UC-NRLF ^B ^S? 5n A'mi?n or / Digitized by the Internet Arciiive in 2007 witii funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.arcliive.org/details/bloodstainedroseOOalierricli THE BLOOD STAINED ROSE . > J > ■> » > Li 1. ■^ '^■ Lillian Sincere Akrons THE BLOOD STAINED ROSE A ROMANCE BY LILLIAN SINCERE AHREMS PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR HOTEL LAURELTON NEW YORK CITY Copyright 1917 4^d re-- ^ J'jm BLOOD 5IAINED ROSE^^M A ROMANCE iWan Sincere Jlhrens ■4m *^In every stern and unimaginative age, there is more danger to be feared from the want of romance, than from excess of itJ* So, my friend, at this age most opportune, A romance laced with smiles and tears, I present to thee. If thou would'st thy soul with garlands Of ambrosial sweets enchain, I pray thee, With my worthy players dwell awhile. M191836 The Blood-Stained Rose PART ONE. On a spring morn, aglow with happiness, Marian roamed her garden fair, and cried, "I seek thee, love; where are thou?" The lingering gold of dawn, the violets from purple bed, The fragrance of the sweets of spring suf- fused her thoughts. While toying with a rose she pricked her hand. But undisturbed, and with playful mien, she stained the white rose red. Then tossing it with childish mirth, she cried, "The youth who this rose finds, I'll wed!" The encrimsoned rose lay prone. Marian on her way went singing, 10 The Blood-Stained Rose But ere she had taken many steps, she paused, And then she turned; for, having o'erheard her boast, And lured by the cadence of her voice — Two youths, as if by magic, from the road appeared, And with accord made haste to claim the rose. Now Marian, noting two hands about to clash, To a nearby rose bower hied. Then one youth spoke. " 'Tis strange," he V said, "This meeting, as by God divined." The other sprang away, as though the cal- loused hand Had been an adder's fang, held out to him. The Blood-Stained Rose 11 ''Nay sir, no harm I ween, to either — Thou'rt heir to yonder rose, perhaps, and too, a prince thou art, Still, must thou worthy prove thyself." The prince, stung to the quick, cried, "Thou ruffian. One more word and thou'lt go By my sword o'er yonder cliff!" "Nay, thou would'st not pierce this heart, though rough; Nor still a tongue not taught to say fine words. Thine eyes speak tenderly. And, strangely, as I gaze on thee, I think, though fine, thou'rt very like myself. A look! A word! I beg thee! Wilt not speak? The Blood-Stained Rose Then bear with me until my story's told — I'll not be long in telling it; and then, If proved kin by my story, Then hast thou won, mayhap, the trophy sought." The handsome prince laughed loud! " 'Tis well, mad man, but make thy story short!" (And now it came to pass that Marian's friend, Her lady in waiting, by name of Enid known. Appeared on the castle step, in search of Marian. She gazed around with shaded eyes. And saw two youths standing as in dispute, And from her hiding place a glimpse of Marian's skirt. The Blood-Stained Rose 13 Well knowing how the intruders to evade, In time to hear the story, she reached the bower.) "My name is John; by friends I'm Brawny called; My mother? my mother! Ah memory dear! Her slender body swayed by grace, her eyes love-lit, And lips that uttered but the sweetest sound. 'Tis good to know she was my mother ! Thou look'st as if thou might'st have known her, My mother, with her enkindled soul. My father a sailor was, under whose rough cloak There beat a heart of fibre fine — A man whose sleep was lullel by winds, 14 The Blood-Stained Rose Who dreamed not only of his ship's fair bow, But all that lay beyond. A brother had I, a handsome but frail lad. One day while he lay feeble on his bed, My mother o'er him bent with tender care, When suddenly the wild lash on the water's edge, The giill's shrill cry! The rift in the clouds ! Told us The Hawk had come to port, And my father to sea was called. ' 'Twere well to take him with thee, John,' my mother gently said, 'Nay, thou'rt not frightened at the thought, A roughing on the sea will give him life!' My father looked aghast! The Blood-Stained Rose IS *Thou'rt jesting, wife — would'st part with him, thy little one?' *Take him with thee,' my mother begged. Thou'lt bring him back pink as a rose ! And then, the sacrifice so bravely made, she wept As tenderly my father from the bed lifted my brother. *No tears, dear wife!' he cried, *ril bring him back in lively tune; and John, Take care of her. 'Twill not be long.'