. 
 
 Their retired habits, and their dislike to intruders, 
 coupled with this strange tale of robbery and mur- 
 der, caused the Castle, though newly-built, to be 
 regarded with no friendly eye. When they died, it 
 was left untenanted for a considerable time. Many 
 reports were circulated concerning the strange sights 
 and sounds to be seen and heard at the eerie hour of
 
 EU DAEMON: 
 
 twilight, or amid the silent watches of the night, by 
 the belated traveller who chanced to pass that way 
 by sea or by land. 
 
 At the period .of which we speak, Castle Brochel 
 had however for some time been inhabited by a being 
 whose origin was partially shrouded in mystery, 
 the gloomy Eudaemon, known as the " Enchanter of 
 the North." 
 
 Long years ago, Valbiorn, the wild sea-king, per- 
 suaded the lovely Bragela, Sorglan's fair-haired 
 daughter, to fly with him from her home. Terrible 
 was Sorglan's wrath when he discovered that his 
 hereditary enemy had deprived him of his only 
 child, and undying was his resentment. But filial 
 disobedience brought its own punishment. Before 
 very long the restless Valbiorn was once more 
 roaming alone on the high seas, spreading war 
 and confusion in his wake. 
 
 It was next rumoured that the gentle Bragela, 
 heart-broken and deserted, had, with her little babe 
 and an old and faithful attendant, one-eyed Donald, 
 taken up her abode in the lonely Castle Brochel. 
 Here she reared her son, within whose infant mind 
 the powers of good and evil seemed to struggle with 
 unwonted energy. 
 
 Unceasing were the prayers that the loving mother 
 offered up over her child, for his strange nature caused
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 203 
 
 her many tears. At times he would sit contented 
 by her side, and fixing on her his large dark eyes, 
 listen attentively to her words of instruction and 
 wisdom. Or wandering with her, as soon as he could 
 run alone, over the hills near at hand, he learnt the 
 names and properties of various medicinal herbs, 
 and the hours when they should be gathered to 
 render their use efficacious. Wondrously effectual 
 was the healing touch he inherited from his fair 
 young mother and .brought to light in future 
 years. 
 
 On other days a mad spirit of wild wantonness 
 seemed to possess the boy. He would destroy every- 
 thing upon which he could lay his hand, or tear along 
 recklessly over the rugged walls and dangerous pre- 
 cipices on which the Castle stood, where a single 
 false step would have dashed him to pieces on the 
 rocks beneath. If his mother tearfully besought him 
 to return to her, he would burst into loud fits of 
 laughter, and shriek until the very sea-birds flew 
 affrighted from the spot. 
 
 When these strange paroxysms seized him, Bragela 
 found that nothing had the least effect upon her 
 wayward child save music. It was wholly by acci- 
 dent she first discovered the soothing charm of 
 melody on his turbulent nature. 
 
 One day, after watching his wild antics till her
 
 204 EUD^EMON: 
 
 very heart grew sick within her, she re-entered 
 the hall wearied and discouraged. Gradually con- 
 soling herself as she remembered how often the 
 young rebel had come down in safety from his peril- 
 ous haunts, she drew to her the harp, her father's 
 gift in days of yore, which in all her wanderings 
 she had carried with her. Striking chord after chord 
 on its well-worn strings, she at length began to mingle 
 her sweet voice with its thrilling tones. She sang 
 of her childhood's happy home, and her tenderly- 
 loved father, of the still beloved though faithless 
 Valbiorn, of the perils they had together undergone, 
 of the blissful hours she had once enjoyed when 
 the fierce warrior forgot everything save her gentle 
 strains, and lay entranced at her feet drinking in 
 every word, and whispering in ardent tones that " her 
 voice was as that of the angels in heaven." 
 
 She would have sung on of sorrow and forlorn 
 solitude, but voice and heart alike failed her. Clasp- 
 ing her arms around her cold harp, the forsaken Bra- 
 gela bowed her head on its shoulder and wept aloud. 
 
 But a little rough hand was laid upon her neck. 
 " Mother, mother," whispered her boy ; " you must 
 not weep, you are not forlorn or lonely, for I am 
 here to care for you, and to protect you." 
 
 Surprised and touched, Bragela turned to look 
 upon the child. The wild light had died out of his
 
 OR THE ENCHANTEk OF THE NORTH. 205 
 
 eyes, and in its place shone through those brilliant 
 orbs the tender protecting instinct of his sex. He 
 drew closer to her, and pressing his little curly head 
 on her soft bosom, he murmured, " I am sorry, 
 mother dear ; forgive me this time." 
 
 Poor Bragela gladly folded the young truant to 
 her heart. Henceforward she derived unspeakable 
 comfort from this new influence over his boisterous 
 spirit. For his sake she cheerfully resumed the art 
 she had deemed laid aside -for ever. When the wild 
 fit again and again returned upon her boy, she would 
 even carry her harp into the outer court. There 
 inuring herself, with all a mother's courage, to behold 
 without shuddering his maddest freaks, by her sweet 
 singing and playing she gradually lured him to her 
 side, and awakened his better self. 
 
 These happy days, however, could not continue 
 for ever. Eudaemon's mother had gone through too 
 many trials, and was of too tender a nature to endure 
 such grief with impunity. There came a time when 
 the gentle Bragela laid down her wearied head to 
 rest ; her dim eye kindled not with affection when 
 her terrified boy bent over her, her cold hand for the 
 first time gave him no responsive caress. Her sor- 
 rows were over, but loud and long were the lamen- 
 tations of her child; thus left alone with one poor 
 old man and his faithful dog Luachan.
 
 206 EU DAEMON: 
 
 At dead of night strange lights and sounds arose 
 about that rugged dwelling. Watchers at a distance 
 beheld the lonely castle enveloped in fiery smoke. 
 Amid the wreathing vapours a figure of unearthly pro- 
 portions carried to the sea a white-robed form with 
 long flowing hair. The repentant Valbiorn, too late 
 to save, or even to hold converse with his neglected 
 Bragela, bore to his immortal home her precious 
 remains. There he was able by his magic skill to 
 endow her inanimate body with the semblance of life. 
 He mournfully placed the beautiful image in the 
 vaulted halls of Thuisto, where he could for ever 
 gaze on the fatal beauty that had brought such 
 misfortune on its possessor. 
 
 Valbiorn tried every art to persuade his son to 
 accompany him ; but before her death Bragela 
 had warned her child of the cruel nature of the 
 sea-kings. She told him of her humble trust 
 that notwithstanding her early disobedience (so 
 heartily repented of), her soul might ascend to 
 heaven, and though the still heathen Valbiorn could 
 take her body, yet she felt her spirit would be safe 
 with Him who gave it. 
 
 She explained to Eudaemon that if he came under 
 his dread father's influence, the sea-king and his wild 
 companions would strive their utmost to make him 
 forget and neglect her careful instructions. She
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 207 
 
 entreated him to be steadfast in his resistance to 
 temptation, prophesying that eventually he might 
 even have the great happiness of rescuing his father 
 from the darkness of heathendom ; if only he lived 
 on in faith and simplicity, serving his unseen but 
 all-powerful Maker, studying the books she left him, 
 and endeavouring as best he might to help the poor 
 ignorant Highlanders around. 
 
 The crafty Valbiorn finding all his endeavours 
 powerless to persuade Eudaemon to quit his abode 
 of safety, resolved to destroy his disobedient son 
 and his refuge at the same time. But here the 
 loving mother's foresight helped in the preservation 
 of her child. Among the other treasures carried 
 by the fugitive Bragela to Castle Brochel, were 
 some fowls of the famous breed first reared by the 
 witch Fantunina, which by their watchfulness are 
 able to protect their possessors from the powers of 
 evil. 
 
 Night after night, therefore, when the emissaries 
 of the baffled sea-king strove to destroy the Castle 
 by fire, the magic cock, ever on the alert, flapped his 
 wings and loudly proclaimed the approach of danger. 
 Then Eudaemon arising from his lonely couch, 
 wrestled in silent prayer until the first faint streaks 
 of daylight in the eastern sky showed him that night's 
 dominion was over. Thus baulked of his prey, Val-
 
 208 EUD&MON: 
 
 biorn withdrew in a terrible tempest to Thuisto, nor 
 did his son again hear of him for many and many 
 a long day, 
 
 A considerable period elapsed, during which Eu- 
 daemon grew apace in stature and in knowledge. 
 He not only studied the many books of magic lore 
 left to him, but he also learnt marvellous lessons from 
 Nature herself. In his lonely isolation he had leisure 
 to attend to what our common mother is ready to 
 teach us all, would we but tarry awhile in our busy 
 lives and hearken to her still small voice. 
 
 Separated by his birth and dwelling-place from 
 mankind in general, Eudaemon strove to benefit the 
 few he could befriend. The island people, as a rule, 
 rarely beheld him. But in sickness or trouble they 
 ever turned (tremblingly, it is true) to the Castle gate, 
 where they waited while the trusty Donald apprised 
 his master of the presence of the suppliants without. 
 
