The history,
sire, is short and simple. We are in your power: but instead of
deprecating your interference, I now solicit your protection.'
'Dear Honain, 'tis needless. The Princess Schirene has only to express
a wish that it may be fulfilled. I came to speak with you on weighty
matters, Honain, but I retire, for I am an intruder now. Tomorrow, if
it please you, at this hour, and in this disguise, I will again repair
hither. In the meantime, this lady may perchance express to you her
wishes, and you will bear them to me. If an escort to any country, if
any palace or province for her rule and residence---- But I will not
offer to one who should command. Lady! farewell. Pardon the past!
Tomorrow, good Honain! prythee let us meet. Good even!'
'The royal brow was clouded,' said Ithamar to Asriel, as, departing from
the council, they entered their magnificent barque.
'With thought; he has so much upon his mind, 'tis wondrous how he bears
himself.'
'I have seen him gay on the eve of battle, and lively though calm, with
weightier matters than now oppress him. His brow was clouded, but not,
me-thinks, with _thought_; one might rather say with _temper_. Mark you,
how he rated Jabaster?'
'Roundly! The stern priest writhed under it; and as he signed the
ordinance, shivered his reed in rage.
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