^ So, they sailed away, while we were left alone. We waited, waited. And on that dreadful day. When earth and heaven clashed, a message came, that read, 16 The Blood-Stained Rose 'While homeward bound, down went The Hawk with all on board.' My heart breaks at the thought. Still we waited — that tragedy of waiting! Each Incoming ship was a hop^e renewed, that they were spared. 'Twas vain. As years rolled on, my mother aged. And though she called me oft her all in all, I could not be to her what all might be, Nor could I bring them back. To make a matter short, she would not live. 'Bury me, too, at sea,' she begged; 'There will I find, perhaps, the ones I love.' And there she lies, at sea, my mother. Whereas I seek the two for love of whom she died. The Blood-Stained Rose 17 And now, as I before thee stand, dear prince, Though thou art older grown, thou'rt like my brother More than any I have known." The story finished, Marian and her friend, Deeper amid the roses stole, and stilled their sobs. The prince grew pale, and shuddered as if something stirred his soul. "Now thy story's told; and though with eagerness I'd grasp the rose, I must abide until I've spoken to the end. *'I too, a lovely mother had," he said, "Though only from my father learned; Yet in fancy I my mother knew — ' Like as a phantom from another world. 18 The Blood-Stained Rose And, ne'er shall I forget, In a ship's bow was I laid, A frail lad, by the sailors petted much. Under their rough, yet tender care, I grew — Though not much knowledge from books had I, still, Amidst the rigging high, I learned the mys- tery of the moon; For pastime, I heard yarns by sailors spun. One called Dan a story told about a prince. He said 'Aladlne,' (so was I called) *A queen I know will some day seek thee out, and make thee prince of her domain; Thou'lt be her solace for her only son, Lost in a drunken brawl. I at that time his valet was. And I so loved the lad, I could not stay. The Blood-Stained Rose 19 The queen, heeding my discontent, bade me to go. ^'Farewell Daniel," she said, "Seek thou for me another, * To take his place; let him be of tender years; It matters not, if lowly his birth should be; Still it becomes a prince to be well knit and strong of heart!" ' I laughed at Dan, and at his seaman's tale, I vowed no queen was great enough to tear me from my father. 'Twas not long after Dan his story told That darkness and disaster came. 'Twas as if The Hawk by fear was stirred! A hellish element appeared to crush her bow, and tear her sail; My .father lashed me to the mast. 20 The Blood-Stained Rose And, though I struggled to be free, I was like a mouse twixt a cat's jaw, So closely was I bound. From the mast, In awe, I viewed the bravery of my father, As o'er the storm-beaten deck, with fearful cry! He urged his men, till hoarse of voice and weak from injury. He laid him down to die. 'Aladine, thou'lt be saved!' he cried. 'I would have waited as I promised her. To bring thee back pink as a rose, but now, 'Tis late, too late ! Perhaps thou'lt find thy mother. And thy brother. But blame me not for dying. The Blood-Stained Rose 21 Ere I brought thee back to her in lively tune.' Then in delirium he tossed, and wrung my heart Crying, 'No tears, dear wife, I'll bring him back!' 'Twas pitiful, I begged to die with him. I tried to break my chains, but vain, all vain! And, as with glazed eyes he gazed at me, It seemed too much, too much, to bear. As twilight gathered round the death doomed ship. So many wild seas braved, with one last throb gave way. And thinking 'twas the end, weakly I cried, 'Father! my father!' 22 The Blood-Stained Rose Out from the darkness a voice leaped — Dan's voice — 'I'll save thee, lad!' Then all was dark for many months. One day I woke to find myself in princely robe, And standing at my bed with men of state, Was Dan, the sailor who my fortune told. 'I told thee, lad, A queen would seek thee out and make thee prince of her domain. How may I serve thee now, dear Majesty?' he asked. Kissing my hand with stately grace. 