Айвенго / Ivanhoe

” The Lady Rowena sighed deeply.

“I wish,” said the Lady Rowena, “he were here and able to take part in the approaching tournament. If Athelstane of Coningsburgh wins the prize, Ivanhoe will hear bad news when he arrives in England. Thanks, good Palmer, for your information about the companion of my childhood”.

The Palmer bowed again, and went out of the apartment.

In the corridor he found the servant, who conducted him to that part of the building, where there was a number of small apartments for servants and travellers of lower status.

“Where does the Jew sleep?” asked the Palmer.

“In the room on your left,” answered the servant.

“And where does Gurth the swineherd sleep?” asked the stranger.

“Gurth,” replied the servant, “sleeps in the room on your right.”

The Palmer took the torch from the domestic’s hand, thanked him, and wished him good-night.

The Palmer woke up with sunrise, said his prayers, left his room and entered the room of Isaac the Jew.

The Jew was sleeping with a worried face. His hands and arms were moving convulsively, as if struggling with the nightmare.

The Palmer touched him with his staff. The old man woke up, his grey hair standing almost erect upon his head.

“Don’t fear me, Isaac,” said the Palmer, “I come as your friend.”

“May the God of Israel bless you,” said the Jew, greatly relieved. Then, collecting himself, he added in his usual tone, “And what do you want at so early an hour with the poor Jew?”

“I want to tell you,” said the Palmer, “that if you don’t leave this mansion at once, your journey may become dangerous.

When the Templar crossed the hall yesterday night, he spoke to his Muslim slaves in the Saracen language, which I understand, and told them to catch the Jew on the road and bring him to the castle of Reginald Front-de-Boeuf.”

It is impossible to describe the terror which seized upon the Jew at this information.

“Holy God of Abraham!” cried he, raising his wrinkled hands, “Oh, holy Moses! Oh, blessed Aaron! They are going to torture me!”

“Isaac, listen to me,” said the Palmer, who watched the old man’s distress with compassion, “you have a reason to be afraid, but calm down, and I will show you how to escape.

Leave this mansion right now, while everybody is asleep. I will guide you by the secret roads of the forest and I will not leave you until you are safe.