Копи царя Соломона
We Give a Sign
ThegirlFoulatawrungherhandsinanguish,andcriedoutaloud, "Oh,cruel!andIsoyoung!WhathaveIdonethatIshouldneveragainseethesunriseoutofthenight,orthestarscomefollowingonhistrackintheevening, thatImaynomoregathertheflowerswhenthedewisheavy,orlistentothelaughingofthewaters? Woeisme,thatIshallneverseemyfather’shutagain,norfeelmymother’skiss,nortendthelambthatissick! Woeisme,thatnolovershallputhisarmaroundmeandlookintomyeyes,norshallmenchildrenbebornofme!Oh,cruel,cruel!"
Andagainshewrungherhandsandturnedhertear-stainedflower-crownedfacetoHeaven, lookingsolovelyinherdespair—forshewasindeedabeautifulwoman—thatassuredlythesightofherwouldhavemeltedtheheartsofanylesscruelthanwerethethreefiendsbeforeus. PrinceArthur’sappealtotheruffianswhocametoblindhimwasnotmoretouchingthanthatofthissavagegirl.
ButitdidnotmoveGagoolorGagool’smaster,thoughIsawsignsofpityamongtheguardsbehind,andonthefacesofthechiefs; andasforGood,hegaveafiercesnortofindignation,andmadeamotionasthoughtogotoherassistance. Withallawoman’squickness,thedoomedgirlinterpretedwhatwaspassinginhismind,andbyasuddenmovementflungherselfbeforehim,andclaspedhis"beautifulwhitelegs"withherhands.
"Oh,whitefatherfromtheStars!"shecried,"throwovermethemantleofthyprotection;letmecreepintotheshadowofthystrength,thatImaybesaved.Oh,keepmefromthesecruelmenandfromthemerciesofGagool!"