 Strange cures were wrought by the simple reme- 
 dies Eudaemon compounded from the various herbs 
 and minerals his mother had shown to him, or with 
 which his studies had rendered him familiar. To 
 seek these herbs at a propitious time, the youth 
 issued from the Castle at dead of night, with his 
 faithful Luachan, and traversed the hills till break 
 of day, when, wearied, and full of sleep, he often, 
 on his return, passed the daylight hours in repose.
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 209 
 
 He was, moreover, a keen and unerring marks- 
 man, swift and sure of foot, and of iron nerve. 
 The shuddering Highlanders sometimes marked his 
 eager pursuit of the wild goats, which at that time 
 abounded in the island. Master and hound seemed 
 alike dauntless and fearless in the chase, and whether 
 from his early love of climbing, or from his mixed 
 descent, it is hard to say, but it is very certain 
 that Eudaemon and his dog were often seen scram- 
 bling across the beetling crags that overhung the 
 sea, in places where no human foot has trodden 
 before or since. He and Liiachan also knew where 
 the golden eagle built her eyrie. He even caught 
 and tamed a young nestling, which loved Castle 
 Brochel as its home, and would only feed from her 
 master's hand. With Donald's assistance moreover 
 he had constructed a rude boat, in which they went 
 forth occasionally to seek a portion of their subsist- 
 ence by fishing. 
 
 Passionately fond of companionship, and denied 
 that of his own fellows, Eudaemon, by dint of long 
 perseverance, collected around him a motley variety 
 of animals. Tame seals lived on the rocks below 
 his dwelling. In perfect security around and beneath 
 the Castle walls roosted and nested a perfect colony 
 of sea-birds. A little flock of goats amply supplied 
 the three inhabitants with milk ; while conies, blue 
 
 P
 
 EU DAEMON: 
 
 hares, domestic fowls of various kinds, and last, 
 but not least, serpents, from time immemorial the 
 emblems of wisdom, throve and multiplied within 
 the precincts or in close proximity to Eudaemon's 
 home. 
 
 In those remote times, it is not surprising that old 
 Donald, with his queer, misshapen figure, and solitary 
 glaring eye, his youthful master, so wise beyond 
 his years, and even the poor collie Luachan, whose 
 sagacity was far above the average, were one and all 
 regarded w-ith some degree of superstitious mistrust. 
 
 It was said, that in the little turret chamber, highest 
 in the Castle wall, from which at night streamed 
 forth a ruddy ray of light, Eudsemon held con- 
 verse with visitants from another world, and that 
 many a storm was concocted and wafted abroad 
 by their dark agency. 
 
 While the young student strove anxiously to 
 benefit the cases of sickness brought before him 
 sometimes, indeed, spending whole nights wrest- 
 ling face to face with death, by the side of some 
 poor peasant's bed a few of the people were un- 
 grateful enough to attribute his cures to magic 
 art and to an unholy alliance with the powers 
 of darkness. Some humble hearts, ho\vever. throbbed 
 with responsive gratitude at the very mention of 
 his name ; and there was one mother who, though
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 211 
 
 the King of Terrors had proved too powerful for 
 his adversary's skill, never forgot the tear of 
 sorrow that fell from the young man's eye, as, 
 after long watching and many unavailing remedies, 
 her bonnie bairn breathed out her innocent life in 
 Eudsemon's arms. 
 
 His fame was gradually bruited abroad, and as 
 years rolled on he became widely known as " the 
 Enchanter of the North." 
 
 From all the surrounding districts the inhabitants 
 flocked in boats to seek his advice. Fishermen asked 
 for charms, to ensure a successful summer. Ere 
 the sailors put to sea, they deemed themselves lucky 
 if they could secure one of Eudaemon's so-called 
 " amulets " against disaster. These were, in reality, 
 small bags manufactured and sold (in private) by the 
 one-eyed seneschal, whose master would have been 
 sorely displeased, had he discovered the chaffering 
 trade driven in " charms " by the cunning old man, 
 who thus rivalled Gehazi of ancient times ! 
 
 Now it chanced that about this time there dwelt 
 on the Lowland Borders, a King and Queen of Clutha, 
 whose only daughter was afflicted with a terrible 
 misfortune. 
 
 The Princess Miranda was beautiful as the day. 
 Her parents, who had long lived in the bonds of 
 matrimony without possessing any children, felt 
 
 P 2
 
 EUD&MON: 
 
 inexpressible joy as they welcomed their sweet 
 little girl into the world. Bells were rung and 
 bonfires lighted upon all the hills on either side of 
 the river Clutha, which ran through her father's 
 domains. Kverything went on propitiously, until, in 
 an hour of woe, it was discovered that the infant 
 Princess could not speak ! 
 
 This dire and unexpected calamity threw the 
 whole Court, and indeed the nation at large, into 
 deep distress. All, both high and low, heartily 
 sympathized with the grief-stricken parents. Philo- 
 sophers, astrologers, physicians, and wise women 
 were each consulted in their turn ; but all, alas ! 
 in vain. At last, in desperation, the unhappy 
 parents even offered the hand and dowry of their 
 daughter as a reward to any man who should be 
 fortunate enough to set her tongue at liberty. 
 
 Years rolled on. The King and Queen were dis- 
 appointed in their hope of other offspring. Their 
 feelings became more and more bitter, as they re- 
 flected on the confusion that would inevitably arise, 
 should they die, and the dumb Miranda be called 
 to the throne. They feared, with reason, that wicked 
 men might take advantage of the Princess's help- 
 less condition, and wrest the crown and kingdom 
 from her hands. 
 
 Ambassadors from many surrounding countries
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 213 
 
 were attracted by the beauty of Miranda's portraits, 
 carefully and widely disseminated by her prudent 
 mother. One by one, however, these envoys dis- 
 appeared, on finding that the beautiful Princess, 
 though possessed of every other charm, was dumb. 
 
 The King and Queen, to soften as far as possible 
 their child's misfortune, gave orders that her play- 
 mates and attendants were always to address her 
 in writing. All at court were told to conceal from 
 the Princess as much as possible the difference be- 
 tween her own condition and that of the maidens 
 around her. 
 
 The consequence of these ill-judged regulations 
 was that the Court of Clutha became almost as 
 silent as the grave. Even musical instruments 
 with the exception of the fife and the drum, neces- 
 sary for military and state occasions were com- 
 pletely banished from the precincts of the palace, 
 to save the youthful Miranda from discovering what 
 it was to be without a voice for singing or speaking. 
 
 Under these circumstances it is not to be won- 
 dered at that foreign courtiers found King Mur- 
 doch's Court insufferably dull, especially as the 
 lovely Princess, herself a prey to melancholy, spent 
 the greater part of her time amid the wild moors 
 and glens surrounding her father's castle, where at 
 least she could uninterruptedly listen to the sounds
 
 214 EUD&MON: 
 
 of Nature. The sweet singing, or startled calls of 
 the ^various birds, the rippling and murmuring of 
 the rushing waters, the ceaseless humming of the 
 insects, the sighing of the wind among the leaves 
 and branches of the trees each and all she heard 
 and learnt to love. 
 
 Among the ambassadors referred to there was one 
 representing a Prince, whose ardour could not be 
 checked by the Princess's cruel misfortune. 
 
 Some short time before the period of which we 
 speak, the King and Queen of Clutha, accompanied 
 by their daughter, paid a visit to the Queen's sister, 
 a powerful Princess in Ireland. 
 
 Left early a widow, Queen Hildegonda had long 
 since forgotten all the softer charms of womanly 
 nature. Forced, when hardly more than a girl her- 
 self, to protect her infant son, Prince Eochy, the heir 
 to his father's wide domains, from the continued 
 assaults, not only of neighbouring chieftains, but also 
 of rebellious and usurping subjects, she had become 
 a very amazon. By her wise and judicious regency, 
 she had secured a peaceful rule for her son. But 
 when the time came for him to take his rightful place, 
 the proud mother could not bring herself to resign 
 the reins of power. Eochy, as effeminate and weak 
 as his mother was masculine and daring, willingly 
 yielded to her the responsibilities of government,
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 215 
 
 and passed his life in idle poetical dreams and 
 frivolous amusements. 
 
 On Miranda's appearance, however, the susceptible 
 Prince, as might have been expected, was captivated 
 by his fair cousin's matchless beauty. In vain the 
 maiden's parents bestowed upon Eochy their own 
 approval. In vain the enamoured youth besought 
 his mother to favour his suit. Hildegonda, inex- 
 orable and unyielding, declared that no dumb Queen 
 should ever reign in Cashel, and commanded her son 
 to retire to a distant province until his relatives had 
 departed. 
 
 Murdoch and his spouse lost no time in quitting 
 with their daughter these inhospitable shores. When 
 they once more reached home, they were roused by 
 Hildegonda's insulting behaviour to attempt still 
 more earnestly to unravel the cruel mystery that 
 bound the lips of their beautiful daughter. 
 
 In the meantime the hapless Eochy utterly failed 
 to make any deep impression on his cousin's heart. 
 He languished in all the misery of unrequited love, 
 and continually breathed forth his lamentations in 
 cdes and poems such as this: 
 
 " What though I be King of the Emerald Isle, 
 
 And my Court in its Castle with beauty be bright, 
 To me it were brighter by far could the smile 
 Of the one I remember but gladden my sight.
 
 2i6 f-.UDA.MON: 
 
 " Ah yes ! I remember too faithfully yet 
 
 That evening and all its enchantment to me, 
 That silvery wreath I shall never forget, 
 
 That star-spangled Maiden from over the sea. 
 
 " I had gazed on the snow-mantled vale as it lay 
 
 In the silence of morning all spotless and white, 
 And I wished that unchanged the fair prospect would stay 
 To delight me, no sunset, no evening, no night : 
 
 " But the evening would come, and with evening a glow 
 
 So rosy and glorious and delicate shone, 
 Bright Phoebus, I vowed, must be wooing the snow, 
 And I envied the sweet bridal blush he had won. 
 
