The Spanish nobility were daily collecting round the Irish King. To
one of the most distinguished of these, the Duke of Medina Celina,
Roderick was particularly anxious to introduce Edric. For this
purpose, therefore, as soon as the army of Roderick returned to his
head quarters at Cadiz, where the duke had remained, the friends went
together to pay him a visit.
Edric was exceedingly interested by this call. The duke's family
consisted only of himself and his grand-daughter, the Princess Zoe,
but the appearance of both was excessively striking. The duke was a
blind old man with white flowing hair and a long silvery beard, clad
with almost patriarchal simplicity; whilst Zoe, who sate closely by his
side, and seemed devoted to his comfort, was beauty itself. Exquisitely
lovely, however, as her features were, they excited rather pain than
pleasure in the mind of the beholder, from their excessive paleness.
Her dress was simple: a robe of black silk fitted tight to her slender
shape, and her jet black hair was simply braided on her forehead, and
confined in a net behind.
When she saw the strangers, a slight blush stained the usual alabaster
fairness of her complexion, and a trifling agitation was visible in
her manner. It was but for an instant, however, that this glowing
tint suffused her pallid cheeks, or that her fine features betrayed
agitation. Her usual calm dignity of expression was immediately
re-assumed, and her countenance regained its marble whiteness. There
was, indeed, something very singular in the whole countenance of this
young beauty, for, notwithstanding the exquisite loveliness of her
features, her charms were rather those of a statue than of a human
being. Her fine features were strictly Grecian and perfectly regular,
but they were always fixed in one unvarying expression; whilst her
large black eyes fringed with long silken eyelashes, and her glossy
raven hair, contrasted strangely with the spotless fairness of her
complexion; the whole gave her the air of some unearthly visitant from
the tomb.
Zoe had been unfortunate from her birth. Her mother having accompanied
the old duke upon an embassy to Constantinople, had happened to please
the fancy of the reigning Emperor so forcibly, that, contrary to
the advice of his counsellors, he had married her. Disproportioned
marriages, however, are seldom happy ones: and that of the parents
of Zoe formed no exception to the general rule. The Emperor soon
repented his rashness, and, becoming tired of his wife, treated her
with coldness and neglect; whilst she, far removed from all her former
friends, and finding herself despised by the man for whose sake she had
sacrificed every thing, lingered a few years and then died unheeded and
forlorn, leaving only the hapless Zoe to lament her fate.
The Emperor married again; and Zoe had dragged on a miserable
existence, till in an insurrection of the Greeks, her father had been
murdered, and she herself compelled to fly from Constantinople. She had
repaired first to Africa; but finding her grandfather was in Spain,
she had followed him thither, and still remained with him, under the
protection of Roderick.
It was, indeed, the aristocracy of Spain for which the Irish hero was
now principally fighting; for they had suffered most severely from the
licentious conduct of the soldiers, and were most earnest in imploring
his assistance. When the seat of the Spanish monarchy had been removed
to Africa, most of the nobles had followed in its train, whilst
those that remained had become objects of hate and suspicion to the
republican governments that ensued. Still, however, the _amor patriæ_
glowed strongly in their breasts, and chained them to their country;
they submitted patiently to innumerable grievances, till, a few months
before they applied to Roderick, finding the insolence of the soldiers
become insupportable, they determined to throw off the yoke, and
re-establish a monarchy in Spain.
For this purpose, they had invited Don Pedro, a younger branch of their
former Royal family to come over from Africa to accept their throne.
He complied, and had brought in his train many of the old nobility;
and amongst the rest the venerable Duke of Medina Celina, whose most
passionate wish it was, that he might die and be entombed in Spain. Don
Pedro had been unsuccessful, and had fled; but many of those who had
accompanied him remained, and with the resident Spanish nobility now
formed the splendid Court of Roderick at Cadiz.
The duke received Edric kindly, and treated Roderick with that
enthusiastic devotion, which is, beyond all other praise, flattering
to the mind of man. Zoe never spoke, nor did her features betray that
she took the slightest interest in the scene before her. It has been
before observed, that education was carried to such a pitch in England,
that all, even the common people, were universal linguists. Instruction
indeed, in that respect, was imparted in many brief and ingenious
modes; and knowledge being thus rendered so cheap and easy, as to be
_à la portée de tout le monde_, it of course was going partially out
of fashion with the higher classes; but as Sir Ambrose piqued himself
on his devotion to all the old customs, he would not swerve from them
in the education of his sons; and in consequence, Edric was almost as
learned in this respect as a servant or a labourer.
This had often been a source of chagrin to him at home, as it prevented
his feeling upon equal terms with those in the same situation of life
as himself, and had contributed greatly to give him those shy and
reserved manners we have noticed. On the present occasion, however,
Edric found his learning advantageous, as it enabled him to enjoy
thoroughly the animated and entertaining conversation of the old duke.
