The Beginning of the Story - Page 16 of 25

241   Sceptre of Right did I disown,
Past discipline had anguish grown,
Then... proud Grief flings one look alone,
And swift, my fortitude is flown.

242   So 'neath the pain upon me rushing,
I prayed the heart would burst a-crushing,
Thereby its poison-contents flushing
Out and along the blood-stream gushing.

243   For two whole months I missed the treat
Of solace and tranquility sweet,
Then Father's next note in receipt,
Sent with a boat myself to meet.

244   I was at once to take the boat
Home to Albania, said the note,
My teacher's parting words I quote:
'Florante, keep these in your thought.

245   'Be never off-guard, but take care:
Adolph's revenge awaits you there,
As of basilisk, beware –
Murder is in his very stare.

246   'If upon meeting you, he shows
A beaming face, whence friendship flows,
The more beware! Beneath the pose,
Time might his enmity disclose.

247   'Even so, give no indication
That you have probed his inclination,
But arm in secret preparation
For your defense upon invasion.'

248   Then did his tears this speech conclude;
He clasped me close, as tight he could;
And lastly: 'Lad, have fortitude,
There's many a grief must be withstood.

249   'You shall begin to war upon
The world, with villains overrun.'
Too sad was he to carry on,
His tongue perforce was stilled anon.

250   We grieve alike at this adieu;
My classmates all were tearful, too;
Exceeding sad Menander who
Had been my childhood friend and true.

251   He would not lose his hold on me,
This dearest friend, till finally
Our teacher gave permission he
Might bear me further company.

252   At hand, the parting moment lies
With all intoning heavy sighs,
And to the noise of our goodbyes,
The suspirations are replies.

253   Down to the boat, the escorting band –
Teachers and classmates – was at hand;
The wind, it came up promptly and
Pushed ff the boat from Athens' stand.

254   Like to an arrow shooting o'er,
The vessel through its voyage tore,
So that it was not long before
I stepped upon Albania's shore.

255   Landing, straight homeward did I hie,
My dearest comrade always by;
Kissing the hand of Father, I
Sorrowed anew for Mother, aye!

256   Again, the wound in my heart bled,
More grievous than those hurts first bred;
And in one breath, while tears we shed,
'Father!' and 'Son!' our voices said.