3. Certain trees are considered the true home of the Vetâl: he is then said ‘to live in his own house.’
3. Certain trees are considered the true home of the Vetâl: he is then said ‘to live in his own house.’
This happened more than once, until the king discovered that he must bind the corpse across his back before he came down.
And now the king encountered another difficulty; for the wily Vetâl within the corpse which he carried began telling stories, to beguile the fatigue of the journey he said, but in truth, because he wanted to escape; and Vikrama could only hold him on condition of his being absolutely silent.
The Vetâl’s plan was therefore, to put theking off his guard, and just when his interest was excited to ask some pointed question. Five-and-twenty times did this succeed. As soon as the king spoke the Vetâl flew back to his tree, and the whole process had to be repeated. The five-and-twenty stories called ‘Vetâlapanchavinsati,’ are a record of the tales related on these occasions, which Crustnath Cassinathjee, a modern Hindu, translated recently into English.
What ultimately became of the persecuted Vetâl we will leave to the reader who delights to revel in Eastern fairy lore, as did Swami from his boyhood upwards.
Magic and mystery possessed a charm for him that he could not overcome, the result being that he too desired superhuman power, which should astonish even the advanced scientists of the twenty-first century.
CHAPTER IX
‘I know the wealth of every urnIn which unnumbered rubies burn,Beneath the pillars of Chilminar;I know where the isles of perfume are,Many a fathom down in the sea,To the south of sun-bright Araby;I know too, where the Genii hidThe jewelled cup of their King Jamshid,With life’s elixir sparkling high.’Lalla Rookh.
‘I know the wealth of every urnIn which unnumbered rubies burn,Beneath the pillars of Chilminar;I know where the isles of perfume are,Many a fathom down in the sea,To the south of sun-bright Araby;I know too, where the Genii hidThe jewelled cup of their King Jamshid,With life’s elixir sparkling high.’Lalla Rookh.
‘I know the wealth of every urnIn which unnumbered rubies burn,Beneath the pillars of Chilminar;I know where the isles of perfume are,Many a fathom down in the sea,To the south of sun-bright Araby;I know too, where the Genii hidThe jewelled cup of their King Jamshid,With life’s elixir sparkling high.’Lalla Rookh.
‘I know the wealth of every urn
In which unnumbered rubies burn,
Beneath the pillars of Chilminar;
I know where the isles of perfume are,
Many a fathom down in the sea,
To the south of sun-bright Araby;
I know too, where the Genii hid
The jewelled cup of their King Jamshid,
With life’s elixir sparkling high.’
Lalla Rookh.
Swami being in the possession of all the accumulated knowledge of successive generations of Yogins, and having grown up as it were at the feet of Gamaliel, in the person of his father—to whom had been imparted the secrets of the ascetics of previous generations—was filled with wonderful wisdom.
Moreover, his powers were considerably perfected and strengthened by reason of his advanced culture, aided by his natural gift of psychic-energy; which latter was considerably augmented by the soul-sustaining elixir uponwhich, it was said, he was chiefly nourished. Rich and poor flocked to him in their emergencies; and it must be recounted of him that although he knew very well that the latter could in no wise adequately reward him, nevertheless, he gave the needy as much of his valuable time as he could well afford; for his rich customers kept him so fully occupied that he had hardly an hour in the day to call his own.
It goes without saying that most of the difficulties upon which he was consulted proceeded from that arch mischief-maker—Jealousy, whose wiles with the human heart have cost mankind no end of trouble, in all ages. It was no uncommon occurrence for a fair Duchess to come and seek his aid by informing her how and where her noble husband was spending his evenings. But the Duke guessing full well that she would be making tender inquiries respecting him, would beforehand endeavour to bribe the high-minded Eastern to keep his tongue from telling.
Or an over-anxious wife would worry herself concerning the safety of her husband whohad taken his monthly journey across the Atlantic in his flying machine, of which she was most nervous.
Or a young man striving to obtain a Government appointment, sought to learn if his lady friend, of whom he was in mortal fear, would bowl him out in the coming examination.
Or an intending disputant in a law case would consult the all-knowing-one as to the issue of his suit, if he engaged in it. Those foolhardy enough to disregard his warnings, invariably proved unfortunate; so that in the end, the great mind-reader got as many of these clients as the most popular barrister; but bearing different results. No matter of what the difficulty consisted this Anglo-Eastern sage solved it satisfactorily.
There was a time when the female portion of hisclientèleharried him unfairly, by disregarding his professional hours, and coming to consult him late in the evening. This grew so distressing to the gentle Eastern that in the end he made a stand for liberty, by closing his doors against them at a certain hour. It was not their desire to harass their favouritefortune-teller, but they objected to being seen making him their visits; for the raillery of their acquaintances gave these anxious fair ones excruciating agonies.
So Swami commanded his servants to admit no one after nine o’clock; for listening to the recital of his client’s case was but a moiety of the labour to be expended over it.
Swami was a man of moderate height, that is to say, moderate for the twenty-first century, when everybody nearly, attained a great stature. His shoulders did not measure the breadth of the Teuton’s, nevertheless, he knew no chest-weakness, for his daily athletic exercises from the age of six gave him a constitution that bore the changes of the English climate admirably.
He had the beautifully soft, and peculiarly shaped eyes of his race, that looked dark, dreamy and unfathomable.
His black silken hair hung in natural ringlets around his neck, which was smooth and of a deep cream colour: his complexion was the same, but was relieved by the dark silky moustache which partially concealed his well-cut lips.
His nose was straight, coming in a line almost from the forehead, while his chin was prominent and broad, indicating resolution of character.
The forehead was high and full; while the whole expression of his countenance gave the impression of his being a thinker, rather than a man of action. Although he was averse to much speech nevertheless, his natural fluency of language gave him such choice of words that he always expressed himself with great grace and dignity.
Notwithstanding all his wisdom and deep learning there was such an indescribable air of simplicity and naturalness about him, that people were inspired more with feelings of trust and affection for him, rather than those of awe and wonder.
If you endeavoured to guess his profession by his appearance you might have said he was a poet, philosopher, or scholar, but never a builder, architect, or civil engineer; for in truth, he was a dreamer only, and took no interest in practical pursuits. Nevertheless the nature of his occupation prevented him from spending his time in mere contemplation,where he could live in a world of his own creation; for his mind being daily taken up with the affairs of others, forced him into the outside world, although only in spirit. Seated in his ‘room of contemplation,’—as his Eastern servants named it,—where he was surrounded with his books and instruments of magic, and attired in a robe of rich yellow silk that floated down his figure in ample folds, with turban of the same hue, half concealing his dark silky hair, he looked indeed, a perfect picture of Eastern beauty.
