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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/7608-0.txt b/7608-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4b2e802 --- /dev/null +++ b/7608-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4051 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Zicci, Complete, by Edward Bulwer-Lytton + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Zicci, Complete + +Author: Edward Bulwer-Lytton + +Release Date: October 29, 2006 [EBook #7608] +Last Updated: August 28, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ZICCI, COMPLETE *** + + + +Produced by Pat Castevens and David Widger + + + + + +ZICCI + +A Tale + + + + + +BOOK I. + + + +CHAPTER I. + +In the gardens at Naples, one summer evening in the last century, some +four or five gentlemen were seated under a tree drinking their sherbet +and listening, in the intervals of conversation, to the music which +enlivened that gay and favorite resort of an indolent population. One +of this little party was a young Englishman who had been the life of the +whole group, but who for the last few moments had sunk into a gloomy and +abstracted revery. One of his countrymen observed this sudden gloom, +and tapping him on the back, said, “Glyndon, why, what ails you? Are you +ill? You have grown quite pale; you tremble: is it a sudden chill? You +had better go home; these Italian nights are often dangerous to our +English constitutions.” + +“No, I am well now,--it was but a passing shudder; I cannot account for +it myself.” + +A man apparently of about thirty years of age, and of a mien and +countenance strikingly superior to those around him, turned abruptly, +and looked steadfastly at Glyndon. + +“I think I understand what you mean,” said he,--“and perhaps,” he added, +with a grave smile, “I could explain it better than yourself.” + Here, turning to the others, he added, “You must often have felt, +gentlemen,--each and all of you,--especially when sitting alone at +night, a strange and unaccountable sensation of coldness and awe creep +over you; your blood curdles, and the heart stands still; the limbs +shiver, the hair bristles; you are afraid to look up, to turn your +eyes to the darker corners of the room; you have a horrible fancy that +something unearthly is at hand. Presently the whole spell, if I may so +call it, passes away, and you are ready to laugh at your own weakness. +Have you not often felt what I have thus imperfectly described? If so, +you can understand what our young friend has just experienced, even +amidst the delights of this magical scene, and amidst the balmy whispers +of a July night.” + +“Sir,” replied Glyndon, evidently much surprised, “you have defined +exactly the nature of that shudder which came over me. But how could my +manner be so faithful an index to my impressions?” + +“I know the signs of the visitation,” returned the stranger, gravely; +“they are not to be mistaken by one of my experience.” + +All the gentlemen present then declared that they could comprehend, +and had felt, what the stranger had described. “According to one of +our national superstitions,” said Merton, the Englishman who had first +addressed Glyndon, “the moment you so feel your blood creep, and your +hair stand on end, some one is walking over the spot which shall be your +grave.” + +“There are in all lands different superstitions to account for so common +an occurrence,” replied the stranger; “one sect among the Arabians hold +that at that instant God is deciding the hour either of your death or +that of some one dear to you. The African savage, whose imagination is +darkened by the hideous rites of his gloomy idolatry, believes that the +Evil Spirit is pulling you towards him by the hair. So do the Grotesque +and the Terrible mingle with each other.” + +“It is evidently a mere physical accident,--a derangement of the +stomach; a chill of the blood,” said a young Neapolitan. + +“Then why is it always coupled, in all nations, with some superstitious +presentiment or terror,--some connection between the material frame +and the supposed world without us?” asked the stranger. “For my part, I +think--” + +“What do you think, sir?” asked Glyndon, curiously. + +“I think,” continued the stranger, “that it is the repugnance and horror +of that which is human about us to something indeed invisible, but +antipathetic to our own nature, and from a knowledge of which we are +happily secured by the imperfection of our senses.” + +“You are a believer in spirits, then?” asked Merton, with an incredulous +smile. + +“Nay, I said not so. I can form no notion of a spirit, as the +metaphysicians do, and certainly have no fear of one; but there may be +forms of matter as invisible and impalpable to us as the animalculae to +which I have compared them. The monster that lives and dies in a drop of +water, carniverous, insatiable, subsisting on the creatures minuter than +himself, is not less deadly in his wrath, less ferocious in his nature, +than the tiger of the desert. There may be things around us malignant +and hostile to men, if Providence had not placed a wall between them and +us, merely by different modifications of matter.” + +“And could that wall never be removed?” asked young Glyndon, abruptly. +“Are the traditions of sorcerer and wizard, universal and immemorial as +they are, merely fables?” + +“Perhaps yes; perhaps no,” answered the stranger, indifferently. “But +who, in an age in which the reason has chosen its proper bounds, would +be mad enough to break the partition that divides him from the boa +and the lion, to repine at and rebel against the law of nature +which confines the shark to the great deep? Enough of these idle +speculations.” + +Here the stranger rose, summoned the attendant, paid for his sherbet, +and, bowing slightly to the company, soon disappeared among the trees. + +“Who is that gentleman?” asked Glyndon, eagerly. + +The rest looked at each other, without replying, for some moments. + +“I never saw him before,” said Merton, at last. + +“Nor I.” + +“Nor I.” + +“I have met him often,” said the Neapolitan, who was named Count Cetoxa; +“it was, if you remember, as my companion that he joined you. He has +been some months at Naples; he is very rich,--indeed enormously so. Our +acquaintance commenced in a strange way.” + +“How was it?” + +“I had been playing at a public gaming-house, and had lost considerably. +I rose from the table, resolved no longer to tempt Fortune, when this +gentleman, who had hitherto been a spectator, laying his hand on my arm, +said with politeness, ‘Sir, I see you enjoy play,--I dislike it; but I +yet wish to have some interest in what is going on. Will you play this +sum for me? The risk is mine,--the half-profits yours.’ I was startled, +as you may suppose, at such an address; but the stranger had an air and +tone with him it was impossible to resist. Besides, I was burning to +recover my losses, and should not have risen had I had any money left +about me. I told him I would accept his offer, provided we shared the +risk as well as profits. ‘As you will,’ said he, smiling, ‘we need have +no scruple, for you will be sure to win.’ I sat down, the stranger stood +behind me; my luck rose, I invariably won. In fact, I rose from the +table a rich man.” + +“There can be no foul play at the public tables, especially when foul +play would make against the bank.” + +“Certainly not,” replied the count. “But our good fortune was indeed +marvellous,--so extraordinary that a Sicilian (the Sicilians are all +ill-bred, bad-tempered fellows) grew angry and insolent. ‘Sir,’ said he, +turning to my new friend, ‘you have no business to stand so near to +the table. I do not understand this; you have not acted fairly.’ The +spectator replied, with great composure, that he had done nothing +against the rules; that he was very sorry that one man could not win +without another man losing; and that he could not act unfairly even +if disposed to do so. The Sicilian took the stranger’s mildness for +apprehension,--blustered more loudly, and at length fairly challenged +him. ‘I never seek a quarrel, and I never shun a danger,’ returned +my partner; and six or seven of us adjourned to the garden behind the +house. I was of course my partner’s second. He took me aside. ‘This man +will die,’ said he; ‘see that he is buried privately in the church of +St. Januario, by the side of his father.’ + +“‘Did you know his family?’ I asked with great surprise. He made no +answer, but drew his sword and walked deliberately to the spot we had +selected. The Sicilian was a renowned swordsman; nevertheless, in the +third pass he was run through the body. I went up to him; he could +scarcely speak. ‘Have you any request to make,--any affairs to settle?’ +He shook his head. ‘Where would you wish to be interred?’ He pointed +towards the Sicilian coast. ‘What!’ said I, in surprise, ‘not by the +side of your father?’ As I spoke, his face altered terribly, he uttered +a piercing shriek; the blood gushed from his mouth, and he fell dead. +The most strange part of the story is to come. We buried him in the +church of St. Januario. In doing so, we took up his father’s coffin; the +lid came off in moving it, and the skeleton was visible. In the hollow +of the skull we found a very slender wire of sharp steel; this caused +great surprise and inquiry. The father, who was rich and a miser, had +died suddenly and been buried in haste, owing, it was said, to the heat +of the weather. Suspicion once awakened, the examination became minute. +The old man’s servant was questioned, and at last confessed that the son +had murdered the sire. The contrivance was ingenious; the wire was so +slender that it pierced to the brain and drew but one drop of blood, +which the gray hairs concealed. The accomplice was executed.” + +“And this stranger, did he give evidence? Did he account for--” + +“No,” interrupted the count, “he declared that he had by accident +visited the church that morning; that he had observed the tombstone of +the Count Salvolio; that his guide had told him the count’s son was +in Naples,--a spendthrift and a gambler. While we were at play, he had +heard the count mentioned by name at the table; and when the challenge +was given and accepted, it had occured to him to name the place of +burial, by an instinct he could not account for.” + +“A very lame story,” said Merton. + +“Yes, but we Italians are superstitious. The alleged instinct was +regarded as the whisper of Providence; the stranger became an object of +universal interest and curiosity. His wealth, his manner of living, his +extraordinary personal beauty, have assisted also to make him the rage.” + +“What is his name?” asked Glyndon. + +“Zicci. Signor Zicci.” + +“Is it not an Italian name? He speaks English like a native.” + +“So he does French and German, as well as Italian, to my knowledge. But +he declares himself a Corsican by birth, though I cannot hear of any +eminent Corsican family of that name. However, what matters his birth or +parentage? He is rich, generous, and the best swordsman I ever saw in my +life. Who would affront him?” + +“Not I, certainly,” said Merton, rising. “Come, Glyndon, shall we seek +our hotel? It is almost daylight. Adieu, signor.” + +“What think you of this story?” said Glyndon as the young men walked +homeward. + +“Why, it is very clear that this Zicci is some impostor, some clever +rogue; and the Neapolitan shares booty, and puffs him off with all the +hackneyed charlatanism of the marvellous. An unknown adventurer gets +into society by being made an object of awe and curiosity; he is +devilish handsome; and the women are quite content to receive him +without any other recommendation than his own face and Cetoxa’s fables.” + +“I cannot agree with you. Cetoxa, though a gambler and a rake, is a +nobleman of birth and high repute for courage and honor. Besides, +this stranger, with his grand features and lofty air,--so calm, so +unobtrusive,--has nothing in common with the forward garrulity of an +impostor.” + +“My dear Glyndon, pardon me, but you have not yet acquired any knowledge +of the world; the stranger makes the best of a fine person, and his +grand air is but a trick of the trade. But to change the subject: how +gets on the love affair?” + +“Oh! Isabel could not see me to-night. The old woman gave me a note of +excuse.” + +“You must not marry her; what would they all say at home?” + +“Let us enjoy the present,” said Glyndon, with vivacity; “we are young, +rich, good-looking: let us not think of to-morrow.” + +“Bravo, Glyndon! Here we are at the hotel. Sleep sound, and don’t dream +of Signor Zicci.” + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +Clarence Glyndon was a young man of small but independent fortune. He +had, early in life, evinced considerable promise in the art of painting, +and rather from enthusiasm than the want of a profession, he had +resolved to devote himself to a career which in England has been seldom +entered upon by persons who can live on their own means. Without being +a poet, Glyndon had also manifested a graceful faculty for verse, which +had contributed to win his entry into society above his birth. Spoiled +and flattered from his youth upward, his natural talents were in some +measure relaxed by indolence and that worldly and selfish habit of +thought which frivolous companionship often engenders, and which is +withering alike to stern virtue and high genius. The luxuriance of his +fancy was unabated; but the affections, which are the life of fancy, had +grown languid and inactive. His youth, his vanity, and a restless daring +and thirst of adventure had from time to time involved him in dangers +and dilemmas, out of which, of late, he had always extricated himself +with the ingenious felicity of a clever head and cool heart. He had +left England for Rome with the avowed purpose and sincere resolution of +studying the divine masterpieces of art; but pleasure had soon allured +him from ambition, and he quitted the gloomy palaces of Rome for the +gay shores and animated revelries of Naples. Here he had fallen in +love--deeply in love, as he said and thought--with a young person +celebrated at Naples, Isabel di Pisani. She was the only daughter of an +Italian by an English mother. The father had known better days; in his +prosperity he had travelled, and won in England the affections of a lady +of some fortune. He had been induced to speculate; he lost his all; he +settled at Naples, and taught languages and music. His wife died when +Isabel, christened from her mother, was ten years old. At sixteen she +came out on the stage; two years afterwards her father departed this +life, and Isabel was an orphan. + +Glyndon, a man of pleasure and a regular attendant at the theatre, had +remarked the young actress behind the scenes; he fell in love with +her, and he told her so. The girl listened to him, perhaps from vanity, +perhaps from ambition, perhaps from coquetry; she listened, and allowed +but few stolen interviews, in which she permitted no favor to the +Englishman it was one reason why he loved her so much. + +The day following that on which our story opens, Glyndon was riding +alone by the shores of the Neapolitan sea, on the other side of the +Cavern of Pausilippo. It was past noon; the sun had lost its early +fervor, and a cool breeze sprang voluptuously from the sparkling sea. +Bending over a fragment of stone near the roadside, he perceived the +form of a man; and when he approached he recognized Zicci. + +The Englishman saluted him courteously. “Have you discovered some +antique?” said he, with a smile; “they are as common as pebbles on this +road.” + +“No,” replied Zicci; “it was but one of those antiques that have +their date, indeed, from the beginning of the world, but which Nature +eternally withers and renews.” So saying, he showed Glyndon a small herb +with a pale blue flower, and then placed it carefully in his bosom. + +“You are an herbalist?” + +“I am.” + +“It is, I am told, a study full of interest.” + +“To those who understand it, doubtless. But,” continued Zicci, looking +up with a slight and cold smile, “why do you linger on your way to +converse with me on matters in which you neither have knowledge nor +desire to obtain it? I read your heart, young Englishman: your curiosity +is excited; you wish to know me, and not this humble herb. Pass on; your +desire never can be satisfied.” + +“You have not the politeness of your countrymen,” said Glyndon, somewhat +discomposed. “Suppose I were desirous to cultivate your acquaintance, +why should you reject my advances?” + +“I reject no man’s advances,” answered Zicci. “I must know them, if they +so desire; but me, in return, they can never comprehend. If you ask my +acquaintance, it is yours; but I would warn you to shun me.” + +“And why are you then so dangerous?” + +“Some have found me so; if I were to predict your fortune by the vain +calculations of the astrologer, I should tell you, in their despicable +jargon, that my planet sat darkly in your house of life. Cross me not, +if you can avoid it. I warn you now for the first time and last.” + +“You despise the astrologers, yet you utter a jargon as mysterious as +theirs. I neither gamble nor quarrel: why then should I fear you?” + +“As you will; I have done.” + +“Let me speak frankly: your conversation last night interested and +amused me.” + +“I know it; minds like yours are attracted by mystery.” + +Glyndon was piqued at those words, though in the tone in which they were +spoken there was no contempt. + +“I see you do not consider me worthy of your friendship be it so. Good +day.” + +Zicci coldly replied to the salutation, and as the Englishman rode on, +returned to his botanical employment. + +The same night Glyndon went, as usual, to the theatre. He was standing +behind the scenes watching Isabel, who was on the stage in one of her +most brilliant parts. The house resounded with applause. Glyndon was +transported with a young man’s passion and a young man’s pride. “This +glorious creature,” thought he, “may yet be mine.” + +He felt, while thus rapt in delicious revery, a slight touch upon his +shoulder; he turned, and beheld Zicci. “You are in danger,” said the +latter. “Do not walk home to-night; or if you do, go not alone.” + +Before Glyndon recovered from his surprise, Zicci disappeared; and when +the Englishman saw him again, he was in the box of one of the Neapolitan +ministers, where Glyndon could not follow him. + +Isabel now left the stage, and Glyndon accosted her with impassioned +gallantry. The actress was surprisingly beautiful; of fair complexion +and golden hair, her countenance was relieved from the tame and gentle +loveliness which the Italians suppose to be the characteristics of +English beauty, by the contrast of dark eyes and lashes, by a forehead +of great height, to which the dark outline of the eyebrows gave some +thing of majesty and command. In spite of the slightness of virgin +youth, her proportions had the nobleness, blent with the delicacy, +that belongs to the masterpieces of ancient sculpture; and there was +a conscious pride in her step, and in the swanlike bend of her stately +head, as she turned with an evident impatience from the address of her +lover. Taking aside an old woman, who was her constant and confidential +attendant at the theatre, she said, in an earnest whisper,-- + +“Oh, Gionetta, he is here again! I have seen him again! And again, he +alone of the whole theatre withholds from me his applause. He scarcely +seems to notice me; his indifference mortifies me to the soul,--I could +weep for rage and sorrow.” + +“Which is he, my darling?” said the old woman, with fondness in her +voice. “He must be dull,--not worth thy thoughts.” + +The actress drew Gionetta nearer to the stage, and pointed out to her +a man in one of the nearer boxes, conspicuous amongst all else by the +simplicity of his dress and the extraordinary beauty of his features. + +“Not worth a thought, Gionetta,” repeated Isabel,--“not worth a thought! +Saw you ever one so noble, so godlike?” + +“By the Holy Mother!” answered Gionetta, “he is a proper man, and has +the air of a prince.” + +The prompter summoned the Signora Pisani. “Find out his name, Gionetta,” + said she, sweeping on to the stage, and passing by Glyndon, who gazed at +her with a look of sorrowful reproach. + +The scene on which the actress now entered was that of the final +catastrophe, wherein all her remarkable powers of voice and art were +pre-eminently called forth. The house hung on every word with breathless +worship, but the eyes of Isabel sought only those of one calm and +unmoved spectator; she exerted herself as if inspired. The stranger +listened, and observed her with an attentive gaze, but no approval +escaped his lips, no emotion changed the expression of his cold and +half-disdainful aspect. Isabel, who was in the character of a jealous +and abandoned mistress, never felt so acutely the part she played. +Her tears were truthful; her passion that of nature: it was almost +too terrible to behold. She was borne from the stage, exhausted and +insensible, amidst such a tempest of admiring rapture as Continental +audiences alone can raise. The crowd stood up, handkerchiefs waved, +garlands and flowers were thrown on the stage, men wiped their eyes, and +women sobbed aloud. + +“By heavens!” said a Neapolitan of great rank, “she has fired me beyond +endurance. To-night, this very night, she shall be mine! You have +arranged all, Mascari?” + +“All, signor. And if this young Englishman should accompany her home?” + +“The presuming barbarian! At all events let him bleed for his folly. I +hear that she admits him to secret interviews. I will have no rival.” + +“But an Englishman! There is always a search after the bodies of the +English.” + +“Fool! Is not the sea deep enough, or the earth secret enough, to hide +one dead man? Our ruffians are silent as the grave itself. And I,--who +would dare to suspect, to arraign, the Prince di--? See to it,--let him +be watched, and the fitting occasion taken. I trust him to you,--robbers +murder him; you understand: the country swarms with them. Plunder and +strip him. Take three men; the rest shall be my escort.” + +Mascari shrugged his shoulders, and bowed submissively. Meanwhile +Glyndon besought Isabel, who recovered but slowly, to return home in his +carriage. (1) She had done so once or twice before, though she had never +permitted him to accompany her. This time she refused, and with some +petulance. Glyndon, offended, was retiring sullenly, when Gionetta +stopped him. “Stay, signor,” said she, coaxingly, “the dear signora is +not well: do not be angry with her; I will make her accept your offer.” + +Glyndon stayed, and after a few moments spent in expostulation on +the part of Gionetta, and resistance on that of Isabel, the offer was +accepted; the actress, with a mixture of naivete and coquetry, gave her +handy to her lover, who kissed it with delight. Gionetta and her charge +entered the carriage, and Glyndon was left at the door of the theatre, +to return home on foot. The mysterious warning of Zicci then suddenly +occurred to him; he had forgotten it in the interest of his lover’s +quarrel with Isabel. He thought it now advisable to guard against danger +foretold by lips so mysterious; he looked round for some one he knew. +The theatre was disgorging its crowds, who hustled and jostled and +pressed upon him; but he recognized no familiar countenances. While +pausing irresolute, he heard Merton’s voice calling on him, and to his +great relief discovered his friend making his way through the throng. + +“I have secured you a place in the Count Cetoxa’s carriage,” said he. +“Come along, he is waiting for us.” + +“How kind in you! How did you find me out?” + +“I met Zicci in the passage. ‘Your friend is at the door of the +theatre,’ said he; ‘do not let him go home alone to-night the streets of +Naples are not always safe.’ I immediately remembered that some of the +Calabrian bravos had been busy within the city the last few weeks, and +asked Cetoxa, who was with me, to accompany you.” + +Further explanation was forbidden, for they now joined the count. As +Glyndon entered the carriage and drew up the glass, he saw four men +standing apart by the pavement, who seemed to eye him with attention. + +“Cospetto!” cried one; “ecco Inglese!” Glyndon imperfectly heard the +exclamation as the carriage drove on. He reached home in safety. + +“Have you discovered who he is?” asked the actress, as she was now alone +in the carriage with Gionetta. + +“Yes, he is the celebrated Signor Zicci, about whom the court has +run mad. They say he is so rich,--oh, so much richer than any of the +Inglese! But a bird in the hand, my angel, is better than--” + +“Cease,” interrupted the young actress. “Zicci! Speak of the Englishman +no more.” + +The carriage was now entering that more lonely and remote part of the +city in which Isabel’s house was situated, when it suddenly stopped. + +Gionetta, in alarm, thrust her head out of window, and perceived by the +pale light of the moon that the driver, torn from his seat, was already +pinioned in the arms of two men; the next moment the door was opened +violently, and a tall figure, masked and mantled, appeared. + +“Fear not, fairest Pisani,” said he, gently, “no ill shall befall you.” + As he spoke, he wound his arms round the form of the fair actress, and +endeavored to lift her from the carriage. But the Signora Pisani was not +an ordinary person; she had been before exposed to all the dangers to +which the beauty of the low-born was subjected amongst a lawless and +profligate nobility. She thrust back the assailant with a power that +surprised him, and in the next moment the blade of a dagger gleamed +before his eyes. “Touch me,” said she, drawing herself to the farther +end of the carriage, “and I strike!” + +The mask drew back. + +“By the body of Bacchus, a bold spirit!” said he, half laughing and half +alarmed. “Here, Luigi, Giovanni! disarm and seize her. Harm her not.” + +The mask retired from the door, and another and yet taller form +presented itself. “Be calm, Isabel di Pisani,” said he, in a low voice; +“with me you are indeed safe!” He lifted his mask as he spoke, and +showed the noble features of Zicci. “Be calm, be hushed; I can save +you.” He vanished, leaving Isabel lost in surprise, agitation, and +delight. There were in all nine masks: two were engaged with the driver; +one stood at the head of the carriage-horses; a third guarded the +well-trained steeds of the party; three others, besides Zicci and the +one who had first accosted Isabel, stood apart by a carriage drawn to +the side of the road. To these Zicci motioned: they advanced; he pointed +towards the first mask, who was in fact the Prince di--, and to his +unspeakable astonishment the Prince was suddenly seized from behind. + +“Treason,” he cried, “treason among my own men! What means this?” + +“Place him in his carriage. If he resist, shoot him!” said Zicci, +calmly. + +He approached the men who had detained the coachman. “You are +outnumbered and outwitted,” said he. “Join your lord; you are three +men,--we six, armed to the teeth. Thank our mercy that we spare your +lives. Go!” + +The men gave way, dismayed. The driver remounted. “Cut the traces of +their carriage and the bridles of their horses,” said Zicci, as he +entered the vehicle containing Isabel, and which now drove on rapidly, +leaving the discomfited ravisher in a state of rage and stupor +impossible to describe. + +“Allow me to explain this mystery to you,” said Zicci. “I discovered the +plot against you,--no matter how. I frustrated it thus: the head of this +design is a nobleman who has long persecuted you in vain. He and two +of his creatures watched you from the entrance of the theatre, having +directed six others to await him on the spot where you were attacked; +myself and five of my servants supplied their place, and were mistaken +for his own followers. I had previously ridden alone to the spot where +the men were waiting, and informed them that their master would not +require their services that night. They believed me, for I showed them +his signet-ring, and accordingly dispersed; I then joined my own band, +whom I had left in the rear. You know all. We are at your door.” + +(1) At that time in Naples carriages were both cheaper to hire, and more +necessary for strangers than they are now. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +Zicci was left alone with the young Italian. She had thrown aside her +cloak and head-gear; her hair, somewhat dishevelled, fell down her ivory +neck, which the dress partially displayed; she seemed, as she sat in +that low and humble chamber, a very vision of light and glory. + +Zicci gazed at her with an admiration mingled with compassion; he +muttered a few words to himself, and then addressed her aloud:-- + +“Isabel di Pisani, I have saved you from a great peril,--not from +dishonor only, but perhaps from death. The Prince di--, under the weak +government of a royal child and a venal administration, is a man above +the law. He is capable of every crime; but amongst his passions he +has such prudence as belongs to ambition: if you were not to reconcile +yourself to your shame, you would never enter the world again to tell +your tale. The ravisher has no heart for repentance, but he has a hand +that can murder. I have saved thee, Isabel di Pisani. Perhaps you would +ask me wherefore?” Zicci paused, and smiled mournfully as he added: +“My life is not that of others, but I am still human,--I know pity; and +more, Isabel, I can feel gratitude for affection. You love me; it was +my fate to fascinate your eye, to arouse your vanity, to inflame your +imagination. It was to warn you from this folly that I consented for a +few minutes to become your guest. The Englishman, Glyndon, loves thee +well,--better than I can ever love; he may wed thee, he may bear thee to +his own free and happy land,--the land of thy mother’s kin. Forget me, +teach thyself to return and to deserve his love; and I tell thee that +thou wilt be honored and be happy.” + +Isabel listened with silent wonder and deep blushes to this strange +address; and when the voice ceased, she covered her face with her hands +and wept. + +Zicci rose. “I have fulfilled my duty to you, and I depart. Remember +that you are still in danger from the prince; be wary, and be cautious. +Your best precaution is in flight; farewell.” + +“Oh, do not leave me yet! You have read a secret of which I myself +was scarcely conscious: you despise me,--you, my preserver! Ah! do not +misjudge me; I am better, higher than I seem. Since I saw thee I have +been a new being.” The poor girl clasped her hands passionately as she +spoke, and her tears streamed down her cheeks. + +“What would you that I should answer?” said Zicci, pausing, but with a +cold severity in his eye. + +“Say that you do not despise,--say that you do not think me light and +shameless.” + +“Willingly, Isabel. I know your heart and your history you are capable +of great virtues; you have the seeds of a rare and powerful genius. You +may pass through the brief period of your human life with a proud +step and a cheerful heart, if you listen to my advice. You have been +neglected from your childhood; you have been thrown among nations +at once frivolous and coarse; your nobler dispositions, your higher +qualities, are not developed. You were pleased with the admiration of +Glyndon; you thought that the passionate stranger might marry you, while +others had only uttered the vows that dishonor. Poor child, it was the +instinctive desire of right within thee that made thee listen to him; +and if my fatal shadow had not crossed thy path, thou wouldst have loved +him well enough, at least, for content. Return to that hope, and nurse +again that innocent affection: this is my answer to thee. Art thou +contented?” + +“No! ah, no! Severe as thou art, I love better to hear thee than, +than--What am I saying? And now you have saved me, I shall pray for +you, bless you, think of you; and am I never to see you more? Alas! the +moment you leave me, danger and dread will darken round me. Let me be +your servant, your slave; with you I should have no fear.” + +A dark shade fell over Zicci’s brow; he looked from the ground, on which +his eyes had rested while she spoke, upon the earnest and imploring +face of the beautiful creature that now knelt before him, with all the +passions of an ardent and pure, but wholly untutored and half-savage, +nature speaking from the tearful eyes and trembling lips. He looked at +her with an aspect she could not interpret; in his eyes were kindness, +sorrow, and even something, she thought, of love: yet the brow frowned, +and the lip was stern. + +“It is in vain that we struggle with our doom,” said he, calmly; “listen +to me yet. I am a man, Isabel, in whom there are some good impulses +yet left, but whose life is, on the whole, devoted to a systematic and +selfish desire to enjoy whatever life can afford. To me it is given to +warn: the warning neglected, I interfere no more; I leave her victories +to that Fate that I cannot baffle of her prey. You do not understand me; +no matter: what I am now about to say will be more easy to comprehend. +I tell thee to tear from thy heart all thought of me: thou hast yet the +power. If thou wilt not obey me, thou must reap the seeds that thou wilt +sow. Glyndon, if thou acceptest his homage, will love thee throughout +life; I, too, can love thee.” + +“You, you--” + +“But with a lukewarm and selfish love, and one that cannot last. Thou +wilt be a flower in my path; I inhale thy sweetness and pass on, caring +not what wind shall sup thee, or what step shall tread thee to the dust. +Which is the love thou wouldst prefer?” + +“But do you, can you love me,--you, you, Zicci,--even for an hour? Say +it again.” + +“Yes, Isabel; I am not dead to beauty, and yours is that rarely given to +the daughters of men. Yes, Isabel, I could love thee!” + +Isabel uttered a cry of joy, seized his hand, and kissed it through +burning and impassioned tears. Zicci raised her in his arms and +imprinted one kiss upon her forehead. + +“Do not deceive thyself,” he said; “consider well. I tell thee again +that my love is subjected to the certain curse of change. For my part, I +shall seek thee no more. Thy fate shall be thine own, and not mine. For +the rest, fear not the Prince di--. At present, I can save thee from +every harm.” With these words he withdrew himself from her embrace, and +had gained the outer door just as Gionetta came from the kitchen with +her hands full of such cheer as she had managed to collect together. +Zicci laid his hand on the old woman’s arm. + +“Signor Glyndon,” said he, “loves Isabel; he may wed her. You love your +mistress: plead for him. Disabuse her, if you can, of any caprice for +me. I am a bird ever on the wing.” He dropped a purse, heavy with gold, +into Gionetta’s bosom, and was gone. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +The palace of Zicci was among the noblest in Naples. It still stands, +though ruined and dismantled, in one of those antique streets from which +the old races of the Norman and the Spaniard have long since vanished. + +He ascended the vast staircase, and entered the rooms reserved for his +private hours. They were no wise remarkable except for their luxury and +splendor, and the absence of what men so learned as Zicci was reputed, +generally prize, namely, books. Zicci seemed to know everything that +books can teach; yet of books themselves he spoke and thought with the +most profound contempt. + +He threw himself on a sofa, and dismissed his attendants for the night; +and here it may be observed that Zicci had no one servant who knew +anything of his origin, birth, or history. Some of his attendants he had +brought with him from other cities; the rest he had engaged at Naples. +He hired those only whom wealth can make subservient. His expenditure +was most lavish, his generosity, regal; but his orders were ever given +as those of a general to his army. The least disobedience, the least +hesitation, and the offender was at once dismissed. He was a man who +sought tools, and never made confidants. + +Zicci remained for a considerable time motionless and thoughtful. The +hand of the clock before him pointed to the first hour of morning. The +solemn voice of the timepiece aroused him from his revery. + +“One sand more out of the mighty hour-glass,” said he, rising; “one hour +nearer to the last! I am weary of humanity. I will enter into one of the +countless worlds around me.” He lifted the arras that clothed the walls, +and touching a strong iron door (then made visible) with a minute key +which he wore in a ring, passed into an inner apartment lighted by a +single lamp of extraordinary lustre. The room was small; a few phials +and some dried herbs were ranged in shelves on the wall, which was hung +with snow-white cloth of coarse texture. From the shelves Zicci selected +one of the phials, and poured the contents into a crystal cup. The +liquid was colorless, and sparkled rapidly up in bubbles of light; it +almost seemed to evaporate ere it reached his lips. But when the strange +beverage was quaffed, a sudden change was visible in the countenance of +Zicci: his beauty became yet more dazzling, his eyes shone with intense +fire, and his form seemed to grow more youthful and ethereal. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +The next day, Glyndon bent his steps towards Zicci’s palace. The young +man’s imagination, naturally inflammable, was singularly excited by the +little he had seen and heard of this strange being; a spell he could +neither master nor account for, attracted him towards the stranger. +Zicci’s power seemed mysterious and great, his motives kindly and +benevolent, yet his manners chilling and repellant. Why at one moment +reject Glyndon’s acquaintance, at another save him from danger? How had +Zicci thus acquired the knowledge of enemies unknown to Glyndon himself? +His interest was deeply roused, his gratitude appealed to; he resolved +to make another effort to conciliate Zicci. + +The signor was at home, and Glyndon was admitted into a lofty saloon, +where in a few moments Zicci joined him. + +“I am come to thank you for your warning last night,” said he, “and to +entreat you to complete my obligation by informing me of the quarter to +which I may look for enmity and peril.” + +“You are a gallant, Mr. Glyndon,” said Zicci, with a smile; “and do you +know so little of the South as not to be aware that gallants have always +rivals?” + +“Are you serious?” said Glyndon, coloring. + +“Most serious. You love Isabel di Pisani; you have for rival one of the +most powerful and relentless of the Neapolitan princes. Your danger is +indeed great.” + +“But, pardon me, how came it known to you?” + +“I give no account of myself to mortal man,” replied Zicci, haughtily; +“and to me it matters not whether you regard or scorn my warning.” + +“Well, if I may not question you, be it so; but at least advise me what +to do.” + +“You will not follow my advice.” + +“You wrong me! Why?” + +“Because you are constitutionally brave; you are fond of excitement and +mystery; you like to be the hero of a romance. I should advise you to +leave Naples, and you will disdain to do so while Naples contains a foe +to shun or a mistress to pursue.” + +“You are right,” said the young Englishman, with energy; “and you cannot +reproach me for such a resolution.” + +“No, there is another course left to you. Do you love Isabel di Pisani +truly and fervently? If so, marry her, and take a bride to your native +land.” + +“Nay,” answered Glyndon, embarrassed. “Isabel is not of my rank; her +character is strange and self-willed; her education neglected. I am +enslaved by her beauty, but I cannot wed her.” + +Zicci frowned. + +“Your love, then, is but selfish lust; and by that love you will be +betrayed. Young man, Destiny is less inexorable than it appears. The +resources of the great Ruler of the Universe are not so scanty and so +stern as to deny to men the divine privilege of Free Will; all of us +can carve out our own way, and God can make our very contradictions +harmonize with His solemn ends. You have before you an option. Honorable +and generous love may even now work out your happiness and effect your +escape; a frantic and interested passion will but lead you to misery and +doom.” + +“Do you pretend, then, to read the Future?” + +“I have said all that it pleases me to utter.” + +“While you assume the moralist to me, Signor Zicci,” said Glyndon, with +a smile, “if report says true you do not yourself reject the allurements +of unfettered love.” + +“If it were necessary that practice square with precept,” said Zicci, +with a sneer, “our pulpits would be empty. Do you think it matters, in +the great aggregate of human destinies, what one man’s conduct may +be? Nothing,--not a grain of dust; but it matters much what are the +sentiments he propagates. His acts are limited and momentary; his +sentiments may pervade the universe, and inspire generations till the +day of doom. All our virtues, all our laws, are drawn from books and +maxims, which are sentiments, not from deeds. Our opinions, young +Englishman, are the angel part of us; our acts the earthly.” + +“You have reflected deeply, for an Italian,” said Glyndon. + +“Who told you I was an Italian?” + +“Are you not of Corsica?” + +“Tush!” said Zicci, impatiently turning away. Then, after a pause, he +resumed, in a mild voice: “Glyndon, do you renounce Isabel di Pisani? +Will you take three days to consider of what I have said?” + +“Renounce her,--never!” + +“Then you will marry her?” + +“Impossible.” + +“Be it so; she will then renounce you. I tell you that you have rivals.” + +“Yes, the Prince di--; but I do not fear him.” + +“You have another, whom you will fear more.” + +“And who is he?” + +“Myself.” + +Glyndon turned pale, and started from his seat. + +“You, Signor Zicci, you,--and you dare to tell me so?” + +“Dare! Alas! you know there is nothing on earth left me to fear!” + +These words were not uttered arrogantly, but in a tone of the most +mournful dejection. Glyndon was enraged, confounded, and yet awed. +However, he had a brave English heart within his breast, and he +recovered himself quickly. + +“Signor,” said he, calmly, “I am not to be duped by these solemn +phrases and these mystical sympathies. You may have power which I cannot +comprehend or emulate, or you may be but a keen impostor.” + +“Well, sir, your logical position is not ill-taken; proceed.” + +“I mean then,” continued Glyndon, resolutely, though somewhat +disconcerted, “I mean you to understand, that, though I am not to be +persuaded or compelled by a stranger to marry Isabel di Pisani, I am not +the less determined never tamely to yield her to another.” + +Zicci looked gravely at the young man, whose sparkling eyes and +heightened color testified the spirit to support his words, and replied: +“So bold! well, it becomes you. You have courage, then; I thought it. +Perhaps it may be put to a sharper test than you dream of. But take my +advice: wait three days, and tell me then if you will marry this young +person.” + +“But if you love her, why, why--” + +“Why am I anxious that she should wed another? To save her from myself! +Listen to me. That girl, humble and uneducated though she be, has in her +the seeds of the most lofty qualities and virtues. She can be all to the +man she loves,--all that man can desire in wife or mistress. Her soul, +developed by affection, will elevate your own; it will influence your +fortunes, exalt your destiny; you will become a great and prosperous +man. If, on the contrary, she fall to me, I know not what may be her +lot; but I know that few can pass the ordeal, and hitherto no woman has +survived the struggle.” + +As Zicci spoke, his face became livid, and there was something in his +voice that froze the warm blood of his listener. + +“What is this mystery which surrounds you?” exclaimed Glyndon, unable to +repress his emotion. “Are you, in truth, different from other men? Have +you passed the boundary of lawful knowledge? Are you, as some declare, a +sorcerer, only a--” + +“Hush!” interrupted Zicci, gently, and with a smile of singular but +melancholy sweetness: “have you earned the right to ask me these +questions? The clays of torture and persecution are over; and a man may +live as he pleases, and talk as it suits him, without fear of the +stake and the rack. Since I can defy persecution, pardon me if I do not +succumb to curiosity.” + +Glyndon blushed, and rose. In spite of his love for Isabel, and his +natural terror of such a rival, he felt himself irresistibly drawn +towards the very man he had most cause to suspect and dread. It was like +the fascination of the basilisk. He held out his hand to Zicci, saying, +“Well, then, if we are to be rivals, our swords must settle our rights; +till then I would fain be friends.” + +“Friends! Pardon me, I like you too well to give you my friendship. You +know not what you ask.” + +“Enigmas again!” + +“Enigmas!” cried Zicci, passionately, “Nay: can you dare to solve +them! Would you brave all that human heart can conceive of peril and +of horror, so that you at last might stand separated from this visible +universe side by side with me? When you can dare this, and when you are +fit to dare it, I may give you my right hand and call you friend.” + +“I could dare everything and all things for the attainment of superhuman +wisdom,” said Glyndon; and his countenance was lighted up with wild and +intense enthusiasm. + +Zicci observed him in thoughtful silence. + +“He may be worthy,” he muttered; “he may, yet--” He broke off abruptly; +then, speaking aloud, “Go, Glyndon,” said he; “in three days we shall +meet again.” + +“Where?” + +“Perhaps where you can least anticipate. In any case, we shall meet.” + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +Glyndon thought seriously and deeply over all that the mysterious Zicci +had said to him relative to Isabel. His imagination was inflamed by the +vague and splendid promises that were connected with his marriage with +the poor actress. His fears, too, were naturally aroused by the threat +that by marriage alone could he save himself from the rivalry of +Zicci,--Zicci, born to dazzle and command; Zicci, who united to the +apparent wealth of a monarch the beauty of a god; Zicci, whose eye +seemed to foresee, whose hand to frustrate, every danger. What a rival, +and what a foe! + +But Glyndon’s pride, as well as jealousy, was aroused. He was brave +comme son epee. Should he shrink from the power or the enmity of a man +mortal as himself? And why should Zicci desire him to give his name and +station to one of a calling so equivocal? Might there not be motives he +could not fathom? Might not the actress and the Corsican be in league +with each other? Might not all this jargon of prophecy--and menace be +but artifices to dupe him,--the tool, perhaps, of a mountebank and +his mistress! Mistress,--ah, no! If ever maidenhood wrote its modest +characters externally, that pure eye, that noble forehead, that mien +and manner so ingenuous even in their coquetry, their pride, assured him +that Isabel was not the base and guilty thing he had dared for a moment +to suspect her. Lost in a labyrinth of doubts and surmises, Glyndon +turned on the practical sense of the sober Merton to assist and +enlighten him. + +As may be well supposed, his friend listened to his account of his +interview with Zicci with a half-suppressed and ironical smile. + +“Excellent, my dear friend! This Zicci is another Apollonius of +Tyana,--nothing less will satisfy you. What! is it possible that you +are the Clarence Glyndon of whose career such glowing hopes are +entertained,--you the man whose genius has been extolled by all the +graybeards? Not a boy turned out from a village school but would laugh +you to scorn. And so because Signor Zicci tells you that you will be +a marvellously great man if you revolt all your friends and blight all +your prospects by marrying a Neapolitan actress, you begin already to +think of--By Jupiter! I cannot talk patiently on the subject. Let the +girl alone,--that would be the proper plan; or else--” + +“You talk very sensibly,” interrupted Glyndon, “but you distract me. I +will go to Isabel’s house; I will see her; I will judge for myself.” + +“That is certainly the best way to forget her,” said Merton. Glyndon +seized his hat and sword, and was gone. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +She was seated outside her door, the young actress. The sea, which in +that heavenly bay literally seems to sleep in the arms of the shore, +bounded the view in front; while to the right, not far off, rose the +dark and tangled crags to which the traveller of to-day is daily brought +to gaze on the tomb of Virgil, or compare with the Cavern of Pausilippo +the archway of Highgate Hill. There were a few fishermen loitering by +the cliffs, on which their nets were hung up to dry; and, at a distance, +the sound of some rustic pipe (more common at that day than in this), +mingled now and then with the bells of the lazy mules, broke the +voluptuous silence,--the silence of declining noon on the shores of +Naples. Never till you have enjoyed it, never till you have felt its +enervating but delicious charm, believe that you can comprehend all the +meaning of the dolce far niente; and when that luxury has been known, +when you have breathed the atmosphere of fairy land, then you will +no longer wonder why the heart ripens with so sudden and wild a power +beneath the rosy skies and amidst the glorious foliage of the South. + +The young actress was seated by the door of her house; overhead a rude +canvas awning sheltered her from the sun; on her lap lay the manuscript +of a new part in which she was shortly to appear. By her side was the +guitar on which she had been practising the airs that were to ravish +the ears of the cognoscenti. But the guitar had been thrown aside in +despair; her voice this morning did not obey her will. The manuscript +lay unheeded, and the eyes of the actress were fixed on the broad, blue +deep beyond. In the unwonted negligence of her dress might be traced the +abstraction of her mind. Her beautiful hair was gathered up loosely, and +partially bandaged by a kerchief, whose purple color seemed to deepen +the golden hue of the tresses. A stray curl escaped, and fell down the +graceful neck. A loose morning robe, girded by a sash, left the +breeze that came ever and anon from the sea to die upon the bust half +disclosed, and the tiny slipper, that Cinderella might have worn, seemed +a world too wide for the tiny foot which it scarcely covered. It might +be the heat of the day that deepened the soft bloom of the cheeks and +gave an unwonted languor to the large dark eyes. In all the pomp of her +stage attire, in all the flush of excitement before the intoxicating +lamps, never had Isabel looked so lovely. + +By the side of the actress, and filling up the threshold, stood +Gionetta, with her hands thrust up to the elbow in two huge recesses +on either side her gown,--pockets, indeed, they might be called by +courtesy; such pockets as Beelzebub’s grandmother might have shaped for +herself, bottomless pits in miniature. + +“But I assure you,” said the nurse, in that sharp, quick, earsplitting +tone in which the old women of the South are more than a match for those +of the North,--“but I assure you, my darling, that there is not a finer +cavalier in all Naples, nor a more beautiful, than this Inglese; and I +am told that all the Inglesi are much richer than they seem. Though they +have no trees in their country, poor people, and instead of twenty-four +they have only twelve hours to the day, yet I hear, cospetto! that they +shoe their horses with steak; and since they cannot (the poor heretics!) +turn grapes into wine, for they have no grapes, they turn gold into +physic, and take a glass or two of pistoles whenever they are troubled +with the colic. But you don’t hear me! Little pupil of my eyes, you +don’t hear me!” + +“Gionetta, is he not god-like?” + +“Sancta Maria! he is handsome, bellissimo; and when you are his +wife,--for they say these English are never satisfied unless they +marry--” + +“Wife! English! Whom are you talking of?” + +“Why, the young English signor, to be sure.” + +“Chut! I thought you spoke of Zicci.” + +“Oh! Signor Zicci is very rich and very generous; but he wants to be +your cavalier, not your husband. I see that,--leave me alone. When you +are married, then you will see how amiable Signor Zicci will be. Oh, per +fede! but he will be as close to your husband as the yolk to the white; +that he will. + +“Silence, Gionetta! How wretched I am to have no one else to speak +to--to advise me. Oh, beautiful sun!” and the girl pressed her hand to +her heart with wild energy, “why do you light every spot but this? Dark, +dark! And a little while ago I was so calm, so innocent, so gay. I did +not hate you then, Gionetta, hateful as your talk was; I hate you now. +Go in; leave me alone--leave me.” + +“And indeed it is time I should leave you, for the polenta will be +spoiled, and you have eaten nothing all day. If you don’t eat you will +lose your beauty, my darling, and then nobody will care for you. Nobody +cares for us when we grow ugly,--I know that; and then you must, like +old Gionetta, get some Isabel of your own to spoil. I’ll go and see to +the polenta.” + +“Since I have known this man,” said the actress, half aloud, “since his +dark eyes have fascinated me, I am no longer the same. I long to escape +from myself,--to glide with the sunbeam over the hill-tops; to become +something that is not of earth. Is it, indeed, that he is a sorcerer, as +I have heard? Phantoms float before me at night, and a fluttering +like the wing of a bird within my heart seems as if the spirit were +terrified, and would break its cage.” + +While murmuring these incoherent rhapsodies, a step that she did not +hear approached the actress, and a light hand touched her arm. + +“Isabella! carissima! Isabella!” + +She turned, and saw Glyndon. The sight of his fair young face calmed her +at once. She did not love him, yet his sight gave her pleasure. She had +for him a kind and grateful feeling. Ah, if she had never beheld Zicci! + +“Isabel,” said the Englishman, drawing her again to the bench from +which she had risen, and seating himself beside her, “you know how +passionately I love thee. Hitherto thou hast played with my impatience +and my ardor, thou hast sometimes smiled, sometimes frowned away my +importunities for a reply to my suit; but this day--I know not how it +is--I feel a more sustained and settled courage to address thee, and +learn the happiest or the worst. I have rivals, I know,--rivals who are +more powerful than the poor artist. Are they also more favored?” + +Isabel blushed faintly, but her countenance was grave and distressed. +Looking down, and marking some hieroglyphical figures in the dust with +the point of her slipper, she said, with some hesitation and a vain +attempt to be gay, “Signor, whoever wastes his thoughts on an actress +must submit to have rivals. It is our unhappy destiny not to be sacred +even to ourselves.” + +“But you have told me, Isabel, that you do not love this destiny, +glittering though it seem,--that your heart is not in the vocation which +your talents adorn.” + +“Ah, no!” said the actress, her eyes filling with tears, “it is a +miserable lot to be slave to a multitude.” + +“Fly then with me,” said the artist, passionately. “Quit forever the +calling that divides that heart I would have all my own. Share my fate +now and forever,--my pride, my delight, my ideal! Thou shalt inspire my +canvas and my song, thy beauty shall be made at once holy and renowned. +In the galleries of princes crowds shall gather round the effigy of +a Venus or a saint, and a whisper shall break forth, ‘It is Isabel di +Pisani!’ Ah! Isabel, I adore thee: tell me that I do not worship in +vain.” + +“Thou art good and fair,” said Isabel, gazing on her lover as he pressed +his cheek nearer to hers, and clasped her hand in his. “But what should +I give thee in return?” + +“Love, love; only love!” + +“A sister’s love?” + +“Ah, speak not with such cruel coldness!” + +“It is all I have for thee. Listen to me, signor. When I look on your +face, when I hear your voice, a certain serene and tranquil calm creeps +over and lulls thoughts, oh, how feverish, how wild! When thou art gone, +the day seems a shade more dark; but the shadow soon flies. I miss thee +not, I think not of thee,--no, I love thee not; and I will give myself +only where I love.” + +“But I would teach thee to love me,--fear it not. Nay, such love as thou +now describest in our tranquil climates is the love of innocence and +youth.” + +“And it is the innocence he would destroy,” said Isabel, rather to +herself than to him. + +Glyndon drew back, conscience-stricken. + +“No, it may not be!” she said, rising, and extricating her hand gently +from his grasp. “Leave me, and forget me. You do not understand, you +could not comprehend, the nature of her whom you think to love. From my +childhood upward, I have felt as if I were marked out for some strange +and preternatural doom; as if I were singled from my kind. This feeling +(and, oh! at times it is one of delirious and vague delight, at others +of the darkest gloom) deepens with me day by day. It is like the shadow +of twilight, spreading slowly and solemnly round. My hour approaches; a +little while, and it will be night!” + +As she spoke, Glyndon listened with visible emotion and perturbation. +“Isabel!” he exclaimed, as she ceased, “your words more than ever +enchain me to you. As you feel, I feel. I, too, have been ever haunted +with a chill and unearthly foreboding. Amidst the crowds of men I have +felt alone. In all my pleasures, my toils, my pursuits, a warning +voice has murmured in my ear, ‘Time has a dark mystery in store for thy +manhood.’ When you spoke it was as the voice of my own soul.” + +Isabel gazed upon him in wonder and fear. Her countenance was as white +as marble, and those features, so divine in their rare symmetry, might +have served the Greek with a study for the Pythoness when, from the +mystic cavern and the bubbling spring, she first hears the voice of the +inspiring god. Gradually the rigor and tension of that wonderful face +relaxed, the color returned, the pulse beat, the heart animated the +frame. + +“Tell me,” she said, turning partially aside, “tell me, have you seen, +do you know, a stranger in this city,--one of whom wild stories are +afloat?” + +“You speak of Zicci. I have seen him; I know him! And you? Ah! he, too, +would be my rival,--he, too, would bear thee from me!” + +“You err,” said Isabel, hastily and with a deep sigh,--“he pleads for +you; he informed me of your love; he besought me not--not to reject it.” + +“Strange being, incomprehensible enigma, why did you name him?” + +“Why? Ah! I would have asked whether, when you first saw him, the +foreboding, the instinct, of which you spoke came on you more fearfully, +more intelligibly than before; whether you felt at once repelled from +him, yet attracted towards him; whether you felt [and the actress spoke +with hurried animation] that with Him was connected the secret of your +life!” + +“All this I felt,” answered Glyndon, in a trembling voice, “the first +time I was in his presence. Though all around me was gay,--music, +amidst lamp-lit trees, light converse near, and heaven without a cloud +above,--my knees knocked together, my hair bristled, and my blood +curdled like ice; since then he has divided my thoughts with thee.” + +“No more, no more,” said Isabel, in a stifled tone; “there must be the +hand of Fate in this. I can speak no more to you now; farewell.” + +She sprang past him into the house and closed the door. Glyndon did not +dare to follow her, nor, strange as it may seem, was he so inclined. The +thought and recollection of that moonlight hour in the gardens, of the +strange address of Zicci, froze up all human passion; Isabel herself, +if not forgotten, shrank back like a shadow into the recesses of his +breast. He shivered as he stepped into the sunlight, and musingly +retraced his steps into the more populous parts of that liveliest of +Italian cities. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +It was a small cabinet; the walls were covered with pictures, one of +which was worth more than the whole lineage of the owner of the palace. +Is not Art a wonderful thing? A Venetian noble might be a fribble or an +assassin, a scoundrel, or a dolt, worthless, or worse than worthless; +yet he might have sat to Titian, and his portrait may be inestimable,--a +few inches of painted canvas a thousand times more valuable than a man +with his veins and muscles, brain, will, heart, and intellect! + +In this cabinet sat a man of about three and forty,--dark-eyed, sallow, +with short, prominent features, a massive conformation of jaw, and +thick, sensual, but resolute lips; this man was the Prince di--. His +form, middle-sized, but rather inclined to corpulence, was clothed in a +loose dressing-robe of rich brocade; on a table before him lay his sword +and hat, a mask, dice and dice-box, a portfolio, and an inkstand of +silver curiously carved. + +“Well, Mascari,” said the Prince, looking up towards his parasite, who +stood by the embrasure of the deep-set barricaded window, “well, you +cannot even guess who this insolent meddler was? A pretty person you to +act the part of a Prince’s Ruffiano!” + +“Am I to be blamed for dulness in not being able to conjecture who had +the courage to thwart the projects of the Prince di--. As well blame me +for not accounting for miracles.” + +“I will tell thee who it was, most sapient Mascari.” + +“Who, your Excellency?” + +“Zicci.” + +“Ah! he has the daring of the devil. But why does your Excellency feel +so assured,--does he court the actress?” + +“I know not; but there is a tone in that foreigner’s voice that I never +can mistake,--so clear, and yet so hollow; when I hear it I almost fancy +there is such a thing as conscience. However, we must rid ourselves +of an impertinent. Mascari, Signor Zicci hath not yet honored our poor +house with his presence. He is a distinguished stranger,--we must give a +banquet in his honor.” + +“Ah! and the cypress wine! The cypress is the proper emblem of the +grave.” + +“But this anon. I am superstitious; there are strange stories of his +power and foresight,--remember the Sicilian quackery! But meanwhile the +Pisani--” + +“Your Excellency is infatuated. The actress has bewitched you.” + +“Mascari,” said the Prince, with a haughty smile, “through these veins +rolls the blood of the old Visconti,--of those who boasted that no woman +ever escaped their lust, and no man their resentment. The crown of my +fathers has shrunk into a gewgaw and a toy,--their ambition and their +spirit are undecayed. My honor is now enlisted in this pursuit: Isabel +must be mine.” + +“Another ambuscade?” said Mascari, inquiringly. + +“Nay, why not enter the house itself? The situation is lonely, and the +door is not made of iron.” + +Before Mascari could reply, the gentleman of the chamber announced the +Signor Zicci. + +The Prince involuntarily laid his hand on the sword placed on the table; +then, with a smile at his own impulse, rose, and met the foreigner at +the threshold with all the profuse and respectful courtesy of Italian +simulation. + +“This is an honor highly prized,” said the Prince; “I have long desired +the friendship of one so distinguished--” + +“And I have come to give you that friendship,” replied Zicci, in a sweet +but chilling voice. “To no man yet in Naples have I extended this hand: +permit it, Prince, to grasp your own.” + +The Neapolitan bowed over the hand he pressed; but as he touched it, a +shiver came over him, and his heart stood still. + +Zicci bent on him his dark, smiling eyes, and then seated himself with a +familiar air. + +“Thus it is signed and sealed,--I mean our friendship, noble Prince. +And now I will tell you the object of my visit. I find, your Excellency, +that, unconsciously perhaps, we are rivals. Can we not accommodate our +pretensions? A girl of no moment, an actress, bah! it is not worth a +quarrel. Shall we throw for her? He who casts the lowest shall resign +his claim?” + +Mascari opened his small eyes to their widest extent; the Prince, no +less surprised, but far too well world-read even to show what he felt, +laughed aloud. + +“And were you, then, the cavalier who spoiled my night’s chase and +robbed me of my white doe? By Bacchus, it was prettily done.” + +“You must forgive me, my Prince; I knew not who it was, or my respect +would have silenced my gallantry.” + +“All stratagems fair in love, as in war. Of course you profited by my +defeat, and did not content yourself with leaving the little actress at +her threshold?” + +“She is Diana for me,” answered Zicci, lightly; “whoever wins the wreath +will not find a flower faded.” + +“And now you would cast for her,--well; but they tell me you are ever a +sure player.” + +“Let Signor Mascari cast for us.” + +“Be it so. Mascari, the dice.” + +Surprised and perplexed, the parasite took up the three dice, deposited +them gravely in the box, and rattled them noisily, while Zicci threw +himself back carelessly in his chair and said, “I give the first chance +to your Excellency.” + +Mascari interchanged a glance with his patron and threw the numbers were +sixteen. + +“It is a high throw,” said Zicci, calmly; “nevertheless, Signor Mascari, +I do not despond.” + +Mascari gathered up the dice, shook the box, and rolled the contents +once more upon the table; the number was the highest that can be +thrown,--eighteen. + +The Prince darted a glance of fire at his minion, who stood with gaping +mouth staring at the dice, and shaking his head in puzzled wonder. + +“I have won, you see,” said Zicci: “may we be friends still?” + +“Signor,” said the Prince, obviously struggling with angel and +confusion, “the victory is already yours. But, pardon me, you have +spoken lightly of this young girl,--will anything tempt you to yield +your claim?” + +“Ah, do not think so ill of my gallantry.” + +“Enough,” said the Prince, forcing a smile, “I yield. Let me prove that +I do not yield ungraciously: will you honor me with your presence at a +little feast I propose to give on the royal birthday?” + +“It is indeed a happiness to hear one command of yours which I can +obey.” + +Zicci then turned the conversation, talked lightly and gayly and soon +afterwards departed. + +“Villain,” then exclaimed the Prince, grasping Mascari by the collar, +“you have betrayed me!” + +“I assure your Excellency that the dice were properly arranged,--he +should have thrown twelve; but he is the Devil, and that’s the end of +it.” + +“There is no time to be lost,” said the Prince, quitting hold of his +parasite, who quietly resettled his cravat. + +“My blood is up! I will win this girl, if I die for it. Who laughed? +Mascari, didst thou laugh?” + +“I, your Excellency,--I laugh?” + +“It sounded behind me,” said the Prince, gazing round. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +It was the day on which Zicci had told Glyndon that he should ask for +his decision in respect to Isabel,--the third day since their last +meeting. The Englishman could not come to a resolution. Ambition, +hitherto the leading passion of his soul, could not yet be silenced by +love, and that love, such as it was, unreturned, beset by suspicions and +doubts which vanished in the presence of Isabel, and returned when her +bright face shone on his eyes no more, for les absents ont toujours +tort. Perhaps had he been quite alone, his feelings of honor, of +compassion, of virtue, might have triumphed, and he would have resolved +either to fly from Isabel or to offer the love that has no shame. But +Merton, cold, cautious, experienced, wary (such a nature has ever power +over the imaginative and the impassioned), was at hand to ridicule +the impression produced by Zicci, and the notion of delicacy and +honor towards an Italian actress. It is true that Merton, who was no +profligate, advised him to quit all pursuit of Isabel; but then the +advice was precisely of that character which, if it deadens love, +stimulates passion. By representing Isabel as one who sought to play a +part with him, he excused to Glyndon his own selfishness,--he enlisted +the Englishman’s vanity and pride on the side of his pursuit. Why should +not he beat an adventuress at her own weapons? + +Glyndon not only felt indisposed on that day to meet Zicci, but he felt +also a strong desire to defeat the mysterious prophecy that the meeting +should take place. Into this wish Merton readily entered. The young +men agreed to be absent from Naples that day. Early in the morning they +mounted their horses and took the road to Baiae. Glyndon left word at +his hotel that if Signor Zicci sought him, it was in the neighborhood +of the once celebrated watering-place of the ancients that he should be +found. + +They passed by Isabel’s house; but Glyndon resisted the temptation of +pausing there, and threading the grotto of Pausilippo, they wound by +a circuitous route back into the suburbs of the city, and took the +opposite road, which conducts to Portici and Pompeii. It was late at +noon when they arrived at the former of these places. Here they halted +to dine; for Merton had heard much of the excellence of the macaroni at +Portici, and Merton was a bon vivant. + +They put up at an inn of very humble pretensions, and dined under an +awning. Merton was more than usually gay; he pressed the lacryma upon +his friend, and conversed gayly. “Well, my dear friend, we have foiled +Signor Zicci in one of his predictions at least. You will have no faith +in him hereafter.” + +“The Ides are come, not gone.” + +“Tush! if he is a soothsayer, you are not Caesar. It is your vanity +that makes you credulous. Thank Heaven, I do not think myself of such +importance that the operations of Nature should be changed in order to +frighten me.” + +“But why should the operations of Nature be changed? There may be a +deeper philosophy than we dream of,--a philosophy that discovers the +secrets of Nature, but does not alter, by penetrating, its courses.” + +“Ah! you suppose Zicci to be a prophet,--a reader of the future; perhaps +an associate of Genii and Spirits!” + +“I know not what to conjecture; but I see no reason why he should seek, +even if an impostor, to impose on me. An impostor must have some motive +for deluding us,--either ambition or avarice. I am neither rich nor +powerful; Zicci spends more in a week than I do in a year. Nay, a +Neapolitan banker told me that the sums invested by Zicci in his hands, +were enough to purchase half the lands of the Neapolitan noblesse.” + +“Grant this to be true: do you suppose the love to dazzle and mystify is +not as strong with some natures as that of gold and power with others? +Zicci has a moral ostentation; and the same character that makes him +rival kings in expenditure makes him not disdain to be wondered at even +by a humble Englishman.” + +Here the landlord, a little, fat, oily fellow, came up with a fresh +bottle of lacryma. He hoped their Excellencies were pleased. He was most +touched,--touched to the heart that they liked the macaroni. Were their +Excellencies going to Vesuvius? There was a slight eruption; they could +not see it where they were, but it was pretty, and would be prettier +still after sunset. + +“A capital idea,” cried Merton. “What say you, Glyndon?” + +“I have not yet seen an eruption; I should like it much.” + +“But is there no danger?” said the prudent Merton. + +“Oh! not at all; the mountain is very civil at present. It only plays a +little, just to amuse their Excellencies the English.” + +“Well, order the horses, and bring the bill; we will go before it is +dark. Clarence, my friend, nunc est bibendum; but take care of the pede +libero, which won’t do for walking on lava!” + +The bottle was finished, the bill paid, the gentlemen mounted, the +landlord bowed, and they bent their way in the cool of the delightful +evening towards Resina. + +The wine animated Glyndon, whose unequal spirits were at times high and +brilliant as those of a school-boy released; and the laughter of the +Northern tourists sounded oft and merrily along the melancholy domains +of buried cities. + +Hesperus had lighted his lamp amidst the rosy skies as they arrived at +Resina. Here they quitted their horses and took mules and a guide. As +the sky grew darker and more dark, the Mountain Fire burned with an +intense lustre. In various streaks and streamlets the fountain of flame +rolled down the dark summit, then undiminished by the eruption of 1822, +and the Englishmen began to feel increase upon them, as they ascended, +that sensation of solemnity and awe which makes the very atmosphere that +surrounds the giant of the Plains of the Antique Hades. + +It was night when, leaving the mules, they ascended on foot, accompanied +by their guide and a peasant, who bore a rude torch. Their guide was a +conversable, garrulous fellow, like most of his country and his calling; +and Merton, whose chief characteristics were a sociable temper and +a hardy commonsense, loved to amuse or to instruct himself on every +incidental occasion. + +“Ah, Excellency,” said the guide, “your countrymen have a strong passion +for the volcano. Long life to them; they bring us plenty of money. If +our fortunes depended on the Neapolitans, we should starve.” + +“True, they have no curiosity,” said Merton. “Do you remember, Glyndon, +the contempt with which that old count said to us, ‘You will go to +Vesuvius, I suppose. I have never been: why should I go? You have cold, +you have hunger, you have fatigue, you have danger, and all for nothing +but to see fire, which looks just as well in a brazier as a mountain.’ +Ha! ha! the old fellow was right.” + +“But, Excellency,” said the guide, “that is not all: some cavaliers +think to ascend the mountain without our help. I am sure they deserve to +tumble into the crater.” + +“They must be bold fellows to go alone: you don’t often find such?” + +“Sometimes among the French, signor. But the other night--I never was +so frightened. I had been with an English party, and a lady had left a +pocket-book on the mountain where she had been sketching. She offered +me a handsome sum to return for it, and bring it to her at Naples; so +I went in the evening. I found it sure enough, and was about to return, +when I saw a figure that seemed to emerge from the crater itself. The +air was so pestiferous that I could not have conceived a human creature +could breathe it and live. I was so astounded that I stood as still as a +stone, till the figure came over the hot ashes and stood before me face +to face. Sancta Maria, what a head!” + +“What, hideous?” + +“No, so beautiful, but so terrible. It had nothing human in its aspect.” + +“And what said the salamander?” + +“Nothing! It did not even seem to perceive me, though I was as near as +I am to you; but its eyes seemed prying into the air. It passed by me +quickly, and, walking across a stream of burning lava, soon vanished +on the other side of the mountain. I was curious and foolhardy, and +resolved to see if I could bear the atmosphere which this visitor had +left; but though I did not advance within thirty yards of the spot at +which he had first appeared, I was driven back by a vapor that well-nigh +stifled me. Cospetto! I have spit blood ever since.” + +“It must be Zicci,” whispered Glyndon. + +“I knew you would say so,” returned Merton, laughing. + +The little party had now arrived nearly at the summit of the mountain; +and unspeakably grand was the spectacle on which they gazed. From +the crater arose a vapor, intensely dark, that overspread the whole +background of the heavens, in the centre whereof rose a flame that +assumed a form singularly beautiful. It might have been compared to a +crest of gigantic feathers, the diadem of the mountain, high arched, and +drooping downward, with the hues delicately shaded off, and the whole +shifting and tremulous as the plumage on a warrior’s helm. The glare of +the flame spread, luminous and crimson, over the dark and rugged ground +on which they stood, and drew an innumerable variety of shadows from +crag and hollow. An oppressive and sulphureous exhalation served to +increase the gloomy and sublime terror of the place. But on turning from +the mountain, and towards the distant and unseen ocean, the contrast was +wonderfully great: the heavens serene and blue, the stars still and +calm as the eyes of Divine Love. It was as if the realms of the opposing +principles of Evil and Good were brought in one view before the gaze +of man! Glyndon--the enthusiast, the poet, the artist, the dreamer--was +enchained and entranced by emotions vague and undefinable, half of +delight and half of pain. Leaning on the shoulder of his friend, he +gazed around him, and heard, with deepening awe, the rumbling of the +earth below, the wheels and voices of the Ministry of Nature in her +darkest and most inscrutable recess. Suddenly, as a bomb from a shell, +a huge stone was flung hundreds of yards up from the jaws of the crater, +and falling with a mighty crash upon the rock below, split into ten +thousand fragments, which bounded down the sides of the mountain, +sparkling and groaning as they went. One of these, the largest fragment, +struck the narrow space of soil between the Englishman and the guide, +not three feet from the spot where the former stood. Merton uttered +an exclamation of terror, and Glyndon held his breath and shuddered. +“Diavolo!” cried the guide; “descend, Excellencies, descend! We have not +a moment to lose; follow me close.” + +So saying, the guide and the peasant fled with as much swiftness as they +were able to bring to bear. Merton, ever more prompt and ready than his +friend, imitated their example; and Glyndon, more confused than alarmed, +followed close. But they had not gone many yards before, with a rushing +and sudden blast, came from the crater an enormous volume of vapor. It +pursued, it overtook, it overspread them; it swept the light from the +heavens. All was abrupt and utter darkness, and through the gloom was +heard the shout of the guide, already distant, and lost in an instant +amidst the sound of the rushing gust and the groans of the earth +beneath. Glyndon paused. He was separated from his friend, from the +guide. He was alone with the Darkness and the Terror. The vapor rolled +sullenly away; the form of the plumed fire was again dimly visible, +and its struggling and perturbed reflection again shed a glow over the +horrors of the path. Glyndon recovered himself, and sped onward. Below, +he heard the voice of Merton calling on him, though he no longer saw +his form. The sound served as a guide. Dizzy and breathless, he bounded +forward, when hark! a sullen, slow, rolling sound in his ear! He halted, +and turned back to gaze. The fire had overflowed its course; it had +opened itself a channel amidst the furrows of the mountain. The +stream pursued him fast, fast, and the hot breath of the chasing and +preternatural foe came closer and closer upon his cheek. He turned +aside; he climbed desperately, with hands and feet, upon a crag that, to +the right, broke the scathed and blasted level of the soil. The stream +rolled beside and beneath him, and then, taking a sudden wind round +the spot on which he stood, interposed its liquid fire--a broad and +impassable barrier--between his resting-place and escape. There he +stood, cut off from descent, and with no alternative but to retrace his +steps towards the crater, and thence seek--without guide or clew--some +other pathway. + +For a moment his courage left him; he cried in despair, and in that +over-strained pitch of voice which is never heard afar off, to the +guide, to Merton, to return, to aid him. + +No answer came; and the Englishman, thus abandoned solely to his own +resources, felt his spirit and energy rise against the danger. He turned +back, and ventured as far towards the crater as the noxious exhalation +would permit; then, gazing below, carefully and deliberately he chalked +out for himself a path, by which he trusted to shun the direction the +fire-stream had taken, and trod firmly and quickly over the crumbling +and heated strata. + +He had proceeded about fifty yards when he halted abruptly: an +unspeakable and unaccountable horror, not hitherto felt amidst all his +peril, came over him. He shook in every limb; his muscles refused his +will; he felt, as it were, palsied and death-stricken. The horror, I +say, was unaccountable, for the path seemed clear and safe. The fire, +above and behind, burned out clear and far; and beyond, the stars lent +him their cheering guidance. No obstacle was visible, no danger seemed +at hand. As thus, spell-bound and panic-stricken, he stood chained to +the soil--his breast heaving, large drops rolling down his brow, and +his eyes starting wildly from their sockets--he saw before him, at some +distance, gradually shaping itself more and more distinctly to his gaze, +a Colossal Shadow,--a shadow that seemed partially borrowed from the +human shape, but immeasurably above the human stature, vague, dark, +almost formless and differing--he could not tell where or why--not only +from the proportions, but also from the limbs and outline of man. + +The glare of the volcano, that seemed to shrink and collapse from this +gigantic and appalling apparition, nevertheless threw its light, +redly and steadily, upon another shape that stood beside, quiet and +motionless; and it was perhaps the contrast of these two things--the +Being and the Shadow--that impressed the beholder with the difference +between them,--the Man and the Superhuman. It was but for a moment, nay, +for the tenth part of a moment, that this sight was permitted to the +wanderer. A second eddy of sulphureous vapors from the volcano, yet +more rapidly, yet more densely than its predecessor, rolled over the +mountain; and either the nature of the exhalation, or the excess of his +own dread, was such that Glyndon, after one wild gasp for breath, fell +senseless on the earth. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +Merton and the Italians arrived in safety at the spot where they had +left the mules; and not till they had recovered their own alarm and +breath did they think of Glyndon. But then, as the minutes passed and he +appeared not, Merton--whose heart was as good, at least, as human hearts +are in general--grew seriously alarmed. He insisted on returning to +search for his friend, and by dint of prodigal promises prevailed at +last on the guide to accompany him. The lower part of the mountain lay +calm and white in the starlight; and the guide’s practised eye could +discern all objects on the surface, at a considerable distance. They +had not, however, gone very far before they perceived two forms slowly +approaching towards them. + +As they came near, Merton recognized the form of his friend. “Thank +Heaven, he is safe!” he cried, turning to the guide. + +“Holy angels befriend us!” said the Italian, trembling; “behold the +very being that crossed me last Sabbath night. It is he, but his face is +human now!” + +“Signor Inglese,” said the voice of Zicci as Glyndon, pale, wan, and +silent, returned passively the joyous greeting of Merton,--“Signor +Inglese, I told your friend we should meet to-night; you see you have +not foiled my prediction.” + +“But how, but where?” stammered Merton, in great confusion and surprise. + +“I found your friend stretched on the ground, overpowered by the +mephitic exhalation of the crater. I bore him to a purer atmosphere; and +as I know the mountain well, I have conducted him safely to you. This is +all our history. You see, sir, that were it not for that prophecy which +you desired to frustrate, your friend would, ere this time, have been +a corpse; one minute more, and the vapor had done its work. Adieu! good +night and pleasant dreams.” + +“But, my preserver, you will not leave us,” said Glyndon, anxiously, and +speaking for the first time. “Will you not return with us?” + +Zicci paused, and drew Glyndon aside. “Young man,” said he, gravely, “it +is necessary that we should again meet to-night. It is necessary that +you should, ere the first hour of morning, decide on your fate. Will you +marry Isabel di Pisani, or lose her forever? Consult not your friend; he +is sensible and wise, but not now is his wisdom needed. There are times +in life when from the imagination, and not the reason, should wisdom +come,--this for you is one of them. I ask not your answer now. Collect +your thoughts, recover your jaded and scattered spirits. It wants two +hours of midnight: at midnight I will be with you!” + +“Incomprehensible being,” replied the Englishman, “I would leave the +life you have preserved in your own hands. But since I have known you, +my whole nature has changed. A fiercer desire than that of love burns +in my veins,--the desire, not to resemble, but to surpass my kind; the +desire to penetrate and to share the secret of your own existence; the +desire of a preternatural knowledge and unearthly power. Instruct me, +school me, make me thine; and I surrender to thee at once, and without a +murmur, the woman that, till I saw thee, I would have defied a world to +obtain.” + +“I ask not the sacrifice, Glyndon,” replied Zicci, coldly, yet mildly, +“yet--shall I own it to thee?--I am touched by the devotion I have +inspired. I sicken for human companionship, sympathy, and friendship; +yet I dread to share them, for bold must be the man who can partake +my existence and enjoy my confidence. Once more I say to thee, +in compassion and in warning, the choice of life is in thy +hands,--to-morrow it will be too late. On the one hand, Isabel, a +tranquil home, a happy and serene life; on the other hand all is +darkness, darkness that even this eye cannot penetrate.” + +“But thou hast told me that if I wed Isabel I must be contented to be +obscure; and if I refuse, that knowledge and power may be mine.” + +“Vain man! knowledge and power are not happiness.” + +“But they are better than happiness. Say, if I marry Isabel, wilt thou +be my master, my guide? Say this, and I am resolved.” + +“Never! It is only the lonely at heart, the restless, the desperate, +that may be my pupils.” + +“Then I renounce her! I renounce love, I renounce happiness. Welcome +solitude, welcome despair, if they are the entrances to thy dark and +sublime secret.” + +“I will not take thy answer now; at midnight thou shalt give it in one +word,--ay, or no! Farewell till then!” + +The mystic waved his hand, and descending rapidly, was seen no more. + +Glyndon rejoined his impatient and wondering friend; but Merton, gazing +on his face, saw that a great change had passed there. The flexile and +dubious expression of youth was forever gone; the features were locked, +rigid, and stern; and so faded was the natural bloom that an hour seemed +to have done the work of years. + + + + +CHAPTER, XI. + +On returning from Vesuvius or Pompeii you enter Naples through its most +animated, its most Neapolitan quarter, through that quarter in which +Modern life most closely resembles the Ancient, and in which, when, on +a fair day, the thoroughfare swarms alike with Indolence and Trade, you +are impressed at once with the recollection of that restless, lively +race from which the population of Naples derives its origin; so that in +one day you may see at Pompeii the habitations of a remote age, and on +the Mole at Naples you may imagine you behold the very beings with which +those habitations had been peopled. The language of words is dead, but +the language of gestures remains little impaired. A fisherman,--peasant, +of Naples will explain to you the motions, the attitudes, the gestures +of the figures painted on the antique vases better than the most learned +antiquary of Gottingen or Leipsic. + +But now, as the Englishmen rode slowly through the deserted streets, +lighted but by the lamps of heaven, all the gayety of the day was hushed +and breathless. Here and there, stretched under a portico or a dingy +booth, were sleeping groups of houseless lazzaroni,--a tribe now happily +merging this indolent individuality amidst an energetic and active +population. + +The Englishmen rode on in silence, for Glyndon neither appeared to heed +or hear the questions and comments of Merton, and Merton himself was +almost as weary as the jaded animal he bestrode. + +Suddenly the silence of earth and ocean was broken by the sound of a +distant clock, that proclaimed the last hour of night. Glyndon started +from his revery, and looked anxiously around. As the final stroke died, +the noise of hoofs rang on the broad stones of the pavement, and from a +narrow street to the right emerged the form of a solitary horseman. He +neared the Englishmen, and Glyndon recognized the features and mien of +Zicci. + +“What! do we meet again, signor?” said Merton, in a vexed but drowsy +tone. + +“Your friend and I have business together,” replied Zicci, as he wheeled +his powerful and fiery steed to the side of Glyndon; “but it will be +soon transacted. Perhaps you, sir, will ride on to your hotel.” + +“Alone?” + +“There is no danger,” returned Zicci, with a slight expression of +disdain in his voice. + +“None to me, but to Glyndon?” + +“Danger from me? Ah! perhaps you are right.” + +“Go on, my dear Merton,” said Glyndon. “I will join you before you reach +the hotel.” + +Merton nodded, whistled, and pushed his horse into a kind of amble. + +“Now your answer,--quick.” + +“I have decided: the love of Isabel has vanished from my heart. The +pursuit is over.” + +“You have decided?” + +“I have.” + +“Adieu! join your friend.” + +Zicci gave the rein to his horse; it sprang forward with a bound; the +sparks flew from its hoofs, and horse and rider disappeared amidst the +shadows of the street whence they had emerged. + +Merton was surprised to see his friend by his side, a minute after they +had parted. + +“What business can you have with Zicci? Will you not confide in me?” + +“Merton, do not ask me to-night; I am in a dream.” + +“I do not wonder at it, for even I am in a sleep. Let us push on.” + +In the retirement of his chamber, Glyndon sought to recollect his +thoughts. He sat down on the foot of his bed and pressed his hands +tightly to his throbbing temples. The events of the last few hours, the +apparition of the gigantic and shadowy Companion of the Mystic amidst +the fires and clouds of Vesuvius, the strange encounter with Zicci +himself on a spot in which he could never have calculated on finding +Glyndon, filled his mind with emotions, in which terror and awe the +least prevailed. A fire, the train of which had long been laid, was +lighted at his heart,--the asbestos fire that, once lit, is never to be +quenched. All his early aspiration, his young ambition, his longings +for the laurel, were mingled in one passionate yearning to overpass +the bounds of the common knowledge of man, and reach that solemn spot, +between two worlds, on which the mysterious stranger appeared to have +fixed his home. + +Far from recalling with renewed affright the remembrance of the +apparition that had so appalled him, the recollection only served to +kindle and concentrate his curiosity into a burning focus. He had said +aright,--love had vanished from his heart; there was no longer a serene +space amidst its disordered elements for human affection to move and +breathe. The enthusiast was rapt from this earth; and he would have +surrendered all that beauty ever promised, that mortal hope ever +whispered, for one hour with Zicci beyond the portals of the visible +world. + +He rose, oppressed and fevered with the new thoughts that raged within +him, and threw open his casement for air. The ocean lay suffused in the +starry light, and the stillness of the heavens never more eloquently +preached the morality of repose to the madness of earthly passions. But +such was Glyndon’s mood that their very hush only served to deepen the +wild desires that preyed upon his soul. And the solemn stars, that are +mysteries in themselves, seemed by a kindred sympathy to agitate the +wings of the spirit no longer contented with its cage. As he gazed, a +star shot from its brethren and vanished from the depth of space! + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +The sleep of Glyndon that night was unusually profound, and the sun +streamed full upon his eyes as he opened them to the day. He rose +refreshed, and with a strange sentiment of calmness, that seemed more +the result of resolution than exhaustion. The incidents and emotions +of the past night had settled into distinct and clear impressions. He +thought of them but slightly,--he thought rather of the future. He was +as one of the Initiated in the old Egyptian Mysteries, who have crossed +the Gate only to look more ardently for the Penetralia. + +He dressed himself, and was relieved to find that Merton had joined a +party of his countrymen on an excursion to Ischia. He spent the heat of +noon in thoughtful solitude, and gradually the image of Isabel returned +to his heart. It was a holy--for it was a human--image; he had resigned +her, and he repented. The light of day served, if not to dissipate, at +least to sober, the turbulence and fervor of the preceding night. But +was it indeed too late to retract his resolve? “Too late!” terrible +words! Of what do we not repent, when the Ghost of the Deed returns to +us to say, “Thou hast no recall?” + +He started impatiently from his seat, seized his hat and sword, and +strode with rapid steps to the humble abode of the actress. + +The distance was considerable, and the air oppressive. Glyndon arrived +at the door breathless and heated he knocked, no answer came; he lifted +the latch and entered. No sound, no sight of life, met his ear and eye. +In the front chamber, on a table, lay the guitar of the actress and some +manuscript parts in plays. He paused, and summoning courage, tapped at +the door which seemed to lead into the inner apartment. The door +was ajar; and hearing no sound within, he pushed it open. It was the +sleeping chamber of the young actress,--that holiest ground to a lover. +And well did the place become the presiding deity: none of the tawdry +finery of the Profession was visible on the one hand, none of the +slovenly disorder common to the humbler classes of the South on the +other. All was pure and simple; even the ornaments were those of an +innocent refinement,--a few books placed carefully on shelves, a few +half-faded flowers in an earthen vase which was modelled and painted in +the Etruscan fashion. The sunlight streamed over the snowy draperies +of the bed, and a few articles of clothing, neatly folded, on the +chair beside it. Isabel was not there; and Glyndon, as he gazed around, +observed that the casement which opened to the ground was wrenched and +broken, and several fragments of the shattered glass lay below. The +light flashed at once upon Glyndon’s mind,--the ravisher had borne away +his prize. The ominous words of Zicci were fulfilled: it was too late! +Wretch that he was, perhaps he might have saved her! But the nurse,--was +she gone also? He made the house resound with the name of Gionetta, but +there was not even an echo to reply. He resolved to repair at once to +the abode of Zicci. On arriving at the palace of the Corsican, he was +informed that the signor was gone to the banquet of the Prince di--, +and would not return until late. He turned in dismay from the door, +and perceived the heavy carriage of the Count Cetoxa rolling along the +narrow street. Cetoxa recognized him and stopped the carriage. + +“Ah my dear Signor Glyndon,” said he, leaning out of the window, “and +how goes your health? You heard the news?” + +“What news?” asked Glyndon, mechanically. + +“Why, the beautiful actress,--the wonder of Naples! I always thought she +would have good luck.” + +“Well, well, what of her?” + +“The Prince di--has taken a prodigious fancy to her, and has carried her +to his own palace. The Court is a little scandalized.” + +“The villain! by force?” + +“Force! Ha! ha! my dear signor, what need of force to persuade an +actress to accept the splendid protection of one of the wealthiest +noblemen in Italy? Oh, no! you may be sure she went willingly enough. I +only just heard the news: the prince himself proclaimed his triumph this +morning, and the accommodating Mascari has been permitted to circulate +it. I hope the connection will not last long, or we shall lose our best +singer. Addio!” + +Glyndon stood mute and motionless. He knew not what to think, to +believe, or how to act. Even Merton was not at hand to advise him. +His conscience smote him bitterly; and half in despair, half in the +courageous wrath of jealousy, he resolved to repair to the palace of +the prince himself, and demand his captive in the face of his assembled +guests. