  Arrived at Myra on their way toward Rome, Paul and his companions are transferred to a different vessel to pursue their voyage. The new vessel is from Alexandria: it brings thence as passengers for Rome two mutual friends, one of them a Roman, the other a Buddhist from India named Krishna. Rachel, having seen Paul and the Roman greet each other as old acquaintances, soon inquires apart of Paul who the Roman is, and, learning is thence drawn on into exchange of reminiscence and reflection with her brother. The two at length unite in interceding with Julius on behalf of Shimei. They secure for him the freedom of the deck. RE-EMBARKED. f she willGo carry Shimei tidings of reprieve; A sister to a brother's murderer go A little softening, as he spoke, from sneer, At the sheer aspect of her loveliness, An aspect not of weakness, but wherein There mingled, with the lovely woman's charm, Something august of saintly matronhood, Remote from any hint of what could seem Defect of sane and saving self-control— Thus wrought upon a little while he spoke, Julius to Rachel turning spoke such words. "All thanks," she gently said, "thou art most kind. It shall be as thou sayest, for I will go." She turned, but hung in action, as through doubt; With artless art of hesitation sweet Beyond persuasion eloquent, she said: "Yea, thou art good, and gladly will I go, But I—I am a woman—were it meet?— If thou declarest it meet, then it shall be, And thither will I venture down alone; For God will round me globe an angel guard To treasure me from peril and from soil." Her grace, but more her graciousness, prevailed; Majestic, and that awe of womanhood Instinctive in a noble breast of man, The Roman, with even a flush of shame at last Not altogether hidden as he turned His bronzÉd cheek away, spoke out aloud: "Varenus!" so he called the soldier's name Whose turn it was that watch to sentry Paul— The same that Shimei late had sought to bribe— "Go bid up Shimei hither from the hold!" Haggard, dejected, squalid from the filth And fetor of his dungeon, in surprise With terror, doubting what awaited him— Dazed in the sudden light his blinking eyes— The more bewildered that he could not frame With any true and steady sight to see Color, or shape, of person or of thing Before him or about him anywhere, Shimei stepped halt and staggering on the deck. A spectacle for pity to abhor, And for abhorrence shuddering to behold With pity—wreck and remnant of a man! The soldier would not touch to steady him, Scarce more than one or two uncertain steps, And Shimei insecure of standing stood, Shaken in all the fabric of the man— Like some decrepit crazy edifice Wind-shaken trembling on the point to fall. Paul saw, and felt his heart within him moved. To the unmoved centurion thus he spoke: "Wilt thou not let him rest awhile retired Apart a little till his force revive And his eyes grow rewonted to the light?" "Have thou thy will with him," the Roman said, "So far as of his chains to ease him not. Thou art right perhaps; a little added strength Were well, were timely, in his present plight— May save him over to added punishment. So nurse him fair, ye brotherhood," said he, "And sisterhood, of mercy ill-bestowed!" And round the Roman glanced, with Roman scorn Masking some sense of admiration shamed, Upon the group of ready hearts and hands, The circle of Paul's fellowship in faith, Now gathered nigh with looks of wish to help. |
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