He was a bachelor, so that the disturbing influence to the exercise of genius of which our eighteenth-century artist[4]complained, did not interfere with his occupations. The halo that surrounds the unappropriated man had spread its lustre over him, making the pulse of many a maiden quicken beneath the soft glance of those beautiful Eastern eyes of his.
4. Sir Joshua Reynolds maintained that a wife and children spoilt an artist’s genius.
4. Sir Joshua Reynolds maintained that a wife and children spoilt an artist’s genius.
Even the noblest dame would hardly have hesitated to mate with a man who was so universally admired and reverenced. Indeed, rumour averred, that offers of marriage wereby no means a rare occurrence with him, for woman’s privileges extended to this departure from ancient usage by this time.
But Swami resisted the tender advances of his fair customers, for his life was so entirely devoted to the profession he loved that marital cares had no charm for him.
Moreover, he had never met with the woman who could hold empire over him; whose soul-energy, could mingle with his, and fill his whole being with rapturous emotion, giving his life new charms, new hopes, and new aspirations. Until that being came into his life he was determined to live secluded and solitary, for, making no intimates of his customers, the pleasures of friendship were unknown to him.
One soft spring afternoon, a few days previous to that appointed for the Great Test Tournament, there came rolling up to his residence the royal carriage, drawn by prancing horses, and who should alight therefrom but the Emperor Felicitas himself. The dark servants trembled at the approach of such a mighty potentate, for Eastern ideas of the power of princes are not easily overcome,but Swami himself received the monarch with that easy and gentle courtesy he extended to everybody.
‘What doth the Emperor of so many dominions require of me?’ he asked, with a touch of his native Eastern politeness.
‘Indeed,’ cried the Emperor impetuously, ‘I wish my crown anywhere but on my head! What good is power if it leave one craving for that which he most desires?’
‘I want that, Swami, which I am denied, and which my heart is bursting for—the love of a woman—there! If thou hast magic power, as I am told thou possessest greatly, tell me how I can attain this?’
‘Is she so perverse?’ asked Swami quietly.
‘Perverse isn’t the word for it—she is ice, adamant—immovable as a rock! Yes,’ returned the Emperor despondently, ‘she is as cold as she is beautiful; and I have put her in prison! And, oh, I am utterly miserable. Believe me, Swami, I cannot sleep, eat, or work, for I am intensely, hopelessly miserable.’
‘I am truly sorry to see thy Majesty in such a plight,’ remarked Swami kindly. ‘But why didst thou place the lady thou lovest in aprison? It seems a high-handed way of dealing with a subject; truly a mighty strange method of inducing her love?’
‘I was put in a quandary,’ replied Felicitas candidly, for he knew there was no good gained by attempting to deceive the thought-reader; ‘I was suddenly surprised by visitors as I was attempting to detain her, when a craven spirit entered me, and I denounced her as a would-be murderer.’
‘Did she endeavour to harm thee?’ inquired Swami eagerly.
‘Yes, truly she raised her ebony life-preserver to strike me if I touched her.’
‘But she did it in self-defence, evidently,’ retorted Swami, while a bright light illumined his usually dreamy eyes.
‘Besides, those ebony trifles that ladies sometimes carry do not kill, they do but temporarily paralyse the part they touch.’
‘Oh, it matters little now, what they do—I wish she had killed me outright—anything but this dreadful torture of doubt to go through. This frightful fear nearly drives me mad—I wish it were all over.’
‘What?’ inquired Swami, wishful toobtain a clear command from the king in so many words, for his thoughts were in a state of the wildest confusion.
‘The trial—the trial—I dread it. I heartily wish I had never sent that warrant. The Crown Prosecutor has got the case in hand, and, Swami, I am heartily ashamed of it. Help me, I pray thee, and tell me how it will all end, and I will well reward thee.’
The Emperor looked like one distraught; his blue eyes gleamed with feverish excitement: his lips twitched uneasily, and he clasped his hands together with the agony of his mind, over which fear more than repentance predominated.
Swami soon perceived wherein the Emperor’s chief trouble lay. ‘I see by the brain-waves emanating from thee that the woman thou lovest is in confinement in the first-class misdemeanants’ quarters, in the Metropolitan Prison. Now that will do; I know enough. Let thy Majesty come at this hour to-morrow, and I will show thee what thou desirest to learn.’
Then the Emperor remembering that the real object of his visit was not yet accomplished,blurted out—‘I desire to learn the issue of the trial, that is my chief care at present.’
‘Of that I am aware, Sire,’ replied Swami courteously. ‘Thou desirest to learn the issue of the trial on thine own account. I perfectly understand it. In the meantime I would advise that the lady be allowed her liberty, subject to her own recognisances. It will be more advisable from every point of view, lest thy subjects deem thee harsh and unjust towards her. Whichever way the trial goes it is wise to show a merciful bearing, so that thou mayest retain thy subjects’ good opinion. It cannot hurt the case for the lady will not flee, be well assured of that. She will prefer to face her case in open court, for by all accounts that have reached me of her character, Mercia isn’t made of stuff to shirk a duty.’
‘Ha, Sorcerer, thou knowest her name! Who told it thee?’ exclaimed Felicitas in much surprise.
‘Thyself,’ replied the Soul-Reader, ‘I read it on thy brain. Moreover, fear, more than love, predominates within thy bosom. ThyMajesty doth dread the testimony of the witnesses arrayed against thee.’
‘I do not deny it,’ returned Felicitas meekly, for he was completely subdued by the two-fold influence of anxiety concerning the impending case, and awe of the Soul-reader’s power to divine his thought.
‘I do not indeed, deny it,’ he continued, ‘for I certainly dread that awful Sadbag, who with villainous guile hid behind the screen, and heard me plead my cause with the beauteous Mercia. But I must own it gives me more uneasiness the testimony of Mercia herself, for none will doubt her word.’
‘Then, let me advise thy Majesty to withdraw the charge and set the lady at liberty forthwith. A king’s cause should be just, and beyond suspicion: himself the personification of integrity, truth, and righteousness. He should rather suffer a slight, than in revenge work a great injury. The way of a king should be perfect.’
Felicitas looking ill at ease endeavoured to take this rebuke lightly. ‘The law still holds good that “a king can do no wrong.” But, Swami,’ he continued earnestly, and in apleading tone, ‘thine advice is good if my way be not: tell me first what the issue of the trial will be, and I will then accommodate myself to circumstances.’
‘Be it so,’ answered Swami courteously. ‘Come at this hour to-morrow and I will be prepared.’
When the Emperor arrived on the following day at the Soul-reader’s dwelling, he was met at the door by Swami himself, who conducted him into his library. From thence he led him into an inner room, which having no window was in a state of complete darkness.