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +We must go back to the preceding night. The actress and her nurse had +returned from the theatre; and Isabel, fatigued and exhausted, had +thrown herself on a sofa, while Gionetta busied herself with the long +tresses which, released from the fillet that bound them, half concealed +the form of the actress, like a veil of threads of gold; and while she +smoothed the luxuriant locks, the old nurse ran gossiping on about the +little events of the night,--the scandal and politics of the scenes and +the tire-room. + +The clock sounded the hour of midnight, and still Isabel detained the +nurse; for a vague and foreboding fear, she could not account for, made +her seek to protract the time of solitude and rest. + +At length Gionetta’s voice was swallowed up in successive yawns. She +took her lamp and departed to her own room, which was placed in the +upper story of the house. Isabel was alone. The half-hour after midnight +sounded dull and distant, all was still, and she was about to enter her +sleeping-room, when she heard the hoofs of a horse at full speed. The +sound ceased; there was a knock at the door. Her heart beat violently; +but fear gave way to another sentiment when she heard a voice, too well +known, calling on her name. She went to the door. + +“Open, Isabel,--it is Zicci,” said the voice again. + +And why did the actress feel fear no more, and why did that virgin hand +unbar the door to admit, without a scruple or, a doubt, at that late +hour, the visit of the fairest cavalier of Naples? I know not; but Zicci +had become her destiny, and she obeyed the voice of her preserver as if +it were the command of Fate. + +Zicci entered with a light and hasty step. His horseman’s cloak fitted +tightly to his noble form, and the raven plumes of his broad hat threw a +gloomy shade over his commanding features. + +The girl followed him into the room, trembling and blushing deeply, and +stood before him with the lamp she held shining upward on her cheek, and +the long hair that fell like a shower of light over the bare shoulders +and heaving bust. + +“Isabel,” said Zicci, in a voice that spoke deep emotion, “I am by thy +side once more to save thee. Not a moment is to be lost. Thou must fly +with me, or remain the victim of the Prince di--. I would have made the +charge I now undertake another’s,--thou knowest I would, thou knowest +it; but he is not worthy of thee, the cold Englishman! I throw myself at +thy feet; have trust in me, and fly.” + +He grasped her hand passionately as he dropped on his knee, and looked +up into her face with his bright, beseeching eyes. + +“Fly with thee!” said Isabel, tenderly. + +“Thou knowest the penalty,--name, fame, honor, all will be sacrificed if +thou dost not.” + +“Then, then,” said the wild girl, falteringly, and turning aside her +face, “then I am not indifferent to thee. Thou wouldest not give me to +another; thou lovest me?” + +Zicci was silent; but his breast heaved, his cheeks flushed, his eyes +darted dark but impassioned fire. + +“Speak!” exclaimed Isabel, in jealous suspicion of his silence. “Speak, +if thou lovest me.” + +“I dare not tell thee so; I will not yet say I love thee.” + +“Then what matter my fate?” said Isabel, turning pale and shrinking from +his side. “Leave me; I fear no danger. My life, and therefore my honor, +is in mine own hands.” + +“Be not so mad!” said Zicci. “Hark! do you hear the neigh of my steed? +It is an alarm that warns us of the approaching peril. Haste, or you are +lost.” + +“Why do you care for me?” said the girl, bitterly. “Thou hast read my +heart; thou knowest that I would fly with thee to the end of the world, +if I were but sure of thy love; that all sacrifice of womanhood’s repute +were sweet to me, if regarded as the proof and seal of affection. But +to be bound beneath the weight of a cold obligation; to be the beggar on +the eyes of Indifference; to throw myself on one who loves me not,--that +were indeed the vilest sin of my sex. Ah! Zicci, rather let me die.” + +She had thrown back her clustering hair from her face as she spoke; +and as she now stood, with her arms drooping mournfully, and her hands +clasped together with the proud bitterness of her wayward spirit, giving +new zest and charm to her singular beauty, it was impossible to conceive +a sight more irresistible to the senses and the heart. + +“Tempt me not to thine own danger, perhaps destruction,” exclaimed +Zicci, in faltering accents; “thou canst not dream of what thou wouldest +demand. Come,” and, advancing, he wound his arm round her waist, “come, +Isabel! Believe at least in my friendship, my protection--” + +“And not thy love,” said the Italian, turning on him her hurried and +reproachful eyes. Those eyes met his, and he could not withdraw from the +charm of their gaze. He felt her heart throbbing beneath his own; +her breath came warm upon his cheek. He trembled,--he, the lofty, the +mysterious Zicci,--who seemed to stand aloof from his race. With a deep +and burning sigh he murmured, “Isabel, I love thee!” That beautiful +face, bathed in blushes, drooped upon his bosom; and as he bent down, +his lips sought the rosy mouth,--a long and burning kiss. Danger, life, +the world were forgotten! Suddenly Zicci tore himself from her. + +“Oh! what have I said? It is gone,--my power to preserve thee, to guard +thee, to foresee the storm in thy skies, is gone forever. No matter! +Haste, haste; and may love supply the loss of prophecy and power!” + +Isabel hesitated no more. She threw her mantle over her shoulders and +gathered up her dishevelled hair; a moment, and she was prepared,--when +a sudden crash was heard in the inner room. + +“Too late!--fool that I was--too late!” cried Zicci, in a sharp tone of +agony as he hurried to the outer door. He opened it, only to be borne +back by the press of armed men. + +Behind, before, escape was cut off. The room literally swarmed with the +followers of the ravisher, masked, mailed, armed to the teeth. + +Isabel was already in the grasp of two of the myrmidons; her shriek +smote the ear of Zicci. He sprang forward, and Isabel heard his wild +cry in a foreign tongue,--the gleam, the clash of swords. She lost +her senses; and when she recovered, she found herself gagged, and in a +carriage that was driven rapidly, by the side of a masked and motionless +figure. The carriage stopped at the portals of a gloomy mansion. +The gates opened noiselessly, a broad flight of steps, brilliantly +illumined, was before her,--she was in the palace of the Prince di--. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +The young actress was led to and left alone in a chamber adorned with +all the luxurious and half-Eastern taste that at one time characterized +the palaces of the great seigneurs of Italy. Her first thought was for +Zicci,--was he yet living? Had he escaped unscathed the blades of the +foe,--her new treasure, the new light of her life, her lord, at last her +lover? + +She had short time for reflection. She heard steps approaching the +chamber; she drew back. She placed her hand on the dagger that at all +hours she wore concealed in her bosom. Living or dead, she would be +faithful still to Zicci There was a new motive to the preservation of +honor. The door opened, and the Prince entered, in a dress that sparkled +with jewels. + +“Fair and cruel one,” said he, advancing, with a half-sneer upon +his lip, “thou wilt not too harshly blame the violence of love.” He +attempted to take her hand as he spoke. + +“Nay,” said he, as she recoiled, “reflect that thou art now in the power +of one that never faltered in the pursuit of an object less dear to him +than thou art. Thy lover, presumptuous though he be, is not by to save +thee. Mine thou art; but instead of thy master, suffer me to be thy +slave.” + +“My lord,” said Isabel, with a stern gravity which perhaps the Stage had +conspired with Nature, to bestow upon her, “your boast is in vain. Your +power,--I am not in your power! Life and death are in my own hands. I +will not defy, but I do not fear you. I feel--and in some feelings,” + added Isabel, with a solemnity almost thrilling, “there is all the +strength and all the divinity of knowledge--I feel that I am safe even +here; but you, you, Prince di--, have brought danger to your home and +hearth!” + +The Neapolitan seemed startled by an earnestness and a boldness he was +but little prepared for. He was not, however, a man easily intimidated +or deterred from any purpose he had formed; and approaching Isabel, he +was about to reply with much warmth, real or affected, when a knock +was heard at the door of the chamber. The sound was repeated, and +the Prince, chafed at the interruption, opened the door and demanded +impatiently who had ventured to disobey his orders and invade his +leisure. Mascari presented himself, pale and agitated. “My lord,” said +he, in a whisper, “pardon me, but a stranger is below who insists on +seeing you; and from some words he let fall, I judged it advisable even +to infringe your commands.” + +“A stranger, and at this hour! What business can he pretend? Why was he +even admitted?” + +“He asserts that your life is in imminent danger. The source whence it +proceeds he will relate to your Excellency alone.” + +The Prince frowned, but his color changed. He mused a moment, and then, +re-entering the chamber and advancing towards Isabel, he said,-- + +“Believe me, fair creature, I have no wish to take advantage of my +power. I would fain trust alone to the gentler authorities of affection. +Hold yourself queen within these walls more absolutely than you have +ever enacted that part on the stage. To-night, farewell! May your sleep +becalm, and your dreams propitious to my hopes!” + +With these words he retired, and in a few moments Isabel was surrounded +by officious attendants, whom she at length, with some difficulty, +dismissed; and refusing to retire to rest, she spent the night in +examining the chamber, which she found was secured, and in thoughts of +Zicci, in whose power she felt an almost preternatural confidence. + +Meanwhile the Prince descended the stairs, and sought the room into +which the stranger had been shown. + +He found him wrapped from head to foot in a long robe,--half gown, half +mantle,--such as was sometimes worn by ecclesiastics. The face of this +stranger was remarkable; so sunburnt and swarthy were his hues that +he must, apparently, have derived his origin amongst the races of the +farthest East. His--forehead was lofty, and his eyes so penetrating, +yet so calm, in their gaze that the Prince shrank from them as we shrink +from a questioner who is drawing forth the guiltiest secrets of our +hearts. + +“What would you with me?” asked the Prince, motioning his visitor to a +seat. + +“Prince di--,” said the stranger, in a voice deep and sweet, but foreign +in its accent, “son of the most energetic and masculine race that +ever applied godlike genius to the service of the Human Will, with its +winding wickedness and its stubborn grandeur; descendant of the great +Visconti, in whose chronicles lies the History of Italy in her palmy +day, and in whose rise was the development of the mightiest intellect +ripened by the most relentless ambition,--I come to gaze upon the last +star in a darkening firmament. By this hour to-morrow space shall know +it not. Man, thy days are cumbered!” + +“What means this jargon?” said the Prince, in visible astonishment and +secret awe. “Comest thou to menace me in my own halls, or wouldest +thou warn me of a danger? Art thou some itinerant mountebank, or some +unguessed of friend? Speak out, and plainly. What danger threatens me?” + +“Zicci!” replied the stranger. + +“Ha! ha!” said the Prince, laughing scornfully; “I half suspected thee +from the first. Thou art, then, the accomplice or the tool of that most +dexterous, but, at present, defeated charlatan. And I suppose thou wilt +tell me that if I were to release a certain captive I have made, the +danger would vanish and the hand of the dial would be put back?” + +“Judge of me as thou wilt, Prince di--. I confess my knowledge of +Zicci,--a knowledge shared but by a few, who--But this touches thee not. +I would save, therefore I warn thee. Dost thou ask me why? I will tell +thee. Canst thou remember to have heard wild tales of thy grandsire,--of +his desire for a knowledge that passes that of the schools and +cloisters; of a strange man from the East, who was his familiar and +master in lore, against which the Vatican has from age to age +launched its mimic thunder? Dost thou call to mind the fortunes of thy +ancestor,--how he succeeded in youth to little but a name; how, after a +career wild and dissolute as thine, he disappeared from Milan, a pauper +and a self-exile; how, after years spent none knew in what climes or +in what pursuits, he again revisited the city where his progenitors +had reigned; how with him came this wise man of the East, the mystic +Mejnour; how they who beheld him, beheld with amaze and fear that time +had ploughed no furrow on his brow,--that youth seemed fixed as by a +spell upon his face and form? Dost thou know that from that hour his +fortunes rose? Kinsmen the most remote died, estate upon estate fell +into the hands of the ruined noble. He allied himself with the royalty +of Austria, he became the guide of princes, the first magnate of Italy. +He founded anew the house of which thou art the last lineal upholder, +and transferred its splendor from Milan to the Sicilian realms. Visions +of high ambition were then present with him nightly and daily. Had he +lived, Italy would have known a new dynasty, and the Visconti would have +reigned over Magna Graecia. He was a man such as the world rarely sees; +he was worthy to be of us, worthy to be the pupil of Mejnour,--whom you +now see before you.” + +The Prince, who had listened with deep and breathless attention to the +words of his singular guest, started from his seat at his last words. +“Impostor!” he cried, “can you dare thus to play with my credulity? +Sixty years have passed since my grandsire died; and you, a man younger +apparently than myself, have the assurance to pretend to have been his +contemporary! But you have imperfectly learned your tale. You know not, +it seems, that my grandsire--wise and illustrious, indeed, in all save +his faith in a charlatan--was found dead in his bed in the very hour +when his colossal plans were ripe for execution, and that Mejnour was +guilty of his murder?” + +“Alas!” answered the stranger, in a voice of great sadness, “had he but +listened to Mejnour, had he delayed the last and most perilous ordeal +of daring wisdom until the requisite training and initiation had been +completed, your ancestor would have stood with me upon an eminence which +the waters of Death itself wash everlastingly, but cannot overflow. +Your grandsire resisted my fervent prayers, disobeyed my most absolute +commands, and in the sublime rashness of a soul that panted for the last +secrets, perished,--the victim of his own frenzy.” + +“He was poisoned, and Mejnour fled.” + +“Mejnour fled not,” answered the stranger, quickly and proudly. + +“Mejnour could not fly from danger, for to him danger is a thing long +left behind. It was the day before the duke took the fatal draught which +he believed was to confer on the mortal the immortal boon that, finding +my power over him was gone, I abandoned him to his doom. + +“On the night on which your grandsire breathed his last, I was standing +alone at moonlight on the ruins of Persepolis,--for my wanderings, space +hath no obstacle. But a truce with this: I loved your grandsire; I +would save the last of his race. Oppose not thyself to Zicci. Oppose not +thyself to thine evil passions. Draw back from the precipice while +there is yet time. In thy front and in thine eyes I detect some of that +diviner glory which belonged to thy race. Thou hast in thee some germs +of their hereditary genius, but they are choked up by worse than thy +hereditary vices. Recollect, by genius thy house rose,--by vice it ever +failed to perpetuate its power. In the laws which regulate the Universe +it is decreed that nothing wicked can long endure. Be wise, and let +history warn thee. Thou standest on the verge of two worlds,--the Past +and the Future; and voices from either shriek omen in thy ear. I have +done. I bid thee farewell.” + +“Not so; thou shalt not quit these walls. I will make experiment of +thy boasted power. What ho there! ho!” The Prince shouted; the room was +filled with his minions. “Seize that man!” he cried, pointing to the +spot which had been filled by the form of Mejnour. To his inconceivable +amaze and horror, the spot was vacant. The mysterious stranger had +vanished like a dream. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +It was the first faint and gradual break of the summer dawn; and two men +stood in a balcony overhanging a garden fragrant with the scents of the +awakening flowers. The stars had not left the sky, the birds were yet +silent on the boughs; all was still, hushed, and tranquil. But how +different the tranquillity of reviving day from the solemn repose of +night. + +In the music of silence there are a thousand variations. These men, who +alone seemed awake in Naples, were Zicci and the mysterious stranger, +who had but an hour or two ago startled the Prince di--in his voluptuous +palace. + +“No,” said the latter, “hadst thou delayed the acceptance of the Arch +Gift until thou hadst attained to the years and passed through all the +desolate bereavements that chilled and scared myself ere my researches +had made it mine, thou wouldest have escaped the curse of which thou +complainest now. Thou wouldest not have mourned over the brevity of +human affection as compared to the duration of thine own existence, for +thou wouldest have survived the very desire and dream of the love of +woman. Brightest, and but for that error perhaps the loftiest, of the +secret and solemn race that fills up the interval in creation between +mankind and the demons, age after age wilt thou rue the splendid folly +which made thee ask to carry the beauty and the passions of youth into +the dreary grandeur of earthly immortality.” + +“I do not repent, nor shall I,” answered Zicci, coldly. “The transport +and the sorrow, so wildly blended, which diversify my doom, are better +than the calm and bloodless tenor of thy solitary way. Thou, who lovest +nothing, hatest nothing,--feelest nothing, and walkest the world with +the noiseless and joyless footsteps of a dream!” + +“You mistake,” replied he who had owned the name of Mejnour; “though I +care not for love, and am dead to every passion that agitates the sons +of clay, I am not dead to their more serene enjoyments. I have still +left to me the sublime pleasures of wisdom and of friendship. I carry +down the Stream of the countless years, not the turbulent desires +of youth, but the calm and spiritual delights of age. Wisely and +deliberately I abandoned youth forever when I separated my lot from +men. Let us not envy or reproach each other. I would have saved this +Neapolitan, Zicci (since so it now pleases thee to be called), partly +because his grandsire was but divided by the last airy barrier from our +own brotherhood, partly because I know that in the man himself lurk the +elements of ancestral courage and power, which in earlier life would +have fitted him for one of us. Earth holds but few to whom nature has +given the qualities that can bear the ordeal! But time and excess, +that have thickened the grosser senses, have blunted the imagination. I +relinquish him to his doom.” + +“And still then, Mejnour, you cherish the desire to increase our scanty +and scattered host by new converts and allies; Surely, surely, thy +experience might have taught thee that scarcely once in a thousand years +is born the being who can pass through the horrible gates that lead into +the worlds without. Is not thy path already strewed with thy victims? Do +not their ghastly faces of agony and fear,--the blood-stained suicide, +the raving maniac,--rise before thee and warn what is yet left to thee +of human sympathy from thy insane ambition?” + +“Nay,” answered Mejnour, “have I not had success to counterbalance +failure? And can I forego this lofty and august hope, worthy alone of +our high condition,--the hope to form a mighty and numerous race, with +a force and power sufficient to permit them to acknowledge to mankind +their majestic conquests and dominion; to become the true lords of +this planet, invaders perchance of others, masters of the inimical and +malignant tribes by which at this moment we are surrounded,--a race +that may proceed, in their deathless destinies, from stage to stage +of celestial glory, and rank at last among the nearest ministrants and +agents gathered round the Throne of Thrones? What matter a thousand +victims for one convert to our band? And you, Zicci,” continued Mejnour, +after a pause, “you, even you, should this affection for a mortal +beauty that you have dared, despite yourself, to cherish, be more than a +passing fancy; should it, once admitted into your inmost nature, partake +of its bright and enduring essence,--even you may brave all things to +raise the beloved one into your equal. Nay, interrupt me not. Can you +see sickness menace her, danger hover around, years creep on, the eyes +grow dim, the beauty fade, while the heart, youthful still, clings and +fastens round your own,--can you see this, and know it is yours to--” + +“Cease,” cried Zicci, fiercely. “What is all other fate as compared +to the death of terror? What! when the coldest sage, the most heated +enthusiast, the hardiest warrior, with his nerves of iron, have been +found dead in their beds, with straining eyeballs and horrent hair, +at the first step of the Dread Progress, thinkest thou that this weak +woman--from whose cheek a sound at the window, the screech of the +night-owl, the sight of a drop of blood on a man’s sword, would start +the color--could brave one glance of--Away! the very thought of such +sights for her makes even myself a coward!” + +“When you told her you loved her, when you clasped her to your breast, +you renounced all power to prophesy her future lot or protect her from +harm. Henceforth to her you are human, and human only. How know you, +then, to what you may be tempted? How know you what her curiosity may +learn and her courage brave? But enough of this,--you are bent on your +pursuit?” + +“The fiat has gone forth.” + +“And to-morrow?” + +“To-morrow at this hour our bark will be bounding over yonder ocean, and +the weight of ages will have fallen from my heart! Fool, thou hast given +up thy youth!” + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +The Prince di--was not a man whom Naples could suppose to be addicted +to superstitious fancies, neither was the age one in which the belief of +sorcery was prevalent. Still, in the South of Italy there was then, and +there still lingers, a certain spirit of credulity, which may, ever and +anon, be visible amidst the boldest dogmas of their philosophers and +sceptics. In his childhood the Prince had learned strange tales of the +ambition, the genius, and the career of his grandsire; and secretly, +perhaps influenced by ancestral example, in earlier youth he himself +had followed alchemy, not only through her legitimate course, but her +antiquated and erratic windings. I have, indeed, been shown in Naples +a little volume blazoned with the arms of the Visconti, and ascribed +to the nobleman I refer to, which treats of alchemy in a spirit half +mocking and half reverential. + +Pleasure soon distracted him from such speculations, and his talents, +which were unquestionably great, were wholly perverted to extravagant +intrigues or to the embellishment of a gorgeous ostentation with +something of classic grace. His immense wealth, his imperious pride, +his unscrupulous and daring character, made him an object of no +inconsiderable fear to a feeble and timid court; and the ministers of +the indolent government willingly connived at excesses--, which allured +him at least from ambition. The strange visit and yet more strange +departure of Mejnour filled the breast of the Neapolitan with awe and +wonder, against which all the haughty arrogance and learned scepticism +of his maturer manhood combated in vain. The apparition of--Mejnour +served, indeed, to invest Zicci with a character in which the Prince had +not hitherto regarded him. He felt a strange alarm at the rival he had +braved, at the foe he had provoked. His night was sleepless, and the +next morning he came to the resolution of leaving Isabel in peace until +after the banquet of that day, to which he had invited Zicci. He felt +as if the death of the mysterious Corsican were necessary for the +preservation of his own life; and if at an earlier period of their +rivalry he had determined on the fate of Zicci, the warnings of--Mejnour +only served to confirm his resolve. + +“We will try if his magic can invent an antidote to the bane,” said +he, half aloud and with a gloomy smile, as he summoned Mascari to his +presence. The poison which the Prince, with his own hands, mixed into +the wine intended for his guest was compounded from materials the secret +of which had been one of the proudest heir-looms of that able and evil +race which gave to Italy her wisest and fellest tyrants. Its operation +was quick, not sudden; it produced no pain, it left on the form no grim +convulsion, on the skin no purpling spot, to arouse suspicion; you might +have cut and carved every membrane and fibre of the corpse, but the +sharpest eyes of the leech would not have detected the presence of the +subtle life-queller. For twelve hours the victim felt nothing, save +a joyous and elated exhilaration of the blood; a delicious languor +followed,--the sure forerunner of apoplexy. No lancet then could save! +Apoplexy had run much in the families of the enemies of the Visconti! + +The hour of the feast arrived, the guests assembled. There were the +flower of the Neapolitan seigneurie,--the descendants of the Norman, the +Teuton, the Goth; for Naples had then a nobility, but derived it from +the North, which has indeed been the Nutrix Leonum, the nurse of the +lion-hearted chivalry of the world. + +Last of the guests came Zicci, and the crowd gave way as the dazzling +foreigner moved along to the lord of the palace. The Prince greeted +him with a meaning smile, to which Zicci answered by a whisper: “He who +plays with loaded dice does not always win.” + +The Prince bit his lip; and Zicci, passing on, seemed deep in +conversation with the fawning Mascari. + +“Who is the Prince’s heir?” asked the Corsican. + +“A distant relation on the mother’s side; with his Excellency dies the +male line.” + +“Is the heir present at our host’s banquet?” + +“No; they are not friends.” + +“No matter; he will be here to-morrow!” + +Mascari stared in surprise; but the signal for the banquet was given, +and the guests were marshalled to the board. As was the custom, the +feast took place at midday. It was a long oval hall, the whole of one +side opening by a marble colonnade upon a court or garden, in which the +eye rested gratefully upon cool fountains and statues of whitest marble, +half sheltered by orange-trees. Every art that luxury could invent to +give freshness and coolness to the languid and breezeless heat of the +day without (a day on which the breath of the sirocco was abroad) had +been called into existence. Artificial currents of air through invisible +tubes, silken blinds waving to and fro as if to cheat the senses into +the belief of an April wind, and miniature jets d’eau in each corner of +the apartment gave to the Italians the same sense of exhilaration and +comfort (if I may use the word) which the well-drawn curtains and the +blazing hearth afford to the children of colder climes. + +The conversation was somewhat more lively and intellectual than is +common among the languid pleasure-hunters of the South; for the Prince, +himself accomplished, sought his acquaintance not only amongst the beaux +esprits of his own country, but amongst the gay foreigners who adorned +and relieved the monotony of the Neapolitan circles. There were present +two or three of the brilliant Frenchmen of the old regime, and their +peculiar turn of thought and wit was well calculated for the meridian of +a society that made the dolce far niente at once its philosophy and +its faith. The Prince, however, was more silent than usual, and when he +sought to rouse himself, his spirits were forced and exaggerated. To the +manners of his host, those of Zicci afforded a striking contrast. The +bearing of this singular person was at all times characterized by a +calm and polished ease which was attributed by the courtiers to the long +habit of society. He could scarcely be called gay, yet few persons more +tended to animate the general spirits of a convivial circle. He seemed, +by a kind of intuition, to elicit from each companion the qualities +in which he most excelled; and a certain tone of latent mockery that +characterized his remarks upon the topics on which the conversation +fell, seemed to men who took nothing in earnest to be the language both +of wit and wisdom. To the Frenchmen in particular there was something +startling in his intimate knowledge of the minutest events in their +own capital and country, and his profound penetration (evinced but in +epigrams and sarcasms) into the eminent characters who were then playing +a part upon the great stage of Continental intrigue. It was while +this conversation grew animated, and the feast was at its height, that +Glyndon (who, as the reader will recollect, had resolved, on learning +from Cetoxa the capture of the actress, to seek the Prince himself) +arrived at the palace. The porter, perceiving by his dress that he was +not one of the invited guests, told him that his Excellency was engaged, +and on no account could be disturbed; and Glyndon then, for the first +time, became aware of how strange and embarrassing was the duty he had +taken on himself. To force an entrance into the banquet-hall of a great +and powerful noble surrounded by the rank of Naples, and to arraign him +for what to his boon companions would appear but an act of gallantry, +was an exploit that could not fail to be at once ludicrous and impotent. +He mused a moment; and remembering that Zicci was among the guests, +determined to apply himself to the Corsican. He therefore, slipping a +few crowns into the porter’s hand, said that he was commissioned to seek +the Signor Zicci upon an errand of life and death, and easily won his +way across the court and into the interior building. He passed up the +broad staircase, and the voices and merriment of the revellers smote +his ear at a distance. At the entrance of the reception-rooms he found +a page, whom he despatched with a message to Zicci. The page did the +errand; and the Corsican, on hearing the whispered name of Glyndon, +turned to his host. + +“Pardon me, my lord, an English friend of mine, the Signor Glyndon (not +unknown by name to your Excellency), waits without. The business must +indeed be urgent on which he has sought me in such an hour. You will +forgive my momentary absence.” + +“Nay, signor,” answered the Prince, courteously, but with a sinister +smile on his countenance, “would it not be better for your friend +to join us? An Englishman is welcome everywhere; and even were he a +Dutchman, your friendship would invest his presence with attraction. +Pray his attendance,--we would not spare you even for a moment.” + +Zicci bowed. The page was despatched with all flattering messages +to Glyndon, a seat next to Zicci was placed for him, and the young +Englishman entered. + +“You are most welcome, sir. I trust your business to our illustrious +guest is of good omen and pleasant import. If you bring evil news, defer +it, I pray you.” + +Glyndon’s brow was sullen, and he was about to startle the guests by his +reply, when Zicci, touching his arm significantly, whispered in English, +“I know why you have sought me. Be silent, and witness what ensues.” + +“You know, then, that Isabel, whom you boasted you had the power to save +from danger--” + +“Is in this house? Yes. I know also that Murder sits at the right +hand of our host. Be still, and learn the fate that awaits the foes of +Zicci.” + +“My lord,” said the Corsican, speaking aloud, “the Signor Glyndon has +indeed brought me tidings which, though not unexpected, are unwelcome. +I learn that which will oblige me to leave Naples to-morrow, though I +trust but for a short time. I have now a new motive to make the most of +the present hour.” + +“And what, if I may venture to ask, may be the cause which brings such +affliction on the fair dames of Naples?” + +“It is the approaching death of one who honored me with most loyal +friendship,” replied Zicci, gravely. “Let us not speak of it,--Grief +cannot put back the dial. As we supply by new flowers those that fade +in our vases, so it is the secret of worldly wisdom to replace by fresh +friendships those that fade from our path.” + +“True philosophy,” exclaimed the Prince. “‘Not to admire’ was the +Roman’s maxim; never to mourn is mine. There is nothing in life to +grieve for,--save, indeed, Signor Zicci, when some beauty on whom we +have set our heart slips from our grasp. In such a moment we have need +of all our wisdom not to succumb to despair and shake hands with death. +What say you, signor? You smile. Such never could be your lot. Pledge me +in a sentiment: ‘Long life; to the fortunate lover; a quick release to +the baffled suitor!’” + +“I pledge you,” said Zicci. And as the fatal wine was poured into his +glass, he repeated, fixing his eyes on the Prince, “I pledge you even in +this wine!” + +He lifted the glass to his lips. The Prince seemed ghastly pale, +while the gaze of the Corsican bent upon him with an intent and stern +brightness that the conscience-stricken host cowered and quailed +beneath. Not till he had drained the draught and replaced the glass upon +the board did Zicci turn his eyes from the Prince; and he then said, +“Your wine has been kept too long,--it has lost its virtues. It might +disagree with many; but do not fear, it will not harm me, Prince. Signor +Mascari, you are a judge of the grape, will you favor us with your +opinion?” + +“Nay,” answered Mascari, with well-affected composure, “I like not the +wines of Cyprus, they are heating. Perhaps Signor Glyndon may not have +the same distaste. The English are said to love their potations warm and +pungent.” + +“Do you wish my friend also to taste the wine, Prince?” said Zicci. +“Recollect all cannot drink it with the same impunity as myself.” + +“No,” said the Prince, hastily; “if you do not recommend the wine, +Heaven forbid that we should constrain our guests! My Lord Duke,” + turning to one of the Frenchmen, “yours is the true soil of Bacchus. +What think you of this cask from Burgundy,--has it borne the journey?” + +“Ah!” said Zicci, “let us change both the wine and the theme.” With +that the Corsican grew more animated and brilliant. Never did wit more +sparkling, airy, exhilarating, flash from the lips of reveller. His +spirits fascinated all present, even the Prince himself, even Glyndon, +with a strange and wild contagion. The former, indeed, whom the words +and gaze of Zicci, when he drained the poison, had filled with fearful +misgivings, now hailed in the brilliant eloquence of his wit a certain +sign of the operation of the bane. The wine circulated fast, but none +seemed conscious of its effects. One by one the rest of the party fell +into a charmed and spell-bound silence as Zicci continued to pour forth +sally upon sally, tale upon tale. They hung on his words, they almost +held their breath to listen. Yet how bitter was his mirth; how full +of contempt for all things; how deeply steeped in the coldness of the +derision that makes sport of life itself! + +Night came on; the room grew dim, and the feast had lasted several hours +longer than was the customary duration of similar entertainments at +that day. Still the guests stirred not, and still Zicci continued, with +glittering eye and mocking lip, to lavish his stores of intellect +and anecdote, when suddenly the moon rose, and shed its rays over the +flowers and fountains in the court without, leaving the room itself half +in shadow and half tinged by a quiet and ghostly light. + +It was then that Zicci rose. “Well, gentlemen,” said he, “we have not +yet wearied our host, I hope, and his garden offers a new temptation to +protract our stay. Have you no musicians among your train, Prince, +that might regale our ears while we inhale the fragrance of your +orange-trees?” + +“An excellent thought,” said the Prince. “Mascari, see to the music.” + +The party rose simultaneously to adjourn to the garden; and then, for +the first time, the effect of the wine they had drunk seemed to make +itself felt. + +With flushed cheeks and unsteady steps they came into the open air, +which tended yet more to stimulate that glowing fever of the grape. +As if to make up for the silence with which the guests had hitherto +listened to Zicci, every tongue was now loosened; every man talked, +no man listened. In the serene beauty of the night and scene there was +something wild and fearful in the contrast of the hubbub and Babel of +these disorderly roysterers. One of the Frenchmen in especial, the +young Due de R--,--a nobleman of the highest rank, and of all the +quick, vivacious, and irascible temperament of his countrymen,--was +particularly noisy and excited. And as circumstances, the remembrance +of which is still preserved among certain circles of Naples, rendered it +afterwards necessary that the Due should himself give evidence of what +occurred, I will here translate the short account he drew up, and which +was kindly submitted to me some few years ago by my accomplished and +lively friend, il Cavaliere di B--. + + I never remember [writes the Due] to have felt my spirits so + excited as on that evening; we were like so many boys released from + school, jostling each other as we reeled or ran down the flight of + seven or eight stairs that led from the colonnade into the garden, + --some laughing, some whooping, some scolding, some babbling. The + wine had brought out, as it were, each man’s inmost character. + Some were loud and quarrelsome, others sentimental and whining; + some, whom we had hitherto thought dull, most mirthful; some, whom + we had ever regarded as discreet and taciturn, most garrulous and + uproarious. I remember that in the midst of our most clamorous + gayety my eye fell upon the foreign cavalier, Signor Zicci, whose + conversation had so enchanted us all, and I felt a certain chill + come over me to perceive that he bore the same calm and + unsympathizing smile upon his countenance which had characterized + it in his singular and curious stories of the court of Louis XV. I + felt, indeed, half inclined to seek a quarrel with one whose + composure was almost an insult to our disorder. Nor was such an + effect of this irritating and mocking tranquillity confined to + myself alone. Several of the party have told me since that on + looking at Zicci they felt their blood rise and their hands wander + to their sword-hilts. There seemed in the icy smile a very charm + to wound vanity and provoke rage. It was at this moment that the + Prince came up to me, and, passing his arm into mine, led me a + little apart from the rest he had certainly indulged in the same + excess as ourselves, but it did not produce the same effect of + noisy excitement. There was, on the contrary a certain cold + arrogance and supercilious scorn in his bearing and language, + which, even while affecting so much caressing courtesy towards me, + roused my self-love against him. He seemed as if Zicci had + infected him, and that in imitating the manner of his guest he + surpassed the original, he rallied me on some court gossip which + had honored my name by associating it with a certain beautiful and + distinguished Sicilian lady, and affected to treat with contempt + that which, had it been true, I should have regarded as a boast. + He spoke, indeed, as if he himself had gathered all the flowers of + Naples, and left us foreigners only the gleanings he had scorned; + at this my natural and national gallantry was piqued, and I + retorted by some sarcasms that I should certainly have spared had + my blood been cooler. He laughed heartily, and left me in a + strange fit of resentment and anger. Perhaps (I must own the + truth) the wine had produced in me a wild disposition to take + offence and provoke quarrel. As the Prince left me, I turned, and + saw Zicci at my side. + + “The Prince is a braggart,” said he, with the same smile that + displeased me before. “He would monopolize all fortune and all + love. Let us take our revenge.” + + “And how?” + + “He has at this moment in his house the most enchanting singer in + Naples,--the celebrated Isabel di Pisani. She is here, it is true, + not by her own choice,--he carried her hither by force; but he will + pretend to swear that she adores him. Let us insist on his + producing the secret treasure; and when she enters, the Duc de Lt---- + can have no doubt that his flatteries and attentions will charm the + lady and provoke all the jealous fears of our host. It would be a + fair revenge upon his imperious self conceit.” + + This suggestion delighted me. I hastened to the Prince. At that + instant the musicians had just commenced. I waved my hand, ordered + the music to stop, and addressing the Prince, who was standing in + the centre of one of the gayest groups, complained of his want of + hospitality in affording to us such poor proficients in the art + while he reserved for his own solace the lute and voice of the + first performer in Naples. I demanded, half laughingly, half + seriously, that he should produce the Pisani. My demand was + received with shouts of applause by the rest. We drowned the + replies of our host with uproar, and would hear no denial. + “Gentlemen,” at last said the Prince, when he could obtain an + audience, “even were I to assent to your proposal, I could not + induce the signora to present herself before an assemblage as + riotous as they are noble. You have too much chivalry to use + compulsion with her, though the Due de R--forgets himself + sufficiently to administer it to inc.” + + I was stung by this taunt, however well deserved. “Prince,” said + I, “I have for the indelicacy of compulsion so illustrious an + example that I cannot hesitate to pursue the path honored by your + own footsteps. All Naples knows that the Pisani despises at once + your gold and your love; that force alone could have brought her + under your roof; and that you refuse to produce her because you + fear her complaints, and know enough of the chivalry your vanity + sneers at to feel assured that the gentlemen of France are not more + disposed to worship beauty than to defend it from wrong.” + + “You speak well, sir,” said Zicci, gravely;--“the Prince dare not + produce his prize.” + + The Prince remained speechless for a few moments, as if with + indignation. At last he broke out into expressions the most + injurious and insulting against Signor Zicci and myself. Zicci + replied not; I was more hot and hasty. The guests appeared to + delight in our dispute. None except Mascari, whom we pushed aside + and disdained to hear, strove to conciliate; some took one side, + some another. The issue may be well foreseen. Swords were drawn. + I had left mine in the ante room; Zicci offered me his own,--I + seized it eagerly. There might be some six or eight persons + engaged in a strange and confused kind of melee, but the Prince and + myself only sought each other. The noise around us, the confusion + of the guests, the cries of the musicians, the clash of our own + swords, only served to stimulate our unhappy fury. We feared to be + interrupted by the attendants and fought like madmen, without skill + or method. I thrust and parried mechanically, blind and frantic as + if a demon had entered into me, till I saw the Prince stretched at + my feet, bathed in his blood, and Zicci bending over him and + whispering in his ear. The sight cooled us all; the strife ceased. + We gathered in shame, remorse, and horror round our ill-fated host; + but it was too late, his eyes rolled fearfully in his head, and + still he struggled to release himself from Zicci’s arms, who + continued to whisper (I trust divine comfort) in his ear. I have + seen men die, but, never one who wore such horror on his + countenance. At last all was over; Zicci rose from the corpse, and + taking, with great composure, his sword from my hand,--“Ye are + witnesses, gentlemen,” said he, calmly, “that the Prince brought + his fate upon himself. The last of that illustrious house has + perished in a brawl.” + + I saw no more of Zicci. I hastened to the French ambassador to + narrate the event and abide the issue. I am grateful to the + Neapolitan government and to the illustrious heir of the + unfortunate nobleman for the lenient and generous, yet just, + interpretation put upon a misfortune the memory of which will + afflict me to the last hour of my life. (Signed) Louis Victor, + Duc de R. + +In the above memorial the reader will find the most exact and minute +account yet given of an event which created the most lively sensation +at Naples in that day, and the narration of which first induced me to +collect the materials of this history, which the reader will perceive, +as it advances, is altogether different in its nature, its agencies, +and its aims from those tales of external terror, whether derived from +ingenious imposture or supernatural mystery, that have given life to +French melodrama or German romance. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +Glyndon had taken no part in the affray, neither had he participated +largely in the excesses of the revel. For his exemption from both he was +perhaps indebted to the whispered exhortations of Zicci. When the last +rose from the corpse and withdrew from that scene of confusion, Glyndon +remarked that in passing the crowd he touched Mascari on the shoulder, +and said something which the Englishman did not overhear. Glyndon +followed Zicci into the banquet-room, which, save where the moonlight +slept on the marble floor, was wrapped in the sad and gloomy shadows of +the advancing night. + +“How could you foretell this fearful event? He fell not by your arm,” + said Glyndon, in a tremulous and hollow tone. + +“The general who calculates on the victory does not fight in person,” + answered Zicci. “But enough of this. Meet me at midnight by the +seashore, half a mile to the left of your hotel,--you will know the +spot by a rude pillar, the only one near--, to which a broken chain is +attached. There and then will be the crisis of your fate; go. I have +business here yet,--remember, Isabel is still in the house of the dead +man.” + +As Glyndon yet hesitated, strange thoughts, doubts, and fears that +longed for speech crowding within him, Mascari approached; and Zicci, +turning to the Italian and waving his hand to Glyndon, drew the former +aside. Glyndon slowly departed. + +“Mascari,” said Zicci, “your patron is no more. Your services will be +valueless to his heir,--a sober man, whom poverty has preserved +from vice. For yourself, thank me that I do not give you up to the +executioner,--recollect the wine of Cyprus. Well, never tremble, man, it +could not act on me, though it might re-act on others,--in that it is a +common type of crime. I forgive you; and if the wine should kill me, +I promise you that my ghost shall not haunt so worshipful a penitent. +Enough of this. Conduct me to the chamber of Isabel di Pisani; you have +no further need of her. The death of the jailer opens the cell of the +captive. Be quick,--I would be gone.” Mascari muttered some inaudible +words, bowed low, and led the way to the chamber in which Isabel was +confined. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +It wanted several minutes of midnight, and Glyndon repaired to the +appointed spot. The mysterious empire which Zicci had acquired over him +was still more solemnly confirmed by the events of the last few hours; +the sudden fate of the Prince, so deliberately foreshadowed, and yet so +seemingly accidental--brought out by causes the most commonplace, and +yet associated with words the most prophetic,--impressed him with the +deepest sentiments of admiration and awe. It was as if this dark and +wondrous being would convert the most ordinary events and the meanest +instruments into the agencies of his inscrutable will; yet, if so, why +have permitted the capture of Isabel? Why not have prevented the crime +rather than punished the criminal? And did Zicci really feel love for +Isabel? Love, and yet offer to resign her to himself,--to a rival whom +his arts could not fail to baffle? He no longer reverted to the belief +that Zicci or Isabel had sought to dupe him into marriage. His fear and +reverence for the former now forbade the notion of so poor an imposture. +Did he any longer love Isabel himself? No. When, that morning, he heard +of her danger, he had, it is true, returned to the sympathies and the +fears of affection; but with the death of the Prince her image faded +again from his heart, and he felt no jealous pang at the thought that +she had been saved by Zicci,--that at that moment she was perhaps +beneath his roof. Whoever has, in the course of his life, indulged the +absorbing passion of the gamester, will remember bow all other pursuits +and objects vanished from his mind, how solely he was wrapped in the one +wild delusion; with what a sceptre of magic power the despot demon ruled +every feeling and every thought. Far more intense than the passion of +the gamester was the frantic yet sublime desire that mastered the breast +of Glyndon. He would be the rival of Zicci, not in human and perishable +affections, but in preternatural and eternal lore. He would have laid +down life with content, nay, rapture, as the price of learning those +solemn secrets which separated the stranger from mankind.. Such fools +are we when we aspire to be over-wise! To be enamoured too madly of the +goddess of goddesses is only to embrace a cloud, and to forfeit alike +heaven and earth. + +The night was most lovely and serene, and the waves scarcely rippled at +his feet as the Englishman glided on by the cool and starry beach. At +length he arrived at the spot, and there, leaning against the broken +pillar, he beheld a man wrapped in a long mantle and in an attitude +of profound repose. He approached, and uttered the name of Zicci. The +figure turned, and he saw the face of a stranger,--a face not stamped by +the glorious beauty of the Corsican, but equally majestic in its +aspect, and perhaps still more impressive from the mature age and the +passionless depth of thought that characterized the expanded forehead +and deep-set but piercing eyes. + +“You seek Zicci,” said the stranger,--“he will be here anon; but perhaps +he whom you see before you is more connected with your destiny, and more +disposed to realize your dreams.” + +“Hath the earth then another Zicci?” + +“If not,” replied the stranger, “why do you cherish the hope and the +wild faith to be yourself a Zicci? Think you that none others +have burned with the same godlike dream? Who, indeed, in his first +youth;--youth, when the soul is nearer to the heaven from which it +sprang, and its divine and primal longings are not all effaced by the +sordid passions and petty cares that are begot in time?--who is there +in youth that has not nourished the belief that the universe has +secrets not known to the common herd, and panted, as the hart for the +water-springs, for the fountains that he hid and far away amidst the +broad wilderness of trackless science? The music of the fountain is +heard in the soul within till the steps, deceived and erring, rove away +from its waters, and the wanderer dies in the mighty desert. Think you +that none who have cherished the hope have found the truth, or that the +yearning after the Ineffable Knowledge was given to us utterly in vain? +No. Every desire in human hearts is but a glimpse of things that exist, +alike distant and divine. No! in the world there have been, from age to +age, some brighter and happier spirits who have won to the air in which +the beings above mankind move and breathe. Zicci, great though he be, +stands not alone; he has his predecessors, his contemporary rivals, and +long lines of successors are yet to come!” + +“And will you tell me,” said Glyndon, “that in yourself I behold one of +that mighty few over whom Zicci has no superiority in power and wisdom?” + +“In me,” answered the stranger, “you see one from whom Zicci himself +learned many of his loftiest secrets. Before his birth my wisdom was! +On these shores, on this spot, have I stood in ages that your chronicles +but feebly reach. The Phoenician, the Greek, the Oscan, the Roman, the +Lombard,--I have seen them all!--leaves gay and glittering on the trunk +of the universal life--scattered in due season and again renewed; till, +indeed, the same race that gave its glory to the ancient world bestowed +a second youth on the new. For the pure Greeks--the Hellenes, whose +origin has bewildered your dreaming scholars--were of the same great +family as the Norman tribe, born to be the lords of the universe, and +in no land on earth destined to be the hewers of wood. Even the dim +traditions of the learned that bring the sons of Hellas from the vast +and undetermined territories of Northern Thrace, to be the victors of +the pastoral Pelasgi, and the founders of the line of demi-gods, might +serve you to trace back their primeval settlements to the same region +whence, in later times, the Norman warriors broke on the dull and savage +hordes of the Celt, and became the Greeks of the Christian world. But +this interests you not, and you are wise in your indifference. Not +in the knowledge of things without, but in the perfection of the soul +within, lies the empire of man aspiring to be more than men.” + +“And what books contain that science; from what laboratory is it +wrought?” + +“Nature supplies the materials: they are around you in your daily walks; +in the herbs that the beast devours and the chemist disdains to cull; in +the elements, from which matter in its meanest and its mightiest shapes +is deduced; in the wide bosom of the air; in the black abysses of the +earth,--everywhere are given to mortals the resources and libraries +of immortal lore. But as the simplest problems in the simplest of +all studies are obscure to one who braces not his mind to their +comprehension; as the rower in yonder vessel cannot tell you why two +circles can touch each other only in one point,--so, though all earth +were carved over and inscribed with the letters of diviner knowledge, +the characters would be valueless to him who does not pause to inquire +the language and meditate the truth. Young man, if thy imagination is +vivid; if thy heart is daring, if thy curiosity is insatiate, I will +accept thee as my pupil. But the first lessons are stern and dread.” + +“If thou hast mastered them, why not I?” answered Glyndon, boldly. “I +have felt from my boyhood that strange mysteries were reserved for my +career, and from the proudest ends of ordinary ambition I have carried +my gaze into the cloud and darkness that stretch beyond. The instant I +beheld Zicci, I felt as if I had discovered the guide and the tutor for +which my youth had idly languished and vainly burned.” + +“And to me his duty can be transferred,” replied the stranger. “Yonder +lies, anchored in the bay, the vessel in which Zicci seeks a fairer +home; a little while and the breeze will rise, the sail will swell, and +the stranger will have passed like a wind away. Still, like the wind, he +leaves in thy heart the seeds that may bear the blossom and the fruit. +Zicci hath performed his task--he is wanted no more; the perfecter of +his work is at thy side. He comes--I hear the dash of the oar. You will +have your choice submitted to you. According as you decide, we shall +meet again.” With these words the stranger moved slowly away, and +disappeared beneath the shadow of the cliffs. A boat glided rapidly +across the waters; it touched land, a man leapt on shore, and Glyndon +recognized Zicci. + +“I give thee, Glyndon, I give thee no more the option of happy love and +serene enjoyment. That hour is past, and fate has linked the hand that +might have been thine own to mine. But I have ample gifts to bestow +upon thee if thou wilt abandon the hope that gnaws thy heart, and the +realization of which even I have not the power to foresee. Be thine +ambition human, and I can gratify it to the full. Men desire four things +in life,--love, wealth, fame, power. The first I cannot give thee,--no +matter why; the rest are at my disposal. Select which of them thou wilt, +and let us part in peace.” + +“Such are not the gifts I covet: I choose knowledge, which indeed, as +the schoolman said, is power, and the loftiest; that knowledge must +be thine own. For this, and for this alone, I surrendered the love of +Isabel; this, and this alone, must be any recompense.” + +“I cannot gainsay thee, though I can warn. The desire to learn does not +always contain the faculty to acquire. I can give thee, it is true, the +teacher; the rest must depend on thee. Be wise in time, and take that +which I can assure to thee.” + +“Answer me but these questions, and according to your answer I will +decide. Is it in the power of man to attain intercourse with the beings +of other worlds? Is it in the power of man to read the past and the +future, and to insure life against the sword and against disease?” + +“All this may be possible,” answered Zicci evasively, “to the few. But +for one who attains such secrets, millions may perish in the attempt.” + +“One question more. Thou--” + +“Beware! Of myself, as I have said before, I render no account.” + +“Well, then, the stranger I have met this night--are his boasts to be +believed? Is he in truth one of the chosen seers whom you allow to have +mastered the mysteries I yearn to fathom?” + +“Rash man,” said Zicci, in a tone of compassion, “thy crisis is past, +and thy choice made. I can only bid thee be bold and prosper. Yes, I +resign thee to a master who has the power and the will to open to thee +the gates of the awful world. Thy weal or woe are as nought in the eyes +of his relentless wisdom. I would bid him spare thee, but he will heed +me not. Mejnour, receive thy pupil!” Glyndon turned, and his heart beat +when he perceived that the stranger, whose footsteps he had not heard on +the pebbles, whose approach he had not beheld in the moonlight, was once +more by his side. + +Glyndon’s eyes followed the receding form of the mysterious Corsican. +He saw him enter the boat, and he then for the first time noticed that +besides the rowers there was a female, who stood up as Zicci gained +the boat. Even at this distance he recognized the once-adored form of +Isabel. She waved her hand to him, and across the still and shining air +came her voice, mournfully and sweetly in her native tongue, “Farewell, +Clarence--farewell, farewell.” + +He strove to answer, but the voice touched a chord at his heart, and the +words failed him. Isabel was then lost forever,--gone with this dread +stranger,--darkness was round her lot. And he himself had decided +her fate and his own! The boat bounded on, the soft waves flashed +and sparkled beneath the oars, and it was along one sapphire track +of moonlight that the frail vessel bore away the lovers. Farther and +farther from his gaze sped the boat, till at last the speck, scarcely +visible, touched the side of the ship that lay lifeless in the glorious +bay. At that instant, as if by magic, up sprang with a glad murmur the +playful and refreshing wind. And Glyndon turned to Mejnour, and broke +the silence. + +“Tell me,--if thou canst read the future,--tell me that her lot will be +fair, and that her choice at least is wise.” + +“My pupil,” answered Mejnour, in a voice the calmness of which well +accorded with the chilling words, “thy first task must be to withdraw +all thought, feeling, sympathy from others. The elementary stage of +knowledge is to make self, and self alone, thy study and thy world. +Thou hast decided thine own career; thou hast renounced love; thou hast +rejected wealth, fame, and the vulgar pomps of power. What, then, +are all mankind to thee? To perfect thy faculties and concentrate thy +emotions is henceforth thy only aim.” + +“And will happiness be the end?” + +“If happiness exist,” answered Mejnour, “it must be centred in A Self to +which all passion is unknown. But happiness is the last state of being, +and as yet thou art on the threshold of the first!” + +As Mejnour spoke, the distant vessel spread its sails to the wind, +and moved slowly along the deep. Glyndon sighed, and the pupil and the +master retraced their steps towards the city. + + + + +BOOK II. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +It was about a month after the date of Zicci’s departure and Glyndon’s +introduction to Mejnour, when two Englishmen were walking arm-in-arm +through the Toledo. + +“I tell you,” said one (who spoke warmly), “that if you have a particle +of common-sense left in you, you will accompany me to England. This +Mejnour is an impostor more dangerous--because more in earnest--than +Zicci. After all, what do his promises amount to? You allow that nothing +can be more equivocal. You say that he has left Naples, that he has +selected a retreat more genial than the crowded thoroughfares of men to +the studies in which he is to initiate you; and this retreat is among +the haunts of the fiercest bandits of Italy,--haunts which Justice +itself dare not penetrate; fitting hermitage for a sage! I tremble for +you. What if this stranger, of whom nothing is known, be leagued with +the robbers; and these lures for your credulity bait but the traps +for your property,--perhaps your life? You might come off cheaply by +a ransom of half your fortune; you smile indignantly well! put +common-sense out of the question; take your own view of the matter. +You are to undergo an ordeal which Mejnour himself does not profess to +describe as a very tempting one. It may, or it may not, succeed; if it +does not, you are menaced with the darkest evils; and if it does, you +cannot be better off than the dull and joyless mystic whom you have +taken for a master. Away with this folly! Enjoy youth while it is left +to you. Return with me to England; forget these dreams. Enter your +proper career; form affections more respectable than those which +lured you a while to an Italian adventuress, and become a happy and +distinguished man. This is the advice of sober friendship; yet the +promises I hold out to you are fairer than those of Mejnour.” + +“Merton,” said Glyndon, doggedly, “I cannot, if I would, yield to +your wishes. A power that is above me urges me on; I cannot resist its +fascination. I will proceed to the last in the strange career I have +commenced. Think of me no more. Follow yourself the advice you give to +me, and be happy.” + +“This is madness,” said Merton, passionately, but with a tear in his +eye; “your health is already failing; you are so changed I should +scarcely know you: come, I have already had your name entered in my +passport; in another hour I shall be gone, and you, boy that you are, +will be left without a friend to the deceits of your own fancy and the +machinations of this relentless mountebank.” + +“Enough,” said Glyndon, coldly; “you cease to be an effective counsellor +when you suffer your prejudices to be thus evident. I have already had +ample proof,” added the Englishman, and his pale cheek grew more pale, +“of the power of this man,--if man he be, which I sometimes doubt; and, +come life, come death, I will not shrink from the paths that allure me. +Farewell, Merton: if we never meet again; if you hear amidst our old +and cheerful haunts that Clarence Glyndon sleeps the last sleep by the +shores of Naples, or amidst the Calabrian hills,--say to the friends of +our youth, ‘He died worthily, as thousands of martyr-students have died +before him, in the pursuit of knowledge.’” + +He wrung Merton’s hand as he spoke, darted from his side, and +disappeared amidst the crowd. + +That day Merton left Naples; the next morning Glyndon also quitted the +City of Delight, alone and on horseback. He bent his way into those +picturesque but dangerous parts of the country which at that time were +infested by banditti, and which few travellers dared to pass, even in +broad daylight, without a strong escort. A road more lonely cannot well +be conceived than that on which the hoofs of his steed, striking upon +the fragments of rock that encumbered the neglected way, woke a dull +and melancholy echo. Large tracts of waste land, varied by the rank and +profuse foliage of the South, lay before him; occasionally a wild goat +peeped down from some rocky crag, or the discordant cry of a bird of +prey, startled in its sombre haunt, was heard above the hills. These +were the only signs of life; not a human being was met, not a hut was +visible. Wrapped in his own ardent and solemn thoughts, the young man +continued his way, till the sun had spent its noonday heat, and a breeze +that announced the approach of eve sprung up from the unseen ocean +that lay far distant to his sight. It was then that a turn in the road +brought before him one of those long, desolate, gloomy villages which +are found in the interior of the Neapolitan dominions; and now he came +upon a small chapel on one side of the road, with a gaudily painted +image of the Virgin in the open shrine. Around this spot, which in the +heart of a Christian land retained the vestige of the old idolatry (for +just such were the chapels that in the Pagan age were dedicated to the +demon-saints of mythology), gathered six or seven miserable and squalid +wretches, whom the Curse of the Leper had cut off from mankind. They +set up a shrill cry as they turned their ghastly visages towards the +horseman; and, without stirring from the spot, stretched out their gaunt +arms, and implored charity in the name of the Merciful Mother. Glyndon +hastily threw them some small coins, and, turning away his face, clapped +spurs to his horse, and relaxed not his speed till he entered the +village. On either side the narrow and miry street, fierce and haggard +forms--some leaning against the ruined walls of blackened huts, some +seated at the threshold, some lying at full length in the mud--presented +groups that at once invoked pity and aroused alarm; pity for their +squalor,--alarm for the ferocity imprinted on their savage aspects. They +gazed at him, grim and sullen, as he rode slowly up the rugged street; +sometimes whispering significantly to each other, but without attempting +to stop his way. Even the children hushed their babble, and ragged +urchins, devouring him with sparkling eyes, muttered to their mothers, +“We shall feast well to-morrow!” It was, indeed, one of those hamlets +in which Law sets not its sober step, in which Violence and Murder house +secure,--hamlets common then in the wilder parts of Italy, in which the +peasant was but the gentler name for the robber. + +Glyndon’s heart somewhat failed him as he looked around, and the +question he desired to ask died upon his lips. At length, from one of +the dismal cabins emerged a form superior to the rest. Instead of the +patched and ragged overall which made the only garment of the men he +had hitherto seen, the dress of this person was characterized by all the +trappings of Calabrian bravery. Upon his raven hair, the glossy curls +of which made a notable contrast to the matted and elfin locks of the +savages around, was placed a cloth cap with a gold tassel that hung +down to his shoulder; his mustaches were trimmed with care, and a silk +kerchief of gay lines was twisted round a well-shaped but sinewy throat; +a short jacket of rough cloth was decorated with several rows of gilt +filagree buttons; his nether garments fitted tight to his limbs, and +were curiously braided; while in a broad, party-colored sash were placed +four silver-hilted pistols; and the sheathed knife, usually worn by +Italians of the lower order, was mounted in ivory elaborately carved. A +small carbine of handsome workmanship was slung across his shoulder, and +completed his costume. The man himself was of middle size, athletic, yet +slender; with straight and regular features,--sunburnt, but not swarthy; +and an expression of countenance which, though reckless and bold, had in +it frankness rather than ferocity, and, if defying, was not altogether +unprepossessing. + +Glyndon, after eyeing this figure for some moments with great attention, +checked his rein, and asked in the provincial patois, with which he was +tolerably familiar, the way to the “Castle of the Mountain.” + +The man lifted his cap as he heard the question, and, approaching +Glyndon, laid his hand upon the neck of the horse, and said in a low +voice, “Then you are the cavalier whom our patron the signor expected. +He bade me wait for you here, and lead you to the castle. And indeed, +signor, it might have been unfortunate if I had neglected to obey +the command.” The man then, drawing a little aside, called out to the +bystanders in a loud voice, “Ho, ho, my friends, pay henceforth and +forever all respect to this worshipful cavalier. He is the accepted +guest of our blessed patron of the Castle of the Mountain. Long life to +him! May he, like his host, be safe by day and by night, in the hill and +on the waste, against the dagger and the bullet, in limb and in life! +Cursed be he who touches a hair of his head, or a baioccho in his pouch. +Now and forever we will protect and honor him; for the law or against +the law; with the faith, and to the death. Amen. Amen!” + +“Amen!” responded in wild chorus a hundred voices, and the scattered +and straggling groups pressed up the street, nearer and nearer to the +horseman. + +“And that he may be known,” continued the Englishman’s strange +protector, “to the eye and to the ear, I place around him the white +sash, and I give him the sacred watchword,--‘Peace to the Brave.’ +Signor, when you wear this sash, the proudest in these parts will bare +the head and bend the knee. Signor, when you utter this watchword, the +bravest hearts will be bound to your bidding. Desire you safety, or ask +you revenge; to gain a beauty, or to lose a foe, speak but the word, +and we are yours, we are yours! Is it not so, comrades?” And again the +hoarse voices shouted, “Amen, amen!” + +“Now, signor,” whispered the bravo, in good Italian, “if you have a few +coins to spare, scatter them amongst the crowd, and let us be gone.” + +Glyndon, not displeased at the concluding sentence, emptied his purse +in the street; and while, with mingled oaths, blessings, shrieks, and +yells, men, women, and children scrambled for the money, the bravo, +taking the rein of the horse, led it a few paces through the village at +a brisk trot, and then turning up a narrow lane to the left, in a few +minutes neither houses nor men were visible, and the mountains closed +their path on either side. It was then that, releasing the bridle and +slackening his pace, the guide turned his dark eyes on Glyndon with an +arch expression, and said,-- + +“Your Excellency was not, perhaps, prepared for the hearty welcome we +have given you.” + +“Why, in truth, I ought to have been prepared for it, since my friend, +to whose house I am bound, did not disguise from me the character of the +neighborhood. And your name, my friend, if I may call you so?” + +“Oh, no ceremonies with me, Excellency. In the village I am generally +called Maestro Paulo. I had a surname once, though a very equivocal one; +and I have forgotten that since I retired from the world.” + +“And was it from disgust, from poverty, or from some some ebullition +of passion which entailed punishment, that you betook yourself to the +mountains?” + +“Why, signor,” said the bravo, with a gay laugh, “hermits of my class +seldom love the confessional. However, I have no secrets while my step +is in these defiles, my whistle in my pouch, and my carbine at my back.” + With that the robber, as if he loved permission to talk at his will, +hemmed thrice, and began with much humor; though, as his tale proceeded, +the memories it roused seemed to carry him further than he at first +intended, and reckless and light-hearted ease gave way to that fierce +and varied play of countenance and passion of gesture which characterize +the emotions of his countrymen. + +“I was born at Terracina,--a fair spot, is it not? My father was a +learned monk, of high birth; my mother--Heaven rest her!--an innkeeper’s +pretty daughter. Of course there was no marriage in the case; and when +I was born, the monk gravely declared my appearance to be miraculous. I +was dedicated from my cradle to the altar; and my head was universally +declared to be the orthodox shape for a cowl. As I grew up, the monk +took great pains with my education, and I learned Latin and psalmody as +soon as less miraculous infants learn crowing. Nor did the holy man’s +care stint itself to my interior accomplishments. Although vowed to +poverty, he always contrived that my mother should have her pockets +full; and between her pockets and mine there was soon established a +clandestine communication; accordingly, at fourteen, I wore my cap +on one side, stuck pistols in my belt, and assumed the swagger of a +cavalier and a gallant. At that age my poor mother died; and about the +same period, my father, having written a ‘History of the Pontifical +Bulls,’ in forty volumes, and being, as I said, of high birth, obtained +a cardinal’s hat. From that time he thought fit to disown your humble +servant. He bound me over to an honest notary at Naples, and gave me two +hundred crowns by way of provision. Well, signor, I saw enough of the +law to convince me that I should never be rogue enough to shine in +the profession. So instead of spoiling parchment, I made love to the +notary’s daughter. My master discovered our innocent amusement, and +turned me out of doors,--that was disagreeable. But my Ninetta loved +me, and took care that I should not lie out in the streets with the +lazzaroni. Little jade, I think I see her now, with her bare feet, +and her finger to her lips, opening the door in the summer nights, +and bidding me creep softly into the kitchen, where--praised be the +saints!--a flask and a manchet always awaited the hungry amoroso. At +last, however, Ninetta grew cold. It is the way of the sex, signor. +Her father found her an excellent marriage in the person of a withered +picture-dealer. She took the spouse, and very properly clapped the door +in the face of the lover. I was not disheartened, Excellency; no, not +I. Women are plentiful while we are young. So, without a ducat in my +pocket, or a crust for my teeth, I set out to seek my fortune on board +of a Spanish merchantman. That was duller work than I expected: but +luckily we were attacked by a pirate; half the crew were butchered, the +rest captured. I was one of the last,--always in luck, you see, signor, +monks’ sons have a knack that way! The captain of the pirate took a +fancy to me. ‘Serve with us,’ said he. ‘Too happy,’ said I. Behold me +then a pirate. Oh jolly life! how I blest the old notary for turning +me out of doors! What feasting! what fighting! what wooing! what +quarreling! Sometimes we ran ashore and enjoyed ourselves like princes; +sometimes we lay in a calm for days together, on the loveliest sea that +man ever traversed. And then, if the breeze rose, and a sail came +in sight, who so merry as we? I passed three years in that charming +profession, and then, signor, I grew ambitious. I caballed against the +captain; I wanted his post. One still night we struck the blow. The ship +was like a log in the sea,--no land to be seen from the mast-head, the +waves like glass, and the moon at its full. Up we rose,--thirty of +us and more. Up we rose with a shout; we poured into the captain’s +cabin,--I at the head. The brave old boy had caught the alarm, and there +he stood at the doorway, a pistol in each hand; and his one eye (he had +only one) worse to meet than the pistols were. + +“‘Yield,’ cried I, ‘your life shall be safe.’ + +“‘Take that,’ said he, and whiz went the pistol; but the saints took +care of their own, and the ball passed by my cheek, and shot the +boatswain behind me. I closed with the captain, and the other pistol +went off without mischief in the struggle; such a fellow he was, six +feet four without his shoes! Over we went, rolling each on the other. +Santa Maria!--no time to get hold of one’s knife. Meanwhile, all the +crew were up, some for the captain, some for me; clashing and firing, +and swearing and groaning, and now and then a heavy splash in the sea! +Fine supper for the sharks that night! At last old Bilboa got uppermost: +out flashed his knife; down it came, but not in my heart. No! I gave my +left arm as a shield, and the blade went through and through up to the +hilt, with the blood spurting up like the rain from a whale’s nostril. +With the weight of the blow the stout fellow came down, so that his face +touched mine; with my right hand I caught him by the throat, turned him +over like a lamb, signor, and faith it was soon all up with him; the +boatswain’s brother, a fat Dutchman, ran him through with a pike. + +“‘Old fellow,’ said I, as he turned up his terrible eye to me, ‘I bear +you no malice, but we must try to get on in the world, you know.’ The +captain grinned and gave up the ghost. I went upon deck; what a sight! +Twenty bold fellows stark and cold, and the moon sparkling on the +puddles of blood as calmly as if it were water. Well, signor, the +victory was ours, and the ship mine; I ruled merrily enough for six +months. We then attacked a French ship twice our size; what sport it +was! And we had not had a good fight so long we were quite like virgins +at it! We got the best of it, and won ship and cargo. They wanted to +pistol the captain: but that was against my laws; so we gagged him, for +he scolded as loud as if we were married to him; left him and the +rest of his crew on board our own vessel, which was terribly battered: +clapped our black flag on the Frenchman’s, and set off merrily, with a +brisk wind in our favor. But luck deserted us on forsaking our own dear +old ship. A storm came on; a plank struck; several of us escaped in the +boats; we had lots of gold with us, but no water. For two days and two +nights we suffered horribly: but at last we ran ashore near a French +seaport; our sorry plight moved compassion, and as we had money we were +not suspected; people only suspect the poor. Here we soon recovered +our fatigues, rigged ourselves out gayly, and your humble servant was +considered as noble a captain as ever walked deck. But now, alas, my +fate would have it that I should fall in love with a silk-mercer’s +daughter. Ah! how I loved her,--the pretty Clara! Yes, I loved her +so well, that I was seized with horror at my past life; I resolved to +repent, to marry her, and settle down into an honest man. Accordingly, I +summoned my messmates, told them my resolution, resigned my command, +and persuaded them to depart. They were good fellows; engaged with a +Dutchman, against whom I heard afterwards they made a successful mutiny, +but I never saw them more. I had two thousand crowns still left; with +this sum I obtained the consent of the silk-mercer, and it was agreed +that I should become a partner in the firm. I need not say that no +one suspected I had been so great a man, and I passed for a Neapolitan +goldsmith’s son instead of a cardinal’s. I was very happy then, signor, +very,--I could not have harmed a fly. Had I married Clara I had been as +gentle a mercer as ever handled a measure.” + +The bravo paused a moment, and it was easy to see that he felt more than +his words and tone betokened. “Well, well, we must not look back at the +Past too earnestly,--the sun light upon it makes one’s eyes water. The +day was fixed for our wedding, it approached; on the evening before the +appointed day, Clara, her mother, her little sister, and myself were +walking by the port, and as we looked on the sea I was telling them +old gossip tales of mermaids and sea-serpents,--when a red-faced +bottle-nosed Frenchman clapped himself right before me, and placing his +spectacles very deliberately astride his proboscis, echoed out, ‘Sacre, +mille tonnerres! This is the damned pirate that boarded the “Niobe”!’” + +“None of your jests,’ said I, mildly. ‘Ho, ho,’ said he. ‘I can’t be +mistaken. Help there,’ and he gripped me by the collar. I replied, as +you may suppose, by laying him in the kennel; but it would not do. The +French captain had a French lieutenant at his back, whose memory was as +good as his master’s. A crowd assembled; other sailors came up; the +odds were against me. I slept that night in prison; and, in a few weeks +afterwards, I was sent to the galleys. They had spared my life because +the old Frenchman politely averred that I had made my crew spare his. +You may believe that the oar and the chain were not to my taste. I, and +two others, escaped; they took to the road, and have, no doubt, been +long since broken on the wheel. I, soft soul, would not commit another +crime to gain my bread, for Clara was still at my heart with her soft +eyes; so, limiting my rogueries to the theft of a beggar’s rags, which I +compensated him by leaving my galley attire instead, I begged my way +to the town where I left Clara. It was a clear winter’s day when I +approached the outskirts of the town. I had no fear of detection, for my +beard and hair were as good as a mask. Oh, Mother of Mercy! there came +across my way a funeral procession! There, now, you know it. I can tell +you no more. She had died, perhaps of love, more likely of shame. Do you +know how I spent that night? I will tell you; I stole a pickaxe from a +mason’s shed, and, all alone and unseen, under the frosty heavens I dug +the fresh mould from the grave; I lifted the coffin; I wrenched the lid, +I saw her again--again. Decay had not touched her. She was always pale +in her life! I could have sworn she lived! It was a blessed thing to see +her once more,--and all alone too! But then at dawn, to give her back +to the earth,--to close the lid, to throw down the mould, to hear the +pebbles rattle on the coffin,--that was dreadful! Signor, I never knew +before, and I don’t wish to think now, how valuable a thing human life +is. At sunrise I was again a wanderer; but now that Clara was gone my +scruples vanished, and again I was at war with my betters. I contrived, +at last, at O--, to get taken on board a vessel bound to Leghorn, +working out my passage. From Leghorn I went to Rome, and stationed +myself at the door of the cardinal’s palace. Out he came,--his gilded +coach at the gate. “‘Ho, father,’ said I, ‘don’t you know me?’ + +“‘Who are you?’ + +“‘Your son,’ said I, in a whisper. + +“The cardinal drew back, looked at me earnestly, and mused a moment. +‘All men are my sons,’ quoth he then, very mildly; ‘there is gold for +thee. To him who begs once, alms are due; to him who begs twice, jails +are open. Take the hint and molest me no more. Heaven bless thee!’ With +that he got into his coach and drove off to the Vatican. His purse, +which he had left behind, was well supplied. I was grateful and +contented, and took my way to Terracina. I had not long passed the +marshes, when I saw two horsemen approach at a canter. + +“‘You look poor, friend,’ said one of them, halting; ‘yet you are +strong.’ + +“‘Poor men and strong are both serviceable and dangerous, Signor +Cavalier.’ + +“‘Well said! follow us.’ + +“I obeyed and became a bandit. I rose by degrees; and as I have always +been mild in my calling, and have taken purses without cutting throats, +bear an excellent character, and can eat my macaroni at Naples without +any danger to life and limbs. For the last two years I have settled in +these parts, where I hold sway, and where I have purchased land. I am +called a farmer, signor; and I myself now only rob for amusement, and to +keep my hand in. I trust I have satisfied your curiosity. We are within +a hundred yards of the castle.” + +“And how,” asked the Englishman, whose interest had been much excited +by his companion’s narrative, “and how came you acquainted with my host? +and by what means has he so well conciliated the goodwill of yourself +and your friends?” + +Maestro Paulo turned his black eyes gravely towards his questioner. +“Why, signor,” said he, “you must surely know more of the foreign +cavalier with the hard name than I do. All I can say is, that about +a fortnight ago I chanced to be standing by a booth in the Toledo at +Naples, when a sober-looking gentleman touched me by the arm, and said, +‘Maestro Paulo, I want to make your acquaintance; do me the favor to +come into yonder tavern.’ When we were seated, my new acquaintance thus +accosted me: ‘The Count d’ O--has offered to let me hire his old castle +near B----. You know the spot?’ + +“‘Extremely well; no one has inhabited it for a century at least; it +is half in ruins, signor. A queer place to hire; I hope the rent is not +heavy.’ + +“‘Maestro Paulo,’ said he, ‘I am a philosopher, and don’t care for +luxuries. I want a quiet retreat for some scientific experiments. +The castle will suit me very well, provided you will accept me as a +neighbor, and place me and my friends under your special protection. I +am rich; but I shall take nothing to the castle worth robbing. I will +pay one rent to the count, and another to you.’ + +“With that we soon came to terms, and as the strange signor doubled the +sum I myself proposed, he is in high favor with all his neighbors. We +would guard the old castle against an army. And now, signor, that I have +been thus frank, be frank with me. Who is this singular cavalier?” + +“Who?--he himself told you, a philosopher.” + +“Hem! Searching for the philosopher’s stone, eh? A bit of a magician; +afraid of the priests?” + +“Precisely. You have hit it.” + +“I thought so; and you are his pupil?” + +“I am.” + +“I wish you well through it,” said the robber, seriously, and crossing +himself with much devotion; “I am not much better than other people, +but one’s soul is one’s soul. I do not mind a little honest robbery, or +knocking a man on the head if need be,--but to make a bargain with the +devil!--Ah! take care, young gentleman, take care.” + +“You need not fear,” said Glyndon, smiling; “my preceptor is too wise +and too good for such a compact. But here we are, I suppose. A noble +ruin! A glorious prospect!” + +Glyndon paused delightedly, and surveyed the scene before and below +with the eye of a poet and a painter. Insensibly, while listening to +the bandit, he had wound up a considerable ascent, and now he was upon +a broad ledge of rock covered with mosses and dwarf shrubs. Between this +eminence and another of equal height, upon which the castle was built, +there was a deep but narrow fissure, overgrown with the most profuse +foliage, so that the eye could not penetrate many yards below the rugged +surface of the abyss; but the profoundness might well be conjectured by +the hoarse, low, monotonous sound of waters unseen that rolled below, +and the subsequent course of which was visible at a distance in a +perturbed and rapid stream that intersected the waste and desolate +valleys. To the left, the prospect seemed almost boundless; the extreme +clearness of the purple air serving to render distinct the features of +a range of country that a conqueror of old might have deemed in itself +a kingdom. Lonely and desolate as the road which Glyndon had passed that +day had appeared, the landscape now seemed studded with castles, spires, +and villages. Afar off, Naples gleamed whitely in the last rays of the +sun, and the rose-tints of the horizon melted into the azure of her +glorious bay. Yet more remote, and in another part of the prospect, +might be caught, dim and shadowy, and backed by the darkest foliage, +the ruined village of the ancient Possidonia. There, in the midst of his +blackened and sterile realms, rose the dismal Mount of Fire; while, on +the other hand, winding through variegated plains, to which distance +lent all its magic, glittered many a stream, by which Etruscan and +Sybarite, Roman and Saracen and Norman, had, at intervals of ages, +pitched the invading tent. All the visions of the past the stormy and +dazzling histories of Southern Italy--rushed over the artist’s mind as +he gazed below. And then, slowly turning to look behind, he saw the gray +and mouldering walls of the castle in which he sought the secrets that +were to give to hope in the Future a mightier empire than memory owns in +the Past. It was one of those baronial fortresses with which Italy was +studded in the earlier middle ages, having but little of the Gothic +grace of grandeur which belongs to the ecclesiastical architecture of +the same time; but rude, vast, and menacing even in decay. A wooden +bridge was thrown over the chasm, wide enough to admit two horsemen +abreast; and the planks trembled and gave back a hollow sound as Glyndon +urged his jaded steed across. + +A road that had once been broad, and paved with rough flags, but which +now was half obliterated by long grass and rank weeds, conducted to the +outer court of the castle hard by; the gates were open, and half the +building in this part was dismantled, the ruins partially hid by ivy +that was the growth of centuries. But on entering the inner court, +Glyndon was not sorry to notice that there was less appearance of +neglect and decay: some wild roses gave a smile to the gray walls; and +in the centre there was a fountain, in which the waters still trickled +coolly, and with a pleasing murmur, from the jaws of a gigantic triton. +Here he was met by Mejnour with a smile. + +“Welcome, my friend and pupil,” said he; “he who seeks for Truth can +find in these solitudes an immortal Academe.” + + + + +CHAPTER. II. + +The attendants which Mejnour had engaged for his strange abode were such +as might suit a philosopher of few wants. An old Armenian, whom Glyndon +recognized as in the mystic’s service at Naples; a tall, hard-featured +woman from the village, recommended by Maestro Paulo; and two +long-haired, smooth-spoken, but fierce-visaged youths, from the +same place, and honored by the same sponsorship,--constituted +the establishment. The rooms used by the sage were commodious and +weather-proof, with some remains of ancient splendor in the faded +arras that clothed the walls and the huge tables of costly marble and +elaborate carving. Glyndon’s sleeping apartment communicated with a kind +of belvidere or terrace that commanded prospects of unrivalled beauty +and extent, and was separated, on the other side, by a long gallery +and a flight of ten or a dozen stairs, from the private chambers of +the mystic. There was about the whole place a sombre, and yet not +displeasing, depth of repose. It suited well with the studies to which +it was now to be appropriated. + +For several days Mejnour refused to confer with Glyndon on the subjects +nearest to his heart. + +“All without,” said he, “is prepared, but not all within. Your own +soul must grow accustomed to the spot, and filled with the surrounding +Nature; for Nature is the source of all inspiration.” + +With these words, which savored a little of jargon, Mejnour turned to +lighter topics. He made the Englishman accompany him in long rambles +through the wild scenes around, and he smiled approvingly when the young +artist gave way to the enthusiasm which their fearful beauty could not +have failed to rouse in a duller breast; and then Mejnour poured +forth to his wondering pupil the stores of a knowledge that seemed +inexhaustible and boundless. He gave accounts the most curious, graphic, +and minute, of the various races--their characters, habits, creeds, and +manners--by which that fair land had been successively overrun. It +is true that his descriptions could not be found in books, and were +unsupported by learned authorities; but he possessed the true charm +of the tale-teller, and spoke of all with the animated confidence of +a personal witness. Sometimes, too, he would converse upon the more +durable and the loftier mysteries of Nature with an eloquence and a +research which invested them with all the colors rather of poetry than +science. Insensibly the young artist found himself elevated and soothed +by the lore of his companion; the fever of his wild desires was slaked. +His mind became more and more lulled into the divine tranquillity of +contemplation; he felt himself a nobler being; and in the silence of his +senses he imagined that he heard the voice of his soul. + +It was to this state that Mejnour sought to bring the Neophyte, and in +this elementary initiation the mystic was like every more ordinary sage. +For he who seeks to discover must first reduce himself into a kind of +abstract idealism, and be rendered up; in solemn and sweet bondage, to +the faculties which contemplate and imagine. + +Glyndon noticed that, in their rambles, Mejnour often paused where the +foliage was rifest, to gather some herb or flower; and this reminded him +that he had seen Zicci similarly occupied. “Can these humble children of +Nature,” said he one day to Mejnour, “things that bloom and wither in +a day, be serviceable to the science of the higher secrets? Is there a +pharmacy for the soul as well as the body, and do the nurslings of the +summer minister not only to human health but spiritual immortality?” + +“If,” answered Mejnour, “before one property of herbalism was known +to them, a stranger had visited a wandering tribe,--if he had told the +savages that the herbs, which every day they trampled underfoot, were +endowed with the most potent virtues; that one would restore to health +a brother on the verge of death; that another would paralyze into idiocy +their wisest sage; that a third would strike lifeless to the dust their +most stalwart champion; that tears and laughter, vigor and disease, +madness and reason, wakefulness and sleep, existence and dissolution, +were coiled up in those unregarded leaves,--would they not have held him +a sorcerer or a liar? To half the virtues of the vegetable world mankind +are yet in the darkness of the savages I have supposed. There are +faculties within us with which certain herbs have affinity, and over +which they have power. The moly of the ancients was not all a fable.” + +One evening, Glyndon had lingered alone and late upon the +ramparts,--watching the stars as, one by one, they broke upon the +twilight. Never had he felt so sensibly the mighty power of the heavens +and the earth upon man! how much the springs of our intellectual being +are moved and acted upon by the solemn influences of Nature! As a +patient on whom, slowly and by degrees, the agencies of mesmerism are +brought to bear, he acknowledged to his heart the growing force of that +vast and universal magnetism which is the life of creation, and binds +the atom to the whole. A strange and ineffable consciousness of power, +of the something great within the perishable clay, appealed to feelings +at once dim and glorious,--rather faintly recognized than all unknown. +An impulse that he could not resist led him to seek the mystic. He would +demand, that hour, his initiation into the worlds beyond our world; he +was prepared to breathe a diviner air. He entered the castle, and strode +through the shadowy and star-lit gallery which conducted to Mejnour’s +apartment. + + +THE END. (1) + + +(1) [So far as Zicci was ever finished.] + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Zicci, Complete, by Edward Bulwer-Lytton + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ZICCI, COMPLETE *** + +***** This file should be named 7608-0.txt or 7608-0.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/7/6/0/7608/ + +Produced by Pat Castevens and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/7608-0.zip b/7608-0.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..35433a2 --- /dev/null +++ b/7608-0.zip diff --git a/7608-h.zip b/7608-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f725ccb --- /dev/null +++ b/7608-h.zip diff --git a/7608-h/7608-h.htm b/7608-h/7608-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b0ff5c1 --- /dev/null +++ b/7608-h/7608-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4801 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Zicci, by Lord Lytton + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Zicci, Complete, by Edward Bulwer-Lytton + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Zicci, Complete + +Author: Edward Bulwer-Lytton + +Release Date: October 29, 2006 [EBook #7608] +Last Updated: August 28, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ZICCI, COMPLETE *** + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1> + ZICCI + </h1> + <h2> + A Tale + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Edward Bulwer-Lytton + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>BOOK I.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER, XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> <b>BOOK II.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER. II. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h1> + BOOK I. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + In the gardens at Naples, one summer evening in the last century, some + four or five gentlemen were seated under a tree drinking their sherbet and + listening, in the intervals of conversation, to the music which enlivened + that gay and favorite resort of an indolent population. One of this little + party was a young Englishman who had been the life of the whole group, but + who for the last few moments had sunk into a gloomy and abstracted revery. + One of his countrymen observed this sudden gloom, and tapping him on the + back, said, “Glyndon, why, what ails you? Are you ill? You have grown + quite pale; you tremble: is it a sudden chill? You had better go home; + these Italian nights are often dangerous to our English constitutions.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am well now,—it was but a passing shudder; I cannot account + for it myself.” + </p> + <p> + A man apparently of about thirty years of age, and of a mien and + countenance strikingly superior to those around him, turned abruptly, and + looked steadfastly at Glyndon. + </p> + <p> + “I think I understand what you mean,” said he,—“and perhaps,” he + added, with a grave smile, “I could explain it better than yourself.” + Here, turning to the others, he added, “You must often have felt, + gentlemen,—each and all of you,—especially when sitting alone + at night, a strange and unaccountable sensation of coldness and awe creep + over you; your blood curdles, and the heart stands still; the limbs + shiver, the hair bristles; you are afraid to look up, to turn your eyes to + the darker corners of the room; you have a horrible fancy that something + unearthly is at hand. Presently the whole spell, if I may so call it, + passes away, and you are ready to laugh at your own weakness. Have you not + often felt what I have thus imperfectly described? If so, you can + understand what our young friend has just experienced, even amidst the + delights of this magical scene, and amidst the balmy whispers of a July + night.