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The Infernal Marriage By: Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) |
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By Benjamin Disraeli Proserpine was the daughter of Jupiter and Ceres. Pluto, the god
of Hell, became enamoured of her. His addresses were favoured by her
father, but opposed by Ceres. Under these circumstances, he surprised
her on the plains of Enna, and carried her off in his chariot.
THE INFERNAL MARRIAGE
PART I. A Sublime Elopement IT WAS clearly a runaway match never indeed was such a sublime
elopement. The four horses were coal black, with blood red manes and
tails; and they were shod with rubies. They were harnessed to a basaltic
car by a single rein of flame. Waving his double pronged trident in the
air, the god struck the blue breast of Cyane, and the waters instantly
parted. In rushed the wild chariot, the pale and insensible Proserpine
clinging to the breast of her grim lover. Through the depths of the hitherto unfathomed lake the infernal steeds
held their breathless course. The car jolted against its bed. 'Save me!'
exclaimed the future Queen of Hades, and she clung with renewed energy
to the bosom of the dark bridegroom. The earth opened; they entered the
kingdom of the gnomes. Here Pluto was popular. The lurid populace gave
him a loud shout. The chariot whirled along through shadowy cities and
by dim highways, swarming with a busy race of shades. 'Ye flowery meads of Enna!' exclaimed the terrified Proserpine, 'shall I
never view you again? What an execrable climate!' 'Here, however, in door nature is charming,' responded Pluto. 'Tis a
great nation of manufacturers. You are better, I hope, my Proserpine.
The passage of the water is never very agreeable, especially to ladies.' 'And which is our next stage?' inquired Proserpine. 'The centre of Earth,' replied Pluto. 'Travelling is so much improved
that at this rate we shall reach Hades before night.' 'Alas!' exclaimed Proserpine, 'is not this night?' 'You are not unhappy, my Proserpine?' 'Beloved of my heart, I have given up everything for you! I do not
repent, but I am thinking of my mother.' 'Time will pacify the Lady Ceres. What is done cannot be undone. In the
winter, when a residence among us is even desirable, I should not be
surprised were she to pay us a visit.' 'Her prejudices are so strong,' murmured the bride. 'Oh my Pluto! I hope
your family will be kind to me.' 'Who could be unkind to Proserpine? Ours is a very domestic circle. I
can assure you that everything is so well ordered among us that I have
no recollection of a domestic broil.' 'But marriage is such a revolution in a bachelor's establishment,'
replied Proserpine, despondingly. 'To tell the truth, too, I am half
frightened at the thought of the Furies. I have heard that their tempers
are so violent.' 'They mean well; their feelings are strong, but their hearts are in the
right place. I flatter myself you will like my nieces, the Parcæ. They
are accomplished, and favourites among the men.' 'Indeed!' 'Oh! quite irresistible.' 'My heart misgives me. I wish you had at least paid them the compliment
of apprising them of our marriage.' 'Cheer up. For myself, I have none but pleasant anticipations. I long
to be at home once more by my own fireside, and patting my faithful
Cerberus.' 'I think I shall like Cerberus; I am fond of dogs.' 'I am sure you will. He is the most faithful creature in the world.' 'Is he very fierce?' 'Not if he takes a fancy to you; and who can help taking a fancy to
Proserpine?' 'Ah! my Pluto, you are in love.' 'Is this Hades?' inquired Proserpine. An avenue of colossal bulls, sculptured in basalt and breathing
living flame, led to gates of brass, adorned with friezes of rubies,
representing the wars and discomfiture of the Titans. A crimson cloud
concealed the height of the immense portals, and on either side hovered
o'er the extending walls of the city; a watch tower or a battlement
occasionally flashing forth, and forcing their forms through the lurid
obscurity. 'Queen of Hades! welcome to your capital!' exclaimed Pluto... Continue reading book >>
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Fiction |
Literature |
Satire |
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