She clasps him with rapture; She covers his face with kisses; She wails out her love like a hyena. But her lover can no longer reply; The white daisies are dyed crimson with his blood. His lips breathe one last sigh, And his soul is borne away on the wings of the wind. Jealous Death is lying in wait for a second victim: He it is who inspires the wretched Shnorig with fatal thoughts. Sadly the maiden looks upon the battle-field, The plain of Avarair. She murmurs a farewell to life, And draws the bloody sword from Vartan's body. She kisses it with fervor, Then plunges it in her own bosom. She falls, like a lily cut down in all its beauty. Her alabaster arm is thrown around her lover's neck; A smile flits across her lips; Her soul, in its turn, takes flight. And the silent moon hides herself to weep in silence." The old musician played sad and mournful harmonies on his tamboura. The guests listened, gazing into the infinite, and dreaming of their unhappy country. Gradually they all withdrew; the parents took leave of their cherished daughter, weeping, for they were not to see her again for nine months. [15] Archag walked in front, carrying the lantern. CHAPTER V CENTRAL TURKEY COLLEGE Three years and a half have elapsed since Nizam's marriage. These years were marked by only one important event in the family of Boghos Effendi: the birth of little Jersebeth, the daughter of Nizam and Jousif hodja. Hanna badgi is still living, but her delicate health causes great anxiety to the other members of the family, who are in constant fear of losing her. Archag is now a lad of sixteen, slight and strong, looking quite eighteen. Last year he spent his holidays at the Highland Farm; this time his visit was not spoiled by adventures such as we have related; he was a great help to his father, and even took his place at the horse sales. He has completed the course in the school at Van, and his father has decided to send him to the American College at Aintab. Our friend has heard a great deal about it from his older companions; he is fond of his studies, and delighted to be able to go on with them, for he has little inclination for mercantile life, although he has not yet chosen his vocation.