 " I had gazed on the ocean so calm and serene, 
 
 The breezes seemed hushed to be watching her sleep : 
 I whispered, could mortal imagine a scene 
 
 More sweet than the peacefully slumbering deep ? 
 
 " But the sun shining forth, on a sudden there grew 
 
 Such a change, every ripple seemed laughing and glad, 
 Such a dazzling and glancing of golden and blue, 
 I wondered it e'er could seem slumbering or sad. 
 
 " Sweet, when I had met thee the charms were united, 
 
 The snow of that morn of that evening the glow 
 On thy cheek and thy brow, Oh, I would they were plighted 
 To me, as they were 'twixt the sun and the snow ! 
 
 " And the laughter of ocean I saw in thine eyes, 
 
 When a light from within had enkindled the flame, 
 How I wished I knew what might be worthy the prize 
 Those fair joyous glances for ever to claim ! 
 
 " Let them boast that the daughters of Erin are bright, 
 
 Let them sing their wild songs to the maids of Kildare ; 
 I'll sing, and I'll sing till they own I am right, 
 
 There's a maiden in Scotland, a maiden more fair !" 
 
 When Miranda received by special messengers.
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 217 
 
 these and other similar effusions from the love-sick 
 Eochy, she conjured up before her mind's eye the 
 sandy locks, the unmeaning grey eyes, the ungraceful 
 lounging figure, and the good-natured but facile 
 countenance of the effeminate young Prince. She 
 smiled to herself as she contrasted him with the ideal 
 hero of her imagination, sprung from the well- 
 remembered tales of the dark impetuous sea-kings 
 of the north. 
 
 About this time the King and Queen heard of and 
 resolved to consult the oracle at Cumbrae for their 
 afflicted daughter. They hoped to gain from the 
 shrine of the far-famed lion some insight into her 
 dark destiny. 
 
 After they had offered the richest gifts, and per- 
 sonally invoked its mysterious aid, the oracle re- 
 turned the following enigmatical answer to their 
 prayers, nor could the utmost entreaties gain from 
 it any further explanation : 
 
 " The Eagle that soared o'er Kyle Akin's swift strait, 
 Hath wooed and hath won the soft dove for his mate; 
 Affliction hath wearied affection to rest, 
 And cold is the heart in that mother's fond breast. 
 
 " The strange freaks of fate in one web have entwined, 
 What the Eaglet and maiden alone can unbind ; 
 By chequered adventure, and music's soft thrill, 
 The compass shall aid in deliverance from ill. 
 Arise and speed northward, the prophet hath spoken, 
 Miranda's long silence by love shall be broken."
 
 218 EUDsEMON: 
 
 Enquiries were at once set on foot regarding the 
 mysterious " Eaglet " mentioned by the oracle. It 
 was discovered that a certain Enchanter of the 
 north named Eudaemon, was sometimes called "the 
 Tamer of the Golden Eagle," and was indeed 
 by some supposed to have been reared in an eagle's 
 nest The hopes of the afflicted parents rose high 
 as they listened to the wondrous tales told of the 
 great Enchanter's power. 
 
 A gorgeous galley was forthwith prepared wherein 
 the King and Queen with their daughter embarked, 
 taking with them but a slender retinue, for it was 
 rumoured that the wise man lived secluded from 
 his fellows, and would not brook intrusion. A 
 small flotilla to protect and watch over the royal 
 vessel received orders to hover near, but on no 
 account to come within sight of the wizard's castle, 
 for fear of exciting his displeasure. 
 
 The voyage was long and perilous. Autumn had 
 already far advanced. Equinoctial gales lashed 
 the western sea into swelling billows, so that after 
 struggling with difficulty up the stormy sounds of 
 Mull and Sleat, the galley containing the Princess 
 and her parents, at length became separated from 
 all her convoys and stranded on the western coast 
 of Raasay. The King, Queen, and Princess barely 
 escaped with their lives ; their attendants also were
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 219 
 
 saved, but the choice treasures intended to propitiate 
 the Enchanter were carried by mermaidens as spoil 
 to the palace of the sea gods. 
 
 Drenched and perishing with cold, the unfortunate 
 voyagers were rescued from the bleak shore, and 
 hospitably entertained by the poor islanders, who 
 little imagined that in these storm-beaten mariners 
 they beheld the great King Murdoch, the wise Queen 
 Margaret, and the unfortunate Princess Miranda. 
 
 It is true that the Queen, with that prudence and 
 forethought which occasionally guided her smaller 
 actions, had caused her chief dresser to sew their 
 three second-best Crowns in'.o a small package 
 which was still attached to her belt and concealed 
 by her dress, but with this exception (which seemed 
 of little practical use), nothing remained to mark 
 the exalted station of the roya! wanderers. 
 
 Great, however, was their satisfaction to find that 
 they were shipwrecked on the ;*ry island where 
 the Enchanter of the North had his lonely abode. 
 They made many enquiries concerning him, and 
 heard that his actions were beneficent, and his cures 
 almost certain. They were, nevertheless, warned by 
 the islanders that nothing more excited his indigna- 
 tion than the presence of many people at his gate. 
 He had, indeed, been known to refuse aid alto- 
 gether to their comrades, who, from superstition or
 
 EUD&MON: 
 
 folly, had gone in numbers to beset the Castle 
 entrance. 
 
 It was now therefore customary among these simple 
 yet considerate people, to convoy the suppliant within 
 a short distance of Castle Brochel. They then re- 
 mained waiting on the hill above, while their fellow 
 descended and returned. So universal had this prac- 
 tice become, that a small shieling was gradually 
 thrown together stone upon stone by islanders 
 waiting on different occasions for some friend be- 
 low ; exposed for the time being to all the in- 
 clemency of that most variable climate. 
 
 Here then the King and Queen waited while their 
 beloved daughter (bearing with her the white and 
 silver tablets by means of which she was wont to 
 communicate with others) was told to present herself 
 at the wicket-gate of the Castle. She was moreover 
 given money wherewith to propitiate the much- 
 dreaded Donald the stern one-eyed guardian of the 
 Enchanter's abode. 
 
 It was one of those days in early November when 
 the exquisite " Indian summer " sometimes casts a 
 perfect halo of beauty over the " soft " north- 
 western atmosphere of Scotland. The little group 
 paused . on the eminence immediately command- 
 ing the tall gaunt building below. In reality, the 
 Castle top was above them ; but to gain access to
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 221 
 
 its portals, it was necessary to descend to a consider- 
 able depth, and then remount by a narrow cause- 
 way to its frowning door. 
 
 The afternoon sun gilded the turrets with golden 
 radiance, beyond slumbered the blue rippling waters, 
 calm and treacherous, giving no sign of their cruel 
 strength. Far in the distance like faint clouds, lay 
 the curving outline of the Highland hills, tipped with 
 snow, and dimly visible as they blushed pink in the 
 parting rays of the monarch of day. 
 
 The last farewell spoken, and the afflicted child 
 tenderly pressed to her parents' hearts; the gentle 
 Miranda, with slow footstep, descended the fateful 
 path. 
 
 In the meantime Eudaemon, by his consultations 
 with the stars (an art partly taught him by his 
 mother, who had carried away for her child, when 
 she escaped from Valbiorn's terrible dwelling, strange 
 manuscripts of astrological and magic lore), had be- 
 come aware of the impending visit of a being 
 whose fate was mysteriously connected with his 
 own. 
 
 He was absorbed in abstruse calculations when 
 Luachan, suddenly pricking up his ears, and im- 
 patiently scratching at the door, gave notice that 
 some stranger approached the castle. On his master's 
 unfastening the latch, the fleet animal made one
 
 EUD^EMON: 
 
 bound, and disappeared down the narrow staircase, 
 while the magician heard old Donald's querulous 
 quavering tones raised high, as if to refuse admit- 
 tance. Quick as thought Eudaernon sprang lightly 
 after his dog, and entered the hall, where an astonish- 
 ing sight greeted his bewildered eyes. 
 
 A maiden of surpassing beauty had evidently 
 made her way into the Castle when the seneschal 
 was off his guard. She now stood irresolute in the 
 centre of the apartment. Luachan, contrary to 
 immemorial custom (for, as a rule, he was surly to 
 strangers), gambolled around the beautiful unknown 
 with extravagant gestures of affectionate welcome, 
 while the one-eyed Donald, shaking in his hoary 
 wrath, poured forth an incomprehensible flood of 
 Celtic indignation. 
 
 Eudaemon rushed forward, and signed to the old 
 man to hold his peace, then turning to his fair 
 visitant, he gently asked her will. Miranda, amazed 
 to behold in the dreaded Enchanter no ancient, 
 withered seer, no venerable prophet, as she had 
 anticipated, but the dark-haired ideal of her wild 
 dreams about the sea kings of the north, remained 
 rooted to the spot, ashamed of her wilful intrusion 
 and covered with burning blushes. 
 
 Eudcemon gazed, like one entranced, on his mys- 
 terious guest. Her loner golden tresses, and her
 
 OK THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 223 
 
 exquisite beauty of feature and form, startled the 
 recluse of the rock. At first he almost imagined 
 her to be of angelic extraction ; but her un mistake- 
 able confusion betrayed mortal birth, and in bolder 
 tones the Enchanter again requested her to make 
 known her wishes. 
 