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” replied Glyndon, evidently much surprised, “you have defined + exactly the nature of that shudder which came over me. But how could my + manner be so faithful an index to my impressions?” + </p> + <p> + “I know the signs of the visitation,” returned the stranger, gravely; + “they are not to be mistaken by one of my experience.” + </p> + <p> + All the gentlemen present then declared that they could comprehend, and + had felt, what the stranger had described. “According to one of our + national superstitions,” said Merton, the Englishman who had first + addressed Glyndon, “the moment you so feel your blood creep, and your hair + stand on end, some one is walking over the spot which shall be your + grave.” + </p> + <p> + “There are in all lands different superstitions to account for so common + an occurrence,” replied the stranger; “one sect among the Arabians hold + that at that instant God is deciding the hour either of your death or that + of some one dear to you. The African savage, whose imagination is darkened + by the hideous rites of his gloomy idolatry, believes that the Evil Spirit + is pulling you towards him by the hair. So do the Grotesque and the + Terrible mingle with each other.” + </p> + <p> + “It is evidently a mere physical accident,—a derangement of the + stomach; a chill of the blood,” said a young Neapolitan. + </p> + <p> + “Then why is it always coupled, in all nations, with some superstitious + presentiment or terror,—some connection between the material frame + and the supposed world without us?” asked the stranger. “For my part, I + think—” + </p> + <p> + “What do you think, sir?” asked Glyndon, curiously. + </p> + <p> + “I think,” continued the stranger, “that it is the repugnance and horror + of that which is human about us to something indeed invisible, but + antipathetic to our own nature, and from a knowledge of which we are + happily secured by the imperfection of our senses.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a believer in spirits, then?” asked Merton, with an incredulous + smile. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I said not so. I can form no notion of a spirit, as the + metaphysicians do, and certainly have no fear of one; but there may be + forms of matter as invisible and impalpable to us as the animalculae to + which I have compared them. The monster that lives and dies in a drop of + water, carniverous, insatiable, subsisting on the creatures minuter than + himself, is not less deadly in his wrath, less ferocious in his nature, + than the tiger of the desert. There may be things around us malignant and + hostile to men, if Providence had not placed a wall between them and us, + merely by different modifications of matter.” + </p> + <p> + “And could that wall never be removed?” asked young Glyndon, abruptly. + “Are the traditions of sorcerer and wizard, universal and immemorial as + they are, merely fables?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps yes; perhaps no,” answered the stranger, indifferently. “But who, + in an age in which the reason has chosen its proper bounds, would be mad + enough to break the partition that divides him from the boa and the lion, + to repine at and rebel against the law of nature which confines the shark + to the great deep? Enough of these idle speculations.” + </p> + <p> + Here the stranger rose, summoned the attendant, paid for his sherbet, and, + bowing slightly to the company, soon disappeared among the trees. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that gentleman?” asked Glyndon, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + The rest looked at each other, without replying, for some moments. + </p> + <p> + “I never saw him before,” said Merton, at last. + </p> + <p> + “Nor I.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I.” + </p> + <p> + “I have met him often,” said the Neapolitan, who was named Count Cetoxa; + “it was, if you remember, as my companion that he joined you. He has been + some months at Naples; he is very rich,—indeed enormously so. Our + acquaintance commenced in a strange way.” + </p> + <p> + “How was it?” + </p> + <p> + “I had been playing at a public gaming-house, and had lost considerably. I + rose from the table, resolved no longer to tempt Fortune, when this + gentleman, who had hitherto been a spectator, laying his hand on my arm, + said with politeness, ‘Sir, I see you enjoy play,—I dislike it; but + I yet wish to have some interest in what is going on. Will you play this + sum for me? The risk is mine,—the half-profits yours.’ I was + startled, as you may suppose, at such an address; but the stranger had an + air and tone with him it was impossible to resist. Besides, I was burning + to recover my losses, and should not have risen had I had any money left + about me. I told him I would accept his offer, provided we shared the risk + as well as profits. ‘As you will,’ said he, smiling, ‘we need have no + scruple, for you will be sure to win.’ I sat down, the stranger stood + behind me; my luck rose, I invariably won. In fact, I rose from the table + a rich man.” + </p> + <p> + “There can be no foul play at the public tables, especially when foul play + would make against the bank.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” replied the count. “But our good fortune was indeed + marvellous,—so extraordinary that a Sicilian (the Sicilians are all + ill-bred, bad-tempered fellows) grew angry and insolent. ‘Sir,’ said he, + turning to my new friend, ‘you have no business to stand so near to the + table. I do not understand this; you have not acted fairly.’ The spectator + replied, with great composure, that he had done nothing against the rules; + that he was very sorry that one man could not win without another man + losing; and that he could not act unfairly even if disposed to do so. The + Sicilian took the stranger’s mildness for apprehension,—blustered + more loudly, and at length fairly challenged him. ‘I never seek a quarrel, + and I never shun a danger,’ returned my partner; and six or seven of us + adjourned to the garden behind the house. I was of course my partner’s + second. He took me aside. ‘This man will die,’ said he; ‘see that he is + buried privately in the church of St. Januario, by the side of his + father.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Did you know his family?’ I asked with great surprise. He made no + answer, but drew his sword and walked deliberately to the spot we had + selected. The Sicilian was a renowned swordsman; nevertheless, in the + third pass he was run through the body. I went up to him; he could + scarcely speak. ‘Have you any request to make,—any affairs to + settle?’ He shook his head. ‘Where would you wish to be interred?’ He + pointed towards the Sicilian coast. ‘What!’ said I, in surprise, ‘not by + the side of your father?’ As I spoke, his face altered terribly, he + uttered a piercing shriek; the blood gushed from his mouth, and he fell + dead. The most strange part of the story is to come. We buried him in the + church of St. Januario. In doing so, we took up his father’s coffin; the + lid came off in moving it, and the skeleton was visible. In the hollow of + the skull we found a very slender wire of sharp steel; this caused great + surprise and inquiry. The father, who was rich and a miser, had died + suddenly and been buried in haste, owing, it was said, to the heat of the + weather. Suspicion once awakened, the examination became minute. The old + man’s servant was questioned, and at last confessed that the son had + murdered the sire. The contrivance was ingenious; the wire was so slender + that it pierced to the brain and drew but one drop of blood, which the + gray hairs concealed. The accomplice was executed.” + </p> + <p> + “And this stranger, did he give evidence? Did he account for—” + </p> + <p> + “No,” interrupted the count, “he declared that he had by accident visited + the church that morning; that he had observed the tombstone of the Count + Salvolio; that his guide had told him the count’s son was in Naples,—a + spendthrift and a gambler. While we were at play, he had heard the count + mentioned by name at the table; and when the challenge was given and + accepted, it had occured to him to name the place of burial, by an + instinct he could not account for.” + </p> + <p> + “A very lame story,” said Merton. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but we Italians are superstitious. The alleged instinct was regarded + as the whisper of Providence; the stranger became an object of universal + interest and curiosity. His wealth, his manner of living, his + extraordinary personal beauty, have assisted also to make him the rage.” + </p> + <p> + “What is his name?” asked Glyndon. + </p> + <p> + “Zicci. Signor Zicci.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it not an Italian name? He speaks English like a native.” + </p> + <p> + “So he does French and German, as well as Italian, to my knowledge. But he + declares himself a Corsican by birth, though I cannot hear of any eminent + Corsican family of that name. However, what matters his birth or + parentage? He is rich, generous, and the best swordsman I ever saw in my + life. Who would affront him?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, certainly,” said Merton, rising. “Come, Glyndon, shall we seek our + hotel? It is almost daylight. Adieu, signor.” + </p> + <p> + “What think you of this story?” said Glyndon as the young men walked + homeward. + </p> + <p> + “Why, it is very clear that this Zicci is some impostor, some clever + rogue; and the Neapolitan shares booty, and puffs him off with all the + hackneyed charlatanism of the marvellous. An unknown adventurer gets into + society by being made an object of awe and curiosity; he is devilish + handsome; and the women are quite content to receive him without any other + recommendation than his own face and Cetoxa’s fables.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot agree with you. Cetoxa, though a gambler and a rake, is a + nobleman of birth and high repute for courage and honor. Besides, this + stranger, with his grand features and lofty air,—so calm, so + unobtrusive,—has nothing in common with the forward garrulity of an + impostor.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Glyndon, pardon me, but you have not yet acquired any knowledge + of the world; the stranger makes the best of a fine person, and his grand + air is but a trick of the trade. But to change the subject: how gets on + the love affair?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Isabel could not see me to-night. The old woman gave me a note of + excuse.” + </p> + <p> + “You must not marry her; what would they all say at home?” + </p> + <p> + “Let us enjoy the present,” said Glyndon, with vivacity; “we are young, + rich, good-looking: let us not think of to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Bravo, Glyndon! Here we are at the hotel. Sleep sound, and don’t dream of + Signor Zicci.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + Clarence Glyndon was a young man of small but independent fortune. He had, + early in life, evinced considerable promise in the art of painting, and + rather from enthusiasm than the want of a profession, he had resolved to + devote himself to a career which in England has been seldom entered upon + by persons who can live on their own means. Without being a poet, Glyndon + had also manifested a graceful faculty for verse, which had contributed to + win his entry into society above his birth. Spoiled and flattered from his + youth upward, his natural talents were in some measure relaxed by + indolence and that worldly and selfish habit of thought which frivolous + companionship often engenders, and which is withering alike to stern + virtue and high genius. The luxuriance of his fancy was unabated; but the + affections, which are the life of fancy, had grown languid and inactive. + His youth, his vanity, and a restless daring and thirst of adventure had + from time to time involved him in dangers and dilemmas, out of which, of + late, he had always extricated himself with the ingenious felicity of a + clever head and cool heart. He had left England for Rome with the avowed + purpose and sincere resolution of studying the divine masterpieces of art; + but pleasure had soon allured him from ambition, and he quitted the gloomy + palaces of Rome for the gay shores and animated revelries of Naples. Here + he had fallen in love—deeply in love, as he said and thought—with + a young person celebrated at Naples, Isabel di Pisani. She was the only + daughter of an Italian by an English mother. The father had known better + days; in his prosperity he had travelled, and won in England the + affections of a lady of some fortune. He had been induced to speculate; he + lost his all; he settled at Naples, and taught languages and music. His + wife died when Isabel, christened from her mother, was ten years old. At + sixteen she came out on the stage; two years afterwards her father + departed this life, and Isabel was an orphan. + </p> + <p> + Glyndon, a man of pleasure and a regular attendant at the theatre, had + remarked the young actress behind the scenes; he fell in love with her, + and he told her so. The girl listened to him, perhaps from vanity, perhaps + from ambition, perhaps from coquetry; she listened, and allowed but few + stolen interviews, in which she permitted no favor to the Englishman it + was one reason why he loved her so much. + </p> + <p> + The day following that on which our story opens, Glyndon was riding alone + by the shores of the Neapolitan sea, on the other side of the Cavern of + Pausilippo. It was past noon; the sun had lost its early fervor, and a + cool breeze sprang voluptuously from the sparkling sea. Bending over a + fragment of stone near the roadside, he perceived the form of a man; and + when he approached he recognized Zicci. + </p> + <p> + The Englishman saluted him courteously. “Have you discovered some + antique?” said he, with a smile; “they are as common as pebbles on this + road.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Zicci; “it was but one of those antiques that have their + date, indeed, from the beginning of the world, but which Nature eternally + withers and renews.” So saying, he showed Glyndon a small herb with a pale + blue flower, and then placed it carefully in his bosom. + </p> + <p> + “You are an herbalist?” + </p> + <p> + “I am.” + </p> + <p> + “It is, I am told, a study full of interest.” + </p> + <p> + “To those who understand it, doubtless. But,” continued Zicci, looking up + with a slight and cold smile, “why do you linger on your way to converse + with me on matters in which you neither have knowledge nor desire to + obtain it? I read your heart, young Englishman: your curiosity is excited; + you wish to know me, and not this humble herb. Pass on; your desire never + can be satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + “You have not the politeness of your countrymen,” said Glyndon, somewhat + discomposed. “Suppose I were desirous to cultivate your acquaintance, why + should you reject my advances?” + </p> + <p> + “I reject no man’s advances,” answered Zicci. “I must know them, if they + so desire; but me, in return, they can never comprehend. If you ask my + acquaintance, it is yours; but I would warn you to shun me.” + </p> + <p> + “And why are you then so dangerous?” + </p> + <p> + “Some have found me so; if I were to predict your fortune by the vain + calculations of the astrologer, I should tell you, in their despicable + jargon, that my planet sat darkly in your house of life. Cross me not, if + you can avoid it. I warn you now for the first time and last.” + </p> + <p> + “You despise the astrologers, yet you utter a jargon as mysterious as + theirs. I neither gamble nor quarrel: why then should I fear you?” + </p> + <p> + “As you will; I have done.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me speak frankly: your conversation last night interested and amused + me.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it; minds like yours are attracted by mystery.” + </p> + <p> + Glyndon was piqued at those words, though in the tone in which they were + spoken there was no contempt. + </p> + <p> + “I see you do not consider me worthy of your friendship be it so. Good + day.” + </p> + <p> + Zicci coldly replied to the salutation, and as the Englishman rode on, + returned to his botanical employment. + </p> + <p> + The same night Glyndon went, as usual, to the theatre. He was standing + behind the scenes watching Isabel, who was on the stage in one of her most + brilliant parts. The house resounded with applause. Glyndon was + transported with a young man’s passion and a young man’s pride. “This + glorious creature,” thought he, “may yet be mine.” + </p> + <p> + He felt, while thus rapt in delicious revery, a slight touch upon his + shoulder; he turned, and beheld Zicci. “You are in danger,” said the + latter. “Do not walk home to-night; or if you do, go not alone.” + </p> + <p> + Before Glyndon recovered from his surprise, Zicci disappeared; and when + the Englishman saw him again, he was in the box of one of the Neapolitan + ministers, where Glyndon could not follow him. + </p> + <p> + Isabel now left the stage, and Glyndon accosted her with impassioned + gallantry. The actress was surprisingly beautiful; of fair complexion and + golden hair, her countenance was relieved from the tame and gentle + loveliness which the Italians suppose to be the characteristics of English + beauty, by the contrast of dark eyes and lashes, by a forehead of great + height, to which the dark outline of the eyebrows gave some thing of + majesty and command. In spite of the slightness of virgin youth, her + proportions had the nobleness, blent with the delicacy, that belongs to + the masterpieces of ancient sculpture; and there was a conscious pride in + her step, and in the swanlike bend of her stately head, as she turned with + an evident impatience from the address of her lover. Taking aside an old + woman, who was her constant and confidential attendant at the theatre, she + said, in an earnest whisper,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Gionetta, he is here again! I have seen him again! And again, he + alone of the whole theatre withholds from me his applause. He scarcely + seems to notice me; his indifference mortifies me to the soul,—I + could weep for rage and sorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Which is he, my darling?” said the old woman, with fondness in her voice. + “He must be dull,—not worth thy thoughts.” + </p> + <p> + The actress drew Gionetta nearer to the stage, and pointed out to her a + man in one of the nearer boxes, conspicuous amongst all else by the + simplicity of his dress and the extraordinary beauty of his features. + </p> + <p> + “Not worth a thought, Gionetta,” repeated Isabel,—“not worth a + thought! Saw you ever one so noble, so godlike?” + </p> + <p> + “By the Holy Mother!” answered Gionetta, “he is a proper man, and has the + air of a prince.” + </p> + <p> + The prompter summoned the Signora Pisani. “Find out his name, Gionetta,” + said she, sweeping on to the stage, and passing by Glyndon, who gazed at + her with a look of sorrowful reproach. + </p> + <p> + The scene on which the actress now entered was that of the final + catastrophe, wherein all her remarkable powers of voice and art were + pre-eminently called forth. The house hung on every word with breathless + worship, but the eyes of Isabel sought only those of one calm and unmoved + spectator; she exerted herself as if inspired. The stranger listened, and + observed her with an attentive gaze, but no approval escaped his lips, no + emotion changed the expression of his cold and half-disdainful aspect. + Isabel, who was in the character of a jealous and abandoned mistress, + never felt so acutely the part she played. Her tears were truthful; her + passion that of nature: it was almost too terrible to behold. She was + borne from the stage, exhausted and insensible, amidst such a tempest of + admiring rapture as Continental audiences alone can raise. The crowd stood + up, handkerchiefs waved, garlands and flowers were thrown on the stage, + men wiped their eyes, and women sobbed aloud. + </p> + <p> + “By heavens!” said a Neapolitan of great rank, “she has fired me beyond + endurance. To-night, this very night, she shall be mine! You have arranged + all, Mascari?” + </p> + <p> + “All, signor. And if this young Englishman should accompany her home?” + </p> + <p> + “The presuming barbarian! At all events let him bleed for his folly. I + hear that she admits him to secret interviews. I will have no rival.” + </p> + <p> + “But an Englishman! There is always a search after the bodies of the + English.” + </p> + <p> + “Fool! Is not the sea deep enough, or the earth secret enough, to hide one + dead man? Our ruffians are silent as the grave itself. And I,—who + would dare to suspect, to arraign, the Prince di—? See to it,—let + him be watched, and the fitting occasion taken. I trust him to you,—robbers + murder him; you understand: the country swarms with them. Plunder and + strip him. Take three men; the rest shall be my escort.” + </p> + <p> + Mascari shrugged his shoulders, and bowed submissively. Meanwhile Glyndon + besought Isabel, who recovered but slowly, to return home in his carriage. + (1) She had done so once or twice before, though she had never permitted + him to accompany her. This time she refused, and with some petulance. + Glyndon, offended, was retiring sullenly, when Gionetta stopped him. + “Stay, signor,” said she, coaxingly, “the dear signora is not well: do not + be angry with her; I will make her accept your offer.” + </p> + <p> + Glyndon stayed, and after a few moments spent in expostulation on the part + of Gionetta, and resistance on that of Isabel, the offer was accepted; the + actress, with a mixture of naivete and coquetry, gave her handy to her + lover, who kissed it with delight. Gionetta and her charge entered the + carriage, and Glyndon was left at the door of the theatre, to return home + on foot. The mysterious warning of Zicci then suddenly occurred to him; he + had forgotten it in the interest of his lover’s quarrel with Isabel. He + thought it now advisable to guard against danger foretold by lips so + mysterious; he looked round for some one he knew. The theatre was + disgorging its crowds, who hustled and jostled and pressed upon him; but + he recognized no familiar countenances. While pausing irresolute, he heard + Merton’s voice calling on him, and to his great relief discovered his + friend making his way through the throng. + </p> + <p> + “I have secured you a place in the Count Cetoxa’s carriage,” said he. + “Come along, he is waiting for us.” + </p> + <p> + “How kind in you! How did you find me out?” + </p> + <p> + “I met Zicci in the passage. ‘Your friend is at the door of the theatre,’ + said he; ‘do not let him go home alone to-night the streets of Naples are + not always safe.’ I immediately remembered that some of the Calabrian + bravos had been busy within the city the last few weeks, and asked Cetoxa, + who was with me, to accompany you.” + </p> + <p> + Further explanation was forbidden, for they now joined the count. As + Glyndon entered the carriage and drew up the glass, he saw four men + standing apart by the pavement, who seemed to eye him with attention. + </p> + <p> + “Cospetto!” cried one; “ecco Inglese!” Glyndon imperfectly heard the + exclamation as the carriage drove on. He reached home in safety. + </p> + <p> + “Have you discovered who he is?” asked the actress, as she was now alone + in the carriage with Gionetta. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he is the celebrated Signor Zicci, about whom the court has run mad. + They say he is so rich,—oh, so much richer than any of the Inglese! + But a bird in the hand, my angel, is better than—” + </p> + <p> + “Cease,” interrupted the young actress. “Zicci! Speak of the Englishman no + more.” + </p> + <p> + The carriage was now entering that more lonely and remote part of the city + in which Isabel’s house was situated, when it suddenly stopped. + </p> + <p> + Gionetta, in alarm, thrust her head out of window, and perceived by the + pale light of the moon that the driver, torn from his seat, was already + pinioned in the arms of two men; the next moment the door was opened + violently, and a tall figure, masked and mantled, appeared. + </p> + <p> + “Fear not, fairest Pisani,” said he, gently, “no ill shall befall you.” As + he spoke, he wound his arms round the form of the fair actress, and + endeavored to lift her from the carriage. But the Signora Pisani was not + an ordinary person; she had been before exposed to all the dangers to + which the beauty of the low-born was subjected amongst a lawless and + profligate nobility. She thrust back the assailant with a power that + surprised him, and in the next moment the blade of a dagger gleamed before + his eyes. “Touch me,” said she, drawing herself to the farther end of the + carriage, “and I strike!” + </p> + <p> + The mask drew back. + </p> + <p> + “By the body of Bacchus, a bold spirit!” said he, half laughing and half + alarmed. “Here, Luigi, Giovanni! disarm and seize her. Harm her not.” + </p> + <p> + The mask retired from the door, and another and yet taller form presented + itself. “Be calm, Isabel di Pisani,” said he, in a low voice; “with me you + are indeed safe!” He lifted his mask as he spoke, and showed the noble + features of Zicci. “Be calm, be hushed; I can save you.” He vanished, + leaving Isabel lost in surprise, agitation, and delight. There were in all + nine masks: two were engaged with the driver; one stood at the head of the + carriage-horses; a third guarded the well-trained steeds of the party; + three others, besides Zicci and the one who had first accosted Isabel, + stood apart by a carriage drawn to the side of the road. To these Zicci + motioned: they advanced; he pointed towards the first mask, who was in + fact the Prince di—, and to his unspeakable astonishment the Prince + was suddenly seized from behind. + </p> + <p> + “Treason,” he cried, “treason among my own men! What means this?” + </p> + <p> + “Place him in his carriage. If he resist, shoot him!” said Zicci, calmly. + </p> + <p> + He approached the men who had detained the coachman. “You are outnumbered + and outwitted,” said he. “Join your lord; you are three men,—we six, + armed to the teeth. Thank our mercy that we spare your lives. Go!” + </p> + <p> + The men gave way, dismayed. The driver remounted. “Cut the traces of their + carriage and the bridles of their horses,” said Zicci, as he entered the + vehicle containing Isabel, and which now drove on rapidly, leaving the + discomfited ravisher in a state of rage and stupor impossible to describe. + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to explain this mystery to you,” said Zicci. “I discovered the + plot against you,—no matter how. I frustrated it thus: the head of + this design is a nobleman who has long persecuted you in vain. He and two + of his creatures watched you from the entrance of the theatre, having + directed six others to await him on the spot where you were attacked; + myself and five of my servants supplied their place, and were mistaken for + his own followers. I had previously ridden alone to the spot where the men + were waiting, and informed them that their master would not require their + services that night. They believed me, for I showed them his signet-ring, + and accordingly dispersed; I then joined my own band, whom I had left in + the rear. You know all. We are at your door.” + </p> + <p> + (1) At that time in Naples carriages were both cheaper to hire, and more + necessary for strangers than they are now. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + Zicci was left alone with the young Italian. She had thrown aside her + cloak and head-gear; her hair, somewhat dishevelled, fell down her ivory + neck, which the dress partially displayed; she seemed, as she sat in that + low and humble chamber, a very vision of light and glory. + </p> + <p> + Zicci gazed at her with an admiration mingled with compassion; he muttered + a few words to himself, and then addressed her aloud:— + </p> + <p> + “Isabel di Pisani, I have saved you from a great peril,—not from + dishonor only, but perhaps from death. The Prince di—, under the + weak government of a royal child and a venal administration, is a man + above the law. He is capable of every crime; but amongst his passions he + has such prudence as belongs to ambition: if you were not to reconcile + yourself to your shame, you would never enter the world again to tell your + tale. The ravisher has no heart for repentance, but he has a hand that can + murder. I have saved thee, Isabel di Pisani. Perhaps you would ask me + wherefore?” Zicci paused, and smiled mournfully as he added: “My life is + not that of others, but I am still human,—I know pity; and more, + Isabel, I can feel gratitude for affection. You love me; it was my fate to + fascinate your eye, to arouse your vanity, to inflame your imagination. It + was to warn you from this folly that I consented for a few minutes to + become your guest. The Englishman, Glyndon, loves thee well,—better + than I can ever love; he may wed thee, he may bear thee to his own free + and happy land,—the land of thy mother’s kin. Forget me, teach + thyself to return and to deserve his love; and I tell thee that thou wilt + be honored and be happy.” + </p> + <p> + Isabel listened with silent wonder and deep blushes to this strange + address; and when the voice ceased, she covered her face with her hands + and wept. + </p> + <p> + Zicci rose. “I have fulfilled my duty to you, and I depart. Remember that + you are still in danger from the prince; be wary, and be cautious. Your + best precaution is in flight; farewell.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, do not leave me yet! You have read a secret of which I myself was + scarcely conscious: you despise me,—you, my preserver! Ah! do not + misjudge me; I am better, higher than I seem. Since I saw thee I have been + a new being.” The poor girl clasped her hands passionately as she spoke, + and her tears streamed down her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “What would you that I should answer?” said Zicci, pausing, but with a + cold severity in his eye. + </p> + <p> + “Say that you do not despise,—say that you do not think me light and + shameless.” + </p> + <p> + “Willingly, Isabel. I know your heart and your history you are capable of + great virtues; you have the seeds of a rare and powerful genius. You may + pass through the brief period of your human life with a proud step and a + cheerful heart, if you listen to my advice. You have been neglected from + your childhood; you have been thrown among nations at once frivolous and + coarse; your nobler dispositions, your higher qualities, are not + developed. You were pleased with the admiration of Glyndon; you thought + that the passionate stranger might marry you, while others had only + uttered the vows that dishonor. Poor child, it was the instinctive desire + of right within thee that made thee listen to him; and if my fatal shadow + had not crossed thy path, thou wouldst have loved him well enough, at + least, for content. Return to that hope, and nurse again that innocent + affection: this is my answer to thee. Art thou contented?” + </p> + <p> + “No! ah, no! Severe as thou art, I love better to hear thee than, than—What + am I saying? And now you have saved me, I shall pray for you, bless you, + think of you; and am I never to see you more? Alas! the moment you leave + me, danger and dread will darken round me. Let me be your servant, your + slave; with you I should have no fear.” + </p> + <p> + A dark shade fell over Zicci’s brow; he looked from the ground, on which + his eyes had rested while she spoke, upon the earnest and imploring face + of the beautiful creature that now knelt before him, with all the passions + of an ardent and pure, but wholly untutored and half-savage, nature + speaking from the tearful eyes and trembling lips. He looked at her with + an aspect she could not interpret; in his eyes were kindness, sorrow, and + even something, she thought, of love: yet the brow frowned, and the lip + was stern. + </p> + <p> + “It is in vain that we struggle with our doom,” said he, calmly; “listen + to me yet. I am a man, Isabel, in whom there are some good impulses yet + left, but whose life is, on the whole, devoted to a systematic and selfish + desire to enjoy whatever life can afford. To me it is given to warn: the + warning neglected, I interfere no more; I leave her victories to that Fate + that I cannot baffle of her prey. You do not understand me; no matter: + what I am now about to say will be more easy to comprehend. I tell thee to + tear from thy heart all thought of me: thou hast yet the power. If thou + wilt not obey me, thou must reap the seeds that thou wilt sow. Glyndon, if + thou acceptest his homage, will love thee throughout life; I, too, can + love thee.” + </p> + <p> + “You, you—” + </p> + <p> + “But with a lukewarm and selfish love, and one that cannot last. Thou wilt + be a flower in my path; I inhale thy sweetness and pass on, caring not + what wind shall sup thee, or what step shall tread thee to the dust. Which + is the love thou wouldst prefer?” + </p> + <p> + “But do you, can you love me,—you, you, Zicci,—even for an + hour? Say it again.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Isabel; I am not dead to beauty, and yours is that rarely given to + the daughters of men. Yes, Isabel, I could love thee!” + </p> + <p> + Isabel uttered a cry of joy, seized his hand, and kissed it through + burning and impassioned tears. Zicci raised her in his arms and imprinted + one kiss upon her forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Do not deceive thyself,” he said; “consider well. I tell thee again that + my love is subjected to the certain curse of change. For my part, I shall + seek thee no more. Thy fate shall be thine own, and not mine. For the + rest, fear not the Prince di—. At present, I can save thee from + every harm.” With these words he withdrew himself from her embrace, and + had gained the outer door just as Gionetta came from the kitchen with her + hands full of such cheer as she had managed to collect together. Zicci + laid his hand on the old woman’s arm. + </p> + <p> + “Signor Glyndon,” said he, “loves Isabel; he may wed her. You love your + mistress: plead for him. Disabuse her, if you can, of any caprice for me. + I am a bird ever on the wing.” He dropped a purse, heavy with gold, into + Gionetta’s bosom, and was gone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + The palace of Zicci was among the noblest in Naples. It still stands, + though ruined and dismantled, in one of those antique streets from which + the old races of the Norman and the Spaniard have long since vanished. + </p> + <p> + He ascended the vast staircase, and entered the rooms reserved for his + private hours. They were no wise remarkable except for their luxury and + splendor, and the absence of what men so learned as Zicci was reputed, + generally prize, namely, books. Zicci seemed to know everything that books + can teach; yet of books themselves he spoke and thought with the most + profound contempt. + </p> + <p> + He threw himself on a sofa, and dismissed his attendants for the night; + and here it may be observed that Zicci had no one servant who knew + anything of his origin, birth, or history. Some of his attendants he had + brought with him from other cities; the rest he had engaged at Naples. He + hired those only whom wealth can make subservient. His expenditure was + most lavish, his generosity, regal; but his orders were ever given as + those of a general to his army. The least disobedience, the least + hesitation, and the offender was at once dismissed. He was a man who + sought tools, and never made confidants. + </p> + <p> + Zicci remained for a considerable time motionless and thoughtful. The hand + of the clock before him pointed to the first hour of morning. The solemn + voice of the timepiece aroused him from his revery. + </p> + <p> + “One sand more out of the mighty hour-glass,” said he, rising; “one hour + nearer to the last! I am weary of humanity. I will enter into one of the + countless worlds around me.” He lifted the arras that clothed the walls, + and touching a strong iron door (then made visible) with a minute key + which he wore in a ring, passed into an inner apartment lighted by a + single lamp of extraordinary lustre. The room was small; a few phials and + some dried herbs were ranged in shelves on the wall, which was hung with + snow-white cloth of coarse texture. From the shelves Zicci selected one of + the phials, and poured the contents into a crystal cup. The liquid was + colorless, and sparkled rapidly up in bubbles of light; it almost seemed + to evaporate ere it reached his lips. But when the strange beverage was + quaffed, a sudden change was visible in the countenance of Zicci: his + beauty became yet more dazzling, his eyes shone with intense fire, and his + form seemed to grow more youthful and ethereal. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + The next day, Glyndon bent his steps towards Zicci’s palace. The young + man’s imagination, naturally inflammable, was singularly excited by the + little he had seen and heard of this strange being; a spell he could + neither master nor account for, attracted him towards the stranger. + Zicci’s power seemed mysterious and great, his motives kindly and + benevolent, yet his manners chilling and repellant. Why at one moment + reject Glyndon’s acquaintance, at another save him from danger? How had + Zicci thus acquired the knowledge of enemies unknown to Glyndon himself? + His interest was deeply roused, his gratitude appealed to; he resolved to + make another effort to conciliate Zicci. + </p> + <p> + The signor was at home, and Glyndon was admitted into a lofty saloon, + where in a few moments Zicci joined him. + </p> + <p> + “I am come to thank you for your warning last night,” said he, “and to + entreat you to complete my obligation by informing me of the quarter to + which I may look for enmity and peril.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a gallant, Mr. Glyndon,” said Zicci, with a smile; “and do you + know so little of the South as not to be aware that gallants have always + rivals?” + </p> + <p> + “Are you serious?” said Glyndon, coloring. + </p> + <p> + “Most serious. You love Isabel di Pisani; you have for rival one of the + most powerful and relentless of the Neapolitan princes. Your danger is + indeed great.” + </p> + <p> + “But, pardon me, how came it known to you?” + </p> + <p> + “I give no account of myself to mortal man,” replied Zicci, haughtily; + “and to me it matters not whether you regard or scorn my warning.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if I may not question you, be it so; but at least advise me what to + do.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not follow my advice.” + </p> + <p> + “You wrong me! Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because you are constitutionally brave; you are fond of excitement and + mystery; you like to be the hero of a romance. I should advise you to + leave Naples, and you will disdain to do so while Naples contains a foe to + shun or a mistress to pursue.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” said the young Englishman, with energy; “and you cannot + reproach me for such a resolution.” + </p> + <p> + “No, there is another course left to you. Do you love Isabel di Pisani + truly and fervently? If so, marry her, and take a bride to your native + land.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” answered Glyndon, embarrassed. “Isabel is not of my rank; her + character is strange and self-willed; her education neglected. I am + enslaved by her beauty, but I cannot wed her.” + </p> + <p> + Zicci frowned. + </p> + <p> + “Your love, then, is but selfish lust; and by that love you will be + betrayed. Young man, Destiny is less inexorable than it appears. The + resources of the great Ruler of the Universe are not so scanty and so + stern as to deny to men the divine privilege of Free Will; all of us can + carve out our own way, and God can make our very contradictions harmonize + with His solemn ends. You have before you an option. Honorable and + generous love may even now work out your happiness and effect your escape; + a frantic and interested passion will but lead you to misery and doom.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you pretend, then, to read the Future?” + </p> + <p> + “I have said all that it pleases me to utter.” + </p> + <p> + “While you assume the moralist to me, Signor Zicci,” said Glyndon, with a + smile, “if report says true you do not yourself reject the allurements of + unfettered love.” + </p> + <p> + “If it were necessary that practice square with precept,” said Zicci, with + a sneer, “our pulpits would be empty. Do you think it matters, in the + great aggregate of human destinies, what one man’s conduct may be? + Nothing,—not a grain of dust; but it matters much what are the + sentiments he propagates. His acts are limited and momentary; his + sentiments may pervade the universe, and inspire generations till the day + of doom. All our virtues, all our laws, are drawn from books and maxims, + which are sentiments, not from deeds. Our opinions, young Englishman, are + the angel part of us; our acts the earthly.” + </p> + <p> + “You have reflected deeply, for an Italian,” said Glyndon. + </p> + <p> + “Who told you I was an Italian?” + </p> + <p> + “Are you not of Corsica?” + </p> + <p> + “Tush!” said Zicci, impatiently turning away. Then, after a pause, he + resumed, in a mild voice: “Glyndon, do you renounce Isabel di Pisani? Will + you take three days to consider of what I have said?” + </p> + <p> + “Renounce her,—never!” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will marry her?” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “Be it so; she will then renounce you. I tell you that you have rivals.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the Prince di—; but I do not fear him.” + </p> + <p> + “You have another, whom you will fear more.” + </p> + <p> + “And who is he?” + </p> + <p> + “Myself.” + </p> + <p> + Glyndon turned pale, and started from his seat. + </p> + <p> + “You, Signor Zicci, you,—and you dare to tell me so?” + </p> + <p> + “Dare! Alas! you know there is nothing on earth left me to fear!” + </p> + <p> + These words were not uttered arrogantly, but in a tone of the most + mournful dejection. Glyndon was enraged, confounded, and yet awed. + However, he had a brave English heart within his breast, and he recovered + himself quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Signor,” said he, calmly, “I am not to be duped by these solemn phrases + and these mystical sympathies. You may have power which I cannot + comprehend or emulate, or you may be but a keen impostor.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, your logical position is not ill-taken; proceed.” + </p> + <p> + “I mean then,” continued Glyndon, resolutely, though somewhat + disconcerted, “I mean you to understand, that, though I am not to be + persuaded or compelled by a stranger to marry Isabel di Pisani, I am not + the less determined never tamely to yield her to another.” + </p> + <p> + Zicci looked gravely at the young man, whose sparkling eyes and heightened + color testified the spirit to support his words, and replied: “So bold! + well, it becomes you. You have courage, then; I thought it. Perhaps it may + be put to a sharper test than you dream of. But take my advice: wait three + days, and tell me then if you will marry this young person.” + </p> + <p> + “But if you love her, why, why—” + </p> + <p> + “Why am I anxious that she should wed another? To save her from myself! + Listen to me. That girl, humble and uneducated though she be, has in her + the seeds of the most lofty qualities and virtues. She can be all to the + man she loves,—all that man can desire in wife or mistress. Her + soul, developed by affection, will elevate your own; it will influence + your fortunes, exalt your destiny; you will become a great and prosperous + man. If, on the contrary, she fall to me, I know not what may be her lot; + but I know that few can pass the ordeal, and hitherto no woman has + survived the struggle.” + </p> + <p> + As Zicci spoke, his face became livid, and there was something in his + voice that froze the warm blood of his listener. + </p> + <p> + “What is this mystery which surrounds you?” exclaimed Glyndon, unable to + repress his emotion. “Are you, in truth, different from other men? Have + you passed the boundary of lawful knowledge? Are you, as some declare, a + sorcerer, only a—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” interrupted Zicci, gently, and with a smile of singular but + melancholy sweetness: “have you earned the right to ask me these + questions? The clays of torture and persecution are over; and a man may + live as he pleases, and talk as it suits him, without fear of the stake + and the rack. Since I can defy persecution, pardon me if I do not succumb + to curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + Glyndon blushed, and rose. In spite of his love for Isabel, and his + natural terror of such a rival, he felt himself irresistibly drawn towards + the very man he had most cause to suspect and dread. It was like the + fascination of the basilisk. He held out his hand to Zicci, saying, “Well, + then, if we are to be rivals, our swords must settle our rights; till then + I would fain be friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Friends! Pardon me, I like you too well to give you my friendship. You + know not what you ask.” + </p> + <p> + “Enigmas again!” + </p> + <p> + “Enigmas!” cried Zicci, passionately, “Nay: can you dare to solve them! + Would you brave all that human heart can conceive of peril and of horror, + so that you at last might stand separated from this visible universe side + by side with me? When you can dare this, and when you are fit to dare it, + I may give you my right hand and call you friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I could dare everything and all things for the attainment of superhuman + wisdom,” said Glyndon; and his countenance was lighted up with wild and + intense enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + Zicci observed him in thoughtful silence. + </p> + <p> + “He may be worthy,” he muttered; “he may, yet—” He broke off + abruptly; then, speaking aloud, “Go, Glyndon,” said he; “in three days we + shall meet again.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps where you can least anticipate. In any case, we shall meet.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + Glyndon thought seriously and deeply over all that the mysterious Zicci + had said to him relative to Isabel. His imagination was inflamed by the + vague and splendid promises that were connected with his marriage with the + poor actress. His fears, too, were naturally aroused by the threat that by + marriage alone could he save himself from the rivalry of Zicci,—Zicci, + born to dazzle and command; Zicci, who united to the apparent wealth of a + monarch the beauty of a god; Zicci, whose eye seemed to foresee, whose + hand to frustrate, every danger. What a rival, and what a foe! + </p> + <p> + But Glyndon’s pride, as well as jealousy, was aroused. He was brave comme + son epee. Should he shrink from the power or the enmity of a man mortal as + himself? And why should Zicci desire him to give his name and station to + one of a calling so equivocal? Might there not be motives he could not + fathom? Might not the actress and the Corsican be in league with each + other? Might not all this jargon of prophecy—and menace be but + artifices to dupe him,—the tool, perhaps, of a mountebank and his + mistress! Mistress,—ah, no! If ever maidenhood wrote its modest + characters externally, that pure eye, that noble forehead, that mien and + manner so ingenuous even in their coquetry, their pride, assured him that + Isabel was not the base and guilty thing he had dared for a moment to + suspect her. Lost in a labyrinth of doubts and surmises, Glyndon turned on + the practical sense of the sober Merton to assist and enlighten him. + </p> + <p> + As may be well supposed, his friend listened to his account of his + interview with Zicci with a half-suppressed and ironical smile. + </p> + <p> + “Excellent, my dear friend! This Zicci is another Apollonius of Tyana,—nothing + less will satisfy you. What! is it possible that you are the Clarence + Glyndon of whose career such glowing hopes are entertained,—you the + man whose genius has been extolled by all the graybeards? Not a boy turned + out from a village school but would laugh you to scorn. And so because + Signor Zicci tells you that you will be a marvellously great man if you + revolt all your friends and blight all your prospects by marrying a + Neapolitan actress, you begin already to think of—By Jupiter! I + cannot talk patiently on the subject. Let the girl alone,—that would + be the proper plan; or else—” + </p> + <p> + “You talk very sensibly,” interrupted Glyndon, “but you distract me. I + will go to Isabel’s house; I will see her; I will judge for myself.” + </p> + <p> + “That is certainly the best way to forget her,” said Merton. Glyndon + seized his hat and sword, and was gone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + She was seated outside her door, the young actress. The sea, which in that + heavenly bay literally seems to sleep in the arms of the shore, bounded + the view in front; while to the right, not far off, rose the dark and + tangled crags to which the traveller of to-day is daily brought to gaze on + the tomb of Virgil, or compare with the Cavern of Pausilippo the archway + of Highgate Hill. There were a few fishermen loitering by the cliffs, on + which their nets were hung up to dry; and, at a distance, the sound of + some rustic pipe (more common at that day than in this), mingled now and + then with the bells of the lazy mules, broke the voluptuous silence,—the + silence of declining noon on the shores of Naples. Never till you have + enjoyed it, never till you have felt its enervating but delicious charm, + believe that you can comprehend all the meaning of the dolce far niente; + and when that luxury has been known, when you have breathed the atmosphere + of fairy land, then you will no longer wonder why the heart ripens with so + sudden and wild a power beneath the rosy skies and amidst the glorious + foliage of the South. + </p> + <p> + The young actress was seated by the door of her house; overhead a rude + canvas awning sheltered her from the sun; on her lap lay the manuscript of + a new part in which she was shortly to appear. By her side was the guitar + on which she had been practising the airs that were to ravish the ears of + the cognoscenti. But the guitar had been thrown aside in despair; her + voice this morning did not obey her will. The manuscript lay unheeded, and + the eyes of the actress were fixed on the broad, blue deep beyond. In the + unwonted negligence of her dress might be traced the abstraction of her + mind. Her beautiful hair was gathered up loosely, and partially bandaged + by a kerchief, whose purple color seemed to deepen the golden hue of the + tresses. A stray curl escaped, and fell down the graceful neck. A loose + morning robe, girded by a sash, left the breeze that came ever and anon + from the sea to die upon the bust half disclosed, and the tiny slipper, + that Cinderella might have worn, seemed a world too wide for the tiny foot + which it scarcely covered. It might be the heat of the day that deepened + the soft bloom of the cheeks and gave an unwonted languor to the large + dark eyes. In all the pomp of her stage attire, in all the flush of + excitement before the intoxicating lamps, never had Isabel looked so + lovely. + </p> + <p> + By the side of the actress, and filling up the threshold, stood Gionetta, + with her hands thrust up to the elbow in two huge recesses on either side + her gown,—pockets, indeed, they might be called by courtesy; such + pockets as Beelzebub’s grandmother might have shaped for herself, + bottomless pits in miniature. + </p> + <p> + “But I assure you,” said the nurse, in that sharp, quick, earsplitting + tone in which the old women of the South are more than a match for those + of the North,—“but I assure you, my darling, that there is not a + finer cavalier in all Naples, nor a more beautiful, than this Inglese; and + I am told that all the Inglesi are much richer than they seem. Though they + have no trees in their country, poor people, and instead of twenty-four + they have only twelve hours to the day, yet I hear, cospetto! that they + shoe their horses with steak; and since they cannot (the poor heretics!) + turn grapes into wine, for they have no grapes, they turn gold into + physic, and take a glass or two of pistoles whenever they are troubled + with the colic. But you don’t hear me! Little pupil of my eyes, you don’t + hear me!” + </p> + <p> + “Gionetta, is he not god-like?” + </p> + <p> + “Sancta Maria! he is handsome, bellissimo; and when you are his wife,—for + they say these English are never satisfied unless they marry—” + </p> + <p> + “Wife! English! Whom are you talking of?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, the young English signor, to be sure.” + </p> + <p> + “Chut! I thought you spoke of Zicci.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Signor Zicci is very rich and very generous; but he wants to be your + cavalier, not your husband. I see that,—leave me alone. When you are + married, then you will see how amiable Signor Zicci will be. Oh, per fede! + but he will be as close to your husband as the yolk to the white; that he + will. + </p> + <p> + “Silence, Gionetta! How wretched I am to have no one else to speak to—to + advise me. Oh, beautiful sun!” and the girl pressed her hand to her heart + with wild energy, “why do you light every spot but this? Dark, dark! And a + little while ago I was so calm, so innocent, so gay. I did not hate you + then, Gionetta, hateful as your talk was; I hate you now. Go in; leave me + alone—leave me.” + </p> + <p> + “And indeed it is time I should leave you, for the polenta will be + spoiled, and you have eaten nothing all day. If you don’t eat you will + lose your beauty, my darling, and then nobody will care for you. Nobody + cares for us when we grow ugly,—I know that; and then you must, like + old Gionetta, get some Isabel of your own to spoil. I’ll go and see to the + polenta.” + </p> + <p> + “Since I have known this man,” said the actress, half aloud, “since his + dark eyes have fascinated me, I am no longer the same. I long to escape + from myself,—to glide with the sunbeam over the hill-tops; to become + something that is not of earth. Is it, indeed, that he is a sorcerer, as I + have heard? Phantoms float before me at night, and a fluttering like the + wing of a bird within my heart seems as if the spirit were terrified, and + would break its cage.” + </p> + <p> + While murmuring these incoherent rhapsodies, a step that she did not hear + approached the actress, and a light hand touched her arm. + </p> + <p> + “Isabella! carissima! Isabella!” + </p> + <p> + She turned, and saw Glyndon. The sight of his fair young face calmed her + at once. She did not love him, yet his sight gave her pleasure. She had + for him a kind and grateful feeling. Ah, if she had never beheld Zicci! + </p> + <p> + “Isabel,” said the Englishman, drawing her again to the bench from which + she had risen, and seating himself beside her, “you know how passionately + I love thee. Hitherto thou hast played with my impatience and my ardor, + thou hast sometimes smiled, sometimes frowned away my importunities for a + reply to my suit; but this day—I know not how it is—I feel a + more sustained and settled courage to address thee, and learn the happiest + or the worst. I have rivals, I know,—rivals who are more powerful + than the poor artist. Are they also more favored?” + </p> + <p> + Isabel blushed faintly, but her countenance was grave and distressed. + Looking down, and marking some hieroglyphical figures in the dust with the + point of her slipper, she said, with some hesitation and a vain attempt to + be gay, “Signor, whoever wastes his thoughts on an actress must submit to + have rivals. It is our unhappy destiny not to be sacred even to + ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “But you have told me, Isabel, that you do not love this destiny, + glittering though it seem,—that your heart is not in the vocation + which your talents adorn.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, no!” said the actress, her eyes filling with tears, “it is a + miserable lot to be slave to a multitude.” + </p> + <p> + “Fly then with me,” said the artist, passionately. “Quit forever the + calling that divides that heart I would have all my own. Share my fate now + and forever,—my pride, my delight, my ideal! Thou shalt inspire my + canvas and my song, thy beauty shall be made at once holy and renowned. In + the galleries of princes crowds shall gather round the effigy of a Venus + or a saint, and a whisper shall break forth, ‘It is Isabel di Pisani!’ Ah! + Isabel, I adore thee: tell me that I do not worship in vain.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art good and fair,” said Isabel, gazing on her lover as he pressed + his cheek nearer to hers, and clasped her hand in his. “But what should I + give thee in return?” + </p> + <p> + “Love, love; only love!” + </p> + <p> + “A sister’s love?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, speak not with such cruel coldness!” + </p> + <p> + “It is all I have for thee. Listen to me, signor. When I look on your + face, when I hear your voice, a certain serene and tranquil calm creeps + over and lulls thoughts, oh, how feverish, how wild! When thou art gone, + the day seems a shade more dark; but the shadow soon flies. I miss thee + not, I think not of thee,—no, I love thee not; and I will give + myself only where I love.” + </p> + <p> + “But I would teach thee to love me,—fear it not. Nay, such love as + thou now describest in our tranquil climates is the love of innocence and + youth.” + </p> + <p> + “And it is the innocence he would destroy,” said Isabel, rather to herself + than to him. + </p> + <p> + Glyndon drew back, conscience-stricken. + </p> + <p> + “No, it may not be!” she said, rising, and extricating her hand gently + from his grasp. “Leave me, and forget me. You do not understand, you could + not comprehend, the nature of her whom you think to love. From my + childhood upward, I have felt as if I were marked out for some strange and + preternatural doom; as if I were singled from my kind. This feeling (and, + oh! at times it is one of delirious and vague delight, at others of the + darkest gloom) deepens with me day by day. It is like the shadow of + twilight, spreading slowly and solemnly round. My hour approaches; a + little while, and it will be night!” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, Glyndon listened with visible emotion and perturbation. + “Isabel!” he exclaimed, as she ceased, “your words more than ever enchain + me to you. As you feel, I feel. I, too, have been ever haunted with a + chill and unearthly foreboding. Amidst the crowds of men I have felt + alone. In all my pleasures, my toils, my pursuits, a warning voice has + murmured in my ear, ‘Time has a dark mystery in store for thy manhood.’ + When you spoke it was as the voice of my own soul.” + </p> + <p> + Isabel gazed upon him in wonder and fear. Her countenance was as white as + marble, and those features, so divine in their rare symmetry, might have + served the Greek with a study for the Pythoness when, from the mystic + cavern and the bubbling spring, she first hears the voice of the inspiring + god. Gradually the rigor and tension of that wonderful face relaxed, the + color returned, the pulse beat, the heart animated the frame. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me,” she said, turning partially aside, “tell me, have you seen, do + you know, a stranger in this city,—one of whom wild stories are + afloat?” + </p> + <p> + “You speak of Zicci. I have seen him; I know him! And you? Ah! he, too, + would be my rival,—he, too, would bear thee from me!” + </p> + <p> + “You err,” said Isabel, hastily and with a deep sigh,—“he pleads for + you; he informed me of your love; he besought me not—not to reject + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Strange being, incomprehensible enigma, why did you name him?” + </p> + <p> + “Why? Ah! I would have asked whether, when you first saw him, the + foreboding, the instinct, of which you spoke came on you more fearfully, + more intelligibly than before; whether you felt at once repelled from him, + yet attracted towards him; whether you felt [and the actress spoke with + hurried animation] that with Him was connected the secret of your life!” + </p> + <p> + “All this I felt,” answered Glyndon, in a trembling voice, “the first time + I was in his presence. Though all around me was gay,—music, amidst + lamp-lit trees, light converse near, and heaven without a cloud above,—my + knees knocked together, my hair bristled, and my blood curdled like ice; + since then he has divided my thoughts with thee.” + </p> + <p> + “No more, no more,” said Isabel, in a stifled tone; “there must be the + hand of Fate in this. I can speak no more to you now; farewell.” + </p> + <p> + She sprang past him into the house and closed the door. Glyndon did not + dare to follow her, nor, strange as it may seem, was he so inclined. The + thought and recollection of that moonlight hour in the gardens, of the + strange address of Zicci, froze up all human passion; Isabel herself, if + not forgotten, shrank back like a shadow into the recesses of his breast. + He shivered as he stepped into the sunlight, and musingly retraced his + steps into the more populous parts of that liveliest of Italian cities. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + It was a small cabinet; the walls were covered with pictures, one of which + was worth more than the whole lineage of the owner of the palace. Is not + Art a wonderful thing? A Venetian noble might be a fribble or an assassin, + a scoundrel, or a dolt, worthless, or worse than worthless; yet he might + have sat to Titian, and his portrait may be inestimable,—a few + inches of painted canvas a thousand times more valuable than a man with + his veins and muscles, brain, will, heart, and intellect! + </p> + <p> + In this cabinet sat a man of about three and forty,—dark-eyed, + sallow, with short, prominent features, a massive conformation of jaw, and + thick, sensual, but resolute lips; this man was the Prince di—. His + form, middle-sized, but rather inclined to corpulence, was clothed in a + loose dressing-robe of rich brocade; on a table before him lay his sword + and hat, a mask, dice and dice-box, a portfolio, and an inkstand of silver + curiously carved. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mascari,” said the Prince, looking up towards his parasite, who + stood by the embrasure of the deep-set barricaded window, “well, you + cannot even guess who this insolent meddler was? A pretty person you to + act the part of a Prince’s Ruffiano!” + </p> + <p> + “Am I to be blamed for dulness in not being able to conjecture who had the + courage to thwart the projects of the Prince di—. As well blame me + for not accounting for miracles.” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell thee who it was, most sapient Mascari.” + </p> + <p> + “Who, your Excellency?” + </p> + <p> + “Zicci.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! he has the daring of the devil. But why does your Excellency feel so + assured,—does he court the actress?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not; but there is a tone in that foreigner’s voice that I never + can mistake,—so clear, and yet so hollow; when I hear it I almost + fancy there is such a thing as conscience. However, we must rid ourselves + of an impertinent. Mascari, Signor Zicci hath not yet honored our poor + house with his presence. He is a distinguished stranger,—we must + give a banquet in his honor.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! and the cypress wine! The cypress is the proper emblem of the grave.” + </p> + <p> + “But this anon. I am superstitious; there are strange stories of his power + and foresight,—remember the Sicilian quackery! But meanwhile the + Pisani—” + </p> + <p> + “Your Excellency is infatuated. The actress has bewitched you.” + </p> + <p> + “Mascari,” said the Prince, with a haughty smile, “through these veins + rolls the blood of the old Visconti,—of those who boasted that no + woman ever escaped their lust, and no man their resentment. The crown of + my fathers has shrunk into a gewgaw and a toy,—their ambition and + their spirit are undecayed. My honor is now enlisted in this pursuit: + Isabel must be mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Another ambuscade?” said Mascari, inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, why not enter the house itself? The situation is lonely, and the + door is not made of iron.” + </p> + <p> + Before Mascari could reply, the gentleman of the chamber announced the + Signor Zicci. + </p> + <p> + The Prince involuntarily laid his hand on the sword placed on the table; + then, with a smile at his own impulse, rose, and met the foreigner at the + threshold with all the profuse and respectful courtesy of Italian + simulation. + </p> + <p> + “This is an honor highly prized,” said the Prince; “I have long desired + the friendship of one so distinguished—” + </p> + <p> + “And I have come to give you that friendship,” replied Zicci, in a sweet + but chilling voice. “To no man yet in Naples have I extended this hand: + permit it, Prince, to grasp your own.” + </p> + <p> + The Neapolitan bowed over the hand he pressed; but as he touched it, a + shiver came over him, and his heart stood still. + </p> + <p> + Zicci bent on him his dark, smiling eyes, and then seated himself with a + familiar air. + </p> + <p> + “Thus it is signed and sealed,—I mean our friendship, noble Prince. + And now I will tell you the object of my visit. I find, your Excellency, + that, unconsciously perhaps, we are rivals. Can we not accommodate our + pretensions? A girl of no moment, an actress, bah! it is not worth a + quarrel. Shall we throw for her? He who casts the lowest shall resign his + claim?” + </p> + <p> + Mascari opened his small eyes to their widest extent; the Prince, no less + surprised, but far too well world-read even to show what he felt, laughed + aloud. + </p> + <p> + “And were you, then, the cavalier who spoiled my night’s chase and robbed + me of my white doe? By Bacchus, it was prettily done.” + </p> + <p> + “You must forgive me, my Prince; I knew not who it was, or my respect + would have silenced my gallantry.” + </p> + <p> + “All stratagems fair in love, as in war. Of course you profited by my + defeat, and did not content yourself with leaving the little actress at + her threshold?” + </p> + <p> + “She is Diana for me,” answered Zicci, lightly; “whoever wins the wreath + will not find a flower faded.” + </p> + <p> + “And now you would cast for her,—well; but they tell me you are ever + a sure player.” + </p> + <p> + “Let Signor Mascari cast for us.” + </p> + <p> + “Be it so. Mascari, the dice.” + </p> + <p> + Surprised and perplexed, the parasite took up the three dice, deposited + them gravely in the box, and rattled them noisily, while Zicci threw + himself back carelessly in his chair and said, “I give the first chance to + your Excellency.” + </p> + <p> + Mascari interchanged a glance with his patron and threw the numbers were + sixteen. + </p> + <p> + “It is a high throw,” said Zicci, calmly; “nevertheless, Signor Mascari, I + do not despond.” + </p> + <p> + Mascari gathered up the dice, shook the box, and rolled the contents once + more upon the table; the number was the highest that can be thrown,—eighteen. + </p> + <p> + The Prince darted a glance of fire at his minion, who stood with gaping + mouth staring at the dice, and shaking his head in puzzled wonder. + </p> + <p> + “I have won, you see,” said Zicci: “may we be friends still?” + </p> + <p> + “Signor,” said the Prince, obviously struggling with angel and confusion, + “the victory is already yours. But, pardon me, you have spoken lightly of + this young girl,—will anything tempt you to yield your claim?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, do not think so ill of my gallantry.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough,” said the Prince, forcing a smile, “I yield. Let me prove that I + do not yield ungraciously: will you honor me with your presence at a + little feast I propose to give on the royal birthday?” + </p> + <p> + “It is indeed a happiness to hear one command of yours which I can obey.” + </p> + <p> + Zicci then turned the conversation, talked lightly and gayly and soon + afterwards departed. + </p> + <p> + “Villain,” then exclaimed the Prince, grasping Mascari by the collar, “you + have betrayed me!” + </p> + <p> + “I assure your Excellency that the dice were properly arranged,—he + should have thrown twelve; but he is the Devil, and that’s the end of it.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no time to be lost,” said the Prince, quitting hold of his + parasite, who quietly resettled his cravat. + </p> + <p> + “My blood is up! I will win this girl, if I die for it. Who laughed? + Mascari, didst thou laugh?” + </p> + <p> + “I, your Excellency,—I laugh?” + </p> + <p> + “It sounded behind me,” said the Prince, gazing round. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + It was the day on which Zicci had told Glyndon that he should ask for his + decision in respect to Isabel,—the third day since their last + meeting. The Englishman could not come to a resolution. Ambition, hitherto + the leading passion of his soul, could not yet be silenced by love, and + that love, such as it was, unreturned, beset by suspicions and doubts + which vanished in the presence of Isabel, and returned when her bright + face shone on his eyes no more, for les absents ont toujours tort. Perhaps + had he been quite alone, his feelings of honor, of compassion, of virtue, + might have triumphed, and he would have resolved either to fly from Isabel + or to offer the love that has no shame. But Merton, cold, cautious, + experienced, wary (such a nature has ever power over the imaginative and + the impassioned), was at hand to ridicule the impression produced by + Zicci, and the notion of delicacy and honor towards an Italian actress. It + is true that Merton, who was no profligate, advised him to quit all + pursuit of Isabel; but then the advice was precisely of that character + which, if it deadens love, stimulates passion. By representing Isabel as + one who sought to play a part with him, he excused to Glyndon his own + selfishness,—he enlisted the Englishman’s vanity and pride on the + side of his pursuit. Why should not he beat an adventuress at her own + weapons? + </p> + <p> + Glyndon not only felt indisposed on that day to meet Zicci, but he felt + also a strong desire to defeat the mysterious prophecy that the meeting + should take place. Into this wish Merton readily entered. The young men + agreed to be absent from Naples that day. Early in the morning they + mounted their horses and took the road to Baiae. Glyndon left word at his + hotel that if Signor Zicci sought him, it was in the neighborhood of the + once celebrated watering-place of the ancients that he should be found. + </p> + <p> + They passed by Isabel’s house; but Glyndon resisted the temptation of + pausing there, and threading the grotto of Pausilippo, they wound by a + circuitous route back into the suburbs of the city, and took the opposite + road, which conducts to Portici and Pompeii. It was late at noon when they + arrived at the former of these places. Here they halted to dine; for + Merton had heard much of the excellence of the macaroni at Portici, and + Merton was a bon vivant. + </p> + <p> + They put up at an inn of very humble pretensions, and dined under an + awning. Merton was more than usually gay; he pressed the lacryma upon his + friend, and conversed gayly. “Well, my dear friend, we have foiled Signor + Zicci in one of his predictions at least. You will have no faith in him + hereafter.” + </p> + <p> + “The Ides are come, not gone.” + </p> + <p> + “Tush! if he is a soothsayer, you are not Caesar. It is your vanity that + makes you credulous. Thank Heaven, I do not think myself of such + importance that the operations of Nature should be changed in order to + frighten me.” + </p> + <p> + “But why should the operations of Nature be changed? There may be a deeper + philosophy than we dream of,—a philosophy that discovers the secrets + of Nature, but does not alter, by penetrating, its courses.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you suppose Zicci to be a prophet,—a reader of the future; + perhaps an associate of Genii and Spirits!” + </p> + <p> + “I know not what to conjecture; but I see no reason why he should seek, + even if an impostor, to impose on me. An impostor must have some motive + for deluding us,—either ambition or avarice. I am neither rich nor + powerful; Zicci spends more in a week than I do in a year. Nay, a + Neapolitan banker told me that the sums invested by Zicci in his hands, + were enough to purchase half the lands of the Neapolitan noblesse.” + </p> + <p> + “Grant this to be true: do you suppose the love to dazzle and mystify is + not as strong with some natures as that of gold and power with others? + Zicci has a moral ostentation; and the same character that makes him rival + kings in expenditure makes him not disdain to be wondered at even by a + humble Englishman.” + </p> + <p> + Here the landlord, a little, fat, oily fellow, came up with a fresh bottle + of lacryma. He hoped their Excellencies were pleased. He was most touched,—touched + to the heart that they liked the macaroni. Were their Excellencies going + to Vesuvius? There was a slight eruption; they could not see it where they + were, but it was pretty, and would be prettier still after sunset. + </p> + <p> + “A capital idea,” cried Merton. “What say you, Glyndon?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not yet seen an eruption; I should like it much.” + </p> + <p> + “But is there no danger?” said the prudent Merton. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! not at all; the mountain is very civil at present. It only plays a + little, just to amuse their Excellencies the English.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, order the horses, and bring the bill; we will go before it is dark. + Clarence, my friend, nunc est bibendum; but take care of the pede libero, + which won’t do for walking on lava!” + </p> + <p> + The bottle was finished, the bill paid, the gentlemen mounted, the + landlord bowed, and they bent their way in the cool of the delightful + evening towards Resina. + </p> + <p> + The wine animated Glyndon, whose unequal spirits were at times high and + brilliant as those of a school-boy released; and the laughter of the + Northern tourists sounded oft and merrily along the melancholy domains of + buried cities. + </p> + <p> + Hesperus had lighted his lamp amidst the rosy skies as they arrived at + Resina. Here they quitted their horses and took mules and a guide. As the + sky grew darker and more dark, the Mountain Fire burned with an intense + lustre. In various streaks and streamlets the fountain of flame rolled + down the dark summit, then undiminished by the eruption of 1822, and the + Englishmen began to feel increase upon them, as they ascended, that + sensation of solemnity and awe which makes the very atmosphere that + surrounds the giant of the Plains of the Antique Hades. + </p> + <p> + It was night when, leaving the mules, they ascended on foot, accompanied + by their guide and a peasant, who bore a rude torch. Their guide was a + conversable, garrulous fellow, like most of his country and his calling; + and Merton, whose chief characteristics were a sociable temper and a hardy + commonsense, loved to amuse or to instruct himself on every incidental + occasion. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Excellency,” said the guide, “your countrymen have a strong passion + for the volcano. Long life to them; they bring us plenty of money. If our + fortunes depended on the Neapolitans, we should starve.” + </p> + <p> + “True, they have no curiosity,” said Merton. “Do you remember, Glyndon, + the contempt with which that old count said to us, ‘You will go to + Vesuvius, I suppose. I have never been: why should I go? You have cold, + you have hunger, you have fatigue, you have danger, and all for nothing + but to see fire, which looks just as well in a brazier as a mountain.’ Ha! + ha! the old fellow was right.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Excellency,” said the guide, “that is not all: some cavaliers think + to ascend the mountain without our help. I am sure they deserve to tumble + into the crater.” + </p> + <p> + “They must be bold fellows to go alone: you don’t often find such?” + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes among the French, signor. But the other night—I never was + so frightened. I had been with an English party, and a lady had left a + pocket-book on the mountain where she had been sketching. She offered me a + handsome sum to return for it, and bring it to her at Naples; so I went in + the evening. I found it sure enough, and was about to return, when I saw a + figure that seemed to emerge from the crater itself. The air was so + pestiferous that I could not have conceived a human creature could breathe + it and live. I was so astounded that I stood as still as a stone, till the + figure came over the hot ashes and stood before me face to face. Sancta + Maria, what a head!” + </p> + <p> + “What, hideous?” + </p> + <p> + “No, so beautiful, but so terrible. It had nothing human in its aspect.” + </p> + <p> + “And what said the salamander?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing! It did not even seem to perceive me, though I was as near as I + am to you; but its eyes seemed prying into the air. It passed by me + quickly, and, walking across a stream of burning lava, soon vanished on + the other side of the mountain. I was curious and foolhardy, and resolved + to see if I could bear the atmosphere which this visitor had left; but + though I did not advance within thirty yards of the spot at which he had + first appeared, I was driven back by a vapor that well-nigh stifled me. + Cospetto! I have spit blood ever since.” + </p> + <p> + “It must be Zicci,” whispered Glyndon. + </p> + <p> + “I knew you would say so,” returned Merton, laughing. + </p> + <p> + The little party had now arrived nearly at the summit of the mountain; and + unspeakably grand was the spectacle on which they gazed. From the crater + arose a vapor, intensely dark, that overspread the whole background of the + heavens, in the centre whereof rose a flame that assumed a form singularly + beautiful. It might have been compared to a crest of gigantic feathers, + the diadem of the mountain, high arched, and drooping downward, with the + hues delicately shaded off, and the whole shifting and tremulous as the + plumage on a warrior’s helm. The glare of the flame spread, luminous and + crimson, over the dark and rugged ground on which they stood, and drew an + innumerable variety of shadows from crag and hollow. An oppressive and + sulphureous exhalation served to increase the gloomy and sublime terror of + the place. But on turning from the mountain, and towards the distant and + unseen ocean, the contrast was wonderfully great: the heavens serene and + blue, the stars still and calm as the eyes of Divine Love. It was as if + the realms of the opposing principles of Evil and Good were brought in one + view before the gaze of man! Glyndon—the enthusiast, the poet, the + artist, the dreamer—was enchained and entranced by emotions vague + and undefinable, half of delight and half of pain. Leaning on the shoulder + of his friend, he gazed around him, and heard, with deepening awe, the + rumbling of the earth below, the wheels and voices of the Ministry of + Nature in her darkest and most inscrutable recess. Suddenly, as a bomb + from a shell, a huge stone was flung hundreds of yards up from the jaws of + the crater, and falling with a mighty crash upon the rock below, split + into ten thousand fragments, which bounded down the sides of the mountain, + sparkling and groaning as they went. One of these, the largest fragment, + struck the narrow space of soil between the Englishman and the guide, not + three feet from the spot where the former stood. Merton uttered an + exclamation of terror, and Glyndon held his breath and shuddered. + “Diavolo!” cried the guide; “descend, Excellencies, descend! We have not a + moment to lose; follow me close.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, the guide and the peasant fled with as much swiftness as they + were able to bring to bear. Merton, ever more prompt and ready than his + friend, imitated their example; and Glyndon, more confused than alarmed, + followed close. But they had not gone many yards before, with a rushing + and sudden blast, came from the crater an enormous volume of vapor. It + pursued, it overtook, it overspread them; it swept the light from the + heavens. All was abrupt and utter darkness, and through the gloom was + heard the shout of the guide, already distant, and lost in an instant + amidst the sound of the rushing gust and the groans of the earth beneath. + Glyndon paused. He was separated from his friend, from the guide. He was + alone with the Darkness and the Terror. The vapor rolled sullenly away; + the form of the plumed fire was again dimly visible, and its struggling + and perturbed reflection again shed a glow over the horrors of the path. + Glyndon recovered himself, and sped onward. Below, he heard the voice of + Merton calling on him, though he no longer saw his form. The sound served + as a guide. Dizzy and breathless, he bounded forward, when hark! a sullen, + slow, rolling sound in his ear! He halted, and turned back to gaze. The + fire had overflowed its course; it had opened itself a channel amidst the + furrows of the mountain. The stream pursued him fast, fast, and the hot + breath of the chasing and preternatural foe came closer and closer upon + his cheek. He turned aside; he climbed desperately, with hands and feet, + upon a crag that, to the right, broke the scathed and blasted level of the + soil. The stream rolled beside and beneath him, and then, taking a sudden + wind round the spot on which he stood, interposed its liquid fire—a + broad and impassable barrier—between his resting-place and escape. + There he stood, cut off from descent, and with no alternative but to + retrace his steps towards the crater, and thence seek—without guide + or clew—some other pathway. + </p> + <p> + For a moment his courage left him; he cried in despair, and in that + over-strained pitch of voice which is never heard afar off, to the guide, + to Merton, to return, to aid him. + </p> + <p> + No answer came; and the Englishman, thus abandoned solely to his own + resources, felt his spirit and energy rise against the danger. He turned + back, and ventured as far towards the crater as the noxious exhalation + would permit; then, gazing below, carefully and deliberately he chalked + out for himself a path, by which he trusted to shun the direction the + fire-stream had taken, and trod firmly and quickly over the crumbling and + heated strata. + </p> + <p> + He had proceeded about fifty yards when he halted abruptly: an unspeakable + and unaccountable horror, not hitherto felt amidst all his peril, came + over him. He shook in every limb; his muscles refused his will; he felt, + as it were, palsied and death-stricken. The horror, I say, was + unaccountable, for the path seemed clear and safe. The fire, above and + behind, burned out clear and far; and beyond, the stars lent him their + cheering guidance. No obstacle was visible, no danger seemed at hand. As + thus, spell-bound and panic-stricken, he stood chained to the soil—his + breast heaving, large drops rolling down his brow, and his eyes starting + wildly from their sockets—he saw before him, at some distance, + gradually shaping itself more and more distinctly to his gaze, a Colossal + Shadow,—a shadow that seemed partially borrowed from the human + shape, but immeasurably above the human stature, vague, dark, almost + formless and differing—he could not tell where or why—not only + from the proportions, but also from the limbs and outline of man. + </p> + <p> + The glare of the volcano, that seemed to shrink and collapse from this + gigantic and appalling apparition, nevertheless threw its light, redly and + steadily, upon another shape that stood beside, quiet and motionless; and + it was perhaps the contrast of these two things—the Being and the + Shadow—that impressed the beholder with the difference between them,—the + Man and the Superhuman. It was but for a moment, nay, for the tenth part + of a moment, that this sight was permitted to the wanderer. A second eddy + of sulphureous vapors from the volcano, yet more rapidly, yet more densely + than its predecessor, rolled over the mountain; and either the nature of + the exhalation, or the excess of his own dread, was such that Glyndon, + after one wild gasp for breath, fell senseless on the earth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + Merton and the Italians arrived in safety at the spot where they had left + the mules; and not till they had recovered their own alarm and breath did + they think of Glyndon. But then, as the minutes passed and he appeared + not, Merton—whose heart was as good, at least, as human hearts are + in general—grew seriously alarmed. He insisted on returning to + search for his friend, and by dint of prodigal promises prevailed at last + on the guide to accompany him. The lower part of the mountain lay calm and + white in the starlight; and the guide’s practised eye could discern all + objects on the surface, at a considerable distance. They had not, however, + gone very far before they perceived two forms slowly approaching towards + them. + </p> + <p> + As they came near, Merton recognized the form of his friend. “Thank + Heaven, he is safe!” he cried, turning to the guide. + </p> + <p> + “Holy angels befriend us!” said the Italian, trembling; “behold the very + being that crossed me last Sabbath night. It is he, but his face is human + now!” + </p> + <p> + “Signor Inglese,” said the voice of Zicci as Glyndon, pale, wan, and + silent, returned passively the joyous greeting of Merton,—“Signor + Inglese, I told your friend we should meet to-night; you see you have not + foiled my prediction.” + </p> + <p> + “But how, but where?” stammered Merton, in great confusion and surprise. + </p> + <p> + “I found your friend stretched on the ground, overpowered by the mephitic + exhalation of the crater. I bore him to a purer atmosphere; and as I know + the mountain well, I have conducted him safely to you. This is all our + history. You see, sir, that were it not for that prophecy which you + desired to frustrate, your friend would, ere this time, have been a + corpse; one minute more, and the vapor had done its work. Adieu! good + night and pleasant dreams.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my preserver, you will not leave us,” said Glyndon, anxiously, and + speaking for the first time. “Will you not return with us?” + </p> + <p> + Zicci paused, and drew Glyndon aside. “Young man,” said he, gravely, “it + is necessary that we should again meet to-night. It is necessary that you + should, ere the first hour of morning, decide on your fate. Will you marry + Isabel di Pisani, or lose her forever? Consult not your friend; he is + sensible and wise, but not now is his wisdom needed. There are times in + life when from the imagination, and not the reason, should wisdom come,—this + for you is one of them. I ask not your answer now. Collect your thoughts, + recover your jaded and scattered spirits. It wants two hours of midnight: + at midnight I will be with you!” + </p> + <p> + “Incomprehensible being,” replied the Englishman, “I would leave the life + you have preserved in your own hands. But since I have known you, my whole + nature has changed. A fiercer desire than that of love burns in my veins,—the + desire, not to resemble, but to surpass my kind; the desire to penetrate + and to share the secret of your own existence; the desire of a + preternatural knowledge and unearthly power. Instruct me, school me, make + me thine; and I surrender to thee at once, and without a murmur, the woman + that, till I saw thee, I would have defied a world to obtain.” + </p> + <p> + “I ask not the sacrifice, Glyndon,” replied Zicci, coldly, yet mildly, + “yet—shall I own it to thee?—I am touched by the devotion I + have inspired. I sicken for human companionship, sympathy, and friendship; + yet I dread to share them, for bold must be the man who can partake my + existence and enjoy my confidence. Once more I say to thee, in compassion + and in warning, the choice of life is in thy hands,—to-morrow it + will be too late. On the one hand, Isabel, a tranquil home, a happy and + serene life; on the other hand all is darkness, darkness that even this + eye cannot penetrate.” + </p> + <p> + “But thou hast told me that if I wed Isabel I must be contented to be + obscure; and if I refuse, that knowledge and power may be mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Vain man! knowledge and power are not happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “But they are better than happiness. Say, if I marry Isabel, wilt thou be + my master, my guide? Say this, and I am resolved.” + </p> + <p> + “Never! It is only the lonely at heart, the restless, the desperate, that + may be my pupils.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I renounce her! I renounce love, I renounce happiness. Welcome + solitude, welcome despair, if they are the entrances to thy dark and + sublime secret.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not take thy answer now; at midnight thou shalt give it in one + word,—ay, or no! Farewell till then!” + </p> + <p> + The mystic waved his hand, and descending rapidly, was seen no more. + </p> + <p> + Glyndon rejoined his impatient and wondering friend; but Merton, gazing on + his face, saw that a great change had passed there. The flexile and + dubious expression of youth was forever gone; the features were locked, + rigid, and stern; and so faded was the natural bloom that an hour seemed + to have done the work of years. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER, XI. + </h2> + <p> + On returning from Vesuvius or Pompeii you enter Naples through its most + animated, its most Neapolitan quarter, through that quarter in which + Modern life most closely resembles the Ancient, and in which, when, on a + fair day, the thoroughfare swarms alike with Indolence and Trade, you are + impressed at once with the recollection of that restless, lively race from + which the population of Naples derives its origin; so that in one day you + may see at Pompeii the habitations of a remote age, and on the Mole at + Naples you may imagine you behold the very beings with which those + habitations had been peopled. The language of words is dead, but the + language of gestures remains little impaired. A fisherman,—peasant, + of Naples will explain to you the motions, the attitudes, the gestures of + the figures painted on the antique vases better than the most learned + antiquary of Gottingen or Leipsic. + </p> + <p> + But now, as the Englishmen rode slowly through the deserted streets, + lighted but by the lamps of heaven, all the gayety of the day was hushed + and breathless. Here and there, stretched under a portico or a dingy + booth, were sleeping groups of houseless lazzaroni,—a tribe now + happily merging this indolent individuality amidst an energetic and active + population. + </p> + <p> + The Englishmen rode on in silence, for Glyndon neither appeared to heed or + hear the questions and comments of Merton, and Merton himself was almost + as weary as the jaded animal he bestrode. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the silence of earth and ocean was broken by the sound of a + distant clock, that proclaimed the last hour of night. Glyndon started + from his revery, and looked anxiously around. As the final stroke died, + the noise of hoofs rang on the broad stones of the pavement, and from a + narrow street to the right emerged the form of a solitary horseman. He + neared the Englishmen, and Glyndon recognized the features and mien of + Zicci. + </p> + <p> + “What! do we meet again, signor?” said Merton, in a vexed but drowsy tone. + </p> + <p> + “Your friend and I have business together,” replied Zicci, as he wheeled + his powerful and fiery steed to the side of Glyndon; “but it will be soon + transacted. Perhaps you, sir, will ride on to your hotel.” + </p> + <p> + “Alone?” + </p> + <p> + “There is no danger,” returned Zicci, with a slight expression of disdain + in his voice. + </p> + <p> + “None to me, but to Glyndon?” + </p> + <p> + “Danger from me? Ah! perhaps you are right.” + </p> + <p> + “Go on, my dear Merton,” said Glyndon. “I will join you before you reach + the hotel.” + </p> + <p> + Merton nodded, whistled, and pushed his horse into a kind of amble. + </p> + <p> + “Now your answer,—quick.” + </p> + <p> + “I have decided: the love of Isabel has vanished from my heart. The + pursuit is over.” + </p> + <p> + “You have decided?” + </p> + <p> + “I have.” + </p> + <p> + “Adieu! join your friend.” + </p> + <p> + Zicci gave the rein to his horse; it sprang forward with a bound; the + sparks flew from its hoofs, and horse and rider disappeared amidst the + shadows of the street whence they had emerged. + </p> + <p> + Merton was surprised to see his friend by his side, a minute after they + had parted. + </p> + <p> + “What business can you have with Zicci? Will you not confide in me?” + </p> + <p> + “Merton, do not ask me to-night; I am in a dream.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not wonder at it, for even I am in a sleep. Let us push on.” + </p> + <p> + In the retirement of his chamber, Glyndon sought to recollect his + thoughts. He sat down on the foot of his bed and pressed his hands tightly + to his throbbing temples. The events of the last few hours, the apparition + of the gigantic and shadowy Companion of the Mystic amidst the fires and + clouds of Vesuvius, the strange encounter with Zicci himself on a spot in + which he could never have calculated on finding Glyndon, filled his mind + with emotions, in which terror and awe the least prevailed. A fire, the + train of which had long been laid, was lighted at his heart,—the + asbestos fire that, once lit, is never to be quenched. All his early + aspiration, his young ambition, his longings for the laurel, were mingled + in one passionate yearning to overpass the bounds of the common knowledge + of man, and reach that solemn spot, between two worlds, on which the + mysterious stranger appeared to have fixed his home. + </p> + <p> + Far from recalling with renewed affright the remembrance of the apparition + that had so appalled him, the recollection only served to kindle and concentrate + his curiosity into a burning focus. He had said aright,—love had + vanished from his heart; there was no longer a serene space amidst its + disordered elements for human affection to move and breathe. The + enthusiast was rapt from this earth; and he would have surrendered all + that beauty ever promised, that mortal hope ever whispered, for one hour + with Zicci beyond the portals of the visible world. + </p> + <p> + He rose, oppressed and fevered with the new thoughts that raged within + him, and threw open his casement for air. The ocean lay suffused in the + starry light, and the stillness of the heavens never more eloquently + preached the morality of repose to the madness of earthly passions. But + such was Glyndon’s mood that their very hush only served to deepen the + wild desires that preyed upon his soul. And the solemn stars, that are + mysteries in themselves, seemed by a kindred sympathy to agitate the wings + of the spirit no longer contented with its cage. As he gazed, a star shot + from its brethren and vanished from the depth of space! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + The sleep of Glyndon that night was unusually profound, and the sun + streamed full upon his eyes as he opened them to the day. He rose + refreshed, and with a strange sentiment of calmness, that seemed more the + result of resolution than exhaustion. The incidents and emotions of the + past night had settled into distinct and clear impressions. He thought of + them but slightly,—he thought rather of the future. He was as one of + the Initiated in the old Egyptian Mysteries, who have crossed the Gate + only to look more ardently for the Penetralia. + </p> + <p> + He dressed himself, and was relieved to find that Merton had joined a + party of his countrymen on an excursion to Ischia. He spent the heat of + noon in thoughtful solitude, and gradually the image of Isabel returned to + his heart. It was a holy—for it was a human—image; he had + resigned her, and he repented. The light of day served, if not to + dissipate, at least to sober, the turbulence and fervor of the preceding + night. But was it indeed too late to retract his resolve? “Too late!” + terrible words! Of what do we not repent, when the Ghost of the Deed + returns to us to say, “Thou hast no recall?” + </p> + <p> + He started impatiently from his seat, seized his hat and sword, and strode + with rapid steps to the humble abode of the actress. + </p> + <p> + The distance was considerable, and the air oppressive. Glyndon arrived at + the door breathless and heated he knocked, no answer came; he lifted the + latch and entered. No sound, no sight of life, met his ear and eye. In the + front chamber, on a table, lay the guitar of the actress and some + manuscript parts in plays. He paused, and summoning courage, tapped at the + door which seemed to lead into the inner apartment. The door was ajar; and + hearing no sound within, he pushed it open. It was the sleeping chamber of + the young actress,—that holiest ground to a lover. And well did the + place become the presiding deity: none of the tawdry finery of the + Profession was visible on the one hand, none of the slovenly disorder + common to the humbler classes of the South on the other. All was pure and + simple; even the ornaments were those of an innocent refinement,—a + few books placed carefully on shelves, a few half-faded flowers in an + earthen vase which was modelled and painted in the Etruscan fashion. The + sunlight streamed over the snowy draperies of the bed, and a few articles + of clothing, neatly folded, on the chair beside it. Isabel was not there; + and Glyndon, as he gazed around, observed that the casement which opened + to the ground was wrenched and broken, and several fragments of the + shattered glass lay below. The light flashed at once upon Glyndon’s mind,—the + ravisher had borne away his prize. The ominous words of Zicci were + fulfilled: it was too late! Wretch that he was, perhaps he might have + saved her! But the nurse,—was she gone also? He made the house + resound with the name of Gionetta, but there was not even an echo to + reply. He resolved to repair at once to the abode of Zicci. On arriving at + the palace of the Corsican, he was informed that the signor was gone to + the banquet of the Prince di—, and would not return until late. He + turned in dismay from the door, and perceived the heavy carriage of the + Count Cetoxa rolling along the narrow street. Cetoxa recognized him and + stopped the carriage. + </p> + <p> + “Ah my dear Signor Glyndon,” said he, leaning out of the window, “and how + goes your health? You heard the news?” + </p> + <p> + “What news?” asked Glyndon, mechanically. + </p> + <p> + “Why, the beautiful actress,—the wonder of Naples! I always thought + she would have good luck.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, what of her?” + </p> + <p> + “The Prince di—has taken a prodigious fancy to her, and has carried + her to his own palace. The Court is a little scandalized.” + </p> + <p> + “The villain! by force?” + </p> + <p> + “Force! Ha! ha! my dear signor, what need of force to persuade an actress + to accept the splendid protection of one of the wealthiest noblemen in + Italy? Oh, no! you may be sure she went willingly enough. I only just + heard the news: the prince himself proclaimed his triumph this morning, + and the accommodating Mascari has been permitted to circulate it. I hope + the connection will not last long, or we shall lose our best singer. + Addio!” + </p> + <p> + Glyndon stood mute and motionless. He knew not what to think, to believe, + or how to act. Even Merton was not at hand to advise him. His conscience + smote him bitterly; and half in despair, half in the courageous wrath of + jealousy, he resolved to repair to the palace of the prince himself, and + demand his captive in the face of his assembled guests. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + We must go back to the preceding night. The actress and her nurse had + returned from the theatre; and Isabel, fatigued and exhausted, had thrown + herself on a sofa, while Gionetta busied herself with the long tresses + which, released from the fillet that bound them, half concealed the form + of the actress, like a veil of threads of gold; and while she smoothed the + luxuriant locks, the old nurse ran gossiping on about the little events of + the night,—the scandal and politics of the scenes and the tire-room. + </p> + <p> + The clock sounded the hour of midnight, and still Isabel detained the + nurse; for a vague and foreboding fear, she could not account for, made + her seek to protract the time of solitude and rest. + </p> + <p> + At length Gionetta’s voice was swallowed up in successive yawns. She took + her lamp and departed to her own room, which was placed in the upper story + of the house. Isabel was alone. The half-hour after midnight sounded dull + and distant, all was still, and she was about to enter her sleeping-room, + when she heard the hoofs of a horse at full speed. The sound ceased; there + was a knock at the door. Her heart beat violently; but fear gave way to + another sentiment when she heard a voice, too well known, calling on her + name. She went to the door. + </p> + <p> + “Open, Isabel,—it is Zicci,” said the voice again. + </p> + <p> + And why did the actress feel fear no more, and why did that virgin hand + unbar the door to admit, without a scruple or, a doubt, at that late hour, + the visit of the fairest cavalier of Naples? I know not; but Zicci had + become her destiny, and she obeyed the voice of her preserver as if it + were the command of Fate. + </p> + <p> + Zicci entered with a light and hasty step. His horseman’s cloak fitted + tightly to his noble form, and the raven plumes of his broad hat threw a + gloomy shade over his commanding features. + </p> + <p> + The girl followed him into the room, trembling and blushing deeply, and + stood before him with the lamp she held shining upward on her cheek, and + the long hair that fell like a shower of light over the bare shoulders and + heaving bust. + </p> + <p> + “Isabel,” said Zicci, in a voice that spoke deep emotion, “I am by thy + side once more to save thee. Not a moment is to be lost. Thou must fly + with me, or remain the victim of the Prince di—. I would have made + the charge I now undertake another’s,—thou knowest I would, thou + knowest it; but he is not worthy of thee, the cold Englishman! I throw + myself at thy feet; have trust in me, and fly.” + </p> + <p> + He grasped her hand passionately as he dropped on his knee, and looked up + into her face with his bright, beseeching eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Fly with thee!” said Isabel, tenderly. + </p> + <p> + “Thou knowest the penalty,—name, fame, honor, all will be sacrificed + if thou dost not.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, then,” said the wild girl, falteringly, and turning aside her face, + “then I am not indifferent to thee. Thou wouldest not give me to another; + thou lovest me?” + </p> + <p> + Zicci was silent; but his breast heaved, his cheeks flushed, his eyes + darted dark but impassioned fire. + </p> + <p> + “Speak!” exclaimed Isabel, in jealous suspicion of his silence. “Speak, if + thou lovest me.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare not tell thee so; I will not yet say I love thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Then what matter my fate?” said Isabel, turning pale and shrinking from + his side. “Leave me; I fear no danger. My life, and therefore my honor, is + in mine own hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Be not so mad!” said Zicci. “Hark! do you hear the neigh of my steed? It + is an alarm that warns us of the approaching peril. Haste, or you are + lost.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you care for me?” said the girl, bitterly. “Thou hast read my + heart; thou knowest that I would fly with thee to the end of the world, if + I were but sure of thy love; that all sacrifice of womanhood’s repute were + sweet to me, if regarded as the proof and seal of affection. But to be + bound beneath the weight of a cold obligation; to be the beggar on the + eyes of Indifference; to throw myself on one who loves me not,—that + were indeed the vilest sin of my sex. Ah! Zicci, rather let me die.” + </p> + <p> + She had thrown back her clustering hair from her face as she spoke; and as + she now stood, with her arms drooping mournfully, and her hands clasped + together with the proud bitterness of her wayward spirit, giving new zest + and charm to her singular beauty, it was impossible to conceive a sight + more irresistible to the senses and the heart. + </p> + <p> + “Tempt me not to thine own danger, perhaps destruction,” exclaimed Zicci, + in faltering accents; “thou canst not dream of what thou wouldest demand. + Come,” and, advancing, he wound his arm round her waist, “come, Isabel! + Believe at least in my friendship, my protection—” + </p> + <p> + “And not thy love,” said the Italian, turning on him her hurried and + reproachful eyes. Those eyes met his, and he could not withdraw from the + charm of their gaze. He felt her heart throbbing beneath his own; her + breath came warm upon his cheek. He trembled,—he, the lofty, the + mysterious Zicci,—who seemed to stand aloof from his race. With a + deep and burning sigh he murmured, “Isabel, I love thee!” That beautiful + face, bathed in blushes, drooped upon his bosom; and as he bent down, his + lips sought the rosy mouth,—a long and burning kiss. Danger, life, + the world were forgotten! Suddenly Zicci tore himself from her. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! what have I said? It is gone,—my power to preserve thee, to + guard thee, to foresee the storm in thy skies, is gone forever. No matter! + Haste, haste; and may love supply the loss of prophecy and power!” + </p> + <p> + Isabel hesitated no more. She threw her mantle over her shoulders and + gathered up her dishevelled hair; a moment, and she was prepared,—when + a sudden crash was heard in the inner room. + </p> + <p> + “Too late!—fool that I was—too late!” cried Zicci, in a sharp + tone of agony as he hurried to the outer door. He opened it, only to be + borne back by the press of armed men. + </p> + <p> + Behind, before, escape was cut off. The room literally swarmed with the + followers of the ravisher, masked, mailed, armed to the teeth. + </p> + <p> + Isabel was already in the grasp of two of the myrmidons; her shriek smote + the ear of Zicci. He sprang forward, and Isabel heard his wild cry in a + foreign tongue,—the gleam, the clash of swords. She lost her senses; + and when she recovered, she found herself gagged, and in a carriage that + was driven rapidly, by the side of a masked and motionless figure. The + carriage stopped at the portals of a gloomy mansion. The gates opened + noiselessly, a broad flight of steps, brilliantly illumined, was before + her,—she was in the palace of the Prince di—. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + The young actress was led to and left alone in a chamber adorned with all + the luxurious and half-Eastern taste that at one time characterized the + palaces of the great seigneurs of Italy. Her first thought was for Zicci,—was + he yet living? Had he escaped unscathed the blades of the foe,—her + new treasure, the new light of her life, her lord, at last her lover? + </p> + <p> + She had short time for reflection. She heard steps approaching the + chamber; she drew back. She placed her hand on the dagger that at all + hours she wore concealed in her bosom. Living or dead, she would be + faithful still to Zicci There was a new motive to the preservation of + honor. The door opened, and the Prince entered, in a dress that sparkled + with jewels. + </p> + <p> + “Fair and cruel one,” said he, advancing, with a half-sneer upon his lip, + “thou wilt not too harshly blame the violence of love.” He attempted to + take her hand as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said he, as she recoiled, “reflect that thou art now in the power + of one that never faltered in the pursuit of an object less dear to him + than thou art. Thy lover, presumptuous though he be, is not by to save + thee. Mine thou art; but instead of thy master, suffer me to be thy + slave.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said Isabel, with a stern gravity which perhaps the Stage had + conspired with Nature, to bestow upon her, “your boast is in vain. Your + power,—I am not in your power! Life and death are in my own hands. I + will not defy, but I do not fear you. I feel—and in some feelings,” + added Isabel, with a solemnity almost thrilling, “there is all the + strength and all the divinity of knowledge—I feel that I am safe + even here; but you, you, Prince di—, have brought danger to your + home and hearth!” + </p> + <p> + The Neapolitan seemed startled by an earnestness and a boldness he was but + little prepared for. He was not, however, a man easily intimidated or + deterred from any purpose he had formed; and approaching Isabel, he was + about to reply with much warmth, real or affected, when a knock was heard + at the door of the chamber. The sound was repeated, and the Prince, chafed + at the interruption, opened the door and demanded impatiently who had + ventured to disobey his orders and invade his leisure. Mascari presented + himself, pale and agitated. “My lord,” said he, in a whisper, “pardon me, + but a stranger is below who insists on seeing you; and from some words he + let fall, I judged it advisable even to infringe your commands.” + </p> + <p> + “A stranger, and at this hour! What business can he pretend? Why was he + even admitted?” + </p> + <p> + “He asserts that your life is in imminent danger. The source whence it + proceeds he will relate to your Excellency alone.” + </p> + <p> + The Prince frowned, but his color changed. He mused a moment, and then, + re-entering the chamber and advancing towards Isabel, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Believe me, fair creature, I have no wish to take advantage of my power. + I would fain trust alone to the gentler authorities of affection. Hold + yourself queen within these walls more absolutely than you have ever + enacted that part on the stage. To-night, farewell! May your sleep becalm, + and your dreams propitious to my hopes!” + </p> + <p> + With these words he retired, and in a few moments Isabel was surrounded by + officious attendants, whom she at length, with some difficulty, dismissed; + and refusing to retire to rest, she spent the night in examining the + chamber, which she found was secured, and in thoughts of Zicci, in whose + power she felt an almost preternatural confidence. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Prince descended the stairs, and sought the room into which + the stranger had been shown. + </p> + <p> + He found him wrapped from head to foot in a long robe,—half gown, + half mantle,—such as was sometimes worn by ecclesiastics. The face + of this stranger was remarkable; so sunburnt and swarthy were his hues + that he must, apparently, have derived his origin amongst the races of the + farthest East. His—forehead was lofty, and his eyes so penetrating, + yet so calm, in their gaze that the Prince shrank from them as we shrink + from a questioner who is drawing forth the guiltiest secrets of our + hearts. + </p> + <p> + “What would you with me?” asked the Prince, motioning his visitor to a + seat. + </p> + <p> + “Prince di—,” said the stranger, in a voice deep and sweet, but + foreign in its accent, “son of the most energetic and masculine race that + ever applied godlike genius to the service of the Human Will, with its + winding wickedness and its stubborn grandeur; descendant of the great + Visconti, in whose chronicles lies the History of Italy in her palmy day, + and in whose rise was the development of the mightiest intellect ripened + by the most relentless ambition,—I come to gaze upon the last star + in a darkening firmament. By this hour to-morrow space shall know it not. + Man, thy days are cumbered!” + </p> + <p> + “What means this jargon?” said the Prince, in visible astonishment and + secret awe. “Comest thou to menace me in my own halls, or wouldest thou + warn me of a danger? Art thou some itinerant mountebank, or some unguessed + of friend? Speak out, and plainly. What danger threatens me?” + </p> + <p> + “Zicci!” replied the stranger. + </p> + <p> + “Ha! ha!” said the Prince, laughing scornfully; “I half suspected thee + from the first. Thou art, then, the accomplice or the tool of that most + dexterous, but, at present, defeated charlatan. And I suppose thou wilt + tell me that if I were to release a certain captive I have made, the + danger would vanish and the hand of the dial would be put back?” + </p> + <p> + “Judge of me as thou wilt, Prince di—. I confess my knowledge of + Zicci,—a knowledge shared but by a few, who—But this touches + thee not. I would save, therefore I warn thee. Dost thou ask me why? I + will tell thee. Canst thou remember to have heard wild tales of thy + grandsire,—of his desire for a knowledge that passes that of the + schools and cloisters; of a strange man from the East, who was his + familiar and master in lore, against which the Vatican has from age to age + launched its mimic thunder? Dost thou call to mind the fortunes of thy + ancestor,—how he succeeded in youth to little but a name; how, after + a career wild and dissolute as thine, he disappeared from Milan, a pauper + and a self-exile; how, after years spent none knew in what climes or in + what pursuits, he again revisited the city where his progenitors had + reigned; how with him came this wise man of the East, the mystic Mejnour; + how they who beheld him, beheld with amaze and fear that time had ploughed + no furrow on his brow,—that youth seemed fixed as by a spell upon + his face and form? Dost thou know that from that hour his fortunes rose? + Kinsmen the most remote died, estate upon estate fell into the hands of + the ruined noble. He allied himself with the royalty of Austria, he became + the guide of princes, the first magnate of Italy. He founded anew the + house of which thou art the last lineal upholder, and transferred its + splendor from Milan to the Sicilian realms. Visions of high ambition were + then present with him nightly and daily. Had he lived, Italy would have + known a new dynasty, and the Visconti would have reigned over Magna + Graecia. He was a man such as the world rarely sees; he was worthy to be + of us, worthy to be the pupil of Mejnour,—whom you now see before + you.” + </p> + <p> + The Prince, who had listened with deep and breathless attention to the + words of his singular guest, started from his seat at his last words. + “Impostor!” he cried, “can you dare thus to play with my credulity? Sixty + years have passed since my grandsire died; and you, a man younger + apparently than myself, have the assurance to pretend to have been his + contemporary! But you have imperfectly learned your tale. You know not, it + seems, that my grandsire—wise and illustrious, indeed, in all save + his faith in a charlatan—was found dead in his bed in the very hour + when his colossal plans were ripe for execution, and that Mejnour was + guilty of his murder?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” answered the stranger, in a voice of great sadness, “had he but + listened to Mejnour, had he delayed the last and most perilous ordeal of + daring wisdom until the requisite training and initiation had been + completed, your ancestor would have stood with me upon an eminence which + the waters of Death itself wash everlastingly, but cannot overflow. Your + grandsire resisted my fervent prayers, disobeyed my most absolute + commands, and in the sublime rashness of a soul that panted for the last + secrets, perished,—the victim of his own frenzy.” + </p> + <p> + “He was poisoned, and Mejnour fled.” + </p> + <p> + “Mejnour fled not,” answered the stranger, quickly and proudly. + </p> + <p> + “Mejnour could not fly from danger, for to him danger is a thing long left + behind. It was the day before the duke took the fatal draught which he + believed was to confer on the mortal the immortal boon that, finding my + power over him was gone, I abandoned him to his doom. + </p> + <p> + “On the night on which your grandsire breathed his last, I was standing + alone at moonlight on the ruins of Persepolis,—for my wanderings, + space hath no obstacle. But a truce with this: I loved your grandsire; I + would save the last of his race. Oppose not thyself to Zicci. Oppose not + thyself to thine evil passions. Draw back from the precipice while there + is yet time. In thy front and in thine eyes I detect some of that diviner + glory which belonged to thy race. Thou hast in thee some germs of their + hereditary genius, but they are choked up by worse than thy hereditary + vices. Recollect, by genius thy house rose,—by vice it ever failed + to perpetuate its power. In the laws which regulate the Universe it is + decreed that nothing wicked can long endure. Be wise, and let history warn + thee. Thou standest on the verge of two worlds,—the Past and the + Future; and voices from either shriek omen in thy ear. I have done. I bid + thee farewell.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so; thou shalt not quit these walls. I will make experiment of thy + boasted power. What ho there! ho!” The Prince shouted; the room was filled + with his minions. “Seize that man!” he cried, pointing to the spot which + had been filled by the form of Mejnour. To his inconceivable amaze and + horror, the spot was vacant. The mysterious stranger had vanished like a + dream. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + It was the first faint and gradual break of the summer dawn; and two men + stood in a balcony overhanging a garden fragrant with the scents of the + awakening flowers. The stars had not left the sky, the birds were yet + silent on the boughs; all was still, hushed, and tranquil. But how + different the tranquillity of reviving day from the solemn repose of + night. + </p> + <p> + In the music of silence there are a thousand variations. These men, who + alone seemed awake in Naples, were Zicci and the mysterious stranger, who + had but an hour or two ago startled the Prince di—in his voluptuous + palace. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the latter, “hadst thou delayed the acceptance of the Arch Gift + until thou hadst attained to the years and passed through all the desolate + bereavements that chilled and scared myself ere my researches had made it + mine, thou wouldest have escaped the curse of which thou complainest now. + Thou wouldest not have mourned over the brevity of human affection as + compared to the duration of thine own existence, for thou wouldest have + survived the very desire and dream of the love of woman. Brightest, and + but for that error perhaps the loftiest, of the secret and solemn race + that fills up the interval in creation between mankind and the demons, age + after age wilt thou rue the splendid folly which made thee ask to carry + the beauty and the passions of youth into the dreary grandeur of earthly + immortality.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not repent, nor shall I,” answered Zicci, coldly. “The transport and + the sorrow, so wildly blended, which diversify my doom, are better than + the calm and bloodless tenor of thy solitary way. Thou, who lovest + nothing, hatest nothing,—feelest nothing, and walkest the world with + the noiseless and joyless footsteps of a dream!” + </p> + <p> + “You mistake,” replied he who had owned the name of Mejnour; “though I + care not for love, and am dead to every passion that agitates the sons of + clay, I am not dead to their more serene enjoyments. I have still left to + me the sublime pleasures of wisdom and of friendship. I carry down the + Stream of the countless years, not the turbulent desires of youth, but the + calm and spiritual delights of age. Wisely and deliberately I abandoned + youth forever when I separated my lot from men. Let us not envy or + reproach each other. I would have saved this Neapolitan, Zicci (since so + it now pleases thee to be called), partly because his grandsire was but + divided by the last airy barrier from our own brotherhood, partly because + I know that in the man himself lurk the elements of ancestral courage and + power, which in earlier life would have fitted him for one of us. Earth + holds but few to whom nature has given the qualities that can bear the + ordeal! But time and excess, that have thickened the grosser senses, have + blunted the imagination. I relinquish him to his doom.” + </p> + <p> + “And still then, Mejnour, you cherish the desire to increase our scanty + and scattered host by new converts and allies; Surely, surely, thy + experience might have taught thee that scarcely once in a thousand years + is born the being who can pass through the horrible gates that lead into + the worlds without. Is not thy path already strewed with thy victims? Do + not their ghastly faces of agony and fear,—the blood-stained + suicide, the raving maniac,—rise before thee and warn what is yet + left to thee of human sympathy from thy insane ambition?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” answered Mejnour, “have I not had success to counterbalance + failure? And can I forego this lofty and august hope, worthy alone of our + high condition,—the hope to form a mighty and numerous race, with a + force and power sufficient to permit them to acknowledge to mankind their + majestic conquests and dominion; to become the true lords of this planet, + invaders perchance of others, masters of the inimical and malignant tribes + by which at this moment we are surrounded,—a race that may proceed, + in their deathless destinies, from stage to stage of celestial glory, and + rank at last among the nearest ministrants and agents gathered round the + Throne of Thrones? What matter a thousand victims for one convert to our + band? And you, Zicci,” continued Mejnour, after a pause, “you, even you, + should this affection for a mortal beauty that you have dared, despite + yourself, to cherish, be more than a passing fancy; should it, once + admitted into your inmost nature, partake of its bright and enduring + essence,—even you may brave all things to raise the beloved one into + your equal. Nay, interrupt me not. Can you see sickness menace her, danger + hover around, years creep on, the eyes grow dim, the beauty fade, while + the heart, youthful still, clings and fastens round your own,—can + you see this, and know it is yours to—” + </p> + <p> + “Cease,” cried Zicci, fiercely. “What is all other fate as compared to the + death of terror? What! when the coldest sage, the most heated enthusiast, + the hardiest warrior, with his nerves of iron, have been found dead in + their beds, with straining eyeballs and horrent hair, at the first step of + the Dread Progress, thinkest thou that this weak woman—from whose + cheek a sound at the window, the screech of the night-owl, the sight of a + drop of blood on a man’s sword, would start the color—could brave + one glance of—Away! the very thought of such sights for her makes + even myself a coward!” + </p> + <p> + “When you told her you loved her, when you clasped her to your breast, you + renounced all power to prophesy her future lot or protect her from harm. + Henceforth to her you are human, and human only. How know you, then, to + what you may be tempted? How know you what her curiosity may learn and her + courage brave? But enough of this,—you are bent on your pursuit?” + </p> + <p> + “The fiat has gone forth.” + </p> + <p> + “And to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow at this hour our bark will be bounding over yonder ocean, and + the weight of ages will have fallen from my heart! Fool, thou hast given + up thy youth!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + The Prince di—was not a man whom Naples could suppose to be addicted + to superstitious fancies, neither was the age one in which the belief of + sorcery was prevalent. Still, in the South of Italy there was then, and + there still lingers, a certain spirit of credulity, which may, ever and + anon, be visible amidst the boldest dogmas of their philosophers and + sceptics. In his childhood the Prince had learned strange tales of the + ambition, the genius, and the career of his grandsire; and secretly, + perhaps influenced by ancestral example, in earlier youth he himself had + followed alchemy, not only through her legitimate course, but her + antiquated and erratic windings. I have, indeed, been shown in Naples a + little volume blazoned with the arms of the Visconti, and ascribed to the + nobleman I refer to, which treats of alchemy in a spirit half mocking and + half reverential. + </p> + <p> + Pleasure soon distracted him from such speculations, and his talents, + which were unquestionably great, were wholly perverted to extravagant + intrigues or to the embellishment of a gorgeous ostentation with something + of classic grace. His immense wealth, his imperious pride, his + unscrupulous and daring character, made him an object of no inconsiderable + fear to a feeble and timid court; and the ministers of the indolent + government willingly connived at excesses—, which allured him at + least from ambition. The strange visit and yet more strange departure of + Mejnour filled the breast of the Neapolitan with awe and wonder, against + which all the haughty arrogance and learned scepticism of his maturer + manhood combated in vain. The apparition of—Mejnour served, indeed, + to invest Zicci with a character in which the Prince had not hitherto + regarded him. He felt a strange alarm at the rival he had braved, at the + foe he had provoked. His night was sleepless, and the next morning he came + to the resolution of leaving Isabel in peace until after the banquet of + that day, to which he had invited Zicci. He felt as if the death of the + mysterious Corsican were necessary for the preservation of his own life; + and if at an earlier period of their rivalry he had determined on the fate + of Zicci, the warnings of—Mejnour only served to confirm his + resolve. + </p> + <p> + “We will try if his magic can invent an antidote to the bane,” said he, + half aloud and with a gloomy smile, as he summoned Mascari to his + presence. The poison which the Prince, with his own hands, mixed into the + wine intended for his guest was compounded from materials the secret of + which had been one of the proudest heir-looms of that able and evil race + which gave to Italy her wisest and fellest tyrants. Its operation was + quick, not sudden; it produced no pain, it left on the form no grim + convulsion, on the skin no purpling spot, to arouse suspicion; you might + have cut and carved every membrane and fibre of the corpse, but the + sharpest eyes of the leech would not have detected the presence of the + subtle life-queller. For twelve hours the victim felt nothing, save a + joyous and elated exhilaration of the blood; a delicious languor followed,—the + sure forerunner of apoplexy. No lancet then could save! Apoplexy had run + much in the families of the enemies of the Visconti! + </p> + <p> + The hour of the feast arrived, the guests assembled. There were the flower + of the Neapolitan seigneurie,—the descendants of the Norman, the + Teuton, the Goth; for Naples had then a nobility, but derived it from the + North, which has indeed been the Nutrix Leonum, the nurse of the + lion-hearted chivalry of the world. + </p> + <p> + Last of the guests came Zicci, and the crowd gave way as the dazzling + foreigner moved along to the lord of the palace. The Prince greeted him + with a meaning smile, to which Zicci answered by a whisper: “He who plays + with loaded dice does not always win.” + </p> + <p> + The Prince bit his lip; and Zicci, passing on, seemed deep in conversation + with the fawning Mascari. + </p> + <p> + “Who is the Prince’s heir?” asked the Corsican. + </p> + <p> + “A distant relation on the mother’s side; with his Excellency dies the + male line.” + </p> + <p> + “Is the heir present at our host’s banquet?” + </p> + <p> + “No; they are not friends.” + </p> + <p> + “No matter; he will be here to-morrow!” + </p> + <p> + Mascari stared in surprise; but the signal for the banquet was given, and + the guests were marshalled to the board. As was the custom, the feast took + place at midday. It was a long oval hall, the whole of one side opening by + a marble colonnade upon a court or garden, in which the eye rested + gratefully upon cool fountains and statues of whitest marble, half + sheltered by orange-trees. Every art that luxury could invent to give + freshness and coolness to the languid and breezeless heat of the day + without (a day on which the breath of the sirocco was abroad) had been + called into existence. Artificial currents of air through invisible tubes, + silken blinds waving to and fro as if to cheat the senses into the belief + of an April wind, and miniature jets d’eau in each corner of the apartment + gave to the Italians the same sense of exhilaration and comfort (if I may + use the word) which the well-drawn curtains and the blazing hearth afford + to the children of colder climes. + </p> + <p> + The conversation was somewhat more lively and intellectual than is common + among the languid pleasure-hunters of the South; for the Prince, himself + accomplished, sought his acquaintance not only amongst the beaux esprits + of his own country, but amongst the gay foreigners who adorned and + relieved the monotony of the Neapolitan circles. There were present two or + three of the brilliant Frenchmen of the old regime, and their peculiar + turn of thought and wit was well calculated for the meridian of a society + that made the dolce far niente at once its philosophy and its faith. The + Prince, however, was more silent than usual, and when he sought to rouse + himself, his spirits were forced and exaggerated. To the manners of his + host, those of Zicci afforded a striking contrast. The bearing of this + singular person was at all times characterized by a calm and polished ease + which was attributed by the courtiers to the long habit of society. He + could scarcely be called gay, yet few persons more tended to animate the + general spirits of a convivial circle. He seemed, by a kind of intuition, + to elicit from each companion the qualities in which he most excelled; and + a certain tone of latent mockery that characterized his remarks upon the + topics on which the conversation fell, seemed to men who took nothing in + earnest to be the language both of wit and wisdom. To the Frenchmen in + particular there was something startling in his intimate knowledge of the + minutest events in their own capital and country, and his profound + penetration (evinced but in epigrams and sarcasms) into the eminent + characters who were then playing a part upon the great stage of + Continental intrigue. It was while this conversation grew animated, and + the feast was at its height, that Glyndon (who, as the reader will + recollect, had resolved, on learning from Cetoxa the capture of the + actress, to seek the Prince himself) arrived at the palace. The porter, + perceiving by his dress that he was not one of the invited guests, told + him that his Excellency was engaged, and on no account could be disturbed; + and Glyndon then, for the first time, became aware of how strange and + embarrassing was the duty he had taken on himself. To force an entrance + into the banquet-hall of a great and powerful noble surrounded by the rank + of Naples, and to arraign him for what to his boon companions would appear + but an act of gallantry, was an exploit that could not fail to be at once + ludicrous and impotent. He mused a moment; and remembering that Zicci was + among the guests, determined to apply himself to the Corsican. He + therefore, slipping a few crowns into the porter’s hand, said that he was + commissioned to seek the Signor Zicci upon an errand of life and death, + and easily won his way across the court and into the interior building. He + passed up the broad staircase, and the voices and merriment of the + revellers smote his ear at a distance. At the entrance of the + reception-rooms he found a page, whom he despatched with a message to + Zicci. The page did the errand; and the Corsican, on hearing the whispered + name of Glyndon, turned to his host. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, my lord, an English friend of mine, the Signor Glyndon (not + unknown by name to your Excellency), waits without. The business must + indeed be urgent on which he has sought me in such an hour. You will + forgive my momentary absence.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, signor,” answered the Prince, courteously, but with a sinister smile + on his countenance, “would it not be better for your friend to join us? An + Englishman is welcome everywhere; and even were he a Dutchman, your + friendship would invest his presence with attraction. Pray his attendance,—we + would not spare you even for a moment.” + </p> + <p> + Zicci bowed. The page was despatched with all flattering messages to + Glyndon, a seat next to Zicci was placed for him, and the young Englishman + entered. + </p> + <p> + “You are most welcome, sir. I trust your business to our illustrious guest + is of good omen and pleasant import. If you bring evil news, defer it, I + pray you.” + </p> + <p> + Glyndon’s brow was sullen, and he was about to startle the guests by his + reply, when Zicci, touching his arm significantly, whispered in English, + “I know why you have sought me. Be silent, and witness what ensues.” + </p> + <p> + “You know, then, that Isabel, whom you boasted you had the power to save + from danger—” + </p> + <p> + “Is in this house? Yes. I know also that Murder sits at the right hand of + our host. Be still, and learn the fate that awaits the foes of Zicci.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said the Corsican, speaking aloud, “the Signor Glyndon has + indeed brought me tidings which, though not unexpected, are unwelcome. I + learn that which will oblige me to leave Naples to-morrow, though I trust + but for a short time. I have now a new motive to make the most of the + present hour.” + </p> + <p> + “And what, if I may venture to ask, may be the cause which brings such + affliction on the fair dames of Naples?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the approaching death of one who honored me with most loyal + friendship,” replied Zicci, gravely. “Let us not speak of it,—Grief + cannot put back the dial. As we supply by new flowers those that fade in + our vases, so it is the secret of worldly wisdom to replace by fresh + friendships those that fade from our path.” + </p> + <p> + “True philosophy,” exclaimed the Prince. “‘Not to admire’ was the Roman’s + maxim; never to mourn is mine. There is nothing in life to grieve for,—save, + indeed, Signor Zicci, when some beauty on whom we have set our heart slips + from our grasp. In such a moment we have need of all our wisdom not to + succumb to despair and shake hands with death. What say you, signor? You + smile. Such never could be your lot. Pledge me in a sentiment: ‘Long life; + to the fortunate lover; a quick release to the baffled suitor!’” + </p> + <p> + “I pledge you,” said Zicci. And as the fatal wine was poured into his + glass, he repeated, fixing his eyes on the Prince, “I pledge you even in + this wine!” + </p> + <p> + He lifted the glass to his lips. The Prince seemed ghastly pale, while the + gaze of the Corsican bent upon him with an intent and stern brightness + that the conscience-stricken host cowered and quailed beneath. Not till he + had drained the draught and replaced the glass upon the board did Zicci + turn his eyes from the Prince; and he then said, “Your wine has been kept + too long,—it has lost its virtues. It might disagree with many; but + do not fear, it will not harm me, Prince. Signor Mascari, you are a judge + of the grape, will you favor us with your opinion?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” answered Mascari, with well-affected composure, “I like not the + wines of Cyprus, they are heating. Perhaps Signor Glyndon may not have the + same distaste. The English are said to love their potations warm and + pungent.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you wish my friend also to taste the wine, Prince?” said Zicci. + “Recollect all cannot drink it with the same impunity as myself.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the Prince, hastily; “if you do not recommend the wine, Heaven + forbid that we should constrain our guests! My Lord Duke,” turning to one + of the Frenchmen, “yours is the true soil of Bacchus. What think you of + this cask from Burgundy,—has it borne the journey?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Zicci, “let us change both the wine and the theme.” With that + the Corsican grew more animated and brilliant. Never did wit more + sparkling, airy, exhilarating, flash from the lips of reveller. His + spirits fascinated all present, even the Prince himself, even Glyndon, + with a strange and wild contagion. The former, indeed, whom the words and + gaze of Zicci, when he drained the poison, had filled with fearful + misgivings, now hailed in the brilliant eloquence of his wit a certain + sign of the operation of the bane. The wine circulated fast, but none + seemed conscious of its effects. One by one the rest of the party fell + into a charmed and spell-bound silence as Zicci continued to pour forth + sally upon sally, tale upon tale. They hung on his words, they almost held + their breath to listen. Yet how bitter was his mirth; how full of contempt + for all things; how deeply steeped in the coldness of the derision that + makes sport of life itself! + </p> + <p> + Night came on; the room grew dim, and the feast had lasted several hours + longer than was the customary duration of similar entertainments at that + day. Still the guests stirred not, and still Zicci continued, with + glittering eye and mocking lip, to lavish his stores of intellect and + anecdote, when suddenly the moon rose, and shed its rays over the flowers + and fountains in the court without, leaving the room itself half in shadow + and half tinged by a quiet and ghostly light. + </p> + <p> + It was then that Zicci rose. “Well, gentlemen,” said he, “we have not yet + wearied our host, I hope, and his garden offers a new temptation to + protract our stay. Have you no musicians among your train, Prince, that + might regale our ears while we inhale the fragrance of your orange-trees?” + </p> + <p> + “An excellent thought,” said the Prince. “Mascari, see to the music.” + </p> + <p> + The party rose simultaneously to adjourn to the garden; and then, for the + first time, the effect of the wine they had drunk seemed to make itself + felt. + </p> + <p> + With flushed cheeks and unsteady steps they came into the open air, which + tended yet more to stimulate that glowing fever of the grape. As if to + make up for the silence with which the guests had hitherto listened to + Zicci, every tongue was now loosened; every man talked, no man listened. + In the serene beauty of the night and scene there was something wild and + fearful in the contrast of the hubbub and Babel of these disorderly + roysterers. One of the Frenchmen in especial, the young Due de R—,—a + nobleman of the highest rank, and of all the quick, vivacious, and + irascible temperament of his countrymen,—was particularly noisy and + excited. And as circumstances, the remembrance of which is still preserved + among certain circles of Naples, rendered it afterwards necessary that the + Due should himself give evidence of what occurred, I will here translate + the short account he drew up, and which was kindly submitted to me some + few years ago by my accomplished and lively friend, il Cavaliere di B—. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I never remember [writes the Due] to have felt my spirits so + excited as on that evening; we were like so many boys released from + school, jostling each other as we reeled or ran down the flight of + seven or eight stairs that led from the colonnade into the garden, + —some laughing, some whooping, some scolding, some babbling. The + wine had brought out, as it were, each man’s inmost character. + Some were loud and quarrelsome, others sentimental and whining; + some, whom we had hitherto thought dull, most mirthful; some, whom + we had ever regarded as discreet and taciturn, most garrulous and + uproarious. I remember that in the midst of our most clamorous + gayety my eye fell upon the foreign cavalier, Signor Zicci, whose + conversation had so enchanted us all, and I felt a certain chill + come over me to perceive that he bore the same calm and + unsympathizing smile upon his countenance which had characterized + it in his singular and curious stories of the court of Louis XV. I + felt, indeed, half inclined to seek a quarrel with one whose + composure was almost an insult to our disorder. Nor was such an + effect of this irritating and mocking tranquillity confined to + myself alone. Several of the party have told me since that on + looking at Zicci they felt their blood rise and their hands wander + to their sword-hilts. There seemed in the icy smile a very charm + to wound vanity and provoke rage. It was at this moment that the + Prince came up to me, and, passing his arm into mine, led me a + little apart from the rest he had certainly indulged in the same + excess as ourselves, but it did not produce the same effect of + noisy excitement. There was, on the contrary a certain cold + arrogance and supercilious scorn in his bearing and language, + which, even while affecting so much caressing courtesy towards me, + roused my self-love against him. He seemed as if Zicci had + infected him, and that in imitating the manner of his guest he + surpassed the original, he rallied me on some court gossip which + had honored my name by associating it with a certain beautiful and + distinguished Sicilian lady, and affected to treat with contempt + that which, had it been true, I should have regarded as a boast. + He spoke, indeed, as if he himself had gathered all the flowers of + Naples, and left us foreigners only the gleanings he had scorned; + at this my natural and national gallantry was piqued, and I + retorted by some sarcasms that I should certainly have spared had + my blood been cooler. He laughed heartily, and left me in a + strange fit of resentment and anger. Perhaps (I must own the + truth) the wine had produced in me a wild disposition to take + offence and provoke quarrel. As the Prince left me, I turned, and + saw Zicci at my side. + + “The Prince is a braggart,” said he, with the same smile that + displeased me before. “He would monopolize all fortune and all + love. Let us take our revenge.” + + “And how?” + + “He has at this moment in his house the most enchanting singer in + Naples,—the celebrated Isabel di Pisani. She is here, it is true, + not by her own choice,—he carried her hither by force; but he will + pretend to swear that she adores him. Let us insist on his + producing the secret treasure; and when she enters, the Duc de Lt—— + can have no doubt that his flatteries and attentions will charm the + lady and provoke all the jealous fears of our host. It would be a + fair revenge upon his imperious self conceit.” + + This suggestion delighted me. I hastened to the Prince. At that + instant the musicians had just commenced. I waved my hand, ordered + the music to stop, and addressing the Prince, who was standing in + the centre of one of the gayest groups, complained of his want of + hospitality in affording to us such poor proficients in the art + while he reserved for his own solace the lute and voice of the + first performer in Naples. I demanded, half laughingly, half + seriously, that he should produce the Pisani. My demand was + received with shouts of applause by the rest. We drowned the + replies of our host with uproar, and would hear no denial. + “Gentlemen,” at last said the Prince, when he could obtain an + audience, “even were I to assent to your proposal, I could not + induce the signora to present herself before an assemblage as + riotous as they are noble. You have too much chivalry to use + compulsion with her, though the Due de R—forgets himself + sufficiently to administer it to inc.” + + I was stung by this taunt, however well deserved. “Prince,” said + I, “I have for the indelicacy of compulsion so illustrious an + example that I cannot hesitate to pursue the path honored by your + own footsteps. All Naples knows that the Pisani despises at once + your gold and your love; that force alone could have brought her + under your roof; and that you refuse to produce her because you + fear her complaints, and know enough of the chivalry your vanity + sneers at to feel assured that the gentlemen of France are not more + disposed to worship beauty than to defend it from wrong.” + + “You speak well, sir,” said Zicci, gravely;—“the Prince dare not + produce his prize.” + + The Prince remained speechless for a few moments, as if with + indignation. At last he broke out into expressions the most + injurious and insulting against Signor Zicci and myself. Zicci + replied not; I was more hot and hasty. The guests appeared to + delight in our dispute. None except Mascari, whom we pushed aside + and disdained to hear, strove to conciliate; some took one side, + some another. The issue may be well foreseen. Swords were drawn. + I had left mine in the ante room; Zicci offered me his own,—I + seized it eagerly. There might be some six or eight persons + engaged in a strange and confused kind of melee, but the Prince and + myself only sought each other. The noise around us, the confusion + of the guests, the cries of the musicians, the clash of our own + swords, only served to stimulate our unhappy fury. We feared to be + interrupted by the attendants and fought like madmen, without skill + or method. I thrust and parried mechanically, blind and frantic as + if a demon had entered into me, till I saw the Prince stretched at + my feet, bathed in his blood, and Zicci bending over him and + whispering in his ear. The sight cooled us all; the strife ceased. + We gathered in shame, remorse, and horror round our ill-fated host; + but it was too late, his eyes rolled fearfully in his head, and + still he struggled to release himself from Zicci’s arms, who + continued to whisper (I trust divine comfort) in his ear. I have + seen men die, but, never one who wore such horror on his + countenance. At last all was over; Zicci rose from the corpse, and + taking, with great composure, his sword from my hand,—“Ye are + witnesses, gentlemen,” said he, calmly, “that the Prince brought + his fate upon himself. The last of that illustrious house has + perished in a brawl.” + + I saw no more of Zicci. I hastened to the French ambassador to + narrate the event and abide the issue. I am grateful to the + Neapolitan government and to the illustrious heir of the + unfortunate nobleman for the lenient and generous, yet just, + interpretation put upon a misfortune the memory of which will + afflict me to the last hour of my life. (Signed) Louis Victor, + Duc de R. +</pre> + <p> + In the above memorial the reader will find the most exact and minute + account yet given of an event which created the most lively sensation at + Naples in that day, and the narration of which first induced me to collect + the materials of this history, which the reader will perceive, as it + advances, is altogether different in its nature, its agencies, and its + aims from those tales of external terror, whether derived from ingenious + imposture or supernatural mystery, that have given life to French + melodrama or German romance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + Glyndon had taken no part in the affray, neither had he participated + largely in the excesses of the revel. For his exemption from both he was + perhaps indebted to the whispered exhortations of Zicci. When the last + rose from the corpse and withdrew from that scene of confusion, Glyndon + remarked that in passing the crowd he touched Mascari on the shoulder, and + said something which the Englishman did not overhear. Glyndon followed + Zicci into the banquet-room, which, save where the moonlight slept on the + marble floor, was wrapped in the sad and gloomy shadows of the advancing + night. + </p> + <p> + “How could you foretell this fearful event? He fell not by your arm,” said + Glyndon, in a tremulous and hollow tone. + </p> + <p> + “The general who calculates on the victory does not fight in person,” + answered Zicci. “But enough of this. Meet me at midnight by the seashore, + half a mile to the left of your hotel,—you will know the spot by a + rude pillar, the only one near—, to which a broken chain is + attached. There and then will be the crisis of your fate; go. I have + business here yet,—remember, Isabel is still in the house of the + dead man.” + </p> + <p> + As Glyndon yet hesitated, strange thoughts, doubts, and fears that longed + for speech crowding within him, Mascari approached; and Zicci, turning to + the Italian and waving his hand to Glyndon, drew the former aside. Glyndon + slowly departed. + </p> + <p> + “Mascari,” said Zicci, “your patron is no more. Your services will be + valueless to his heir,—a sober man, whom poverty has preserved from + vice. For yourself, thank me that I do not give you up to the executioner,—recollect + the wine of Cyprus. Well, never tremble, man, it could not act on me, + though it might re-act on others,—in that it is a common type of + crime. I forgive you; and if the wine should kill me, I promise you that + my ghost shall not haunt so worshipful a penitent. Enough of this. Conduct + me to the chamber of Isabel di Pisani; you have no further need of her. + The death of the jailer opens the cell of the captive. Be quick,—I + would be gone.” Mascari muttered some inaudible words, bowed low, and led + the way to the chamber in which Isabel was confined. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> + <p> + It wanted several minutes of midnight, and Glyndon repaired to the + appointed spot. The mysterious empire which Zicci had acquired over him + was still more solemnly confirmed by the events of the last few hours; the + sudden fate of the Prince, so deliberately foreshadowed, and yet so + seemingly accidental—brought out by causes the most commonplace, and + yet associated with words the most prophetic,—impressed him with the + deepest sentiments of admiration and awe. It was as if this dark and + wondrous being would convert the most ordinary events and the meanest + instruments into the agencies of his inscrutable will; yet, if so, why + have permitted the capture of Isabel? Why not have prevented the crime + rather than punished the criminal? And did Zicci really feel love for + Isabel? Love, and yet offer to resign her to himself,—to a rival + whom his arts could not fail to baffle? He no longer reverted to the + belief that Zicci or Isabel had sought to dupe him into marriage. His fear + and reverence for the former now forbade the notion of so poor an + imposture. Did he any longer love Isabel himself? No. When, that morning, + he heard of her danger, he had, it is true, returned to the sympathies and + the fears of affection; but with the death of the Prince her image faded + again from his heart, and he felt no jealous pang at the thought that she + had been saved by Zicci,—that at that moment she was perhaps beneath + his roof. Whoever has, in the course of his life, indulged the absorbing + passion of the gamester, will remember bow all other pursuits and objects + vanished from his mind, how solely he was wrapped in the one wild + delusion; with what a sceptre of magic power the despot demon ruled every + feeling and every thought. Far more intense than the passion of the + gamester was the frantic yet sublime desire that mastered the breast of + Glyndon. He would be the rival of Zicci, not in human and perishable + affections, but in preternatural and eternal lore. He would have laid down + life with content, nay, rapture, as the price of learning those solemn + secrets which separated the stranger from mankind.. Such fools are we when + we aspire to be over-wise! To be enamoured too madly of the goddess of + goddesses is only to embrace a cloud, and to forfeit alike heaven and + earth. + </p> + <p> + The night was most lovely and serene, and the waves scarcely rippled at + his feet as the Englishman glided on by the cool and starry beach. At + length he arrived at the spot, and there, leaning against the broken + pillar, he beheld a man wrapped in a long mantle and in an attitude of + profound repose. He approached, and uttered the name of Zicci. The figure + turned, and he saw the face of a stranger,—a face not stamped by the + glorious beauty of the Corsican, but equally majestic in its aspect, and + perhaps still more impressive from the mature age and the passionless + depth of thought that characterized the expanded forehead and deep-set but + piercing eyes. + </p> + <p> + “You seek Zicci,” said the stranger,—“he will be here anon; but + perhaps he whom you see before you is more connected with your destiny, + and more disposed to realize your dreams.” + </p> + <p> + “Hath the earth then another Zicci?” + </p> + <p> + “If not,” replied the stranger, “why do you cherish the hope and the wild + faith to be yourself a Zicci? Think you that none others have burned with + the same godlike dream? Who, indeed, in his first youth;—youth, when + the soul is nearer to the heaven from which it sprang, and its divine and + primal longings are not all effaced by the sordid passions and petty cares + that are begot in time?—who is there in youth that has not nourished + the belief that the universe has secrets not known to the common herd, and + panted, as the hart for the water-springs, for the fountains that he hid + and far away amidst the broad wilderness of trackless science? The music + of the fountain is heard in the soul within till the steps, deceived and + erring, rove away from its waters, and the wanderer dies in the mighty + desert. Think you that none who have cherished the hope have found the + truth, or that the yearning after the Ineffable Knowledge was given to us + utterly in vain? No. Every desire in human hearts is but a glimpse of + things that exist, alike distant and divine. No! in the world there have + been, from age to age, some brighter and happier spirits who have won to + the air in which the beings above mankind move and breathe. Zicci, great + though he be, stands not alone; he has his predecessors, his contemporary + rivals, and long lines of successors are yet to come!” + </p> + <p> + “And will you tell me,” said Glyndon, “that in yourself I behold one of + that mighty few over whom Zicci has no superiority in power and wisdom?” + </p> + <p> + “In me,” answered the stranger, “you see one from whom Zicci himself + learned many of his loftiest secrets. Before his birth my wisdom was! On + these shores, on this spot, have I stood in ages that your chronicles but + feebly reach. The Phoenician, the Greek, the Oscan, the Roman, the + Lombard,—I have seen them all!—leaves gay and glittering on + the trunk of the universal life—scattered in due season and again + renewed; till, indeed, the same race that gave its glory to the ancient + world bestowed a second youth on the new. For the pure Greeks—the + Hellenes, whose origin has bewildered your dreaming scholars—were of + the same great family as the Norman tribe, born to be the lords of the + universe, and in no land on earth destined to be the hewers of wood. Even + the dim traditions of the learned that bring the sons of Hellas from the + vast and undetermined territories of Northern Thrace, to be the victors of + the pastoral Pelasgi, and the founders of the line of demi-gods, might + serve you to trace back their primeval settlements to the same region + whence, in later times, the Norman warriors broke on the dull and savage + hordes of the Celt, and became the Greeks of the Christian world. But this + interests you not, and you are wise in your indifference. Not in the + knowledge of things without, but in the perfection of the soul within, + lies the empire of man aspiring to be more than men.” + </p> + <p> + “And what books contain that science; from what laboratory is it wrought?” + </p> + <p> + “Nature supplies the materials: they are around you in your daily walks; + in the herbs that the beast devours and the chemist disdains to cull; in + the elements, from which matter in its meanest and its mightiest shapes is + deduced; in the wide bosom of the air; in the black abysses of the earth,—everywhere + are given to mortals the resources and libraries of immortal lore. But as + the simplest problems in the simplest of all studies are obscure to one + who braces not his mind to their comprehension; as the rower in yonder + vessel cannot tell you why two circles can touch each other only in one + point,—so, though all earth were carved over and inscribed with the + letters of diviner knowledge, the characters would be valueless to him who + does not pause to inquire the language and meditate the truth. Young man, + if thy imagination is vivid; if thy heart is daring, if thy curiosity is + insatiate, I will accept thee as my pupil. But the first lessons are stern + and dread.” + </p> + <p> + “If thou hast mastered them, why not I?” answered Glyndon, boldly. “I have + felt from my boyhood that strange mysteries were reserved for my career, + and from the proudest ends of ordinary ambition I have carried my gaze + into the cloud and darkness that stretch beyond. The instant I beheld + Zicci, I felt as if I had discovered the guide and the tutor for which my + youth had idly languished and vainly burned.” + </p> + <p> + “And to me his duty can be transferred,” replied the stranger. “Yonder + lies, anchored in the bay, the vessel in which Zicci seeks a fairer home; + a little while and the breeze will rise, the sail will swell, and the + stranger will have passed like a wind away. Still, like the wind, he + leaves in thy heart the seeds that may bear the blossom and the fruit. + Zicci hath performed his task—he is wanted no more; the perfecter of + his work is at thy side. He comes—I hear the dash of the oar. You + will have your choice submitted to you. According as you decide, we shall + meet again.” With these words the stranger moved slowly away, and + disappeared beneath the shadow of the cliffs. A boat glided rapidly across + the waters; it touched land, a man leapt on shore, and Glyndon recognized + Zicci. + </p> + <p> + “I give thee, Glyndon, I give thee no more the option of happy love and + serene enjoyment. That hour is past, and fate has linked the hand that + might have been thine own to mine. But I have ample gifts to bestow upon + thee if thou wilt abandon the hope that gnaws thy heart, and the + realization of which even I have not the power to foresee. Be thine + ambition human, and I can gratify it to the full. Men desire four things + in life,—love, wealth, fame, power. The first I cannot give thee,—no + matter why; the rest are at my disposal. Select which of them thou wilt, + and let us part in peace.” + </p> + <p> + “Such are not the gifts I covet: I choose knowledge, which indeed, as the + schoolman said, is power, and the loftiest; that knowledge must be thine + own. For this, and for this alone, I surrendered the love of Isabel; this, + and this alone, must be any recompense.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot gainsay thee, though I can warn. The desire to learn does not + always contain the faculty to acquire. I can give thee, it is true, the + teacher; the rest must depend on thee. Be wise in time, and take that + which I can assure to thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Answer me but these questions, and according to your answer I will + decide. Is it in the power of man to attain intercourse with the beings of + other worlds? Is it in the power of man to read the past and the future, + and to insure life against the sword and against disease?” + </p> + <p> + “All this may be possible,” answered Zicci evasively, “to the few. But for + one who attains such secrets, millions may perish in the attempt.” + </p> + <p> + “One question more. Thou—” + </p> + <p> + “Beware! Of myself, as I have said before, I render no account.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, the stranger I have met this night—are his boasts to be + believed? Is he in truth one of the chosen seers whom you allow to have + mastered the mysteries I yearn to fathom?” + </p> + <p> + “Rash man,” said Zicci, in a tone of compassion, “thy crisis is past, and + thy choice made. I can only bid thee be bold and prosper. Yes, I resign + thee to a master who has the power and the will to open to thee the gates + of the awful world. Thy weal or woe are as nought in the eyes of his + relentless wisdom. I would bid him spare thee, but he will heed me not. + Mejnour, receive thy pupil!” Glyndon turned, and his heart beat when he + perceived that the stranger, whose footsteps he had not heard on the + pebbles, whose approach he had not beheld in the moonlight, was once more + by his side. + </p> + <p> + Glyndon’s eyes followed the receding form of the mysterious Corsican. He + saw him enter the boat, and he then for the first time noticed that + besides the rowers there was a female, who stood up as Zicci gained the + boat. Even at this distance he recognized the once-adored form of Isabel. + She waved her hand to him, and across the still and shining air came her + voice, mournfully and sweetly in her native tongue, “Farewell, Clarence—farewell, + farewell.” + </p> + <p> + He strove to answer, but the voice touched a chord at his heart, and the + words failed him. Isabel was then lost forever,—gone with this dread + stranger,—darkness was round her lot. And he himself had decided her + fate and his own! The boat bounded on, the soft waves flashed and sparkled + beneath the oars, and it was along one sapphire track of moonlight that + the frail vessel bore away the lovers. Farther and farther from his gaze + sped the boat, till at last the speck, scarcely visible, touched the side + of the ship that lay lifeless in the glorious bay. At that instant, as if + by magic, up sprang with a glad murmur the playful and refreshing wind. + And Glyndon turned to Mejnour, and broke the silence. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me,—if thou canst read the future,—tell me that her lot + will be fair, and that her choice at least is wise.” + </p> + <p> + “My pupil,” answered Mejnour, in a voice the calmness of which well + accorded with the chilling words, “thy first task must be to withdraw all + thought, feeling, sympathy from others. The elementary stage of knowledge + is to make self, and self alone, thy study and thy world. Thou hast + decided thine own career; thou hast renounced love; thou hast rejected + wealth, fame, and the vulgar pomps of power. What, then, are all mankind + to thee? To perfect thy faculties and concentrate thy emotions is + henceforth thy only aim.” + </p> + <p> + “And will happiness be the end?” + </p> + <p> + “If happiness exist,” answered Mejnour, “it must be centred in A Self to + which all passion is unknown. But happiness is the last state of being, + and as yet thou art on the threshold of the first!” + </p> + <p> + As Mejnour spoke, the distant vessel spread its sails to the wind, and + moved slowly along the deep. Glyndon sighed, and the pupil and the master + retraced their steps towards the city. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK II. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + It was about a month after the date of Zicci’s departure and Glyndon’s + introduction to Mejnour, when two Englishmen were walking arm-in-arm + through the Toledo. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you,” said one (who spoke warmly), “that if you have a particle of + common-sense left in you, you will accompany me to England. This Mejnour + is an impostor more dangerous—because more in earnest—than + Zicci. After all, what do his promises amount to? You allow that nothing + can be more equivocal. You say that he has left Naples, that he has + selected a retreat more genial than the crowded thoroughfares of men to + the studies in which he is to initiate you; and this retreat is among the + haunts of the fiercest bandits of Italy,—haunts which Justice itself + dare not penetrate; fitting hermitage for a sage! I tremble for you. What + if this stranger, of whom nothing is known, be leagued with the robbers; + and these lures for your credulity bait but the traps for your property,—perhaps + your life? You might come off cheaply by a ransom of half your fortune; + you smile indignantly well! put common-sense out of the question; take + your own view of the matter. You are to undergo an ordeal which Mejnour + himself does not profess to describe as a very tempting one. It may, or it + may not, succeed; if it does not, you are menaced with the darkest evils; + and if it does, you cannot be better off than the dull and joyless mystic + whom you have taken for a master. Away with this folly! Enjoy youth while + it is left to you. Return with me to England; forget these dreams. Enter + your proper career; form affections more respectable than those which + lured you a while to an Italian adventuress, and become a happy and + distinguished man. This is the advice of sober friendship; yet the + promises I hold out to you are fairer than those of Mejnour.” + </p> + <p> + “Merton,” said Glyndon, doggedly, “I cannot, if I would, yield to your + wishes. A power that is above me urges me on; I cannot resist its + fascination. I will proceed to the last in the strange career I have + commenced. Think of me no more. Follow yourself the advice you give to me, + and be happy.” + </p> + <p> + “This is madness,” said Merton, passionately, but with a tear in his eye; + “your health is already failing; you are so changed I should scarcely know + you: come, I have already had your name entered in my passport; in another + hour I shall be gone, and you, boy that you are, will be left without a + friend to the deceits of your own fancy and the machinations of this + relentless mountebank.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough,” said Glyndon, coldly; “you cease to be an effective counsellor + when you suffer your prejudices to be thus evident. I have already had + ample proof,” added the Englishman, and his pale cheek grew more pale, “of + the power of this man,—if man he be, which I sometimes doubt; and, + come life, come death, I will not shrink from the paths that allure me. + Farewell, Merton: if we never meet again; if you hear amidst our old and + cheerful haunts that Clarence Glyndon sleeps the last sleep by the shores + of Naples, or amidst the Calabrian hills,—say to the friends of our + youth, ‘He died worthily, as thousands of martyr-students have died before + him, in the pursuit of knowledge.’” + </p> + <p> + He wrung Merton’s hand as he spoke, darted from his side, and disappeared + amidst the crowd. + </p> + <p> + That day Merton left Naples; the next morning Glyndon also quitted the + City of Delight, alone and on horseback. He bent his way into those + picturesque but dangerous parts of the country which at that time were + infested by banditti, and which few travellers dared to pass, even in + broad daylight, without a strong escort. A road more lonely cannot well be + conceived than that on which the hoofs of his steed, striking upon the + fragments of rock that encumbered the neglected way, woke a dull and + melancholy echo. Large tracts of waste land, varied by the rank and + profuse foliage of the South, lay before him; occasionally a wild goat + peeped down from some rocky crag, or the discordant cry of a bird of prey, + startled in its sombre haunt, was heard above the hills. These were the + only signs of life; not a human being was met, not a hut was visible. + Wrapped in his own ardent and solemn thoughts, the young man continued his + way, till the sun had spent its noonday heat, and a breeze that announced + the approach of eve sprung up from the unseen ocean that lay far distant + to his sight. It was then that a turn in the road brought before him one + of those long, desolate, gloomy villages which are found in the interior + of the Neapolitan dominions; and now he came upon a small chapel on one + side of the road, with a gaudily painted image of the Virgin in the open + shrine. Around this spot, which in the heart of a Christian land retained + the vestige of the old idolatry (for just such were the chapels that in + the Pagan age were dedicated to the demon-saints of mythology), gathered + six or seven miserable and squalid wretches, whom the Curse of the Leper + had cut off from mankind. They set up a shrill cry as they turned their + ghastly visages towards the horseman; and, without stirring from the spot, + stretched out their gaunt arms, and implored charity in the name of the + Merciful Mother. Glyndon hastily threw them some small coins, and, turning + away his face, clapped spurs to his horse, and relaxed not his speed till + he entered the village. On either side the narrow and miry street, fierce + and haggard forms—some leaning against the ruined walls of blackened + huts, some seated at the threshold, some lying at full length in the mud—presented + groups that at once invoked pity and aroused alarm; pity for their + squalor,—alarm for the ferocity imprinted on their savage aspects. + They gazed at him, grim and sullen, as he rode slowly up the rugged + street; sometimes whispering significantly to each other, but without + attempting to stop his way. Even the children hushed their babble, and + ragged urchins, devouring him with sparkling eyes, muttered to their + mothers, “We shall feast well to-morrow!” It was, indeed, one of those + hamlets in which Law sets not its sober step, in which Violence and Murder + house secure,—hamlets common then in the wilder parts of Italy, in + which the peasant was but the gentler name for the robber. + </p> + <p> + Glyndon’s heart somewhat failed him as he looked around, and the question + he desired to ask died upon his lips. At length, from one of the dismal + cabins emerged a form superior to the rest. Instead of the patched and + ragged overall which made the only garment of the men he had hitherto + seen, the dress of this person was characterized by all the trappings of + Calabrian bravery. Upon his raven hair, the glossy curls of which made a + notable contrast to the matted and elfin locks of the savages around, was + placed a cloth cap with a gold tassel that hung down to his shoulder; his + mustaches were trimmed with care, and a silk kerchief of gay lines was + twisted round a well-shaped but sinewy throat; a short jacket of rough + cloth was decorated with several rows of gilt filagree buttons; his nether + garments fitted tight to his limbs, and were curiously braided; while in a + broad, party-colored sash were placed four silver-hilted pistols; and the + sheathed knife, usually worn by Italians of the lower order, was mounted + in ivory elaborately carved. A small carbine of handsome workmanship was + slung across his shoulder, and completed his costume. The man himself was + of middle size, athletic, yet slender; with straight and regular features,—sunburnt, + but not swarthy; and an expression of countenance which, though reckless + and bold, had in it frankness rather than ferocity, and, if defying, was + not altogether unprepossessing. + </p> + <p> + Glyndon, after eyeing this figure for some moments with great attention, + checked his rein, and asked in the provincial patois, with which he was + tolerably familiar, the way to the “Castle of the Mountain.” + </p> + <p> + The man lifted his cap as he heard the question, and, approaching Glyndon, + laid his hand upon the neck of the horse, and said in a low voice, “Then + you are the cavalier whom our patron the signor expected. He bade me wait + for you here, and lead you to the castle. And indeed, signor, it might + have been unfortunate if I had neglected to obey the command.” The man + then, drawing a little aside, called out to the bystanders in a loud + voice, “Ho, ho, my friends, pay henceforth and forever all respect to this + worshipful cavalier. He is the accepted guest of our blessed patron of the + Castle of the Mountain. Long life to him! May he, like his host, be safe + by day and by night, in the hill and on the waste, against the dagger and + the bullet, in limb and in life! Cursed be he who touches a hair of his + head, or a baioccho in his pouch. Now and forever we will protect and + honor him; for the law or against the law; with the faith, and to the + death. Amen. Amen!” + </p> + <p> + “Amen!” responded in wild chorus a hundred voices, and the scattered and + straggling groups pressed up the street, nearer and nearer to the + horseman. + </p> + <p> + “And that he may be known,” continued the Englishman’s strange protector, + “to the eye and to the ear, I place around him the white sash, and I give + him the sacred watchword,—‘Peace to the Brave.’ Signor, when you + wear this sash, the proudest in these parts will bare the head and bend + the knee. Signor, when you utter this watchword, the bravest hearts will + be bound to your bidding. Desire you safety, or ask you revenge; to gain a + beauty, or to lose a foe, speak but the word, and we are yours, we are + yours! Is it not so, comrades?” And again the hoarse voices shouted, + “Amen, amen!” + </p> + <p> + “Now, signor,” whispered the bravo, in good Italian, “if you have a few + coins to spare, scatter them amongst the crowd, and let us be gone.” + </p> + <p> + Glyndon, not displeased at the concluding sentence, emptied his purse in + the street; and while, with mingled oaths, blessings, shrieks, and yells, + men, women, and children scrambled for the money, the bravo, taking the + rein of the horse, led it a few paces through the village at a brisk trot, + and then turning up a narrow lane to the left, in a few minutes neither + houses nor men were visible, and the mountains closed their path on either + side. It was then that, releasing the bridle and slackening his pace, the + guide turned his dark eyes on Glyndon with an arch expression, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Your Excellency was not, perhaps, prepared for the hearty welcome we have + given you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, in truth, I ought to have been prepared for it, since my friend, to + whose house I am bound, did not disguise from me the character of the + neighborhood. And your name, my friend, if I may call you so?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no ceremonies with me, Excellency. In the village I am generally + called Maestro Paulo. I had a surname once, though a very equivocal one; + and I have forgotten that since I retired from the world.” + </p> + <p> + “And was it from disgust, from poverty, or from some some ebullition of + passion which entailed punishment, that you betook yourself to the + mountains?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, signor,” said the bravo, with a gay laugh, “hermits of my class + seldom love the confessional. However, I have no secrets while my step is + in these defiles, my whistle in my pouch, and my carbine at my back.” With + that the robber, as if he loved permission to talk at his will, hemmed + thrice, and began with much humor; though, as his tale proceeded, the + memories it roused seemed to carry him further than he at first intended, + and reckless and light-hearted ease gave way to that fierce and varied + play of countenance and passion of gesture which characterize the emotions + of his countrymen. + </p> + <p> + “I was born at Terracina,—a fair spot, is it not? My father was a + learned monk, of high birth; my mother—Heaven rest her!—an + innkeeper’s pretty daughter. Of course there was no marriage in the case; + and when I was born, the monk gravely declared my appearance to be + miraculous. I was dedicated from my cradle to the altar; and my head was + universally declared to be the orthodox shape for a cowl. As I grew up, + the monk took great pains with my education, and I learned Latin and + psalmody as soon as less miraculous infants learn crowing. Nor did the + holy man’s care stint itself to my interior accomplishments. Although + vowed to poverty, he always contrived that my mother should have her + pockets full; and between her pockets and mine there was soon established + a clandestine communication; accordingly, at fourteen, I wore my cap on + one side, stuck pistols in my belt, and assumed the swagger of a cavalier + and a gallant. At that age my poor mother died; and about the same period, + my father, having written a ‘History of the Pontifical Bulls,’ in forty + volumes, and being, as I said, of high birth, obtained a cardinal’s hat. + From that time he thought fit to disown your humble servant. He bound me + over to an honest notary at Naples, and gave me two hundred crowns by way + of provision. Well, signor, I saw enough of the law to convince me that I + should never be rogue enough to shine in the profession. So instead of + spoiling parchment, I made love to the notary’s daughter. My master + discovered our innocent amusement, and turned me out of doors,—that + was disagreeable. But my Ninetta loved me, and took care that I should not + lie out in the streets with the lazzaroni. Little jade, I think I see her + now, with her bare feet, and her finger to her lips, opening the door in + the summer nights, and bidding me creep softly into the kitchen, where—praised + be the saints!—a flask and a manchet always awaited the hungry + amoroso. At last, however, Ninetta grew cold. It is the way of the sex, + signor. Her father found her an excellent marriage in the person of a + withered picture-dealer. She took the spouse, and very properly clapped + the door in the face of the lover. I was not disheartened, Excellency; no, + not I. Women are plentiful while we are young. So, without a ducat in my + pocket, or a crust for my teeth, I set out to seek my fortune on board of + a Spanish merchantman. That was duller work than I expected: but luckily + we were attacked by a pirate; half the crew were butchered, the rest + captured. I was one of the last,—always in luck, you see, signor, + monks’ sons have a knack that way! The captain of the pirate took a fancy + to me. ‘Serve with us,’ said he. ‘Too happy,’ said I. Behold me then a + pirate. Oh jolly life! how I blest the old notary for turning me out of + doors! What feasting! what fighting! what wooing! what quarreling! + Sometimes we ran ashore and enjoyed ourselves like princes; sometimes we + lay in a calm for days together, on the loveliest sea that man ever + traversed. And then, if the breeze rose, and a sail came in sight, who so + merry as we? I passed three years in that charming profession, and then, + signor, I grew ambitious. I caballed against the captain; I wanted his + post. One still night we struck the blow. The ship was like a log in the + sea,—no land to be seen from the mast-head, the waves like glass, + and the moon at its full. Up we rose,—thirty of us and more. Up we + rose with a shout; we poured into the captain’s cabin,—I at the + head. The brave old boy had caught the alarm, and there he stood at the + doorway, a pistol in each hand; and his one eye (he had only one) worse to + meet than the pistols were. + </p> + <p> + “‘Yield,’ cried I, ‘your life shall be safe.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Take that,’ said he, and whiz went the pistol; but the saints took care + of their own, and the ball passed by my cheek, and shot the boatswain + behind me. I closed with the captain, and the other pistol went off + without mischief in the struggle; such a fellow he was, six feet four + without his shoes! Over we went, rolling each on the other. Santa Maria!—no + time to get hold of one’s knife. Meanwhile, all the crew were up, some for + the captain, some for me; clashing and firing, and swearing and groaning, + and now and then a heavy splash in the sea! Fine supper for the sharks + that night! At last old Bilboa got uppermost: out flashed his knife; down + it came, but not in my heart. No! I gave my left arm as a shield, and the + blade went through and through up to the hilt, with the blood spurting up + like the rain from a whale’s nostril. With the weight of the blow the + stout fellow came down, so that his face touched mine; with my right hand + I caught him by the throat, turned him over like a lamb, signor, and faith + it was soon all up with him; the boatswain’s brother, a fat Dutchman, ran + him through with a pike. + </p> + <p> + “‘Old fellow,’ said I, as he turned up his terrible eye to me, ‘I bear you + no malice, but we must try to get on in the world, you know.’ The captain + grinned and gave up the ghost. I went upon deck; what a sight! Twenty bold + fellows stark and cold, and the moon sparkling on the puddles of blood as + calmly as if it were water. Well, signor, the victory was ours, and the + ship mine; I ruled merrily enough for six months. We then attacked a + French ship twice our size; what sport it was! And we had not had a good + fight so long we were quite like virgins at it! We got the best of it, and + won ship and cargo. They wanted to pistol the captain: but that was + against my laws; so we gagged him, for he scolded as loud as if we were + married to him; left him and the rest of his crew on board our own vessel, + which was terribly battered: clapped our black flag on the Frenchman’s, + and set off merrily, with a brisk wind in our favor. But luck deserted us + on forsaking our own dear old ship. A storm came on; a plank struck; + several of us escaped in the boats; we had lots of gold with us, but no + water. For two days and two nights we suffered horribly: but at last we + ran ashore near a French seaport; our sorry plight moved compassion, and + as we had money we were not suspected; people only suspect the poor. Here + we soon recovered our fatigues, rigged ourselves out gayly, and your + humble servant was considered as noble a captain as ever walked deck. But + now, alas, my fate would have it that I should fall in love with a + silk-mercer’s daughter. Ah! how I loved her,—the pretty Clara! Yes, + I loved her so well, that I was seized with horror at my past life; I + resolved to repent, to marry her, and settle down into an honest man. + Accordingly, I summoned my messmates, told them my resolution, resigned my + command, and persuaded them to depart. They were good fellows; engaged + with a Dutchman, against whom I heard afterwards they made a successful + mutiny, but I never saw them more. I had two thousand crowns still left; + with this sum I obtained the consent of the silk-mercer, and it was agreed + that I should become a partner in the firm. I need not say that no one + suspected I had been so great a man, and I passed for a Neapolitan + goldsmith’s son instead of a cardinal’s. I was very happy then, signor, + very,—I could not have harmed a fly. Had I married Clara I had been + as gentle a mercer as ever handled a measure.” + </p> + <p> + The bravo paused a moment, and it was easy to see that he felt more than + his words and tone betokened. “Well, well, we must not look back at the + Past too earnestly,—the sun light upon it makes one’s eyes water. + The day was fixed for our wedding, it approached; on the evening before + the appointed day, Clara, her mother, her little sister, and myself were + walking by the port, and as we looked on the sea I was telling them old + gossip tales of mermaids and sea-serpents,—when a red-faced + bottle-nosed Frenchman clapped himself right before me, and placing his + spectacles very deliberately astride his proboscis, echoed out, ‘Sacre, + mille tonnerres! This is the damned pirate that boarded the “Niobe”!’” + </p> + <p> + “None of your jests,’ said I, mildly. ‘Ho, ho,’ said he. ‘I can’t be + mistaken. Help there,’ and he gripped me by the collar. I replied, as you + may suppose, by laying him in the kennel; but it would not do. The French + captain had a French lieutenant at his back, whose memory was as good as + his master’s. A crowd assembled; other sailors came up; the odds were + against me. I slept that night in prison; and, in a few weeks afterwards, + I was sent to the galleys. They had spared my life because the old + Frenchman politely averred that I had made my crew spare his. You may + believe that the oar and the chain were not to my taste. I, and two + others, escaped; they took to the road, and have, no doubt, been long + since broken on the wheel. I, soft soul, would not commit another crime to + gain my bread, for Clara was still at my heart with her soft eyes; so, + limiting my rogueries to the theft of a beggar’s rags, which I compensated + him by leaving my galley attire instead, I begged my way to the town where + I left Clara. It was a clear winter’s day when I approached the outskirts + of the town. I had no fear of detection, for my beard and hair were as + good as a mask. Oh, Mother of Mercy! there came across my way a funeral + procession! There, now, you know it. I can tell you no more. She had died, + perhaps of love, more likely of shame. Do you know how I spent that night? + I will tell you; I stole a pickaxe from a mason’s shed, and, all alone and + unseen, under the frosty heavens I dug the fresh mould from the grave; I + lifted the coffin; I wrenched the lid, I saw her again—again. Decay + had not touched her. She was always pale in her life! I could have sworn + she lived! It was a blessed thing to see her once more,—and all + alone too! But then at dawn, to give her back to the earth,—to close + the lid, to throw down the mould, to hear the pebbles rattle on the + coffin,—that was dreadful! Signor, I never knew before, and I don’t + wish to think now, how valuable a thing human life is. At sunrise I was + again a wanderer; but now that Clara was gone my scruples vanished, and + again I was at war with my betters. I contrived, at last, at O—, to + get taken on board a vessel bound to Leghorn, working out my passage. From + Leghorn I went to Rome, and stationed myself at the door of the cardinal’s + palace. Out he came,—his gilded coach at the gate. “‘Ho, father,’ + said I, ‘don’t you know me?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Who are you?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Your son,’ said I, in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + “The cardinal drew back, looked at me earnestly, and mused a moment. ‘All + men are my sons,’ quoth he then, very mildly; ‘there is gold for thee. To + him who begs once, alms are due; to him who begs twice, jails are open. + Take the hint and molest me no more. Heaven bless thee!’ With that he got + into his coach and drove off to the Vatican. His purse, which he had left + behind, was well supplied. I was grateful and contented, and took my way + to Terracina. I had not long passed the marshes, when I saw two horsemen + approach at a canter. + </p> + <p> + “‘You look poor, friend,’ said one of them, halting; ‘yet you are strong.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Poor men and strong are both serviceable and dangerous, Signor + Cavalier.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Well said! follow us.’ + </p> + <p> + “I obeyed and became a bandit. I rose by degrees; and as I have always + been mild in my calling, and have taken purses without cutting throats, + bear an excellent character, and can eat my macaroni at Naples without any + danger to life and limbs. For the last two years I have settled in these + parts, where I hold sway, and where I have purchased land. I am called a + farmer, signor; and I myself now only rob for amusement, and to keep my + hand in. I trust I have satisfied your curiosity. We are within a hundred + yards of the castle.” + </p> + <p> + “And how,” asked the Englishman, whose interest had been much excited by + his companion’s narrative, “and how came you acquainted with my host? and + by what means has he so well conciliated the goodwill of yourself and your + friends?” + </p> + <p> + Maestro Paulo turned his black eyes gravely towards his questioner. “Why, + signor,” said he, “you must surely know more of the foreign cavalier with + the hard name than I do. All I can say is, that about a fortnight ago I + chanced to be standing by a booth in the Toledo at Naples, when a + sober-looking gentleman touched me by the arm, and said, ‘Maestro Paulo, I + want to make your acquaintance; do me the favor to come into yonder + tavern.’ When we were seated, my new acquaintance thus accosted me: ‘The + Count d’ O—has offered to let me hire his old castle near B——. + You know the spot?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Extremely well; no one has inhabited it for a century at least; it is + half in ruins, signor. A queer place to hire; I hope the rent is not + heavy.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Maestro Paulo,’ said he, ‘I am a philosopher, and don’t care for + luxuries. I want a quiet retreat for some scientific experiments. The + castle will suit me very well, provided you will accept me as a neighbor, + and place me and my friends under your special protection. I am rich; but + I shall take nothing to the castle worth robbing. I will pay one rent to + the count, and another to you.’ + </p> + <p> + “With that we soon came to terms, and as the strange signor doubled the + sum I myself proposed, he is in high favor with all his neighbors. We + would guard the old castle against an army. And now, signor, that I have + been thus frank, be frank with me. Who is this singular cavalier?” + </p> + <p> + “Who?—he himself told you, a philosopher.” + </p> + <p> + “Hem! Searching for the philosopher’s stone, eh? A bit of a magician; + afraid of the priests?” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely. You have hit it.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought so; and you are his pupil?” + </p> + <p> + “I am.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you well through it,” said the robber, seriously, and crossing + himself with much devotion; “I am not much better than other people, but + one’s soul is one’s soul. I do not mind a little honest robbery, or + knocking a man on the head if need be,—but to make a bargain with + the devil!—Ah! take care, young gentleman, take care.” + </p> + <p> + “You need not fear,” said Glyndon, smiling; “my preceptor is too wise and + too good for such a compact. But here we are, I suppose. A noble ruin! A + glorious prospect!” + </p> + <p> + Glyndon paused delightedly, and surveyed the scene before and below with + the eye of a poet and a painter. Insensibly, while listening to the + bandit, he had wound up a considerable ascent, and now he was upon a broad + ledge of rock covered with mosses and dwarf shrubs. Between this eminence + and another of equal height, upon which the castle was built, there was a + deep but narrow fissure, overgrown with the most profuse foliage, so that + the eye could not penetrate many yards below the rugged surface of the + abyss; but the profoundness might well be conjectured by the hoarse, low, + monotonous sound of waters unseen that rolled below, and the subsequent + course of which was visible at a distance in a perturbed and rapid stream + that intersected the waste and desolate valleys. To the left, the prospect + seemed almost boundless; the extreme clearness of the purple air serving + to render distinct the features of a range of country that a conqueror of + old might have deemed in itself a kingdom. Lonely and desolate as the road + which Glyndon had passed that day had appeared, the landscape now seemed + studded with castles, spires, and villages. Afar off, Naples gleamed + whitely in the last rays of the sun, and the rose-tints of the horizon + melted into the azure of her glorious bay. Yet more remote, and in another + part of the prospect, might be caught, dim and shadowy, and backed by the + darkest foliage, the ruined village of the ancient Possidonia. There, in + the midst of his blackened and sterile realms, rose the dismal Mount of + Fire; while, on the other hand, winding through variegated plains, to + which distance lent all its magic, glittered many a stream, by which + Etruscan and Sybarite, Roman and Saracen and Norman, had, at intervals of + ages, pitched the invading tent. All the visions of the past the stormy + and dazzling histories of Southern Italy—rushed over the artist’s + mind as he gazed below. And then, slowly turning to look behind, he saw + the gray and mouldering walls of the castle in which he sought the secrets + that were to give to hope in the Future a mightier empire than memory owns + in the Past. It was one of those baronial fortresses with which Italy was + studded in the earlier middle ages, having but little of the Gothic grace + of grandeur which belongs to the ecclesiastical architecture of the same + time; but rude, vast, and menacing even in decay. A wooden bridge was + thrown over the chasm, wide enough to admit two horsemen abreast; and the + planks trembled and gave back a hollow sound as Glyndon urged his jaded + steed across. + </p> + <p> + A road that had once been broad, and paved with rough flags, but which now + was half obliterated by long grass and rank weeds, conducted to the outer + court of the castle hard by; the gates were open, and half the building in + this part was dismantled, the ruins partially hid by ivy that was the + growth of centuries. But on entering the inner court, Glyndon was not + sorry to notice that there was less appearance of neglect and decay: some + wild roses gave a smile to the gray walls; and in the centre there was a + fountain, in which the waters still trickled coolly, and with a pleasing + murmur, from the jaws of a gigantic triton. Here he was met by Mejnour + with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome, my friend and pupil,” said he; “he who seeks for Truth can find + in these solitudes an immortal Academe.