‘It has cost me many hours of labour to obtain this result,’ explained Swami to his visitor, ‘but it is, I believe, perfect. Presently, I will illumine the sensitive plate on which the scene is projected from my brain, and show to thy Majesty three pictures of the scenes which will certainly be enacted at the court, during the coming trial. For I find that the case will come off independently of thy action. I can only now advise what course thy Majesty can best take concerning it.’
Then Swami, having all the results in readiness of his wonderful instrument—the psycho-register—touched a spring, and forthwith an immense illuminated picture, filling one side of the room and representing a scene in the Great Hall, of the Court, almost dazzling in its brilliancy of colouring, instantaneously appeared. So complete was the surprise of Felicitas that he started back, for the strange vividness, no less than the suddenness of the scene made him somewhat nervous: but Swami, accustomed to finding his visitors startled, kindly re-assured him.
‘Sire,’ said he gently, ‘be not alarmed, there is nothing to hurt thy Majesty.’
It proved, in truth, a most wonderful and striking picture of the Great Justice Hall in the Metropolitan Court. Tiers of seats containing theéliteof Great Britain, and Ireland, Berlin, Paris, and most of the European Continent, were filled to overflowing; for nobles and great dames, and even several crowned heads, had assembled from all parts to see thecause célèbre.
In the dock was seated Mercia, looking calm, beautiful, and self-possessed. She wasarrayed in a flowing crimson velvet gown that cast a warm glow over her face which had paled considerably either through anxiety, or prison confinement.
Innumerable opera glasses were being levelled at her by both sexes; while busy barristers in their black gowns and white wigs scanned their note-books. The place set apart for newspaper reporters was filled with representatives of the press setting in order their respective phonographs, which were to register the whole proceedings of the case. Where the distance was not great as soon as the court closed each day, the phonograph containing the evidence of the witnesses, speeches of the barristers, and in fact everything that was said at the trial, was packed off forthwith to the editor of each newspaper, by the quickest conveyance possible, who cut down the report as he thought fit, to suit the dimensions of his space in the newspaper, and the fastidiousness of his readers; for the frailties of human nature as delineated in a court of justice do not form at all times an edifying spectacle for the young, or the modest.
On his feet stood the Crown Prosecutor, evidently stating his case, while Geometrus and Sadbag were seated at one side; but no Emperor Felicitas could be discovered anywhere: he indeed, was conspicuous by his absence, seeing he was the only witness in his own case.
Felicitas gazed in amazement at the immense group photographed there; ejaculating from time to time, as he recognised each member of the nobility with whom he was acquainted, pictured before him.
‘By Jove!’ he exclaimed, ‘there is Nicholas of Russia, and his fat Empress! How interested she looks—see she has got her ear-trumpet in use, endeavouring to miss nothing. And Louis of France, forsooth; the new Louis Twentieth, not at all a bad looking fellow! And Osbert my cousin, who averred he’d be dumb, but evidently intends to be neither blind, nor deaf.
‘And there’s the Duke of Northumberland, with his skinny spouse seated beside him; whose skin is just like a piece of crinkled yellow leather. And Lord Lennox and his pretty bride! Well, I must say, they’re allmost excellent likenesses—they look indeed, like living pictures. What a treat they are getting! An Emperor in a witness box isn’t an every-day occurrence, to be sure! And, oh, there’s Mercia, how pale, how beautiful, how sad she appears! Ah, Swami, I have no heart to go on with this prosecution. I love her—I would die for her—canst thou not exercise thy magic andmakeher loveme?’
‘I possess no power over the human heart,’ returned Swami coldly. ‘My work is to make known futurity to a slight extent; which will serve as a guidance to the inquirer in matters of difficulty. Besides,’ added the Thought-reader lightly, ‘thy Majesty is no longer in the matrimonial market. Why trouble then the lady when thou hast nothing to offer her but disgrace?’ he inquired after a pause.
‘I would make her mine Empress,’ cried Felicitas passionately. ‘I would obtain a divorce and free myself from my intolerable fetters!’
‘Impossible!’ urged Swami, as it seemed defiantly. ‘Thy Majesty hath no just causefor putting away thine Empress: she is a model of marital purity, by all accounts.’
‘My plea would be on the ground of incompatibility of temper: we do not agree in any way, and I shall never know happiness while I live with her. Besides, what is to become of the Succession, with a barren woman for Empress?’ demanded Felicitas with a look of triumph in his face, for he imagined this would prove an unanswerable argument with the country.
‘The Succession,’ returned Swami smiling, ‘can take no harm whatever, with the numerous cousins thy Majesty is favoured with. Moreover, it behoves me to remind thy Majesty that the Empress and thyself lived in perfect harmony up to the time that thy mind wandered to the fair astronomer. Curb thy desires: keep thy way pure, and engage thyself in the affairs of the nation, taking good heed of thine high position, and Mercia will soon pass out of thy life. Thus all will in time go well with thee.’
‘How fine thou preachest, good Swami! Surely thou hast mistaken thy vocation—for the gown of a priest would better befitthee. Dost thou advise all thy customers in this strain?’ exclaimed the monarch angrily.
‘I counsel each one who seeks my aid to the best of my ability. All who come hither do so of their own free will. I invite no one—I press no one. Let him who is dissatisfied with my forewarnings go his own way: I will not quarrel with him for following his own council. For I find all men in the end carry out their own designs, even if the wisdom of a Solomon, double-distilled, were to warn them of their folly.’
‘Swami, forgive me!’ returned Felicitas humbly, ‘I meant no offence; but I was nettled by being made to listen to good advice, to which I am treated daily. The Empress bestows uninvited this article so generously that in truth I want no more from anybody. Now, I pray, let us talk of Mercia; would she marry me if I were free?’
‘She is destined for another, far beneath thy Majesty in social position; but who can give her a heart wholly devoted to her: one who has never desired the love of woman till his eyes gazed upon her beauty—the beautyof her soul,’ replied Swami, with a countenance irradiated with his own emotions.
‘To look at thee, Swami, and to hear thy speech,’ cried the Emperor excitedly, ‘one could only conclude that thou wert in love with her thyself! Her beauty of person is good enough for me: I know naught of soul-beauty! Few men do, I opine, save sorcerers; and they need no femininities to comfort them, being above such frailties, I presume. However, I am aware that Mercia is in love already. That fellow Geometrus desires her, and she loves him: at all events she told me as much. I suppose thy prophecy refers to him; for he is one also who troubles little about the affairs of women; for he slaves all day making astronomical instruments for Mercia to do her star-gazing with. He is her devoted servant, and she appreciates him accordingly,’ observed Felicitas cynically.
‘But will shemarryhim?’ remarked Swami musingly.
‘Exercise thy soul-reading powers and discover for thyself,’ answered the Emperor lightly. ‘Turn on the next scene, if it beready, for I would learn all with as great a speed as possible,’ he added.