 The Princess, seized with sudden terror, looked 
 towards the door by which she had entered, but it 
 was closed, and Donald stood before it, glaring at 
 her angrily with his solitary orb. In her distress 
 her hand involuntarily sought the tablets, where 
 she now remembered that she herself had written 
 the following explanatory lines, during her long 
 and tedious journey from the south. With a 
 bashful half-smile, therefore, she unclasped the 
 ivory pages from her side, and timidly handed 
 them to the Magician, who there beheld inscribed 
 these lines. 
 
 " Hearken mighty seer, Eudremon, 
 Tamer of the golden Eagle, 
 Aquila the golden Eagle, 
 Hearken, merciful Eudcemon, 
 Measurer of the raging tempest, 
 Of the unseen raging tempest, 
 Hearken to a lowland maiden, 
 To the silent maid Miranda 
 To the sad Princess Miranda. 
 
 " I am come from Clutha's waters, 
 P'rom its distant tranquil waters,
 
 224 EUD&MON: 
 
 Where through changing isles of sunshine, 
 Looms the ocean, where the west wind 
 Rustles through the matted foliage, 
 Or, with a delicious shiver, 
 Sweeps along the silver beeches. 
 I am come to sea-girt Raasay, 
 To the wave-washed island Raasay, 
 To the storm-swept, rugged Raasay, 
 I have braved Kintyre's wild headlands 
 Braved its mountain-rising billows, 
 Braved dark Cory-Vreckan's whirlpool, 
 Braved the fortress of Artornish, 
 Braved the fabled Ardnamurchan, 
 Ship-engulfing Ardnamurchan, 
 Braved the blasts from Scuir-na-gillean, 
 But to plead with thee for succour, 
 Aid against the fell enchantment, 
 Terrible unknown enchantment, 
 Which hath bound my lips to silence 
 Gloomy unresponsive silence. 
 Maidens' mouths were made for singing, 
 Song and laughter are their sunshine ; 
 Cheering thus the world around them, 
 Wakening mirth with voice melodious. 
 Pity, then ! oh, great Enchanter ! 
 Pity the poor spell-bound Princess, 
 Silent, sorrowful, dumb maiden, 
 And with pity give assistance, 
 Read the tale she cannot tell thee, 
 Charm the woes no sighs can cure." 
 
 Eudaemon perused the tablets with eager attention 
 more than once, then, turning a keen, piercing eye on 
 Miranda, he exclaimed. 
 
 " Princess ! I do not now hear of your misfortune
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 225 
 
 for the first time. I knew that you and your parents 
 were in search of me and of my castle. During my 
 researches and observations I have discovered that 
 the conjunction of stars at your birth left one un- 
 favourable moment. This was taken advantage of 
 by Valbiorn to avenge upon your innocent lips a 
 grudge he owed to your father, having been, in days 
 gone by, an unsuccessful suitor for your mother's 
 hand. 
 
 "By much careful study of the heavens I have 
 ascertained that the enchantment can only be dis- 
 solved by my aid and that under very difficult con- 
 ditions. Rest assured, however, that no effort on my 
 part shall be wanting to set you free. But," con- 
 tinued Eudaemon, bending low before Miranda, 
 '' will your parents consent to remain under my 
 humble roof a while, since what we must go 
 through together will take days, if not weeks, to 
 accomplish ? " 
 
 The Princess joyfully clasped her hands, and while 
 tears of joy ran down her fair cheeks at the prospect 
 of deliverance, she inclined her head over and over 
 again, to intimate that her parents would thank- 
 fully accept Eudaemon's welcome invitation. 
 
 The Enchanter now offered his hand to Miranda, 
 and while Luachan testified his delight by bounding 
 around them, led her through the Castle gate and 
 
 Q
 
 226 EUD&MON: 
 
 accompanied her in search of the King and Queen. 
 With all the unreasonableness of human nature, 
 these potentates advancing to meet them, half ex- 
 pected to hear their daughter already speaking. 
 They graciously accosted Eudaemon, however, and 
 anxiously listened to his "explanations. 
 
 It was finally arranged that the Queen and her 
 daughter, with their solitary waiting-maid, (much to 
 Donald's disgust), should be installed in a part of 
 the Castle now never used, but where were still 
 to be seen, when the doors were unlocked, the last 
 traces of the gentle Bragela's feminine occupations- 
 The islanders cheerfully lent what aid they could, 
 and King Murdoch with his attendant was perma- 
 nently fixed in the small shieling on the hill. It 
 was impossible to accommodate him in the Castle, 
 for though lofty, its proportions were narrow and 
 cramped. Except to sleep therefore he very seldom 
 left the precincts of Eudaemon's dwelling. 
 
 For several days and nights the Enchanter shut 
 himself up alone in his high turret, examining 
 dusty old volumes, and reading the heavens, by the 
 aid of an instrument he himself had constructed. 
 At the end of that time he emerged from his 
 solitary chamber, descending with eager rapid step 
 to join his guests at their evening meal. He 
 bore under his arm a small box and a piece of
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 227 
 
 board roughly marked in squares of two colours. 
 His dark features wore an expression of anxious 
 excitement. 
 
 No sooner had the last traces of the repast been 
 cleared away than Eudaemon placed his board upon 
 the table. Opening the box he then displayed 
 to the Princess's delighted gaze a number of little 
 men of various sizes and shapes. These were in 
 fact neither more nor less than a set of chessmen 
 which he had laboriously carved in wood with his 
 own hands, and stained in two different colours, 
 having ascertained the mode of using them from the 
 careful study of ancient manuscripts. 
 
 Long before the Princess Miranda appeared in 
 Raasay, Eudaemon had known and pondered over 
 the mystic answer returned to her parents by the 
 Cumbrae oracle. He diligently sought among his 
 mother's ancient volumes of magic lore for some 
 solution of the phrase "chequered adventure." At 
 length he came upon the description of the ancient 
 game of chess illustrated by rough drawings. 
 
 His attention was at once arrested by discovering 
 that this game must be played upon a "chequered" 
 board. After careful research he finally resolved to 
 make the trial. It took him, however, a considerable 
 time to fashion the various pieces from the old pic- 
 tures he possessed. 
 
 Q2
 
 223 EUD&MON: 
 
 The Princess, her countenance lit up with curiosity 
 and interest, was soon seated at the little table 
 opposite the Enchanter. Several evenings were 
 spent in teaching her the various moves of the 
 different pieces, and explaining to her the rules of 
 the game. 
 
 Eudaemon was fully aware that only one hour dur- 
 ing the twenty-four was available for the purpose 
 of disenchantment. 
 
 Some evenings later the King and Queen, already 
 grown somewhat sleepy, nodded drowsily in their 
 chairs. The faithful Luachan lay between his master 
 and the fair young guest, whose bright eyes gleamed 
 with unwonted animation. Then the dark Enchanter 
 arising from his seat trimmed the torch above their 
 heads, and prepared, at midnight, to play in earnest 
 the mystic game, so fraught with meaning to the 
 afflicted Princess. 
 
 Miranda sat in an old-fashioned chair of curiously 
 carved wood. Her white dress and her fair tresses 
 reflected the flickering light, thus giving some bright- 
 ness to the lofty hall, whose gloomy proportions 
 were but partially revealed by the blazing fire and 
 the fitful glare of the torch. The most profound 
 silence reigned in the chamber, only broken by the 
 cheerful crackling of the firewood or an occasional 
 snore from the slumbering King.
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 229 
 
 Fully instructed in the moves by Eudasmon 
 during the previous nights, the Princess and the 
 Enchanter played an interesting game. He had cast 
 aside his long upper robe of black velvet and showed 
 the tightly fitting red under-suit which set off his 
 active form to greatest advantage. He placed himself 
 on a somewhat ricketty "creepie," for the unwonted 
 number of guests had used up all his available chairs. 
 As he bent eagerly forward the ruddy light fell on 
 his swarthy face, and his small closely cropped, 
 though curly black head. His burning eyes fixed 
 alternately on the game, and on his silent opponent, 
 seemed to pierce through all they surveyed. 
 
 The hour wore on, they exchanged several pieces. 
 Eudsemon then moving a bishop, placed his antago- 
 nist's king in "check." He uttered the prophetic 
 word. Miranda, thoroughly absorbed, took up her 
 King, and was about to place him within range of 
 her enemy's Queen. The Enchanter gently mo- 
 tioned her hand aside, pointing to his own piece in 
 explanation. 
 
 At this moment Miranda broke into such silvery 
 peals of laughter, that Luachan, affrighted, sprang 
 barking from his resting place. Eudaemon in his sur- 
 prise and delight moved suddenly and upset the whole 
 board incontinently on the floor, ruining the game 
 Queen Margaret starting up, rushed across the hall.
 
 230 EUD&MON: 
 
 She first held her child at arm's length as if to examine 
 into and convince herself of her identity, then clasp- 
 ing her tightly to her heart, shed tears of gladness 
 over her laughing daughter. It was indeed evident 
 that the " chequered adventure " had fulfilled its 
 mission, and broken the first link in the silent 
 Miranda's chain of enchantment. 
 
 The excited parents knew not how to express their 
 feelings of gratitude, but listened in wondering aston- 
 ishment to Miranda's ringing peals of laughter, as, 
 enraptured with her newly gained accomplishment, 
 she danced round the hall, accompanied by Luachan, 
 who vied with her in gambols of ecstatic joy. Eu- 
 dsemon had never before beheld anything more grace- 
 ful than the young Princess appeared to him in all 
 her unconscious beauty of movement. 
 
 Inspired by a sudden desire to emulate and join 
 in her mirthful steps, he stretched forth his hand as 
 she passed him ; she swiftly caught it, and drew 
 him merrily on ; thus maid, master, and dog 
 together paced a wild impromptu measure of 
 delight. 
 
