I am a woman, alone and persecuted, where I could least
anticipate persecution. Nicaeus, I never can be yours; and now I
deliver myself to the mercy of Almighty God."
"'Tis well," said Nicaeus. "From the tower of the castle you may behold
the waves of the Ionian Sea. You will remain here a close prisoner,
until one of my galleys arrive from Piraeus to bear us to Italy. Mine
you must be, Iduna. It remains for you to decide under what
circumstances. Continue in your obstinacy, and you may bid farewell
for ever to your country and to your father. Be reasonable, and a
destiny awaits you, which offers everything that has hitherto been
considered the source or cause of happiness." Thus speaking, the
prince retired, leaving the Lady Iduna to her own unhappy thoughts.
CHAPTER 19
The Lady Iduna was at first inclined to view the conduct of the Prince
of Athens as one of those passionate and passing ebullitions in which
her long acquaintance with him had taught her he was accustomed to
indulge. But when on retiring soon after to her apartments, she was
informed by her attendant matron that she must in future consider
herself a prisoner, and not venture again to quit them without
permission, she began to tremble at the possible violence of an ill-
regulated mind.
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