After a lively and spirited discussion of the manners of the age
generally, and the state of Spain in particular, the friends retired,
having first obtained a promise from the duke and Zoe to be present at
a grand tournament Roderick intended giving on the following day.
"Well, Edric!" said Roderick, "what think you of the Princess Zoe?"
"That she would be a Venus de Medicis, if she had a little more soul."
"Oh come! Edric," said Roderick, laughing; "that is really too bad.
I'll allow that Zoe wants animation; but she has at least as much as a
statue. Besides I thought you were fond of still life, or you would not
feel so anxious about your Mummy."
"Oh, for God's sake!" said Edric, "do not joke me upon that subject; it
is too solemn, too awful!"
"At least, your doubts are now satisfied," said the King.
"Not at all," returned Edric; "for I cannot help imagining it was only
permitted to appear resuscitated to punish my presumptuous daring;
and its mysterious disappearance, added to the strange and fearful
adventures that have since attended us, only confirm my opinion."
"It must have been a horrible feeling when you first saw it stir,"
observed Roderick.
"Words cannot express the agony of that moment," replied Edric, "when I
saw my strange unearthly wishes gratified, and felt the impiety I had
been guilty of in having formed them; and I would have given worlds to
restore the Mummy to the deep sleep I had disturbed. It was, however,
then too late."
"Can you form any idea of what has become of it?"
"None. If the Egyptian's story be correct, it contrived to re-inflate
the balloon, and that carried it away, though it is quite impossible to
say how far it might go, as the Mummy could not possibly understand the
management of the machine, though he might accidentally fill it."
"Would it relieve you to think the Mummy safe in England?"
"Oh no! I shudder at the thought."
"Well, well, then it is useless to make yourself unhappy about the
subject. Depend upon it, all is for the best. I am sure, for my part, I
am very much obliged to the resuscitated gentleman; as, if it had not
been for his freak of flying away with your balloon, you would not have
been here at the present moment, and I might never have even known that
such a person was in existence. However, now you _are_ here, you must
not leave me; and when we have finished our campaign, we will return
to Ireland together, and pass the remainder of our lives in peace and
tranquillity."
Edric smiled, for the very idea of peace and Roderick seemed
incongruous.
The tournament was held on a fine plain on the mainland, a few miles
from Cadiz, and nothing could exceed the brilliancy of the show. "The
sun shone o'er fair women and brave men," for even in winter, the
bright beams of an Andalusian sun give a glowing animation to the
scene. The busy murmurs of the crowd, the prancing of the horses,
and the gay laugh of the light-hearted Irishmen, as they paid their
highflown compliments to the Spanish beauties, were, however, soon
interrupted by the firing of cannon, and a pause ensued, which was at
length broken by loud shouts of "Roderick! Roderick, for ever! Long
live the Conqueror of Spain!" And immediately, the pressure and bustle
of the people, and the sound of warlike music which gradually swelled
upon the ear, announced the arrival of that illustrious Sovereign upon
the field.
Roderick was, as usual, riding upon Champion, his noble barb, and
surrounded by the officers of his staff; but he was not talking to them
with his accustomed familiarity; his countenance even wore an air of
sadness and reflection, very unusual to it. However, as he rode along,
his fine horse tossing his head and spurning the ground as he advanced,
he looked completely the powerful Sovereign that he really was.
His dress was exceedingly becoming. Roderick knew mankind too well not
to appear to adopt, in some measure, even the prejudices of those he
associated with; and knowing the partiality of the Spaniards for dress
and appearance, his own was magnificent. A tight vest and pantaloons of
black satin displayed the elegance of his figure to the best advantage,
whilst a short cloak of the same material, hung from his shoulders in
graceful negligence, and his head was covered with a large Spanish
hat of black velvet, having a magnificent plume of ostrich feathers,
secured by a diamond aigrette in front. A superb collar of diamonds
also adorned his breast, and a deep frill of vandyk lace was fastened
round his neck.
Splendid, however, as was the attire of Roderick, it was far exceeded
by his personal advantages; and no one could look upon that fair, open
brow, those bright blue eyes, that manly, though youthful form, that
glossy chestnut hair and curling mustachios, or, what was more than
all, upon the fascinating smile of the mouth they decorated, without
feeling deeply interested for their possessor.
The fascinating manners of Roderick have been already mentioned; but,
upon the present occasion, his usual _gaité de cœur_ was tempered by
an air of dignity and command which became him equally well, and which
powerfully told, that though he might sometimes condescend to seem
amused with trifles, he could, when he pleased, be indeed a king.