 Donald, hastening in to ascertain the cause of this 
 unusual commotion, gazed around, rubbed" his soli- 
 tary eye, and looked again and again. Where was 
 the gloomy Eudaemon, the dreaded Enchanter of the 
 North ? The youth heretofore so staid and reserved
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 231 
 
 now flushed and laughing, pirouetted round the be- 
 wildered old man with the smiling maiden. Together 
 they clapped their hands at his amazement. 
 
 But now the Queen, with the dignity of manner 
 that she well knew how to assume, bade her daughter 
 remember who and what she was. Forgetting her 
 late gratitude to their benefactor, she swept haughtily 
 from the apartment, followed by her husband and 
 her unwilling child. Miranda's pleading eyes, how- 
 ever, gave Eudaemon the thanks he most cared to 
 receive, and entirely obliterated from his mind all 
 thought of resentment against her uncertain parents. 
 At the same time he determined to take no further 
 steps until the King and Queen themselves again 
 spoke of their daughter's affliction. 
 
 Several days elapsed. The character of the Castle 
 was completely changed. The hitherto hermit like 
 Eudaemon felt impelled to try and elicit again those 
 silvery peals of laughter that rang on his ear with 
 such a curious thrill of pleasure. Nor was he un- 
 successful in his efforts. Again and again the old 
 walls re-echoed with the welcome sound. The En- 
 chanter himself felt once more a boy as he played 
 long games of chess with Miranda, or pointed out 
 to her his numerous pets and their diverse habits. 
 The Princess, however, was admonished to keep 
 carefully within her mother's sight ; she wast herefore
 
 232 EUD&MON: 
 
 unable to scramble with him as he wished among the 
 wild hills and cliffs around. 
 
 But the time flew swiftly by, and at length one 
 morning the King and Queen craved an audience of 
 their young host. Laying aside all traces of their 
 late assumption of majesty they humbly entreated 
 him to strive to work out still farther their daughter's 
 cure. 
 
 Eudsemon listened in silence, fixing on them his 
 piercing dark eye, until they moved uneasily beneath 
 his searching glance. " I am esteemed worthy to 
 aid in your child's disenchantment," he answered 
 sternly, " but am too much beneath her in your 
 eyes to tread with her the mazy measures of the 
 dance, or to join in her everyday pursuits." 
 
 King Murdoch and his wife eagerly disclaimed 
 any idea of making so ungenerous a return for his 
 kindness. At length Eudaemon (who completely saw 
 through their shallow minds, and only spoke to 
 obtain more freedom for their daughter) promised to 
 continue his lucubrations. 
 
 That evening for the first time since her death, 
 he drew from a deep recess the dust-covered harp 
 that had once quivered in responsive melody be- 
 neath the musical touch of his fair young mother. 
 Miranda and the Queen curiously examined the quaint 
 instrument, and helped to disentangle and divest it of
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 233 
 
 its broken strings. Eudaemon, who had often studied 
 its mechanism, brought forth new strings he himself 
 had manufactured, and showed Miranda where and 
 how they should be placed. 
 
 Several evenings passed in putting the harp to 
 rights, then the Princess under Eudaemon's magical 
 tuition strove to place aright upon it her slender 
 fingers. Morning, noon, and night Miranda strove 
 to play the melodies that ever floated before her 
 mind's eye as sung to her by Eudaemon, who placed 
 beside her scrolls, on which the words of the songs 
 were written out. 
 
 One of them ran thus : 
 
 Thou speak'st of to-morrow, yet seemest to sigh, 
 And something there gleams like a tear in thine eye, 
 But though the sweet days of our converse are o'er, 
 The friendship that binds us shall cease nevermore. 
 
 When music entrancing shall steal on thine ear, 
 And songs shall be sung thee thou lovest to hear, 
 Oh, may one wild note of my harp seem to thrill, 
 And recall to thee one who remembers thee still. 
 
 And ever amid the dark shadows of life, 
 When faint from the battle or weary with strife, 
 Ah ! then shall arise like the sun through a shower, 
 The remembrance of all we have felt in this hour. 
 
 When moonlight around thee shall flood the pale sea, 
 May thoughts of the north come like visions to thee, 
 And remind thee of hours when we once used to stray, 
 By the ocean's dark verge at the close of the day.
 
 234 EUDAEMON: 
 
 Roll onwards, roll onwards, thou swift flowing Clyde, 
 Yet may our loved friends ne'er resemble thy tide, 
 But changeless and steadfast look back throwgh long years, 
 To the parting that left us in silence and tears. 
 
 This song, which Eudaemon had himself composed, 
 and set to an old tune, was an especial favourite of 
 Miranda's. She made the Enchanter sing it over 
 again and again ; though, strange to say, the master 
 who taught her fair hands to stray over the harp, 
 could not himself draw one sound from its capricious 
 chords. The Princess, however, soon became enabled 
 to accompany all his songs, every day she learnt 
 some new, and to her more entrancing, melody. For 
 it will be remembered that her parents had hitherto, 
 through mistaken affection, carefully kept all music 
 from her knowledge. 
 
 The black and gold harp, which Eudaemon and 
 Miranda had together tuned and restored, formed a 
 beautiful contrast to the white flowing robes and the 
 fair arms of the young Princess. Her long tresses 
 bound only by the pale blue snood of the Scottish 
 maiden, waved around her. As she raised her 
 eyes to watch every motion of Eudaemon's mouth, 
 she gave one the idea of an inspired being, from whose 
 very finger-tips emanated the soul of melody. Thus 
 they often sat late into the night, drinking in sweet 
 sounds, and poring together over poor Bragela's old
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 235 
 
 manuscripts. Meanwhile Miranda's parents, closely 
 guarding as they thought their precious 'daughter, 
 hardly suspected that, while engaged in finding a 
 tongue, she might hopelessly lose her heart. 
 
 At last, one evening Eudasmon for the hundredth 
 time sang again that verse beginning 
 
 When music entrancing shall steal on thine ear. 
 
 Just as he reached the end, Miranda suddenly, as if 
 by an irresistible impulse, opened her lips. With 
 wonderful pathos, and in a voice which seemed to 
 the young man the sweetest that could sound on 
 earth, she finished the line : 
 
 Recall to thee one who remembers thee still. 
 
 Amazed at her own daring, and astonished by her 
 unwonted power, the fair songstress started blushing 
 from her seat. In an uncontrollable burst of emo- 
 tion she rushed weeping from the chamber. Queen 
 Margaret, unable to believe it was her dumb child's 
 voice she had heard give utterance to such melo- 
 diously thrilling notes, rose also from her chair, and 
 cast an eager inquiring glance upon Eudsemon. 
 Himself overcome with emotion, the Enchanter did 
 not trust his voice to speak, but merely bowed his 
 head ; then, filled with yearning sympathy for the 
 strangely-afflicted Princess, he opened the outer door
 
 236 EUDJZMON: 
 
 of the hall, and hastily stepped forth on to the tur- 
 reted court that overhung the shore. 
 
 It was a night of exquisite beauty the water, calm 
 as a mirror, stretched its dark amplitude between the 
 solitary watcher and the far mainland of the Ross- 
 shire hills. Orion, in all his resplendent grandeur, 
 sparkled before him, and seemed in silent majesty to 
 rebuke the feverish turbulence of the Enchanter's too 
 human heart. High and cold above his head the 
 silver crescent moon travelled dreamily across the 
 vaulted heaven, and, as if to remind Eudaemon of her 
 presence, cast her glittering likeness into the deep 
 ocean's embrace, far below his feet. One by one, in 
 gentle crashing cadence, the tiny wavelets broke be- 
 neath the Castle wall. 
 
 Insensibly soothed and quieted by nature's won- 
 drous charm, the philosopher leant his burning head 
 upon his hands, and absently gazed seawards. 
 
 Suddenly the casement above was thrown violently 
 open, and Queen Margaret, in terror-stricken accents, 
 besought his speedy aid. 
 
 He re-entered the hall. It was empty and deso- 
 late, the torch was extinguished, the fire flickered 
 low upon the hearth. He heard a confused murmur 
 of voices, and recognised Luachan's muffled howl of 
 distress in the distance. 
 
 Following the sounds, he hastened up the narrow
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 237 
 
 stair, and found a sorrowful group at the door of the 
 room set apart for the Queen and her daughter. 
 Pressing past Murdoch and Donald, and angrily 
 motioning to Luachan to be silent, the Enchanter 
 himself uttered a cry of anguish as his eye fell upon 
 Miranda's death-like form. Stretched upon the rude 
 bed, with her dishevelled tresses tangled around her 
 pale face, on which were still the traces of tears, the 
 poor Princess looked as if she had for ever closed her 
 eyes to mortal scenes. 
 
 On Eudaemon's entrance, the unhappy mother 
 rushed towards him, exclaiming, " Save her, save 
 her ! restore our darling ; all shall be as you wish, if 
 but you bring her back to life ! " A deep red flush 
 mounted to the Enchanter's very temples as the 
 Queen, fervently pressing his hand, whispered these 
 words, fraught with so much meaning, into his willing 
 ear. But he needed no promised guerdon to urge 
 him to his labour of love. 
 
 Kneeling beside the low couch, he vainly chafed 
 Miranda's ice-cold hands. He listened over her heart 
 not even the feeblest flutter rewarded his strained 
 attention. He placed a tiny polished tablet over 
 her parted lips ; its surface remained clear and un- 
 sullied by mortal breath. A sudden thought struck 
 terror to his soul. He turned a keen glance on the 
 mother's face ; her eye fell before his ; a guilty blush
 
 238 EUD&MON: 
 
 suffused her cheek. " You have forgotten my earnest 
 charge," he cried, "and now it may be too late to 
 save your child." 
 
