Page:Famous history of the two unfortunate lovers, Hero & Leander (2).pdf/22

22 who waited on her mistress, soon heard him, and by his direction fastened the rope-ladder to the beam of the window, by which he entered. Hero, who was just awakened, trembled to see him there, by reason of her father having promised, if Leander should be taken, to deliver him up to Altemansor's brother to be punished, who was as cruel and blood-thirsty as the other had been ; so that after many kisses and embraces, Leander endeavoured to persuade Hero to make her escape with him to Abidos, but she refused it, so that in this private manner he often visited her ; she setting in the dark of night a torchlight in the window, to guide him to the tower. At length her father resolved to marry her to Altemansor’s brother within three days, though she opposed it with her tears and prayers, to prevent a war, and to atone for his brother's death. This fatal decree possessed Hero with mortal fears ; so that, she seeing no hope but either to destroy herself, or be forced into the arms of a man she hated, for Leander s proffered aid, in case of war, would not be accepted by her father, she consented that the next night he should come with a small ship to fetch her and Amorissa with all her jewels and treasures into Greece. The overjoyed Leander went back to prepare a vessel, which he soon did, and caused it to be drawn in between two rocks, lest his purpose might be dis- covered to the other shore, till it was evening, when, being weary, and lying down to slumber, he was suddenly awoke by a melodious song sung by two mermaids, who appeared dancing on the waves.