'Ah, Dan, my friend, still thou my friend wilt be : The Blood-Stained Rose 23 And too, court jester, to make me merry with thy sea yarns gay, But sometime we shall speak *of him, my father.' " After Aladine his story told, and brother was sure of brother, John, a promise to fulfill, lifted the rose with tender care. And placed it in Aladine's hand, saying, "Yes, thou'rt heir not only to the rose and to thy princedom great, . But to the heart of a maiden fair, and too, a brother's love. There is no fairer token I may give Than this red rose. Wear it upon thy heart, my brother: it is thine." PART TWO The Blood-Stained Rose 27 PART TWO The story heard of how the brothers met, Marian and her friend, thrilled to the quick, Left their hiding a-tremble; and stole Along an unseen path of drooping trees. Around Marian's soul a sweetness clung. Like the fragrance of a rose new born; and Enid's heart Beat quickly 'gainst her breast. At the Castle door they turned; and from afar, Saw two youths wend their way unto the Castle Aladine. So it came to pass, at the Castle Aladine, John by his brother's sword a knight was made; 28 The Blood-Stained Rose Tho difficult at first, he the court's manner learned. And so, a great change In his life was wrought. As time wore on, Marian found Heart's ease In thoughts of Aladine, While Enid's head was well nigh filled with dreams of John. But, alas ! love oft Is wafted by a fickle wind, And Is borne astray In the wafting. So It happened that on one June day, Aladine, By princely duties worn, unaccompanied by his brother. Rode down the castle path, granting his steed full rein To wander at will; and as if by mystic force The Blood-Stained Rose 29 He was carried through a wondrous scene, in harmony wrought. Not far off a rising hill bathed in the sun, Where lambkins drowsed in the noonday heat. And then he heard the symphony of song- sters through the woods. Felt the soft breeze that stirred the wide open petals of roses, Lingered at a mirror stream by water lilies graced, Reflecting a sapphire sky; and at last. Reached the enchanted spot, where first the rose awaited him. Coincldently strange as it may seem, Enid, worn by sleepless nights. Unable to endure the loud beating of her heart, 30 The Blood-Stained Rose Sought, for repose, this very paradise. So they met; Aladlne with head drawn high — noble, serene; And Enid, forgetting Marian, her soul of modesty undressed. Stood quickly clothed in woman's wiles. And in this robe she boldly greeted him. Aladine, caught by the flame within her eye, held out his arms. As lip met quivering lip all save that moment was forgot. Though but a moment, still an eternity it seemed to them. Then gently he loosed his hold and spoke in tender terms. He told her, that, through a Blood Stained Rose with abandon tossed, The Blood-Stained Rose 31 He found the road to a maiden's heart, and too, a brother's love. Enid in feigned surprise, after a moment said, "Wonderful Aladine, the rose worn near thy heart Was by my own blood stained." Then on his shoulder Enid hid her face, That in her eyes the lie he might not read. Once more he held her form in fond embrace, And then they parted, vowing with hearts and lips, a tryst they'd keep. 'Twas in the time of their many trysts, that Marian, Wondering at the cold mien of her friend, contrived by watchfulness To solve the riddle. 32 The Blood-Stained Rose On one moonlit eve, while wandering from the Castle Everywhere In search of Enid, Marian stopped with sudden fear And like a startled fawn fleeing the moun- tainside, Knowing the hunter near, hastened from the crunching sound Of horse's hoofs; but too late to evade the intruder, For on his steed, outlined against the sky, Sat the Prince Aladine. 'Twas thus the two whom fate decreed were justly one, to be. Gazed each at other, with soul wrapped, in- tent; In his eyes was pictured beauty of which he had not dreamed. The Blood-Stained Rose 33 And she, Ah ! ne'er had purer glance been hfted to his own. Aladine slipped lightly from his steed, And bowing low o'er Marian's hand, with emotion deep, Spoke of the night coming on. He told her As a brother might, it was not wise, so fair a maid Should walk abroad, alone ; praying the hon- or of accompanying her. Marian smiled consent. All the way He spoke of moon-lit nights, and flower paths, Until at last, reaching Castle Everywhere, Marian bade him enter, her guest. He followed her. 34 The Blood-Stained Rose Meanwhile, Enid perturbed because of Alad- Ine's stay, Sought him In the usual path, until worn with vain seeking. She reached the Castle gate. It opened wide to receive her. And behold! the Castle Everywhere, With lords and ladles decked In jewels rare. Vied with the stars and lights In shimmering! Then came the dance with stately grace, By spirit strings of swee.test music led; and laughter. And lovers' mirth like ripples on a waveless sea; Twas a scene most beautiful to look on. But Enid, her face pressed against a pane, and her dazed eyes The Blood-Stained Rose 35 Gazing at the two who led the dance, Felt