Zohrab (Volume 2); The Hostage

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1832 Excerpt: ...When they got there, and looked at the hopeless height of the building, their courage forsook them, and nothing less than death seemed to be in store. Zohrab, however, taking a calm survey of the surrounding buildings, saw one higher than the rest, to which, had he some rope, or help to rest his hand upon, he thought he might swing himself forwards. It struck him that his ample veil might, if properly fixed and suspended, lower him down to a considerable distance. Upon this suggestion, Amima immediately offered a Cashmerian shawl, and every handkerchief which she possessed. Mariam did the same; and without the smallest loss of time did they manage to tie them together in such a manner that, when lowered, Zohrab would have apparently but little difficulty in setting foot upon the spot which he had pointed out. His resolution was soon made; one end of the veil was fastened to the middle prop of the casement. The evening's shades, which had now come on, were favourable; he was about taking his departure, when, kneeling before his mistress, he took her hand to entreat her forgiveness. Mariam upon this fled down the stairs in order to make proper explanations to the impatient eunuchs; and during this absence of all witnesses, the lovers gave themselves up to the rapturous effusions of their long-smothered passion, and in one short minute made more vows of eternal constancy and love than it is supposed lips, eyes, and tongue could make in so short a time. Just as Zohrab was about taking his last farewell, Amima drew from her arm an armlet composed of costly and magnificent emeralds, inscribed with sacred invocations, a favourite talisman long worn by her father, and given to her by her uncle. Here, said she, let this preserve my Zohrab; wear it ...