Page:Artabanzanus (Ferrar, 1896).djvu/36

28 expression of strange gravity. My heart leaped up into my mouth! This was my mother!—my mother! Her presence seemed to burn my soul like fire. Her beauty enchanted me; her ineffable grace bewitched me; her calm, grave, half reproachful glance, as if she recognised but did not dare to acknowledge me, was like a dagger in my heart! Oh, my mother! hast thou not forgiven me for the errors and follies of my youth? How I long to clasp thee once more to my breast!

My father held up his staff, and the music ceased. The lovely musicians arose from their seats, and arranged themselves behind the chairs of the ladies engaged in embroidery, and he addressed them thus:

'Ladies! this friend and servant of mine is a visitor from the earth. His name I am not permitted to divulge. He is one of the poetical sons of the world, but as a poet he has no name.' Then, turning to me, he continued: 'Sir, these ladies will be happy to hear one of your poetical compositions.'

Taken by surprise, and overwhelmed with timidity and confusion, I was silent for some time. At length I thought of a Jubilee Ode, which I had written in honour of our gracious Queen, and, summoning all my courage to my aid, recited it thus: