Копи царя Соломона
We Give a Sign
"Letthedancebegin,"hecried, andthentheflower-crownedgirlssprangforwardincompanies,singingasweetsongandwavingthedelicatepalmsandwhitelilies. Ontheydanced,lookingfaintandspiritualinthesoft,sadlightoftherisenmoon;nowwhirlingroundandround,nowmeetinginmimicwarfare,swaying,eddyinghereandthere,comingforward,fallingbackinanorderedconfusiondelightfultowitness. Atlasttheypaused,andabeautifulyoungwomansprangoutoftheranksandbegantopirouetteinfrontofuswithagraceandvigourwhichwouldhaveputmostballetgirlstoshame. Atlengthsheretiredexhausted,andanothertookherplace,thenanotherandanother,butnoneofthem,eitheringrace,skill,orpersonalattractions,cameuptothefirst.
Whenthechosengirlshadalldanced,thekingliftedhishand.
"Whichdeemyethefairest,whitemen?"heasked.
"Thefirst,"saidIunthinkingly.NextsecondIregrettedit,forIrememberedthatInfadooshadtoldusthatthefairestwomanmustbeofferedupasasacrifice.
"Thenismymindasyourminds,andmyeyesasyoureyes. Sheisthefairest!andasorrythingitisforher,forshemustdie!"
"Ay,mustdie!"pipedoutGagool,castingaglanceofherquickeyesinthedirectionofthepoorgirl,who,asyetignorantoftheawfulfateinstoreforher,wasstandingsometenyardsoffinfrontofacompanyofmaidens,engagedinnervouslypickingaflowerfromherwreathtopieces,petalbypetal.