The affairs of Spain were now beginning to assume a favourable
appearance, and, consequently, the people were better disposed to be
amused; whilst, as a truce had been granted for some weeks, during
a negotiation for peace which was carrying on, the combined Spanish
and Irish soldiers shut up in the Isle of Leon, and thrown entirely
upon their own resources for amusement, like most persons in similar
situations, grasped eagerly at every trifle that seemed to promise
variety and amusement.
Roderick was perfectly aware of this; and it was partly to afford
employment for his officers, and partly to gratify his own taste for
the pursuits of chivalry, that he had proposed the present tournament.
The lists were marked out, and a flourish of trumpets summoned the
combatants to the field. Two of the Irish officers were the first who
engaged, and whilst every eye was occupied in watching their movements
with the most intense anxiety, Roderick took an opportunity of
whispering to Edric that he had just received news from England.
"Well!" cried Edric, his eyes sparkling with impatience.
"Elvira is elected; but I am afraid there is a strong party in the
state against her."
"And my father?"
"He is well, and Edmund is prime minister!"
"What says Rosabella?"
"She is silent; and, therefore, I fear--"
"You are right. In such a case, Rosabella's silence can only portend a
storm."
"The duke has left the country, and now resides entirely in town."
"What a change," said Edric, "a few short months has produced! all is
altered. I was excessively shocked when you informed me of the death
of Claudia; but this news, though it surprises, does not displease me;
and, thank God! my father is well."
The defeat of one of the combatants, and the shouts and triumph
attending the success of the other, now interrupted the conference; and
the rush of all parties towards the King separated him from Edric, who
walked quietly away from the crowd to meditate upon the news he had
received. The train of thought thus conjured up was so pleasing, that
he was soon completely lost in it. His father, his brother, and all the
scenes of his childhood, those early recollections so dear to every
heart, seemed to rise before him, and he had forgotten Spain and all
that it contained, when he was roused from his reverie by a piercing
scream; and, looking round, he saw the Princess Zoe, near whose
palanquin he had accidentally placed himself, attempting to break from
her carriage in a state of the most violent agitation.
Astonished beyond the power of expression at her emotion, Edric hastily
assisted her to unfasten the door of her palanquin, and offered her
his arm: Zoe took it without speaking, and with trembling steps
hurried across the plain. In a few minutes, however, the cause of
the princess's agitation was explained; for, as they approached the
spot she evidently wished to reach, Edric saw the body of Roderick
extended upon the ground, apparently without life or motion. Uttering
an exclamation of horror, he attempted to rush towards him, but the
princess held his arm firmly, and prevented him. Quite astonished, he
looked up in her face; she was still dreadfully agitated, but she did
not speak, and only pressed her finger against her lips.
In a few minutes, Roderick opened his eyes, and the princess again
pressing Edric's arm, said in a hurried, though low tone, "Let us
go!" Edric obeyed; and they walked hastily back to the palanquin in
perfect silence. When Edric had assisted the princess into her carriage
however, and was about to retire, she pressed his hand, and said again
in her peculiarly low soft voice, "Do not speak of this!"
"I will not," said Edric; and bowing respectfully as he pressed her
hand to his lips, he walked away excessively surprised at the scene
he had witnessed. Upon reaching the King, he found he had been thrown
from his horse, and so slightly hurt as not to think it necessary to
interrupt the amusements of the day; which concluded after a brilliant
display of Irish and Spanish valour, without any other incident worthy
of notice.
A few days after this adventure, as Edric was sitting, lost in thought,
in his own apartment, musing, as was his custom whenever he was alone,
upon the strange adventure of the Mummy, and endeavouring in vain to
imagine what might be its probable fate, he was startled by the door of
his room flying suddenly open, and Roderick's rushing in pale and in
violent agitation.
"Oh, Edric!" cried he, "I am ruined! my fame is lost for ever! whilst
I have been loitering away my time here, the enemy has obtained the
assistance of the French: they have taken Madrid, and almost all the
towns between that and the frontier! An immense army is marching upon
Seville, and they intended to have blocked me up here, amusing me with
their pretended treaties, till they had caught me in their snare."
"And how has their plot been discovered?"
"The Princess Zoe--yes! I know what you would say--she loves me, and
though I love her not, nay, though I am devoted to another, if I
reconquer Spain, myself and crown shall be thrown at her feet;--but, if
I fail, I will never live to be the herald of my disgrace."
"It is unworthy of Roderick to despair: it will be by treachery, if you
are vanquished."
"Hold!" cried Roderick, driven almost to frenzy at the thought. "For
mercy's sake, talk not so calmly of my being vanquished. I will
conquer--I will redeem my name, or perish in the attempt; and if they
do vanquish me, it shall be my corpse alone that they shall conquer,
for the immortal spirit shall escape their fury."