 At this moment the magic cock was heard 
 through the open casement crowing loudly in the 
 castle yard. Eudaemon flew to the window and 
 anxiously peered into the night. Right above his 
 head, and threateningly suspended directly over the 
 Castle, was a meteor of unwonted size and brilliancy. 
 He fell on his knees where he stood, and stretching 
 forth his arms silently implored Heavenly protection 
 against the powers of evil. Again and again the ball 
 of fire grew lurid and glowing, as though it were 
 about to descend and bury them beneath burning 
 ruins, but each time Chanticleer's warning voice 
 sounded cheerfully near at hand, and at length the 
 red globe, with a loud hissing noise, fell prone and 
 harmless into the dark ocean depths. 
 
 Relieved from the pressing danger without, Eudae- 
 mon now turned to the sorrow within. 
 
 Since the appearance of the Royal wanderers 
 upon the island, he had held many private conversa- 
 tions with the Queen concerning her daughter's 
 disenchantment. 
 
 The anxious mother over and over again in- 
 formed him that the dearest object of their heart, 
 in seeking to free their child from the spell
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 239 
 
 which bound her, was that Miranda should be 
 united in marriage with some powerful monarch, who 
 would aid her, in due time, to rule over her own 
 somewhat troublous kingdom of Clutha. 
 
 She little knew that Eudaemon was intimately 
 acquainted with their past history, nor did she sus- 
 pect that he was aware of the vow made by herself 
 and King Murdoch in bygone days. Wearied by 
 vain endeavours to accomplish their daughter's dis- 
 enchantment, they had then solemnly bound them- 
 selves by an oath to bestow Miranda's hand on the 
 man who should succeed in releasing her spell-bound 
 voice. 
 
 During the long years which had elapsed since 
 Bragela's death, Valbiorn's hard heart had gradually 
 softened towards her only child. He knew of the 
 promised reward. From afar he watched with keen 
 suspicion the movements of the King and Queen. 
 He foresaw that Eudaemon would love Miranda, if 
 fate brought them together. For his sake he re- 
 solved to help the Princess, but, at the same time, 
 he determined that the gift of speech should only 
 be restored to render her a more fitting bride for 
 his son. 
 
 When, therefore, the young Enchanter retired to 
 \i\s turret chamber, he often held secret interviews 
 with his dread father, and succeeded in gaining a
 
 240 EUD&MON: 
 
 pledge of assistance from Valbiorn. But Eudaemon 
 feared that if his vindictive parent once suspected 
 Queen Margaret's intentions, he would not only 
 refuse his aid altogether, but would become her 
 deadliest foe. 
 
 Before the King and Queen set sail for the High- 
 lands, she had resolved that their solemn oath should 
 be buried in oblivion. She satisfied her conscience 
 by lading their ship with precious gifts destined for 
 the propitiation of the Enchanter. 
 
 Had Eudaemon been the ancient prophet she 
 thought he was, he would probably have accepted 
 golden rewards with delight. The treasures, how- 
 ever, never reached the island ; they were engulfed in 
 the stormy ocean. 
 
 As soon as Miranda's mother saw Eudaemon, she 
 perceived that his deep interest in her fair daughter 
 might be turned to good account. She persuaded 
 her husband to leave the matter in her hands, priding 
 herself upon her powers of negociation. 
 
 Feeling instinctively the young man's innate deli- 
 cacy of mind, the wily Queen took good care to 
 enlist his sympathies for her afflicted child. At the 
 same time she continually alluded to Miranda's ex- 
 alted station, tacitly ignoring the possibility of a 
 suitor for her hand whose pretensions were less than 
 royal.
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 241 
 
 Eudaamon was wont to listen to her words with 
 respectful courtesy, though occasionally his skill in 
 necromancy stood him but in poor stead, when 
 his rebel heart sent a crimson glow over his dark 
 features. Still he invariably replied in measured 
 tones that his own desires perfectly coincided with 
 those of the maiden's parents ; that his chief wish 
 was to promote the welfare and happiness of the 
 young Princess, and to render her any assistance in 
 his power. 
 
 Latterly, however, during the long hours spent at 
 chess, in rambling about the Castle and its precincts, 
 or in singing and playing over the harp, the good 
 Queen's heart misgave her, and she took the some- 
 what bold step of directly warning her benefactor and 
 host against engaging her daughter's affections. 
 
 Notwithstanding his powers of self-control, Eudse- 
 mon had to pause a moment and curb the hasty 
 impulse of anger, ere he answered in low, husky tones, 
 
 " Madam, for your child's sake, I have embarked 
 upon the perilous undertaking of striving to free her 
 from the well- woven spell which for nineteen long 
 years has bound her lips to silence, and cast a blight 
 over her young life. 
 
 " The Princess Miranda's happiness is at stake. I 
 persevere, therefore, in my endeavours to aid her. 
 Absorbed, however, in a struggle to the death with 
 
 R
 
 242 EU DAEMON: 
 
 the dread powers of darkness, I have now little time 
 to regard her in any other light but that of the ill- 
 fated victim of enchantment. I will, nevertheless, 
 warn you that your child is innocence itself. Her 
 spirit must inevitably be sorely tried during coming 
 events, and very little more might serve to unhinge 
 her mind. Take heed, therefore, that you suffer no 
 word of what has passed between us to reach her 
 unsuspecting ears. 
 
 " I have no desire to interfere with the brilliant 
 destiny you have mapped out for your daughter, 
 or to tempt her to disobey her parents. 
 
 "But though you ignore the vow you took upon 
 yourself in less hopeful days, it is remembered by 
 one who never forgets. Within and around this 
 Castle exists an invisible agency ; nor can what passes 
 here be kept from the knowledge of a mightier power 
 than mine. 
 
 " More I dare not say. I have no wish to stand 
 before you as a suppliant. For the present, I pray 
 you only to remember that you are my honoured 
 guests, and that my time and my thoughts are alike 
 devoted to your service." 
 
 As he spoke, the excited and wounded Enchanter 
 drew himself to his full height. Indignant lightning 
 flashed from his eyes, controlled passion vibrated 
 in his voice.
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 243 
 
 The Queen, frightened and conscience-stricken, 
 gazed bewildered upon Eud^emon, as, with an abrupt 
 reverence, he turned and quitted her presence. For 
 many hours he disappeared from the neighbourhood 
 of the Castle, and several days elapsed before he 
 regained his wonted equanimity of bearing. 
 
 On this eventful night, therefore, the young Seer 
 heard with mingled feelings the terrified mother's 
 significant words. But there was now no time for 
 further explanation. When the threatened attack 
 from without had been warded off, the Enchanter 
 turned from the turret window and exclaimed, 
 " Away with you all ; you must quit this chamber 
 and leave me alone with the maiden and her mother, 
 if it be not already too late to attempt to restore her 
 ebbing life." 
 
 Thereupon he strode to the threshold, and assuming 
 an air of majesty they had never before remarked, he 
 waved them in silence from the apartment. 
 
 No sooner had they all quitted the room, than 
 Eudasmon drew the bolt across the door, and ap- 
 proaching the Queen, who hung weeping over her 
 lifeless daughter, he thus sternly addressed her : 
 
 " You have neglected rny warning, and by your 
 heedless words have awakened a fresh struggle 
 in the breast of this sorely tried ' child. There 
 remains but one chance of recalling her gentle spirit 
 
 R 2
 
 EUD&MON: 
 
 from the Valley of the Shadow of Death. But 
 be assured, proud Queen, that though, for the sake 
 of the Princess herself, I now lay bare before you the 
 inmost secret of my heart ; yet she shall never know, 
 until she hears the truth from your lips, that for her 
 alone that heart shall beat through time and through 
 eternity." 
 
 So saying, the young Enchanter drew near Mi- 
 randa's prostrate form. He threw himself on the 
 floor beside her couch, and seizing her resistless 
 hands, wildly pressed them in his own. Tenderly 
 and reverently he addressed the insensible maiden 
 in tones and words of fondest endearment. For long 
 it seemed as though even the electric thrill of mortal 
 love was powerless against the magic swoon into 
 which the Princess had fallen on hearing for the 
 first time her mother's strange accusing words. 
 
 At last Eudaemon (who held her hand in his as he 
 fervently prayed for her restoration to life) fancied 
 he perceived a feeble movement. He arose, and 
 earnestly imprinting on his memory those features so 
 sacred to him in their helpless repose, he retired to 
 the window and there continued his prayer. 
 
 Meanwhile Miranda, quivering back to conscious- 
 ness, imagined she heard a familiar voice addressing 
 her in the wild tones of a passionate love hitherto 
 unknown. A strange new pain shot into her inno-
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 245 
 
 cent soul, and awoke her once more to play her part 
 in this world's theatre. 
 
 She slowly opened her eyes, and looked around. 
 By the light of the feeble lamp she gradually became 
 aware of Eudasmon's presence, as he knelt near the 
 open casement, through which faintly glimmered 
 the first signs of approaching dawn. She stirred 
 uneasily on her couch. The Enchanter arose from his 
 answered prayer. Stepping across the chamber, he 
 opened the door to the impatient watchers without. 
 Before Queen Margaret could recover from her 
 astonishment, or could indeed realize that her child 
 was safe, Eudaemon was gone. He went out 
 silently as the others entered. Calling Luachan, he 
 departed thence with his faithful dog, to seek amid 
 the solitudes of nature that peace which at pre- 
 sent was denied him by his wildly throbbing 
 bosom. 
 
