“How little you seem to know of the nature of her whose love you possess,” replied Zabra, in a low, tremulous voice; “no doubt, she would feel gratified at any circumstance which would exalt you in the estimation of your countrymen. The honour you might receive would be her glory as much as yours, and the fame you might obtain would find none more desirous of its security than herself. But it was not for these things that she loved you. Ambition formed no part of the qualities that called into existence her admiration—which, having acquired its full growth, cannot be made more perfect by the greatness you covet; and that admiration must continue as long as the qualities that called it into operation exist. But knowing your desire to acquire renown, and knowing the nature of that feeling is to swallow up all the more amiable aspirations, and being aware that the only way to its acquirement is through a thousand terrible dangers, she cannot help the conviction, that she would rather possess your affection as you were, than live in continual fear, to witness your superiority, as you may be.”
“Let us say no more about it,” said Oriel. “It is very evident that neither can convince the other. I may be positive that I am going right, and you may be positive that I am going wrong; but it is time spent to no purpose, if we cannot be brought to change our opinions.”
“Remember, I am only doing my duty,” replied the youth. “I warn you, because the path you desire to take is surrounded by dangers. If you are determined on going on, I say, go on and prosper; but if you go on, and fail, the bitter disappointment you will experience will not only render yourself miserable, but must make equally unhappy her whose felicity you appear so desirous of creating. If you must go on, Oriel, I say again—go on, and prosper.”
[CHAP. III.]
OLD ENGLAND.
“We are approaching the British Islands, are we not?” inquired Oriel Porphyry.
“Yes, Sir, the land lies right ahead,” replied the captain.
“There are several of these islands, I believe,” added the young merchant.
“There are a great number on ’em o’ different sorts and sizes,” said Hearty; “but them as is most visited are England and Ireland.”