She would have been relieved by a single
glance of disapprobation, by a solitary movement of a rebellious muscle,
or by the smallest sign that the tender nature of one so lovely, and
otherwise so gentle, revolted at so unequivocal evidence of the barbarous
practices of her adopted people. But no Empress of Rome could have
witnessed the dying agonies of the hapless gladiator, no consort of a more
modern prince could read the bloody list of the victims of her husband's
triumph, nor any betrothed fair listen to the murderous deeds of him her
imagination had painted as a hero, with less indifference to human
suffering, than that with which the wife of the Sachem of the
Narragansetts looked on the mimic representation of those exploits which
had purchased for her husband a renown so highly prized. It was but too
apparent that the representation, rude and savage as it was, conveyed to
her mind nothing but pictures in which the chosen companion of a warrior
should rejoice. The varying features and answering eye too plainly
proclaimed the sympathy of one taught to exult in the success of the
combatant; and when Whittal, excited by his own exertions, broke out into
an exhibition of a violence more ruthless even than common, he was openly
rewarded by another laugh.
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