 Many days elapsed before the Princess, shaken and 
 confused by all she had gone through, again de- 
 scended the stairs and approached once more the 
 fated harp. From the moment in which her feelings 
 had found vent in song, and escaping from the hall 
 she had sought relief from tears in her lonely 
 chamber, all seemed like a dream. Her mother's 
 reproaches on discovering her strange agitation, her 
 deep swoon, and the words she thought she had heard
 
 246 EUDJEMON: 
 
 as she woke, each and all were regarded by her as 
 the creatures of her own too vivid imagination. 
 
 Queen Margaret, already forgetting her renewed 
 promises, and fondly caressing her child, n^ver 
 recurred to the past. The Enchanter, entering as 
 before with energy into all that concerned Miranda's 
 interests, looked and moved to the awe-struck eyes 
 of the simple Princess an exalted being, free from 
 the weaknesses or restless anxieties of mortal love. 
 
 Miranda's new power gave < them all exquisite plea- 
 sure. She herself found rich stores of unimagined 
 delight, as she poured forth her growing aspirations 
 in floods of song. Strange to say, it was in singing 
 alone that she gave utterance to her feelings. No 
 spoken word as yet could pass the enchanted barrier 
 of her lips. 
 
 A visible cloud sat upon Eudsemon's swarthy brow. 
 He foresaw that Miranda's disenchantment could 
 only be accomplished amid real dangers and diffi- 
 culties, and his heart misgave him as he realized 
 the faint trust that could be placed in the ready 
 promises of the Queen. 
 
 Day after day elapsed without further adventure, 
 no allusion was made to the remarkable words 
 that had fallen from Miranda's mother when she 
 was overwhelmed by the immediate danger of her 
 child.
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 247 
 
 At length, one evening, after Miranda had retired 
 weary to her couch, the young Seer set forth to her 
 parents the only course to be pursued, if the Princess 
 were ever to obtain the power of speech. 
 
 He explained to them that far away, in the 
 mysterious halls of Thuisto, there existed a won- 
 drous compass, with which Miranda's fate was 
 closely connected. He told them, moreover, that 
 with the aid of magic he could introduce himself, 
 the Princess, and her mother into the weird abode 
 of the sea-kings. 
 
 But to do this, and to escape in safety, silence 
 and obedience were imperatively necessary. Before 
 venturing on so serious a risk, he therefore solemnly 
 entreated the Queen sooner to rest content with the 
 partial disenchantment of her daughter, and to quit 
 in peace his lonely abode, than to enter lightly upon 
 this grave adventure. For when once within the 
 enchanted precincts of Thuisto, if they transgressed 
 ever so slightly, the rules laid down for their ob- 
 servance, they would draw down, not only upon 
 himself for which he little cared but perchance 
 upon Miranda, the fatal vengeance of the ever- 
 watchful guardians of those submarine palaces. 
 
 Again and again the eager mother promised, nay, 
 even swore to obey his strict injunctions, urging 
 him to make the attempt. At last, with heavy
 
 EUD.EMON: 
 
 foreboding, Eudaemon prepared to encounter the 
 dangers of the coming expedition. 
 
 Miranda was told of the projected scheme. The 
 Enchanter explained to her that in the submerged 
 vaults of Thuisto she would probably first find the 
 use of her voice in speech. He warned her, however, 
 that she must endeavour to speak only when he 
 bade her, and Queen Margaret was once more 
 pledged to maintain strict silence. 
 
 The eventful night arrived. The poor forsaken king 
 and the disconsolate dog Luachan (too intelligent to 
 move from the shore where his beloved master bade 
 him remain and guard the stranger), together strained 
 their eyes from the wild beach below Castle Brochel, 
 as the little boat containing the travellers became 
 a faint speck on the starlit sea. 
 
 Eudaemon and the one-eyed Donald rowed their 
 precious burden quickly on, until reaching a barren 
 rock, the Enchanter sprang lightly on shore ; carefully 
 handing out Queen Margaret and her daughter, he 
 then bade the old man row home to the Castle and 
 return again for them at day-break. 
 
 Hardly had the regular plash of Donald's retreat- 
 ing oars died away, before they became conscious 
 that they were gradually sinking through the ocean. 
 The broad, flat surface on which they stood afforded 
 them ample footing, and though they heard, on
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 249 
 
 either side, the swift rushing of the divided waters, 
 not a drop touched them ; not an oscillation dis- 
 turbed their balance, as, supported and cheered by 
 Eudaemon's friendly whispers, and fast clinging 
 together, mother and daughter descended through 
 the sea to unknown regions, enveloped in a dark- 
 ness that might be felt. 
 
 Mindful of her plighted word, the Queen uttered no 
 sound, but she bore very heavily upon the young 
 Enchanter's arm, keeping him in constant uneasiness. 
 At length a blinding flash of light smote on their 
 dazzled eyes ; the downward motion ceased, and the 
 stone on which they stood sank to its resting-place 
 with a loud clang. 
 
 As they became inured to the brightness, they 
 beheld before, behind, around them on every side, 
 as far as sight could reach, a vast labyrinth of 
 arched and pillared cloisters, stretching into in- 
 terminable -distance, and lit by some mysteriously 
 effulgent ray, which seemed to their bewildered gaze 
 to proceed from the centre of a broader aisle, at one 
 extremity of which they themselves stood. 
 
 Eudaemon, motioning them to follow, trod slowly 
 the echoing pavement, and advanced towards the 
 distant focus of light. 
 
 Now sounded forth music such as earthly ears have 
 seldom heard. It was as if all the harmonies of
 
 2jo EUDAEMON: 
 
 water's various movements swelled into one inde- 
 scribable wave of translucent melody, that penetrated 
 soul and body with its enervating power. Relaxed in 
 every fibre by this weird influence, Eudaemon with 
 difficulty urged forward his drooping comrades. Pre- 
 pared, however, to resist to the utmost the charms of 
 witchcraft, he drew forth his magic horn, and its 
 reviving fragrance quickly restored energy to their 
 unstrung frames. 
 
 Their interest also was freshly aroused by ex- 
 quisite statues, which, almost endued with life, and 
 perfect in colouring, seemed to smile on them from 
 either side as they proceeded. They reached the 
 circle whence emanated the diverging rays of light. 
 Before them blazed a dazzling but empty throne. 
 From its midst shone those awe-inspiring beams. 
 
 Eudaemon uttered a low cry. There, beauteous 
 as he remembered her in his boyhood's early days, 
 but with a calm expression of perfect peace she had 
 never worn during her child's lifetime, in a marble 
 niche close beside the vacant seat, stood the lovely 
 Bragela. Her long golden tresses rippled over her 
 shoulders, her flowing robes half showed, half con- 
 cealed her matchless shape, while her azure eyes, 
 with their heavily-fringed lids, fell fixed and cold on 
 the eager countenance of her son. 
 
 A moment he paused, half expectant, dreaming
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 251 
 
 that her loved spirit must awake and welcome 
 him, but in that instant her last words flashed 
 across his mind. He realized that Valbiorn's skill 
 had only thus been able to immortalize the fair, 
 soulless clay. He remembered once more why he 
 had sought that dread abode, and he noted that 
 Bragela's beautiful motionless hand pointed to a 
 small amber pedestal, which at a few paces distant 
 seemed to glow with lambent flame. 
 
 He approached : upon its summit lay the object 
 of his search, the magic compass of the sea-kings, 
 potent to work weal or woe. Turning to Miranda, 
 he gently drew her forward, and placed the timid 
 maiden over against himself on the southern side 
 of the mystic pillar. 
 
 The whole of the magic compass quivered and 
 shone with the appearance of red-hot metal, but 
 Eudaemon whispered to the Princess that she must 
 with a firm hand raise the needle from its place, and, 
 turning towards the north, pronounce these words in 
 an audible voice, 
 
 "As points the faithful needle to the pole." 
 
 Miranda stooped trembling over the flaming altar, 
 but with gentle courage she took the fiery needle 
 in her hand ; as she did so, she raised her eyes 
 trustingly towards her guide, and moved a step 
 nearer to him.
 
 EUD^EMON: 
 
 Here in the enchanted palace of his fathers, sur- 
 rounded by mysterious influences, and excited by the 
 anticipated victory over Miranda's spell, the youth 
 for once forgot his careful self-command. He also 
 advanced, and stretched out his eager hands to 
 bound the needle's range. 
 
 In a low musical tone the Princess pronounced 
 the fateful words ; ere she finished, she leant in- 
 sensibly forwards, and the needle almost touched 
 the Enchanter's breast. Overcome with mingled 
 emotions, Miranda, while she spoke, swayed visibly 
 to and fro, and as if to support her, Eudsemon's arms 
 fell on either side of her tottering figure. 
 
 At this moment the Queen, terribly discomposed, 
 and forgetting in her displeasure every solemn pro- 
 mise she had made, rushed forward, loudly crying, 
 " Misguided girl ! " but ere she could continue her 
 sentence, a tremendous peal of thunder shook the 
 ground beneath their feet, and vibrated around them. 
 An intensely lurid ray of light darted athwart the 
 heretofore empty throne. To Queen Margaret's un- 
 speakable dread, she beheld indistinctly amid the 
 dazzling beams an awful form enthroned in fire. A 
 rushing noise filled her ears, she became insensible, 
 and as she did so, she seemed to fall prone through 
 interminable depths.
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 253 
 
 It was long before she recovered her consciousness, 
 but at last she was aroused by the sound of sweet 
 
 singing, 
 
 " I would I were a little bird, 
 
 To build upon his breast, 
 
 Or if I were a nightingale, 
 
 To soothe my love to rest. 
 To gaze upon his tender eyes, 
 
 All my reward should be, 
 For I love, I love, I love my love, 
 Because my love loves me." 
 
