d.

The princess turned and hid her face in her arm, which reclined against
the column.

'My kind Honain,' said Alroy, 'you thought me forgetful of the past; you
thought me ungrateful. My presence here proves that I am not so. I come
to enquire all your wishes. I come to gratify and to fulfil them, if
that be in my power.'

'Sire,' replied Honain, who had recovered from the emotion in which
he rarely indulged, and from the surprise which seldom entrapped him,
'Sire, my wishes are slight. You see before you the daughter of my
master. An interview, for which I fear I shall not easily gain that
lady's pardon, has made you somewhat acquainted with her situation and
her sentiments. The Princess Schirene seized the opportunity of the
late convulsions to escape from a mode of life long repugnant to all
her feelings, and from a destiny at which she trembled. I was her only
counsellor, and she may feel assured, a faithful, although perhaps an
indiscreet one. The irresistible solicitation of the inhabitants that I
should become their deputy to their conqueror prevented us from escaping
as we had intended. Since then, from the movement of the troops, I have
deemed it more prudent that we should remain at present here, although
I have circulated the intelligence of my departure. In the kiosk of my
garden, the princess is now a willing prisoner. At twilight she
steals forth for the poor relaxation of my society, to listen to the
intelligence which I acquire during the day in disguise. The history,
sire, is short and simple. We are in your power: but instead of
deprecating your interference, I now solicit your protection.'

'Dear Honain, 'tis needless. The Princess Schirene has only to express
a wish that it may be fulfilled. I came to speak with you on weighty
matters, Honain, but I retire, for I am an intruder now. Tomorrow, if
it please you, at this hour, and in this disguise, I will again repair
hither. In the meantime, this lady may perchance express to you her
wishes, and you will bear them to me. If an escort to any country, if
any palace or province for her rule and residence---- But I will not
offer to one who should command. Lady! farewell. Pardon the past!
Tomorrow, good Honain! prythee let us meet. Good even!'

'The royal brow was clouded,' said Ithamar to Asriel, as, departing from
the council, they entered their magnificent barque.

'With thought; he has so much upon his mind, 'tis wondrous how he bears
himself.'