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER. II. + </h2> + <p> + The attendants which Mejnour had engaged for his strange abode were such + as might suit a philosopher of few wants. An old Armenian, whom Glyndon + recognized as in the mystic’s service at Naples; a tall, hard-featured + woman from the village, recommended by Maestro Paulo; and two long-haired, + smooth-spoken, but fierce-visaged youths, from the same place, and honored + by the same sponsorship,—constituted the establishment. The rooms + used by the sage were commodious and weather-proof, with some remains of + ancient splendor in the faded arras that clothed the walls and the huge + tables of costly marble and elaborate carving. Glyndon’s sleeping + apartment communicated with a kind of belvidere or terrace that commanded + prospects of unrivalled beauty and extent, and was separated, on the other + side, by a long gallery and a flight of ten or a dozen stairs, from the + private chambers of the mystic. There was about the whole place a sombre, + and yet not displeasing, depth of repose. It suited well with the studies + to which it was now to be appropriated. + </p> + <p> + For several days Mejnour refused to confer with Glyndon on the subjects + nearest to his heart. + </p> + <p> + “All without,” said he, “is prepared, but not all within. Your own soul + must grow accustomed to the spot, and filled with the surrounding Nature; + for Nature is the source of all inspiration.” + </p> + <p> + With these words, which savored a little of jargon, Mejnour turned to + lighter topics. He made the Englishman accompany him in long rambles + through the wild scenes around, and he smiled approvingly when the young + artist gave way to the enthusiasm which their fearful beauty could not + have failed to rouse in a duller breast; and then Mejnour poured forth to + his wondering pupil the stores of a knowledge that seemed inexhaustible + and boundless. He gave accounts the most curious, graphic, and minute, of + the various races—their characters, habits, creeds, and manners—by + which that fair land had been successively overrun. It is true that his + descriptions could not be found in books, and were unsupported by learned + authorities; but he possessed the true charm of the tale-teller, and spoke + of all with the animated confidence of a personal witness. Sometimes, too, + he would converse upon the more durable and the loftier mysteries of + Nature with an eloquence and a research which invested them with all the + colors rather of poetry than science. Insensibly the young artist found + himself elevated and soothed by the lore of his companion; the fever of + his wild desires was slaked. His mind became more and more lulled into the + divine tranquillity of contemplation; he felt himself a nobler being; and + in the silence of his senses he imagined that he heard the voice of his + soul. + </p> + <p> + It was to this state that Mejnour sought to bring the Neophyte, and in + this elementary initiation the mystic was like every more ordinary sage. + For he who seeks to discover must first reduce himself into a kind of + abstract idealism, and be rendered up; in solemn and sweet bondage, to the + faculties which contemplate and imagine. + </p> + <p> + Glyndon noticed that, in their rambles, Mejnour often paused where the + foliage was rifest, to gather some herb or flower; and this reminded him + that he had seen Zicci similarly occupied. “Can these humble children of + Nature,” said he one day to Mejnour, “things that bloom and wither in a + day, be serviceable to the science of the higher secrets? Is there a + pharmacy for the soul as well as the body, and do the nurslings of the + summer minister not only to human health but spiritual immortality?” + </p> + <p> + “If,” answered Mejnour, “before one property of herbalism was known to + them, a stranger had visited a wandering tribe,—if he had told the + savages that the herbs, which every day they trampled underfoot, were + endowed with the most potent virtues; that one would restore to health a + brother on the verge of death; that another would paralyze into idiocy + their wisest sage; that a third would strike lifeless to the dust their + most stalwart champion; that tears and laughter, vigor and disease, + madness and reason, wakefulness and sleep, existence and dissolution, were + coiled up in those unregarded leaves,—would they not have held him a + sorcerer or a liar? To half the virtues of the vegetable world mankind are + yet in the darkness of the savages I have supposed. There are faculties + within us with which certain herbs have affinity, and over which they have + power. The moly of the ancients was not all a fable.” + </p> + <p> + One evening, Glyndon had lingered alone and late upon the ramparts,—watching + the stars as, one by one, they broke upon the twilight. Never had he felt + so sensibly the mighty power of the heavens and the earth upon man! how + much the springs of our intellectual being are moved and acted upon by the + solemn influences of Nature! As a patient on whom, slowly and by degrees, + the agencies of mesmerism are brought to bear, he acknowledged to his + heart the growing force of that vast and universal magnetism which is the + life of creation, and binds the atom to the whole. A strange and ineffable + consciousness of power, of the something great within the perishable clay, + appealed to feelings at once dim and glorious,—rather faintly + recognized than all unknown. An impulse that he could not resist led him + to seek the mystic. He would demand, that hour, his initiation into the + worlds beyond our world; he was prepared to breathe a diviner air. He + entered the castle, and strode through the shadowy and star-lit gallery + which conducted to Mejnour’s apartment. + </p> + <p> + THE END. (1) <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> (1) [So far as Zicci was ever finished.] <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Zicci, Complete, by Edward Bulwer-Lytton + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ZICCI, COMPLETE *** + +***** This file should be named 7608-h.htm or 7608-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/7/6/0/7608/ + +Produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Zicci, Complete + +Author: Edward Bulwer-Lytton + +Last Updated: March 15, 2009 +Release Date: October 29, 2006 [EBook #7608] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ZICCI, COMPLETE *** + + + +Produced by Pat Castevens and David Widger + + + + + +ZICCI + +A Tale + + + + + +BOOK I. + + + +CHAPTER I. + +In the gardens at Naples, one summer evening in the last century, some +four or five gentlemen were seated under a tree drinking their sherbet +and listening, in the intervals of conversation, to the music which +enlivened that gay and favorite resort of an indolent population. One +of this little party was a young Englishman who had been the life of the +whole group, but who for the last few moments had sunk into a gloomy and +abstracted revery. One of his countrymen observed this sudden gloom, +and tapping him on the back, said, "Glyndon, why, what ails you? Are you +ill? You have grown quite pale; you tremble: is it a sudden chill? You +had better go home; these Italian nights are often dangerous to our +English constitutions." + +"No, I am well now,--it was but a passing shudder; I cannot account for +it myself." + +A man apparently of about thirty years of age, and of a mien and +countenance strikingly superior to those around him, turned abruptly, +and looked steadfastly at Glyndon. + +"I think I understand what you mean," said he,--"and perhaps," he added, +with a grave smile, "I could explain it better than yourself." +Here, turning to the others, he added, "You must often have felt, +gentlemen,--each and all of you,--especially when sitting alone at +night, a strange and unaccountable sensation of coldness and awe creep +over you; your blood curdles, and the heart stands still; the limbs +shiver, the hair bristles; you are afraid to look up, to turn your +eyes to the darker corners of the room; you have a horrible fancy that +something unearthly is at hand. Presently the whole spell, if I may so +call it, passes away, and you are ready to laugh at your own weakness. +Have you not often felt what I have thus imperfectly described? If so, +you can understand what our young friend has just experienced, even +amidst the delights of this magical scene, and amidst the balmy whispers +of a July night." + +"Sir," replied Glyndon, evidently much surprised, "you have defined +exactly the nature of that shudder which came over me. But how could my +manner be so faithful an index to my impressions?" + +"I know the signs of the visitation," returned the stranger, gravely; +"they are not to be mistaken by one of my experience." + +All the gentlemen present then declared that they could comprehend, +and had felt, what the stranger had described. "According to one of +our national superstitions," said Merton, the Englishman who had first +addressed Glyndon, "the moment you so feel your blood creep, and your +hair stand on end, some one is walking over the spot which shall be your +grave." + +"There are in all lands different superstitions to account for so common +an occurrence," replied the stranger; "one sect among the Arabians hold +that at that instant God is deciding the hour either of your death or +that of some one dear to you. The African savage, whose imagination is +darkened by the hideous rites of his gloomy idolatry, believes that the +Evil Spirit is pulling you towards him by the hair. So do the Grotesque +and the Terrible mingle with each other." + +"It is evidently a mere physical accident,--a derangement of the +stomach; a chill of the blood," said a young Neapolitan. + +"Then why is it always coupled, in all nations, with some superstitious +presentiment or terror,--some connection between the material frame +and the supposed world without us?" asked the stranger. "For my part, I +think--" + +"What do you think, sir?" asked Glyndon, curiously. + +"I think," continued the stranger, "that it is the repugnance and horror +of that which is human about us to something indeed invisible, but +antipathetic to our own nature, and from a knowledge of which we are +happily secured by the imperfection of our senses." + +"You are a believer in spirits, then?" asked Merton, with an incredulous +smile. + +"Nay, I said not so. I can form no notion of a spirit, as the +metaphysicians do, and certainly have no fear of one; but there may be +forms of matter as invisible and impalpable to us as the animalculae to +which I have compared them. The monster that lives and dies in a drop of +water, carniverous, insatiable, subsisting on the creatures minuter than +himself, is not less deadly in his wrath, less ferocious in his nature, +than the tiger of the desert. There may be things around us malignant +and hostile to men, if Providence had not placed a wall between them and +us, merely by different modifications of matter." + +"And could that wall never be removed?" asked young Glyndon, abruptly. +"Are the traditions of sorcerer and wizard, universal and immemorial as +they are, merely fables?" + +"Perhaps yes; perhaps no," answered the stranger, indifferently. "But +who, in an age in which the reason has chosen its proper bounds, would +be mad enough to break the partition that divides him from the boa +and the lion, to repine at and rebel against the law of nature +which confines the shark to the great deep? Enough of these idle +speculations." + +Here the stranger rose, summoned the attendant, paid for his sherbet, +and, bowing slightly to the company, soon disappeared among the trees. + +"Who is that gentleman?" asked Glyndon, eagerly. + +The rest looked at each other, without replying, for some moments. + +"I never saw him before," said Merton, at last. + +"Nor I." + +"Nor I." + +"I have met him often," said the Neapolitan, who was named Count Cetoxa; +"it was, if you remember, as my companion that he joined you. He has +been some months at Naples; he is very rich,--indeed enormously so. Our +acquaintance commenced in a strange way." + +"How was it?" + +"I had been playing at a public gaming-house, and had lost considerably. +I rose from the table, resolved no longer to tempt Fortune, when this +gentleman, who had hitherto been a spectator, laying his hand on my arm, +said with politeness, 'Sir, I see you enjoy play,--I dislike it; but I +yet wish to have some interest in what is going on. Will you play this +sum for me? The risk is mine,--the half-profits yours.' I was startled, +as you may suppose, at such an address; but the stranger had an air and +tone with him it was impossible to resist. Besides, I was burning to +recover my losses, and should not have risen had I had any money left +about me. I told him I would accept his offer, provided we shared the +risk as well as profits. 'As you will,' said he, smiling, 'we need have +no scruple, for you will be sure to win.' I sat down, the stranger stood +behind me; my luck rose, I invariably won. In fact, I rose from the +table a rich man." + +"There can be no foul play at the public tables, especially when foul +play would make against the bank." + +"Certainly not," replied the count. "But our good fortune was indeed +marvellous,--so extraordinary that a Sicilian (the Sicilians are all +ill-bred, bad-tempered fellows) grew angry and insolent. 'Sir,' said he, +turning to my new friend, 'you have no business to stand so near to +the table. I do not understand this; you have not acted fairly.' The +spectator replied, with great composure, that he had done nothing +against the rules; that he was very sorry that one man could not win +without another man losing; and that he could not act unfairly even +if disposed to do so. The Sicilian took the stranger's mildness for +apprehension,--blustered more loudly, and at length fairly challenged +him. 'I never seek a quarrel, and I never shun a danger,' returned +my partner; and six or seven of us adjourned to the garden behind the +house. I was of course my partner's second. He took me aside. 'This man +will die,' said he; 'see that he is buried privately in the church of +St. Januario, by the side of his father.' + +"'Did you know his family?' I asked with great surprise. He made no +answer, but drew his sword and walked deliberately to the spot we had +selected. The Sicilian was a renowned swordsman; nevertheless, in the +third pass he was run through the body. I went up to him; he could +scarcely speak. 'Have you any request to make,--any affairs to settle?' +He shook his head. 'Where would you wish to be interred?' He pointed +towards the Sicilian coast. 'What!' said I, in surprise, 'not by the +side of your father?' As I spoke, his face altered terribly, he uttered +a piercing shriek; the blood gushed from his mouth, and he fell dead. +The most strange part of the story is to come. We buried him in the +church of St. Januario. In doing so, we took up his father's coffin; the +lid came off in moving it, and the skeleton was visible. In the hollow +of the skull we found a very slender wire of sharp steel; this caused +great surprise and inquiry. The father, who was rich and a miser, had +died suddenly and been buried in haste, owing, it was said, to the heat +of the weather. Suspicion once awakened, the examination became minute. +The old man's servant was questioned, and at last confessed that the son +had murdered the sire. The contrivance was ingenious; the wire was so +slender that it pierced to the brain and drew but one drop of blood, +which the gray hairs concealed. The accomplice was executed." + +"And this stranger, did he give evidence? Did he account for--" + +"No," interrupted the count, "he declared that he had by accident +visited the church that morning; that he had observed the tombstone of +the Count Salvolio; that his guide had told him the count's son was +in Naples,--a spendthrift and a gambler. While we were at play, he had +heard the count mentioned by name at the table; and when the challenge +was given and accepted, it had occured to him to name the place of +burial, by an instinct he could not account for." + +"A very lame story," said Merton. + +"Yes, but we Italians are superstitious. The alleged instinct was +regarded as the whisper of Providence; the stranger became an object of +universal interest and curiosity. His wealth, his manner of living, his +extraordinary personal beauty, have assisted also to make him the rage." + +"What is his name?" asked Glyndon. + +"Zicci. Signor Zicci." + +"Is it not an Italian name? He speaks English like a native." + +"So he does French and German, as well as Italian, to my knowledge. But +he declares himself a Corsican by birth, though I cannot hear of any +eminent Corsican family of that name. However, what matters his birth or +parentage? He is rich, generous, and the best swordsman I ever saw in my +life. Who would affront him?" + +"Not I, certainly," said Merton, rising. "Come, Glyndon, shall we seek +our hotel? It is almost daylight. Adieu, signor." + +"What think you of this story?" said Glyndon as the young men walked +homeward. + +"Why, it is very clear that this Zicci is some impostor, some clever +rogue; and the Neapolitan shares booty, and puffs him off with all the +hackneyed charlatanism of the marvellous. An unknown adventurer gets +into society by being made an object of awe and curiosity; he is +devilish handsome; and the women are quite content to receive him +without any other recommendation than his own face and Cetoxa's fables." + +"I cannot agree with you. Cetoxa, though a gambler and a rake, is a +nobleman of birth and high repute for courage and honor. Besides, +this stranger, with his grand features and lofty air,--so calm, so +unobtrusive,--has nothing in common with the forward garrulity of an +impostor." + +"My dear Glyndon, pardon me, but you have not yet acquired any knowledge +of the world; the stranger makes the best of a fine person, and his +grand air is but a trick of the trade. But to change the subject: how +gets on the love affair?" + +"Oh! Isabel could not see me to-night. The old woman gave me a note of +excuse." + +"You must not marry her; what would they all say at home?" + +"Let us enjoy the present," said Glyndon, with vivacity; "we are young, +rich, good-looking: let us not think of to-morrow." + +"Bravo, Glyndon! Here we are at the hotel. Sleep sound, and don't dream +of Signor Zicci." + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +Clarence Glyndon was a young man of small but independent fortune. He +had, early in life, evinced considerable promise in the art of painting, +and rather from enthusiasm than the want of a profession, he had +resolved to devote himself to a career which in England has been seldom +entered upon by persons who can live on their own means. Without being +a poet, Glyndon had also manifested a graceful faculty for verse, which +had contributed to win his entry into society above his birth. Spoiled +and flattered from his youth upward, his natural talents were in some +measure relaxed by indolence and that worldly and selfish habit of +thought which frivolous companionship often engenders, and which is +withering alike to stern virtue and high genius. The luxuriance of his +fancy was unabated; but the affections, which are the life of fancy, had +grown languid and inactive. His youth, his vanity, and a restless daring +and thirst of adventure had from time to time involved him in dangers +and dilemmas, out of which, of late, he had always extricated himself +with the ingenious felicity of a clever head and cool heart. He had +left England for Rome with the avowed purpose and sincere resolution of +studying the divine masterpieces of art; but pleasure had soon allured +him from ambition, and he quitted the gloomy palaces of Rome for the +gay shores and animated revelries of Naples. Here he had fallen in +love--deeply in love, as he said and thought--with a young person +celebrated at Naples, Isabel di Pisani. She was the only daughter of an +Italian by an English mother. The father had known better days; in his +prosperity he had travelled, and won in England the affections of a lady +of some fortune. He had been induced to speculate; he lost his all; he +settled at Naples, and taught languages and music. His wife died when +Isabel, christened from her mother, was ten years old. At sixteen she +came out on the stage; two years afterwards her father departed this +life, and Isabel was an orphan. + +Glyndon, a man of pleasure and a regular attendant at the theatre, had +remarked the young actress behind the scenes; he fell in love with +her, and he told her so. The girl listened to him, perhaps from vanity, +perhaps from ambition, perhaps from coquetry; she listened, and allowed +but few stolen interviews, in which she permitted no favor to the +Englishman it was one reason why he loved her so much. + +The day following that on which our story opens, Glyndon was riding +alone by the shores of the Neapolitan sea, on the other side of the +Cavern of Pausilippo. It was past noon; the sun had lost its early +fervor, and a cool breeze sprang voluptuously from the sparkling sea. +Bending over a fragment of stone near the roadside, he perceived the +form of a man; and when he approached he recognized Zicci. + +The Englishman saluted him courteously. "Have you discovered some +antique?" said he, with a smile; "they are as common as pebbles on this +road." + +"No," replied Zicci; "it was but one of those antiques that have +their date, indeed, from the beginning of the world, but which Nature +eternally withers and renews." So saying, he showed Glyndon a small herb +with a pale blue flower, and then placed it carefully in his bosom. + +"You are an herbalist?" + +"I am." + +"It is, I am told, a study full of interest." + +"To those who understand it, doubtless. But," continued Zicci, looking +up with a slight and cold smile, "why do you linger on your way to +converse with me on matters in which you neither have knowledge nor +desire to obtain it? I read your heart, young Englishman: your curiosity +is excited; you wish to know me, and not this humble herb. Pass on; your +desire never can be satisfied." + +"You have not the politeness of your countrymen," said Glyndon, somewhat +discomposed. "Suppose I were desirous to cultivate your acquaintance, +why should you reject my advances?" + +"I reject no man's advances," answered Zicci. "I must know them, if they +so desire; but me, in return, they can never comprehend. If you ask my +acquaintance, it is yours; but I would warn you to shun me." + +"And why are you then so dangerous?" + +"Some have found me so; if I were to predict your fortune by the vain +calculations of the astrologer, I should tell you, in their despicable +jargon, that my planet sat darkly in your house of life. Cross me not, +if you can avoid it. I warn you now for the first time and last." + +"You despise the astrologers, yet you utter a jargon as mysterious as +theirs. I neither gamble nor quarrel: why then should I fear you?" + +"As you will; I have done." + +"Let me speak frankly: your conversation last night interested and +amused me." + +"I know it; minds like yours are attracted by mystery." + +Glyndon was piqued at those words, though in the tone in which they were +spoken there was no contempt. + +"I see you do not consider me worthy of your friendship be it so. Good +day." + +Zicci coldly replied to the salutation, and as the Englishman rode on, +returned to his botanical employment. + +The same night Glyndon went, as usual, to the theatre. He was standing +behind the scenes watching Isabel, who was on the stage in one of her +most brilliant parts. The house resounded with applause. Glyndon was +transported with a young man's passion and a young man's pride. "This +glorious creature," thought he, "may yet be mine." + +He felt, while thus rapt in delicious revery, a slight touch upon his +shoulder; he turned, and beheld Zicci. "You are in danger," said the +latter. "Do not walk home to-night; or if you do, go not alone." + +Before Glyndon recovered from his surprise, Zicci disappeared; and when +the Englishman saw him again, he was in the box of one of the Neapolitan +ministers, where Glyndon could not follow him. + +Isabel now left the stage, and Glyndon accosted her with impassioned +gallantry. The actress was surprisingly beautiful; of fair complexion +and golden hair, her countenance was relieved from the tame and gentle +loveliness which the Italians suppose to be the characteristics of +English beauty, by the contrast of dark eyes and lashes, by a forehead +of great height, to which the dark outline of the eyebrows gave some +thing of majesty and command. In spite of the slightness of virgin +youth, her proportions had the nobleness, blent with the delicacy, +that belongs to the masterpieces of ancient sculpture; and there was +a conscious pride in her step, and in the swanlike bend of her stately +head, as she turned with an evident impatience from the address of her +lover. Taking aside an old woman, who was her constant and confidential +attendant at the theatre, she said, in an earnest whisper,-- + +"Oh, Gionetta, he is here again! I have seen him again! And again, he +alone of the whole theatre withholds from me his applause. He scarcely +seems to notice me; his indifference mortifies me to the soul,--I could +weep for rage and sorrow." + +"Which is he, my darling?" said the old woman, with fondness in her +voice. "He must be dull,--not worth thy thoughts." + +The actress drew Gionetta nearer to the stage, and pointed out to her +a man in one of the nearer boxes, conspicuous amongst all else by the +simplicity of his dress and the extraordinary beauty of his features. + +"Not worth a thought, Gionetta," repeated Isabel,--"not worth a thought! +Saw you ever one so noble, so godlike?" + +"By the Holy Mother!" answered Gionetta, "he is a proper man, and has +the air of a prince." + +The prompter summoned the Signora Pisani. "Find out his name, Gionetta," +said she, sweeping on to the stage, and passing by Glyndon, who gazed at +her with a look of sorrowful reproach. + +The scene on which the actress now entered was that of the final +catastrophe, wherein all her remarkable powers of voice and art were +pre-eminently called forth. The house hung on every word with breathless +worship, but the eyes of Isabel sought only those of one calm and +unmoved spectator; she exerted herself as if inspired. The stranger +listened, and observed her with an attentive gaze, but no approval +escaped his lips, no emotion changed the expression of his cold and +half-disdainful aspect. Isabel, who was in the character of a jealous +and abandoned mistress, never felt so acutely the part she played. +Her tears were truthful; her passion that of nature: it was almost +too terrible to behold. She was borne from the stage, exhausted and +insensible, amidst such a tempest of admiring rapture as Continental +audiences alone can raise. The crowd stood up, handkerchiefs waved, +garlands and flowers were thrown on the stage, men wiped their eyes, and +women sobbed aloud. + +"By heavens!" said a Neapolitan of great rank, "she has fired me beyond +endurance. To-night, this very night, she shall be mine! You have +arranged all, Mascari?" + +"All, signor. And if this young Englishman should accompany her home?" + +"The presuming barbarian! At all events let him bleed for his folly. I +hear that she admits him to secret interviews. I will have no rival." + +"But an Englishman! There is always a search after the bodies of the +English." + +"Fool! Is not the sea deep enough, or the earth secret enough, to hide +one dead man? Our ruffians are silent as the grave itself. And I,--who +would dare to suspect, to arraign, the Prince di--? See to it,--let him +be watched, and the fitting occasion taken. I trust him to you,--robbers +murder him; you understand: the country swarms with them. Plunder and +strip him. Take three men; the rest shall be my escort." + +Mascari shrugged his shoulders, and bowed submissively. Meanwhile +Glyndon besought Isabel, who recovered but slowly, to return home in his +carriage. (1) She had done so once or twice before, though she had never +permitted him to accompany her. This time she refused, and with some +petulance. Glyndon, offended, was retiring sullenly, when Gionetta +stopped him. "Stay, signor," said she, coaxingly, "the dear signora is +not well: do not be angry with her; I will make her accept your offer." + +Glyndon stayed, and after a few moments spent in expostulation on +the part of Gionetta, and resistance on that of Isabel, the offer was +accepted; the actress, with a mixture of naivete and coquetry, gave her +handy to her lover, who kissed it with delight. Gionetta and her charge +entered the carriage, and Glyndon was left at the door of the theatre, +to return home on foot. The mysterious warning of Zicci then suddenly +occurred to him; he had forgotten it in the interest of his lover's +quarrel with Isabel. He thought it now advisable to guard against danger +foretold by lips so mysterious; he looked round for some one he knew. +The theatre was disgorging its crowds, who hustled and jostled and +pressed upon him; but he recognized no familiar countenances. While +pausing irresolute, he heard Merton's voice calling on him, and to his +great relief discovered his friend making his way through the throng. + +"I have secured you a place in the Count Cetoxa's carriage," said he. +"Come along, he is waiting for us." + +"How kind in you! How did you find me out?" + +"I met Zicci in the passage. 'Your friend is at the door of the +theatre,' said he; 'do not let him go home alone to-night the streets of +Naples are not always safe.' I immediately remembered that some of the +Calabrian bravos had been busy within the city the last few weeks, and +asked Cetoxa, who was with me, to accompany you." + +Further explanation was forbidden, for they now joined the count. As +Glyndon entered the carriage and drew up the glass, he saw four men +standing apart by the pavement, who seemed to eye him with attention. + +"Cospetto!" cried one; "ecco Inglese!" Glyndon imperfectly heard the +exclamation as the carriage drove on. He reached home in safety. + +"Have you discovered who he is?" asked the actress, as she was now alone +in the carriage with Gionetta. + +"Yes, he is the celebrated Signor Zicci, about whom the court has +run mad. They say he is so rich,--oh, so much richer than any of the +Inglese! But a bird in the hand, my angel, is better than--" + +"Cease," interrupted the young actress. "Zicci! Speak of the Englishman +no more." + +The carriage was now entering that more lonely and remote part of the +city in which Isabel's house was situated, when it suddenly stopped. + +Gionetta, in alarm, thrust her head out of window, and perceived by the +pale light of the moon that the driver, torn from his seat, was already +pinioned in the arms of two men; the next moment the door was opened +violently, and a tall figure, masked and mantled, appeared. + +"Fear not, fairest Pisani," said he, gently, "no ill shall befall you." +As he spoke, he wound his arms round the form of the fair actress, and +endeavored to lift her from the carriage. But the Signora Pisani was not +an ordinary person; she had been before exposed to all the dangers to +which the beauty of the low-born was subjected amongst a lawless and +profligate nobility. She thrust back the assailant with a power that +surprised him, and in the next moment the blade of a dagger gleamed +before his eyes. "Touch me," said she, drawing herself to the farther +end of the carriage, "and I strike!" + +The mask drew back. + +"By the body of Bacchus, a bold spirit!" said he, half laughing and half +alarmed. "Here, Luigi, Giovanni! disarm and seize her. Harm her not." + +The mask retired from the door, and another and yet taller form +presented itself. "Be calm, Isabel di Pisani," said he, in a low voice; +"with me you are indeed safe!" He lifted his mask as he spoke, and +showed the noble features of Zicci. "Be calm, be hushed; I can save +you." He vanished, leaving Isabel lost in surprise, agitation, and +delight. There were in all nine masks: two were engaged with the driver; +one stood at the head of the carriage-horses; a third guarded the +well-trained steeds of the party; three others, besides Zicci and the +one who had first accosted Isabel, stood apart by a carriage drawn to +the side of the road. To these Zicci motioned: they advanced; he pointed +towards the first mask, who was in fact the Prince di--, and to his +unspeakable astonishment the Prince was suddenly seized from behind. + +"Treason," he cried, "treason among my own men! What means this?" + +"Place him in his carriage. If he resist, shoot him!" said Zicci, +calmly. + +He approached the men who had detained the coachman. "You are +outnumbered and outwitted," said he. "Join your lord; you are three +men,--we six, armed to the teeth. Thank our mercy that we spare your +lives. Go!" + +The men gave way, dismayed. The driver remounted. "Cut the traces of +their carriage and the bridles of their horses," said Zicci, as he +entered the vehicle containing Isabel, and which now drove on rapidly, +leaving the discomfited ravisher in a state of rage and stupor +impossible to describe. + +"Allow me to explain this mystery to you," said Zicci. "I discovered the +plot against you,--no matter how. I frustrated it thus: the head of this +design is a nobleman who has long persecuted you in vain. He and two +of his creatures watched you from the entrance of the theatre, having +directed six others to await him on the spot where you were attacked; +myself and five of my servants supplied their place, and were mistaken +for his own followers. I had previously ridden alone to the spot where +the men were waiting, and informed them that their master would not +require their services that night. They believed me, for I showed them +his signet-ring, and accordingly dispersed; I then joined my own band, +whom I had left in the rear. You know all. We are at your door." + +(1) At that time in Naples carriages were both cheaper to hire, and more +necessary for strangers than they are now. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +Zicci was left alone with the young Italian. She had thrown aside her +cloak and head-gear; her hair, somewhat dishevelled, fell down her ivory +neck, which the dress partially displayed; she seemed, as she sat in +that low and humble chamber, a very vision of light and glory. + +Zicci gazed at her with an admiration mingled with compassion; he +muttered a few words to himself, and then addressed her aloud:-- + +"Isabel di Pisani, I have saved you from a great peril,--not from +dishonor only, but perhaps from death. The Prince di--, under the weak +government of a royal child and a venal administration, is a man above +the law. He is capable of every crime; but amongst his passions he +has such prudence as belongs to ambition: if you were not to reconcile +yourself to your shame, you would never enter the world again to tell +your tale. The ravisher has no heart for repentance, but he has a hand +that can murder. I have saved thee, Isabel di Pisani. Perhaps you would +ask me wherefore?" Zicci paused, and smiled mournfully as he added: +"My life is not that of others, but I am still human,--I know pity; and +more, Isabel, I can feel gratitude for affection. You love me; it was +my fate to fascinate your eye, to arouse your vanity, to inflame your +imagination. It was to warn you from this folly that I consented for a +few minutes to become your guest. The Englishman, Glyndon, loves thee +well,--better than I can ever love; he may wed thee, he may bear thee to +his own free and happy land,--the land of thy mother's kin. Forget me, +teach thyself to return and to deserve his love; and I tell thee that +thou wilt be honored and be happy." + +Isabel listened with silent wonder and deep blushes to this strange +address; and when the voice ceased, she covered her face with her hands +and wept. + +Zicci rose. "I have fulfilled my duty to you, and I depart. Remember +that you are still in danger from the prince; be wary, and be cautious. +Your best precaution is in flight; farewell." + +"Oh, do not leave me yet! You have read a secret of which I myself +was scarcely conscious: you despise me,--you, my preserver! Ah! do not +misjudge me; I am better, higher than I seem. Since I saw thee I have +been a new being." The poor girl clasped her hands passionately as she +spoke, and her tears streamed down her cheeks. + +"What would you that I should answer?" said Zicci, pausing, but with a +cold severity in his eye. + +"Say that you do not despise,--say that you do not think me light and +shameless." + +"Willingly, Isabel. I know your heart and your history you are capable +of great virtues; you have the seeds of a rare and powerful genius. You +may pass through the brief period of your human life with a proud +step and a cheerful heart, if you listen to my advice. You have been +neglected from your childhood; you have been thrown among nations +at once frivolous and coarse; your nobler dispositions, your higher +qualities, are not developed. You were pleased with the admiration of +Glyndon; you thought that the passionate stranger might marry you, while +others had only uttered the vows that dishonor. Poor child, it was the +instinctive desire of right within thee that made thee listen to him; +and if my fatal shadow had not crossed thy path, thou wouldst have loved +him well enough, at least, for content. Return to that hope, and nurse +again that innocent affection: this is my answer to thee. Art thou +contented?" + +"No! ah, no! Severe as thou art, I love better to hear thee than, +than--What am I saying? And now you have saved me, I shall pray for +you, bless you, think of you; and am I never to see you more? Alas! the +moment you leave me, danger and dread will darken round me. Let me be +your servant, your slave; with you I should have no fear." + +A dark shade fell over Zicci's brow; he looked from the ground, on which +his eyes had rested while she spoke, upon the earnest and imploring +face of the beautiful creature that now knelt before him, with all the +passions of an ardent and pure, but wholly untutored and half-savage, +nature speaking from the tearful eyes and trembling lips. He looked at +her with an aspect she could not interpret; in his eyes were kindness, +sorrow, and even something, she thought, of love: yet the brow frowned, +and the lip was stern. + +"It is in vain that we struggle with our doom," said he, calmly; "listen +to me yet. I am a man, Isabel, in whom there are some good impulses +yet left, but whose life is, on the whole, devoted to a systematic and +selfish desire to enjoy whatever life can afford. To me it is given to +warn: the warning neglected, I interfere no more; I leave her victories +to that Fate that I cannot baffle of her prey. You do not understand me; +no matter: what I am now about to say will be more easy to comprehend. +I tell thee to tear from thy heart all thought of me: thou hast yet the +power. If thou wilt not obey me, thou must reap the seeds that thou wilt +sow. Glyndon, if thou acceptest his homage, will love thee throughout +life; I, too, can love thee." + +"You, you--" + +"But with a lukewarm and selfish love, and one that cannot last. Thou +wilt be a flower in my path; I inhale thy sweetness and pass on, caring +not what wind shall sup thee, or what step shall tread thee to the dust. +Which is the love thou wouldst prefer?" + +"But do you, can you love me,--you, you, Zicci,--even for an hour? Say +it again." + +"Yes, Isabel; I am not dead to beauty, and yours is that rarely given to +the daughters of men. Yes, Isabel, I could love thee!" + +Isabel uttered a cry of joy, seized his hand, and kissed it through +burning and impassioned tears. Zicci raised her in his arms and +imprinted one kiss upon her forehead. + +"Do not deceive thyself," he said; "consider well. I tell thee again +that my love is subjected to the certain curse of change. For my part, I +shall seek thee no more. Thy fate shall be thine own, and not mine. For +the rest, fear not the Prince di--. At present, I can save thee from +every harm." With these words he withdrew himself from her embrace, and +had gained the outer door just as Gionetta came from the kitchen with +her hands full of such cheer as she had managed to collect together. +Zicci laid his hand on the old woman's arm. + +"Signor Glyndon," said he, "loves Isabel; he may wed her. You love your +mistress: plead for him. Disabuse her, if you can, of any caprice for +me. I am a bird ever on the wing." He dropped a purse, heavy with gold, +into Gionetta's bosom, and was gone. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +The palace of Zicci was among the noblest in Naples. It still stands, +though ruined and dismantled, in one of those antique streets from which +the old races of the Norman and the Spaniard have long since vanished. + +He ascended the vast staircase, and entered the rooms reserved for his +private hours. They were no wise remarkable except for their luxury and +splendor, and the absence of what men so learned as Zicci was reputed, +generally prize, namely, books. Zicci seemed to know everything that +books can teach; yet of books themselves he spoke and thought with the +most profound contempt. + +He threw himself on a sofa, and dismissed his attendants for the night; +and here it may be observed that Zicci had no one servant who knew +anything of his origin, birth, or history. Some of his attendants he had +brought with him from other cities; the rest he had engaged at Naples. +He hired those only whom wealth can make subservient. His expenditure +was most lavish, his generosity, regal; but his orders were ever given +as those of a general to his army. The least disobedience, the least +hesitation, and the offender was at once dismissed. He was a man who +sought tools, and never made confidants. + +Zicci remained for a considerable time motionless and thoughtful. The +hand of the clock before him pointed to the first hour of morning. The +solemn voice of the timepiece aroused him from his revery. + +"One sand more out of the mighty hour-glass," said he, rising; "one hour +nearer to the last! I am weary of humanity. I will enter into one of the +countless worlds around me." He lifted the arras that clothed the walls, +and touching a strong iron door (then made visible) with a minute key +which he wore in a ring, passed into an inner apartment lighted by a +single lamp of extraordinary lustre. The room was small; a few phials +and some dried herbs were ranged in shelves on the wall, which was hung +with snow-white cloth of coarse texture. From the shelves Zicci selected +one of the phials, and poured the contents into a crystal cup. The +liquid was colorless, and sparkled rapidly up in bubbles of light; it +almost seemed to evaporate ere it reached his lips. But when the strange +beverage was quaffed, a sudden change was visible in the countenance of +Zicci: his beauty became yet more dazzling, his eyes shone with intense +fire, and his form seemed to grow more youthful and ethereal. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +The next day, Glyndon bent his steps towards Zicci's palace. The young +man's imagination, naturally inflammable, was singularly excited by the +little he had seen and heard of this strange being; a spell he could +neither master nor account for, attracted him towards the stranger. +Zicci's power seemed mysterious and great, his motives kindly and +benevolent, yet his manners chilling and repellant. Why at one moment +reject Glyndon's acquaintance, at another save him from danger? How had +Zicci thus acquired the knowledge of enemies unknown to Glyndon himself? +His interest was deeply roused, his gratitude appealed to; he resolved +to make another effort to conciliate Zicci. + +The signor was at home, and Glyndon was admitted into a lofty saloon, +where in a few moments Zicci joined him. + +"I am come to thank you for your warning last night," said he, "and to +entreat you to complete my obligation by informing me of the quarter to +which I may look for enmity and peril." + +"You are a gallant, Mr. Glyndon," said Zicci, with a smile; "and do you +know so little of the South as not to be aware that gallants have always +rivals?" + +"Are you serious?" said Glyndon, coloring. + +"Most serious. You love Isabel di Pisani; you have for rival one of the +most powerful and relentless of the Neapolitan princes. Your danger is +indeed great." + +"But, pardon me, how came it known to you?" + +"I give no account of myself to mortal man," replied Zicci, haughtily; +"and to me it matters not whether you regard or scorn my warning." + +"Well, if I may not question you, be it so; but at least advise me what +to do." + +"You will not follow my advice." + +"You wrong me! Why?" + +"Because you are constitutionally brave; you are fond of excitement and +mystery; you like to be the hero of a romance. I should advise you to +leave Naples, and you will disdain to do so while Naples contains a foe +to shun or a mistress to pursue." + +"You are right," said the young Englishman, with energy; "and you cannot +reproach me for such a resolution." + +"No, there is another course left to you. Do you love Isabel di Pisani +truly and fervently? If so, marry her, and take a bride to your native +land." + +"Nay," answered Glyndon, embarrassed. "Isabel is not of my rank; her +character is strange and self-willed; her education neglected. I am +enslaved by her beauty, but I cannot wed her." + +Zicci frowned. + +"Your love, then, is but selfish lust; and by that love you will be +betrayed. Young man, Destiny is less inexorable than it appears. The +resources of the great Ruler of the Universe are not so scanty and so +stern as to deny to men the divine privilege of Free Will; all of us +can carve out our own way, and God can make our very contradictions +harmonize with His solemn ends. You have before you an option. Honorable +and generous love may even now work out your happiness and effect your +escape; a frantic and interested passion will but lead you to misery and +doom." + +"Do you pretend, then, to read the Future?" + +"I have said all that it pleases me to utter." + +"While you assume the moralist to me, Signor Zicci," said Glyndon, with +a smile, "if report says true you do not yourself reject the allurements +of unfettered love." + +"If it were necessary that practice square with precept," said Zicci, +with a sneer, "our pulpits would be empty. Do you think it matters, in +the great aggregate of human destinies, what one man's conduct may +be? Nothing,--not a grain of dust; but it matters much what are the +sentiments he propagates. His acts are limited and momentary; his +sentiments may pervade the universe, and inspire generations till the +day of doom. All our virtues, all our laws, are drawn from books and +maxims, which are sentiments, not from deeds. Our opinions, young +Englishman, are the angel part of us; our acts the earthly." + +"You have reflected deeply, for an Italian," said Glyndon. + +"Who told you I was an Italian?" + +"Are you not of Corsica?" + +"Tush!" said Zicci, impatiently turning away. Then, after a pause, he +resumed, in a mild voice: "Glyndon, do you renounce Isabel di Pisani? +Will you take three days to consider of what I have said?" + +"Renounce her,--never!" + +"Then you will marry her?" + +"Impossible." + +"Be it so; she will then renounce you. I tell you that you have rivals." + +"Yes, the Prince di--; but I do not fear him." + +"You have another, whom you will fear more." + +"And who is he?" + +"Myself." + +Glyndon turned pale, and started from his seat. + +"You, Signor Zicci, you,--and you dare to tell me so?" + +"Dare! Alas! you know there is nothing on earth left me to fear!" + +These words were not uttered arrogantly, but in a tone of the most +mournful dejection. Glyndon was enraged, confounded, and yet awed. +However, he had a brave English heart within his breast, and he +recovered himself quickly. + +"Signor," said he, calmly, "I am not to be duped by these solemn +phrases and these mystical sympathies. You may have power which I cannot +comprehend or emulate, or you may be but a keen impostor." + +"Well, sir, your logical position is not ill-taken; proceed." + +"I mean then," continued Glyndon, resolutely, though somewhat +disconcerted, "I mean you to understand, that, though I am not to be +persuaded or compelled by a stranger to marry Isabel di Pisani, I am not +the less determined never tamely to yield her to another." + +Zicci looked gravely at the young man, whose sparkling eyes and +heightened color testified the spirit to support his words, and replied: +"So bold! well, it becomes you. You have courage, then; I thought it. +Perhaps it may be put to a sharper test than you dream of. But take my +advice: wait three days, and tell me then if you will marry this young +person." + +"But if you love her, why, why--" + +"Why am I anxious that she should wed another? To save her from myself! +Listen to me. That girl, humble and uneducated though she be, has in her +the seeds of the most lofty qualities and virtues. She can be all to the +man she loves,--all that man can desire in wife or mistress. Her soul, +developed by affection, will elevate your own; it will influence your +fortunes, exalt your destiny; you will become a great and prosperous +man. If, on the contrary, she fall to me, I know not what may be her +lot; but I know that few can pass the ordeal, and hitherto no woman has +survived the struggle." + +As Zicci spoke, his face became livid, and there was something in his +voice that froze the warm blood of his listener. + +"What is this mystery which surrounds you?" exclaimed Glyndon, unable to +repress his emotion. "Are you, in truth, different from other men? Have +you passed the boundary of lawful knowledge? Are you, as some declare, a +sorcerer, only a--" + +"Hush!" interrupted Zicci, gently, and with a smile of singular but +melancholy sweetness: "have you earned the right to ask me these +questions? The clays of torture and persecution are over; and a man may +live as he pleases, and talk as it suits him, without fear of the +stake and the rack. Since I can defy persecution, pardon me if I do not +succumb to curiosity." + +Glyndon blushed, and rose. In spite of his love for Isabel, and his +natural terror of such a rival, he felt himself irresistibly drawn +towards the very man he had most cause to suspect and dread. It was like +the fascination of the basilisk. He held out his hand to Zicci, saying, +"Well, then, if we are to be rivals, our swords must settle our rights; +till then I would fain be friends." + +"Friends! Pardon me, I like you too well to give you my friendship. You +know not what you ask." + +"Enigmas again!" + +"Enigmas!" cried Zicci, passionately, "Nay: can you dare to solve +them! Would you brave all that human heart can conceive of peril and +of horror, so that you at last might stand separated from this visible +universe side by side with me? When you can dare this, and when you are +fit to dare it, I may give you my right hand and call you friend." + +"I could dare everything and all things for the attainment of superhuman +wisdom," said Glyndon; and his countenance was lighted up with wild and +intense enthusiasm. + +Zicci observed him in thoughtful silence. + +"He may be worthy," he muttered; "he may, yet--" He broke off abruptly; +then, speaking aloud, "Go, Glyndon," said he; "in three days we shall +meet again." + +"Where?" + +"Perhaps where you can least anticipate. In any case, we shall meet." + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +Glyndon thought seriously and deeply over all that the mysterious Zicci +had said to him relative to Isabel. His imagination was inflamed by the +vague and splendid promises that were connected with his marriage with +the poor actress. His fears, too, were naturally aroused by the threat +that by marriage alone could he save himself from the rivalry of +Zicci,--Zicci, born to dazzle and command; Zicci, who united to the +apparent wealth of a monarch the beauty of a god; Zicci, whose eye +seemed to foresee, whose hand to frustrate, every danger. What a rival, +and what a foe! + +But Glyndon's pride, as well as jealousy, was aroused. He was brave +comme son epee. Should he shrink from the power or the enmity of a man +mortal as himself? And why should Zicci desire him to give his name and +station to one of a calling so equivocal? Might there not be motives he +could not fathom? Might not the actress and the Corsican be in league +with each other? Might not all this jargon of prophecy--and menace be +but artifices to dupe him,--the tool, perhaps, of a mountebank and +his mistress! Mistress,--ah, no! If ever maidenhood wrote its modest +characters externally, that pure eye, that noble forehead, that mien +and manner so ingenuous even in their coquetry, their pride, assured him +that Isabel was not the base and guilty thing he had dared for a moment +to suspect her. Lost in a labyrinth of doubts and surmises, Glyndon +turned on the practical sense of the sober Merton to assist and +enlighten him. + +As may be well supposed, his friend listened to his account of his +interview with Zicci with a half-suppressed and ironical smile. + +"Excellent, my dear friend! This Zicci is another Apollonius of +Tyana,--nothing less will satisfy you. What! is it possible that you +are the Clarence Glyndon of whose career such glowing hopes are +entertained,--you the man whose genius has been extolled by all the +graybeards? Not a boy turned out from a village school but would laugh +you to scorn. And so because Signor Zicci tells you that you will be +a marvellously great man if you revolt all your friends and blight all +your prospects by marrying a Neapolitan actress, you begin already to +think of--By Jupiter! I cannot talk patiently on the subject. Let the +girl alone,--that would be the proper plan; or else--" + +"You talk very sensibly," interrupted Glyndon, "but you distract me. I +will go to Isabel's house; I will see her; I will judge for myself." + +"That is certainly the best way to forget her," said Merton. Glyndon +seized his hat and sword, and was gone. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +She was seated outside her door, the young actress. The sea, which in +that heavenly bay literally seems to sleep in the arms of the shore, +bounded the view in front; while to the right, not far off, rose the +dark and tangled crags to which the traveller of to-day is daily brought +to gaze on the tomb of Virgil, or compare with the Cavern of Pausilippo +the archway of Highgate Hill. There were a few fishermen loitering by +the cliffs, on which their nets were hung up to dry; and, at a distance, +the sound of some rustic pipe (more common at that day than in this), +mingled now and then with the bells of the lazy mules, broke the +voluptuous silence,--the silence of declining noon on the shores of +Naples. Never till you have enjoyed it, never till you have felt its +enervating but delicious charm, believe that you can comprehend all the +meaning of the dolce far niente; and when that luxury has been known, +when you have breathed the atmosphere of fairy land, then you will +no longer wonder why the heart ripens with so sudden and wild a power +beneath the rosy skies and amidst the glorious foliage of the South. + +The young actress was seated by the door of her house; overhead a rude +canvas awning sheltered her from the sun; on her lap lay the manuscript +of a new part in which she was shortly to appear. By her side was the +guitar on which she had been practising the airs that were to ravish +the ears of the cognoscenti. But the guitar had been thrown aside in +despair; her voice this morning did not obey her will. The manuscript +lay unheeded, and the eyes of the actress were fixed on the broad, blue +deep beyond. In the unwonted negligence of her dress might be traced the +abstraction of her mind. Her beautiful hair was gathered up loosely, and +partially bandaged by a kerchief, whose purple color seemed to deepen +the golden hue of the tresses. A stray curl escaped, and fell down the +graceful neck. A loose morning robe, girded by a sash, left the +breeze that came ever and anon from the sea to die upon the bust half +disclosed, and the tiny slipper, that Cinderella might have worn, seemed +a world too wide for the tiny foot which it scarcely covered. It might +be the heat of the day that deepened the soft bloom of the cheeks and +gave an unwonted languor to the large dark eyes. In all the pomp of her +stage attire, in all the flush of excitement before the intoxicating +lamps, never had Isabel looked so lovely. + +By the side of the actress, and filling up the threshold, stood +Gionetta, with her hands thrust up to the elbow in two huge recesses +on either side her gown,--pockets, indeed, they might be called by +courtesy; such pockets as Beelzebub's grandmother might have shaped for +herself, bottomless pits in miniature. + +"But I assure you," said the nurse, in that sharp, quick, earsplitting +tone in which the old women of the South are more than a match for those +of the North,--"but I assure you, my darling, that there is not a finer +cavalier in all Naples, nor a more beautiful, than this Inglese; and I +am told that all the Inglesi are much richer than they seem. Though they +have no trees in their country, poor people, and instead of twenty-four +they have only twelve hours to the day, yet I hear, cospetto! that they +shoe their horses with steak; and since they cannot (the poor heretics!) +turn grapes into wine, for they have no grapes, they turn gold into +physic, and take a glass or two of pistoles whenever they are troubled +with the colic. But you don't hear me! Little pupil of my eyes, you +don't hear me!" + +"Gionetta, is he not god-like?" + +"Sancta Maria! he is handsome, bellissimo; and when you are his +wife,--for they say these English are never satisfied unless they +marry--" + +"Wife! English! Whom are you talking of?" + +"Why, the young English signor, to be sure." + +"Chut! I thought you spoke of Zicci." + +"Oh! Signor Zicci is very rich and very generous; but he wants to be +your cavalier, not your husband. I see that,--leave me alone. When you +are married, then you will see how amiable Signor Zicci will be. Oh, per +fede! but he will be as close to your husband as the yolk to the white; +that he will. + +"Silence, Gionetta! How wretched I am to have no one else to speak +to--to advise me. Oh, beautiful sun!" and the girl pressed her hand to +her heart with wild energy, "why do you light every spot but this? Dark, +dark! And a little while ago I was so calm, so innocent, so gay. I did +not hate you then, Gionetta, hateful as your talk was; I hate you now. +Go in; leave me alone--leave me." + +"And indeed it is time I should leave you, for the polenta will be +spoiled, and you have eaten nothing all day. If you don't eat you will +lose your beauty, my darling, and then nobody will care for you. Nobody +cares for us when we grow ugly,--I know that; and then you must, like +old Gionetta, get some Isabel of your own to spoil. I'll go and see to +the polenta." + +"Since I have known this man," said the actress, half aloud, "since his +dark eyes have fascinated me, I am no longer the same. I long to escape +from myself,--to glide with the sunbeam over the hill-tops; to become +something that is not of earth. Is it, indeed, that he is a sorcerer, as +I have heard? Phantoms float before me at night, and a fluttering +like the wing of a bird within my heart seems as if the spirit were +terrified, and would break its cage." + +While murmuring these incoherent rhapsodies, a step that she did not +hear approached the actress, and a light hand touched her arm. + +"Isabella! carissima! Isabella!" + +She turned, and saw Glyndon. The sight of his fair young face calmed her +at once. She did not love him, yet his sight gave her pleasure. She had +for him a kind and grateful feeling. Ah, if she had never beheld Zicci! + +"Isabel," said the Englishman, drawing her again to the bench from +which she had risen, and seating himself beside her, "you know how +passionately I love thee. Hitherto thou hast played with my impatience +and my ardor, thou hast sometimes smiled, sometimes frowned away my +importunities for a reply to my suit; but this day--I know not how it +is--I feel a more sustained and settled courage to address thee, and +learn the happiest or the worst. I have rivals, I know,--rivals who are +more powerful than the poor artist. Are they also more favored?" + +Isabel blushed faintly, but her countenance was grave and distressed. +Looking down, and marking some hieroglyphical figures in the dust with +the point of her slipper, she said, with some hesitation and a vain +attempt to be gay, "Signor, whoever wastes his thoughts on an actress +must submit to have rivals. It is our unhappy destiny not to be sacred +even to ourselves." + +"But you have told me, Isabel, that you do not love this destiny, +glittering though it seem,--that your heart is not in the vocation which +your talents adorn." + +"Ah, no!" said the actress, her eyes filling with tears, "it is a +miserable lot to be slave to a multitude." + +"Fly then with me," said the artist, passionately. "Quit forever the +calling that divides that heart I would have all my own. Share my fate +now and forever,--my pride, my delight, my ideal! Thou shalt inspire my +canvas and my song, thy beauty shall be made at once holy and renowned. +In the galleries of princes crowds shall gather round the effigy of +a Venus or a saint, and a whisper shall break forth, 'It is Isabel di +Pisani!' Ah! Isabel, I adore thee: tell me that I do not worship in +vain." + +"Thou art good and fair," said Isabel, gazing on her lover as he pressed +his cheek nearer to hers, and clasped her hand in his. "But what should +I give thee in return?" + +"Love, love; only love!" + +"A sister's love?" + +"Ah, speak not with such cruel coldness!" + +"It is all I have for thee. Listen to me, signor. When I look on your +face, when I hear your voice, a certain serene and tranquil calm creeps +over and lulls thoughts, oh, how feverish, how wild! When thou art gone, +the day seems a shade more dark; but the shadow soon flies. I miss thee +not, I think not of thee,--no, I love thee not; and I will give myself +only where I love." + +"But I would teach thee to love me,--fear it not. Nay, such love as thou +now describest in our tranquil climates is the love of innocence and +youth." + +"And it is the innocence he would destroy," said Isabel, rather to +herself than to him. + +Glyndon drew back, conscience-stricken. + +"No, it may not be!" she said, rising, and extricating her hand gently +from his grasp. "Leave me, and forget me. You do not understand, you +could not comprehend, the nature of her whom you think to love. From my +childhood upward, I have felt as if I were marked out for some strange +and preternatural doom; as if I were singled from my kind. This feeling +(and, oh! at times it is one of delirious and vague delight, at others +of the darkest gloom) deepens with me day by day. It is like the shadow +of twilight, spreading slowly and solemnly round. My hour approaches; a +little while, and it will be night!" + +As she spoke, Glyndon listened with visible emotion and perturbation. +"Isabel!" he exclaimed, as she ceased, "your words more than ever +enchain me to you. As you feel, I feel. I, too, have been ever haunted +with a chill and unearthly foreboding. Amidst the crowds of men I have +felt alone. In all my pleasures, my toils, my pursuits, a warning +voice has murmured in my ear, 'Time has a dark mystery in store for thy +manhood.' When you spoke it was as the voice of my own soul." + +Isabel gazed upon him in wonder and fear. Her countenance was as white +as marble, and those features, so divine in their rare symmetry, might +have served the Greek with a study for the Pythoness when, from the +mystic cavern and the bubbling spring, she first hears the voice of the +inspiring god. Gradually the rigor and tension of that wonderful face +relaxed, the color returned, the pulse beat, the heart animated the +frame. + +"Tell me," she said, turning partially aside, "tell me, have you seen, +do you know, a stranger in this city,--one of whom wild stories are +afloat?" + +"You speak of Zicci. I have seen him; I know him! And you? Ah! he, too, +would be my rival,--he, too, would bear thee from me!" + +"You err," said Isabel, hastily and with a deep sigh,--"he pleads for +you; he informed me of your love; he besought me not--not to reject it." + +"Strange being, incomprehensible enigma, why did you name him?" + +"Why? Ah! I would have asked whether, when you first saw him, the +foreboding, the instinct, of which you spoke came on you more fearfully, +more intelligibly than before; whether you felt at once repelled from +him, yet attracted towards him; whether you felt [and the actress spoke +with hurried animation] that with Him was connected the secret of your +life!" + +"All this I felt," answered Glyndon, in a trembling voice, "the first +time I was in his presence. Though all around me was gay,--music, +amidst lamp-lit trees, light converse near, and heaven without a cloud +above,--my knees knocked together, my hair bristled, and my blood +curdled like ice; since then he has divided my thoughts with thee." + +"No more, no more," said Isabel, in a stifled tone; "there must be the +hand of Fate in this. I can speak no more to you now; farewell." + +She sprang past him into the house and closed the door. Glyndon did not +dare to follow her, nor, strange as it may seem, was he so inclined. The +thought and recollection of that moonlight hour in the gardens, of the +strange address of Zicci, froze up all human passion; Isabel herself, +if not forgotten, shrank back like a shadow into the recesses of his +breast. He shivered as he stepped into the sunlight, and musingly +retraced his steps into the more populous parts of that liveliest of +Italian cities. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +It was a small cabinet; the walls were covered with pictures, one of +which was worth more than the whole lineage of the owner of the palace. +Is not Art a wonderful thing? A Venetian noble might be a fribble or an +assassin, a scoundrel, or a dolt, worthless, or worse than worthless; +yet he might have sat to Titian, and his portrait may be inestimable,--a +few inches of painted canvas a thousand times more valuable than a man +with his veins and muscles, brain, will, heart, and intellect! + +In this cabinet sat a man of about three and forty,--dark-eyed, sallow, +with short, prominent features, a massive conformation of jaw, and +thick, sensual, but resolute lips; this man was the Prince di--. His +form, middle-sized, but rather inclined to corpulence, was clothed in a +loose dressing-robe of rich brocade; on a table before him lay his sword +and hat, a mask, dice and dice-box, a portfolio, and an inkstand of +silver curiously carved. + +"Well, Mascari," said the Prince, looking up towards his parasite, who +stood by the embrasure of the deep-set barricaded window, "well, you +cannot even guess who this insolent meddler was? A pretty person you to +act the part of a Prince's Ruffiano!" + +"Am I to be blamed for dulness in not being able to conjecture who had +the courage to thwart the projects of the Prince di--. As well blame me +for not accounting for miracles." + +"I will tell thee who it was, most sapient Mascari." + +"Who, your Excellency?" + +"Zicci." + +"Ah! he has the daring of the devil. But why does your Excellency feel +so assured,--does he court the actress?" + +"I know not; but there is a tone in that foreigner's voice that I never +can mistake,--so clear, and yet so hollow; when I hear it I almost fancy +there is such a thing as conscience. However, we must rid ourselves +of an impertinent. Mascari, Signor Zicci hath not yet honored our poor +house with his presence. He is a distinguished stranger,--we must give a +banquet in his honor." + +"Ah! and the cypress wine! The cypress is the proper emblem of the +grave." + +"But this anon. I am superstitious; there are strange stories of his +power and foresight,--remember the Sicilian quackery! But meanwhile the +Pisani--" + +"Your Excellency is infatuated. The actress has bewitched you." + +"Mascari," said the Prince, with a haughty smile, "through these veins +rolls the blood of the old Visconti,--of those who boasted that no woman +ever escaped their lust, and no man their resentment. The crown of my +fathers has shrunk into a gewgaw and a toy,--their ambition and their +spirit are undecayed. My honor is now enlisted in this pursuit: Isabel +must be mine." + +"Another ambuscade?" said Mascari, inquiringly. + +"Nay, why not enter the house itself? The situation is lonely, and the +door is not made of iron." + +Before Mascari could reply, the gentleman of the chamber announced the +Signor Zicci. + +The Prince involuntarily laid his hand on the sword placed on the table; +then, with a smile at his own impulse, rose, and met the foreigner at +the threshold with all the profuse and respectful courtesy of Italian +simulation. + +"This is an honor highly prized," said the Prince; "I have long desired +the friendship of one so distinguished--" + +"And I have come to give you that friendship," replied Zicci, in a sweet +but chilling voice. "To no man yet in Naples have I extended this hand: +permit it, Prince, to grasp your own." + +The Neapolitan bowed over the hand he pressed; but as he touched it, a +shiver came over him, and his heart stood still. + +Zicci bent on him his dark, smiling eyes, and then seated himself with a +familiar air. + +"Thus it is signed and sealed,--I mean our friendship, noble Prince. +And now I will tell you the object of my visit. I find, your Excellency, +that, unconsciously perhaps, we are rivals. Can we not accommodate our +pretensions? A girl of no moment, an actress, bah! it is not worth a +quarrel. Shall we throw for her? He who casts the lowest shall resign +his claim?" + +Mascari opened his small eyes to their widest extent; the Prince, no +less surprised, but far too well world-read even to show what he felt, +laughed aloud. + +"And were you, then, the cavalier who spoiled my night's chase and +robbed me of my white doe? By Bacchus, it was prettily done." + +"You must forgive me, my Prince; I knew not who it was, or my respect +would have silenced my gallantry." + +"All stratagems fair in love, as in war. Of course you profited by my +defeat, and did not content yourself with leaving the little actress at +her threshold?" + +"She is Diana for me," answered Zicci, lightly; "whoever wins the wreath +will not find a flower faded." + +"And now you would cast for her,--well; but they tell me you are ever a +sure player." + +"Let Signor Mascari cast for us." + +"Be it so. Mascari, the dice." + +Surprised and perplexed, the parasite took up the three dice, deposited +them gravely in the box, and rattled them noisily, while Zicci threw +himself back carelessly in his chair and said, "I give the first chance +to your Excellency." + +Mascari interchanged a glance with his patron and threw the numbers were +sixteen. + +"It is a high throw," said Zicci, calmly; "nevertheless, Signor Mascari, +I do not despond." + +Mascari gathered up the dice, shook the box, and rolled the contents +once more upon the table; the number was the highest that can be +thrown,--eighteen. + +The Prince darted a glance of fire at his minion, who stood with gaping +mouth staring at the dice, and shaking his head in puzzled wonder. + +"I have won, you see," said Zicci: "may we be friends still?" + +"Signor," said the Prince, obviously struggling with angel and +confusion, "the victory is already yours. But, pardon me, you have +spoken lightly of this young girl,--will anything tempt you to yield +your claim?" + +"Ah, do not think so ill of my gallantry." + +"Enough," said the Prince, forcing a smile, "I yield. Let me prove that +I do not yield ungraciously: will you honor me with your presence at a +little feast I propose to give on the royal birthday?" + +"It is indeed a happiness to hear one command of yours which I can +obey." + +Zicci then turned the conversation, talked lightly and gayly and soon +afterwards departed. + +"Villain," then exclaimed the Prince, grasping Mascari by the collar, +"you have betrayed me!" + +"I assure your Excellency that the dice were properly arranged,--he +should have thrown twelve; but he is the Devil, and that's the end of +it." + +"There is no time to be lost," said the Prince, quitting hold of his +parasite, who quietly resettled his cravat. + +"My blood is up! I will win this girl, if I die for it. Who laughed? +Mascari, didst thou laugh?" + +"I, your Excellency,--I laugh?" + +"It sounded behind me," said the Prince, gazing round. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +It was the day on which Zicci had told Glyndon that he should ask for +his decision in respect to Isabel,--the third day since their last +meeting. The Englishman could not come to a resolution. Ambition, +hitherto the leading passion of his soul, could not yet be silenced by +love, and that love, such as it was, unreturned, beset by suspicions and +doubts which vanished in the presence of Isabel, and returned when her +bright face shone on his eyes no more, for les absents ont toujours +tort. Perhaps had he been quite alone, his feelings of honor, of +compassion, of virtue, might have triumphed, and he would have resolved +either to fly from Isabel or to offer the love that has no shame. But +Merton, cold, cautious, experienced, wary (such a nature has ever power +over the imaginative and the impassioned), was at hand to ridicule +the impression produced by Zicci, and the notion of delicacy and +honor towards an Italian actress. It is true that Merton, who was no +profligate, advised him to quit all pursuit of Isabel; but then the +advice was precisely of that character which, if it deadens love, +stimulates passion. By representing Isabel as one who sought to play a +part with him, he excused to Glyndon his own selfishness,--he enlisted +the Englishman's vanity and pride on the side of his pursuit. Why should +not he beat an adventuress at her own weapons? + +Glyndon not only felt indisposed on that day to meet Zicci, but he felt +also a strong desire to defeat the mysterious prophecy that the meeting +should take place. Into this wish Merton readily entered. The young +men agreed to be absent from Naples that day. Early in the morning they +mounted their horses and took the road to Baiae. Glyndon left word at +his hotel that if Signor Zicci sought him, it was in the neighborhood +of the once celebrated watering-place of the ancients that he should be +found. + +They passed by Isabel's house; but Glyndon resisted the temptation of +pausing there, and threading the grotto of Pausilippo, they wound by +a circuitous route back into the suburbs of the city, and took the +opposite road, which conducts to Portici and Pompeii. It was late at +noon when they arrived at the former of these places. Here they halted +to dine; for Merton had heard much of the excellence of the macaroni at +Portici, and Merton was a bon vivant. + +They put up at an inn of very humble pretensions, and dined under an +awning. Merton was more than usually gay; he pressed the lacryma upon +his friend, and conversed gayly. "Well, my dear friend, we have foiled +Signor Zicci in one of his predictions at least. You will have no faith +in him hereafter." + +"The Ides are come, not gone." + +"Tush! if he is a soothsayer, you are not Caesar. It is your vanity +that makes you credulous. Thank Heaven, I do not think myself of such +importance that the operations of Nature should be changed in order to +frighten me." + +"But why should the operations of Nature be changed? There may be a +deeper philosophy than we dream of,--a philosophy that discovers the +secrets of Nature, but does not alter, by penetrating, its courses." + +"Ah! you suppose Zicci to be a prophet,--a reader of the future; perhaps +an associate of Genii and Spirits!" + +"I know not what to conjecture; but I see no reason why he should seek, +even if an impostor, to impose on me. An impostor must have some motive +for deluding us,--either ambition or avarice. I am neither rich nor +powerful; Zicci spends more in a week than I do in a year. Nay, a +Neapolitan banker told me that the sums invested by Zicci in his hands, +were enough to purchase half the lands of the Neapolitan noblesse." + +"Grant this to be true: do you suppose the love to dazzle and mystify is +not as strong with some natures as that of gold and power with others? +Zicci has a moral ostentation; and the same character that makes him +rival kings in expenditure makes him not disdain to be wondered at even +by a humble Englishman." + +Here the landlord, a little, fat, oily fellow, came up with a fresh +bottle of lacryma. He hoped their Excellencies were pleased. He was most +touched,--touched to the heart that they liked the macaroni. Were their +Excellencies going to Vesuvius? There was a slight eruption; they could +not see it where they were, but it was pretty, and would be prettier +still after sunset. + +"A capital idea," cried Merton. "What say you, Glyndon?" + +"I have not yet seen an eruption; I should like it much." + +"But is there no danger?" said the prudent Merton. + +"Oh! not at all; the mountain is very civil at present. It only plays a +little, just to amuse their Excellencies the English." + +"Well, order the horses, and bring the bill; we will go before it is +dark. Clarence, my friend, nunc est bibendum; but take care of the pede +libero, which won't do for walking on lava!" + +The bottle was finished, the bill paid, the gentlemen mounted, the +landlord bowed, and they bent their way in the cool of the delightful +evening towards Resina. + +The wine animated Glyndon, whose unequal spirits were at times high and +brilliant as those of a school-boy released; and the laughter of the +Northern tourists sounded oft and merrily along the melancholy domains +of buried cities. + +Hesperus had lighted his lamp amidst the rosy skies as they arrived at +Resina. Here they quitted their horses and took mules and a guide. As +the sky grew darker and more dark, the Mountain Fire burned with an +intense lustre. In various streaks and streamlets the fountain of flame +rolled down the dark summit, then undiminished by the eruption of 1822, +and the Englishmen began to feel increase upon them, as they ascended, +that sensation of solemnity and awe which makes the very atmosphere that +surrounds the giant of the Plains of the Antique Hades. + +It was night when, leaving the mules, they ascended on foot, accompanied +by their guide and a peasant, who bore a rude torch. Their guide was a +conversable, garrulous fellow, like most of his country and his calling; +and Merton, whose chief characteristics were a sociable temper and +a hardy commonsense, loved to amuse or to instruct himself on every +incidental occasion. + +"Ah, Excellency," said the guide, "your countrymen have a strong passion +for the volcano. Long life to them; they bring us plenty of money. If +our fortunes depended on the Neapolitans, we should starve." + +"True, they have no curiosity," said Merton. "Do you remember, Glyndon, +the contempt with which that old count said to us, 'You will go to +Vesuvius, I suppose. I have never been: why should I go? You have cold, +you have hunger, you have fatigue, you have danger, and all for nothing +but to see fire, which looks just as well in a brazier as a mountain.' +Ha! ha! the old fellow was right." + +"But, Excellency," said the guide, "that is not all: some cavaliers +think to ascend the mountain without our help. I am sure they deserve to +tumble into the crater." + +"They must be bold fellows to go alone: you don't often find such?" + +"Sometimes among the French, signor. But the other night--I never was +so frightened. I had been with an English party, and a lady had left a +pocket-book on the mountain where she had been sketching. She offered +me a handsome sum to return for it, and bring it to her at Naples; so +I went in the evening. I found it sure enough, and was about to return, +when I saw a figure that seemed to emerge from the crater itself. The +air was so pestiferous that I could not have conceived a human creature +could breathe it and live. I was so astounded that I stood as still as a +stone, till the figure came over the hot ashes and stood before me face +to face. Sancta Maria, what a head!" + +"What, hideous?" + +"No, so beautiful, but so terrible. It had nothing human in its aspect." + +"And what said the salamander?" + +"Nothing! It did not even seem to perceive me, though I was as near as +I am to you; but its eyes seemed prying into the air. It passed by me +quickly, and, walking across a stream of burning lava, soon vanished +on the other side of the mountain. I was curious and foolhardy, and +resolved to see if I could bear the atmosphere which this visitor had +left; but though I did not advance within thirty yards of the spot at +which he had first appeared, I was driven back by a vapor that well-nigh +stifled me. Cospetto! I have spit blood ever since." + +"It must be Zicci," whispered Glyndon. + +"I knew you would say so," returned Merton, laughing. + +The little party had now arrived nearly at the summit of the mountain; +and unspeakably grand was the spectacle on which they gazed. From +the crater arose a vapor, intensely dark, that overspread the whole +background of the heavens, in the centre whereof rose a flame that +assumed a form singularly beautiful. It might have been compared to a +crest of gigantic feathers, the diadem of the mountain, high arched, and +drooping downward, with the hues delicately shaded off, and the whole +shifting and tremulous as the plumage on a warrior's helm. The glare of +the flame spread, luminous and crimson, over the dark and rugged ground +on which they stood, and drew an innumerable variety of shadows from +crag and hollow. An oppressive and sulphureous exhalation served to +increase the gloomy and sublime terror of the place. But on turning from +the mountain, and towards the distant and unseen ocean, the contrast was +wonderfully great: the heavens serene and blue, the stars still and +calm as the eyes of Divine Love. It was as if the realms of the opposing +principles of Evil and Good were brought in one view before the gaze +of man! Glyndon--the enthusiast, the poet, the artist, the dreamer--was +enchained and entranced by emotions vague and undefinable, half of +delight and half of pain. Leaning on the shoulder of his friend, he +gazed around him, and heard, with deepening awe, the rumbling of the +earth below, the wheels and voices of the Ministry of Nature in her +darkest and most inscrutable recess. Suddenly, as a bomb from a shell, +a huge stone was flung hundreds of yards up from the jaws of the crater, +and falling with a mighty crash upon the rock below, split into ten +thousand fragments, which bounded down the sides of the mountain, +sparkling and groaning as they went. One of these, the largest fragment, +struck the narrow space of soil between the Englishman and the guide, +not three feet from the spot where the former stood. Merton uttered +an exclamation of terror, and Glyndon held his breath and shuddered. +"Diavolo!" cried the guide; "descend, Excellencies, descend! We have not +a moment to lose; follow me close." + +So saying, the guide and the peasant fled with as much swiftness as they +were able to bring to bear. Merton, ever more prompt and ready than his +friend, imitated their example; and Glyndon, more confused than alarmed, +followed close. But they had not gone many yards before, with a rushing +and sudden blast, came from the crater an enormous volume of vapor. It +pursued, it overtook, it overspread them; it swept the light from the +heavens. All was abrupt and utter darkness, and through the gloom was +heard the shout of the guide, already distant, and lost in an instant +amidst the sound of the rushing gust and the groans of the earth +beneath. Glyndon paused. He was separated from his friend, from the +guide. He was alone with the Darkness and the Terror. The vapor rolled +sullenly away; the form of the plumed fire was again dimly visible, +and its struggling and perturbed reflection again shed a glow over the +horrors of the path. Glyndon recovered himself, and sped onward. Below, +he heard the voice of Merton calling on him, though he no longer saw +his form. The sound served as a guide. Dizzy and breathless, he bounded +forward, when hark! a sullen, slow, rolling sound in his ear! He halted, +and turned back to gaze. The fire had overflowed its course; it had +opened itself a channel amidst the furrows of the mountain. The +stream pursued him fast, fast, and the hot breath of the chasing and +preternatural foe came closer and closer upon his cheek. He turned +aside; he climbed desperately, with hands and feet, upon a crag that, to +the right, broke the scathed and blasted level of the soil. The stream +rolled beside and beneath him, and then, taking a sudden wind round +the spot on which he stood, interposed its liquid fire--a broad and +impassable barrier--between his resting-place and escape. There he +stood, cut off from descent, and with no alternative but to retrace his +steps towards the crater, and thence seek--without guide or clew--some +other pathway. + +For a moment his courage left him; he cried in despair, and in that +over-strained pitch of voice which is never heard afar off, to the +guide, to Merton, to return, to aid him. + +No answer came; and the Englishman, thus abandoned solely to his own +resources, felt his spirit and energy rise against the danger. He turned +back, and ventured as far towards the crater as the noxious exhalation +would permit; then, gazing below, carefully and deliberately he chalked +out for himself a path, by which he trusted to shun the direction the +fire-stream had taken, and trod firmly and quickly over the crumbling +and heated strata. + +He had proceeded about fifty yards when he halted abruptly: an +unspeakable and unaccountable horror, not hitherto felt amidst all his +peril, came over him. He shook in every limb; his muscles refused his +will; he felt, as it were, palsied and death-stricken. The horror, I +say, was unaccountable, for the path seemed clear and safe. The fire, +above and behind, burned out clear and far; and beyond, the stars lent +him their cheering guidance. No obstacle was visible, no danger seemed +at hand. As thus, spell-bound and panic-stricken, he stood chained to +the soil--his breast heaving, large drops rolling down his brow, and +his eyes starting wildly from their sockets--he saw before him, at some +distance, gradually shaping itself more and more distinctly to his gaze, +a Colossal Shadow,--a shadow that seemed partially borrowed from the +human shape, but immeasurably above the human stature, vague, dark, +almost formless and differing--he could not tell where or why--not only +from the proportions, but also from the limbs and outline of man. + +The glare of the volcano, that seemed to shrink and collapse from this +gigantic and appalling apparition, nevertheless threw its light, +redly and steadily, upon another shape that stood beside, quiet and +motionless; and it was perhaps the contrast of these two things--the +Being and the Shadow--that impressed the beholder with the difference +between them,--the Man and the Superhuman. It was but for a moment, nay, +for the tenth part of a moment, that this sight was permitted to the +wanderer. A second eddy of sulphureous vapors from the volcano, yet +more rapidly, yet more densely than its predecessor, rolled over the +mountain; and either the nature of the exhalation, or the excess of his +own dread, was such that Glyndon, after one wild gasp for breath, fell +senseless on the earth. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +Merton and the Italians arrived in safety at the spot where they had +left the mules; and not till they had recovered their own alarm and +breath did they think of Glyndon. But then, as the minutes passed and he +appeared not, Merton--whose heart was as good, at least, as human hearts +are in general--grew seriously alarmed. He insisted on returning to +search for his friend, and by dint of prodigal promises prevailed at +last on the guide to accompany him. The lower part of the mountain lay +calm and white in the starlight; and the guide's practised eye could +discern all objects on the surface, at a considerable distance. They +had not, however, gone very far before they perceived two forms slowly +approaching towards them. + +As they came near, Merton recognized the form of his friend. "Thank +Heaven, he is safe!" he cried, turning to the guide. + +"Holy angels befriend us!" said the Italian, trembling; "behold the +very being that crossed me last Sabbath night. It is he, but his face is +human now!" + +"Signor Inglese," said the voice of Zicci as Glyndon, pale, wan, and +silent, returned passively the joyous greeting of Merton,--"Signor +Inglese, I told your friend we should meet to-night; you see you have +not foiled my prediction." + +"But how, but where?" stammered Merton, in great confusion and surprise. + +"I found your friend stretched on the ground, overpowered by the +mephitic exhalation of the crater. I bore him to a purer atmosphere; and +as I know the mountain well, I have conducted him safely to you. This is +all our history. You see, sir, that were it not for that prophecy which +you desired to frustrate, your friend would, ere this time, have been +a corpse; one minute more, and the vapor had done its work. Adieu! good +night and pleasant dreams." + +"But, my preserver, you will not leave us," said Glyndon, anxiously, and +speaking for the first time. "Will you not return with us?" + +Zicci paused, and drew Glyndon aside. "Young man," said he, gravely, "it +is necessary that we should again meet to-night. It is necessary that +you should, ere the first hour of morning, decide on your fate. Will you +marry Isabel di Pisani, or lose her forever? Consult not your friend; he +is sensible and wise, but not now is his wisdom needed. There are times +in life when from the imagination, and not the reason, should wisdom +come,--this for you is one of them. I ask not your answer now. Collect +your thoughts, recover your jaded and scattered spirits. It wants two +hours of midnight: at midnight I will be with you!" + +"Incomprehensible being," replied the Englishman, "I would leave the +life you have preserved in your own hands. But since I have known you, +my whole nature has changed. A fiercer desire than that of love burns +in my veins,--the desire, not to resemble, but to surpass my kind; the +desire to penetrate and to share the secret of your own existence; the +desire of a preternatural knowledge and unearthly power. Instruct me, +school me, make me thine; and I surrender to thee at once, and without a +murmur, the woman that, till I saw thee, I would have defied a world to +obtain." + +"I ask not the sacrifice, Glyndon," replied Zicci, coldly, yet mildly, +"yet--shall I own it to thee?--I am touched by the devotion I have +inspired. I sicken for human companionship, sympathy, and friendship; +yet I dread to share them, for bold must be the man who can partake +my existence and enjoy my confidence. Once more I say to thee, +in compassion and in warning, the choice of life is in thy +hands,--to-morrow it will be too late. On the one hand, Isabel, a +tranquil home, a happy and serene life; on the other hand all is +darkness, darkness that even this eye cannot penetrate." + +"But thou hast told me that if I wed Isabel I must be contented to be +obscure; and if I refuse, that knowledge and power may be mine." + +"Vain man! knowledge and power are not happiness." + +"But they are better than happiness. Say, if I marry Isabel, wilt thou +be my master, my guide? Say this, and I am resolved." + +"Never! It is only the lonely at heart, the restless, the desperate, +that may be my pupils." + +"Then I renounce her! I renounce love, I renounce happiness. Welcome +solitude, welcome despair, if they are the entrances to thy dark and +sublime secret." + +"I will not take thy answer now; at midnight thou shalt give it in one +word,--ay, or no! Farewell till then!" + +The mystic waved his hand, and descending rapidly, was seen no more. + +Glyndon rejoined his impatient and wondering friend; but Merton, gazing +on his face, saw that a great change had passed there. The flexile and +dubious expression of youth was forever gone; the features were locked, +rigid, and stern; and so faded was the natural bloom that an hour seemed +to have done the work of years. + + + + +CHAPTER, XI. + +On returning from Vesuvius or Pompeii you enter Naples through its most +animated, its most Neapolitan quarter, through that quarter in which +Modern life most closely resembles the Ancient, and in which, when, on +a fair day, the thoroughfare swarms alike with Indolence and Trade, you +are impressed at once with the recollection of that restless, lively +race from which the population of Naples derives its origin; so that in +one day you may see at Pompeii the habitations of a remote age, and on +the Mole at Naples you may imagine you behold the very beings with which +those habitations had been peopled. The language of words is dead, but +the language of gestures remains little impaired. A fisherman,--peasant, +of Naples will explain to you the motions, the attitudes, the gestures +of the figures painted on the antique vases better than the most learned +antiquary of Gottingen or Leipsic. + +But now, as the Englishmen rode slowly through the deserted streets, +lighted but by the lamps of heaven, all the gayety of the day was hushed +and breathless. Here and there, stretched under a portico or a dingy +booth, were sleeping groups of houseless lazzaroni,--a tribe now happily +merging this indolent individuality amidst an energetic and active +population. + +The Englishmen rode on in silence, for Glyndon neither appeared to heed +or hear the questions and comments of Merton, and Merton himself was +almost as weary as the jaded animal he bestrode. + +Suddenly the silence of earth and ocean was broken by the sound of a +distant clock, that proclaimed the last hour of night. Glyndon started +from his revery, and looked anxiously around. As the final stroke died, +the noise of hoofs rang on the broad stones of the pavement, and from a +narrow street to the right emerged the form of a solitary horseman. He +neared the Englishmen, and Glyndon recognized the features and mien of +Zicci. + +"What! do we meet again, signor?" said Merton, in a vexed but drowsy +tone. + +"Your friend and I have business together," replied Zicci, as he wheeled +his powerful and fiery steed to the side of Glyndon; "but it will be +soon transacted. Perhaps you, sir, will ride on to your hotel." + +"Alone?" + +"There is no danger," returned Zicci, with a slight expression of +disdain in his voice. + +"None to me, but to Glyndon?" + +"Danger from me? Ah! perhaps you are right." + +"Go on, my dear Merton," said Glyndon. "I will join you before you reach +the hotel." + +Merton nodded, whistled, and pushed his horse into a kind of amble. + +"Now your answer,--quick." + +"I have decided: the love of Isabel has vanished from my heart. The +pursuit is over." + +"You have decided?" + +"I have." + +"Adieu! join your friend." + +Zicci gave the rein to his horse; it sprang forward with a bound; the +sparks flew from its hoofs, and horse and rider disappeared amidst the +shadows of the street whence they had emerged. + +Merton was surprised to see his friend by his side, a minute after they +had parted. + +"What business can you have with Zicci? Will you not confide in me?" + +"Merton, do not ask me to-night; I am in a dream." + +"I do not wonder at it, for even I am in a sleep. Let us push on." + +In the retirement of his chamber, Glyndon sought to recollect his +thoughts. He sat down on the foot of his bed and pressed his hands +tightly to his throbbing temples. The events of the last few hours, the +apparition of the gigantic and shadowy Companion of the Mystic amidst +the fires and clouds of Vesuvius, the strange encounter with Zicci +himself on a spot in which he could never have calculated on finding +Glyndon, filled his mind with emotions, in which terror and awe the +least prevailed. A fire, the train of which had long been laid, was +lighted at his heart,--the asbestos fire that, once lit, is never to be +quenched. All his early aspiration, his young ambition, his longings +for the laurel, were mingled in one passionate yearning to overpass +the bounds of the common knowledge of man, and reach that solemn spot, +between two worlds, on which the mysterious stranger appeared to have +fixed his home. + +Far from recalling with renewed affright the remembrance of the +apparition that had so appalled him, the recollection only served to +kindle and concentrate his curiosity into a burning focus. He had said +aright,--love had vanished from his heart; there was no longer a serene +space amidst its disordered elements for human affection to move and +breathe. The enthusiast was rapt from this earth; and he would have +surrendered all that beauty ever promised, that mortal hope ever +whispered, for one hour with Zicci beyond the portals of the visible +world. + +He rose, oppressed and fevered with the new thoughts that raged within +him, and threw open his casement for air. The ocean lay suffused in the +starry light, and the stillness of the heavens never more eloquently +preached the morality of repose to the madness of earthly passions. But +such was Glyndon's mood that their very hush only served to deepen the +wild desires that preyed upon his soul. And the solemn stars, that are +mysteries in themselves, seemed by a kindred sympathy to agitate the +wings of the spirit no longer contented with its cage. As he gazed, a +star shot from its brethren and vanished from the depth of space! + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +The sleep of Glyndon that night was unusually profound, and the sun +streamed full upon his eyes as he opened them to the day. He rose +refreshed, and with a strange sentiment of calmness, that seemed more +the result of resolution than exhaustion. The incidents and emotions +of the past night had settled into distinct and clear impressions. He +thought of them but slightly,--he thought rather of the future. He was +as one of the Initiated in the old Egyptian Mysteries, who have crossed +the Gate only to look more ardently for the Penetralia. + +He dressed himself, and was relieved to find that Merton had joined a +party of his countrymen on an excursion to Ischia. He spent the heat of +noon in thoughtful solitude, and gradually the image of Isabel returned +to his heart. It was a holy--for it was a human--image; he had resigned +her, and he repented. The light of day served, if not to dissipate, at +least to sober, the turbulence and fervor of the preceding night. But +was it indeed too late to retract his resolve? "Too late!" terrible +words! Of what do we not repent, when the Ghost of the Deed returns to +us to say, "Thou hast no recall?" + +He started impatiently from his seat, seized his hat and sword, and +strode with rapid steps to the humble abode of the actress. + +The distance was considerable, and the air oppressive. Glyndon arrived +at the door breathless and heated he knocked, no answer came; he lifted +the latch and entered. No sound, no sight of life, met his ear and eye. +In the front chamber, on a table, lay the guitar of the actress and some +manuscript parts in plays. He paused, and summoning courage, tapped at +the door which seemed to lead into the inner apartment. The door +was ajar; and hearing no sound within, he pushed it open. It was the +sleeping chamber of the young actress,--that holiest ground to a lover. +And well did the place become the presiding deity: none of the tawdry +finery of the Profession was visible on the one hand, none of the +slovenly disorder common to the humbler classes of the South on the +other. All was pure and simple; even the ornaments were those of an +innocent refinement,--a few books placed carefully on shelves, a few +half-faded flowers in an earthen vase which was modelled and painted in +the Etruscan fashion. The sunlight streamed over the snowy draperies +of the bed, and a few articles of clothing, neatly folded, on the +chair beside it. Isabel was not there; and Glyndon, as he gazed around, +observed that the casement which opened to the ground was wrenched and +broken, and several fragments of the shattered glass lay below. The +light flashed at once upon Glyndon's mind,--the ravisher had borne away +his prize. The ominous words of Zicci were fulfilled: it was too late! +Wretch that he was, perhaps he might have saved her! But the nurse,--was +she gone also? He made the house resound with the name of Gionetta, but +there was not even an echo to reply. He resolved to repair at once to +the abode of Zicci. On arriving at the palace of the Corsican, he was +informed that the signor was gone to the banquet of the Prince di--, +and would not return until late. He turned in dismay from the door, +and perceived the heavy carriage of the Count Cetoxa rolling along the +narrow street. Cetoxa recognized him and stopped the carriage. + +"Ah my dear Signor Glyndon," said he, leaning out of the window, "and +how goes your health? You heard the news?" + +"What news?" asked Glyndon, mechanically. + +"Why, the beautiful actress,--the wonder of Naples! I always thought she +would have good luck." + +"Well, well, what of her?" + +"The Prince di--has taken a prodigious fancy to her, and has carried her +to his own palace. The Court is a little scandalized." + +"The villain! by force?" + +"Force! Ha! ha! my dear signor, what need of force to persuade an +actress to accept the splendid protection of one of the wealthiest +noblemen in Italy? Oh, no! you may be sure she went willingly enough. I +only just heard the news: the prince himself proclaimed his triumph this +morning, and the accommodating Mascari has been permitted to circulate +it. I hope the connection will not last long, or we shall lose our best +singer. Addio!" + +Glyndon stood mute and motionless. He knew not what to think, to +believe, or how to act. Even Merton was not at hand to advise him. +His conscience smote him bitterly; and half in despair, half in the +courageous wrath of jealousy, he resolved to repair to the palace of +the prince himself, and demand his captive in the face of his assembled +guests. