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"My brothers will be overjoyed," answered Perreeza, "to learn of the happiness of their sister; and to me, it will afford the greatest pleasure to convey to them the joyful intelligence." "If it will please my daughter," said Barzello, "she may accompany us. What sayest thou, Jupheena?" "Thy daughter most gratefully accepts thy kind offer."
The thought of parting makes her spirit faint; and thy servants are sincere when they assure their compassionate master that they greatly fear that, if compelled to be separated from her brothers, Perreeza will sink under the deep weight of sorrow, and pass away to the spirit land.
"Thou shalt find under this roof a welcome home," said Barzello, affectionately taking Perreeza by the hand; "in Jupheena thou wilt find a worthy companion and an affectionate friend." "Thy daughter," answered Jupheena, "will always esteem it a high pleasure to add to the happiness of her young friend."
Let the maid of Judah have no fears, for I have every confidence that she will do well." "Is the noble officer at home?" asked the maid, endeavoring to appear composed. "He is about the premises, and will soon be in," replied Barzello, with a smile. "What delicious flowers!" cried Perreeza, breathing a little easier. "Babylon abounds with the like, fair damsel.
"Ah, precious child!" said Esrom, at the same time brushing away a fugitive tear, "I play so seldom nowadays, I fear I would not appear to very good advantage among such fine performers." "Nay, father! but thy playing is far superior to our best performances." "Well, Perreeza, I will try; but I fear my song will make thee sad."
"I am not so well prepared to vouch for the correctness of the sentiment," said Perreeza, "but if my own feelings be an index to the sentiments of others of my nation, the saying is abundantly true."
"Now the youthful maid of the royal line of Judah will make us happy with one of her Hebrew melodies, she having brought her favorite harp," said Barzello. "My kind friend may well say favorite harp," replied Perreeza, with deep emotion; "for to me, surely, it is a very precious treasure. For many years it has been in our family.
Thus time passed away for two years, and our pathway once more seemed to be bright and pleasant, when suddenly our mother died. Thy servants were called to stand by the side of her couch before she departed, and these were her parting words: "'To you, my sons, I commit my sweet Perreeza! Let her youthful feet be tenderly watched by the eyes of love.
"Oh, my dear uncle," whispered the weeping Perreeza, "I fear it is beyond my power to sing. I am filled with weeping. Yet, at thy request, I will make the effort. Oh, God of my fathers, help me!" "He will, my child," faintly answered the old Israelite; "get thy harp and sing." Once again the old harp was brought from its corner.
This caused much astonishment to the youths themselves, and served in part to calm and reconcile them to their lot. The ardent desire of Perreeza to accompany them to the land of their captivity had been made the subject of their thoughts, and served if possible to deepen in their minds the fountain of pure affection.
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