"Alas! alas!" said Edric; "your words have again conjured up the fiend
that so long has haunted me:--_does_ the immortal spirit escape?"
"Edric," returned the King, "this is not a moment for metaphysical
subtleties; we must act, and that immediately and decisively. We must
advance upon Seville, and, if possible, get possession of that city
before the army of the enemy shall reach it: this blow will strike the
Spaniards with awe, and before they have recovered themselves, I shall
have made myself master of half Spain. I know the character of the
people I have to combat; I must carry every thing by a _coup de main_,
or I shall fail."
It was impossible to deny the justice of this observation, and Edric
warmly seconded the preparations of Roderick to march immediately
upon Seville. These preparations were soon made; for Roderick was so
completely idolized by his soldiers, that they regarded his will as
law, and were ready to march at an hour's notice, though they knew not
where they were going. Dr. Entwerfen was excessively agitated when
he found he was going now really to engage in war; not that the base
emotion of fear took possession of his soul, but a slight trepidation,
such as that which scandal says even heroes feel at their first battle,
crept over his nerves, and gave him an odd kind of sensation, which, he
said, was only anxiety to engage.
No one knew where they were going; it was only rumoured, indeed, that
hostilities were about to recommence, and, as the doctor said, it was
very disagreeable to be unacquainted with the theatre of their future
glory. Roderick was amused, notwithstanding even the agitation of the
moment, with the efforts of the doctor to discover the secret, and told
him, as though in confidence, that they were going to attack Lisbon.
Delighted with this news, which he firmly believed, the doctor strutted
about with indescribable dignity, walking upon the tips of his toes,
pressing his lips together, and swelling out his cheeks like a cherub
in a country church-yard, whilst he seemed absolutely bursting with the
importance of the secret he carried. All was now ready; but before
Roderick quitted Cadiz, he took leave of the Princess Zoe.
"It would be unjust to your merit, and my gratitude," said he, "to
insult you with words; but if I survive, the devotion of my whole
life--"
"Stay!" interrupted Zoe, "nor overrate so strangely the value of the
service I have been so fortunate as to render you. Besides, even if
your estimate were just, know that the services of Zoe are not to be
purchased. No, prince, judge me not so meanly. Had I not determined
that we should never meet again, the intelligence you so highly value
would never have reached your ears. My greatest enemy is dead; and
to-morrow I return to my native land, where the rebels have no longer
the power to injure me. Demetrius, the ancient minister of my father,
arrived yesterday, with the permission for my return, and I do not
hesitate an instant--yet, before I go--"
"Speak," cried Roderick hastily; "command my life! my throne! my
fortune!"
Zoe smiled. "The favour I have to request is trifling. I have a
favourite page, who dreads to return to Greece, and I would willingly
place him under your care."
"He shall be my brother!" exclaimed Roderick enthusiastically; "my
friend! my companion in arms! He shall live with me, fight with me,
and--"
Again a faint smile played on Zoe's marble features, like the ghost of
departed joys; it was but for an instant, however, and it added fresh
darkness to the succeeding gloom. "I wish no privileges for my page,"
said she gravely, "beyond those usually bestowed upon his class. Treat
him kindly, but promise me you will not over-indulge him, or I will not
leave him with you."
"You have only to command," said Roderick, "and you may rely upon
obedience."
"Adieu! then," exclaimed the princess, extending her hand, whilst a
slight blush stained her alabaster complexion. "God bless you!--we may
meet again."
Roderick kissed her hand as he would have done that of an empress.
"Heaven grant we may!" exclaimed he, "for, rest assured, no earthly
pleasure could afford me half the joy."
"None?" asked Zoe incredulously.
"None!" repeated he firmly; "unless, perhaps," added he with a smile,
"the re-conquering of Spain."
"Then you will accept my page?"
"As a gift from Heaven!"
"He shall join you ere you cross the bridge: once more, adieu!"
"Adieu!" cried Roderick, and Zoe vanished. In half an hour the troops
were under arms, and had quitted Cadiz; but Roderick, in the bustle
and confusion attendant upon the removal of so large a body of men so
suddenly, had quite forgotten the Greek page. As he was crossing the
bridge, however, his noble barb started, and Roderick, looking for the
cause, saw a slight, graceful boy, who, kneeling, presented him with a
letter; it was from Zoe.
"I forgot to tell you," wrote she, "that my page is dumb. As his loss
of speech, however, was accidental, he is, notwithstanding, perfectly
intelligent, and will obey your slightest gesture."
Ordering some of his attendants to provide a horse, Roderick desired
the page to mount it, and ride by his side: the boy crossed his arms
upon his breast, and bowed his head in token of obedience, and then
lightly vaulted into the saddle.