Upon hearing this request Swami pressed another button, and immediately the room was enveloped in darkness, and the picture vanished altogether from sight. The next picture which appeared upon the crystal plate, portrayed the court with the same visitors in similar order as before, but with this difference. The serious expression which the countenances of all present wore in the first instance was now changed to that of intense excitement in some, while the greater part of the audience seemed bursting with merriment.
Sadbag, who was the centre of all eyes, was in the witness box manipulating a phonograph of the newest design, the boxed-up talk of which was being apparently reeled out for the benefit of the court; the nature of its revelations proving irresistibly comic to the assembly’s point of view, while the old man’s air of triumph most graphically seemed to say, ‘What do you think of that my friends?’ as he smirked with an ‘I-told-you-so,’ sort of expression on his face.
Mercia on her part was blushing violently, Geometrus was scowling darkly, while all the barristers were endeavouring to conceal their merriment by fluttering their pocket-handkerchiefs under the pretence of blowing their noses. Prince Osbert was actually holding his sides; while his face, puckered with merriment, seemed to say—‘Now isn’t this excruciatingly funny?’
Mercia’s counsel wore an air of happy triumph, which appeared to indicate complete satisfaction with his own good management of the case. Felicitas was absent, as before, but his Empress was among the audience, looking as flushed and angered as an injured wife might well be.
‘What the deuce is everybody laughing at?’ queried the Emperor, while a deep frown crossed his face,—‘I cannot understand it!’
Swami remained silent; he knew full well what the phonograph was saying, but did not deem it wise to give the irascible monarch too much information.
‘Canst not thy Majesty comprehend the situation?’ he demanded suavely.
‘No, I do not,’ answered Felicitas hotly, ‘tell me the meaning of it all.’
‘Time alone will show the full development. There is sufficient pictured to give thy Majesty ample warning.’
‘It is easy enough to see that I shall be made a pretty laughing-stock for the whole world. That villain Sadbag has worked some vile trick upon me—that is very evident. Strange that thou art unable to explain what the beast is up to!’ muttered Felicitas to himself, for he was bursting with rage at the very thought of the whole proceeding.
‘We have had enough of this,’ observed Swami quietly, as he prudently pressed the extinguishing button, producing perfect darkness. ‘We will now show the closing scene and dismiss the matter for to-night.’
‘I am weary of it all,’ remarked the monarch disgusted with the portrayals of the magic crystal, ‘I would I had never seen this sorcery, I shall not get a wink of sleep this night.’
‘Nor to-morrow night either,’ said Swami coolly, as he switched on the light revealing the third and last of the wonderful pictures.
‘What meanest thou by that?’ inquired Felicitas curtly.
‘The real trial commences to-morrow,’ replied the Soul-reader calmly, ‘a messenger is at this moment awaiting thy Majesty’s return to remind thee of the date.’
‘To-morrow!’ repeated the Emperor, ‘impossible! This cannot be the date!’
‘It is truly,’ said Swami compassionately, ‘thine hour of trial is at hand. But see, here is Mercia’s hour of triumph, mark how everybody is showing her honour, and offering their congratulations.’
However striking these photo-crystal pictures had appeared, this last, without doubt, displayed the most stirring scene. It represented the intense joy of a great multitude, who were offering their congratulations, and testifying their admiration of one who had gone through a severe ordeal, out of which she had come victorious.
The whole populace were paying her their sincerest homage in honest English fashion. Some were waving their hats and cheering vociferously. While a number had removed from their shafts the four bay horses thatdrew her chariot. This latter was standing near the gates of the law courts, and the men in warm enthusiasm, had commenced pulling the carriage themselves.
Others were casting wreaths of bay leaves into her lap; so numerous were they that a great pile was being formed in the centre of her carriage. These were intermixed with bouquets of the loveliest flowers, one of which was composed of the most cunningly-wrought blossoms, the leaves of which were studded with costly emeralds, and their buds bedewed with diamonds of immense value. This beautiful and generous gift was being offered by a gentleman whose face being turned aside, made the Emperor unable to discover the features.
Mercia looked perfectly radiant with pleasure, as she bowed her numerous acknowledgments to the enthusiastic crowd that surrounded her.
‘By Jove!’ exclaimed the Emperor excitedly, as he critically scanned the mysterious figure, ‘I could swear those were thy dark curls clustering round thine ears!’
‘Curls are common enough, Sire, and darkhair is no rarity in thy realms,’ replied Swami evasively, who seemed a little put out at the king’s speech.
Felicitas gazed with feelings of wonder and envy, intermingled with regret, upon the picture which glowed with resplendent colouring; every figure in which presented such an apparent natural roundness that it was difficult to imagine they were not endowed with life and motion. The lineaments of those with whom he was acquainted were so exactly delineated, and the natural pose and bearing of each individual so vividly represented that he was impelled to put out his hand to touch one of them.
‘Hold!’ exclaimed Swami quickly, ‘touch it not, or thou art a dead man! The shock would kill thee instantly, for these psychodevelopments are wrought and illumined by strong frictional electricity of the deadliest kind; the current of which is so powerful that it infinitely exceeds that of forked lightning.’
‘Ha!’ ejaculated Felicitas paling, ‘it is certainly foolhardy to meddle with such trickery; but, in truth, I had forgotten myselfcompletely. It is without doubt the most beautiful creation I have ever seen! How wonderfully art thou endowed, Swami, I would I were only half as gifted as thou art.’ Then, the Emperor fixing his gaze upon the beauteous face of Mercia, who formed the central figure in the scene, and whose countenance expressed the sweetest grace and modesty; commenced to thus apostrophise her—‘This then is the end and issue of my suit——’
‘Which suit, thy lovesuit, or thy lawsuit?’ interrupted Swami lightly; for the Emperor’s love-raptures for some reason annoyed him.
‘Which suit?’ repeated Felicitas dreamily.
‘Both suits, I suppose,’ added Swami laughingly.
‘Ah truly,’ sighed the Emperor, ‘the twain have proved an utter failure. I thought to bring her low—to humiliate her—to place her in such a position as would force her to accept my royal clemency and bounty; but alas, I have only brought about a public triumph for her, and public dishonour to myself! Oh, Swami let not this be the finishing scene; thou art all-powerful, makeanother wherein Mercia is my bride, the crowned Empress of the Teutonic Empire.’
‘Be it so, Sire, a fourth picture shall appear wherein the completion of her triumph shall be projected. Retire a few moments, and I will conjure it presently.’
In less than ten minutes, Felicitas was summoned into the dark room, and on the wonderful crystal there appeared the most beautiful vision of womanly loveliness that art had ever created. Mercia looking radiant with happiness, whose beauty was heightened and enhanced by the most costly draperies and diamonds that wealth could produce, was seated on a throne, surrounded by the imposing pageantry of a coronation ceremony. A crown composed of magnificent diamonds and various precious stones of immense value graced her well-shaped head, while brilliant gems sparkled in the rich embroidery of her magnificent robes.
