human
Stay, she cried, appealing to Zappa.
gpt
Do not condemn this unhappy man to death. Towards me he has acted the most cruel part--but I forgive him. For your own sake, I implore you to do so likewise, for the sake of that sweet girl. Oh! do not commit so black a crime. It will be a murder, for he had no intention of injuring you or your followers. Blinded by an unhappy passion for me, he has done this, fancying that the man to whom I was to be united is no more; and has been led on in the vain hope of one day possessing me, and winning the worthless love I should have to give. Let me now swear that nothing shall ever induce me to become his--and let it be part of his punishment that he knows what he has done is in vain; and if, by any means, I can remedy the evil he has committed, I will do so, if you will allow him to live.
human
A lady who pleads so energetically should have her prayers granted, said the pirate, with a tone of irony.
gpt
But let him beware how he behaves--unhand him, he said to the men, in their own tongue.
human
These ladies have pleaded for the prisoner, and are answerable for his conduct. And tow, signora, he said, in a blander tone, addressing himself to Ada,
gpt
It is fitter for you to point out the means by which I can serve you, than for me to propose them, she at length replied.
human
Indeed, I can do nothing till I am restored to my friends; I am sure that any ransom you may propose, which they have the power to pay, they will gladly give for my liberty.
gpt
It is a pity that was not thought of before; but, are you aware, lady, that it is usual to secure the ransom before the prisoner is restored?
human
Touch then at one of the Ionian Islands, where there are English authorities, and let me write letters in different directions, and before long, I doubt not, the money will be raised, and will be deposited wherever you desire. If you will allow me to go on shore, I will promise to do my very utmost to place the money in your hands, and will send word to the British cruiser, now in search of this ship, that I am in safety; and will at the same time exert all the influence I may possess with my friends to obtain your pardon, should you be captured. This I promise to do most faithfully.
gpt
Oh, listen to her! exclaimed Nina, springing towards the pirate, and seizing his hands.
human
Land her in safety and honour among her own people, and she will pay you the money if you demand it, and I--I will be responsible that she does so with my life--but why demand it? you have already more wealth than you require on board this vessel, and no rest nor safety can you expect, or hope to find, while you follow your present pursuits; your hand against every man, and the hand of every man against you, --(Nina knew not that she was quoting the words of the sacred book to describe her husband)--
gpt
Nina, he said, looking at her with a glance of more affection than she had for a long time seen,
human
The vision was too bright and beautiful ever to be realised, he murmured.
gpt
Alas, alas, I have for ever cut myself off from such happiness--and that fond girl too--oh, it is a cruel fate for her to be linked for ever to one so lost. Yet it might be done. I might again seek out the speronara of the Sicilian Alessandro, and he should land us on some part of the coast I would select, nor should he know whither we went. Ah--but is he to be trusted? Would he not, if he saw our wealth, be tempted to destroy us for the sake of possessing himself of it?-- would he not, even if we concealed it ever so carefully, or even had it not, suspect that we had it, and equally attempt our destruction? Who is to be trusted? In whom can I, especially, of all men, dare to confide? Alas! on no one. Every one of my fellow men, except the ruffians who surround me, and a few like them, would glory in betraying me. I might, it is true, find some stranger bound for the Italian coast, and with a well-invented tale about the vessel I had quitted, persuade them to carry me whither I may determine to go.
human
Nina, I will think about it, he said, aloud.
gpt
I would please you if I could; but though my power to do evil has been great, alas! the means I possess of doing good are small indeed.
human
Oh, do more than think of it, exclaimed Nina, looking up imploringly in his face.
gpt
Resolve with your determined will to execute what you think of--resolve to overcome all difficulties--to be daunted by no dangers, and she and I will bless you to our dying day, and our prayers will ascend to heaven to implore forgiveness for the crimes which now weigh down your soul and prevent you from perceiving clearly where true peace and happiness can alone be found.
human
Enough, Nina, enough, or you will make me act the woman,