United States or Malaysia ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"In that better country whither we are going, where flowers never fade, and where roses forever bloom, the 'Rose of Sharon' shall yet flourish in immortal beauty." Mathias, Perreeza and the latter's three brothers had been made almoners of an immense bequest provided in Joram's will for advancing the interests of Judah.
"Then, maid of Judah," said Joram, "thy floral name, from this hour, is the Rose of Sharon." "The Rose of Sharon!" cried Jupheena. "Oh, Perreeza, is not that delightful? Rose of Sharon!" "Beautiful, indeed!" said Perreeza, "and better than all, it is the sweet rose of my own native land." "True, young maid, true," said Joram, "'tis the favorite rose of Judah."
Perreeza embraced the opportunity, and, thanking the officer with one of her peculiar smiles, hurried to their apartment. "Back again, precious Perreeza!" cried Azariah, hastening to meet her. "And did our sister see the king's officer and his young daughter, of whom Barzello spoke?" "I did!" exclaimed his sister, while unusual joy beamed in her countenance.
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel!" cried Perreeza, when partially recovered, "who hath given me favor in the eyes of this people! May Jehovah smile upon his servant Barzello, and upon his lovely daughter, who thus throw open their door to welcome an orphan maid of Israel."
"Perreeza hopes," said the sister, "that it may be her good providence to be always near the good man, where she may often see his smiling face." "Our excellent master, under the direction of the King of kings, will order all things for the best," said Hananiah.
All gazed with solemn delight on Perreeza as she laid aside her harp and took her seat beside Jupheena. Suddenly, the disappearance of Joram was noticed, and Barzello sprang up in an agitated manner. The merchant was not in the room, and none had seen him depart. "In the name of the gods, what has befallen my good friend!" cried the officer, as he went to the adjoining apartment.
Attired in the rich, flowing simplicity of her Hebrew costume, with a degree of blushing modesty on her yet animated countenance, she appeared almost angelic. Jupheena, perfectly acquainted with her father's friend, felt not the least embarrassment. "Two beauties instead of one, surely," said Ashpenaz, gazing with wonder on the fair form of Perreeza.
He soon revived, and called for Perreeza. "What can I do for my ever-dear uncle?" whispered Perreeza. "One more little song, accompanied by the harp of Judah," said Joram, with a smile, "and I ask no more." "Perreeza greatly fears that it will disturb thee." "Nay, my sweet child, thy Uncle Esrom was never yet disturbed by the sound of melody. Sing to me that little song thy aunt so dearly loved."
Here the conversation was arrested by a signal from Barzello, and the young people went forward to join the other members of the family. "This is Perreeza, of the royal line of Judah," said Barzello, taking the maid gently by the hand, "whom I have the great pleasure of presenting to my illustrious friend Joram."
"Perreeza," said Barzello, "from pure love for her three brothers, of whom I spake, saw fit to leave her native land and venture her future destiny among strangers." "I trust," answered Ashpenaz, "they are indeed worthy of such a sister's pure affection." "That is a point soon settled in the minds of all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance."
Word Of The Day