Запретный лес
VI. The Black Wood by Night
Hisfirstexhilarationhadbeensucceededbyablackdarknessofdoubt.HehadadventuredintotheWoodandfoundmagicthere,andthespellwastuggingathisheartstrings....WasthethingofHeavenorofHell?...Sometimes,whenherememberedthegirl’sinnocenceandardour,hethoughtofherasanangel.Surelynosincoulddwellinsobrightapresence....Butheremembered,too,howlightlyshehadheldthethingsoftheKirk,howindeedshewasvowedtotheworldagainstwhichtheKirkmadewar.WasshenotadaughterofHeth,afairMoabitishwoman,withnopartinthecommonwealthofIsrael?Herbeautywasoftheflesh,hergraceswerenotthoseoftheredeemed.Andalwayscametheconvictionthatneverthelessshehadstolenhisheart."WillItoobeunregenerate?"heaskedhimselfwithterror.
Themorehelookedintohissoulthemorehewasperplexed.HethoughtofthegroomatCalidon,towhomhadgoneoutfromhimasparkofsuchaffectionasnootherhadinspired.Thatfacewaslittleoutofhismemory,andhelongedtolookonitagainasaloverlongsforhismistress....ButthemanwasMontrosetherecreant,whowasevennowtroublingGod’speople,andwhohadbeensolemnlyexcommunicatedbytheveryKirkhewasvowedtoserve....Andyet,recreantorno,themanbelievedinGodandhadcovenantedhimselfwiththeAlmighty....WhatwereGod’spurposes,andwhowereGod’speople?Whereinalltheroundearthshouldhefindasolutionofhisdoubts?
Thestudy,nowwarminthepleasantspringgloamings,sawnolongerthepreparationofthegreatworkonIsaiah.