the blood close round her heart, and swooned. Then, as if by God-given strength restored, she reached the castle door; There pages bore her in and to her room. At the stroke of twelve, the dance o'er, Aladine bade his love farewell. And promised that they'd meet again. And Marian at last, Having found her love, and thinking it must be by the whole world shared. Sought Enid in her room. And with caresses fond, Marian in joyful tone, spoke of her love. "Nay, weep not, thou too shall taste the sweets of love. 36 The Blood-Stained Rose For much he spoke of his brother John. Perchance " Enid answered not; but Into the pillow hid her face, That Marian might not fathom her distress. And in the days that followed, Aladine was 'twixt heaven and hell. Between duty and love, from one to the other thrown. Now John, not knowing of his brother's adventures, Thought strange of his many journeys and spoke his fears to Dan. Two heads, though one a jester's was, proved far more wise than one. It was decreed that John, who in form Alad- ine resembled. The Blood-Stained Rose 37 Should thus clothe himself and follow him. Meanwhile Enid, with jealous rage, Contrived to seek Marian's. doom by mean deceit; One day, before her she appeared in feigned grief; Marian, with quick sympathy, inquired the cause. "Ah me! To be for one short hour a princess fair and dressed in royal robe Would an ambition crown," sighed Enid. Said Marian, with trustful mien, "It can be done!" So, as by magic wand, Enid in royal robe was gowned; "Mind Enid, for one hour and no more, Mayest thou enjoy the present role !" Marian gave command; 38 The Blood-Stained Rose And Enid with a Judas kiss for Marian's favor kind, Hastened from the Castle Everywhere, a tryst to keep with Aladine. 'Tis strange how providence impedes the wiles of men; While Aladine was on his way, Enid to meet His steed upreared, and on its hauches stood. Meanwhile, John, in Aladine's attire was seeking him; Unacquainted with the road, he turned here and there, in vain. Then wended his way unto the Castle gate. And it so happened that the gate oped wide to receive him, Who in all appearance was his brother Aladine. The Blood-Stained Rose 39 Now Enid, in the garden waiting her tryst to keep, Heard a horse's tread upon the gravel path, and thinking 'Twas Aladine, she ran into the road; She seized the bridle of John's steed, and With impatient mien inquired the cause of his delay. John abashed at this strain; awaited her further speech. "Thou'rt late, my Aladine! See, I dressed in royal robe for thee — That thou might'st love me more. Ah! Why hast thou grown cold?. Have I offended thee, dear love?" she asked. John, knowing no reply, unable to resist her, Took Enid to his heart. 40 The Biood-Stained Rose Now Aladlne, once more upon his way, Urging his steed with well-set spur, and, anxiously bespent, Entered the Castle gate. Meanwhile, the hour long passed, Marian sought her friend. With clasped hands and breathing quickly drawn. She made her way as though to certain misery. Now step by step unfolds the well wrought plot. Enid thinking the visitor Aladine, and know- ing that his heart. By right divine, belonged to Marian, Branded Marian a snake — saying her beauty and soft words The Blood-Stained Rose 41 Were but a lure to* lead him to his doom. Then false tears followed. "Hast ever heard the story of the Blood Stained Rose? If not, I'll tell it; perhaps 'twill comfort thee." At these, John's words, she thought him stricken mad. For speaking of the Rose as if 'twas some- thing new. Then as though smitten by an unseen hand, She gazed at him, wild eyed, inquiring who he was And what his purpose. A moment more, The masqueraders having come in contact with the truth, Were seized with sudden fear. 42 The Blood-Stained Rose 'Twas then, heavy clouds hung in the sky — a warning to all treachery. Aladine from afar, fancied he saw Marian in another's arms; that one much like himself; And so with spurs set deep into his steed, he vowed revenge ! Heavier grew the clouds, as if the world drew near its end. Enid her head turned quickly and tried to fly From what was coming; 'twas not long be- fore the brothers met. And John, white and trembling, begged mercy, saying, "I followed thee, my brother, it is true — Thou seemed so unlike thyself, and loving thee. The Blood-Stained Rose 43 I could not bear to see thee thus." But Aladine, half blind with rage, unsheathed his sword. Commanding John to draw. ''Impostor!" cried he, Laughing at his excuse for treason; thinking, of