My presence here proves that I am not so. I come
to enquire all your wishes. I come to gratify and to fulfil them, if
that be in my power.'
'Sire,' replied Honain, who had recovered from the emotion in which
he rarely indulged, and from the surprise which seldom entrapped him,
'Sire, my wishes are slight. You see before you the daughter of my
master. An interview, for which I fear I shall not easily gain that
lady's pardon, has made you somewhat acquainted with her situation and
her sentiments. The Princess Schirene seized the opportunity of the
late convulsions to escape from a mode of life long repugnant to all
her feelings, and from a destiny at which she trembled. I was her only
counsellor, and she may feel assured, a faithful, although perhaps an
indiscreet one. The irresistible solicitation of the inhabitants that I
should become their deputy to their conqueror prevented us from escaping
as we had intended. Since then, from the movement of the troops, I have
deemed it more prudent that we should remain at present here, although
I have circulated the intelligence of my departure. In the kiosk of my
garden, the princess is now a willing prisoner. At twilight she
steals forth for the poor relaxation of my society, to listen to the
intelligence which I acquire during the day in disguise.
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