Heroines of the CrusadesBloss, C. A. (Celestia Angenette)
History
Heroines of the Crusades
Bloss, C. A. (Celestia Angenette)
Crusades; Crusades -- Biography; Women -- Biography
Alarmed for his safety, Eleanora added to the anxieties of her parents, by
hastening to the deck, where leaning from the vessel's side, she scanned
with intensest gaze the narrow circle of waters illuminated by the lights
of the ship. A brave sailor, buffeting the waves with powerful arm,
escaped the eddies made by the sinking craft, and grasping the rope which
was flung to his assistance, sprang up to the vessel's side. Another
object soon after appeared rising and sinking upon the crest of the
billow. Now it seemed but the sparkling foam, and now it lay white and
motionless in the dark trough of the sea. At length it floated beyond the
line of light, and seemed lost in the impenetrable gloom, but not till the
prince had fixed his eye upon it, and ordered his rowers to pull in the
direction of its disappearance. One moment of agonizing suspense, and the
heir of England again appeared nearing the vessel, carefully folding a
motionless form in his arms; the sailors plied the windlass, and the boat
with its crew was safely received on board.
Scarcely heeding the curious inquiries of those who gathered around him,
the prince made his way to the cabin and deposited the precious burden
upon a couch. The dripping coverings were speedily removed, and delight,
admiration, and pity, were instantly excited in the hearts of the
spectators, at the sight of a lovely child, apparently less than two
years of age. Eleanora watched the resuscitation of the little stranger,
with anxious tenderness. She chafed its dimpled hands in her own, and
strove to recall animation by soft kisses and gentle caresses. As vital
warmth gradually returned, and the faint hue of life glowed on the pallid
cheek, the suffering one opened her blue eyes, and whispering some
indistinct words, among which they could distinguish only "Eva," sank
again into unconsciousness.
The clothing of the little foundling was such as indicated rank and
wealth, and a bracelet of Eastern manufacture, clasped upon her tiny arm,
excited much wonder and curiosity among the queens and their attendants.
The prince had found the infant lashed to an oar with a scarf of exquisite
embroidery. There seemed to be also an armorial design upon it, but the
green shamrock, with a rose of Sharon, was a device which none present
could decipher. The rescued sailor stated that the lost ship was a
coasting vessel, and that, in an Irish harbor, they had taken on board a
lady and child; but, as he had only seen them at the time of their
embarkation, he could give no farther account of them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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