Eastern potentates, and native princes of the various Eastern possessions were paying her homage. Their Oriental costumes, rich with jewels and resplendent with vivid colouring lent a charm to the most magnificent sceneof Oriental splendour that it was possible to conceive.
‘What an entrancing sight! What perfect loveliness!’ murmured the Emperor, as he gazed with rapture on the beautiful picture before him.
‘Mercia, dearest Mercia, how beautiful thou art! Did I not divine thou wert made to grace a throne? Oh, thou sweet Mercia, listen to me. What bliss to dwell with thee always; to listen to the divine melody of that sweet voice; to clasp in mine that beautiful hand; to drink of the nectar of those ruby lips; to know that thou wert all mine own!
‘Oh, that I might share my crown, my realms, my all with thee! Thou Queen of my heart, thou Light of my life!
‘Art thou indeed to grace my throne? Is this thy Bridal Day foreshown? Swami,’ continued he, turning to the Soul-reader, ‘is all that Eastern pageantry to lend its lustre to my second nuptials?’
‘Surely not,’ answered Swami proudly, ‘does not thy Majesty perceive that it is altogether an Oriental picture?’
‘But I am the Emperor of India,’ saidFelicitas with much dignity, ‘how then can Mercia be Empress unlessIplace the consort crown on her head?’
‘The days are numbered that see thee supreme Ruler of my country: a week hence and India will have accomplished her freedom.’
‘Has fate decreed that the Hindu shall exceed the English in physical strength? If this be thy divination then I believe nothing of it.’
‘All the worse for thee, Sire. Believe that which yields thee most comfort, and forget my harmless prophecies. To-morrow attend the Law Courts, and see all things reversed, as thy heart desireth. Perhaps, like dreams, which are said to prove the contrary of what they picture, the reality will come out the opposite of all thou hast seen this day portrayed. It may be that Mercia, instead of being crowned an Empress, shall to-morrow be consigned to execution, or life imprisonment?’
‘I would sooner see her die than wedded to another,’ murmured the Emperor moodily.
‘Thy Majesty is merciful as wise!’ respondedSwami cynically, as he pressed the extinguisher for the last time, and set the room in darkness; obliterating for the moment the entrancing portrait of the woman he was learning to love through the medium of soul-sympathy; for he was as yet personally unacquainted with Mercia.
‘I would I had never seen either thyself or thy psychical pictures,’ said Felicitas bitterly. ‘What good is it looking into futurity? It does but make one miserable beforehand. I cannot control the current of events; all will take place exactly the same as if I had known nothing. To look into the future is but to anticipate life’s troubles.
‘What earthly use to learn the issue of the trial to-day, to-morrow would have been soon enough to know my ill-fortune.’
‘Balak-like thou wouldst have me curse, when I can only bless,’ returned Swami. ‘It is true that thy Majesty must reap as thou hast sown. We all live under this unalterable law. As the husbandman sows seed expecting its like to be reproduced, so we must be satisfied to gather the fruit of our own actions. If we plant the crab, can we look for theapricot? If we work dishonourable actions, can we reap honour thereby?
‘The priest promises Heaven as the reward of a good life, but the only Heaven assigned to man is that of his own creation—the delight that pervades his soul in the knowledge that he has not lived in vain; that he has been the source of comfort and happiness to others; that he has kept the golden rule. Six little words, in fact, define it,—that he loves and is beloved—for human love, in all its various sections, is Heaven—no other Paradise exists.’
‘’Tis the want of this, that’s brought my trouble,’ murmured Felicitas. ‘If I had Mercia’s love then wouldst thou see how pious I could be.’
‘Is a child contented wholly when one desire is satisfied? No, he cries hourly for new toys and new delights. Thy Majesty would weary in course of time with the beauteous Mercia, as thou hast wearied of thy spouse. Physical charms delight the eye for a season; but if there be no union of psycho-magnetic sympathy there is no possibility of an enduring affection. Sire, be content; as thou hast made thy bed, so must thou lie upon it.’
‘That reminds me of my suit to-morrow,’ interrupted Felicitas impatiently. ‘What wouldst thou advise in this dilemma?’
‘The case is surrounded with difficulties,’ answered Swami reflectively. ‘If thou withdraw the prosecution, the defenders would persist in its being gone through. Sadbag, and Mercia’s counsel would not miss giving the evidence they have in store, under any consideration. Her counsel has decidedly made up his mind that nothing shall induce him to let the case collapse. He will plead, if thou withdraw, that his client’s character is at stake, and must be cleared by suitable investigation of the charge. Besides, the charge isthineno longer: it is in the hands of the Public Prosecutor.’
‘I will be no witness for him,’ cried Felicitas, a new idea having crossed his mind. ‘This night urgent affairs of state shall summon me to Berlin. Good-bye, Swami, for the present. We shall see whether thy soul-reading crystal plate has discovered to us the false or the true.’
‘Will thy Majesty be absent from theGreat Test Trialnext Tuesday?’ inquiredSwami, with a view of reminding him of the date of that event.
‘By all above us, no,’ emphatically ejaculated Felicitas, whose ideas and recollections were in a decided jumble. The Emperor, if he be alive, must without doubt, be present at the Tournament.
‘I do not see how it could legally take place without me; for the king, whose realms are in dispute, is ever deemed the chiefest witness of the contest.
‘I have ample time; for by to-morrow night Mercia’s cause will have been heard and fully disposed of; there are still a few days left for the scandal to blow over, before the 1st of May, when I will appear in my proper place, and fulfil the duties that belong to my royal state.’
‘How convenient to be a king, and know naught of the penalties of wrong-doing. A meaner mortal would be punished for perjury in such a case! But here ’twill be glossed over, and the Emperor’s clemency enlarged upon by his counsel,’ thought Swami, as he conducted the monarch to the great doors, outside which his carriage stood in readiness.
CHAPTER X
‘Whence all this strange attraction? ’Tis Nature’s law,Which irresistibly impels and leadsWith forces so unutterably strong,And yet so hid—so wrapped in joy—concealed—That whence it comes we nothing know, nor why—We only know it is that Power calledLove.’Idylls, Legends and Lyrics.
‘Whence all this strange attraction? ’Tis Nature’s law,Which irresistibly impels and leadsWith forces so unutterably strong,And yet so hid—so wrapped in joy—concealed—That whence it comes we nothing know, nor why—We only know it is that Power calledLove.’Idylls, Legends and Lyrics.
‘Whence all this strange attraction? ’Tis Nature’s law,Which irresistibly impels and leadsWith forces so unutterably strong,And yet so hid—so wrapped in joy—concealed—That whence it comes we nothing know, nor why—We only know it is that Power calledLove.’Idylls, Legends and Lyrics.
