Page:Rambles and Researches in Thuringian Saxony.djvu/242

206 of the moment, she gave it to the Count, who with tender gratitude placed it in his bosom, nescient of the secret meaning the chosen blooms concealed. The lovely girl supposed her floral speech was understood, and requested him to cull for her a ‘bouquet’ in return. Hastening to the choicest beds of just blooming flowers, he gathered a bud of the splendid Muschirumi, which he presented on his knees. How great was his surprise, when Melechsala drew back, and, with averted look, hesitated to accept the fragrant flower. Her mild serenity had quickly disappeared, and, drawing around her the screening veil, she hurried from the garden, &c. &c.”*****

[Now follows a long explanation of the cause. Those who have studied tbe manners of the East, or read Hasselquist’s Journey to Palestine, will know that the Count had unconsciously declared love to his mistress, and that in a way which had violated the virgin modesty, since the only rhyme to Muschirumi in the Arabian is Ydskerumi. Neither the Count, however, nor the trusty Kurt, to whom he related his adventure, could interpret Melechsala’s behaviour, which would have cost him his head, had not her softness and love towards the stranger suppressed the pride which arose in the bosom of the Sultan’s daughter.]