20. XX.
The eyes of Pelayo were almost dazzled by the gay
lights and the gorgeous shows around him. Costly
drapery, splendid mirrors of polished steel, and furniture
of inlaid work, such as the eye of the Moor loved to
rest upon, were clustering in every form beneath his
sight. Rich ornaments of massive gold, sparkling gems,
and a thousand glowing forms of luxury, which, however
natural to the view of one born and once living as a
prince, were yet altogether unanticipated in the spot
where he now found them. It was thus that the persecuted
Jew endeavoured to indulge his own eyes in those
luxuries which he might not dare to expose to the eyes
of others. It was thus that he strove to satisfy himself,
by an extravagant crowding of his wealth around him,
for the thousand privations he was compelled to undergo
in his commerce with the world.
“Thou art gloriously provided, Melchior, and may
not repine for thy losses,” said the prince.
The old man sighed as he answered, “These are
vanities, my prince, pleasant to the eyes, and grateful to
the thoughts of children only. The wealth of gold and
of gems—of the rich robe and the glowing wines—what
are these to the sad heart? to the fettered spirit? to the
soul denied its exercise? to the form denied its freedom?
Thou hast never known this bondage of the
spirit, my prince: thou hast not felt this denial—this
worst doom that can fall upon the nation or the man.
This wealth is none of mine. Melchior of the Desert has
only its wilderness and the privilege to roam in it, in momentary
fear of the Saracen's sabre—yet is it dearer to
him, this condition, than all the enjoyment of the wealth
thou seest. Thou shalt judge how the Jew values the
freedom thou hast promised Melchior, when I tell thee
that all this wealth is subject to thy word in the war
thou shalt wage with the tyrant Roderick. Nor is this
all. The Jew shall bring from every city in Spain—
from Toledo, from Seville, from mountain and valley—
he shall bring thee his vessels of gold and of silver, his
rich silks, and the carefully-hidden jewels so dear, as
the Christians think them, to his best affection. Thou
seest. They are thine! Now am I ready to go with
thee where they talk of strife against the enslaver of my
people.”
“Father, shall I go with thee?” spoke the boy, coming
forward.
“Thou wilt stay, Lamech. It is men alone that can
go with the Prince Pelayo. Stay!”
The boy pressed his hand, and shrunk back hurriedly;
but an instant after, coming forward, whispered thus, in
a language unknown to Pelayo:
“The prince is a sweet noble, and speaks kindly.
He will not chide that I go.”
“But others will, my child, Isamech—others will.
Stay, and fear not. I will not keep from thee long.”
The boy followed them to the door, and watched their
forms until the turn of the long avenue took them out
of his sight.