‘Whence all this strange attraction? ’Tis Nature’s law,
Which irresistibly impels and leads
With forces so unutterably strong,
And yet so hid—so wrapped in joy—concealed—
That whence it comes we nothing know, nor why—
We only know it is that Power calledLove.’
Idylls, Legends and Lyrics.
As soon as Swami got rid of his visitor, he quickly made his way to the dark chamber, where he had been thirsting to rush for some time past, and turning on the force brought to view the psycho-development of the coronation scene, wherein the portrait of the beautiful astronomer was the centre-piece. He had in reality prepared this mental feast for himself, but was induced at the request of Felicitas to reveal its charms to that monarch.
As she sat upon her golden throne surrounded by the Maharajahs, and Heads of the various Principalities of the Eastern Empire, decked in their glittering robes, their crowns,and other courtly splendours, heightened with all the attendant pomp of Eastern ceremonial, Swami saw only the person of the matchless Mercia; for the rest possessed little interest for him at this moment.
As his gaze dwelt upon her sweet face, he looked into her eyes with rapturous emotion, and clasping his hands together, knelt before this lovely delineation of his secret adoration, uttering in tenderest accents a passionate apostrophe.
‘O, divine Mercia, I love thee! Thou hast brought into my life a new element—a new force, as mysterious, as it is powerful. A new joy has come into my heart hitherto unknown. A new hope is imparted to my lonely life, irradiating its darkness, and giving the sweetest comfort known to the human soul. I read the magic mirror of thine eyes, and see thy soul all perfect, all pure, and unsullied.
‘I mentally see thy thought, and mapped out before me read the loveliness of thy mind; for by the motions of thy brain I am acquainted with the rich treasures of thy cultured mind.
‘Thou wert made to inspire the deepest emotions in the human heart; for the mightygift of soul-sympathy that pervades thy whole being, exercises such power over every mind that all bow to thy magic influence, deeming it a happiness to be near thee, however short the moment.
‘The lowliest feel thy charm, and draw comfort therefrom, while I, dearest Mercia, am inspired with ineffable delight; for who could know thee and not be fired with the noblest aims—the highest aspirations?
‘Come then, sweet girl, come hither, and let mine eyes gaze upon the casket that contains such a rich jewel—the form that contains such a perfect soul!’
Then Swami, raising himself from his kneeling posture, and standing erect, closed his eyes, and projecting from his nerve-centres a powerful stream of psychic-energy, which, rushing in waves through the air, almost instantly found its way to the fair prisoner.
Immediately, without knowing the cause, she commenced thinking of the great Soul-reader, experiencing a strong desire to go and see him.
Now, in consequence of Swami’s advice the day previous, the Emperor had, at theproper quarters intimated his desire to bestow the royal pardon on the fair culprit; which command being as quickly carried out as officialism would admit, Mercia was made acquainted with her position with little delay.
When the governor of the prison read the document to Mercia which contained the so-called ‘pardon,’ an indignant flush rose instantly to her cheeks.
‘Ah!’ she disdainfully cried, ‘the Emperor generously sends me a pardon before it is solicited, for a crime I have never committed! His clemency oppresses me—it is really more than I can accept.’
‘It is certainly most unparalleled in prison records,’ remarked the governor, who looked mystified. ‘I don’t know of a similar instance in all my experience. The pardon should be accorded after the sentence is passed, should the prisoner be found guilty. I understand that his Gracious Majesty being himself the prosecutor, departs from the ordinary routine observed in such matters. He desires to set thee at liberty without further delay.’
‘I cannot accept his Majesty’s clemency without consulting my counsel,’ replied Merciaafter a pause: ‘the case is in readiness, he informs me, and witnesses are fully prepared to establish my innocence. I will therefore remain here until I have had a consultation with him. Be good enough to send for him at once, and we two will consider the matter.’
While the governor of the prison was despatching his messenger to the barrister, Swami’s brain-wave had in the meantime reached Mercia; causing her to upset her plans somewhat; for she found herself being impelled by a strong desire to regain her freedom without delay.
Intimating her change of design to the governor, she took her departure from the prison; and hiring a cab from the nearest public stand,—for electricity did not do away with the Jehu, it only altered the motive-power of his chariot—she instinctively gave orders to drive to the great Soul-reader, and ere long found herself at his door.
‘Why have I come hither?’ she asked herself, as she was being led through the beautiful conservatory, which was brilliantlyillumined by electricity, for the sun had gone down by this time.
‘What has brought me here?’ she murmured again to herself.
‘What brings everybody hither?’ whispered Reason in her ear.
‘Yes, yes,’ she replied mentally to her prompter, ‘of course I have come to consult the great man in my difficulty. I seek his advice and forewarning concerning the course I ought to pursue to-morrow. This is a great emergency. No barrister can determine how the trial will end; for Justice hath so many ways of turning that the most righteous cause runs great risks in a law court. My case is not an ordinary one; my counsel has had no experience in opposing the suit of an Emperor, for his own Sovereign is his opponent! The whole thing bristles with difficulties throughout.’
A few seconds sufficed for these reflections, for the motions of the brain are intensely rapid: she had only proceeded a few steps when Swami, who had come out to meet her, greeted her with the most profound respect.
His whole deportment displayed the deepest reverence of her, while his countenance was irradiated with the light of a great joy.
‘Welcome, sweet Lady!’ he murmured softly, ‘wilt thou graciously come hither?’ Saying which he conducted her into his library, displaying the utmost deference towards her, the while; then leading her to the softest couch he begged her to be seated.
‘Thou art Dayanand Swami, the great Soul-reader, and I am Mercia Montgomery, the late Astronomer Royal,’ she faltered out, hardly knowing what to say, she felt so singularly disturbed in her mind.
‘I have heard great accounts of thine attainments,’ replied Swami, endeavouring to check his excitement, ‘I have long desired the opportunity of meeting with England’s rarest lady.’
Mercia looked at him earnestly for a moment; then blushed, and an instant later recovering herself, she smiled archly—
‘Ah!’ she exclaimed, ‘it seems to me that all men are given to flattery, I imagined that the illustrious Swami would have been an exception.’
‘Because all men say the same that proves it is no flattery,’ said Swami deprecatingly; ‘nevertheless it is not meet that one should give expression to his opinion while yet he is a stranger. Pardon me, Mistress Mercia, for the liberty taken. But let me entreat of thee to raise thy veil; otherwise I shall be at a disadvantage when reading thy destiny, which I presume, is the object of thy visit,’ he added artfully.
‘Certainly,’ answered Mercia innocently; while another bright smile lit up her face with a singular radiance, as she threw back the dark veil with which she had been careful to conceal herself while coming from the prison. ‘I do not use these things always,’ she added, ‘it was the disgrace of being seen come out of a prison that induced me to wear it at all.’