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +We must go back to the preceding night. The actress and her nurse had +returned from the theatre; and Isabel, fatigued and exhausted, had +thrown herself on a sofa, while Gionetta busied herself with the long +tresses which, released from the fillet that bound them, half concealed +the form of the actress, like a veil of threads of gold; and while she +smoothed the luxuriant locks, the old nurse ran gossiping on about the +little events of the night,--the scandal and politics of the scenes and +the tire-room. + +The clock sounded the hour of midnight, and still Isabel detained the +nurse; for a vague and foreboding fear, she could not account for, made +her seek to protract the time of solitude and rest. + +At length Gionetta's voice was swallowed up in successive yawns. She +took her lamp and departed to her own room, which was placed in the +upper story of the house. Isabel was alone. The half-hour after midnight +sounded dull and distant, all was still, and she was about to enter her +sleeping-room, when she heard the hoofs of a horse at full speed. The +sound ceased; there was a knock at the door. Her heart beat violently; +but fear gave way to another sentiment when she heard a voice, too well +known, calling on her name. She went to the door. + +"Open, Isabel,--it is Zicci," said the voice again. + +And why did the actress feel fear no more, and why did that virgin hand +unbar the door to admit, without a scruple or, a doubt, at that late +hour, the visit of the fairest cavalier of Naples? I know not; but Zicci +had become her destiny, and she obeyed the voice of her preserver as if +it were the command of Fate. + +Zicci entered with a light and hasty step. His horseman's cloak fitted +tightly to his noble form, and the raven plumes of his broad hat threw a +gloomy shade over his commanding features. + +The girl followed him into the room, trembling and blushing deeply, and +stood before him with the lamp she held shining upward on her cheek, and +the long hair that fell like a shower of light over the bare shoulders +and heaving bust. + +"Isabel," said Zicci, in a voice that spoke deep emotion, "I am by thy +side once more to save thee. Not a moment is to be lost. Thou must fly +with me, or remain the victim of the Prince di--. I would have made the +charge I now undertake another's,--thou knowest I would, thou knowest +it; but he is not worthy of thee, the cold Englishman! I throw myself at +thy feet; have trust in me, and fly." + +He grasped her hand passionately as he dropped on his knee, and looked +up into her face with his bright, beseeching eyes. + +"Fly with thee!" said Isabel, tenderly. + +"Thou knowest the penalty,--name, fame, honor, all will be sacrificed if +thou dost not." + +"Then, then," said the wild girl, falteringly, and turning aside her +face, "then I am not indifferent to thee. Thou wouldest not give me to +another; thou lovest me?" + +Zicci was silent; but his breast heaved, his cheeks flushed, his eyes +darted dark but impassioned fire. + +"Speak!" exclaimed Isabel, in jealous suspicion of his silence. "Speak, +if thou lovest me." + +"I dare not tell thee so; I will not yet say I love thee." + +"Then what matter my fate?" said Isabel, turning pale and shrinking from +his side. "Leave me; I fear no danger. My life, and therefore my honor, +is in mine own hands." + +"Be not so mad!" said Zicci. "Hark! do you hear the neigh of my steed? +It is an alarm that warns us of the approaching peril. Haste, or you are +lost." + +"Why do you care for me?" said the girl, bitterly. "Thou hast read my +heart; thou knowest that I would fly with thee to the end of the world, +if I were but sure of thy love; that all sacrifice of womanhood's repute +were sweet to me, if regarded as the proof and seal of affection. But +to be bound beneath the weight of a cold obligation; to be the beggar on +the eyes of Indifference; to throw myself on one who loves me not,--that +were indeed the vilest sin of my sex. Ah! Zicci, rather let me die." + +She had thrown back her clustering hair from her face as she spoke; +and as she now stood, with her arms drooping mournfully, and her hands +clasped together with the proud bitterness of her wayward spirit, giving +new zest and charm to her singular beauty, it was impossible to conceive +a sight more irresistible to the senses and the heart. + +"Tempt me not to thine own danger, perhaps destruction," exclaimed +Zicci, in faltering accents; "thou canst not dream of what thou wouldest +demand. Come," and, advancing, he wound his arm round her waist, "come, +Isabel! Believe at least in my friendship, my protection--" + +"And not thy love," said the Italian, turning on him her hurried and +reproachful eyes. Those eyes met his, and he could not withdraw from the +charm of their gaze. He felt her heart throbbing beneath his own; +her breath came warm upon his cheek. He trembled,--he, the lofty, the +mysterious Zicci,--who seemed to stand aloof from his race. With a deep +and burning sigh he murmured, "Isabel, I love thee!" That beautiful +face, bathed in blushes, drooped upon his bosom; and as he bent down, +his lips sought the rosy mouth,--a long and burning kiss. Danger, life, +the world were forgotten! Suddenly Zicci tore himself from her. + +"Oh! what have I said? It is gone,--my power to preserve thee, to guard +thee, to foresee the storm in thy skies, is gone forever. No matter! +Haste, haste; and may love supply the loss of prophecy and power!" + +Isabel hesitated no more. She threw her mantle over her shoulders and +gathered up her dishevelled hair; a moment, and she was prepared,--when +a sudden crash was heard in the inner room. + +"Too late!--fool that I was--too late!" cried Zicci, in a sharp tone of +agony as he hurried to the outer door. He opened it, only to be borne +back by the press of armed men. + +Behind, before, escape was cut off. The room literally swarmed with the +followers of the ravisher, masked, mailed, armed to the teeth. + +Isabel was already in the grasp of two of the myrmidons; her shriek +smote the ear of Zicci. He sprang forward, and Isabel heard his wild +cry in a foreign tongue,--the gleam, the clash of swords. She lost +her senses; and when she recovered, she found herself gagged, and in a +carriage that was driven rapidly, by the side of a masked and motionless +figure. The carriage stopped at the portals of a gloomy mansion. +The gates opened noiselessly, a broad flight of steps, brilliantly +illumined, was before her,--she was in the palace of the Prince di--. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +The young actress was led to and left alone in a chamber adorned with +all the luxurious and half-Eastern taste that at one time characterized +the palaces of the great seigneurs of Italy. Her first thought was for +Zicci,--was he yet living? Had he escaped unscathed the blades of the +foe,--her new treasure, the new light of her life, her lord, at last her +lover? + +She had short time for reflection. She heard steps approaching the +chamber; she drew back. She placed her hand on the dagger that at all +hours she wore concealed in her bosom. Living or dead, she would be +faithful still to Zicci There was a new motive to the preservation of +honor. The door opened, and the Prince entered, in a dress that sparkled +with jewels. + +"Fair and cruel one," said he, advancing, with a half-sneer upon +his lip, "thou wilt not too harshly blame the violence of love." He +attempted to take her hand as he spoke. + +"Nay," said he, as she recoiled, "reflect that thou art now in the power +of one that never faltered in the pursuit of an object less dear to him +than thou art. Thy lover, presumptuous though he be, is not by to save +thee. Mine thou art; but instead of thy master, suffer me to be thy +slave." + +"My lord," said Isabel, with a stern gravity which perhaps the Stage had +conspired with Nature, to bestow upon her, "your boast is in vain. Your +power,--I am not in your power! Life and death are in my own hands. I +will not defy, but I do not fear you. I feel--and in some feelings," +added Isabel, with a solemnity almost thrilling, "there is all the +strength and all the divinity of knowledge--I feel that I am safe even +here; but you, you, Prince di--, have brought danger to your home and +hearth!" + +The Neapolitan seemed startled by an earnestness and a boldness he was +but little prepared for. He was not, however, a man easily intimidated +or deterred from any purpose he had formed; and approaching Isabel, he +was about to reply with much warmth, real or affected, when a knock +was heard at the door of the chamber. The sound was repeated, and +the Prince, chafed at the interruption, opened the door and demanded +impatiently who had ventured to disobey his orders and invade his +leisure. Mascari presented himself, pale and agitated. "My lord," said +he, in a whisper, "pardon me, but a stranger is below who insists on +seeing you; and from some words he let fall, I judged it advisable even +to infringe your commands." + +"A stranger, and at this hour! What business can he pretend? Why was he +even admitted?" + +"He asserts that your life is in imminent danger. The source whence it +proceeds he will relate to your Excellency alone." + +The Prince frowned, but his color changed. He mused a moment, and then, +re-entering the chamber and advancing towards Isabel, he said,-- + +"Believe me, fair creature, I have no wish to take advantage of my +power. I would fain trust alone to the gentler authorities of affection. +Hold yourself queen within these walls more absolutely than you have +ever enacted that part on the stage. To-night, farewell! May your sleep +becalm, and your dreams propitious to my hopes!" + +With these words he retired, and in a few moments Isabel was surrounded +by officious attendants, whom she at length, with some difficulty, +dismissed; and refusing to retire to rest, she spent the night in +examining the chamber, which she found was secured, and in thoughts of +Zicci, in whose power she felt an almost preternatural confidence. + +Meanwhile the Prince descended the stairs, and sought the room into +which the stranger had been shown. + +He found him wrapped from head to foot in a long robe,--half gown, half +mantle,--such as was sometimes worn by ecclesiastics. The face of this +stranger was remarkable; so sunburnt and swarthy were his hues that +he must, apparently, have derived his origin amongst the races of the +farthest East. His--forehead was lofty, and his eyes so penetrating, +yet so calm, in their gaze that the Prince shrank from them as we shrink +from a questioner who is drawing forth the guiltiest secrets of our +hearts. + +"What would you with me?" asked the Prince, motioning his visitor to a +seat. + +"Prince di--," said the stranger, in a voice deep and sweet, but foreign +in its accent, "son of the most energetic and masculine race that +ever applied godlike genius to the service of the Human Will, with its +winding wickedness and its stubborn grandeur; descendant of the great +Visconti, in whose chronicles lies the History of Italy in her palmy +day, and in whose rise was the development of the mightiest intellect +ripened by the most relentless ambition,--I come to gaze upon the last +star in a darkening firmament. By this hour to-morrow space shall know +it not. Man, thy days are cumbered!" + +"What means this jargon?" said the Prince, in visible astonishment and +secret awe. "Comest thou to menace me in my own halls, or wouldest +thou warn me of a danger? Art thou some itinerant mountebank, or some +unguessed of friend? Speak out, and plainly. What danger threatens me?" + +"Zicci!" replied the stranger. + +"Ha! ha!" said the Prince, laughing scornfully; "I half suspected thee +from the first. Thou art, then, the accomplice or the tool of that most +dexterous, but, at present, defeated charlatan. And I suppose thou wilt +tell me that if I were to release a certain captive I have made, the +danger would vanish and the hand of the dial would be put back?" + +"Judge of me as thou wilt, Prince di--. I confess my knowledge of +Zicci,--a knowledge shared but by a few, who--But this touches thee not. +I would save, therefore I warn thee. Dost thou ask me why? I will tell +thee. Canst thou remember to have heard wild tales of thy grandsire,--of +his desire for a knowledge that passes that of the schools and +cloisters; of a strange man from the East, who was his familiar and +master in lore, against which the Vatican has from age to age +launched its mimic thunder? Dost thou call to mind the fortunes of thy +ancestor,--how he succeeded in youth to little but a name; how, after a +career wild and dissolute as thine, he disappeared from Milan, a pauper +and a self-exile; how, after years spent none knew in what climes or +in what pursuits, he again revisited the city where his progenitors +had reigned; how with him came this wise man of the East, the mystic +Mejnour; how they who beheld him, beheld with amaze and fear that time +had ploughed no furrow on his brow,--that youth seemed fixed as by a +spell upon his face and form? Dost thou know that from that hour his +fortunes rose? Kinsmen the most remote died, estate upon estate fell +into the hands of the ruined noble. He allied himself with the royalty +of Austria, he became the guide of princes, the first magnate of Italy. +He founded anew the house of which thou art the last lineal upholder, +and transferred its splendor from Milan to the Sicilian realms. Visions +of high ambition were then present with him nightly and daily. Had he +lived, Italy would have known a new dynasty, and the Visconti would have +reigned over Magna Graecia. He was a man such as the world rarely sees; +he was worthy to be of us, worthy to be the pupil of Mejnour,--whom you +now see before you." + +The Prince, who had listened with deep and breathless attention to the +words of his singular guest, started from his seat at his last words. +"Impostor!" he cried, "can you dare thus to play with my credulity? +Sixty years have passed since my grandsire died; and you, a man younger +apparently than myself, have the assurance to pretend to have been his +contemporary! But you have imperfectly learned your tale. You know not, +it seems, that my grandsire--wise and illustrious, indeed, in all save +his faith in a charlatan--was found dead in his bed in the very hour +when his colossal plans were ripe for execution, and that Mejnour was +guilty of his murder?" + +"Alas!" answered the stranger, in a voice of great sadness, "had he but +listened to Mejnour, had he delayed the last and most perilous ordeal +of daring wisdom until the requisite training and initiation had been +completed, your ancestor would have stood with me upon an eminence which +the waters of Death itself wash everlastingly, but cannot overflow. +Your grandsire resisted my fervent prayers, disobeyed my most absolute +commands, and in the sublime rashness of a soul that panted for the last +secrets, perished,--the victim of his own frenzy." + +"He was poisoned, and Mejnour fled." + +"Mejnour fled not," answered the stranger, quickly and proudly. + +"Mejnour could not fly from danger, for to him danger is a thing long +left behind. It was the day before the duke took the fatal draught which +he believed was to confer on the mortal the immortal boon that, finding +my power over him was gone, I abandoned him to his doom. + +"On the night on which your grandsire breathed his last, I was standing +alone at moonlight on the ruins of Persepolis,--for my wanderings, space +hath no obstacle. But a truce with this: I loved your grandsire; I +would save the last of his race. Oppose not thyself to Zicci. Oppose not +thyself to thine evil passions. Draw back from the precipice while +there is yet time. In thy front and in thine eyes I detect some of that +diviner glory which belonged to thy race. Thou hast in thee some germs +of their hereditary genius, but they are choked up by worse than thy +hereditary vices. Recollect, by genius thy house rose,--by vice it ever +failed to perpetuate its power. In the laws which regulate the Universe +it is decreed that nothing wicked can long endure. Be wise, and let +history warn thee. Thou standest on the verge of two worlds,--the Past +and the Future; and voices from either shriek omen in thy ear. I have +done. I bid thee farewell." + +"Not so; thou shalt not quit these walls. I will make experiment of +thy boasted power. What ho there! ho!" The Prince shouted; the room was +filled with his minions. "Seize that man!" he cried, pointing to the +spot which had been filled by the form of Mejnour. To his inconceivable +amaze and horror, the spot was vacant. The mysterious stranger had +vanished like a dream. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +It was the first faint and gradual break of the summer dawn; and two men +stood in a balcony overhanging a garden fragrant with the scents of the +awakening flowers. The stars had not left the sky, the birds were yet +silent on the boughs; all was still, hushed, and tranquil. But how +different the tranquillity of reviving day from the solemn repose of +night. + +In the music of silence there are a thousand variations. These men, who +alone seemed awake in Naples, were Zicci and the mysterious stranger, +who had but an hour or two ago startled the Prince di--in his voluptuous +palace. + +"No," said the latter, "hadst thou delayed the acceptance of the Arch +Gift until thou hadst attained to the years and passed through all the +desolate bereavements that chilled and scared myself ere my researches +had made it mine, thou wouldest have escaped the curse of which thou +complainest now. Thou wouldest not have mourned over the brevity of +human affection as compared to the duration of thine own existence, for +thou wouldest have survived the very desire and dream of the love of +woman. Brightest, and but for that error perhaps the loftiest, of the +secret and solemn race that fills up the interval in creation between +mankind and the demons, age after age wilt thou rue the splendid folly +which made thee ask to carry the beauty and the passions of youth into +the dreary grandeur of earthly immortality." + +"I do not repent, nor shall I," answered Zicci, coldly. "The transport +and the sorrow, so wildly blended, which diversify my doom, are better +than the calm and bloodless tenor of thy solitary way. Thou, who lovest +nothing, hatest nothing,--feelest nothing, and walkest the world with +the noiseless and joyless footsteps of a dream!" + +"You mistake," replied he who had owned the name of Mejnour; "though I +care not for love, and am dead to every passion that agitates the sons +of clay, I am not dead to their more serene enjoyments. I have still +left to me the sublime pleasures of wisdom and of friendship. I carry +down the Stream of the countless years, not the turbulent desires +of youth, but the calm and spiritual delights of age. Wisely and +deliberately I abandoned youth forever when I separated my lot from +men. Let us not envy or reproach each other. I would have saved this +Neapolitan, Zicci (since so it now pleases thee to be called), partly +because his grandsire was but divided by the last airy barrier from our +own brotherhood, partly because I know that in the man himself lurk the +elements of ancestral courage and power, which in earlier life would +have fitted him for one of us. Earth holds but few to whom nature has +given the qualities that can bear the ordeal! But time and excess, +that have thickened the grosser senses, have blunted the imagination. I +relinquish him to his doom." + +"And still then, Mejnour, you cherish the desire to increase our scanty +and scattered host by new converts and allies; Surely, surely, thy +experience might have taught thee that scarcely once in a thousand years +is born the being who can pass through the horrible gates that lead into +the worlds without. Is not thy path already strewed with thy victims? Do +not their ghastly faces of agony and fear,--the blood-stained suicide, +the raving maniac,--rise before thee and warn what is yet left to thee +of human sympathy from thy insane ambition?" + +"Nay," answered Mejnour, "have I not had success to counterbalance +failure? And can I forego this lofty and august hope, worthy alone of +our high condition,--the hope to form a mighty and numerous race, with +a force and power sufficient to permit them to acknowledge to mankind +their majestic conquests and dominion; to become the true lords of +this planet, invaders perchance of others, masters of the inimical and +malignant tribes by which at this moment we are surrounded,--a race +that may proceed, in their deathless destinies, from stage to stage +of celestial glory, and rank at last among the nearest ministrants and +agents gathered round the Throne of Thrones? What matter a thousand +victims for one convert to our band? And you, Zicci," continued Mejnour, +after a pause, "you, even you, should this affection for a mortal +beauty that you have dared, despite yourself, to cherish, be more than a +passing fancy; should it, once admitted into your inmost nature, partake +of its bright and enduring essence,--even you may brave all things to +raise the beloved one into your equal. Nay, interrupt me not. Can you +see sickness menace her, danger hover around, years creep on, the eyes +grow dim, the beauty fade, while the heart, youthful still, clings and +fastens round your own,--can you see this, and know it is yours to--" + +"Cease," cried Zicci, fiercely. "What is all other fate as compared +to the death of terror? What! when the coldest sage, the most heated +enthusiast, the hardiest warrior, with his nerves of iron, have been +found dead in their beds, with straining eyeballs and horrent hair, +at the first step of the Dread Progress, thinkest thou that this weak +woman--from whose cheek a sound at the window, the screech of the +night-owl, the sight of a drop of blood on a man's sword, would start +the color--could brave one glance of--Away! the very thought of such +sights for her makes even myself a coward!" + +"When you told her you loved her, when you clasped her to your breast, +you renounced all power to prophesy her future lot or protect her from +harm. Henceforth to her you are human, and human only. How know you, +then, to what you may be tempted? How know you what her curiosity may +learn and her courage brave? But enough of this,--you are bent on your +pursuit?" + +"The fiat has gone forth." + +"And to-morrow?" + +"To-morrow at this hour our bark will be bounding over yonder ocean, and +the weight of ages will have fallen from my heart! Fool, thou hast given +up thy youth!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +The Prince di--was not a man whom Naples could suppose to be addicted +to superstitious fancies, neither was the age one in which the belief of +sorcery was prevalent. Still, in the South of Italy there was then, and +there still lingers, a certain spirit of credulity, which may, ever and +anon, be visible amidst the boldest dogmas of their philosophers and +sceptics. In his childhood the Prince had learned strange tales of the +ambition, the genius, and the career of his grandsire; and secretly, +perhaps influenced by ancestral example, in earlier youth he himself +had followed alchemy, not only through her legitimate course, but her +antiquated and erratic windings. I have, indeed, been shown in Naples +a little volume blazoned with the arms of the Visconti, and ascribed +to the nobleman I refer to, which treats of alchemy in a spirit half +mocking and half reverential. + +Pleasure soon distracted him from such speculations, and his talents, +which were unquestionably great, were wholly perverted to extravagant +intrigues or to the embellishment of a gorgeous ostentation with +something of classic grace. His immense wealth, his imperious pride, +his unscrupulous and daring character, made him an object of no +inconsiderable fear to a feeble and timid court; and the ministers of +the indolent government willingly connived at excesses--, which allured +him at least from ambition. The strange visit and yet more strange +departure of Mejnour filled the breast of the Neapolitan with awe and +wonder, against which all the haughty arrogance and learned scepticism +of his maturer manhood combated in vain. The apparition of--Mejnour +served, indeed, to invest Zicci with a character in which the Prince had +not hitherto regarded him. He felt a strange alarm at the rival he had +braved, at the foe he had provoked. His night was sleepless, and the +next morning he came to the resolution of leaving Isabel in peace until +after the banquet of that day, to which he had invited Zicci. He felt +as if the death of the mysterious Corsican were necessary for the +preservation of his own life; and if at an earlier period of their +rivalry he had determined on the fate of Zicci, the warnings of--Mejnour +only served to confirm his resolve. + +"We will try if his magic can invent an antidote to the bane," said +he, half aloud and with a gloomy smile, as he summoned Mascari to his +presence. The poison which the Prince, with his own hands, mixed into +the wine intended for his guest was compounded from materials the secret +of which had been one of the proudest heir-looms of that able and evil +race which gave to Italy her wisest and fellest tyrants. Its operation +was quick, not sudden; it produced no pain, it left on the form no grim +convulsion, on the skin no purpling spot, to arouse suspicion; you might +have cut and carved every membrane and fibre of the corpse, but the +sharpest eyes of the leech would not have detected the presence of the +subtle life-queller. For twelve hours the victim felt nothing, save +a joyous and elated exhilaration of the blood; a delicious languor +followed,--the sure forerunner of apoplexy. No lancet then could save! +Apoplexy had run much in the families of the enemies of the Visconti! + +The hour of the feast arrived, the guests assembled. There were the +flower of the Neapolitan seigneurie,--the descendants of the Norman, the +Teuton, the Goth; for Naples had then a nobility, but derived it from +the North, which has indeed been the Nutrix Leonum, the nurse of the +lion-hearted chivalry of the world. + +Last of the guests came Zicci, and the crowd gave way as the dazzling +foreigner moved along to the lord of the palace. The Prince greeted +him with a meaning smile, to which Zicci answered by a whisper: "He who +plays with loaded dice does not always win." + +The Prince bit his lip; and Zicci, passing on, seemed deep in +conversation with the fawning Mascari. + +"Who is the Prince's heir?" asked the Corsican. + +"A distant relation on the mother's side; with his Excellency dies the +male line." + +"Is the heir present at our host's banquet?" + +"No; they are not friends." + +"No matter; he will be here to-morrow!" + +Mascari stared in surprise; but the signal for the banquet was given, +and the guests were marshalled to the board. As was the custom, the +feast took place at midday. It was a long oval hall, the whole of one +side opening by a marble colonnade upon a court or garden, in which the +eye rested gratefully upon cool fountains and statues of whitest marble, +half sheltered by orange-trees. Every art that luxury could invent to +give freshness and coolness to the languid and breezeless heat of the +day without (a day on which the breath of the sirocco was abroad) had +been called into existence. Artificial currents of air through invisible +tubes, silken blinds waving to and fro as if to cheat the senses into +the belief of an April wind, and miniature jets d'eau in each corner of +the apartment gave to the Italians the same sense of exhilaration and +comfort (if I may use the word) which the well-drawn curtains and the +blazing hearth afford to the children of colder climes. + +The conversation was somewhat more lively and intellectual than is +common among the languid pleasure-hunters of the South; for the Prince, +himself accomplished, sought his acquaintance not only amongst the beaux +esprits of his own country, but amongst the gay foreigners who adorned +and relieved the monotony of the Neapolitan circles. There were present +two or three of the brilliant Frenchmen of the old regime, and their +peculiar turn of thought and wit was well calculated for the meridian of +a society that made the dolce far niente at once its philosophy and +its faith. The Prince, however, was more silent than usual, and when he +sought to rouse himself, his spirits were forced and exaggerated. To the +manners of his host, those of Zicci afforded a striking contrast. The +bearing of this singular person was at all times characterized by a +calm and polished ease which was attributed by the courtiers to the long +habit of society. He could scarcely be called gay, yet few persons more +tended to animate the general spirits of a convivial circle. He seemed, +by a kind of intuition, to elicit from each companion the qualities +in which he most excelled; and a certain tone of latent mockery that +characterized his remarks upon the topics on which the conversation +fell, seemed to men who took nothing in earnest to be the language both +of wit and wisdom. To the Frenchmen in particular there was something +startling in his intimate knowledge of the minutest events in their +own capital and country, and his profound penetration (evinced but in +epigrams and sarcasms) into the eminent characters who were then playing +a part upon the great stage of Continental intrigue. It was while +this conversation grew animated, and the feast was at its height, that +Glyndon (who, as the reader will recollect, had resolved, on learning +from Cetoxa the capture of the actress, to seek the Prince himself) +arrived at the palace. The porter, perceiving by his dress that he was +not one of the invited guests, told him that his Excellency was engaged, +and on no account could be disturbed; and Glyndon then, for the first +time, became aware of how strange and embarrassing was the duty he had +taken on himself. To force an entrance into the banquet-hall of a great +and powerful noble surrounded by the rank of Naples, and to arraign him +for what to his boon companions would appear but an act of gallantry, +was an exploit that could not fail to be at once ludicrous and impotent. +He mused a moment; and remembering that Zicci was among the guests, +determined to apply himself to the Corsican. He therefore, slipping a +few crowns into the porter's hand, said that he was commissioned to seek +the Signor Zicci upon an errand of life and death, and easily won his +way across the court and into the interior building. He passed up the +broad staircase, and the voices and merriment of the revellers smote +his ear at a distance. At the entrance of the reception-rooms he found +a page, whom he despatched with a message to Zicci. The page did the +errand; and the Corsican, on hearing the whispered name of Glyndon, +turned to his host. + +"Pardon me, my lord, an English friend of mine, the Signor Glyndon (not +unknown by name to your Excellency), waits without. The business must +indeed be urgent on which he has sought me in such an hour. You will +forgive my momentary absence." + +"Nay, signor," answered the Prince, courteously, but with a sinister +smile on his countenance, "would it not be better for your friend +to join us? An Englishman is welcome everywhere; and even were he a +Dutchman, your friendship would invest his presence with attraction. +Pray his attendance,--we would not spare you even for a moment." + +Zicci bowed. The page was despatched with all flattering messages +to Glyndon, a seat next to Zicci was placed for him, and the young +Englishman entered. + +"You are most welcome, sir. I trust your business to our illustrious +guest is of good omen and pleasant import. If you bring evil news, defer +it, I pray you." + +Glyndon's brow was sullen, and he was about to startle the guests by his +reply, when Zicci, touching his arm significantly, whispered in English, +"I know why you have sought me. Be silent, and witness what ensues." + +"You know, then, that Isabel, whom you boasted you had the power to save +from danger--" + +"Is in this house? Yes. I know also that Murder sits at the right +hand of our host. Be still, and learn the fate that awaits the foes of +Zicci." + +"My lord," said the Corsican, speaking aloud, "the Signor Glyndon has +indeed brought me tidings which, though not unexpected, are unwelcome. +I learn that which will oblige me to leave Naples to-morrow, though I +trust but for a short time. I have now a new motive to make the most of +the present hour." + +"And what, if I may venture to ask, may be the cause which brings such +affliction on the fair dames of Naples?" + +"It is the approaching death of one who honored me with most loyal +friendship," replied Zicci, gravely. "Let us not speak of it,--Grief +cannot put back the dial. As we supply by new flowers those that fade +in our vases, so it is the secret of worldly wisdom to replace by fresh +friendships those that fade from our path." + +"True philosophy," exclaimed the Prince. "'Not to admire' was the +Roman's maxim; never to mourn is mine. There is nothing in life to +grieve for,--save, indeed, Signor Zicci, when some beauty on whom we +have set our heart slips from our grasp. In such a moment we have need +of all our wisdom not to succumb to despair and shake hands with death. +What say you, signor? You smile. Such never could be your lot. Pledge me +in a sentiment: 'Long life; to the fortunate lover; a quick release to +the baffled suitor!'" + +"I pledge you," said Zicci. And as the fatal wine was poured into his +glass, he repeated, fixing his eyes on the Prince, "I pledge you even in +this wine!" + +He lifted the glass to his lips. The Prince seemed ghastly pale, +while the gaze of the Corsican bent upon him with an intent and stern +brightness that the conscience-stricken host cowered and quailed +beneath. Not till he had drained the draught and replaced the glass upon +the board did Zicci turn his eyes from the Prince; and he then said, +"Your wine has been kept too long,--it has lost its virtues. It might +disagree with many; but do not fear, it will not harm me, Prince. Signor +Mascari, you are a judge of the grape, will you favor us with your +opinion?" + +"Nay," answered Mascari, with well-affected composure, "I like not the +wines of Cyprus, they are heating. Perhaps Signor Glyndon may not have +the same distaste. The English are said to love their potations warm and +pungent." + +"Do you wish my friend also to taste the wine, Prince?" said Zicci. +"Recollect all cannot drink it with the same impunity as myself." + +"No," said the Prince, hastily; "if you do not recommend the wine, +Heaven forbid that we should constrain our guests! My Lord Duke," +turning to one of the Frenchmen, "yours is the true soil of Bacchus. +What think you of this cask from Burgundy,--has it borne the journey?" + +"Ah!" said Zicci, "let us change both the wine and the theme." With +that the Corsican grew more animated and brilliant. Never did wit more +sparkling, airy, exhilarating, flash from the lips of reveller. His +spirits fascinated all present, even the Prince himself, even Glyndon, +with a strange and wild contagion. The former, indeed, whom the words +and gaze of Zicci, when he drained the poison, had filled with fearful +misgivings, now hailed in the brilliant eloquence of his wit a certain +sign of the operation of the bane. The wine circulated fast, but none +seemed conscious of its effects. One by one the rest of the party fell +into a charmed and spell-bound silence as Zicci continued to pour forth +sally upon sally, tale upon tale. They hung on his words, they almost +held their breath to listen. Yet how bitter was his mirth; how full +of contempt for all things; how deeply steeped in the coldness of the +derision that makes sport of life itself! + +Night came on; the room grew dim, and the feast had lasted several hours +longer than was the customary duration of similar entertainments at +that day. Still the guests stirred not, and still Zicci continued, with +glittering eye and mocking lip, to lavish his stores of intellect +and anecdote, when suddenly the moon rose, and shed its rays over the +flowers and fountains in the court without, leaving the room itself half +in shadow and half tinged by a quiet and ghostly light. + +It was then that Zicci rose. "Well, gentlemen," said he, "we have not +yet wearied our host, I hope, and his garden offers a new temptation to +protract our stay. Have you no musicians among your train, Prince, +that might regale our ears while we inhale the fragrance of your +orange-trees?" + +"An excellent thought," said the Prince. "Mascari, see to the music." + +The party rose simultaneously to adjourn to the garden; and then, for +the first time, the effect of the wine they had drunk seemed to make +itself felt. + +With flushed cheeks and unsteady steps they came into the open air, +which tended yet more to stimulate that glowing fever of the grape. +As if to make up for the silence with which the guests had hitherto +listened to Zicci, every tongue was now loosened; every man talked, +no man listened. In the serene beauty of the night and scene there was +something wild and fearful in the contrast of the hubbub and Babel of +these disorderly roysterers. One of the Frenchmen in especial, the +young Due de R--,--a nobleman of the highest rank, and of all the +quick, vivacious, and irascible temperament of his countrymen,--was +particularly noisy and excited. And as circumstances, the remembrance +of which is still preserved among certain circles of Naples, rendered it +afterwards necessary that the Due should himself give evidence of what +occurred, I will here translate the short account he drew up, and which +was kindly submitted to me some few years ago by my accomplished and +lively friend, il Cavaliere di B--. + + I never remember [writes the Due] to have felt my spirits so + excited as on that evening; we were like so many boys released from + school, jostling each other as we reeled or ran down the flight of + seven or eight stairs that led from the colonnade into the garden, + --some laughing, some whooping, some scolding, some babbling. The + wine had brought out, as it were, each man's inmost character. + Some were loud and quarrelsome, others sentimental and whining; + some, whom we had hitherto thought dull, most mirthful; some, whom + we had ever regarded as discreet and taciturn, most garrulous and + uproarious. I remember that in the midst of our most clamorous + gayety my eye fell upon the foreign cavalier, Signor Zicci, whose + conversation had so enchanted us all, and I felt a certain chill + come over me to perceive that he bore the same calm and + unsympathizing smile upon his countenance which had characterized + it in his singular and curious stories of the court of Louis XV. I + felt, indeed, half inclined to seek a quarrel with one whose + composure was almost an insult to our disorder. Nor was such an + effect of this irritating and mocking tranquillity confined to + myself alone. Several of the party have told me since that on + looking at Zicci they felt their blood rise and their hands wander + to their sword-hilts. There seemed in the icy smile a very charm + to wound vanity and provoke rage. It was at this moment that the + Prince came up to me, and, passing his arm into mine, led me a + little apart from the rest he had certainly indulged in the same + excess as ourselves, but it did not produce the same effect of + noisy excitement. There was, on the contrary a certain cold + arrogance and supercilious scorn in his bearing and language, + which, even while affecting so much caressing courtesy towards me, + roused my self-love against him. He seemed as if Zicci had + infected him, and that in imitating the manner of his guest he + surpassed the original, he rallied me on some court gossip which + had honored my name by associating it with a certain beautiful and + distinguished Sicilian lady, and affected to treat with contempt + that which, had it been true, I should have regarded as a boast. + He spoke, indeed, as if he himself had gathered all the flowers of + Naples, and left us foreigners only the gleanings he had scorned; + at this my natural and national gallantry was piqued, and I + retorted by some sarcasms that I should certainly have spared had + my blood been cooler. He laughed heartily, and left me in a + strange fit of resentment and anger. Perhaps (I must own the + truth) the wine had produced in me a wild disposition to take + offence and provoke quarrel. As the Prince left me, I turned, and + saw Zicci at my side. + + "The Prince is a braggart," said he, with the same smile that + displeased me before. "He would monopolize all fortune and all + love. Let us take our revenge." + + "And how?" + + "He has at this moment in his house the most enchanting singer in + Naples,--the celebrated Isabel di Pisani. She is here, it is true, + not by her own choice,--he carried her hither by force; but he will + pretend to swear that she adores him. Let us insist on his + producing the secret treasure; and when she enters, the Duc de Lt---- + can have no doubt that his flatteries and attentions will charm the + lady and provoke all the jealous fears of our host. It would be a + fair revenge upon his imperious self conceit." + + This suggestion delighted me. I hastened to the Prince. At that + instant the musicians had just commenced. I waved my hand, ordered + the music to stop, and addressing the Prince, who was standing in + the centre of one of the gayest groups, complained of his want of + hospitality in affording to us such poor proficients in the art + while he reserved for his own solace the lute and voice of the + first performer in Naples. I demanded, half laughingly, half + seriously, that he should produce the Pisani. My demand was + received with shouts of applause by the rest. We drowned the + replies of our host with uproar, and would hear no denial. + "Gentlemen," at last said the Prince, when he could obtain an + audience, "even were I to assent to your proposal, I could not + induce the signora to present herself before an assemblage as + riotous as they are noble. You have too much chivalry to use + compulsion with her, though the Due de R--forgets himself + sufficiently to administer it to inc." + + I was stung by this taunt, however well deserved. "Prince," said + I, "I have for the indelicacy of compulsion so illustrious an + example that I cannot hesitate to pursue the path honored by your + own footsteps. All Naples knows that the Pisani despises at once + your gold and your love; that force alone could have brought her + under your roof; and that you refuse to produce her because you + fear her complaints, and know enough of the chivalry your vanity + sneers at to feel assured that the gentlemen of France are not more + disposed to worship beauty than to defend it from wrong." + + "You speak well, sir," said Zicci, gravely;--"the Prince dare not + produce his prize." + + The Prince remained speechless for a few moments, as if with + indignation. At last he broke out into expressions the most + injurious and insulting against Signor Zicci and myself. Zicci + replied not; I was more hot and hasty. The guests appeared to + delight in our dispute. None except Mascari, whom we pushed aside + and disdained to hear, strove to conciliate; some took one side, + some another. The issue may be well foreseen. Swords were drawn. + I had left mine in the ante room; Zicci offered me his own,--I + seized it eagerly. There might be some six or eight persons + engaged in a strange and confused kind of melee, but the Prince and + myself only sought each other. The noise around us, the confusion + of the guests, the cries of the musicians, the clash of our own + swords, only served to stimulate our unhappy fury. We feared to be + interrupted by the attendants and fought like madmen, without skill + or method. I thrust and parried mechanically, blind and frantic as + if a demon had entered into me, till I saw the Prince stretched at + my feet, bathed in his blood, and Zicci bending over him and + whispering in his ear. The sight cooled us all; the strife ceased. + We gathered in shame, remorse, and horror round our ill-fated host; + but it was too late, his eyes rolled fearfully in his head, and + still he struggled to release himself from Zicci's arms, who + continued to whisper (I trust divine comfort) in his ear. I have + seen men die, but, never one who wore such horror on his + countenance. At last all was over; Zicci rose from the corpse, and + taking, with great composure, his sword from my hand,--"Ye are + witnesses, gentlemen," said he, calmly, "that the Prince brought + his fate upon himself. The last of that illustrious house has + perished in a brawl." + + I saw no more of Zicci. I hastened to the French ambassador to + narrate the event and abide the issue. I am grateful to the + Neapolitan government and to the illustrious heir of the + unfortunate nobleman for the lenient and generous, yet just, + interpretation put upon a misfortune the memory of which will + afflict me to the last hour of my life. (Signed) Louis Victor, + Duc de R. + +In the above memorial the reader will find the most exact and minute +account yet given of an event which created the most lively sensation +at Naples in that day, and the narration of which first induced me to +collect the materials of this history, which the reader will perceive, +as it advances, is altogether different in its nature, its agencies, +and its aims from those tales of external terror, whether derived from +ingenious imposture or supernatural mystery, that have given life to +French melodrama or German romance. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +Glyndon had taken no part in the affray, neither had he participated +largely in the excesses of the revel. For his exemption from both he was +perhaps indebted to the whispered exhortations of Zicci. When the last +rose from the corpse and withdrew from that scene of confusion, Glyndon +remarked that in passing the crowd he touched Mascari on the shoulder, +and said something which the Englishman did not overhear. Glyndon +followed Zicci into the banquet-room, which, save where the moonlight +slept on the marble floor, was wrapped in the sad and gloomy shadows of +the advancing night. + +"How could you foretell this fearful event? He fell not by your arm," +said Glyndon, in a tremulous and hollow tone. + +"The general who calculates on the victory does not fight in person," +answered Zicci. "But enough of this. Meet me at midnight by the +seashore, half a mile to the left of your hotel,--you will know the +spot by a rude pillar, the only one near--, to which a broken chain is +attached. There and then will be the crisis of your fate; go. I have +business here yet,--remember, Isabel is still in the house of the dead +man." + +As Glyndon yet hesitated, strange thoughts, doubts, and fears that +longed for speech crowding within him, Mascari approached; and Zicci, +turning to the Italian and waving his hand to Glyndon, drew the former +aside. Glyndon slowly departed. + +"Mascari," said Zicci, "your patron is no more. Your services will be +valueless to his heir,--a sober man, whom poverty has preserved +from vice. For yourself, thank me that I do not give you up to the +executioner,--recollect the wine of Cyprus. Well, never tremble, man, it +could not act on me, though it might re-act on others,--in that it is a +common type of crime. I forgive you; and if the wine should kill me, +I promise you that my ghost shall not haunt so worshipful a penitent. +Enough of this. Conduct me to the chamber of Isabel di Pisani; you have +no further need of her. The death of the jailer opens the cell of the +captive. Be quick,--I would be gone." Mascari muttered some inaudible +words, bowed low, and led the way to the chamber in which Isabel was +confined. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +It wanted several minutes of midnight, and Glyndon repaired to the +appointed spot. The mysterious empire which Zicci had acquired over him +was still more solemnly confirmed by the events of the last few hours; +the sudden fate of the Prince, so deliberately foreshadowed, and yet so +seemingly accidental--brought out by causes the most commonplace, and +yet associated with words the most prophetic,--impressed him with the +deepest sentiments of admiration and awe. It was as if this dark and +wondrous being would convert the most ordinary events and the meanest +instruments into the agencies of his inscrutable will; yet, if so, why +have permitted the capture of Isabel? Why not have prevented the crime +rather than punished the criminal? And did Zicci really feel love for +Isabel? Love, and yet offer to resign her to himself,--to a rival whom +his arts could not fail to baffle? He no longer reverted to the belief +that Zicci or Isabel had sought to dupe him into marriage. His fear and +reverence for the former now forbade the notion of so poor an imposture. +Did he any longer love Isabel himself? No. When, that morning, he heard +of her danger, he had, it is true, returned to the sympathies and the +fears of affection; but with the death of the Prince her image faded +again from his heart, and he felt no jealous pang at the thought that +she had been saved by Zicci,--that at that moment she was perhaps +beneath his roof. Whoever has, in the course of his life, indulged the +absorbing passion of the gamester, will remember bow all other pursuits +and objects vanished from his mind, how solely he was wrapped in the one +wild delusion; with what a sceptre of magic power the despot demon ruled +every feeling and every thought. Far more intense than the passion of +the gamester was the frantic yet sublime desire that mastered the breast +of Glyndon. He would be the rival of Zicci, not in human and perishable +affections, but in preternatural and eternal lore. He would have laid +down life with content, nay, rapture, as the price of learning those +solemn secrets which separated the stranger from mankind.. Such fools +are we when we aspire to be over-wise! To be enamoured too madly of the +goddess of goddesses is only to embrace a cloud, and to forfeit alike +heaven and earth. + +The night was most lovely and serene, and the waves scarcely rippled at +his feet as the Englishman glided on by the cool and starry beach. At +length he arrived at the spot, and there, leaning against the broken +pillar, he beheld a man wrapped in a long mantle and in an attitude +of profound repose. He approached, and uttered the name of Zicci. The +figure turned, and he saw the face of a stranger,--a face not stamped by +the glorious beauty of the Corsican, but equally majestic in its +aspect, and perhaps still more impressive from the mature age and the +passionless depth of thought that characterized the expanded forehead +and deep-set but piercing eyes. + +"You seek Zicci," said the stranger,--"he will be here anon; but perhaps +he whom you see before you is more connected with your destiny, and more +disposed to realize your dreams." + +"Hath the earth then another Zicci?" + +"If not," replied the stranger, "why do you cherish the hope and the +wild faith to be yourself a Zicci? Think you that none others +have burned with the same godlike dream? Who, indeed, in his first +youth;--youth, when the soul is nearer to the heaven from which it +sprang, and its divine and primal longings are not all effaced by the +sordid passions and petty cares that are begot in time?--who is there +in youth that has not nourished the belief that the universe has +secrets not known to the common herd, and panted, as the hart for the +water-springs, for the fountains that he hid and far away amidst the +broad wilderness of trackless science? The music of the fountain is +heard in the soul within till the steps, deceived and erring, rove away +from its waters, and the wanderer dies in the mighty desert. Think you +that none who have cherished the hope have found the truth, or that the +yearning after the Ineffable Knowledge was given to us utterly in vain? +No. Every desire in human hearts is but a glimpse of things that exist, +alike distant and divine. No! in the world there have been, from age to +age, some brighter and happier spirits who have won to the air in which +the beings above mankind move and breathe. Zicci, great though he be, +stands not alone; he has his predecessors, his contemporary rivals, and +long lines of successors are yet to come!" + +"And will you tell me," said Glyndon, "that in yourself I behold one of +that mighty few over whom Zicci has no superiority in power and wisdom?" + +"In me," answered the stranger, "you see one from whom Zicci himself +learned many of his loftiest secrets. Before his birth my wisdom was! +On these shores, on this spot, have I stood in ages that your chronicles +but feebly reach. The Phoenician, the Greek, the Oscan, the Roman, the +Lombard,--I have seen them all!--leaves gay and glittering on the trunk +of the universal life--scattered in due season and again renewed; till, +indeed, the same race that gave its glory to the ancient world bestowed +a second youth on the new. For the pure Greeks--the Hellenes, whose +origin has bewildered your dreaming scholars--were of the same great +family as the Norman tribe, born to be the lords of the universe, and +in no land on earth destined to be the hewers of wood. Even the dim +traditions of the learned that bring the sons of Hellas from the vast +and undetermined territories of Northern Thrace, to be the victors of +the pastoral Pelasgi, and the founders of the line of demi-gods, might +serve you to trace back their primeval settlements to the same region +whence, in later times, the Norman warriors broke on the dull and savage +hordes of the Celt, and became the Greeks of the Christian world. But +this interests you not, and you are wise in your indifference. Not +in the knowledge of things without, but in the perfection of the soul +within, lies the empire of man aspiring to be more than men." + +"And what books contain that science; from what laboratory is it +wrought?" + +"Nature supplies the materials: they are around you in your daily walks; +in the herbs that the beast devours and the chemist disdains to cull; in +the elements, from which matter in its meanest and its mightiest shapes +is deduced; in the wide bosom of the air; in the black abysses of the +earth,--everywhere are given to mortals the resources and libraries +of immortal lore. But as the simplest problems in the simplest of +all studies are obscure to one who braces not his mind to their +comprehension; as the rower in yonder vessel cannot tell you why two +circles can touch each other only in one point,--so, though all earth +were carved over and inscribed with the letters of diviner knowledge, +the characters would be valueless to him who does not pause to inquire +the language and meditate the truth. Young man, if thy imagination is +vivid; if thy heart is daring, if thy curiosity is insatiate, I will +accept thee as my pupil. But the first lessons are stern and dread." + +"If thou hast mastered them, why not I?" answered Glyndon, boldly. "I +have felt from my boyhood that strange mysteries were reserved for my +career, and from the proudest ends of ordinary ambition I have carried +my gaze into the cloud and darkness that stretch beyond. The instant I +beheld Zicci, I felt as if I had discovered the guide and the tutor for +which my youth had idly languished and vainly burned." + +"And to me his duty can be transferred," replied the stranger. "Yonder +lies, anchored in the bay, the vessel in which Zicci seeks a fairer +home; a little while and the breeze will rise, the sail will swell, and +the stranger will have passed like a wind away. Still, like the wind, he +leaves in thy heart the seeds that may bear the blossom and the fruit. +Zicci hath performed his task--he is wanted no more; the perfecter of +his work is at thy side. He comes--I hear the dash of the oar. You will +have your choice submitted to you. According as you decide, we shall +meet again." With these words the stranger moved slowly away, and +disappeared beneath the shadow of the cliffs. A boat glided rapidly +across the waters; it touched land, a man leapt on shore, and Glyndon +recognized Zicci. + +"I give thee, Glyndon, I give thee no more the option of happy love and +serene enjoyment. That hour is past, and fate has linked the hand that +might have been thine own to mine. But I have ample gifts to bestow +upon thee if thou wilt abandon the hope that gnaws thy heart, and the +realization of which even I have not the power to foresee. Be thine +ambition human, and I can gratify it to the full. Men desire four things +in life,--love, wealth, fame, power. The first I cannot give thee,--no +matter why; the rest are at my disposal. Select which of them thou wilt, +and let us part in peace." + +"Such are not the gifts I covet: I choose knowledge, which indeed, as +the schoolman said, is power, and the loftiest; that knowledge must +be thine own. For this, and for this alone, I surrendered the love of +Isabel; this, and this alone, must be any recompense." + +"I cannot gainsay thee, though I can warn. The desire to learn does not +always contain the faculty to acquire. I can give thee, it is true, the +teacher; the rest must depend on thee. Be wise in time, and take that +which I can assure to thee." + +"Answer me but these questions, and according to your answer I will +decide. Is it in the power of man to attain intercourse with the beings +of other worlds? Is it in the power of man to read the past and the +future, and to insure life against the sword and against disease?" + +"All this may be possible," answered Zicci evasively, "to the few. But +for one who attains such secrets, millions may perish in the attempt." + +"One question more. Thou--" + +"Beware! Of myself, as I have said before, I render no account." + +"Well, then, the stranger I have met this night--are his boasts to be +believed? Is he in truth one of the chosen seers whom you allow to have +mastered the mysteries I yearn to fathom?" + +"Rash man," said Zicci, in a tone of compassion, "thy crisis is past, +and thy choice made. I can only bid thee be bold and prosper. Yes, I +resign thee to a master who has the power and the will to open to thee +the gates of the awful world. Thy weal or woe are as nought in the eyes +of his relentless wisdom. I would bid him spare thee, but he will heed +me not. Mejnour, receive thy pupil!" Glyndon turned, and his heart beat +when he perceived that the stranger, whose footsteps he had not heard on +the pebbles, whose approach he had not beheld in the moonlight, was once +more by his side. + +Glyndon's eyes followed the receding form of the mysterious Corsican. +He saw him enter the boat, and he then for the first time noticed that +besides the rowers there was a female, who stood up as Zicci gained +the boat. Even at this distance he recognized the once-adored form of +Isabel. She waved her hand to him, and across the still and shining air +came her voice, mournfully and sweetly in her native tongue, "Farewell, +Clarence--farewell, farewell." + +He strove to answer, but the voice touched a chord at his heart, and the +words failed him. Isabel was then lost forever,--gone with this dread +stranger,--darkness was round her lot. And he himself had decided +her fate and his own! The boat bounded on, the soft waves flashed +and sparkled beneath the oars, and it was along one sapphire track +of moonlight that the frail vessel bore away the lovers. Farther and +farther from his gaze sped the boat, till at last the speck, scarcely +visible, touched the side of the ship that lay lifeless in the glorious +bay. At that instant, as if by magic, up sprang with a glad murmur the +playful and refreshing wind. And Glyndon turned to Mejnour, and broke +the silence. + +"Tell me,--if thou canst read the future,--tell me that her lot will be +fair, and that her choice at least is wise." + +"My pupil," answered Mejnour, in a voice the calmness of which well +accorded with the chilling words, "thy first task must be to withdraw +all thought, feeling, sympathy from others. The elementary stage of +knowledge is to make self, and self alone, thy study and thy world. +Thou hast decided thine own career; thou hast renounced love; thou hast +rejected wealth, fame, and the vulgar pomps of power. What, then, +are all mankind to thee? To perfect thy faculties and concentrate thy +emotions is henceforth thy only aim." + +"And will happiness be the end?" + +"If happiness exist," answered Mejnour, "it must be centred in A Self to +which all passion is unknown. But happiness is the last state of being, +and as yet thou art on the threshold of the first!" + +As Mejnour spoke, the distant vessel spread its sails to the wind, +and moved slowly along the deep. Glyndon sighed, and the pupil and the +master retraced their steps towards the city. + + + + +BOOK II. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +It was about a month after the date of Zicci's departure and Glyndon's +introduction to Mejnour, when two Englishmen were walking arm-in-arm +through the Toledo. + +"I tell you," said one (who spoke warmly), "that if you have a particle +of common-sense left in you, you will accompany me to England. This +Mejnour is an impostor more dangerous--because more in earnest--than +Zicci. After all, what do his promises amount to? You allow that nothing +can be more equivocal. You say that he has left Naples, that he has +selected a retreat more genial than the crowded thoroughfares of men to +the studies in which he is to initiate you; and this retreat is among +the haunts of the fiercest bandits of Italy,--haunts which Justice +itself dare not penetrate; fitting hermitage for a sage! I tremble for +you. What if this stranger, of whom nothing is known, be leagued with +the robbers; and these lures for your credulity bait but the traps +for your property,--perhaps your life? You might come off cheaply by +a ransom of half your fortune; you smile indignantly well! put +common-sense out of the question; take your own view of the matter. +You are to undergo an ordeal which Mejnour himself does not profess to +describe as a very tempting one. It may, or it may not, succeed; if it +does not, you are menaced with the darkest evils; and if it does, you +cannot be better off than the dull and joyless mystic whom you have +taken for a master. Away with this folly! Enjoy youth while it is left +to you. Return with me to England; forget these dreams. Enter your +proper career; form affections more respectable than those which +lured you a while to an Italian adventuress, and become a happy and +distinguished man. This is the advice of sober friendship; yet the +promises I hold out to you are fairer than those of Mejnour." + +"Merton," said Glyndon, doggedly, "I cannot, if I would, yield to +your wishes. A power that is above me urges me on; I cannot resist its +fascination. I will proceed to the last in the strange career I have +commenced. Think of me no more. Follow yourself the advice you give to +me, and be happy." + +"This is madness," said Merton, passionately, but with a tear in his +eye; "your health is already failing; you are so changed I should +scarcely know you: come, I have already had your name entered in my +passport; in another hour I shall be gone, and you, boy that you are, +will be left without a friend to the deceits of your own fancy and the +machinations of this relentless mountebank." + +"Enough," said Glyndon, coldly; "you cease to be an effective counsellor +when you suffer your prejudices to be thus evident. I have already had +ample proof," added the Englishman, and his pale cheek grew more pale, +"of the power of this man,--if man he be, which I sometimes doubt; and, +come life, come death, I will not shrink from the paths that allure me. +Farewell, Merton: if we never meet again; if you hear amidst our old +and cheerful haunts that Clarence Glyndon sleeps the last sleep by the +shores of Naples, or amidst the Calabrian hills,--say to the friends of +our youth, 'He died worthily, as thousands of martyr-students have died +before him, in the pursuit of knowledge.'" + +He wrung Merton's hand as he spoke, darted from his side, and +disappeared amidst the crowd. + +That day Merton left Naples; the next morning Glyndon also quitted the +City of Delight, alone and on horseback. He bent his way into those +picturesque but dangerous parts of the country which at that time were +infested by banditti, and which few travellers dared to pass, even in +broad daylight, without a strong escort. A road more lonely cannot well +be conceived than that on which the hoofs of his steed, striking upon +the fragments of rock that encumbered the neglected way, woke a dull +and melancholy echo. Large tracts of waste land, varied by the rank and +profuse foliage of the South, lay before him; occasionally a wild goat +peeped down from some rocky crag, or the discordant cry of a bird of +prey, startled in its sombre haunt, was heard above the hills. These +were the only signs of life; not a human being was met, not a hut was +visible. Wrapped in his own ardent and solemn thoughts, the young man +continued his way, till the sun had spent its noonday heat, and a breeze +that announced the approach of eve sprung up from the unseen ocean +that lay far distant to his sight. It was then that a turn in the road +brought before him one of those long, desolate, gloomy villages which +are found in the interior of the Neapolitan dominions; and now he came +upon a small chapel on one side of the road, with a gaudily painted +image of the Virgin in the open shrine. Around this spot, which in the +heart of a Christian land retained the vestige of the old idolatry (for +just such were the chapels that in the Pagan age were dedicated to the +demon-saints of mythology), gathered six or seven miserable and squalid +wretches, whom the Curse of the Leper had cut off from mankind. They +set up a shrill cry as they turned their ghastly visages towards the +horseman; and, without stirring from the spot, stretched out their gaunt +arms, and implored charity in the name of the Merciful Mother. Glyndon +hastily threw them some small coins, and, turning away his face, clapped +spurs to his horse, and relaxed not his speed till he entered the +village. On either side the narrow and miry street, fierce and haggard +forms--some leaning against the ruined walls of blackened huts, some +seated at the threshold, some lying at full length in the mud--presented +groups that at once invoked pity and aroused alarm; pity for their +squalor,--alarm for the ferocity imprinted on their savage aspects. They +gazed at him, grim and sullen, as he rode slowly up the rugged street; +sometimes whispering significantly to each other, but without attempting +to stop his way. Even the children hushed their babble, and ragged +urchins, devouring him with sparkling eyes, muttered to their mothers, +"We shall feast well to-morrow!" It was, indeed, one of those hamlets +in which Law sets not its sober step, in which Violence and Murder house +secure,--hamlets common then in the wilder parts of Italy, in which the +peasant was but the gentler name for the robber. + +Glyndon's heart somewhat failed him as he looked around, and the +question he desired to ask died upon his lips. At length, from one of +the dismal cabins emerged a form superior to the rest. Instead of the +patched and ragged overall which made the only garment of the men he +had hitherto seen, the dress of this person was characterized by all the +trappings of Calabrian bravery. Upon his raven hair, the glossy curls +of which made a notable contrast to the matted and elfin locks of the +savages around, was placed a cloth cap with a gold tassel that hung +down to his shoulder; his mustaches were trimmed with care, and a silk +kerchief of gay lines was twisted round a well-shaped but sinewy throat; +a short jacket of rough cloth was decorated with several rows of gilt +filagree buttons; his nether garments fitted tight to his limbs, and +were curiously braided; while in a broad, party-colored sash were placed +four silver-hilted pistols; and the sheathed knife, usually worn by +Italians of the lower order, was mounted in ivory elaborately carved. A +small carbine of handsome workmanship was slung across his shoulder, and +completed his costume. The man himself was of middle size, athletic, yet +slender; with straight and regular features,--sunburnt, but not swarthy; +and an expression of countenance which, though reckless and bold, had in +it frankness rather than ferocity, and, if defying, was not altogether +unprepossessing. + +Glyndon, after eyeing this figure for some moments with great attention, +checked his rein, and asked in the provincial patois, with which he was +tolerably familiar, the way to the "Castle of the Mountain." + +The man lifted his cap as he heard the question, and, approaching +Glyndon, laid his hand upon the neck of the horse, and said in a low +voice, "Then you are the cavalier whom our patron the signor expected. +He bade me wait for you here, and lead you to the castle. And indeed, +signor, it might have been unfortunate if I had neglected to obey +the command." The man then, drawing a little aside, called out to the +bystanders in a loud voice, "Ho, ho, my friends, pay henceforth and +forever all respect to this worshipful cavalier. He is the accepted +guest of our blessed patron of the Castle of the Mountain. Long life to +him! May he, like his host, be safe by day and by night, in the hill and +on the waste, against the dagger and the bullet, in limb and in life! +Cursed be he who touches a hair of his head, or a baioccho in his pouch. +Now and forever we will protect and honor him; for the law or against +the law; with the faith, and to the death. Amen. Amen!" + +"Amen!" responded in wild chorus a hundred voices, and the scattered +and straggling groups pressed up the street, nearer and nearer to the +horseman. + +"And that he may be known," continued the Englishman's strange +protector, "to the eye and to the ear, I place around him the white +sash, and I give him the sacred watchword,--'Peace to the Brave.' +Signor, when you wear this sash, the proudest in these parts will bare +the head and bend the knee. Signor, when you utter this watchword, the +bravest hearts will be bound to your bidding. Desire you safety, or ask +you revenge; to gain a beauty, or to lose a foe, speak but the word, +and we are yours, we are yours! Is it not so, comrades?" And again the +hoarse voices shouted, "Amen, amen!" + +"Now, signor," whispered the bravo, in good Italian, "if you have a few +coins to spare, scatter them amongst the crowd, and let us be gone." + +Glyndon, not displeased at the concluding sentence, emptied his purse +in the street; and while, with mingled oaths, blessings, shrieks, and +yells, men, women, and children scrambled for the money, the bravo, +taking the rein of the horse, led it a few paces through the village at +a brisk trot, and then turning up a narrow lane to the left, in a few +minutes neither houses nor men were visible, and the mountains closed +their path on either side. It was then that, releasing the bridle and +slackening his pace, the guide turned his dark eyes on Glyndon with an +arch expression, and said,-- + +"Your Excellency was not, perhaps, prepared for the hearty welcome we +have given you." + +"Why, in truth, I ought to have been prepared for it, since my friend, +to whose house I am bound, did not disguise from me the character of the +neighborhood. And your name, my friend, if I may call you so?" + +"Oh, no ceremonies with me, Excellency. In the village I am generally +called Maestro Paulo. I had a surname once, though a very equivocal one; +and I have forgotten that since I retired from the world." + +"And was it from disgust, from poverty, or from some some ebullition +of passion which entailed punishment, that you betook yourself to the +mountains?" + +"Why, signor," said the bravo, with a gay laugh, "hermits of my class +seldom love the confessional. However, I have no secrets while my step +is in these defiles, my whistle in my pouch, and my carbine at my back." +With that the robber, as if he loved permission to talk at his will, +hemmed thrice, and began with much humor; though, as his tale proceeded, +the memories it roused seemed to carry him further than he at first +intended, and reckless and light-hearted ease gave way to that fierce +and varied play of countenance and passion of gesture which characterize +the emotions of his countrymen. + +"I was born at Terracina,--a fair spot, is it not? My father was a +learned monk, of high birth; my mother--Heaven rest her!--an innkeeper's +pretty daughter. Of course there was no marriage in the case; and when +I was born, the monk gravely declared my appearance to be miraculous. I +was dedicated from my cradle to the altar; and my head was universally +declared to be the orthodox shape for a cowl. As I grew up, the monk +took great pains with my education, and I learned Latin and psalmody as +soon as less miraculous infants learn crowing. Nor did the holy man's +care stint itself to my interior accomplishments. Although vowed to +poverty, he always contrived that my mother should have her pockets +full; and between her pockets and mine there was soon established a +clandestine communication; accordingly, at fourteen, I wore my cap +on one side, stuck pistols in my belt, and assumed the swagger of a +cavalier and a gallant. At that age my poor mother died; and about the +same period, my father, having written a 'History of the Pontifical +Bulls,' in forty volumes, and being, as I said, of high birth, obtained +a cardinal's hat. From that time he thought fit to disown your humble +servant. He bound me over to an honest notary at Naples, and gave me two +hundred crowns by way of provision. Well, signor, I saw enough of the +law to convince me that I should never be rogue enough to shine in +the profession. So instead of spoiling parchment, I made love to the +notary's daughter. My master discovered our innocent amusement, and +turned me out of doors,--that was disagreeable. But my Ninetta loved +me, and took care that I should not lie out in the streets with the +lazzaroni. Little jade, I think I see her now, with her bare feet, +and her finger to her lips, opening the door in the summer nights, +and bidding me creep softly into the kitchen, where--praised be the +saints!--a flask and a manchet always awaited the hungry amoroso. At +last, however, Ninetta grew cold. It is the way of the sex, signor. +Her father found her an excellent marriage in the person of a withered +picture-dealer. She took the spouse, and very properly clapped the door +in the face of the lover. I was not disheartened, Excellency; no, not +I. Women are plentiful while we are young. So, without a ducat in my +pocket, or a crust for my teeth, I set out to seek my fortune on board +of a Spanish merchantman. That was duller work than I expected: but +luckily we were attacked by a pirate; half the crew were butchered, the +rest captured. I was one of the last,--always in luck, you see, signor, +monks' sons have a knack that way! The captain of the pirate took a +fancy to me. 'Serve with us,' said he. 'Too happy,' said I. Behold me +then a pirate. Oh jolly life! how I blest the old notary for turning +me out of doors! What feasting! what fighting! what wooing! what +quarreling! Sometimes we ran ashore and enjoyed ourselves like princes; +sometimes we lay in a calm for days together, on the loveliest sea that +man ever traversed. And then, if the breeze rose, and a sail came +in sight, who so merry as we? I passed three years in that charming +profession, and then, signor, I grew ambitious. I caballed against the +captain; I wanted his post. One still night we struck the blow. The ship +was like a log in the sea,--no land to be seen from the mast-head, the +waves like glass, and the moon at its full. Up we rose,--thirty of +us and more. Up we rose with a shout; we poured into the captain's +cabin,--I at the head. The brave old boy had caught the alarm, and there +he stood at the doorway, a pistol in each hand; and his one eye (he had +only one) worse to meet than the pistols were. + +"'Yield,' cried I, 'your life shall be safe.' + +"'Take that,' said he, and whiz went the pistol; but the saints took +care of their own, and the ball passed by my cheek, and shot the +boatswain behind me. I closed with the captain, and the other pistol +went off without mischief in the struggle; such a fellow he was, six +feet four without his shoes! Over we went, rolling each on the other. +Santa Maria!--no time to get hold of one's knife. Meanwhile, all the +crew were up, some for the captain, some for me; clashing and firing, +and swearing and groaning, and now and then a heavy splash in the sea! +Fine supper for the sharks that night! At last old Bilboa got uppermost: +out flashed his knife; down it came, but not in my heart. No! I gave my +left arm as a shield, and the blade went through and through up to the +hilt, with the blood spurting up like the rain from a whale's nostril. +With the weight of the blow the stout fellow came down, so that his face +touched mine; with my right hand I caught him by the throat, turned him +over like a lamb, signor, and faith it was soon all up with him; the +boatswain's brother, a fat Dutchman, ran him through with a pike. + +"'Old fellow,' said I, as he turned up his terrible eye to me, 'I bear +you no malice, but we must try to get on in the world, you know.' The +captain grinned and gave up the ghost. I went upon deck; what a sight! +Twenty bold fellows stark and cold, and the moon sparkling on the +puddles of blood as calmly as if it were water. Well, signor, the +victory was ours, and the ship mine; I ruled merrily enough for six +months. We then attacked a French ship twice our size; what sport it +was! And we had not had a good fight so long we were quite like virgins +at it! We got the best of it, and won ship and cargo. They wanted to +pistol the captain: but that was against my laws; so we gagged him, for +he scolded as loud as if we were married to him; left him and the +rest of his crew on board our own vessel, which was terribly battered: +clapped our black flag on the Frenchman's, and set off merrily, with a +brisk wind in our favor. But luck deserted us on forsaking our own dear +old ship. A storm came on; a plank struck; several of us escaped in the +boats; we had lots of gold with us, but no water. For two days and two +nights we suffered horribly: but at last we ran ashore near a French +seaport; our sorry plight moved compassion, and as we had money we were +not suspected; people only suspect the poor. Here we soon recovered +our fatigues, rigged ourselves out gayly, and your humble servant was +considered as noble a captain as ever walked deck. But now, alas, my +fate would have it that I should fall in love with a silk-mercer's +daughter. Ah! how I loved her,--the pretty Clara! Yes, I loved her +so well, that I was seized with horror at my past life; I resolved to +repent, to marry her, and settle down into an honest man. Accordingly, I +summoned my messmates, told them my resolution, resigned my command, +and persuaded them to depart. They were good fellows; engaged with a +Dutchman, against whom I heard afterwards they made a successful mutiny, +but I never saw them more. I had two thousand crowns still left; with +this sum I obtained the consent of the silk-mercer, and it was agreed +that I should become a partner in the firm. I need not say that no +one suspected I had been so great a man, and I passed for a Neapolitan +goldsmith's son instead of a cardinal's. I was very happy then, signor, +very,--I could not have harmed a fly. Had I married Clara I had been as +gentle a mercer as ever handled a measure." + +The bravo paused a moment, and it was easy to see that he felt more than +his words and tone betokened. "Well, well, we must not look back at the +Past too earnestly,--the sun light upon it makes one's eyes water. The +day was fixed for our wedding, it approached; on the evening before the +appointed day, Clara, her mother, her little sister, and myself were +walking by the port, and as we looked on the sea I was telling them +old gossip tales of mermaids and sea-serpents,--when a red-faced +bottle-nosed Frenchman clapped himself right before me, and placing his +spectacles very deliberately astride his proboscis, echoed out, 'Sacre, +mille tonnerres! This is the damned pirate that boarded the "Niobe"!'" + +"None of your jests,' said I, mildly. 'Ho, ho,' said he. 'I can't be +mistaken. Help there,' and he gripped me by the collar. I replied, as +you may suppose, by laying him in the kennel; but it would not do. The +French captain had a French lieutenant at his back, whose memory was as +good as his master's. A crowd assembled; other sailors came up; the +odds were against me. I slept that night in prison; and, in a few weeks +afterwards, I was sent to the galleys. They had spared my life because +the old Frenchman politely averred that I had made my crew spare his. +You may believe that the oar and the chain were not to my taste. I, and +two others, escaped; they took to the road, and have, no doubt, been +long since broken on the wheel. I, soft soul, would not commit another +crime to gain my bread, for Clara was still at my heart with her soft +eyes; so, limiting my rogueries to the theft of a beggar's rags, which I +compensated him by leaving my galley attire instead, I begged my way +to the town where I left Clara. It was a clear winter's day when I +approached the outskirts of the town. I had no fear of detection, for my +beard and hair were as good as a mask. Oh, Mother of Mercy! there came +across my way a funeral procession! There, now, you know it. I can tell +you no more. She had died, perhaps of love, more likely of shame. Do you +know how I spent that night? I will tell you; I stole a pickaxe from a +mason's shed, and, all alone and unseen, under the frosty heavens I dug +the fresh mould from the grave; I lifted the coffin; I wrenched the lid, +I saw her again--again. Decay had not touched her. She was always pale +in her life! I could have sworn she lived! It was a blessed thing to see +her once more,--and all alone too! But then at dawn, to give her back +to the earth,--to close the lid, to throw down the mould, to hear the +pebbles rattle on the coffin,--that was dreadful! Signor, I never knew +before, and I don't wish to think now, how valuable a thing human life +is. At sunrise I was again a wanderer; but now that Clara was gone my +scruples vanished, and again I was at war with my betters. I contrived, +at last, at O--, to get taken on board a vessel bound to Leghorn, +working out my passage. From Leghorn I went to Rome, and stationed +myself at the door of the cardinal's palace. Out he came,--his gilded +coach at the gate. "'Ho, father,' said I, 'don't you know me?' + +"'Who are you?' + +"'Your son,' said I, in a whisper. + +"The cardinal drew back, looked at me earnestly, and mused a moment. +'All men are my sons,' quoth he then, very mildly; 'there is gold for +thee. To him who begs once, alms are due; to him who begs twice, jails +are open. Take the hint and molest me no more. Heaven bless thee!' With +that he got into his coach and drove off to the Vatican. His purse, +which he had left behind, was well supplied. I was grateful and +contented, and took my way to Terracina. I had not long passed the +marshes, when I saw two horsemen approach at a canter. + +"'You look poor, friend,' said one of them, halting; 'yet you are +strong.' + +"'Poor men and strong are both serviceable and dangerous, Signor +Cavalier.' + +"'Well said! follow us.' + +"I obeyed and became a bandit. I rose by degrees; and as I have always +been mild in my calling, and have taken purses without cutting throats, +bear an excellent character, and can eat my macaroni at Naples without +any danger to life and limbs. For the last two years I have settled in +these parts, where I hold sway, and where I have purchased land. I am +called a farmer, signor; and I myself now only rob for amusement, and to +keep my hand in. I trust I have satisfied your curiosity. We are within +a hundred yards of the castle." + +"And how," asked the Englishman, whose interest had been much excited +by his companion's narrative, "and how came you acquainted with my host? +and by what means has he so well conciliated the goodwill of yourself +and your friends?" + +Maestro Paulo turned his black eyes gravely towards his questioner. +"Why, signor," said he, "you must surely know more of the foreign +cavalier with the hard name than I do. All I can say is, that about +a fortnight ago I chanced to be standing by a booth in the Toledo at +Naples, when a sober-looking gentleman touched me by the arm, and said, +'Maestro Paulo, I want to make your acquaintance; do me the favor to +come into yonder tavern.' When we were seated, my new acquaintance thus +accosted me: 'The Count d' O--has offered to let me hire his old castle +near B----. You know the spot?' + +"'Extremely well; no one has inhabited it for a century at least; it +is half in ruins, signor. A queer place to hire; I hope the rent is not +heavy.' + +"'Maestro Paulo,' said he, 'I am a philosopher, and don't care for +luxuries. I want a quiet retreat for some scientific experiments. +The castle will suit me very well, provided you will accept me as a +neighbor, and place me and my friends under your special protection. I +am rich; but I shall take nothing to the castle worth robbing. I will +pay one rent to the count, and another to you.' + +"With that we soon came to terms, and as the strange signor doubled the +sum I myself proposed, he is in high favor with all his neighbors. We +would guard the old castle against an army. And now, signor, that I have +been thus frank, be frank with me. Who is this singular cavalier?" + +"Who?--he himself told you, a philosopher." + +"Hem! Searching for the philosopher's stone, eh? A bit of a magician; +afraid of the priests?" + +"Precisely. You have hit it." + +"I thought so; and you are his pupil?" + +"I am." + +"I wish you well through it," said the robber, seriously, and crossing +himself with much devotion; "I am not much better than other people, +but one's soul is one's soul. I do not mind a little honest robbery, or +knocking a man on the head if need be,--but to make a bargain with the +devil!--Ah! take care, young gentleman, take care." + +"You need not fear," said Glyndon, smiling; "my preceptor is too wise +and too good for such a compact. But here we are, I suppose. A noble +ruin! A glorious prospect!" + +Glyndon paused delightedly, and surveyed the scene before and below +with the eye of a poet and a painter. Insensibly, while listening to +the bandit, he had wound up a considerable ascent, and now he was upon +a broad ledge of rock covered with mosses and dwarf shrubs. Between this +eminence and another of equal height, upon which the castle was built, +there was a deep but narrow fissure, overgrown with the most profuse +foliage, so that the eye could not penetrate many yards below the rugged +surface of the abyss; but the profoundness might well be conjectured by +the hoarse, low, monotonous sound of waters unseen that rolled below, +and the subsequent course of which was visible at a distance in a +perturbed and rapid stream that intersected the waste and desolate +valleys. To the left, the prospect seemed almost boundless; the extreme +clearness of the purple air serving to render distinct the features of +a range of country that a conqueror of old might have deemed in itself +a kingdom. Lonely and desolate as the road which Glyndon had passed that +day had appeared, the landscape now seemed studded with castles, spires, +and villages. Afar off, Naples gleamed whitely in the last rays of the +sun, and the rose-tints of the horizon melted into the azure of her +glorious bay. Yet more remote, and in another part of the prospect, +might be caught, dim and shadowy, and backed by the darkest foliage, +the ruined village of the ancient Possidonia. There, in the midst of his +blackened and sterile realms, rose the dismal Mount of Fire; while, on +the other hand, winding through variegated plains, to which distance +lent all its magic, glittered many a stream, by which Etruscan and +Sybarite, Roman and Saracen and Norman, had, at intervals of ages, +pitched the invading tent. All the visions of the past the stormy and +dazzling histories of Southern Italy--rushed over the artist's mind as +he gazed below. And then, slowly turning to look behind, he saw the gray +and mouldering walls of the castle in which he sought the secrets that +were to give to hope in the Future a mightier empire than memory owns in +the Past. It was one of those baronial fortresses with which Italy was +studded in the earlier middle ages, having but little of the Gothic +grace of grandeur which belongs to the ecclesiastical architecture of +the same time; but rude, vast, and menacing even in decay. A wooden +bridge was thrown over the chasm, wide enough to admit two horsemen +abreast; and the planks trembled and gave back a hollow sound as Glyndon +urged his jaded steed across. + +A road that had once been broad, and paved with rough flags, but which +now was half obliterated by long grass and rank weeds, conducted to the +outer court of the castle hard by; the gates were open, and half the +building in this part was dismantled, the ruins partially hid by ivy +that was the growth of centuries. But on entering the inner court, +Glyndon was not sorry to notice that there was less appearance of +neglect and decay: some wild roses gave a smile to the gray walls; and +in the centre there was a fountain, in which the waters still trickled +coolly, and with a pleasing murmur, from the jaws of a gigantic triton. +Here he was met by Mejnour with a smile. + +"Welcome, my friend and pupil," said he; "he who seeks for Truth can +find in these solitudes an immortal Academe." + + + + +CHAPTER. II. + +The attendants which Mejnour had engaged for his strange abode were such +as might suit a philosopher of few wants. An old Armenian, whom Glyndon +recognized as in the mystic's service at Naples; a tall, hard-featured +woman from the village, recommended by Maestro Paulo; and two +long-haired, smooth-spoken, but fierce-visaged youths, from the +same place, and honored by the same sponsorship,--constituted +the establishment. The rooms used by the sage were commodious and +weather-proof, with some remains of ancient splendor in the faded +arras that clothed the walls and the huge tables of costly marble and +elaborate carving. Glyndon's sleeping apartment communicated with a kind +of belvidere or terrace that commanded prospects of unrivalled beauty +and extent, and was separated, on the other side, by a long gallery +and a flight of ten or a dozen stairs, from the private chambers of +the mystic. There was about the whole place a sombre, and yet not +displeasing, depth of repose. It suited well with the studies to which +it was now to be appropriated. + +For several days Mejnour refused to confer with Glyndon on the subjects +nearest to his heart. + +"All without," said he, "is prepared, but not all within. Your own +soul must grow accustomed to the spot, and filled with the surrounding +Nature; for Nature is the source of all inspiration." + +With these words, which savored a little of jargon, Mejnour turned to +lighter topics. He made the Englishman accompany him in long rambles +through the wild scenes around, and he smiled approvingly when the young +artist gave way to the enthusiasm which their fearful beauty could not +have failed to rouse in a duller breast; and then Mejnour poured +forth to his wondering pupil the stores of a knowledge that seemed +inexhaustible and boundless. He gave accounts the most curious, graphic, +and minute, of the various races--their characters, habits, creeds, and +manners--by which that fair land had been successively overrun. It +is true that his descriptions could not be found in books, and were +unsupported by learned authorities; but he possessed the true charm +of the tale-teller, and spoke of all with the animated confidence of +a personal witness. Sometimes, too, he would converse upon the more +durable and the loftier mysteries of Nature with an eloquence and a +research which invested them with all the colors rather of poetry than +science. Insensibly the young artist found himself elevated and soothed +by the lore of his companion; the fever of his wild desires was slaked. +His mind became more and more lulled into the divine tranquillity of +contemplation; he felt himself a nobler being; and in the silence of his +senses he imagined that he heard the voice of his soul. + +It was to this state that Mejnour sought to bring the Neophyte, and in +this elementary initiation the mystic was like every more ordinary sage. +For he who seeks to discover must first reduce himself into a kind of +abstract idealism, and be rendered up; in solemn and sweet bondage, to +the faculties which contemplate and imagine. + +Glyndon noticed that, in their rambles, Mejnour often paused where the +foliage was rifest, to gather some herb or flower; and this reminded him +that he had seen Zicci similarly occupied. "Can these humble children of +Nature," said he one day to Mejnour, "things that bloom and wither in +a day, be serviceable to the science of the higher secrets? Is there a +pharmacy for the soul as well as the body, and do the nurslings of the +summer minister not only to human health but spiritual immortality?" + +"If," answered Mejnour, "before one property of herbalism was known +to them, a stranger had visited a wandering tribe,--if he had told the +savages that the herbs, which every day they trampled underfoot, were +endowed with the most potent virtues; that one would restore to health +a brother on the verge of death; that another would paralyze into idiocy +their wisest sage; that a third would strike lifeless to the dust their +most stalwart champion; that tears and laughter, vigor and disease, +madness and reason, wakefulness and sleep, existence and dissolution, +were coiled up in those unregarded leaves,--would they not have held him +a sorcerer or a liar? To half the virtues of the vegetable world mankind +are yet in the darkness of the savages I have supposed. There are +faculties within us with which certain herbs have affinity, and over +which they have power. The moly of the ancients was not all a fable." + +One evening, Glyndon had lingered alone and late upon the +ramparts,--watching the stars as, one by one, they broke upon the +twilight. Never had he felt so sensibly the mighty power of the heavens +and the earth upon man! how much the springs of our intellectual being +are moved and acted upon by the solemn influences of Nature! As a +patient on whom, slowly and by degrees, the agencies of mesmerism are +brought to bear, he acknowledged to his heart the growing force of that +vast and universal magnetism which is the life of creation, and binds +the atom to the whole. A strange and ineffable consciousness of power, +of the something great within the perishable clay, appealed to feelings +at once dim and glorious,--rather faintly recognized than all unknown. +An impulse that he could not resist led him to seek the mystic. He would +demand, that hour, his initiation into the worlds beyond our world; he +was prepared to breathe a diviner air. He entered the castle, and strode +through the shadowy and star-lit gallery which conducted to Mejnour's +apartment. + + +THE END. (1) + + +(1) [So far as Zicci was ever finished.] + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Zicci, Complete, by Edward Bulwer-Lytton + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ZICCI, COMPLETE *** + +***** This file should be named 7608.txt or 7608.