Had it been Miriam, Alroy might have at
once expired; but the presence of this worldly man called back his
worldliness. The revulsion of his feelings was wonderful. Pride, perhaps
even hope, came to his aid; all the associations seemed to counsel
exertion; for a moment he seemed the same Alroy.
'I rejoice to find at least thee safe, Honain.'
'I also, if my security may lead to thine.'
'Still whispering hope!'
'Despair is the conclusion of fools.'
'O Honain! 'tis a great trial. I can play my part, and yet methinks
'twere better we had not again met. How is Schirene?'
'Thinking of thee.'
'Tis something that she can think. My mind has gone. Where's Miriam?'
'Free.'
'That's something. Thou hast done that. Good, good Honain, be kind to
that sweet child, if only for my sake. Thou art all she has left.'
'She hath thee.'
'Her desolation.'
'Live and be her refuge.'
'How's that? These walls! Escape? No, no; it is impossible.'
'I do not deem it so.'
'Indeed! I'll do anything. Speak! Can we bribe? can we cleave their
skulls? can we----'
'Calm thyself, my friend. There is no need of bribes, no need of
bloodshed. We must make terms.'
'Terms! We might have made them on the plain of Nehauend.
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