‘The disgrace is his who sent thither the innocent. The noon of another day shall place the dishonour where it is due. Lady, I am acquainted with thy design in coming here, it is to learn the issue of thy trial. Rest assured, all is well; the arrangements are perfect that thy friends have made.’
‘Even so my counsel tells me: he says the evidence of Sadbag who was in the room during the time that the Emperor accuses me of attempting his life is most convincing. Nevertheless, as the old man himself is accused of conspiring with me against his Majesty, the Emperor, I have my fears anent the trial’s issue; for such evidence will not be credited the same as if he were an independent witness. But now the matter has taken another aspect. This day a pardon has come, unsolicited by me, from the Emperor, and I am fully released without a trial, without condemnation, I ampardoned! Unfold to me this mystery, I pray, and give me thy good counsel.’
All this time the Soul-reader was gazing upon the beautiful face turned towards him in anxious appeal: knowing full well of the certainty of her position, his mind was not disturbed with the perplexities of the situation. Nevertheless, he deemed it impolitic to explain everything fully: such information could not turn the current of affairs, he argued to himself; it would only have the effect of increasing her reluctance to appear in court at all.
‘Let thine anxieties be dispersed at once,’ he urged gently, ‘there is no cause at all for alarm: only trust thy good friend Sadbag; he will make it pretty warm for the Emperor.’
‘How so?’ inquired Mercia, with great curiosity.
‘By his evidence, of course,’ replied Swami, who hesitated to recount the full extent of Sadbag’s revelations, which could only increase her embarrassment.
‘Is this all then, that the great Soul-reader can show me?’ exclaimed Mercia in a disappointed tone of voice; ‘I hoped to have seen the wonderful mind-reflecting mirror that all the world speaks of. Is there nothing at all in my future that is worthy of transmission to the plate? If nothing better, then show me my future husband;’ she demanded, while a roguish smile dimpled her face.
‘Show thee thy future husband!’ repeated Swami nervously, ‘I cannot, because I dare not,’ he added in evident excitement.
‘But I desire it,’ persisted Mercia, ‘I fain would learn if there be such an individual in store for me.’
‘I will tell thee whom thou shalt not marry, if that will suit,’ returned Swami earnestly; with a view of evading the inquiry.
‘That is indeed a negative method of satisfying a lady’s curiosity,’ laughed Mercia gaily. ‘Well, then whom shall Inotmarry?’
‘Neither Felicitas, nor Geometrus,’ replied he emphatically.
Mercia coloured violently upon hearing Geometrus’ name thus mentioned, then trying to regard it lightly, she observed—‘Who is it, show me his reflection?’
‘Not to-night. Come again, dear lady, and the portrait shall be in readiness for thee.’
‘Ah, Swami,’ returned Mercia sweetly; ‘I perceive that thou art only playing with me. Thou knowest full well, that neither love nor marriage is for me. If I win my case, I return to my post. My work is my bridegroom; I am bound to no other; for therein is centred my every thought—my whole life-work.’
‘The observation of the heavenly bodies shall be thy life-work no longer; thou art called to do work even more glorious than the study of the great universe; for thou artdestined to rule millions of human beings, whose happiness depends upon thy wisdom, whose well-being is assured by thy just administration. Princes shall pay thee homage: the great ones of the earth shall be proud of thy friendship. All nations shall vie with each other in showing thee honour; and thine own people shall love and adore thee.’
The Soul-reader uttered his prophecy as one in a dream. With his hands clasped together, and quivering with the violence of his emotion, he seemed insensible to his surroundings. His great dark eyes were filled with a wonderful light, whose luminous rays seemed to possess the power of reaching into futurity. Unconsciously to himself, the waves of soul-sympathy filled the air, and entering Mercia’s system set her heart beating wildly with an ecstatic pleasure, that was an entirely new experience.
Trembling with delight she awaited the moment when the fever of his excitement should have subsided; and searched his countenance for the first sign, that she might question him further.
‘Oh, Swami,’ she exclaimed, at length;for she could wait no longer—‘whose kingdom shall I govern, and where are my dominions? Is it well that one so ignorant of State affairs as I should be advanced to such immense responsibility—such power—such glory? Thou hast indeed painted a picture glowing with bright colour. Should not thy psychic power point to some experienced potentate, more worthy than I? Is not this a word-blunder—some curious coincidence of name that hath upset thy calculations? It is not I, Mercia, the astronomer, who is destined for this brilliant future; this most glorious career?’
‘It is thou, Mercia, and no other,’ responded Swami impressively—‘there is no king, or high potentate better fitted for this proud position. If thou art filled with doubts, see the proof, and banish thy scepticism forthwith. Come hither, and look upon thy portrait, brain-painted upon the sensitive plate beneath the crystal.’
Taking her hand he led her, all quivering with emotion, into the dark chamber, when turning on the energy he displayed the glittering picture, ablaze with brilliant colouring;every figure presenting that aspect of roundness, which seemed to endow it almost with life.
‘Oh! It is myself—my very self!’ she exclaimed excitedly, her face lit up with the intensity of her varying sensations. ‘How beautiful! Is it possible that I shall ever look like that? What splendid jewelled robes! What a magnificent crown, all ablaze with costly diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies! How rich the Indian gold appears of which the throne is composed, set in contrast with the white marble of the floor!
‘What a glorious assemblage of Eastern princes, paying homage to their Empress, and arrayed in all their courtly splendour! This is, truly, a scene from some ancient Eastern fairy tale, told thousands of years ago by the imaginative Asiatic, and thou, Swami, hast made my portrait its centre-piece. Is it not so?’ she inquired; for her inherent modesty made her doubt again.
Then, Swami, his dark, speaking eyes filling with tears, and his heart swelling with deep disappointment at seeing her doubt his integrity, for a moment turned upon her asad, reproachful gaze; when immediately, a sudden passion seized him, forcing him prematurely, and against his judgment, to give it utterance.
‘Mercia, dost thou doubt me? Would I deceive the one being for whom my heart yearns? I love thee—I love thee, thou gifted one! Thou art, indeed, soul of my soul, life of my life! Thou art the true living elixir; the true soul-energy which can for all time support my spirit. Thou dost inspire a new energy into my being—a new goal for my aspirations! Thy life-essence can alone mingle with mine, for only thy soul can hold communion with mine.
‘Physically, I have never before seen thee. These material, and natural mirrors of the human brain have never until now reflected thine image on their surface; nevertheless, I have gazed on thee through the medium of my soul-sight, and have drank in the delight of thy beauty.
‘I have looked into thy very soul, and read its inmost workings—thy beautiful unsullied soul, clear as the limpid waters.
