“The Rose of Sharon is all loveliness,” said Joram. “Ah, my friend, sawest thou not the majestic glance of that dark eye, the inimitable hue of those fair cheeks, the full perfection of those lips, the glossy richness of the profuse curls, and the marble whiteness of that model neck? Add to this, my friend, the amiability of her character and her ripe accomplishments, and in her we find a charming and suitable companion for the daughter of Barzello.”
“Joram, are the Hebrew women noted for their beauty?”
“Perhaps no nation can boast of greater fairness of complexion among their females than the Jews.”
“Now the youthful maid of the royal line of Judah will make us happy with one of her Hebrew melodies, she having brought her favorite harp,” said Barzello.
“My kind friend may well say favorite harp,” replied Perreeza, with deep emotion; “for to me, surely, it is a very precious treasure. For many years it has been in our family. To me it was left by the dearest of mothers, and to her it was given by a brother beloved, who found an early grave.”
This was received by the company in silence, but it was noticed that Joram was deeply affected.
Perreeza took the instrument in her arms, swept her delicate hand over the well-tuned strings, and, after a moment’s pause sang in seraphic tones a plaintive melody peculiar to her life in Jerusalem.
Perreeza took the instrument in her arms and sang a plaintive melody
Profound silence fell on the assembly after her song was finished. The performance and its effect were such that applause or compliments would have sounded ill-timed. All gazed with solemn delight on Perreeza as she laid aside her harp and took her seat beside Jupheena.