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/7/6/0/7608/ + +Produced by Pat Castevens and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**EBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These EBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers***** + + +Title: Zicci, Complete + +Author: Edward Bulwer-Lytton + +Release Date: March 2005 [EBook #7608] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on January 21, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + + + + + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ZICCI, COMPLETE, BY LYTTON *** + + + +This eBook was produced by Pat Castevens +and David Widger <widger@cecomet.net> + + + + + + ZICCI + + + A Tale + + + + + BOOK I. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + +In the gardens at Naples, one summer evening in the last century, some +four or five gentlemen were seated under a tree drinking their sherbet +and listening, in the intervals of conversation, to the music which +enlivened that gay and favorite resort of an indolent population. One +of this little party was a young Englishman who had been the life of the +whole group, but who for the last few moments had sunk into a gloomy and +abstracted revery. One of his countrymen observed this sudden gloom, +and tapping him on the back, said, "Glyndon, why, what ails you? Are +you ill? You have grown quite pale; you tremble: is it a sudden chill? +You had better go home; these Italian nights are often dangerous to our +English constitutions." + +"No, I am well now,--it was but a passing shudder; I cannot account for +it myself." + +A man apparently of about thirty years of age, and of a mien and +countenance strikingly superior to those around him, turned abruptly, +and looked steadfastly at Glyndon. + +"I think I understand what you mean," said he,--"and perhaps," he added, +with a grave smile, "I could explain it better than yourself." Here, +turning to the others, he added, "You must often have felt, gentlemen,-- +each and all of you,--especially when sitting alone at night, a strange +and unaccountable sensation of coldness and awe creep over you; your +blood curdles, and the heart stands still; the limbs shiver, the hair +bristles; you are afraid to look up, to turn your eyes to the darker +corners of the room; you have a horrible fancy that something unearthly +is at hand. Presently the whole spell, if I may so call it, passes +away, and you are ready to laugh at your own weakness. Have you not +often felt what I have thus imperfectly described? If so, you can +understand what our young friend has just experienced, even amidst the +delights of this magical scene, and amidst the balmy whispers of a July +night." + +"Sir," replied Glyndon, evidently much surprised, "you have defined +exactly the nature of that shudder which came over me. But how could my +manner be so faithful an index to my impressions?" + +"I know the signs of the visitation," returned the stranger, gravely; +"they are not to be mistaken by one of my experience." + +All the gentlemen present then declared that they could comprehend, and +had felt, what the stranger had described. "According to one of our +national superstitions," said Merton, the Englishman who had first +addressed Glyndon, "the moment you so feel your blood creep, and your +hair stand on end, some one is walking over the spot which shall be your +grave." + +"There are in all lands different superstitions to account for so common +an occurrence," replied the stranger; "one sect among the Arabians hold +that at that instant God is deciding the hour either of your death or +that of some one dear to you. The African savage, whose imagination is +darkened by the hideous rites of his gloomy idolatry, believes that the +Evil Spirit is pulling you towards him by the hair. So do the Grotesque +and the Terrible mingle with each other." + +"It is evidently a mere physical accident,--a derangement of the +stomach; a chill of the blood," said a young Neapolitan. + +"Then why is it always coupled, in all nations, with some superstitious +presentiment or terror,--some connection between the material frame and +the supposed world without us?" asked the stranger. "For my part, I +think--" + +"What do you think, sir?" asked Glyndon, curiously. + +"I think," continued the stranger, "that it is the repugnance and horror +of that which is human about us to something indeed invisible, but +antipathetic to our own nature, and from a knowledge of which we are +happily secured by the imperfection of our senses." + +"You are a believer in spirits, then?" asked Merton, with an incredulous +smile. + +"Nay, I said not so. I can form no notion of a spirit, as the +metaphysicians do, and certainly have no fear of one; but there may be +forms of matter as invisible and impalpable to us as the animalculae to +which I have compared them. The monster that lives and dies in a drop +of water, carniverous, insatiable, subsisting on the creatures minuter +than himself, is not less deadly in his wrath, less ferocious in his +nature, than the tiger of the desert. There may be things around us +malignant and hostile to men, if Providence had not placed a wall +between them and us, merely by different modifications of matter." + +"And could that wall never be removed?" asked young Glyndon, abruptly. +"Are the traditions of sorcerer and wizard, universal and immemorial as +they are, merely fables?" + +"Perhaps yes; perhaps no," answered the stranger, indifferently. "But +who, in an age in which the reason has chosen its proper bounds, would +be mad enough to break the partition that divides him from the boa and +the lion, to repine at and rebel against the law of nature which +confines the shark to the great deep? Enough of these idle +speculations." + +Here the stranger rose, summoned the attendant, paid for his sherbet, +and, bowing slightly to the company, soon disappeared among the trees. + +"Who is that gentleman?" asked Glyndon, eagerly. + +The rest looked at each other, without replying, for some moments. + +"I never saw him before," said Merton, at last. + +"Nor I." + +"Nor I." + +"I have met him often," said the Neapolitan, who was named Count Cetoxa; +"it was, if you remember, as my companion that he joined you. He has +been some months at Naples; he is very rich,--indeed enormously so. Our +acquaintance commenced in a strange way." + +"How was it?" + +"I had been playing at a public gaming-house, and had lost considerably. +I rose from the table, resolved no longer to tempt Fortune, when this +gentleman, who had hitherto been a spectator, laying his hand on my arm, +said with politeness, 'Sir, I see you enjoy play,--I dislike it; but I +yet wish to have some interest in what is going on. Will you play this +sum for me? The risk is mine,--the half-profits yours.' I was +startled, as you may suppose, at such an address; but the stranger had +an air and tone with him it was impossible to resist. Besides, I was +burning to recover my losses, and should not have risen had I had any +money left about me. I told him I would accept his offer, provided we +shared the risk as well as profits. 'As you will,' said he, smiling, +'we need have no scruple, for you will be sure to win.' I sat down, the +stranger stood behind me; my luck rose, I invariably won. In fact, I +rose from the table a rich man." + +"There can be no foul play at the public tables, especially when foul +play would make against the bank." + +"Certainly not," replied the count. "But our good fortune was indeed +marvellous,--so extraordinary that a Sicilian (the Sicilians are all +ill-bred, bad-tempered fellows) grew angry and insolent. 'Sir,' said +he, turning to my new friend, 'you have no business to stand so near to +the table. I do not understand this; you have not acted fairly.' The +spectator replied, with great composure, that he had done nothing +against the rules; that he was very sorry that one man could not win +without another man losing; and that he could not act unfairly even if +disposed to do so. The Sicilian took the stranger's mildness for +apprehension,--blustered more loudly, and at length fairly challenged +him. 'I never seek a quarrel, and I never shun a danger,' returned my +partner; and six or seven of us adjourned to the garden behind the +house. I was of course my partner's second. He took me aside. 'This +man will die,' said he; 'see that he is buried privately in the church +of St. Januario, by the side of his father.' + +"'Did you know his family?' I asked with great surprise. He made no +answer, but drew his sword and walked deliberately to the spot we had +selected. The Sicilian was a renowned swordsman; nevertheless, in the +third pass he was run through the body. I went up to him; he could +scarcely speak. 'Have you any request to make,--any affairs to settle?' +He shook his head. 'Where would you wish to be interred?' He pointed +towards the Sicilian coast. 'What!' said I, in surprise, 'not by the +side of your father?' As I spoke, his face altered terribly, he uttered +a piercing shriek; the blood gushed from his mouth, and he fell dead. +The most strange part of the story is to come. We buried him in the +church of St. Januario. In doing so, we took up his father's coffin; +the lid came off in moving it, and the skeleton was visible. In the +hollow of the skull we found a very slender wire of sharp steel; this +caused great surprise and inquiry. The father, who was rich and a +miser, had died suddenly and been buried in haste, owing, it was said, +to the heat of the weather. Suspicion once awakened, the examination +became minute. The old man's servant was questioned, and at last +confessed that the son had murdered the sire. The contrivance was +ingenious; the wire was so slender that it pierced to the brain and drew +but one drop of blood, which the gray hairs concealed. The accomplice +was executed." + +"And this stranger, did he give evidence? Did he account for--" + +"No," interrupted the count, "he declared that he had by accident +visited the church that morning; that he had observed the tombstone of +the Count Salvolio; that his guide had told him the count's son was in +Naples,--a spendthrift and a gambler. While we were at play, he had +heard the count mentioned by name at the table; and when the challenge +was given and accepted, it had occured to him to name the place of +burial, by an instinct he could not account for." + +"A very lame story," said Merton. + +"Yes, but we Italians are superstitious. The alleged instinct was +regarded as the whisper of Providence; the stranger became an object of +universal interest and curiosity. His wealth, his manner of living, his +extraordinary personal beauty, have assisted also to make him the rage." + +"What is his name?" asked Glyndon. + +"Zicci. Signor Zicci." + +"Is it not an Italian name? He speaks English like a native." + +"So he does French and German, as well as Italian, to my knowledge. But +he declares himself a Corsican by birth, though I cannot hear of any +eminent Corsican family of that name. However, what matters his birth +or parentage? He is rich, generous, and the best swordsman I ever saw +in my life. Who would affront him?" + +"Not I, certainly," said Merton, rising. "Come, Glyndon, shall we seek +our hotel? It is almost daylight. Adieu, signor." + +"What think you of this story?" said Glyndon as the young men walked +homeward. + +"Why, it is very clear that this Zicci is some impostor, some clever +rogue; and the Neapolitan shares booty, and puffs him off with all the +hackneyed charlatanism of the marvellous. An unknown adventurer gets +into society by being made an object of awe and curiosity; he is +devilish handsome; and the women are quite content to receive him +without any other recommendation than his own face and Cetoxa's fables." + +"I cannot agree with you. Cetoxa, though a gambler and a rake, is a +nobleman of birth and high repute for courage and honor. Besides, this +stranger, with his grand features and lofty air,--so calm, so +unobtrusive,--has nothing in common with the forward garrulity of an +impostor." + +"My dear Glyndon, pardon me, but you have not yet acquired any knowledge +of the world; the stranger makes the best of a fine person, and his +grand air is but a trick of the trade. But to change the subject: how +gets on the love affair?" + +"Oh! Isabel could not see me to-night. The old woman gave me a note of +excuse." + +"You must not marry her; what would they all say at home?" + +"Let us enjoy the present," said Glyndon, with vivacity; "we are young, +rich, good-looking: let us not think of to-morrow." + +"Bravo, Glyndon! Here we are at the hotel. Sleep sound, and don't +dream of Signor Zicci." + + + + +CHAPTER II. + + +Clarence Glyndon was a young man of small but independent fortune. He +had, early in life, evinced considerable promise in the art of painting, +and rather from enthusiasm than the want of a profession, he had +resolved to devote himself to a career which in England has been seldom +entered upon by persons who can live on their own means. Without being +a poet, Glyndon had also manifested a graceful faculty for verse, which +had contributed to win his entry into society above his birth. Spoiled +and flattered from his youth upward, his natural talents were in some +measure relaxed by indolence and that worldly and selfish habit of +thought which frivolous companionship often engenders, and which is +withering alike to stern virtue and high genius. The luxuriance of his +fancy was unabated; but the affections, which are the life of fancy, had +grown languid and inactive. His youth, his vanity, and a restless +daring and thirst of adventure had from time to time involved him in +dangers and dilemmas, out of which, of late, he had always extricated +himself with the ingenious felicity of a clever head and cool heart. He +had left England for Rome with the avowed purpose and sincere resolution +of studying the divine masterpieces of art; but pleasure had soon +allured him from ambition, and he quitted the gloomy palaces of Rome for +the gay shores and animated revelries of Naples. Here he had fallen in +love--deeply in love, as he said and thought--with a young person +celebrated at Naples, Isabel di Pisani. She was the only daughter of an +Italian by an English mother. The father had known better days; in his +prosperity he had travelled, and won in England the affections of a lady +of some fortune. He had been induced to speculate; he lost his all; he +settled at Naples, and taught languages and music. His wife died when +Isabel, christened from her mother, was ten years old. At sixteen she +came out on the stage; two years afterwards her father departed this +life, and Isabel was an orphan. + +Glyndon, a man of pleasure and a regular attendant at the theatre, had +remarked the young actress behind the scenes; he fell in love with her, +and he told her so. The girl listened to him, perhaps from vanity, +perhaps from ambition, perhaps from coquetry; she listened, and allowed +but few stolen interviews, in which she permitted no favor to the +Englishman it was one reason why he loved her so much. + +The day following that on which our story opens, Glyndon was riding +alone by the shores of the Neapolitan sea, on the other side of the +Cavern of Pausilippo. It was past noon; the sun had lost its early +fervor, and a cool breeze sprang voluptuously from the sparkling sea. +Bending over a fragment of stone near the roadside, he perceived the +form of a man; and when he approached he recognized Zicci. + +The Englishman saluted him courteously. "Have you discovered some +antique?" said he, with a smile; "they are as common as pebbles on this +road." + +"No," replied Zicci; "it was but one of those antiques that have their +date, indeed, from the beginning of the world, but which Nature +eternally withers and renews." So saying, he showed Glyndon a small +herb with a pale blue flower, and then placed it carefully in his bosom. + +"You are an herbalist?" + +"I am." + +"It is, I am told, a study full of interest." + +"To those who understand it, doubtless. But," continued Zicci, looking +up with a slight and cold smile, "why do you linger on your way to +converse with me on matters in which you neither have knowledge nor +desire to obtain it? I read your heart, young Englishman: your +curiosity is excited; you wish to know me, and not this humble herb. +Pass on; your desire never can be satisfied." + +"You have not the politeness of your countrymen," said Glyndon, somewhat +discomposed. "Suppose I were desirous to cultivate your acquaintance, +why should you reject my advances?" + +"I reject no man's advances," answered Zicci. "I must know them, if +they so desire; but me, in return, they can never comprehend. If you +ask my acquaintance, it is yours; but I would warn you to shun me." + +"And why are you then so dangerous?" + +"Some have found me so; if I were to predict your fortune by the vain +calculations of the astrologer, I should tell you, in their despicable +jargon, that my planet sat darkly in your house of life. Cross me not, +if you can avoid it. I warn you now for the first time and last." + +"You despise the astrologers, yet you utter a jargon as mysterious as +theirs. I neither gamble nor quarrel: why then should I fear you?" + +"As you will; I have done." + +"Let me speak frankly: your conversation last night interested and +amused me." + +"I know it; minds like yours are attracted by mystery." + +Glyndon was piqued at those words, though in the tone in which they were +spoken there was no contempt. + +"I see you do not consider me worthy of your friendship be it so. Good +day." + +Zicci coldly replied to the salutation, and as the Englishman rode on, +returned to his botanical employment. + +The same night Glyndon went, as usual, to the theatre. He was standing +behind the scenes watching Isabel, who was on the stage in one of her +most brilliant parts. The house resounded with applause. Glyndon was +transported with a young man's passion and a young man's pride. "This +glorious creature," thought he, "may yet be mine." + +He felt, while thus rapt in delicious revery, a slight touch upon his +shoulder; he turned, and beheld Zicci. "You are in danger," said the +latter. "Do not walk home to-night; or if you do, go not alone." + +Before Glyndon recovered from his surprise, Zicci disappeared; and when +the Englishman saw him again, he was in the box of one of the Neapolitan +ministers, where Glyndon could not follow him. + +Isabel now left the stage, and Glyndon accosted her with impassioned +gallantry. The actress was surprisingly beautiful; of fair complexion +and golden hair, her countenance was relieved from the tame and gentle +loveliness which the Italians suppose to be the characteristics of +English beauty, by the contrast of dark eyes and lashes, by a forehead +of great height, to which the dark outline of the eyebrows gave some +thing of majesty and command. In spite of the slightness of virgin +youth, her proportions had the nobleness, blent with the delicacy, that +belongs to the masterpieces of ancient sculpture; and there was a +conscious pride in her step, and in the swanlike bend of her stately +head, as she turned with an evident impatience from the address of her +lover. Taking aside an old woman, who was her constant and confidential +attendant at the theatre, she said, in an earnest whisper,-- + +"Oh, Gionetta, he is here again! I have seen him again! And again, he +alone of the whole theatre withholds from me his applause. He scarcely +seems to notice me; his indifference mortifies me to the soul,--I could +weep for rage and sorrow." + +"Which is he, my darling?" said the old woman, with fondness in her +voice. "He must be dull,--not worth thy thoughts." + +The actress drew Gionetta nearer to the stage, and pointed out to her a +man in one of the nearer boxes, conspicuous amongst all else by the +simplicity of his dress and the extraordinary beauty of his features. + +"Not worth a thought, Gionetta," repeated Isabel,--"not worth a thought! +Saw you ever one so noble, so godlike?" + +"By the Holy Mother!" answered Gionetta, "he is a proper man, and has +the air of a prince." + +The prompter summoned the Signora Pisani. "Find out his name, +Gionetta," said she, sweeping on to the stage, and passing by Glyndon, +who gazed at her with a look of sorrowful reproach. + +The scene on which the actress now entered was that of the final +catastrophe, wherein all her remarkable powers of voice and art were +pre-eminently called forth. The house hung on every word with +breathless worship, but the eyes of Isabel sought only those of one calm +and unmoved spectator; she exerted herself as if inspired. The stranger +listened, and observed her with an attentive gaze, but no approval +escaped his lips, no emotion changed the expression of his cold and +half-disdainful aspect. Isabel, who was in the character of a jealous +and abandoned mistress, never felt so acutely the part she played. Her +tears were truthful; her passion that of nature: it was almost too +terrible to behold. She was borne from the stage, exhausted and +insensible, amidst such a tempest of admiring rapture as Continental +audiences alone can raise. The crowd stood up, handkerchiefs waved, +garlands and flowers were thrown on the stage, men wiped their eyes, and +women sobbed aloud. + +"By heavens!" said a Neapolitan of great rank, "she has fired me beyond +endurance. To-night, this very night, she shall be mine! You have +arranged all, Mascari?" + +"All, signor. And if this young Englishman should accompany her home?" + +"The presuming barbarian! At all events let him bleed for his folly. I +hear that she admits him to secret interviews. I will have no rival." + +"But an Englishman! There is always a search after the bodies of the +English." + +"Fool! Is not the sea deep enough, or the earth secret enough, to hide +one dead man? Our ruffians are silent as the grave itself. And I,--who +would dare to suspect, to arraign, the Prince di --? See to it,--let +him be watched, and the fitting occasion taken. I trust him to you,-- +robbers murder him; you understand: the country swarms with them. +Plunder and strip him. Take three men; the rest shall be my escort." + +Mascari shrugged his shoulders, and bowed submissively. Meanwhile +Glyndon besought Isabel, who recovered but slowly, to return home in his +carriage. (1) She had done so once or twice before, though she had +never permitted him to accompany her. This time she refused, and with +some petulance. Glyndon, offended, was retiring sullenly, when Gionetta +stopped him. "Stay, signor," said she, coaxingly, "the dear signora is +not well: do not be angry with her; I will make her accept your offer." + +Glyndon stayed, and after a few moments spent in expostulation on the +part of Gionetta, and resistance on that of Isabel, the offer was +accepted; the actress, with a mixture of naivete and coquetry, gave her +handy to her lover, who kissed it with delight. Gionetta and her charge +entered the carriage, and Glyndon was left at the door of the theatre, +to return home on foot. The mysterious warning of Zicci then suddenly +occurred to him; he had forgotten it in the interest of his lover's +quarrel with Isabel. He thought it now advisable to guard against +danger foretold by lips so mysterious; he looked round for some one he +knew. The theatre was disgorging its crowds, who hustled and jostled +and pressed upon him; but he recognized no familiar countenances. While +pausing irresolute, he heard Merton's voice calling on him, and to his +great relief discovered his friend making his way through the throng. + +"I have secured you a place in the Count Cetoxa's carriage," said he. +"Come along, he is waiting for us." + +"How kind in you! How did you find me out?" + +"I met Zicci in the passage. 'Your friend is at the door of the +theatre,' said he; 'do not let him go home alone to-night the streets of +Naples are not always safe.' I immediately remembered that some of the +Calabrian bravos had been busy within the city the last few weeks, and +asked Cetoxa, who was with me, to accompany you." + +Further explanation was forbidden, for they now joined the count. As +Glyndon entered the carriage and drew up the glass, he saw four men +standing apart by the pavement, who seemed to eye him with attention. + +"Cospetto!" cried one; "ecco Inglese!" Glyndon imperfectly heard the +exclamation as the carriage drove on. He reached home in safety. + +"Have you discovered who he is?" asked the actress, as she was now alone +in the carriage with Gionetta. + +"Yes, he is the celebrated Signor Zicci, about whom the court has run +mad. They say he is so rich,--oh, so much richer than any of the +Inglese! But a bird in the hand, my angel, is better than--" + +"Cease," interrupted the young actress. "Zicci! Speak of the +Englishman no more." + +The carriage was now entering that more lonely and remote part of the +city in which Isabel's house was situated, when it suddenly stopped. + +Gionetta, in alarm, thrust her head out of window, and perceived by the +pale light of the moon that the driver, torn from his seat, was already +pinioned in the arms of two men; the next moment the door was opened +violently, and a tall figure, masked and mantled, appeared. + +"Fear not, fairest Pisani," said he, gently, "no ill shall befall you." +As he spoke, he wound his arms round the form of the fair actress, and +endeavored to lift her from the carriage. But the Signora Pisani was +not an ordinary person; she had been before exposed to all the dangers +to which the beauty of the low-born was subjected amongst a lawless and +profligate nobility. She thrust back the assailant with a power that +surprised him, and in the next moment the blade of a dagger gleamed +before his eyes. "Touch me," said she, drawing herself to the farther +end of the carriage, "and I strike!" + +The mask drew back. + +"By the body of Bacchus, a bold spirit!" said he, half laughing and half +alarmed. "Here, Luigi, Giovanni! disarm and seize her. Harm her not." + +The mask retired from the door, and another and yet taller form +presented itself. "Be calm, Isabel di Pisani," said he, in a low voice; +"with me you are indeed safe!" He lifted his mask as he spoke, and +showed the noble features of Zicci. "Be calm, be hushed; I can save +you." He vanished, leaving Isabel lost in surprise, agitation, and +delight. There were in all nine masks: two were engaged with the +driver; one stood at the head of the carriage-horses; a third guarded +the well-trained steeds of the party; three others, besides Zicci and +the one who had first accosted Isabel, stood apart by a carriage drawn +to the side of the road. To these Zicci motioned: they advanced; he +pointed towards the first mask, who was in fact the Prince di --, and to +his unspeakable astonishment the Prince was suddenly seized from behind. + +"Treason," he cried, "treason among my own men! What means this?" + +"Place him in his carriage. If he resist, shoot him!" said Zicci, +calmly. + +He approached the men who had detained the coachman. "You are +outnumbered and outwitted," said he. "Join your lord; you are three +men,--we six, armed to the teeth. Thank our mercy that we spare your +lives. Go!" + +The men gave way, dismayed. The driver remounted. "Cut the traces of +their carriage and the bridles of their horses," said Zicci, as he +entered the vehicle containing Isabel, and which now drove on rapidly, +leaving the discomfited ravisher in a state of rage and stupor +impossible to describe. + +"Allow me to explain this mystery to you," said Zicci. "I discovered +the plot against you,--no matter how. I frustrated it thus: the head of +this design is a nobleman who has long persecuted you in vain. He and +two of his creatures watched you from the entrance of the theatre, +having directed six others to await him on the spot where you were +attacked; myself and five of my servants supplied their place, and were +mistaken for his own followers. I had previously ridden alone to the +spot where the men were waiting, and informed them that their master +would not require their services that night. They believed me, for I +showed them his signet-ring, and accordingly dispersed; I then joined my +own band, whom I had left in the rear. You know all. We are at your +door." + +(1) At that time in Naples carriages were both cheaper to hire, and more +necessary for strangers than they are now. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + +Zicci was left alone with the young Italian. She had thrown aside her +cloak and head-gear; her hair, somewhat dishevelled, fell down her ivory +neck, which the dress partially displayed; she seemed, as she sat in +that low and humble chamber, a very vision of light and glory. + +Zicci gazed at her with an admiration mingled with compassion; he +muttered a few words to himself, and then addressed her aloud:-- + +"Isabel di Pisani, I have saved you from a great peril,--not from +dishonor only, but perhaps from death. The Prince di --, under the weak +government of a royal child and a venal administration, is a man above +the law. He is capable of every crime; but amongst his passions he has +such prudence as belongs to ambition: if you were not to reconcile +yourself to your shame, you would never enter the world again to tell +your tale. The ravisher has no heart for repentance, but he has a +hand that can murder. I have saved thee, Isabel di Pisani. Perhaps +you would ask me wherefore?" Zicci paused, and smiled mournfully as he +added: "My life is not that of others, but I am still human,--I know +pity; and more, Isabel, I can feel gratitude for affection. You love +me; it was my fate to fascinate your eye, to arouse your vanity, to +inflame your imagination. It was to warn you from this folly that I +consented for a few minutes to become your guest. The Englishman, +Glyndon, loves thee well,--better than I can ever love; he may wed thee, +he may bear thee to his own free and happy land,--the land of thy +mother's kin. Forget me, teach thyself to return and to deserve his +love; and I tell thee that thou wilt be honored and be happy." + +Isabel listened with silent wonder and deep blushes to this strange +address; and when the voice ceased, she covered her face with her hands +and wept. + +Zicci rose. "I have fulfilled my duty to you, and I depart. Remember +that you are still in danger from the prince; be wary, and be cautious. +Your best precaution is in flight; farewell." + +"Oh, do not leave me yet! You have read a secret of which I myself was +scarcely conscious: you despise me,--you, my preserver! Ah! do not +misjudge me; I am better, higher than I seem. Since I saw thee I have +been a new being." The poor girl clasped her hands passionately as she +spoke, and her tears streamed down her cheeks. + +"What would you that I should answer?" said Zicci, pausing, but with a +cold severity in his eye. + +"Say that you do not despise,--say that you do not think me light and +shameless." + +"Willingly, Isabel. I know your heart and your history you are capable +of great virtues; you have the seeds of a rare and powerful genius. You +may pass through the brief period of your human life with a proud step +and a cheerful heart, if you listen to my advice. You have been +neglected from your childhood; you have been thrown among nations at +once frivolous and coarse; your nobler dispositions, your higher +qualities, are not developed. You were pleased with the admiration of +Glyndon; you thought that the passionate stranger might marry you, while +others had only uttered the vows that dishonor. Poor child, it was the +instinctive desire of right within thee that made thee listen to him; +and if my fatal shadow had not crossed thy path, thou wouldst have loved +him well enough, at least, for content. Return to that hope, and nurse +again that innocent affection: this is my answer to thee. Art thou +contented?" + +"No! ah, no! Severe as thou art, I love better to hear thee +than, than--What am I saying? And now you have saved me, I shall pray +for you, bless you, think of you; and am I never to see you more? Alas! +the moment you leave me, danger and dread will darken round me. Let me +be your servant, your slave; with you I should have no fear." + +A dark shade fell over Zicci's brow; he looked from the ground, on which +his eyes had rested while she spoke, upon the earnest and imploring face +of the beautiful creature that now knelt before him, with all the +passions of an ardent and pure, but wholly untutored and half-savage, +nature speaking from the tearful eyes and trembling lips. He looked at +her with an aspect she could not interpret; in his eyes were kindness, +sorrow, and even something, she thought, of love: yet the brow frowned, +and the lip was stern. + +"It is in vain that we struggle with our doom," said he, calmly; "listen +to me yet. I am a man, Isabel, in whom there are some good impulses yet +left, but whose life is, on the whole, devoted to a systematic and +selfish desire to enjoy whatever life can afford. To me it is given to +warn: the warning neglected, I interfere no more; I leave her victories +to that Fate that I cannot baffle of her prey. You do not understand +me; no matter: what I am now about to say will be more easy to +comprehend. I tell thee to tear from thy heart all thought of me: thou +hast yet the power. If thou wilt not obey me, thou must reap the seeds +that thou wilt sow. Glyndon, if thou acceptest his homage, will love +thee throughout life; I, too, can love thee." + +"You, you--" + +"But with a lukewarm and selfish love, and one that cannot last. Thou +wilt be a flower in my path; I inhale thy sweetness and pass on, caring +not what wind shall sup thee, or what step shall tread thee to the dust. +Which is the love thou wouldst prefer?" + +"But do you, can you love me,--you, you, Zicci,--even for an hour? Say +it again." + +"Yes, Isabel; I am not dead to beauty, and yours is that rarely given to +the daughters of men. Yes, Isabel, I could love thee" + +Isabel uttered a cry of joy, seized his hand, and kissed it through +burning and impassioned tears. Zicci raised her in his arms and +imprinted one kiss upon her forehead. + +"Do not deceive thyself," he said; "consider well. I tell thee again +that my love is subjected to the certain curse of change. For my part, +I shall seek thee no more. Thy fate shall be thine own, and not mine. +For the rest, fear not the Prince di --. At present, I can save thee +from every harm." With these words he withdrew himself from her +embrace, and had gained the outer door just as Gionetta came from the +kitchen with her hands full of such cheer as she had managed to collect +together. Zicci laid his hand on the old woman's arm. + +"Signor Glyndon," said he, "loves Isabel; he may wed her. You love your +mistress: plead for him. Disabuse her, if you can, of any caprice for +me. I am a bird ever on the wing." He dropped a purse, heavy with +gold, into Gionetta's bosom, and was gone. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + +The palace of Zicci was among the noblest in Naples. It still stands, +though ruined and dismantled, in one of those antique streets from which +the old races of the Norman and the Spaniard have long since vanished. + +He ascended the vast staircase, and entered the rooms reserved for his +private hours. They were no wise remarkable except for their luxury and +splendor, and the absence of what men so learned as Zicci was reputed, +generally prize, namely, books. Zicci seemed to know everything that +books can teach; yet of books themselves he spoke and thought with the +most profound contempt. + +He threw himself on a sofa, and dismissed his attendants for the night; +and here it may be observed that Zicci had no one servant who knew +anything of his origin, birth, or history. Some of his attendants he +had brought with him from other cities; the rest he had engaged at +Naples. He hired those only whom wealth can make subservient. His +expenditure was most lavish, his generosity, regal; but his orders were +ever given as those of a general to his army. The least disobedience, +the least hesitation, and the offender was at once dismissed. He was a +man who sought tools, and never made confidants. + +Zicci remained for a considerable time motionless and thoughtful. The +hand of the clock before him pointed to the first hour of morning. The +solemn voice of the timepiece aroused him from his revery. + +"One sand more out of the mighty hour-glass," said he, rising; "one hour +nearer to the last! I am weary of humanity. I will enter into one of +the countless worlds around me." He lifted the arras that clothed the +walls, and touching a strong iron door (then made visible) with a minute +key which he wore in a ring, passed into an inner apartment lighted by a +single lamp of extraordinary lustre. The room was small; a few phials +and some dried herbs were ranged in shelves on the wall, which was hung +with snow-white cloth of coarse texture. From the shelves Zicci +selected one of the phials, and poured the contents into a crystal cup. +The liquid was colorless, and sparkled rapidly up in bubbles of light; +it almost seemed to evaporate ere it reached his lips. But when the +strange beverage was quaffed, a sudden change was visible in the +countenance of Zicci: his beauty became yet more dazzling, his eyes +shone with intense fire, and his form seemed to grow more youthful and +ethereal. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + + +The next day, Glyndon bent his steps towards Zicci's palace. The young +man's imagination, naturally inflammable, was singularly excited by the +little he had seen and heard of this strange being; a spell he could +neither master nor account for, attracted him towards the stranger. +Zicci's power seemed mysterious and great, his motives kindly and +benevolent, yet his manners chilling and repellant. Why at one moment +reject Glyndon's acquaintance, at another save him from danger? How had +Zicci thus acquired the knowledge of enemies unknown to Glyndon himself? +His interest was deeply roused, his gratitude appealed to; he resolved +to make another effort to conciliate Zicci. + +The signor was at home, and Glyndon was admitted into a lofty saloon, +where in a few moments Zicci joined him. + +"I am come to thank you for your warning last night," said he, "and to +entreat you to complete my obligation by informing me of the quarter to +which I may look for enmity and peril." + +"You are a gallant, Mr. Glyndon," said Zicci, with a smile; "and do you +know so little of the South as not to be aware that gallants have always +rivals?" + +"Are you serious?" said Glyndon, coloring. + +"Most serious. You love Isabel di Pisani; you have for rival one of the +most powerful and relentless of the Neapolitan princes. Your danger is +indeed great." + +"But, pardon me, how came it known to you?" + +"I give no account of myself to mortal man," replied Zicci, haughtily; +"and to me it matters not whether you regard or scorn my warning." + +"Well, if I may not question you, be it so; but at least advise me what +to do." + +"You will not follow my advice." + +"You wrong me! Why?" + +"Because you are constitutionally brave; you are fond of excitement and +mystery; you like to be the hero of a romance. I should advise you to +leave Naples, and you will disdain to do so while Naples contains a foe +to shun or a mistress to pursue." + +"You are right," said the young Englishman, with energy; "and you cannot +reproach me for such a resolution." + +"No, there is another course left to you. Do you love Isabel di Pisani +truly and fervently? If so, marry her, and take a bride to your native +land." + +"Nay," answered Glyndon, embarrassed. "Isabel is not of my rank; her +character is strange and self-willed; her education neglected. I am +enslaved by her beauty, but I cannot wed her." + +Zicci frowned. + +"Your love, then, is but selfish lust; and by that love you will be +betrayed. Young man, Destiny is less inexorable than it appears. The +resources of the great Ruler of the Universe are not so scanty and so +stern as to deny to men the divine privilege of Free Will; all of us can +carve out our own way, and God can make our very contradictions +harmonize with His solemn ends. You have before you an option. +Honorable and generous love may even now work out your happiness and +effect your escape; a frantic and interested passion will but lead you +to misery and doom." + +"Do you pretend, then, to read the Future?" + +"I have said all that it pleases me to utter." + +"While you assume the moralist to me, Signor Zicci," said Glyndon, with +a smile, "if report says true you do not yourself reject the allurements +of unfettered love." + +"If it were necessary that practice square with precept," said Zicci, +with a sneer, "our pulpits would be empty. Do you think it matters, in +the great aggregate of human destinies, what one man's conduct may be? +Nothing,--not a grain of dust; but it matters much what are the +sentiments he propagates. His acts are limited and momentary; his +sentiments may pervade the universe, and inspire generations till the +day of doom. All our virtues, all our laws, are drawn from books and +maxims, which are sentiments, not from deeds. Our opinions, young +Englishman, are the angel part of us; our acts the earthly." + +"You have reflected deeply, for an Italian," said Glyndon. + +"Who told you I was an Italian?" + +"Are you not of Corsica?" + +"Tush!" said Zicci, impatiently turning away. Then, after a pause, he +resumed, in a mild voice: "Glyndon, do you renounce Isabel di Pisani? +Will you take three days to consider of what I have said?" + +"Renounce her,--never!" + +"Then you will marry her?" + +"Impossible." + +"Be it so; she will then renounce you. I tell you that you have +rivals." + +"Yes, the Prince di --; but I do not fear him." + +"You have another, whom you will fear more." + +"And who is he?" + +"Myself." + +Glyndon turned pale, and started from his seat. + +"You, Signor Zicci, you,--and you dare to tell me so?" + +"Dare! Alas! you know there is nothing on earth left me to fear!" + +These words were not uttered arrogantly, but in a tone of the most +mournful dejection. Glyndon was enraged, confounded, and yet awed. +However, he had a brave English heart within his breast, and he +recovered himself quickly. + +"Signor," said he, calmly, "I am not to be duped by these solemn phrases +and these mystical sympathies. You may have power which I cannot +comprehend or emulate, or you may be but a keen impostor." + +"Well, sir, your logical position is not ill-taken; proceed." + +"I mean then," continued Glyndon, resolutely, though somewhat +disconcerted, "I mean you to understand, that, though I am not to be +persuaded or compelled by a stranger to marry Isabel di Pisani, I am not +the less determined never tamely to yield her to another." + +Zicci looked gravely at the young man, whose sparkling eyes and +heightened color testified the spirit to support his words, and replied: +"So bold! well, it becomes you. You have courage, then; I thought it. +Perhaps it may be put to a sharper test than you dream of. But take my +advice: wait three days, and tell me then if you will marry this young +person." + +"But if you love her, why, why--" + +"Why am I anxious that she should wed another? To save her from myself! +Listen to me. That girl, humble and uneducated though she be, has in +her the seeds of the most lofty qualities and virtues. She can be all +to the man she loves,--all that man can desire in wife or mistress. Her +soul, developed by affection, will elevate your own; it will influence +your fortunes, exalt your destiny; you will become a great and +prosperous man. If, on the contrary, she fall to me, I know not what +may be her lot; but I know that few can pass the ordeal, and hitherto no +woman has survived the struggle." + +As Zicci spoke, his face became livid, and there was something in his +voice that froze the warm blood of his listener. + +"What is this mystery which surrounds you?" exclaimed Glyndon, unable to +repress his emotion. "Are you, in truth, different from other men? +Have you passed the boundary of lawful knowledge? Are you, as some +declare, a sorcerer, only a--" + +"Hush!" interrupted Zicci, gently, and with a smile of singular but +melancholy sweetness: "have you earned the right to ask me these +questions? The clays of torture and persecution are over; and a man may +live as he pleases, and talk as it suits him, without fear of the stake +and the rack. Since I can defy persecution, pardon me if I do not +succumb to curiosity." + +Glyndon blushed, and rose. In spite of his love for Isabel, and his +natural terror of such a rival, he felt himself irresistibly drawn +towards the very man he had most cause to suspect and dread. It was +like the fascination of the basilisk. He held out his hand to Zicci, +saying, "Well, then, if we are to be rivals, our swords must settle our +rights; till then I would fain be friends." + +"Friends! Pardon me, I like you too well to give you my friendship. +You know not what you ask." + +"Enigmas again!" + +"Enigmas!" cried Zicci, passionately, "Nay: can you dare to solve them! +Would you brave all that human heart can conceive of peril and of +horror, so that you at last might stand separated from this visible +universe side by side with me? When you can dare this, and when you are +fit to dare it, I may give you my right hand and call you friend." + +"I could dare everything and all things for the attainment of superhuman +wisdom," said Glyndon; and his countenance was lighted up with wild and +intense enthusiasm. + +Zicci observed him in thoughtful silence. + +"He may be worthy," he muttered; "he may, yet--" He broke off abruptly; +then, speaking aloud, "Go, Glyndon," said he; "in three days we shall +meet again." + +"Where?" + +"Perhaps where you can least anticipate. In any case, we shall meet." + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + + +Glyndon thought seriously and deeply over all that the mysterious Zicci +had said to him relative to Isabel. His imagination was inflamed by the +vague and splendid promises that were connected with his marriage with +the poor actress. His fears, too, were naturally aroused by the threat +that by marriage alone could he save himself from the rivalry of Zicci, +--Zicci, born to dazzle and command; Zicci, who united to the apparent +wealth of a monarch the beauty of a god; Zicci, whose eye seemed to +foresee, whose hand to frustrate, every danger. What a rival, and what +a foe! + +But Glyndon's pride, as well as jealousy, was aroused. He was brave +comme son epee. Should he shrink from the power or the enmity of a man +mortal as himself? And why should Zicci desire him to give his name and +station to one of a calling so equivocal? Might there not be motives he +could not fathom? Might not the actress and the Corsican be in league +with each other? Might not all this jargon of prophecy--and menace be +but artifices to dupe him,--the tool, perhaps, of a mountebank and his +mistress! Mistress,--ah, no! If ever maidenhood wrote its modest +characters externally, that pure eye, that noble forehead, that mien and +manner so ingenuous even in their coquetry, their pride, assured him +that Isabel was not the base and guilty thing he had dared for a moment +to suspect her. Lost in a labyrinth of doubts and surmises, Glyndon +turned on the practical sense of the sober Merton to assist and +enlighten him. + +As may be well supposed, his friend listened to his account of his +interview with Zicci with a half-suppressed and ironical smile. + +"Excellent, my dear friend! This Zicci is another Apollonius of Tyana, +--nothing less will satisfy you. What! is it possible that you are the +Clarence Glyndon of whose career such glowing hopes are entertained,-- +you the man whose genius has been extolled by all the graybeards? Not a +boy turned out from a village school but would laugh you to scorn. And +so because Signor Zicci tells you that you will be a marvellously great +man if you revolt all your friends and blight all your prospects by +marrying a Neapolitan actress, you begin already to think of-- +By Jupiter! I cannot talk patiently on the subject. Let the girl +alone,--that would be the proper plan; or else--" + +"You talk very sensibly," interrupted Glyndon, "but you distract me. I +will go to Isabel's house; I will see her; I will judge for myself." + +"That is certainly the best way to forget her," said Merton. Glyndon +seized his hat and sword, and was gone. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + +She was seated outside her door, the young actress. The sea, which in +that heavenly bay literally seems to sleep in the arms of the shore, +bounded the view in front; while to the right, not far off, rose the +dark and tangled crags to which the traveller of to-day is daily brought +to gaze on the tomb of Virgil, or compare with the Cavern of Pausilippo +the archway of Highgate Hill. There were a few fishermen loitering by +the cliffs, on which their nets were hung up to dry; and, at a distance, +the sound of some rustic pipe (more common at that day than in this), +mingled now and then with the bells of the lazy mules, broke the +voluptuous silence,--the silence of declining noon on the shores of +Naples. Never till you have enjoyed it, never till you have felt its +enervating but delicious charm, believe that you can comprehend all the +meaning of the dolce far niente; and when that luxury has been known, +when you have breathed the atmosphere of fairy land, then you will no +longer wonder why the heart ripens with so sudden and wild a power +beneath the rosy skies and amidst the glorious foliage of the South. + +The young actress was seated by the door of her house; overhead a rude +canvas awning sheltered her from the sun; on her lap lay the manuscript +of a new part in which she was shortly to appear. By her side was the +guitar on which she had been practising the airs that were to ravish the +ears of the cognoscenti. But the guitar had been thrown aside in +despair; her voice this morning did not obey her will. The manuscript +lay unheeded, and the eyes of the actress were fixed on the broad, blue +deep beyond. In the unwonted negligence of her dress might be traced +the abstraction of her mind. Her beautiful hair was gathered up +loosely, and partially bandaged by a kerchief, whose purple color seemed +to deepen the golden hue of the tresses. A stray curl escaped, and fell +down the graceful neck. A loose morning robe, girded by a sash, left +the breeze that came ever and anon from the sea to die upon the bust +half disclosed, and the tiny slipper, that Cinderella might have worn, +seemed a world too wide for the tiny foot which it scarcely covered. It +might be the heat of the day that deepened the soft bloom of the cheeks +and gave an unwonted languor to the large dark eyes. In all the pomp of +her stage attire, in all the flush of excitement before the intoxicating +lamps, never had Isabel looked so lovely. + +By the side of the actress, and filling up the threshold, stood +Gionetta, with her hands thrust up to the elbow in two huge recesses on +either side her gown,--pockets, indeed, they might be called by +courtesy; such pockets as Beelzebub's grandmother might have shaped for +herself, bottomless pits in miniature. + +"But I assure you," said the nurse, in that sharp, quick, earsplitting +tone in which the old women of the South are more than a match for those +of the North,--"but I assure you, my darling, that there is not a finer +cavalier in all Naples, nor a more beautiful, than this Inglese; and I +am told that all the Inglesi are much richer than they seem. Though +they have no trees in their country, poor people, and instead of twenty- +four they have only twelve hours to the day, yet I hear, cospetto! that +they shoe their horses with steak; and since they cannot (the poor +heretics!) turn grapes into wine, for they have no grapes, they turn +gold into physic, and take a glass or two of pistoles whenever they are +troubled with the colic. But you don't hear me! Little pupil of my +eyes, you don't hear me!" + +"Gionetta, is he not god-like?" + +"Sancta Maria! he is handsome, bellissimo; and when you are his wife,-- +for they say these English are never satisfied unless they marry--" + +"Wife! English! Whom are you talking of?" + +"Why, the young English signor, to be sure." + +"Chut! I thought you spoke of Zicci." + +"Oh! Signor Zicci is very rich and very generous; but he +wants to be your cavalier, not your husband. I see that,--leave me +alone. When you are married, then you will see how amiable Signor Zicci +will be. Oh, per fede! but he will be as close to your husband as the +yolk to the white; that he will. + +"Silence, Gionetta! How wretched I am to have no one else to speak to-- +to advise me. Oh, beautiful sun!" and the girl pressed her hand to her +heart with wild energy, "why do you light every spot but this? Dark, +dark! And a little while ago I was so calm, so innocent, so gay. I did +not hate you then, Gionetta, hateful as your talk was; I hate you now. +Go in; leave me alone--leave me." + +"And indeed it is time I should leave you, for the polenta will be +spoiled, and you have eaten nothing all day. If you don't eat you will +lose your beauty, my darling, and then nobody will care for you. Nobody +cares for us when we grow ugly,--I know that; and then you must, like +old Gionetta, get some Isabel of your own to spoil. I'll go and see to +the polenta." + +"Since I have known this man," said the actress, half aloud, "since his +dark eyes have fascinated me, I am no longer the same. I long to escape +from myself,--to glide with the sunbeam over the hill-tops; to become +something that is not of earth. Is it, indeed, that he is a sorcerer, +as I have heard? Phantoms float before me at night, and a fluttering +like the wing of a bird within my heart seems as if the spirit were +terrified, and would break its cage." + +While murmuring these incoherent rhapsodies, a step that she did not +hear approached the actress, and a light hand touched her arm. + +"Isabella! carissima! Isabella!" + +She turned, and saw Glyndon. The sight of his fair young face calmed +her at once. She did not love him, yet his sight gave her pleasure. +She had for him a kind and grateful feeling. Ah, if she had never +beheld Zicci! + +"Isabel," said the Englishman, drawing her again to the bench from which +she had risen, and seating himself beside her, "you know how +passionately I love thee. Hitherto thou hast played with my impatience +and my ardor, thou hast sometimes smiled, sometimes frowned away my +importunities for a reply to my suit; but this day--I know not how it +is--I feel a more sustained and settled courage to address thee, and +learn the happiest or the worst. I have rivals, I know,--rivals who are +more powerful than the poor artist. Are they also more favored?" + +Isabel blushed faintly, but her countenance was grave and distressed. +Looking down, and marking some hieroglyphical figures in the dust with +the point of her slipper, she said, with some hesitation and a vain +attempt to be gay, "Signor, whoever wastes his thoughts on an actress +must submit to have rivals. It is our unhappy destiny not to be sacred +even to ourselves." + +"But you have told me, Isabel, that you do not love this destiny, +glittering though it seem,--that your heart is not in the vocation which +your talents adorn." + +"Ah, no!" said the actress, her eyes filling with tears, "it is a +miserable lot to be slave to a multitude." + +"Fly then with me," said the artist, passionately. "Quit forever the +calling that divides that heart I would have all my own. Share my fate +now and forever,--my pride, my delight, my ideal! Thou shalt inspire my +canvas and my song, thy beauty shall be made at once holy and renowned. +In the galleries of princes crowds shall gather round the effigy of a +Venus or a saint, and a whisper shall break forth, 'It is Isabel di +Pisani!' Ah! Isabel, I adore thee: tell me that I do not worship in +vain." + +"Thou art good and fair," said Isabel, gazing on her lover as he pressed +his cheek nearer to hers, and clasped her hand in his. "But what should +I give thee in return?" + +"Love, love; only love!" + +"A sister's love?" + +"Ah, speak not with such cruel coldness!" + +"It is all I have for thee. Listen to me, signor. When I look on your +face, when I hear your voice, a certain serene and tranquil calm creeps +over and lulls thoughts, oh, how feverish, how wild! When thou art +gone, the day seems a shade more dark; but the shadow soon flies. I +miss thee not, I think not of thee,--no, I love thee not; and I will +give myself only where I love." + +"But I would teach thee to love me,--fear it not. Nay, such love as +thou now describest in our tranquil climates is the love of innocence +and youth." + +"And it is the innocence he would destroy," said Isabel, rather to +herself than to him. + +Glyndon drew back, conscience-stricken. + +"No, it may not be!" she said, rising, and extricating her hand gently +from his grasp. "Leave me, and forget me. You do not understand, you +could not comprehend, the nature of her whom you think to love. From my +childhood upward, I have felt as if I were marked out for some strange +and preternatural doom; as if I were singled from my kind. This feeling +(and, oh! at times it is one of delirious and vague delight, at others +of the darkest gloom) deepens with me day by day. It is like the shadow +of twilight, spreading slowly and solemnly round. My hour approaches; a +little while, and it will be night!" + +As she spoke, Glyndon listened with visible emotion and perturbation. +"Isabel!" he exclaimed, as she ceased, "your words more than ever +enchain me to you. As you feel, I feel. I, too, have been ever haunted +with a chill and unearthly foreboding. Amidst the crowds of men I have +felt alone. In all my pleasures, my toils, my pursuits, a warning voice +has murmured in my ear, 'Time has a dark mystery in store for thy +manhood.' When you spoke it was as the voice of my own soul." + +Isabel gazed upon him in wonder and fear. Her countenance was as white +as marble, and those features, so divine in their rare symmetry, might +have served the Greek with a study for the Pythoness when, from the +mystic cavern and the bubbling spring, she first hears the voice of the +inspiring god. Gradually the rigor and tension of that wonderful face +relaxed, the color returned, the pulse beat, the heart animated the +frame. + +"Tell me," she said, turning partially aside, "tell me, have you seen, +do you know, a stranger in this city,--one of whom wild stories are +afloat?" + +"You speak of Zicci. I have seen him; I know him! And you? Ah! he, +too, would be my rival,--he, too, would bear thee from me!" + +"You err," said Isabel, hastily and with a deep sigh,--"he pleads for +you; he informed me of your love; he besought me not--not to reject it." + +"Strange being, incomprehensible enigma, why did you name him?" + +"Why? Ah! I would have asked whether, when you first saw him, the +foreboding, the instinct, of which you spoke came on you more fearfully, +more intelligibly than before; whether you felt at once repelled from +him, yet attracted towards him; whether you felt [and the actress spoke +with hurried animation] that with Him was connected the secret of your +life!" + +"All this I felt," answered Glyndon, in a trembling voice, "the first +time I was in his presence. Though all around me was gay,--music, +amidst lamp-lit trees, light converse near, and heaven without a cloud +above,--my knees knocked together, my hair bristled, and my blood +curdled like ice; since then he has divided my thoughts with thee." + +"No more, no more," said Isabel, in a stifled tone; "there must be the +hand of Fate in this. I can speak no more to you now; farewell." + +She sprang past him into the house and closed the door. Glyndon did not +dare to follow her, nor, strange as it may seem, was he so inclined. +The thought and recollection of that moonlight hour in the gardens, of +the strange address of Zicci, froze up all human passion; Isabel +herself, if not forgotten, shrank back like a shadow into the recesses +of his breast. He shivered as he stepped into the sunlight, and +musingly retraced his steps into the more populous parts of that +liveliest of Italian cities. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + +It was a small cabinet; the walls were covered with pictures, one of +which was worth more than the whole lineage of the owner of the palace. +Is not Art a wonderful thing? A Venetian noble might be a fribble or an +assassin, a scoundrel, or a dolt, worthless, or worse than worthless; +yet he might have sat to Titian, and his portrait may be inestimable,--a +few inches of painted canvas a thousand times more valuable than a man +with his veins and muscles, brain, will, heart, and intellect! + +In this cabinet sat a man of about three and forty,--dark-eyed, sallow, +with short, prominent features, a massive conformation of jaw, and +thick, sensual, but resolute lips; this man was the Prince di --. His +form, middle-sized, but rather inclined to corpulence, was clothed in a +loose dressing-robe of rich brocade; on a table before him lay his sword +and hat, a mask, dice and dice-box, a portfolio, and an inkstand of +silver curiously carved. + +"Well, Mascari," said the Prince, looking up towards his parasite, who +stood by the embrasure of the deep-set barricaded window, "well, you +cannot even guess who this insolent meddler was? A pretty person you to +act the part of a Prince's Ruffiano!" + +"Am I to be blamed for dulness in not being able to conjecture who had +the courage to thwart the projects of the Prince di --. As well blame +me for not accounting for miracles." + +"I will tell thee who it was, most sapient Mascari." + +"Who, your Excellency?" + +"Zicci." + +"Ah! he has the daring of the devil. But why does your Excellency feel +so assured,--does he court the actress?" + +"I know not; but there is a tone in that foreigner's voice that I never +can mistake,--so clear, and yet so hollow; when I hear it I almost fancy +there is such a thing as conscience. However, we must rid ourselves of +an impertinent. Mascari, Signor Zicci hath not yet honored our poor +house with his presence. He is a distinguished stranger,--we must give +a banquet in his honor." + +"Ah! and the cypress wine! The cypress is the proper emblem of the +grave." + +"But this anon. I am superstitious; there are strange stories of his +power and foresight,--remember the Sicilian quackery! But meanwhile the +Pisani--" + +"Your Excellency is infatuated. The actress has bewitched you." + +"Mascari," said the Prince, with a haughty smile, "through these veins +rolls the blood of the old Visconti,--of those who boasted that no woman +ever escaped their lust, and no man their resentment. The crown of my +fathers has shrunk into a gewgaw and a toy,--their ambition and their +spirit are undecayed. My honor is now enlisted in this pursuit: Isabel +must be mine." + +"Another ambuscade?" said Mascari, inquiringly. + +"Nay, why not enter the house itself? The situation is lonely, and the +door is not made of iron." + +Before Mascari could reply, the gentleman of the chamber announced the +Signor Zicci. + +The Prince involuntarily laid his hand on the sword placed on the table; +then, with a smile at his own impulse, rose, and met the foreigner at +the threshold with all the profuse and respectful courtesy of Italian +simulation. + +"This is an honor highly prized," said the Prince; "I have long desired +the friendship of one so distinguished--" + +"And I have come to give you that friendship," replied Zicci, in a sweet +but chilling voice. "To no man yet in Naples have I extended this hand: +permit it, Prince, to grasp your own." + +The Neapolitan bowed over the hand he pressed; but as he touched it, a +shiver came over him, and his heart stood still. + +Zicci bent on him his dark, smiling eyes, and then seated himself with a +familiar air. + +"Thus it is signed and sealed,--I mean our friendship, noble Prince. +And now I will tell you the object of my visit. I find, your +Excellency, that, unconsciously perhaps, we are rivals. Can we not +accommodate our pretensions? A girl of no moment, an actress, bah! it +is not worth a quarrel. Shall we throw for her? He who casts the +lowest shall resign his claim?" + +Mascari opened his small eyes to their widest extent; the Prince, no +less surprised, but far too well world-read even to show what he felt, +laughed aloud. + +"And were you, then, the cavalier who spoiled my night's chase and +robbed me of my white doe? By Bacchus, it was prettily done." + +"You must forgive me, my Prince; I knew not who it was, or my respect +would have silenced my gallantry." + +"All stratagems fair in love, as in war. Of course you profited by my +defeat, and did not content yourself with leaving the little actress at +her threshold?" + +"She is Diana for me," answered Zicci, lightly; "whoever wins the wreath +will not find a flower faded." + +"And now you would cast for her,--well; but they tell me you are ever a +sure player." + +"Let Signor Mascari cast for us." + +"Be it so. Mascari, the dice." + +Surprised and perplexed, the parasite took up the three dice, deposited +them gravely in the box, and rattled them noisily, while Zicci threw +himself back carelessly in his chair and said, "I give the first chance +to your Excellency." + +Mascari interchanged a glance with his patron and threw the numbers were +sixteen. + +"It is a high throw," said Zicci, calmly; "nevertheless, Signor Mascari, +I do not despond." + +Mascari gathered up the dice, shook the box, and rolled the contents +once more upon the table; the number was the highest that can be +thrown,--eighteen. + +The Prince darted a glance of fire at his minion, who stood +with gaping mouth staring at the dice, and shaking his head in puzzled +wonder. + +"I have won, you see," said Zicci: "may we be friends still?" + +"Signor," said the Prince, obviously struggling with angel and +confusion, "the victory is already yours. But, pardon me, you have +spoken lightly of this young girl,--will anything tempt you to yield +your claim?" + +"Ah, do not think so ill of my gallantry." + +"Enough," said the Prince, forcing a smile, "I yield. Let me prove that +I do not yield ungraciously: will you honor me with your presence at a +little feast I propose to give on the royal birthday?" + +"It is indeed a happiness to hear one command of yours which I can +obey." + +Zicci then turned the conversation, talked lightly and gayly and soon +afterwards departed. + +"Villain," then exclaimed the Prince, grasping Mascari by the collar, +"you have betrayed me!" + +"I assure your Excellency that the dice were properly arranged,--he +should have thrown twelve; but he is the Devil, and that's the end of +it." + +"There is no time to be lost," said the Prince, quitting hold of his +parasite, who quietly resettled his cravat. + +"My blood is up! I will win this girl, if I die for it. Who laughed? +Mascari, didst thou laugh?" + +"I, your Excellency,--I laugh?" + +"It sounded behind me," said the Prince, gazing round. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + + +It was the day on which Zicci had told Glyndon that he should ask for +his decision in respect to Isabel,--the third day since their last +meeting. The Englishman could not come to a resolution. Ambition, +hitherto the leading passion of his soul, could not yet be silenced by +love, and that love, such as it was, unreturned, beset by suspicions and +doubts which vanished in the presence of Isabel, and returned when her +bright face shone on his eyes no more, for les absents ont toujours +tort. Perhaps had he been quite alone, his feelings of honor, of +compassion, of virtue, might have triumphed, and he would have resolved +either to fly from Isabel or to offer the love that has no shame. But +Merton, cold, cautious, experienced, wary (such a nature has ever power +over the imaginative and the impassioned), was at hand to ridicule the +impression produced by Zicci, and the notion of delicacy and honor +towards an Italian actress. It is true that Merton, who was no +profligate, advised him to quit all pursuit of Isabel; but then the +advice was precisely of that character which, if it deadens love, +stimulates passion. By representing Isabel as one who sought to play a +part with him, he excused to Glyndon his own selfishness,--he enlisted +the Englishman's vanity and pride on the side of his pursuit. Why +should not he beat an adventuress at her own weapons? + +Glyndon not only felt indisposed on that day to meet Zicci, but he felt +also a strong desire to defeat the mysterious prophecy that the meeting +should take place. Into this wish Merton readily entered. The young +men agreed to be absent from Naples that day. Early in the morning they +mounted their horses and took the road to Baiae. Glyndon left word at +his hotel that if Signor Zicci sought him, it was in the neighborhood of +the once celebrated watering-place of the ancients that he should be +found. + +They passed by Isabel's house; but Glyndon resisted the temptation of +pausing there, and threading the grotto of Pausilippo, they wound by a +circuitous route back into the suburbs of the city, and took the +opposite road, which conducts to Portici and Pompeii. It was late at +noon when they arrived at the former of these places. Here they halted +to dine; for Merton had heard much of the excellence of the macaroni at +Portici, and Merton was a bon vivant. + +They put up at an inn of very humble pretensions, and dined under an +awning. Merton was more than usually gay; he pressed the lacryma upon +his friend, and conversed gayly. "Well, my dear friend, we have foiled +Signor Zicci in one of his predictions at least. You will have no faith +in him hereafter." + +"The Ides are come, not gone." + +"Tush! if he is a soothsayer, you are not Caesar. It is your vanity +that makes you credulous. Thank Heaven, I do not think myself of such +importance that the operations of Nature should be changed in order to +frighten me." + +"But why should the operations of Nature be changed? There may be a +deeper philosophy than we dream of,--a philosophy that discovers the +secrets of Nature, but does not alter, by penetrating, its courses." + +"Ah! you suppose Zicci to be a prophet,--a reader of the future; perhaps +an associate of Genii and Spirits!" + +"I know not what to conjecture; but I see no reason why he should seek, +even if an impostor, to impose on me. An impostor must have some motive +for deluding us,--either ambition or avarice. I am neither rich nor +powerful; Zicci spends more in a week than I do in a year. Nay, a +Neapolitan banker told me that the sums invested by Zicci in his hands, +were enough to purchase half the lands of the Neapolitan noblesse." + +"Grant this to be true: do you suppose the love to dazzle and mystify is +not as strong with some natures as that of gold and power with others? +Zicci has a moral ostentation; and the same character that makes him +rival kings in expenditure makes him not disdain to be wondered at even +by a humble Englishman." + +Here the landlord, a little, fat, oily fellow, came up with a fresh +bottle of lacryma. He hoped their Excellencies were pleased. He was +most touched,--touched to the heart that they liked the macaroni. Were +their Excellencies going to Vesuvius? There was a slight eruption; they +could not see it where they were, but it was pretty, and would be +prettier still after sunset. + +"A capital idea," cried Merton. "What say you, Glyndon?" + +"I have not yet seen an eruption; I should like it much." + +"But is there no danger?" said the prudent Merton. + +"Oh! not at all; the mountain is very civil at present. It only plays a +little, just to amuse their Excellencies the English." + +"Well, order the horses, and bring the bill; we will go before it is +dark. Clarence, my friend, nunc est bibendum; but take care of the pede +libero, which won't do for walking on lava!" + +The bottle was finished, the bill paid, the gentlemen mounted, the +landlord bowed, and they bent their way in the cool of the delightful +evening towards Resina. + +The wine animated Glyndon, whose unequal spirits were at times high and +brilliant as those of a school-boy released; and the laughter of the +Northern tourists sounded oft and merrily along the melancholy domains +of buried cities. + +Hesperus had lighted his lamp amidst the rosy skies as they arrived at +Resina. Here they quitted their horses and took mules and a guide. +As the sky grew darker and more dark, the Mountain Fire burned with an +intense lustre. In various streaks and streamlets the fountain of flame +rolled down the dark summit, then undiminished by the eruption of 1822, +and the Englishmen began to feel increase upon them, as they ascended, +that sensation of solemnity and awe which makes the very atmosphere that +surrounds the giant of the Plains of the Antique Hades. + +It was night when, leaving the mules, they ascended on foot, accompanied +by their guide and a peasant, who bore a rude torch. Their guide was a +conversable, garrulous fellow, like most of his country and his calling; +and Merton, whose chief characteristics were a sociable temper and a +hardy commonsense, loved to amuse or to instruct himself on every +incidental occasion. + +"Ah, Excellency," said the guide, "your countrymen have a strong passion +for the volcano. Long life to them; they bring us plenty of money. If +our fortunes depended on the Neapolitans, we should starve." + +"True, they have no curiosity," said Merton. "Do you remember, Glyndon, +the contempt with which that old count said to us, 'You will go to +Vesuvius, I suppose. I have never been: why should I go? You have +cold, you have hunger, you have fatigue, you have danger, and all for +nothing but to see fire, which looks just as well in a brazier as a +mountain.' Ha! ha! the old fellow was right." + +"But, Excellency," said the guide, "that is not all: some cavaliers +think to ascend the mountain without our help. I am sure they deserve +to tumble into the crater." + +"They must be bold fellows to go alone: you don't often find such?" + +"Sometimes among the French, signor. But the other night--I never was +so frightened. I had been with an English party, and a lady had left a +pocket-book on the mountain where she had been sketching. She offered +me a handsome sum to return for it, and bring it to her at Naples; so I +went in the evening. I found it sure enough, and was about to return, +when I saw a figure that seemed to emerge from the crater itself. The +air was so pestiferous that I could not have conceived a human creature +could breathe it and live. I was so astounded that I stood as still as +a stone, till the figure came over the hot ashes and stood before me +face to face. Sancta Maria, what a head!" + +"What, hideous?" + +"No, so beautiful, but so terrible. It had nothing human in its +aspect." + +"And what said the salamander?" + +"Nothing! It did not even seem to perceive me, though I was as near as +I am to you; but its eyes seemed prying into the air. It passed by me +quickly, and, walking across a stream of burning lava, soon vanished on +the other side of the mountain. I was curious and foolhardy, and +resolved to see if I could bear the atmosphere which this visitor had +left; but though I did not advance within thirty yards of the spot at +which he had first appeared, I was driven back by a vapor that well-nigh +stifled me. Cospetto! I have spit blood ever since." + +"It must be Zicci," whispered Glyndon. + +"I knew you would say so," returned Merton, laughing. + +The little party had now arrived nearly at the summit of the mountain; +and unspeakably grand was the spectacle on which they gazed. From the +crater arose a vapor, intensely dark, that overspread the whole +background of the heavens, in the centre whereof rose a flame that +assumed a form singularly beautiful. It might have been compared to a +crest of gigantic feathers, the diadem of the mountain, high arched, and +drooping downward, with the hues delicately shaded off, and the whole +shifting and tremulous as the plumage on a warrior's helm. The glare of +the flame spread, luminous and crimson, over the dark and rugged ground +on which they stood, and drew an innumerable variety of shadows from +crag and hollow. An oppressive and sulphureous exhalation served to +increase the gloomy and sublime terror of the place. But on turning +from the mountain, and towards the distant and unseen ocean, the +contrast was wonderfully great: the heavens serene and blue, the stars +still and calm as the eyes of Divine Love. It was as if the realms of +the opposing principles of Evil and Good were brought in one view before +the gaze of man! Glyndon--the enthusiast, the poet, the artist, the +dreamer--was enchained and entranced by emotions vague and undefinable, +half of delight and half of pain. Leaning on the shoulder of his +friend, he gazed around him, and heard, with deepening awe, the rumbling +of the earth below, the wheels and voices of the Ministry of Nature in +her darkest and most inscrutable recess. Suddenly, as a bomb from a +shell, a huge stone was flung hundreds of yards up from the jaws of the +crater, and falling with a mighty crash upon the rock below, split into +ten thousand fragments, which bounded down the sides of the mountain, +sparkling and groaning as they went. One of these, the largest +fragment, struck the narrow space of soil between the Englishman and the +guide, not three feet from the spot where the former stood. Merton +uttered an exclamation of terror, and Glyndon held his breath and +shuddered. "Diavolo!" cried the guide; "descend, Excellencies, +descend! We have not a moment to lose; follow me close." + +So saying, the guide and the peasant fled with as much swiftness as they +were able to bring to bear. Merton, ever more prompt and ready than his +friend, imitated their example; and Glyndon, more confused than alarmed, +followed close. But they had not gone many yards before, with a rushing +and sudden blast, came from the crater an enormous volume of vapor. It +pursued, it overtook, it overspread them; it swept the light from the +heavens. All was abrupt and utter darkness, and through the gloom was +heard the shout of the guide, already distant, and lost in an instant +amidst the sound of the rushing gust and the groans of the earth +beneath. Glyndon paused. He was separated from his friend, from the +guide. He was alone with the Darkness and the Terror. The vapor rolled +sullenly away; the form of the plumed fire was again dimly visible, and +its struggling and perturbed reflection again shed a glow over the +horrors of the path. Glyndon recovered himself, and sped onward. +Below, he heard the voice of Merton calling on him, though he no longer +saw his form. The sound served as a guide. Dizzy and breathless, he +bounded forward, when hark! a sullen, slow, rolling sound in his ear! +He halted, and turned back to gaze. The fire had overflowed its course; +it had opened itself a channel amidst the furrows of the mountain. The +stream pursued him fast, fast, and the hot breath of the chasing and +preternatural foe came closer and closer upon his cheek. He turned +aside; he climbed desperately, with hands and feet, upon a crag that, to +the right, broke the scathed and blasted level of the soil. The stream +rolled beside and beneath him, and then, taking a sudden wind round the +spot on which he stood, interposed its liquid fire--a broad and +impassable barrier--between his resting-place and escape. There he +stood, cut off from descent, and with no alternative but to retrace his +steps towards the crater, and thence seek--without guide or clew--some +other pathway. + +For a moment his courage left him; he cried in despair, and in that +over-strained pitch of voice which is never heard afar off, to the +guide, to Merton, to return, to aid him. + +No answer came; and the Englishman, thus abandoned solely to his own +resources, felt his spirit and energy rise against the danger. He +turned back, and ventured as far towards the crater as the noxious +exhalation would permit; then, gazing below, carefully and deliberately +he chalked out for himself a path, by which he trusted to shun the +direction the fire-stream had taken, and trod firmly and quickly over +the crumbling and heated strata. + +He had proceeded about fifty yards when he halted abruptly: an +unspeakable and unaccountable horror, not hitherto felt amidst all his +peril, came over him. He shook in every limb; his muscles refused his +will; he felt, as it were, palsied and death-stricken. The horror, I +say, was unaccountable, for the path seemed clear and safe. The fire, +above and behind, burned out clear and far; and beyond, the stars lent +him their cheering guidance. No obstacle was visible, no danger seemed +at hand. As thus, spell-bound and panic-stricken, he stood chained to +the soil--his breast heaving, large drops rolling down his brow, and his +eyes starting wildly from their sockets--he saw before him, at some +distance, gradually shaping itself more and more distinctly to his gaze, +a Colossal Shadow,--a shadow that seemed partially borrowed from the +human shape, but immeasurably above the human stature, vague, dark, +almost formless and differing--he could not tell where or why--not only +from the proportions, but also from the limbs and outline of man. + +The glare of the volcano, that seemed to shrink and collapse from this +gigantic and appalling apparition, nevertheless threw its light, redly +and steadily, upon another shape that stood beside, quiet and +motionless; and it was perhaps the contrast of these two things--the +Being and the Shadow--that impressed the beholder with the difference +between them,--the Man and the Superhuman. It was but for a moment, +nay, for the tenth part of a moment, that this sight was permitted to +the wanderer. A second eddy of sulphureous vapors from the volcano, yet +more rapidly, yet more densely than its predecessor, rolled over the +mountain; and either the nature of the exhalation, or the excess of his +own dread, was such that Glyndon, after one wild gasp for breath, fell +senseless on the earth. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + + +Merton and the Italians arrived in safety at the spot where they had +left the mules; and not till they had recovered their own alarm and +breath did they think of Glyndon. But then, as the minutes passed and +he appeared not, Merton--whose heart was as good, at least, as human +hearts are in general--grew seriously alarmed. He insisted on returning +to search for his friend, and by dint of prodigal promises prevailed at +last on the guide to accompany him. The lower part of the mountain lay +calm and white in the starlight; and the guide's practised eye could +discern all objects on the surface, at a considerable distance. They +had not, however, gone very far before they perceived two forms slowly +approaching towards them. + +As they came near, Merton recognized the form of his friend. "Thank +Heaven, he is safe!" he cried, turning to the guide. + +"Holy angels befriend us!" said the Italian, trembling; "behold the very +being that crossed me last Sabbath night. It is he, but his face is +human now!" + +"Signor Inglese," said the voice of Zicci as Glyndon, pale, wan, and +silent, returned passively the joyous greeting of Merton,--" Signor +Inglese, I told your friend we should meet to-night; you see you have +not foiled my prediction." + +"But how, but where?" stammered Merton, in great confusion and surprise. + +"I found your friend stretched on the ground, overpowered by the +mephitic exhalation of the crater. I bore him to a purer atmosphere; +and as I know the mountain well, I have conducted him safely to you. +This is all our history. You see, sir, that were it not for that +prophecy which you desired to frustrate, your friend would, ere this +time, have been a corpse; one minute more, and the vapor had done its +work. Adieu! good night and pleasant dreams." + +"But, my preserver, you will not leave us," said Glyndon, anxiously, and +speaking for the first time. "Will you not return with us?" + +Zicci paused, and drew Glyndon aside. "Young man," said he, gravely, +"it is necessary that we should again meet to-night. It is necessary +that you should, ere the first hour of morning, decide on your fate. +Will you marry Isabel di Pisani, or lose her forever? Consult not your +friend; he is sensible and wise, but not now is his wisdom needed. +There are times in life when from the imagination, and not the reason, +should wisdom come,--this for you is one of them. I ask not your answer +now. Collect your thoughts, recover your jaded and scattered spirits. +It wants two hours of midnight: at midnight I will be with you!" + +"Incomprehensible being," replied the Englishman, "I would leave the +life you have preserved in your own hands. But since I have known you, +my whole nature has changed. A fiercer desire than that of love burns +in my veins,--the desire, not to resemble, but to surpass my kind; the +desire to penetrate and to share the secret of your own existence; the +desire of a preternatural knowledge and unearthly power. Instruct me, +school me, make me thine; and I surrender to thee at once, and without a +murmur, the woman that, till I saw thee, I would have defied a world to +obtain." + +"I ask not the sacrifice, Glyndon," replied Zicci, coldly, yet mildly, +"yet--shall I own it to thee?--I am touched by the devotion I have +inspired. I sicken for human companionship, sympathy, and friendship; +yet I dread to share them, for bold must be the man who can partake my +existence and enjoy my confidence. Once more I say to thee, in +compassion and in warning, the choice of life is in thy hands,--to- +morrow it will be too late. On the one hand, Isabel, a tranquil home, a +happy and serene life; on the other hand all is darkness, darkness that +even this eye cannot penetrate." + +"But thou hast told me that if I wed Isabel I must be contented to be +obscure; and if I refuse, that knowledge and power may be mine." + +"Vain man! knowledge and power are not happiness." + +"But they are better than happiness. Say, if I marry Isabel, wilt thou +be my master, my guide? Say this, and I am resolved." + +"Never! It is only the lonely at heart, the restless, the desperate, +that may be my pupils." + +"Then I renounce her! I renounce love, I renounce happiness. Welcome +solitude, welcome despair, if they are the entrances to thy dark and +sublime secret." + +"I will not take thy answer now; at midnight thou shalt give it in one +word,--ay, or no! Farewell till then!" + +The mystic waved his hand, and descending rapidly, was seen no more. + +Glyndon rejoined his impatient and wondering friend; but Merton, gazing +on his face, saw that a great change had passed there. The flexile and +dubious expression of youth was forever gone; the features were locked, +rigid, and stern; and so faded was the natural bloom that an hour seemed +to have done the work of years. + + + + +CHAPTER, XI. + + +On returning from Vesuvius or Pompeii you enter Naples through its most +animated, its most Neapolitan quarter, through that quarter in which +Modern life most closely resembles the Ancient, and in which, when, on a +fair day, the thoroughfare swarms alike with Indolence and Trade, you +are impressed at once with the recollection of that restless, lively +race from which the population of Naples derives its origin; so that in +one day you may see at Pompeii the habitations of a remote age, and on +the Mole at Naples you may imagine you behold the very beings with which +those habitations had been peopled. The language of words is dead, but +the language of gestures remains little impaired. A fisherman,-- +peasant, of Naples will explain to you the motions, the attitudes, the +gestures of the figures painted on the antique vases better than the +most learned antiquary of Gottingen or Leipsic. + +But now, as the Englishmen rode slowly through the deserted streets, +lighted but by the lamps of heaven, all the gayety of the day was hushed +and breathless. Here and there, stretched under a portico or a dingy +booth, were sleeping groups of houseless lazzaroni,--a tribe now happily +merging this indolent individuality amidst an energetic and active +population. + +The Englishmen rode on in silence, for Glyndon neither appeared to heed +or hear the questions and comments of Merton, and Merton himself was +almost as weary as the jaded animal he bestrode. + +Suddenly the silence of earth and ocean was broken by the sound of a +distant clock, that proclaimed the last hour of night. Glyndon started +from his revery, and looked anxiously around. As the final stroke died, +the noise of hoofs rang on the broad stones of the pavement, and from a +narrow street to the right emerged the form of a solitary horseman. He +neared the Englishmen, and Glyndon recognized the features and mien of +Zicci. + +"What! do we meet again, signor?" said Merton, in a vexed but drowsy +tone. + +"Your friend and I have business together," replied Zicci, as he wheeled +his powerful and fiery steed to the side of Glyndon; "but it will be +soon transacted. Perhaps you, sir, will ride on to your hotel." + +"Alone?" + +"There is no danger," returned Zicci, with a slight expression of +disdain in his voice. + +"None to me, but to Glyndon?" + +"Danger from me? Ah! perhaps you are right." + +"Go on, my dear Merton," said Glyndon. "I will join you before you +reach the hotel." + +Merton nodded, whistled, and pushed his horse into a kind of amble. + +"Now your answer,--quick." + +"I have decided: the love of Isabel has vanished from my heart. The +pursuit is over." + +"You have decided?" + +"I have." + +"Adieu! join your friend." + +Zicci gave the rein to his horse; it sprang forward with a bound; the +sparks flew from its hoofs, and horse and rider disappeared amidst the +shadows of the street whence they had emerged. + +Merton was surprised to see his friend by his side, a minute after they +had parted. + +"What business can you have with Zicci? Will you not confide in me?" + +"Merton, do not ask me to-night; I am in a dream." + +"I do not wonder at it, for even I am in a sleep. Let us push on." + +In the retirement of his chamber, Glyndon sought to recollect his +thoughts. He sat down on the foot of his bed and pressed his hands +tightly to his throbbing temples. The events of the last few hours, the +apparition of the gigantic and shadowy Companion of the Mystic amidst +the fires and clouds of Vesuvius, the strange encounter with Zicci +himself on a spot in which he could never have calculated on finding +Glyndon, filled his mind with emotions, in which terror and awe the +least prevailed. A fire, the train of which had long been laid, was +lighted at his heart,--the asbestos fire that, once lit, is never to be +quenched. All his early aspiration, his young ambition, his longings +for the laurel, were mingled in one passionate yearning to overpass the +bounds of the common knowledge of man, and reach that solemn spot, +between two worlds, on which the mysterious stranger appeared to have +fixed his home. + +Far from recalling with renewed affright the remembrance of the +apparition that had so appalled him, the recollection only served to +kindle and concentrate his curiosity into a burning focus. He had said +aright,--love had vanished from his heart; there was no longer a serene +space amidst its disordered elements for human affection to move and +breathe. The enthusiast was rapt from this earth; and he would have +surrendered all that beauty ever promised, that mortal hope ever +whispered, for one hour with Zicci beyond the portals of the visible +world. + +He rose, oppressed and fevered with the new thoughts that raged within +him, and threw open his casement for air. The ocean lay suffused in the +starry light, and the stillness of the heavens never more eloquently +preached the morality of repose to the madness of earthly passions. But +such was Glyndon's mood that their very hush only served to deepen the +wild desires that preyed upon his soul. And the solemn stars, that are +mysteries in themselves, seemed by a kindred sympathy to agitate the +wings of the spirit no longer contented with its cage. As he gazed, a +star shot from its brethren and vanished from the depth of space! + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + + +The sleep of Glyndon that night was unusually profound, and the sun +streamed full upon his eyes as he opened them to the day. He rose +refreshed, and with a strange sentiment of calmness, that seemed more +the result of resolution than exhaustion. The incidents and emotions of +the past night had settled into distinct and clear impressions. He +thought of them but slightly,--he thought rather of the future. He was +as one of the Initiated in the old Egyptian Mysteries, who have crossed +the Gate only to look more ardently for the Penetralia. + +He dressed himself, and was relieved to find that Merton had joined a +party of his countrymen on an excursion to Ischia. He spent the heat of +noon in thoughtful solitude, and gradually the image of Isabel returned +to his heart. It was a holy--for it was a human--image; he had resigned +her, and he repented. The light of day served, if not to dissipate, at +least to sober, the turbulence and fervor of the preceding night. But +was it indeed too late to retract his resolve? "Too late!" terrible +words! Of what do we not repent, when the Ghost of the Deed returns to +us to say, "Thou hast no recall?" + +He started impatiently from his seat, seized his hat and sword, and +strode with rapid steps to the humble abode of the actress. + +The distance was considerable, and the air oppressive. Glyndon arrived +at the door breathless and heated. he knocked, no answer came; he +lifted the latch and entered. No sound, no sight of life, met his ear +and eye. In the front chamber, on a table, lay the guitar of the +actress and some manuscript parts in plays. He paused, and summoning +courage, tapped at the door which seemed to lead into the inner +apartment. The door was ajar; and hearing no sound within, he pushed it +open. It was the sleeping chamber of the young actress,--that holiest +ground to a lover. And well did the place become the presiding deity: +none of the tawdry finery of the Profession was visible on the one hand, +none of the slovenly disorder common to the humbler classes of the South +on the other. All was pure and simple; even the ornaments were those of +an innocent refinement,--a few books placed carefully on shelves, a few +half-faded flowers in an earthen vase which was modelled and painted in +the Etruscan fashion. The sunlight streamed over the snowy draperies of +the bed, and a few articles of clothing, neatly folded, on the chair +beside it. Isabel was not there; and Glyndon, as he gazed around, +observed that the casement which opened to the ground was wrenched and +broken, and several fragments of the shattered glass lay below. The +light flashed at once upon Glyndon's mind,--the ravisher had borne away +his prize. The ominous words of Zicci were fulfilled: it was too late! +Wretch that he was, perhaps he might have saved her! But the nurse,-- +was she gone also? He made the house resound with the name of Gionetta, +but there was not even an echo to reply. He resolved to repair at once +to the abode of Zicci. On arriving at the palace of the Corsican, he +was informed that the signor was gone to the banquet of the Prince di --, +and would not return until late. He turned in dismay from the door, +and perceived the heavy carriage of the Count Cetoxa rolling along the +narrow street. Cetoxa recognized him and stopped the carriage. + +"Ah my dear Signor Glyndon," said he, leaning out of the window, "and +how goes your health? You heard the news?" + +"What news?" asked Glyndon, mechanically. + +"Why, the beautiful actress,--the wonder of Naples! I always thought +she would have good luck." + +"Well, well, what of her?" + +"The Prince di-- has taken a prodigious fancy to her, and has carried +her to his own palace. The Court is a little scandalized." + +"The villain! by force?" + +"Force! Ha! ha! my dear signor, what need of force to persuade an +actress to accept the splendid protection of one of the wealthiest +noblemen in Italy? Oh, no! you may be sure she went willingly enough. +I only just heard the news: the prince himself proclaimed his triumph +this morning, and the accommodating Mascari has been permitted to +circulate it. I hope the connection will not last long, or we shall +lose our best singer. Addio!" + +Glyndon stood mute and motionless. He knew not what to think, to +believe, or how to act. Even Merton was not at hand to advise him. His +conscience smote him bitterly; and half in despair, half in the +courageous wrath of jealousy, he resolved to repair to the palace of the +prince himself, and demand his captive in the face of his assembled +guests. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + + +We must go back to the preceding night. The actress and her nurse had +returned from the theatre; and Isabel, fatigued and exhausted, had +thrown herself on a sofa, while Gionetta busied herself with the long +tresses which, released from the fillet that bound them, half concealed +the form of the actress, like a veil of threads of gold; and while she +smoothed the luxuriant locks, the old nurse ran gossiping on about the +little events of the night,--the scandal and politics of the scenes and +the tire-room. + +The clock sounded the hour of midnight, and still Isabel detained the +nurse; for a vague and foreboding fear, she could not account for, made +her seek to protract the time of solitude and rest. + +At length Gionetta's voice was swallowed up in successive yawns. She +took her lamp and departed to her own room, which was placed in the +upper story of the house. Isabel was alone. The half-hour after +midnight sounded dull and distant, all was still, and she was about to +enter her sleeping-room, when she heard the hoofs of a horse at full +speed. The sound ceased; there was a knock at the door. Her heart beat +violently; but fear gave way to another sentiment when she heard a +voice, too well known, calling on her name. She went to the door. + +"Open, Isabel,--it is Zicci," said the voice again. + +And why did the actress feel fear no more, and why did that virgin hand +unbar the door to admit, without a scruple or, a doubt, at that late +hour, the visit of the fairest cavalier of Naples? I know not; but +Zicci had become her destiny, and she obeyed the voice of her preserver +as if it were the command of Fate. + +Zicci entered with a light and hasty step. His horseman's +cloak fitted tightly to his noble form, and the raven plumes of his +broad hat threw a gloomy shade over his commanding features. + +The girl followed him into the room, trembling and blushing deeply, and +stood before him with the lamp she held shining upward on her cheek, and +the long hair that fell like a shower of light over the bare shoulders +and heaving bust. + +"Isabel," said Zicci, in a voice that spoke deep emotion, "I am by thy +side once more to save thee. Not a moment is to be lost. Thou must fly +with me, or remain the victim of the Prince di --. I would have made +the charge I now undertake another's,--thou knowest I would, thou +knowest it; but he is not worthy of thee, the cold Englishman! I throw +myself at thy feet; have trust in me, and fly." + +He grasped her hand passionately as he dropped on his knee, and looked +up into her face with his bright, beseeching eyes. + +"Fly with thee!" said Isabel, tenderly. + +"Thou knowest the penalty,--name, fame, honor, all will be sacrificed if +thou dost not." + +"Then, then," said the wild girl, falteringly, and turning aside her +face, "then I am not indifferent to thee. Thou wouldest not give me to +another; thou lovest me?" + +Zicci was silent; but his breast heaved, his cheeks flushed, his eyes +darted dark but impassioned fire. + +"Speak!" exclaimed Isabel, in jealous suspicion of his silence. "Speak, +if thou lovest me." + +"I dare not tell thee so; I will not yet say I love thee." + +"Then what matter my fate?" said Isabel, turning pale and shrinking from +his side. "Leave me; I fear no danger. My life, and therefore my +honor, is in mine own hands." + +"Be not so mad!" said Zicci. "Hark! do you hear the neigh of my steed? +It is an alarm that warns us of the approaching peril. Haste, or you +are lost." + +"Why do you care for me?" said the girl, bitterly. "Thou hast read my +heart; thou knowest that I would fly with thee to the end of the world, +if I were but sure of thy love; that all sacrifice of womanhood's repute +were sweet to me, if regarded as the proof and seal of affection. But +to be bound beneath the weight of a cold obligation; to be the beggar on +the eyes of Indifference; to throw myself on one who loves me not,--that +were indeed the vilest sin of my sex. Ah! Zicci, rather let me die." + +She had thrown back her clustering hair from her face as she spoke; and +as she now stood, with her arms drooping mournfully, and her hands +clasped together with the proud bitterness of her wayward spirit, giving +new zest and charm to her singular beauty, it was impossible to conceive +a sight more irresistible to the senses and the heart. + +"Tempt me not to thine own danger, perhaps destruction," exclaimed +Zicci, in faltering accents; "thou canst not dream of what thou wouldest +demand. Come," and, advancing, he wound his arm round her waist, "come, +Isabel! Believe at least in my friendship, my protection--" + +"And not thy love," said the Italian, turning on him her hurried and +reproachful eyes. Those eyes met his, and he could not withdraw from +the charm of their gaze. He felt her heart throbbing beneath his own; +her breath came warm upon his cheek. He trembled,--he, the lofty, the +mysterious Zicci,--who seemed to stand aloof from his race. With a deep +and burning sigh he murmured, "Isabel, I love thee!" That beautiful +face, bathed in blushes, drooped upon his bosom; and. as he bent down, +his lips sought the rosy mouth,--a long and burning kiss. Danger, life, +the world were forgotten! Suddenly Zicci tore himself from her. + +"Oh! what have I said? It is gone,--my power to preserve thee, to guard +thee, to foresee the storm in thy skies, is gone forever. No matter! +Haste, haste; and may love supply the loss of prophecy and power!" + +Isabel hesitated no more. She threw her mantle over her shoulders and +gathered up her dishevelled hair; a moment, and she was prepared,--when +a sudden crash was heard in the inner room. + +"Too late!--fool that I was--too late!" cried Zicci, in a sharp tone of +agony as he hurried to the outer door. He opened it, only to be borne +back by the press of armed men. + +Behind, before, escape was cut off. The room literally swarmed with the +followers of the ravisher, masked, mailed, armed to the teeth. + +Isabel was already in the grasp of two of the myrmidons; her shriek +smote the ear of Zicci. He sprang forward, and Isabel heard his wild +cry in a foreign tongue,--the gleam, the clash of swords. She lost her +senses; and when she recovered, she found herself gagged, and in a +carriage that was driven rapidly, by the side of a masked and motionless +figure. The carriage stopped at the portals of a gloomy mansion. The +gates opened noiselessly, a broad flight of steps, brilliantly +illumined, was before her,--she was in the palace of the Prince di --. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + + +The young actress was led to and left alone in a chamber adorned with +all the luxurious and half-Eastern taste that at one time characterized +the palaces of the great seigneurs of Italy. Her first thought was for +Zicci,--was he yet living? Had he escaped unscathed the blades of the +foe,--her new treasure, the new light of her life, her lord, at last her +lover? + +She had short time for reflection. She heard steps approaching the +chamber; she drew back. She placed her hand on the dagger that at all +hours she wore concealed in her bosom. Living or dead, she would be +faithful still to Zicci There was a new motive to the preservation of +honor. The door opened, and the Prince entered, in a dress that +sparkled with jewels. + +"Fair and cruel one," said he, advancing, with a half-sneer upon his +lip, "thou wilt not too harshly blame the violence of love." He +attempted to take her hand as he spoke. + +"Nay," said he, as she recoiled, "reflect that thou art now in the power +of one that never faltered in the pursuit of an object less dear to him +than thou art. Thy lover, presumptuous though he be, is not by to save +thee. Mine thou art; but instead of thy master, suffer me to be thy +slave." + +"My lord," said Isabel, with a stern gravity which perhaps the Stage had +conspired with Nature, to bestow upon her, "your boast is in vain. Your +power,--I am not in your power! Life and death are in my own hands. I +will not defy, but I do not fear you. I feel--and in some feelings," +added Isabel, with a, solemnity almost thrilling, "there is all the +strength and all the divinity of knowledge--I feel that I am safe even +here; but you, you, Prince di --, have brought danger to your home and +hearth!" + +The Neapolitan seemed startled by an earnestness and a boldness he was +but little prepared for. He was not, however, a man easily intimidated +or deterred from any purpose he had formed; and approaching Isabel, he +was about to reply with much warmth, real or affected, when a, knock was +heard at the door of the chamber. The sound was repeated, and the +Prince, chafed at the interruption, opened the door and demanded +impatiently who had ventured to disobey his orders and invade his +leisure. Mascari presented himself, pale and agitated. "My lord," said +he, in a whisper, "pardon me, but a stranger is below who insists on +seeing you; and from some words he let fall, I judged it advisable even +to infringe your commands." + +"A stranger, and at this hour! What business can he pretend? Why was +he even admitted?" + +"He asserts that your life is in imminent danger. The source whence it +proceeds he will relate to your Excellency alone." + +The Prince frowned, but his color changed. He mused a moment, and then, +re-entering the chamber and advancing towards Isabel, he said,-- + +"Believe me, fair creature, I have no wish to take advantage of my +power. I would fain trust alone to the gentler authorities of +affection. Hold yourself queen within these walls more absolutely than +you have ever enacted that part on the stage. To-night, farewell! May +your sleep becalm, and your dreams propitious to my hopes!" + +With these words he retired, and in a few moments Isabel was surrounded +by officious attendants, whom she at length, with some difficulty, +dismissed; and refusing to retire to rest, she spent the night in +examining the chamber, which she found was secured, and in thoughts of +Zicci, in whose power she felt an almost preternatural confidence. + +Meanwhile the Prince descended the stairs, and sought the room into +which the stranger had been shown. + +He found him wrapped from head to foot in a long robe,--half gown, half +mantle,--such as was sometimes worn by ecclesiastics. The face of this +stranger was remarkable; so sunburnt and swarthy were his hues that he +must, apparently, have derived his origin amongst the races of the +farthest East. His--forehead was lofty, and his eyes so penetrating, +yet so calm, in their gaze that the Prince shrank from them as we shrink +from a questioner who is drawing forth the guiltiest secrets of our +hearts. + +"What would you with me?" asked the Prince, motioning his visitor to a +seat. + +"Prince di --," said the stranger, in a voice deep and sweet, but +foreign in its accent, "son of the most energetic and masculine race +that ever applied godlike genius to the service of the Human Will, with +its winding wickedness and its stubborn grandeur; descendant of the +great Visconti, in whose chronicles lies the History of Italy in her +palmy day, and in whose rise was the development of the mightiest +intellect ripened by the most relentless ambition,--I come to gaze upon +the last star in a darkening firmament. By this hour to-morrow space +shall know it not. Man, thy days are cumbered!" + +"What means this jargon?" said the Prince, in visible astonishment and +secret awe. "Comest thou to menace me in my own halls, or wouldest thou +warn me of a danger? Art thou some itinerant mountebank, or some +unguessed of friend? Speak out, and plainly. What danger threatens +me?" + +"Zicci!" replied the stranger. + +"Ha! ha!" said the Prince, laughing scornfully; "I half suspected thee +from the first. Thou art, then, the accomplice or the tool of that most +dexterous, but, at present, defeated charlatan. And I suppose thou wilt +tell me that if I were to release a certain captive I have made, the +danger would vanish and the hand of the dial would be put back?" + +"Judge of me as thou wilt, Prince di --. I confess my knowledge of +Zicci,--a knowledge shared but by a few, who--But this touches thee not. +I would save, therefore I warn thee. Dost thou ask me why? I will tell +thee. Canst thou remember to have heard wild tales of thy grandsire,-- +of his desire for a knowledge that passes that of the schools and +cloisters; of a strange man from the East, who was his familiar and +master in lore, against which the Vatican has from age to age launched +its mimic thunder? Dost thou call to mind the fortunes of thy +ancestor,--how he succeeded in youth to little but a name; how, after a +career wild and dissolute as thine, he disappeared from Milan, a pauper +and a self-exile; how, after years spent none knew in what climes or in +what pursuits, he again revisited the city where his progenitors had +reigned; how with him came this wise man of the East, the mystic +Mejnour; how they who beheld him, beheld with amaze and fear that time +had ploughed no furrow on his brow,--that youth seemed fixed as by a +spell upon his face and form? Dost thou know that from that hour his +fortunes rose? Kinsmen the most remote died, estate upon estate fell +into the hands of the ruined noble. He allied himself with the royalty +of Austria, he became the guide of princes, the first magnate of Italy. +He founded anew the house of which thou art the last lineal upholder, +and transferred its splendor from Milan to the Sicilian realms. Visions +of high ambition were then present with him nightly and daily. Had he +lived, Italy would have known a new dynasty, and the Visconti would have +reigned over Magna Graecia. He was a man such as the world rarely sees; +he was worthy to be of us, worthy to be the pupil of Mejnour,--whom you +now see before you." + +The Prince, who had listened with deep and breathless attention to the +words of his singular guest, started from his seat at his last words. +"Impostor!" he cried, "can you dare thus to play with my credulity? +Sixty years have passed since my grandsire died; and you, a man younger +apparently than myself, have the assurance to pretend to have been his contemporary! But you have imperfectly learned your tale. You know not, +it seems, that my grandsire--wise and illustrious, indeed, in all save +his faith in a charlatan--was found dead in his bed in the very hour +when his colossal plans were ripe for execution, and that Mejnour was +guilty of his murder?" + +"Alas!" answered the stranger, in a voice of great sadness, had he but +listened to Mejnour, had he delayed the last and most perilous ordeal of +daring wisdom until the requisite training and initiation had been +completed, your ancestor would have stood with me upon an eminence which +the waters of Death itself wash everlastingly, but cannot overflow. +Your grandsire resisted my fervent prayers, disobeyed my most absolute +commands, and in the sublime rashness of a soul that panted for the last +secrets, perished,--the victim of his own frenzy." + +"He was poisoned, and Mejnour fled." + +"Mejnour fled not," answered the stranger, quickly and proudly. + +"Mejnour could not fly from danger, for to him danger is a thing long +left behind. It was the day before the duke took the fatal draught +which he believed was to confer on the mortal the immortal boon that, +finding my power over him was gone, I abandoned him to his doom. + +"On the night on which your grandsire breathed his last, I was +standing alone at moonlight on the ruins of Persepolis,--for my +wanderings, space hath no obstacle. But a truce with this: I loved your +grandsire; I would save the last of his race. Oppose not thyself to +Zicci. Oppose not thyself to thine evil passions. Draw back from the +precipice while there is yet time. In thy front and in thine eyes I +detect some of that diviner glory which belonged to thy race. Thou hast +in thee some germs of their hereditary genius, but they are choked up by +worse than thy hereditary vices. Recollect, by genius thy house rose,-- +by vice it ever failed to perpetuate its power. In the laws which +regulate the Universe it is decreed that nothing wicked can long endure. +Be wise, and let history warn thee. Thou standest on the verge of two +worlds,--the Past and the Future; and voices from either shriek omen in +thy ear. I have done. I bid thee farewell." + +"Not so; thou shalt not quit these walls. I will make experiment of thy +boasted power. What ho there! ho!" The Prince shouted; the room was +filled with his minions. "Seize that man!" he cried, pointing to the +spot which had been filled by the form of Mejnour. To his inconceivable +amaze and horror, the spot was vacant. The mysterious stranger had +vanished like a dream. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + + +It was the first faint and gradual break of the summer dawn; and two men +stood in a balcony overhanging a garden fragrant with the scents of the +awakening flowers. The stars had not left the sky, the birds were yet +silent on the boughs; all was still, hushed, and tranquil. But how +different the tranquillity of reviving day from the solemn repose of +night. + +In the music of silence there are a thousand variations. These men, who +alone seemed awake in Naples, were Zicci and the mysterious stranger, +who had but an hour or two ago startled the Prince di -- in his +voluptuous palace. + +"No," said the latter, "hadst thou delayed the acceptance of the Arch +Gift until thou hadst attained to the years and passed through all the +desolate bereavements that chilled and scared myself ere my researches +had made it mine, thou wouldest have escaped the curse of which thou +complainest now. Thou wouldest not have mourned over the brevity of +human affection as compared to the duration of thine own existence, for +thou wouldest have survived the very desire and dream of the love of +woman. Brightest, and but for that error perhaps the loftiest, of the +secret and solemn race that fills up the interval in creation between +mankind and the demons, age after age wilt thou rue the splendid folly +which made thee ask to carry the beauty and the passions of youth into +the dreary grandeur of earthly immortality." + +"I do not repent, nor shall I," answered Zicci, coldly. "The transport +and the sorrow, so wildly blended, which diversify my doom, are better +than the calm and bloodless tenor of thy solitary way. Thou, who lovest +nothing, hatest nothing,--feelest nothing, and walkest the world with +the noiseless and joyless footsteps of a dream!" + +You mistake," replied he who had owned the name of Mejnour; "though I +care not for love, and am dead to every passion that agitates the sons +of clay, I am not dead to their more serene enjoyments. I have still +left to me the sublime pleasures of wisdom and of friendship. I carry +down the Stream of the countless years, not the turbulent desires of +youth, but the calm and spiritual delights of age. Wisely and +deliberately I abandoned youth forever when I separated my lot from men. +Let us not envy or reproach each other. I would have saved this +Neapolitan, Zicci (since so it now pleases thee to be called), partly +because his grandsire was but divided by the last airy barrier from our +own brotherhood, partly because I know that in the man himself lurk the +elements of ancestral courage and power, which in earlier life would +have fitted him for one of us. Earth holds but few to whom nature has +given the qualities that can bear the ordeal! But time and excess, that +have thickened the grosser senses, have blunted the imagination. I +relinquish him to his doom." + +"And still then, Mejnour, you cherish the desire to increase our scanty +and scattered host by new converts and allies; Surely, surely, thy +experience might have taught thee that scarcely once in a thousand years +is born the being who can pass through the horrible gates that lead into +the worlds without. Is not thy path already strewed with thy victims? +Do not their ghastly faces of agony and fear,--the blood-stained +suicide, the raving maniac,--rise before thee and warn what is yet left +to thee of human sympathy from thy insane ambition?" + +"Nay," answered Mejnour, "have I not had success to counterbalance +failure? And can I forego this lofty and august hope, worthy alone of +our high condition,--the hope to form a mighty and numerous race, with a +force and power sufficient to permit them to acknowledge to mankind +their majestic conquests and dominion; to become the true lords of this +planet, invaders perchance of others, masters of the inimical and +malignant tribes by which at this moment we are surrounded,--a race that +may proceed, in their deathless destinies, from stage to stage of +celestial glory, and rank at last among the nearest ministrants and +agents gathered round the Throne of Thrones? What matter a thousand +victims for one convert to our band? And you, Zicci," continued +Mejnour, after a pause, "you, even you, should this affection for a +mortal beauty that you have dared, despite yourself, to cherish, be more +than a passing fancy; should it, once admitted into your inmost nature, +partake of its bright and enduring essence,--even you may brave all +things to raise the beloved one into your equal. Nay, interrupt me not. +Can you see sickness menace her, danger hover around, years creep on, +the eyes grow dim, the beauty fade, while the heart, youthful still, +clings and fastens round your own,--can you see this, and know it is +yours to--" + +"Cease," cried Zicci, fiercely. "What is all other fate as compared to +the death of terror? What! when the coldest sage, the most heated +enthusiast, the hardiest warrior, with his nerves of iron, have been +found dead in their beds, with straining eyeballs and horrent hair, at +the first step of the Dread Progress, thinkest thou that this weak +woman--from whose cheek a sound at the window, the screech of the night- +owl, the sight of a drop of blood on a man's sword, would start the +color--could brave one glance of--Away! the very thought of such +sights for her makes even myself a coward!" + +"When you told her you loved her, when you clasped her to your breast, +you renounced all power to prophesy her future lot or protect her from +harm. Henceforth to her you are human, and human only. How know you, +then, to what you may be tempted? How know you what her curiosity may +learn and her courage brave? But enough of this,--you are bent on your +pursuit?" + +"The fiat has gone forth." + +"And to-morrow?" + +"To-morrow at this hour our bark will be bounding over yonder ocean, and +the weight of ages will have fallen from my heart! Fool, thou hast +given up thy youth!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +The Prince di -- was not a man whom Naples could suppose to be addicted +to superstitious fancies, neither was the age one in which the belief of +sorcery was prevalent. Still, in the South of Italy there was then, and +there still lingers, a certain spirit of credulity, which may, ever and +anon, be visible amidst the boldest dogmas of their philosophers and +sceptics. In his childhood the Prince had learned strange tales of the +ambition, the genius, and the career of his grandsire; and secretly, +perhaps influenced by ancestral example, in earlier youth he himself had +followed alchemy, not only through her legitimate course, but her +antiquated and erratic windings. I have, indeed, been shown in Naples a +little volume blazoned with the arms of the Visconti, and ascribed to +the nobleman I refer to, which treats of alchemy in a spirit half +mocking and half reverential. + +Pleasure soon distracted him from such speculations, and his talents, +which were unquestionably great, were wholly perverted to extravagant +intrigues or to the embellishment of a gorgeous ostentation with +something of classic grace. His immense wealth, his imperious pride, +his unscrupulous and daring character, made him an object of no +inconsiderable fear to a feeble and timid court; and the ministers of +the indolent government willingly connived at excesses--, which allured +him at least from ambition. The strange visit and yet more strange +departure of Mejnour filled the breast of the Neapolitan with awe and +wonder, against which all the haughty arrogance and learned scepticism +of his maturer manhood combated in vain. The apparition of--Mejnour +served, indeed, to invest Zicci with a character in which the Prince had +not hitherto regarded him. He felt a strange alarm at the rival he had +braved, at the foe he had provoked. His night was sleepless, and the +next morning he came to the resolution of leaving Isabel in peace until +after the banquet of that day, to which he had invited Zicci. He felt +as if the death of the mysterious Corsican were necessary for the +preservation of his own life; and if at an earlier period of their +rivalry he had determined on the fate of Zicci, the warnings of--Mejnour +only served to confirm his resolve. + +"We will try if his magic can invent an antidote to the bane," said he, +half aloud and with a gloomy smile, as he summoned Mascari to his +presence. The poison which the Prince, with his own hands, mixed into +the wine intended for his guest was compounded from materials the secret +of which had been one of the proudest heir-looms of that able and evil +race which gave to Italy her wisest and fellest tyrants. Its operation +was quick, not sudden; it produced no pain, it left on the form no grim +convulsion, on the skin no purpling spot, to arouse suspicion; you might +have cut and carved every membrane and fibre of the corpse, but the +sharpest eyes of the leech would not have detected the presence of the +subtle life-queller. For twelve hours the victim felt nothing, save a +joyous and elated exhilaration of the blood; a delicious languor +followed,--the sure forerunner of apoplexy. No lancet then could save! +Apoplexy had run much in the families of the enemies of the Visconti! + +The hour of the feast arrived, the guests assembled. There were the +flower of the Neapolitan seigneurie,--the descendants of the Norman, the +Teuton, the Goth; for Naples had then a nobility, but derived it from +the North, which has indeed been the Nutrix Leonum, the nurse of the +lion-hearted chivalry of the world. + +Last of the guests came Zicci, and the crowd gave way as the dazzling +foreigner moved along to the lord of the palace. The Prince greeted him +with a meaning smile, to which Zicci answered by a whisper: "He who +plays with loaded dice does not always win." + +The Prince bit his lip; and Zicci, passing on, seemed deep in +conversation with the fawning Mascari. + +"Who is the Prince's heir?" asked the Corsican. + +"A distant relation on the mother's side; with his Excellency dies the +male line." + +"Is the heir present at our host's banquet?" + +"No; they are not friends." + +"No matter; he will be here to-morrow!" + +Mascari stared in surprise; but the signal for the banquet was given, +and the guests were marshalled to the board. As was the custom, the +feast took place at midday. It was a long oval hall, the whole of one +side opening by a marble colonnade upon a court or garden, in which the +eye rested gratefully upon cool fountains and statues of whitest marble, +half sheltered by orange-trees. Every art that luxury could invent to +give freshness and coolness to the languid and breezeless heat of the +day without (a day on which the breath of the sirocco was abroad) had +been called into existence. Artificial currents of air through +invisible tubes, silken blinds waving to and fro as if to cheat the +senses into the belief of an April wind, and miniature jets d'eau in +each corner of the apartment gave to the Italians the same sense of +exhilaration and comfort (if I may use the word) which the well-drawn +curtains and the blazing hearth afford to the children of colder climes. + +The conversation was somewhat more lively and intellectual than is +common among the languid pleasure-hunters of the South; for the Prince, +himself accomplished, sought his acquaintance not only amongst the beaux +esprits of his own country, but amongst the gay foreigners who adorned +and relieved the monotony of the Neapolitan circles. There were present +two or three of the brilliant Frenchmen of the old regime, and their +peculiar turn of thought and wit was well calculated for the meridian of +a society that made the dolce far niente at once its philosophy and its +faith. The Prince, however, was more silent than usual, and when he +sought to rouse himself, his spirits were forced and exaggerated. To +the, manners of his host, those of Zicci afforded a striking contrast. +The bearing of this singular person was at all times characterized by a +calm and polished ease which was attributed by the courtiers to the long +habit of society. He could scarcely be called gay, yet few persons more +tended to animate the general spirits of a convivial circle. He seemed, +by a kind of intuition, to elicit from each companion the qualities in +which he most excelled; and a certain tone of latent mockery that +characterized his remarks upon the topics on which the conversation +fell, seemed to men who took nothing in earnest to be the language both +of wit and wisdom. To the Frenchmen in particular there was something +startling in his intimate knowledge of the minutest events in their own +capital and country, and his profound penetration (evinced but in +epigrams and sarcasms) into the eminent characters who were then playing +a part upon the great stage of Continental intrigue. It was while this +conversation grew animated, and the feast was at its height, that +Glyndon (who, as the reader will recollect, had resolved, on learning +from Cetoxa the capture of the actress, to seek the Prince himself) +arrived at the palace. The porter, perceiving by his dress that he was +not one of the invited guests, told him that his Excellency was engaged, +and on no account could be disturbed; and Glyndon then, for the first +time, became aware of how strange and embarrassing was the duty he had +taken on himself. To force an entrance into the banquet-hall of a great +and powerful noble surrounded by the rank of Naples, and to arraign him +for what to his boon companions would appear but an act of gallantry, +was an exploit that could not fail to be at once ludicrous and impotent. +He mused a moment; and remembering that Zicci was among the guests, +determined to apply himself to the Corsican. He therefore, slipping a +few crowns into the porter's hand, said that he was commissioned to seek +the Signor Zicci upon an errand of life and death, and easily won his +way across the court and into the interior building. He passed up the +broad staircase, and the voices and merriment of the revellers smote his +ear at a distance. At the entrance of the reception-rooms he found a +page, whom he despatched with a message to Zicci. The page did the +errand; and the Corsican, on hearing the whispered name of Glyndon, +turned to his host. + +"Pardon me, my lord, an English friend of mine, the Signor Glyndon (not +unknown by name to your Excellency), waits without. The business must +indeed be urgent on which he has sought me in such an hour. You will +forgive my momentary absence." + +"Nay, signor," answered the Prince, courteously, but with a sinister +smile on his countenance, "would it not be better for your friend to +join us? An Englishman is welcome everywhere; and even were he a +Dutchman, your friendship would invest his presence with attraction. +Pray his attendance,--we would not spare you even for a moment." + +Zicci bowed. The page was despatched with all flattering messages to +Glyndon, a seat next to Zicci was placed for him, and the young +Englishman entered. + +"You are most welcome, sir. I trust your business to our illustrious +guest is of good omen and pleasant import. If you bring evil news, +defer it, I pray you." + +Glyndon's brow was sullen, and he was about to startle the guests by his +reply, when Zicci, touching his arm significantly, whispered in English, +"I know why you have sought me. Be silent, and witness what ensues." + +"You know, then, that Isabel, whom you boasted you had the power to save +from danger--" + +"Is in this house? Yes. I know also that Murder sits at the right hand +of our host. Be still, and learn the fate that awaits the foes of +Zicci." + +"My lord," said the Corsican, speaking aloud, "the Signor Glyndon has +indeed brought me tidings which, though not unexpected, are unwelcome. +I learn that which will oblige me to leave Naples to-morrow, though I +trust but for a short time. I have now a new motive to make the most of +the present hour." + +"And what, if I may venture to ask, may be the cause which brings such +affliction on the fair dames of Naples?" + +"It is the approaching death of one who honored me with most loyal +friendship," replied Zicci, gravely. "Let us not speak of it,--Grief +cannot put back the dial. As we supply by new flowers those that fade +in our vases, so it is the secret of worldly wisdom to replace by fresh +friendships those that fade from our path." + +"True philosophy," exclaimed the Prince. "'Not to admire' was the +Roman's maxim; never to mourn is mine. There is nothing in life to +grieve for,--save, indeed, Signor Zicci, when some beauty on whom we +have set our heart slips from our grasp. In such a moment we have need +of all our wisdom not to succumb to despair and shake hands with death. +What say you, signor? You smile. Such never could be your lot. Pledge +me in a sentiment: 'Long life; to the fortunate lover; a quick release +to the baffled suitor!'" + +"I pledge you," said Zicci. And as the fatal wine was poured into his +glass, he repeated, fixing his eyes on the Prince, "I pledge you even in +this wine!" + +He lifted the glass to his lips. The Prince seemed ghastly pale, while +the gaze of the Corsican bent upon him with an intent and stern +brightness that the conscience-stricken host cowered and quailed +beneath. Not till he had drained the draught and replaced the glass +upon the board did Zicci turn his eyes from the Prince; and he then +said, "Your wine has been kept too long,--it has lost its virtues. It +might disagree with many; but do not fear, it will not harm me, Prince. +Signor Mascari, you are a judge of the grape, will you favor us with +your opinion?" + +"Nay," answered Mascari, with well-affected composure, "I like not the +wines of Cyprus, they are heating. Perhaps Signor Glyndon may not have +the same distaste. The English are said to love their potations warm +and pungent." + +"Do you wish my friend also to taste the wine, Prince?" said Zicci. +"Recollect all cannot drink it with the same impunity as myself." + +"No," said the Prince, hastily; "if you do not recommend the wine, +Heaven forbid that we should constrain our guests! My Lord Duke," +turning to one of the Frenchmen, "yours is the true soil of Bacchus. +What think you of this cask from Burgundy,--has it borne the journey?" + +"Ah!" said Zicci, "let us change both the wine and the theme." With +that the Corsican grew more animated and brilliant. Never did wit more +sparkling, airy, exhilarating, flash from the lips of reveller. His +spirits fascinated all present, even the Prince himself, even Glyndon, +with a strange and wild contagion. The former, indeed, whom the words +and gaze of Zicci, when he drained the poison, had filled with fearful +misgivings, now hailed in the brilliant eloquence of his wit a certain +sign of the operation of the bane. The wine circulated fast, but none +seemed conscious of its effects. One by one the rest of the party fell +into a charmed and spell-bound silence as Zicci continued to pour forth +sally upon sally, tale upon tale. They hung on his words, they almost +held their breath to listen. Yet how bitter was his mirth; how full of +contempt for all things; how deeply steeped in the coldness of the +derision that makes sport of life itself! + +Night came on; the room grew dim, and the feast had lasted several hours +longer than was the customary duration of similar entertainments at that +day. Still the guests stirred not, and still Zicci continued, with +glittering eye and mocking lip, to lavish his stores of intellect and +anecdote, when suddenly the moon rose, and shed its rays over the +flowers and fountains in the court without, leaving the room itself half +in shadow and half tinged by a quiet and ghostly light. + +It was then that Zicci rose. "Well, gentlemen," said he, "we have not +yet wearied our host, I hope, and his garden offers a new temptation to +protract our stay. Have you no musicians among your train, Prince, that +might regale our ears while we inhale the fragrance of your orange- +trees?" + +"An excellent thought," said the Prince. "Mascari, see to the music." + +The party rose simultaneously to adjourn to the garden; and then, for +the first time, the effect of the wine they had drunk seemed to make +itself felt. + +With flushed cheeks and unsteady steps they came into the open air, +which tended yet more to stimulate that glowing fever of the grape. As +if to make up for the silence with which the guests had hitherto +listened to Zicci, every tongue was now loosened; every man talked, no +man listened. In the serene beauty of the night and scene there was +something wild and fearful in the contrast of the hubbub and Babel of +these disorderly roysterers. One of the Frenchmen in especial, the +young Due de R--,--a nobleman of the highest rank, and of all the quick, +vivacious, and irascible temperament of his countrymen,--was +particularly noisy and excited. And as circumstances, the remembrance +of which is still preserved among certain circles of Naples, rendered it +afterwards necessary that the Due should himself give evidence of what +occurred, I will here translate the short account he drew up, and which +was kindly submitted to me some few years ago by my accomplished and +lively friend, il Cavaliere di B--. + + I never remember [writes the Due] to have felt my spirits so + excited as on that evening; we were like so many boys released from + school, jostling each other as we reeled or ran down the flight of + seven or eight stairs that led from the colonnade into the garden, + --some lambing, some whooping, some scolding, some babbling. The + wine had brought out, as it were, each man's inmost character. + Some were loud and quarrelsome, others sentimental and whining; + some, whom we had hitherto thought dull, most mirthful; some, whom + we had ever regarded as discreet and taciturn, most garrulous and + uproarious. I remember that in the midst of our most clamorous + gayety my eye fell upon the foreign cavalier, Signor Zicci, whose + conversation had so enchanted us all, and I felt a certain chill + come over me to perceive that he bore the same calm and + unsympathizing smile upon his countenance which had characterized + it in his singular and curious stories of the court of Louis XV. I + felt, indeed, half inclined to seek a quarrel with one whose + composure was almost an insult to our disorder. Nor was such an + effect of this irritating and mocking tranquillity confined to + myself alone. Several of the party have told me since that on + looking at Zicci they felt their blood rise and their hands wander + to their sword-hilts. There seemed in the icy smile a very charm + to wound vanity and provoke rage. It was at this moment that the + Prince came up to me, and, passing his arm into mine, led me a + little apart from the rest. he had certainly indulged in the same + excess as ourselves, but it did not produce the same effect of + noisy excitement. There was, on the contrary a certain cold + arrogance and supercilious scorn in his bearing and language, + which, even while affecting so much caressing courtesy towards me, + roused my self-love against him. He seemed as if Zicci had + infected him, and that in imitating the manner of his guest he + surpassed the original, he rallied me on some court gossip which + had honored my name by associating it with a certain beautiful and + distinguished Sicilian lady, and affected to treat with contempt + that which, had it been true, I should have regarded as a boast. + He spoke, indeed, as if he himself had gathered all the flowers of + Naples, and left us foreigners only the gleanings he had scorned; + at this my natural and national gallantry was piqued, and I + retorted by some sarcasms that I should certainly have spared had + my blood been cooler. He laughed heartily, and left me in a + strange fit of resentment and anger. Perhaps (I must own the + truth) the wine had produced in me a wild disposition to take + offence and provoke quarrel. As the Prince left me, I turned, and + saw Zicci at my side. + + "The Prince is a braggart," said he, with the same smile that + displeased me before. "He would monopolize all fortune and all + love. Let us take our revenge." + + "And how?" + + "He has at this moment in his house the most enchanting singer in + Naples,--the celebrated Isabel di Pisani. She is here, it is true, + not by her own choice,--he carried her hither by force; but he will + pretend to swear that she adores him. Let us insist. on his + producing the secret treasure; and when she enters, the Duc de Lt-- + can have no doubt that his flatteries and attentions will charm the + lady and provoke all the jealous fears of our host. It would be a + fair revenge upon his imperious self conceit." + + This suggestion delighted me. I hastened to the Prince. At that + instant the musicians had just commenced. I waved my hand, ordered + the music to stop, and addressing the Prince, who was standing in + the centre of one of the gayest groups, complained of his want of + hospitality in affording to us such poor proficients in the art + while he reserved for his own solace the lute and voice of the + first performer in Naples. I demanded, half laughingly, half + seriously, that he should produce the Pisani. My demand was + received with shouts of applause by the rest. We drowned the + replies of our host with uproar, and would hear no denial. + "Gentlemen," at last said the Prince, when he could obtain an + audience, "even were I to assent to your proposal, I could not + induce the signora to present herself before an assemblage as + riotous as they are noble. You have too much chivalry to use + compulsion with her, though the Due de R-- forgets himself + sufficiently to administer it to inc." + + I was stung by this taunt, however well deserved. "Prince," said + I, "I have for the indelicacy of compulsion so illustrious an + example that I cannot hesitate to pursue the path honored by your + own footsteps. All Naples knows that the Pisani despises at once + your gold and your love; that force alone could have brought her + under your roof; and that you refuse to produce her because you + fear her complaints, and know enough of the chivalry your vanity + sneers at to feel assured that the gentlemen of France are not more + disposed to worship beauty than to defend it from wrong." + + "You speak well, sir," said Zicci, gravely;--"the Prince dare not + produce his prize." + + The Prince remained speechless for a few moments, as if with + indignation. At last he broke out into expressions the most + injurious and insulting against Signor Zicci and myself. Zicci + replied not; I was more hot and hasty. The guests appeared to + delight in our dispute. None except Mascari, whom we pushed aside + and disdained to hear, strove to conciliate; some took one side, + some another. The issue may be well foreseen. Swords were drawn. + I had left mine in the ante room; Zicci offered me his own,--I + seized it eagerly. There might be some six or eight persons + engaged in a strange and confused kind of melee, but the Prince and + myself only sought each other. The noise around us, the confusion + of the guests, the cries of the musicians, the clash of our own + swords, only served to stimulate our unhappy fury. We feared to be + interrupted by the attendants and fought like madmen, without skill + or method. I thrust and parried mechanically, blind and frantic as + if a demon had entered into me, till I saw the Prince stretched at + my feet, bathed in his blood, and Zicci bending over him and + whispering in his ear. The sight cooled us all; the strife ceased. + We gathered in shame, remorse, and horror round our ill-fated host; + but it was too late, his eyes rolled fearfully in his head, and + still he struggled to release himself from Zicci's arms, who + continued to whisper (I trust divine comfort) in his ear. I have + seen men die, but, never one who wore such horror on his + countenance. At last all was over; Zicci rose from the corpse, and + taking, with great composure, his sword from my hand,--"Ye are + witnesses, gentlemen," said he, calmly, "that the Prince brought + his fate upon himself. The last of that illustrious house has + perished in a brawl." + + I saw no more of Zicci. I hastened to the French ambassador to + narrate the event and abide the issue. I am grateful to the + Neapolitan government and to the illustrious heir of the + unfortunate nobleman for the lenient and generous, yet just, + interpretation put upon a misfortune the memory of which will + afflict me to the last hour of my life. (Signed) Louis Victor, + Duc de R. + +In the above memorial the reader will find the most exact and minute +account yet given of an event which created the most lively sensation at +Naples in that day, and the narration of which first induced me to +collect the materials of this history, which the reader will perceive, +as it advances, is altogether different in its nature, its agencies, and +its aims from those tales of external terror, whether derived from +ingenious imposture or supernatural mystery, that have given life to +French melodrama or German romance. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + + +Glyndon had taken no part in the affray, neither had he participated +largely in the excesses of the revel. For his exemption from both he +was perhaps indebted to the whispered exhortations of Zicci. When the +last rose from the corpse and withdrew from that scene of confusion, +Glyndon remarked that in passing the crowd he touched Mascari on the +shoulder, and said something which the Englishman did not overhear. +Glyndon followed Zicci into the banquet-room, which, save where the +moonlight slept on the marble floor, was wrapped in the sad and gloomy +shadows of the advancing night. + +"How could you foretell this fearful event? He fell not by your arm," +said Glyndon, in a tremulous and hollow tone. + +"The general who calculates on the victory does not fight in person," +answered Zicci. "But enough of this. Meet me at midnight by the +seashore, half a mile to the left of your hotel,--you will know the spot +by a rude pillar, the only one near--, to which a broken chain is +attached. There and then will be the crisis of your fate; go. I have +business here yet,--remember, Isabel is still in the house of the dead +man." + +As Glyndon yet hesitated, strange thoughts, doubts, and fears that +longed for speech crowding within him, Mascari approached; and Zicci, +turning to the Italian and waving his hand to Glyndon, drew the former +aside. Glyndon slowly departed. + +"Mascari," said Zicci, "your patron is no more. Your services will be +valueless to his heir,--a sober man, whom poverty has preserved from +vice. For yourself, thank me that I do not give you up to the +executioner,--recollect the wine of Cyprus. Well, never tremble, man, +it could not act on me, though it might re-act on others,--in that it is +a common type of crime. I forgive you; and if the wine should kill me, +I promise you that my ghost shall not haunt so worshipful a penitent. +Enough of this. Conduct me to the chamber of Isabel di Pisani; you have +no further need of her. The death of the jailer opens the cell of the +captive. Be quick,--I would be gone." Mascari muttered some inaudible +words, bowed low, and led the way to the chamber in which Isabel was +confined. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + +It wanted several minutes of midnight, and Glyndon repaired to the +appointed spot. The mysterious empire which Zicci had acquired over him +was still more solemnly confirmed by the events of the last few hours; +the sudden fate of the Prince, so deliberately foreshadowed, and yet so +seemingly accidental--brought out by causes the most commonplace, and +yet associated with words the most prophetic,--impressed him with the +deepest sentiments of admiration and awe. It was as if this dark and +wondrous being would convert the most ordinary events and the meanest +instruments into the agencies of his inscrutable will; yet, if so, why +have permitted the capture of Isabel? Why not have prevented the crime +rather than punished the criminal? And did Zicci really feel love for +Isabel? Love, and yet offer to resign her to himself,--to a rival whom +his arts could not fail to baffle? He no longer reverted to the belief +that Zicci or Isabel had sought to dupe him into marriage. His fear and +reverence for the former now forbade the notion of so poor an imposture. +Did he any longer love Isabel himself? No. When, that morning, he +heard of her danger, he had, it is true, returned to the sympathies and +the fears of affection; but with the death of the Prince her image faded +again from his heart, and he felt no jealous pang at the thought that +she had been saved by Zicci,--that at that moment she was perhaps +beneath his roof. Whoever has, in the course of his life, indulged the +absorbing passion of the gamester, will remember bow all other pursuits +and objects vanished from his mind, how solely he was wrapped in the one +wild delusion; with what a sceptre of magic power the despot demon ruled +every feeling and every thought. Far more intense than the passion of +the gamester was the frantic yet sublime desire that mastered the breast +of Glyndon. He would be the rival of Zicci, not in human and perishable +affections, but in preternatural and eternal lore. He would have laid +down life with content, nay, rapture, as the price of learning those +solemn secrets which separated the stranger from mankind.. Such fools +are we when we aspire to be over-wise! To be enamoured too madly of the +goddess of goddesses is only to embrace a cloud, and to forfeit alike +heaven and earth. + +The night was most lovely and serene, and the waves scarcely rippled at +his feet as the Englishman glided on by the cool and starry beach. At +length he arrived at the spot, and there, leaning against the broken +pillar, he beheld a man wrapped in a long mantle and in an attitude of +profound repose. He approached, and uttered the name of Zicci. The +figure turned, and he saw the face of a stranger,--a face not stamped by +the glorious beauty of the Corsican, but equally majestic in its aspect, +and perhaps still more impressive from the mature age and the +passionless depth of thought that characterized the expanded forehead +and deep-set but piercing eyes. + +"You seek Zicci," said the stranger,--"he will be here anon; but perhaps +he whom you see before you is more connected with your destiny, and more +disposed to realize your dreams." + +"Hath the earth then another Zicci?" + +"If not," replied the stranger, "why do you cherish the hope and the +wild faith to be yourself a Zicci? Think you that none others have +burned with the same godlike dream? Who, indeed, in his first youth;-- +youth, when the soul is nearer to the heaven from which it sprang, and +its divine and primal longings are not all effaced by the sordid +passions and petty cares that are begot in time?--who is there in youth +that has not nourished the belief that the universe has secrets not +known to the common herd, and panted, as the hart for the water-springs, +for the fountains that he hid and far away amidst the broad wilderness +of trackless science? The music of the fountain is heard in the soul +within till the steps, deceived and erring, rove away from its waters, +and the wanderer dies in the mighty desert. Think you that none who +have cherished the hope have found the truth, or that the yearning after +the Ineffable Knowledge was given to us utterly in vain? No. Every +desire in human hearts is but a glimpse of things that exist, alike +distant and divine. No! in the world there have been, from age to age, +some brighter and happier spirits who have won to the air in which the +beings above mankind move and breathe. Zicci, great though he be, +stands not alone; he has his predecessors, his contemporary rivals, and +long lines of successors are yet to come!" + +"And will you tell me," said Glyndon, "that in yourself I behold one of +that mighty few over whom Zicci has no superiority in power and wisdom?" + +"In me," answered the stranger, "you see one from whom Zicci himself +learned many of his loftiest secrets. Before his birth my wisdom was! +On these shores, on this spot, have I stood in ages that your chronicles +but feebly reach. The Phoenician, the Greek, the Oscan, the Roman, the +Lombard,--I have seen them all!--leaves gay and glittering on the trunk +of the universal life--scattered in due season and again renewed; till, +indeed, the same race that gave its glory to the ancient world bestowed +a second youth on the new. For the pure Greeks--the Hellenes, whose +origin has bewildered your dreaming scholars--were of the same great +family as the Norman tribe, born to be the lords of the universe, and in +no land on earth destined to be the hewers of wood. Even the dim +traditions of the learned that bring the sons of Hellas from the vast +and undetermined territories of Northern Thrace, to be the victors of +the pastoral Pelasgi, and the founders of the line of demi-gods, might +serve you to trace back their primeval settlements to the same region +whence, in later times, the Norman warriors broke on the dull and savage +hordes of the Celt, and became the Greeks of the Christian world. But +this interests you not, and you are wise in your indifference. Not in +the knowledge of things without, but in the perfection of the soul +within, lies the empire of man aspiring to be more than men." + +"And what books contain that science; from what laboratory is it +wrought?" + +"Nature supplies the materials: they are around you in your daily walks; +in the herbs that the beast devours and the chemist disdains to cull; in +the elements, from which matter in its meanest and its mightiest shapes +is deduced; in the wide bosom of the air; in the black abysses of the +earth,--everywhere are given to mortals the resources and libraries of +immortal lore. But as the simplest problems in the simplest of all +studies are obscure to one who braces not his mind to their +comprehension; as the rower in yonder vessel cannot tell you why two +circles can touch each other only in one point,--so, though all earth +were carved over and inscribed with the letters of diviner knowledge, +the characters would be valueless to him who does not pause to inquire +the language and meditate the truth. Young man, if thy imagination is +vivid; if thy heart is daring, if thy curiosity is insatiate, I will +accept thee as my pupil. But the first lessons are stern and dread." + +"If thou hast mastered them, why not I?" answered Glyndon, boldly. "I +have felt from my boyhood that strange mysteries were reserved for my +career, and from the proudest ends of ordinary ambition I have carried +my gaze into the cloud and darkness that stretch beyond. The instant I +beheld Zicci, I felt as if I had discovered the guide and the tutor for +which my youth had idly languished and vainly burned." + +"And to me his duty can be transferred," replied the stranger. "Yonder +lies, anchored in the bay, the vessel in which Zicci seeks a fairer +home; a little while and the breeze will rise, the sail will swell, and +the stranger will have passed like a wind away. Still, like the wind, +he leaves in thy heart the seeds that may bear the blossom and the +fruit. Zicci hath performed his task--he is wanted no more; the +perfecter of his work is at thy side. He comes--I hear the dash of the +oar. You will have your choice submitted to you. According as you +decide, we shall meet again." With these words the stranger moved +slowly away, and disappeared beneath the shadow of the cliffs. A boat +glided rapidly across the waters; it touched land, a man leapt on shore, +and Glyndon recognized Zicci. + +"I give thee, Glyndon, I give thee no more the option of happy love and +serene enjoyment. That hour is past, and fate has linked the hand that +might have been thine own to mine. But I have ample gifts to bestow +upon thee if thou wilt abandon the hope that gnaws thy heart, and the +realization of which even I have not the power to foresee. Be thine +ambition human, and I can gratify it to the full. Men desire four +things in life,--love, wealth, fame, power. The first I cannot give +thee,--no matter why; the rest are at my disposal. Select which of them +thou wilt, and let us part in peace." + +"Such are not the gifts I covet: I choose knowledge, which indeed, as +the schoolman said, is power, and the loftiest; that knowledge must be +thine own. For this, and for this alone, I surrendered the love of +Isabel; this, and this alone, must be any recompense." + +"I cannot gainsay thee, though I can warn. The desire to learn does not +always contain the faculty to acquire. I can give thee, it is true, the +teacher; the rest must depend on thee. Be wise in time, and take that +which I can assure to thee." + +"Answer me but these questions, and according to your answer I will +decide. Is it in the power of man to attain intercourse with the beings +of other worlds? Is it in the power of man to read the past and the +future, and to insure life against the sword and against disease?" + +"All this may be possible," answered Zicci evasively, "to the few. But +for one who attains such secrets, millions may perish in the attempt." + +"One question more. Thou--" + +"Beware! Of myself, as I have said before, I render no account." + +"Well, then, the stranger I have met this night--are his boasts to be +believed? Is he in truth one of the chosen seers whom you allow to have +mastered the mysteries I yearn to fathom?" + +"Rash man," said Zicci, in a tone of compassion, "thy crisis is past, +and thy choice made. I can only bid thee be bold and prosper. Yes, I +resign thee to a master who has the power and the will to open to thee +the gates of the awful world. Thy weal or woe are as nought in the eyes +of his relentless wisdom. I would bid him spare thee, but he will heed +me not. Mejnour, receive thy pupil!" Glyndon turned, and his heart +beat when he perceived that the stranger, whose footsteps he had not +heard on the pebbles, whose approach he had not beheld in the moonlight, +was once more by his side. + +Glyndon's eyes followed the receding form of the mysterious Corsican. +He saw him enter the boat, and he then for the first time noticed that +besides the rowers there was a female, who stood up as Zicci gained the +boat. Even at this distance he recognized the once-adored form of +Isabel. She waved her hand to him, and across the still and shining air +came her voice, mournfully and sweetly in her native tongue, "Farewell, +Clarence--farewell, farewell." + +He strove to answer, but the voice touched a chord at his heart, and the +words failed him. Isabel was then lost forever,--gone with this dread +stranger,--darkness was round her lot. And he himself had decided her +fate and his own! The boat bounded on, the soft waves flashed and +sparkled beneath the oars, and it was along one sapphire track of +moonlight that the frail vessel bore away the lovers. Farther and +farther from his gaze sped the boat, till at last the speck, scarcely +visible, touched the side of the ship that lay lifeless in the glorious +bay. At that instant, as if by magic, up sprang with a glad murmur the +playful and refreshing wind. And Glyndon turned to Mejnour, and broke +the silence. + +"Tell me,--if thou canst read the future,--tell me that her lot will be +fair, and that her choice at least is wise." + +"My pupil," answered Mejnour, in a voice the calmness of which well +accorded with the chilling words, "thy first task must be to withdraw +all thought, feeling, sympathy from others. The elementary stage of +knowledge is to make self, and self alone, thy study and thy world. +Thou bast decided thine own career; thou hast renounced love; thou hast +rejected wealth, fame, and the vulgar pomps of power. What, then, are +all mankind to thee? To perfect thy faculties and concentrate thy +emotions is henceforth thy only aim." + +"And will happiness be the end?" + +"If happiness exist," answered Mejnour, "it must be centred in A Self to +which all passion is unknown. But happiness is the last state of being, +and as yet thou art on the threshold of the first!" + +As Mejnour spoke, the distant vessel spread its sails to the wind, and +moved slowly along the deep. Glyndon sighed, and the pupil and the +master retraced their steps towards the city. + + + + +BOOK II. + + +CHAPTER I. + + +It was about a month after the date of Zicci's departure and Glyndon's +introduction to Mejnour, when two Englishmen were walking arm-in-arm +through the Toledo. + +"I tell you," said one (who spoke warmly), "that if you have a particle +of common-sense left in you, you will accompany me to England. This +Mejnour is an impostor more dangerous--because more in earnest--than +Zicci. After all, what do his promises amount to? You allow that +nothing can be more equivocal. You say that he has left Naples, that he +has selected a retreat more genial than the crowded thoroughfares of men +to the studies in which he is to initiate you; and this retreat is among +the haunts of the fiercest bandits of Italy,--haunts which Justice +itself dare not penetrate; fitting hermitage for a sage! I tremble for +you. What if this stranger, of whom nothing is known, be leagued with +the robbers; and these lures for your credulity bait but the traps for +your property,--perhaps your life? You might come off cheaply by a +ransom of half your fortune; you smile indignantly well! put common- +sense out of the question; take your own view of the matter. You are to +undergo an ordeal which Mejnour himself does not profess to describe as +a very tempting one. It may, or it may not, succeed; if it does not, +you are menaced with the darkest evils; and if it does, you cannot be +better off than the dull and joyless mystic whom you have taken for a +master. Away with this folly! Enjoy youth while it is left to you. +Return with me to England; forget these dreams. Enter your proper +career; form affections more respectable than those which lured you a +while to an Italian adventuress, and become a happy and distinguished +man. This is the advice of sober friendship; yet the promises I hold +out to you are fairer than those of Mejnour." + +"Merton," said Glyndon, doggedly, "I cannot, if I would, yield to your +wishes. A power that is above me urges me on; I cannot resist its +fascination. I will proceed to the last in the strange career I have +commenced. Think of me no more. Follow yourself the advice you give to +me, and be happy." + + +"This is madness," said Merton, passionately, but with a tear in his +eye; "your health is already failing; you are so changed I should +scarcely know you: come, I have already had your name entered in my +passport; in another hour I shall be gone, and you, boy that you are, +will be left without a friend to the deceits of your own fancy and the +machinations of this relentless mountebank." + +"Enough," said Glyndon, coldly; "you cease to be an effective counsellor +when you suffer your prejudices to be thus evident. I have already had +ample proof," added the Englishman, and his pale cheek grew more pale, +"of the power of this man,--if man he be, which I sometimes doubt; and, +come life, come death, I will not shrink from the paths that allure me. +Farewell, Merton: if we never meet again; if you hear amidst our old and +cheerful haunts that Clarence Glyndon sleeps the last sleep by the +shores of Naples, or amidst the Calabrian hills,--say to the friends of +our youth, 'He died worthily, as thousands of martyr-students have died +before him, in the pursuit of knowledge.'" + +He wrung Merton's hand as he spoke, darted from his side, and +disappeared amidst the crowd. + +That day Merton left Naples; the next morning Glyndon also quitted the +City of Delight, alone and on horseback. He bent his way into those +picturesque but dangerous parts of the country which at that time were +infested by banditti, and which few travellers dared to pass, even in +broad daylight, without a strong escort. A road more lonely cannot well +be conceived than that on which the hoofs of his steed, striking upon +the fragments of rock that encumbered the neglected way, woke a dull and +melancholy echo. Large tracts of waste land, varied by the rank and +profuse foliage of the South, lay before him; occasionally a wild goat +peeped down from some rocky crag, or the discordant cry of a bird of +prey, startled in its sombre haunt, was heard above the hills. These +were the only signs of life; not a human being was met, not a hut was +visible. Wrapped in his own ardent and solemn thoughts, the young man +continued his way, till the sun had spent its noonday heat, and a breeze +that announced the approach of eve sprung up from the unseen ocean that +lay far distant to his sight. It was then that a turn in the road +brought before him one of those long, desolate, gloomy villages which +are found in the interior of the Neapolitan dominions; and now he came +upon a small chapel on one side of the road, with a gaudily painted +image of the Virgin in the open shrine. Around this spot, which in the +heart of a Christian land retained the vestige of the old idolatry (for +just such were the chapels that in the Pagan age were dedicated to the +demon-saints of mythology), gathered six or seven miserable and squalid +wretches, whom the Curse of the Leper had cut off from mankind. They +set up a shrill cry as they turned their ghastly visages towards the +horseman; and, without stirring from the spot, stretched out their gaunt +arms, and implored charity in the name of the Merciful Mother. Glyndon +hastily threw them some small coins, and, turning away his face, clapped +spurs to his horse, and relaxed not his speed till he entered the +village. On either side the narrow and miry street, fierce and haggard +forms--some leaning against the ruined walls of blackened huts, some +seated at the threshold, some lying at full length in the mud--presented +groups that at once invoked pity and aroused alarm; pity for their +squalor,--alarm for the ferocity imprinted on their savage aspects. +They gazed at him, grim and sullen, as he rode slowly up the rugged +street; sometimes whispering significantly to each other, but without +attempting to stop his way. Even the children hushed their babble, and +ragged urchins, devouring him with sparkling eyes, muttered to their +mothers, "We shall feast well to-morrow!" It was, indeed, one of those +hamlets in which Law sets not its sober step, in which Violence and +Murder house secure,--hamlets common then in the wilder parts of Italy, +in which the peasant was but the gentler name for the robber. + +Glyndon's heart somewhat failed him as he looked around, and the +question he desired to ask died upon his lips. At length, from one of +the dismal cabins emerged a form superior to the rest. Instead of the +patched and ragged overall which made the only garment of the men he had +hitherto seen, the dress of this person was characterized by all the +trappings of Calabrian bravery. Upon his raven hair, the glossy curls +of which made a notable contrast to the matted and elfin locks of the +savages around, was placed a cloth cap with a gold tassel that hung down +to his shoulder; his mustaches were trimmed with care, and a silk +kerchief of gay lines was twisted round a well-shaped but sinewy throat; +a short jacket of rough cloth was decorated with several rows of gilt +filagree buttons; his nether garments fitted tight to his limbs, and +were curiously braided; while in a broad, party-colored sash were placed +four silver-hilted pistols; and the sheathed knife, usually worn by +Italians of the lower order, was mounted in ivory elaborately carved. A +small carbine of handsome workmanship was slung across his shoulder, and +completed his costume. The man himself was of middle size, athletic, +yet slender; with straight and regular features,--sunburnt, but not +swarthy; and an expression of countenance which, though reckless and +bold, had in it frankness rather than ferocity, and, if defying, was not +altogether unprepossessing. + +Glyndon, after eyeing this figure for some moments with great attention, +checked his rein, and asked in the provincial patois, with which he was +tolerably familiar, the way to the "Castle of the Mountain." + +The man lifted his cap as he heard the question, and, approaching +Glyndon, laid his hand upon the neck of the horse, and said in a low +voice, "Then you are the cavalier whom our patron the signor expected. +He bade me wait for you here, and lead you to the castle. And indeed, +signor, it might have been unfortunate if I had neglected to obey the +command." The man then, drawing a little aside, called out to the +bystanders in a loud voice, "Ho, ho, my friends, pay henceforth and +forever all respect to this worshipful cavalier. He is the accepted +guest of our blessed patron of the Castle of the Mountain. Long life to +him! May he, like his host, be safe by day and by night, in the hill +and on the waste, against the dagger and the bullet, in limb and in +life! Cursed be he who touches a hair of his head, or a baioccho in his +pouch. Now and forever we will protect and honor him; for the law or +against the law; with the faith, and to the death. Amen. Amen!" + +"Amen!" responded in wild chorus a hundred voices, and the scattered and +straggling groups pressed up the street, nearer and nearer to the +horseman. + +"And that he may be known," continued the Englishman's strange +protector, "to the eye and to the ear, I place around him the white +sash, and I give him the sacred watchword,--'Peace to the Brave.' +Signor, when you wear this sash, the proudest in these parts will bare +the head and bend the knee. Signor, when you utter this watchword, the +bravest hearts will be bound to your bidding. Desire you safety, or ask +you revenge; to gain a beauty, or to lose a foe, speak but the word, and +we are yours, we are yours! Is it not so, comrades? "And again the +hoarse voices shouted, "Amen, amen!" + +"Now, signor," whispered the bravo, in good Italian, "if you have a few +coins to spare, scatter them amongst the crowd, and let us be gone." + +Glyndon, not displeased at the concluding sentence, emptied his purse in +the street; and while, with mingled oaths, blessings, shrieks, and +yells, men, women, and children scrambled for the money, the bravo, +taking the rein of the horse, led it a few paces through the village at +a brisk trot, and then turning up a narrow lane to the left, in a few +minutes neither houses nor men were visible, and the mountains closed +their path on either side. It was then that, releasing the bridle and +slackening his pace, the guide turned his dark eyes on Glyndon with an +arch expression, and said,-- + +"Your Excellency was not, perhaps, prepared for the hearty welcome we +have given you." + +"Why, in truth, I ought to have been prepared for it, since my friend, +to whose house I am bound, did not disguise from me the character of the +neighborhood. And your name, my friend, if I may call you so?" + +"Oh, no ceremonies with me, Excellency. In the village I am generally +called Maestro Paulo. I had a surname once, though a very equivocal +one; and I have forgotten that since I retired from the world." + +"And was it from disgust, from poverty, or from some some ebullition of +passion which entailed punishment, that you betook yourself to the +mountains?" + +"Why, signor," said the bravo, with a gay laugh, "hermits of my class +seldom love the confessional. However, I have no secrets while my step +is in these defiles, my whistle in my pouch, and my carbine at my back." +With that the robber, as if he loved permission to talk at his will, +hemmed thrice, and began with much humor; though, as his tale proceeded, +the memories it roused seemed to carry him further than he at first +intended, and reckless and light-hearted ease gave way to that fierce +and varied play of countenance and passion of gesture which characterize +the emotions of his countrymen. + +"I was born at Terracina,--a fair spot, is it not? My father was a +learned monk, of high birth; my mother--Heaven rest her!--an innkeeper's +pretty daughter. Of course there was no marriage in the case; and when +I was born, the monk gravely declared my appearance to be miraculous. I +was dedicated from my cradle to the altar; and my head was universally +declared to be the orthodox shape for a cowl. As I grew up, the monk +took great pains with my education, and I learned Latin and psalmody as +soon as less miraculous infants learn crowing. Nor did the holy man's +care stint itself to my interior accomplishments. Although vowed to +poverty, he always contrived that my mother should have her pockets +full; and between her pockets and mine there was soon established a +clandestine communication; accordingly, at fourteen, I wore my cap on +one side, stuck pistols in my belt, and assumed the swagger of a +cavalier and a gallant. At that age my poor mother died; and about the +same period, my father, having written a 'History of the Pontifical +Bulls,' in forty volumes, and being, as I said, of high birth, obtained +a cardinal's hat. From that time he thought fit to disown your humble +servant. He bound me over to an honest notary at Naples, and gave me +two hundred crowns by way of provision. Well, signor, I saw enough of +the law to convince me that I should never be rogue enough to shine in +the profession. So instead of spoiling parchment, I made love to the +notary's daughter. My master discovered our innocent amusement, and +turned me out of doors,--that was disagreeable. But my Ninetta loved +me, and took care that I should not lie out in the streets with the +lazzaroni. Little jade, I think I see her now, with her bare feet, and +her finger to her lips, opening the door in the summer nights, and +bidding me creep softly into the kitchen, where--praised be the saints!- +-a flask and a manchet always awaited the hungry amoroso. At last, +however, Ninetta grew cold. It is the way of the sex, signor. Her +father found her an excellent marriage in the person of a withered +picture-dealer. She took the spouse, and very properly clapped the door +in the face of the lover. I was not disheartened, Excellency; no, not +I. Women are plentiful while we are young. So, without a ducat in my +pocket, or a crust for my teeth, I set out to seek my fortune on board +of a Spanish merchantman. That was duller work than I expected: but +luckily we were attacked by a pirate; half the crew were butchered, the +rest captured. I was one of the last,--always in luck, you see, signor, +monks' sons have a knack that way! The captain of the pirate took a +fancy to me. 'Serve with us,' said he. 'Too happy,' said I. Behold me +then a pirate. Oh jolly life! how I blest the old notary for turning me +out of doors! What feasting! what fighting! what wooing! what +quarreling! Sometimes we ran ashore and enjoyed ourselves like princes; +sometimes we lay in a calm for days together, on the loveliest sea that +man ever traversed. And then, if the breeze rose, and a sail came in +sight, who so merry as we? I passed three years in that charming +profession, and then, signor, I grew ambitious. I caballed against the +captain; I wanted his post. One still night we struck the blow. The +ship was like a log in the sea,--no land to be seen from the mast-head, +the waves like glass, and the moon at its full. Up we rose,--thirty of +us and more. Up we rose with a shout; we poured into the captain's +cabin,--I at the head. The brave old boy had caught the alarm, and +there he stood at the doorway, a pistol in each hand; and his one eye +(he had only one) worse to meet than the pistols were. + +"'Yield,' cried I, 'your life shall be safe.' + +"'Take that,' said he, and whiz went the pistol; but the saints took +care of their own, and the ball passed by my cheek, and shot the +boatswain behind me. I closed with the captain, and the other pistol +went off without mischief in the struggle; such a fellow he was, six +feet four without his shoes! Over we went, rolling each on the other. +Santa Maria!--no time to get hold of one's knife. Meanwhile, all the +crew were up, some for the captain, some for me; clashing and firing, +and swearing and groaning, and now and then a heavy splash in the sea! +Fine supper for the sharks that night! At last old Bilboa got +uppermost: out flashed his knife; down it came, but not in my heart. +No! I gave my left arm as a shield, and the blade went through and +through up to the hilt, with the blood spirting up like the rain from a +whale's nostril. With the weight of the blow the stout fellow came +down, so that his face touched mine; with my right hand I caught him by +the throat, turned him over like a lamb, signor, and faith it was soon +all up with him; the boatswain's brother, a fat Dutchman, ran him +through with a pike. + +"'Old fellow,' said I, as he turned up his terrible eye to me, 'I bear +you no malice, but we must try to get on in the world, you know.' The +captain grinned and gave up the ghost. I went upon deck; what a sight! +Twenty bold fellows stark and cold, and the moon sparkling on the +puddles of blood as calmly as if it were water. Well, signor, the +victory was ours, and the ship mine; I ruled merrily enough for six +months. We then attacked a French ship twice our size; what sport it +was! And we had not had a good fight so long we were quite like virgins +at it! We got the best of it, and won ship and cargo. They wanted to +pistol the captain: but that was against my laws; so we gagged him, for +he scolded as loud as if we were married to him; left him and the rest +of his crew on board our own vessel, which was terribly battered: +clapped our black flag on the Frenchman's, and set off merrily, with a +brisk wind in our favor. But luck deserted us on forsaking our own dear +old ship. A storm came on; a plank struck; several of us escaped in the +boats; we had lots of gold with us, but no water. For two days and two +nights we suffered horribly: but at last we ran ashore near a French +seaport; our sorry plight moved compassion, and as we had money we were +not suspected; people only suspect the poor. Here we soon recovered our +fatigues, rigged ourselves out gayly, and your humble servant was +considered as noble a captain as ever walked deck. But now, alas, my +fate would have it that I should fall in love with a silk-mercer's +daughter. Ah! how I loved her,--the pretty Clara! Yes, I loved her so +well, that I was seized with horror at my past life; I resolved to +repent, to marry her, and settle down into an honest man. Accordingly, +I summoned my messmates, told them my resolution, resigned my command, +and persuaded them to depart. They were good fellows; engaged with a +Dutchman, against whom I heard afterwards they made a successful mutiny, +but I never saw them more. I had two thousand crowns still left; with +this sum I obtained the consent of the silk-mercer, and it was agreed +that I should become a partner in the firm. I need not say that no one +suspected I had been so great a man, and I passed for a Neapolitan +goldsmith's son instead of a cardinal's. I was very happy then, signor, +very,--I could not have harmed a fly. Had I married Clara I had been as +gentle a mercer as ever handled a measure." + +The bravo paused a moment, and it was easy to see that he felt more than +his words and tone betokened. "Well, well, we must not look back at the +Past too earnestly,--the sun light upon it makes one's eyes water. The +day was fixed for our wedding, it approached; on the evening before the +appointed day, Clara, her mother, her little sister, and myself were +walking by the port, and as we looked on the sea I was telling them old +gossip tales of mermaids and sea-serpents,--when a red-faced bottle- +nosed Frenchman clapped himself right before me, and placing his +spectacles very deliberately astride his proboscis, echoed out, 'Sacre, +mille tonnerres! This is the damned pirate that boarded the "Niobe"!' + +"None of your jests,' said I, mildly. 'Ho, ho,' said he. 'I can't be +mistaken. Help there,' and he gripped me by the collar. I replied, as +you may suppose, by laying him in the kennel; but it would not do. The +French captain had a French lieutenant at his back, whose memory was as +good as his master's. A crowd assembled; other sailors came up; the +odds were against me. I slept that night in prison; and, in a few weeks +afterwards, I was sent to the galleys. They had spared my life because +the old Frenchman politely averred that I had made my crew spare his. +You may believe that the oar and the chain were not to my taste. I, and +two others, escaped; they took to the road, and have, no doubt, been +long since broken on the wheel. I, soft soul, would not commit another +crime to gain my bread, for Clara was still at my heart with her soft +eyes; so, limiting my rogueries to the theft of a beggar's rags, which I +compensated him by leaving my galley attire instead, I begged my way to +the town where I left Clara. It was a clear winter's day when I +approached the outskirts of the town. I had no fear of detection, for +my beard and hair were as good as a mask. Oh, Mother of Mercy! there +came across my way a funeral procession! There, now, you know it. I +can tell you no more. She had died, perhaps of love, more likely of +shame. Do you know how I spent that night? I will tell you; I stole a +pickaxe from a mason's shed, and, all alone and unseen, under the frosty +heavens I dug the fresh mould from the grave; I lifted the coffin; I +wrenched the lid, I saw her again--again. Decay had not touched her. +She was always pale in her life! I could have sworn she lived! It was +a blessed thing to see her once more,--and all alone too! But then at +dawn, to give her back to the earth,--to close the lid, to throw down +the mould, to hear the pebbles rattle on the coffin,--that was dreadful! +Signor, I never knew before, and I don't wish to think now, how valuable +a thing human life is. At sunrise I was again a wanderer; but now that +Clara was gone my scruples vanished, and again I was at war with my +betters. I contrived, at last, at O--, to get taken on board a vessel +bound to Leghorn, working out my passage. From Leghorn I went to Rome, +and stationed myself at the door of the cardinal's palace. Out he +came,--his gilded coach at the gate. "'Ho, father,' said I, 'don't you +know me?' + +"'Who are you?' + +"'Your son,' said I, in a whisper. + +"The cardinal drew back, looked at me earnestly, and mused a moment. +'All men are my sons,' quoth he then, very mildly; 'there is gold for +thee. To him who begs once, alms are due; to him who begs twice, jails +are open. Take the hint and molest me no more. Heaven bless thee!' +With that he got into his coach and drove off to the Vatican. His +purse, which he had left behind, was well supplied. I was grateful and +contented, and took my way to Terracina. I had not long passed the +marshes, when I saw two horsemen approach at a canter. + +"'You look poor, friend,' said one of them, halting; 'yet you are +strong.' + +"'Poor men and strong are both serviceable and dangerous, Signor +Cavalier.' + +"'Well said! follow us.' + +"I obeyed and became a bandit. I rose by degrees; and as I have always +been mild in my calling, and have taken purses without cutting throats, +bear an excellent character, and can eat my macaroni at Naples without +any danger to life and limbs. For the last two years I have settled in +these parts, where I hold sway, and where I have purchased land. I am +called a farmer, signor; and I myself now only rob for amusement, and to +keep my hand in. I trust I have satisfied your curiosity. We are +within a hundred yards of the castle." + +"And how," asked the Englishman, whose interest had been much excited by +his companion's narrative, "and how came you acquainted with my host? +and by what means has he so well conciliated the goodwill of yourself +and your friends?" + +Maestro Paulo turned his black eyes gravely towards his questioner. +"Why, signor," said he, "you must surely know more of the foreign +cavalier with the hard name than I do. All I can say is, that about a +fortnight ago I chanced to be standing by a booth in the Toledo at +Naples, when a sober-looking gentleman touched me by the arm, and said, +'Maestro Paulo, I want to make your acquaintance; do me the favor to +come into yonder tavern.' When we were seated, my new acquaintance thus +accosted me: 'The Count d' O-- has offered to let me hire his old castle +near B--. You know the spot?' + +"'Extremely well; no one has inhabited it for a century at least; it is +half in ruins, signor. A queer place to hire; I hope the rent is not +heavy.' + +"'Maestro Paulo,' said he, 'I am a philosopher, and don't care for +luxuries. I want a quiet retreat for some scientific experiments. The +castle will suit me very well, provided you will accept me as a +neighbor, and place me and my friends under your special protection. I +am rich; but I shall take nothing to the castle worth robbing. I will +pay one rent to the count, and another to you.' + +"With that we soon came to terms, and as the strange signor doubled the +sum I myself proposed, he is in high favor with all his neighbors. We +would guard the old castle against an army. And now, signor, that I +have been thus frank, be frank with me. Who is this singular cavalier?" + +"Who?--he himself told you, a philosopher." + +"Hem! Searching for the philosopher's stone, eh? A bit of a magician; +afraid of the priests?" + +"Precisely. You have hit it." + +"I thought so; and you are his pupil?" + +"I am." + +"I wish you well through it," said the robber, seriously, and crossing +himself with much devotion; "I am not much better than other people, but +one's soul is one's soul. I do not mind a little honest robbery, or +knocking a man on the head if need be,--but to make a bargain with the +devil!--Ah! take care, young gentleman, take care." + +"You need not fear," said Glyndon, smiling; "my preceptor is too wise +and too good for such a compact. But here we are, I suppose. A noble +ruin! A glorious prospect!" + +Glyndon paused delightedly, and surveyed the scene before and below with +the eye of a poet and a painter. Insensibly, while listening to the +bandit, he had wound up a considerable ascent, and now he was upon a +broad ledge of rock covered with mosses and dwarf shrubs. Between this +eminence and another of equal height, upon which the castle was built, +there was a deep but narrow fissure, overgrown with the most profuse +foliage, so that the eye could not penetrate many yards below the rugged +surface of the abyss; but the profoundness might well be conjectured by +the hoarse, low, monotonous sound of waters unseen that rolled below, +and the subsequent course of which was visible at a distance in a +perturbed and rapid stream that intersected the waste and desolate +valleys. To the left, the prospect seemed almost boundless; the extreme +clearness of the purple air serving to render distinct the features of a +range of country that a conqueror of old might have deemed in itself a +kingdom. Lonely and desolate as the road which Glyndon had passed that +day had appeared, the landscape now seemed studded with castles, spires, +and villages. Afar off, Naples gleamed whitely in the last rays of the +sun, and the rose-tints of the horizon melted into the azure of her +glorious bay. Yet more remote, and in another part of the prospect, +might be caught, dim and shadowy, and backed by the darkest foliage, the +ruined village of the ancient Possidonia. There, in the midst of his +blackened and sterile realms, rose the dismal Mount of Fire; while, on +the other hand, winding through variegated plains, to which distance +lent all its magic, glittered many a stream, by which Etruscan and +Sybarite, Roman and Saracen and Norman, had, at intervals of ages, +pitched the invading tent. All the visions of the past the stormy and +dazzling histories of Southern Italy--rushed over the artist's mind as +he gazed below. And then, slowly turning to look behind, he saw the +gray and mouldering walls of the castle in which he sought the secrets +that were to give to hope in the Future a mightier empire than memory +owns in the Past. It was one of those baronial fortresses with which +Italy was studded in the earlier middle ages, having but little of the +Gothic grace of grandeur which belongs to the ecclesiastical +architecture of the same time; but rude, vast, and menacing even in +decay. A wooden bridge was thrown over the chasm, wide enough to admit +two horsemen abreast; and the planks trembled and gave back a hollow +sound as Glyndon urged his jaded steed across. + +A road that had once been broad, and paved with rough flags, but which +now was half obliterated by long grass and rank weeds, conducted to the +outer court of the castle hard by; the gates were open, and half the +building in this part was dismantled, the ruins partially hid by ivy +that was the growth of centuries. But on entering the inner court, +Glyndon was not sorry to notice that there was less appearance of +neglect and decay: some wild roses gave a smile to the gray walls; and +in the centre there was a fountain, in which the waters still trickled +coolly, and with a pleasing murmur, from the jaws of a gigantic triton. +Here he was met by Mejnour with a smile. + +"Welcome, my friend and pupil," said he; "he who seeks for Truth can +find in these solitudes an immortal Academe." + + + + +CHAPTER. II. + + +The attendants which Mejnour had engaged for his strange abode were such +as might suit a philosopher of few wants. An old Armenian, whom Glyndon +recognized as in the mystic's service at Naples; a tall, hard-featured +woman from the village, recommended by Maestro Paulo; and two long- +haired, smooth-spoken, but fierce-visaged youths, from the same place, +and honored by the same sponsorship,--constituted the establishment. +The rooms used by the sage were commodious and weather-proof, with some +remains of ancient splendor in the faded arras that clothed the walls +and the huge tables of costly marble and elaborate carving. Glyndon's +sleeping apartment communicated with a kind of belvidere or terrace +that commanded prospects of unrivalled beauty and extent, and was +separated, on the other side, by a long gallery and a flight of ten +or a dozen stairs, from the private chambers of the mystic. There was +about the whole place a sombre, and yet not displeasing, depth of repose. +It suited well with the studies to which it was now to be appropriated. + +For several days Mejnour refused to confer with Glyndon on the subjects +nearest to his heart. + +"All without," said he, "is prepared, but not all within. Your own soul +must grow accustomed to the spot, and filled with the surrounding +Nature; for Nature is the source of all inspiration." + +With these words, which savored a little of jargon, Mejnour turned to +lighter topics. He made the Englishman accompany him in long rambles +through the wild scenes around, and he smiled approvingly when the young +artist gave way to the enthusiasm which their fearful beauty could not +have failed to rouse in a duller breast; and then Mejnour poured forth +to his wondering pupil the stores of a knowledge that seemed +inexhaustible and boundless. He gave accounts the most curious, +graphic, and minute, of the various races--their characters, habits, +creeds, and manners--by which that fair land had been successively +overrun. It is true that his descriptions could not be found in books, +and were unsupported by learned authorities; but he possessed the true +charm of the tale-teller, and spoke of all with the animated confidence +of a personal witness. Sometimes, too, he would converse upon the more +durable and the loftier mysteries of Nature with an eloquence and a +research which invested them with all the colors rather of poetry than +science. Insensibly the young artist found himself elevated and soothed +by the lore of his companion; the fever of his wild desires was slaked. +His mind became more and more lulled into the divine tranquillity of +contemplation; he felt himself a nobler being; and in the silence of his +senses he imagined that he heard the voice of his soul. + +It was to this state that Mejnour sought to bring the Neophyte, and in +this elementary initiation the mystic was like every more ordinary sage. +For he who seeks to discover must first reduce himself into a kind of +abstract idealism, and be rendered up; in solemn and sweet bondage, to +the faculties which contemplate and imagine. + +Glyndon noticed that, in their rambles, Mejnour often paused where the +foliage was rifest, to gather some herb or flower; and this reminded him +that he had seen Zicci similarly occupied. "Can these humble children +of Nature," said he one day to Mejnour, "things that bloom and wither in +a day, be serviceable to the science of the higher secrets? Is there a +pharmacy for the soul as well as the body, and do the nurslings of the +summer minister not only to human health but spiritual immortality?" + +"If," answered Mejnour, "before one property of herbalism was known to +them, a stranger had visited a wandering tribe,--if he had told the +savages that the herbs, which every day they trampled underfoot, were +endowed with the most potent virtues; that one would restore to health a +brother on the verge of death; that another would paralyze into idiocy +their wisest sage; that a third would strike lifeless to the dust their +most stalwart champion; that tears and laughter, vigor and disease, +madness and reason, wakefulness and sleep, existence and dissolution, +were coiled up in those unregarded leaves,--would they not have held him +a sorcerer or a liar? To half the virtues of the vegetable world +mankind are yet in the darkness of the savages I have supposed. There +are faculties within us with which certain herbs have affinity, and over +which they have power. The moly of the ancients was not all a fable." + +One evening, Glyndon had lingered alone and late upon the ramparts,-- +watching the stars as, one by one, they broke upon the twilight. Never +had he felt so sensibly the mighty power of the heavens and the earth +upon man! how much the springs of our intellectual being are moved and +acted upon by the solemn influences of Nature! As a patient on whom, +slowly and by degrees, the agencies of mesmerism are brought to bear, he +acknowledged to his heart the growing force of that vast +and universal magnetism which is the life of creation, and binds the +atom to the whole. A strange and ineffable consciousness of power, of +the something great within the perishable clay, appealed to feelings at +once dim and glorious,--rather faintly recognized than all unknown. An +impulse that he could not resist led him to seek the mystic. He would +demand, that hour, his initiation into the worlds beyond our world; he +was prepared to breathe a diviner air. He entered the castle, and +strode through the shadowy and star-lit gallery which conducted to +Mejnour's apartment. + + +THE END. (1) + + +(1) [So far as Zicci was ever finished.] + + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ZICCI, COMPLETE, BY LYTTON *** + +******* This file should be named b036w10.txt or b036w10.zip ******** + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, b036w11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, b036w10a.txt + +This eBook was produced by Pat Castevens +and David Widger <widger@cecomet.net> + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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