‘Thy thought is no longer thine own; it isMINE, by the gift ofDIVINE LOVE! Yea, thou art mine, and I am thine!’ Swami gave utterance to his passionate ecstasy as one in a dream, where the faculties being highly exalted create sensations of the most delightful character.
His face, beautiful in feature, and spiritual in expression at all times, was now irradiated with the glowing fire of love.
This new emotion filled him with a subtle rapture, imparting to him a new fervour that lent a charm to every look and motion.
His dreamy eyes had turned intensely brilliant, their excitement spreading to every muscle of the face, imparted over all his countenance a delicious softness, that instantly set every nerve in Mercia’s frame a-throbbing.
To her, as to him, it was indeed, a supreme moment, making her dumb by reason of its intensity, as of its suddenness and power. Her countenance was overspread with the warm glow of the unseen, mystic force, while her bosom heaved with tumultuous emotions. Speechless she sat, with downcast eyes, lost in a silent joy, while delicious sensations that were entirely new to her, thrilled her whole frame.
‘Is this thenLove!’ she exclaimed at length; while a tone of ineffable tenderness pervaded her utterance, making her voice low, soft, and melodious.
‘Am I then too, a victim to this conqueror of the world—a prisoner bound in sweet captivity, with not the faintest wish to cast away my fetters? Is this that strange and subtle power that guides and shapes the destinies of the whole world; whose dominion the strongest bow to, whose sceptre sways over prince and peasant?’
‘Even so, sweet Mercia, this is love. This is that which the Gods gave to sweeten the labours of mankind: for who could bear the burden of life from birth to death without this gracious comfort to sustain him?’ answered Swami, as moving nearer to her side he took her hand in his, and covered it with passionate kisses.
‘I had thought,’ she murmured in a low voice ‘that love was not for me; that my life should be devoted to my work. That the honour attained by the close fulfilment of my duties would be ample reward.
‘My ambition was to endeavour to be thebest astronomer the world has ever seen. But now this dream has passed away, I am even as other women, who love and are beloved, and seek no more.’
‘My beloved, this is the sum of life’s happiness. Without love life is a mere wilderness. He who goes through life unloved and unloving has wasted his existence.
‘The ascetic hopes for great reward when he reaches the Heaven of his desires; but man may make or mar his own Paradise by his own hand. His own course of life shapes it.’
‘To me, Swami,’ whispered Mercia earnestly, ‘it is happiness supreme to know that thou art near. The world may shower its favours, or award its indifference: it is all the same to me. I am satisfied with the knowledge of thy love.’
‘And I am mad with joy!’ cried Swami passionately, as he covered her face with ardent kisses; the first he had ever bestowed on woman; the first she had ever received from man.
‘Once I thought,’ she resumed, ‘that the tender regard in which I held Geometrus wasknown by this name. But now mine eyes are opened. I see that Friendship, not Love, inspired my affection. This new emotion hath another birth; a different force behind it: for notwithstanding what has happened this night I feel the same sincere regard for him. His love for me never gave birth to the feeling that thine hath done: for I deliberately disregarded it, deeming my work of greater importance. But for thee, Swami, there is nothing I would not do—even to die; for life without thy love would be a living death.’
‘Geometrus!’ exclaimed Swami, starting at the name: ‘In my own great joy I had forgotten his disappointment. His loss is my great gain. I would I could comfort him by making him acquainted with the honourable future that is in store for him. For he will distinguish himself above all in his profession, and the whole world shall honour him.’
‘Dear, dear Geometrus, thou dost indeed deserve it!’ cried she enthusiastically, for her heart pained at the thought of what his sorrow would be in losing her. ‘But tell me, Swami, of my coming glory. Where is thisEmpire that I am destined to govern, and how can such a wonderful event be brought about?’
‘It is the Empire of India, my sweet one; it is the home of my fathers—my own beautiful country!’ he exclaimed rapturously. ‘Thou wilt be chosen by the vote of the nation as their first Empress. To thee is given the honour of establishing the Royal Line for India! Thou and I, Mercia; our children, and children’s children shall hold the reins of Government through all generations.
‘Then will be re-established the sovereignty of my forefathers, who reigned in India five hundred years ago. When thy coronation takes place will be fulfilled the prophecy of my father’s father who predicted that in one hundred years a woman, young, beautiful, and talented, should reign over his country, dwelling with her people in happiness and peace.’
‘How can these things be?’ mused Mercia, as she clasped her hands together oppressed with this vision of greatness.
‘The Great Test Tournamentis the firststep towards its attainment. In a few days it is here; victory will be ours, and India will be free to choose her own Ruler. Leave the rest to God, for thou hast no part in its arrangement. The honour will be awarded, unsought by thee.’
‘I have still all to learn concerning the Administration of this great country,’ said she reflectively. ‘It is true I am acquainted with its history from a scholar’s point of view, but practically I know nothing.
‘To rule a people successfully, we should be in perfect sympathy with them; understanding their mode of thought, customs, and prejudices; actually knowing their inner life.
‘It is impossible to rule a people justly, and legislate to meet their wants fully and completely, except we be in touch with them throughout.’
‘I will teach thee, Mercia, all this,’ said Swami eagerly. ‘I will be ever at thy side to tell thee all that thou wouldst know. See,’ said he, pointing to his noble tiers of books, for now they were in his library, ‘we two will read and study them together, and from those silent teachers of every age gain thepiled-up wisdom of numerous generations, in a short space.’
‘What a treasury of ancient lore!’ exclaimed Mercia, as rising from her seat, she went from tier to tier examining their contents. ‘I shall have a continual feast—a daily enjoyment of wonderful Oriental literature, as soon as I have mastered the necessary knowledge of up-to-date administration, which of course, shall have my first attention.’
‘And by marking the mistakes of the present Administration, correct thine own,’ added Swami, as he gazed lovingly upon her every movement.
Thus conversing far into the night, on this most absorbing topic; to the one, newly-born, and deeply interesting, by reason of its approaching associations; to the other, for its memories of the past; its unsatisfactory present,—from a patriot’s point of view,—and its promise of a glorious future, the hours sped away unconsciously; till at length, Mercia felt a languor stealing over her; which Swami perceiving suddenly exclaimed—‘Dearest, thou art wearied. It is not meet to go forth at this hour. Be my guest to-night,and to-morrow we two will attend the trial, for now thou art my especial care.’ Then summoning his attendants he bade them bring in certain refreshments of jellies, and light wines; after partaking of which, the servants conducted her to a richly furnished sleeping-chamber. Amidst the pearly-tinted silken sheets, and richly embroidered coverlet, all delicately perfumed, Mercia sank into a sound and refreshing slumber, giving no thought to the trial on the morrow, or the difficulties her case would present now that she had practically accepted the king’s pardon, without her counsel’s consent.