course, Enid was Marian. "Fight, thou dog," cried Aladine. "Thou callest thyself brother? Nay, thou liest! Thou hast stolen my brother's name And his story. And I believed thee ! Oh God! I believed thee!" John, his heart most rent at Aladine's re- proach. Baring his breast, cried, "Strike then if thou wilt, 44 The Blood-Stained Rose Unsheathed my sword remains; 'gainst thee I cannot raise it." "Coward!" shrieked Aladine, as with a blow he felled his brother. Then Enid with remorse near mad, her face averted, And Marian with saddened heart, coming upon the scene. Stood as if angel struck. Aladine to the truth awakening, Knelt on the ground, and tried to stem the precious blood That flowed from his brother's side. Marian, too, prayed him to speak. Meanwhile, Dan was led by fate to follow John For providence directs the destiny of man, leading him on, The Blood-Stained Rose 45 Light as a sunbeam, darting here and there, And ever along the right road. O'er the four a cloak of agony fell. Enid, with contrite heart, sought Marian's forgiveness. , Marian, bewildered, replied, "I've trusted thee through years, my friend; Ah, speak not, that I may trust thee still !" '*Nay, but I am guilty! Only I am guilty!" Enid cried. Marian would brook no further speech. "Not now; Not while a brother bleeds," she gently said. As, tearing from off her gown a strip of silk, She bound the wound. John, gazing upon her, murmured, "Angel, my mother was like thee." 46 The Blood-Stained Rose But pity 'twas to see the grief of Aladine. He from his bosom took the Blood-Stained Rose And placed it in his brother's hand. "Live, live," he said. *'And all I own is thine, my brother! Oh, my brother!" Now Dan by presage led, 'mongst them ap- peared — and stood Like a heaven-guided moonbeam Lingering on a pit, as if to save the passer-by To his quick eye their plight revealed, And knowing that John's disguise was all its cause. He decided on his course, and feigned sur- prise; The Blood-Stained Rose 47 Inquiring why, as he was full cause of the drama, He was kept from its rehearsing. "By my advice, John sought thee, Aladine ! Ah, thou knowest not that I have wandered o'er this garden fair And, all unseen, have formed this plot. 'Twas a pitiful mistake I made, urging my players to appear in masquerade. Knowing full well false garbs make play- things out of hearts." The truth half told by Dan, like a lightning flash. Was its cause revealed to all, save Marian. Aladine with gratitude that knew not bounds. Bowed o'er the hand of his friend, and drew it to his lips. 48 The Blood-Stained Rose Dan all but swooned at the caress, And John, as with new life instilled, vowed that he'd live, And, a-tremble with happiness, Enid thanked Dan and God. Then a moment passed; and, in that lapse of time, Marian, Her heart tipped by the arrow, doubt, and with throbbing pulse. Like the martyr who in the arena has not yet felt his soul God-kissed, but in fear notes only the lion's jaw, Gazed at them with a burning question in her eyes. Though an aeon of time it seemed to her who waited to be judged. The Blood-Stained Rose 49 'Twas but a moment; for Marian, her soul Heaven-swayed, Took Enid to her heart and called her sister. And then, and then, like elements together drawn, Marian found herself in her lover's arms; While Enid bent o'er John with tender care. Now, conscious only of the sacrifice, Aladine, Placed in the jester's trembling hand The Blood-Stained Rose. *' 'Tis thine, thou blessed peacemaker, thou friend of friends!" By a formula divine, in that hand a miracle was wrought! For a Power had caused the Rose once more to bloom. 50 The Blood-Stained Rose The mist cleared and the sun shone down on Aladine As with unsheathed sword he bade the jester kneel, And entitled him a lord. Now, though the story is at its close, we must not miss The pageant that took place at Castle Every- where. Ne'er was scene more beautiful ; with courtier train The wedding party in flower-decked floats, And chariots of gold, by proud horses drawn. Rode from the Castle Everywhere through sylvan paths O'er hallowed ground to the spot made dear- est by the Rose. The Blood-Stained Rose 51 There they stopped; and kneeling under an ether canopy of blue They bound themselves in wedlock, soul to soul. Dan, pressing to his heart his full-blown rose Low whispered: "Thou wert Blood Stained, Not destined to long life, until by virtue kissed. Ah, beauteous one. Heaven christens thee, Immortality!" V Mi91S36 ^s-q A 2^7 h THE UNIVERSITY OF CAUFORNIA LIBRARY ^