 Opening her eyes with a shiver at the wild pathos 
 of these tones, the Queen, by the chill bright light of 
 the December sun, beheld her daughter, with Luachan 
 beside her, seated on the beach of Raasay and twining 
 pieces of damp sea-weed into her long hair. 
 
 Queen Margaret raised herself from the ground, 
 and drew her hand across her brow. What had 
 happened ? 
 
 She herself lay on the grass close to the sea-shore ; 
 and near at hand Castle Brochel towered frowning 
 into the morning sky. She called to her daughter. 
 Miranda heeded not. 
 
 But now the sound of oars was heard, one-eyed 
 Donald roughly grated his boat on the shingle, and 
 scrambling out, asked the Queen somewhat gruffly 
 how she came there. 
 
 Confused and distressed, she could give no satis- 
 factory answer. Donald then recounted to her how
 
 254 EUD^MON: 
 
 he had been rowing for hours round and round the 
 spot where they had landed the previous night, 
 unable to discover any trace of the large flat rock 
 on which they had disembarked. At last in despair 
 he had returned to lie Island. 
 
 When he observed Miranda and her mother on the 
 shore he expected also to see Eudaemon near at hand. 
 Disappointed in this hope, he now continued, pointing 
 inland with his long, skinny finger. " I wadna say 
 but the maister is in the Castle itsel'." 
 
 At this moment, however, the Princess approached 
 them, singing, sadly, 
 
 " But should it please the pitying powers, 
 
 To call him to the sky, 
 I'll plead a guardian angel's charge, 
 
 Around my love to fly. 
 To guard him from all danger, 
 
 How happy I should be, 
 For I love, I love, I love my love, 
 
 Because my love loves me." 
 
 As she sang, Luachan uttered a melancholy howl. 
 The perplexed seneschal looked from one to another 
 in silent amazement, then muttering to himself, " It's 
 no unco canny for the beast to howl that gate," he 
 hastened, as fast as his withered limbs would permit, 
 up the Jteep ascent to the Castle gate. 
 
 Meantime the Queen gazed fixedly on her daughter. 
 What strange alteration had taken place in her be-
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 255 
 
 loved child ? Those gentle blue eyes, wont to rest so 
 placidly on all they surveyed, now restlessly turned 
 from side to side, and never looked her straight in the 
 face. Her busy fingers plucked nervously at the wet 
 garlands she carried on her arms, and her lips moved 
 ceaselessly, though no audible sound came from them. 
 " Miranda, my love," said the anxious mother, 
 " how came we hither ? " A look of unutterable 
 woe troubled the maiden's face. She drew from her 
 bosom a golden needle, and holding it towards the 
 north, she exclaimed, 
 
 " As points the faithful needle to the pole." 
 
 Swinging the long slimy sea-weeds around her, she 
 then suddenly gave a shrill laugh, and rushed up the 
 castle hill, followed by Luachan, whose drooping 
 ears and limp tail, seemed to the Queen's excited 
 imagination prophetic of evil. 
 
 Stiff and sore in every limb from her unusual 
 exposure, Queen Margaret raised herself from the 
 ground and toiled slowly up the steep ascent. 
 
 Ere she reached the crest of the rocks upon which 
 the Castle stood, the King came forth to meet her. 
 In a terrible voice he cried " What have you done 
 to our child, to my darling Miranda?" 
 
 Thoroughly overcome with fatigue and misery, 
 the poor Queen burst into tears, and Murdoch for-
 
 256 &UDJZMON; 
 
 getting for the moment all save his wife's uncon- 
 trollable emotion, soothed her as best he could, and 
 led her into the Castle hall. 
 
 Here she told her husband the strange events of the 
 past night. She related their various adventures after 
 Donald left them on the rock, and now, when too 
 late, she bitterly lamented over her own hasty inter- 
 ference, and her imprudent words. She described 
 how she had only time to perceive a being of noble 
 and majestic mien seated on the previously empty 
 throne. As his eye fell upon her she became un- 
 conscious, and could remember nothing more until 
 she found herself on the beach at Raasay in the early 
 morning. 
 
 The hours of this melancholy day wore slowly on, 
 but no Eudaemon appeared. At last, towards evening, 
 they forced open the door of his little turret chamber 
 it was empty. All his books and instruments were 
 gone ; everything belonging to him or his mother had 
 disappeared from the Castle. Even the harp itself, 
 beside which so many pleasant evenings had been 
 whiled away, was no longer there. 
 
 The only things left, and upon these Miranda 
 flew with eagerness, were the chess-board, the 
 wooden men he had so patiently carved for her, 
 and the box to contain them. For long hours 
 the poor child would sit as in a dream, arranging
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH, 257 
 
 and re-arranging the motley pieces, softly laughing 
 to herself the while ; for her mind was hopelessly 
 gone. 
 
 Eudaemon had never wholly disclosed the fact 
 that when they entered the enchanted precincts 
 of Thuisto, any infringement of the rules prescribed 
 must re-act upon himself. In his unselfish devotion, 
 he imagined that if he alone fell a victim to the 
 powerful sea-kings, his beloved and her mother would 
 be saved. Freed at last from enchantment, he trusted 
 that the Princess and her parents would then live on 
 as happily as if no forfeit had been paid for Miranda's 
 deliverance. 
 
 He fathomed not the unchanging love that had of 
 late struggled into existence in the dreamy maiden's 
 breast. In the terrible moment that by no fault of 
 his own determined his fate, Eudaemon for once 
 forgot his careful self-control, and clasped Miranda 
 to his heart. In his dread father's presence he bade 
 her a long farewell ; he knew not that the sorrow of 
 parting would overwhelm her gentle spirit, and break 
 her tender heart. 
 
 King Murdoch and his wife took their daughter by 
 slow stages to her native country, hoping to benefit 
 her by the change. But no following spring should 
 ever re-kindle the roses in those waning cheeks no 
 mortal hand arrest the progress of decay. The faith- 
 
 S
 
 EUD&MON: 
 
 ful Luachan could not be separated from her, he 
 was her constant comfort and playmate. 
 
 There was a spot on the little Cumbrae where 
 Miranda loved to sit and gaze across the Clyde's 
 broad estuary to the blue hills of Arran. Perhaps 
 their clear outline reminded her of the Cuchullins, as 
 seen from Raasay. Perhaps being on an island, spoke 
 to her of the halcyon past. 
 
 Be that as it may, one day, towards evening, 
 alarmed by her long absence, the attendants sought 
 and found her here, cold and motionless. One arm 
 was clasped around Luachan's neck, the other, faithful 
 in death, still pointed the golden needle to " the true 
 and tender north." 
 
 They buried Miranda where she lay. On that far 
 island you still may see the lonely tomb, beneath 
 which the weary one is at rest, and drop, perchance, 
 a tear over her untimely fate. 
 
 . Yes ! They are united at last never more to 
 part ! Behold, in the regions of eternal peace, a 
 youth divinely fair, a maiden serenely beautiful. 
 Together they bow before the Almighty Ruler they 
 served on earth, and, as they cast their golden 
 crowns at his feet, the tongue of the dumb sings 
 sweetly, " God is Love ! " 
 
 Castle Brochel was never more inhabited. Donald, 
 a sincere mourner for his kind young master, could
 
 OR THE ENCHANTER OF THE NORTH. 259 
 
 not bear to live by himself within its shadowy portals. 
 He transferred what he needed to the shieling near 
 at hand, and thence descending every day, kept all 
 in readiness for the expected return of the youth he 
 loved so well. 
 
 But the old man watched in vain. He was gathered 
 at last to his fathers. The lonely, neglected Castle 
 fell into decay, and still, through following ages, 
 the well-remembered Enchanter returned not, to 
 awaken with his light springing footsteps the echoes 
 of that deserted abode. Desolation and solitude 
 spread their wings around its time-honoured pre- 
 cincts, and cast a halo of their own over its 
 crumbling walls. 
 
 Break gently, ye wavelets, on Raasay's lone shore, 
 Eudaemon shall roam on your mountains no more. 
 As fragrance distilled by the cold air of night, 
 So Absence and Time shall bring forth to the light, 
 The deeds and the virtues of one without guile, 
 Whose genius and wisdom shed light o'er your isle. 
 Mourn wildly, ye seabirds ! all nature make moan ! 
 His chamber is empty his footsteps are gone. 
 He toiled unrewarded no guerdon he sought, 
 As soothing relief to the weary he brought ; 
 But the mother's soft tear, and the infant's glad cry, 
 The blessings of gratitude garnered on high, 
 Shall, e'en in his Home, 'mid the Regions of Light, 
 Add lustre untold to his coronal bright. 
 
 THE END.
 
 LONDON 
 
 K. CLAY, SONS, AND TAYLOR, PRINTERS, 
 BREAD STREET HILL.
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 
 Los Angeles 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 
 
 u> 
 
 . 
 
 09 1986 
 
 I { 1986 
 
 50m-7,'69(N296s4) 0-120 
 Fn 

 
 AHIBRARY0/- ^l-LIBRARY^ 
 
 
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