| | 1 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Add | | | Title: | The throne of David  | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | In obedience to your Majesty's commands, I have
availed myself of my first leisure to record in the leaves
of my tablets the scenery and incidents which have
struck me as worthy of observation, during my journey
from the banks of the Tigris to those of this remote
river. Descriptions of the interesting countries through
which I have passed, with allusions to the manners and
customs of the people, I will not here repeat, as I have
made a careful history of them for your Majesty's perusal
when I shall return from my embassy. I am to-night encamped by the “Well of the Oath,”
in a palm grove opposite the gate of this southern border-city
of Judea. By this well, a thousand years ago,
Abimelec, a king of Gerar, and Abraham, the father of
the Hebrews, made a covenant of amity. Here at this
fountain the ancient Chaldee used to lead to water his
thousands of camels and tens of thousands of sheep. It
is regarded as a sacred place by the Hebrews, who, with
fine feeling, honor every place made historical by association
with their “three great patriarchs.” This unlooked-for and unusual delay, your majesty,
in accepting thy royal nuptial gifts, and in giving me a
final answer, I am at a loss to comprehend, as I am satisfied
by daily audience with this charming princess that
she is deeply interested in you. All my ardent descriptions
of your person, and eulogiums upon your heart and
character, have captivated her imagination; and I never
discourse of you that her eyes do not beam with the
splendors of the torch of love, while her sighs and virgin
emotion betray the impassioned ardor of her attachment
to your majesty. What a prize shall I have the
honor of presenting to you, O Belus! Such personal
beauty as she possesses is seldom met with! Besides,
she is endowed with the most delicate wit, mirth, intelligence,
and wonderful grace of speech and manner. No
woman I have seen, save, with your majesty's permission,
Adora of Isrilid, can compare with her in that nameless
fascination which so often captivates and bewilders the
strongest masculine minds. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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