Explore "Hans of Iceland, Volume 2" by Victor Hugo on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked, / Preserve me from the violent man; / Who have purposed to thrust aside my step. / The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; / They have spread a net by the wayside; / They have set gins for me. / _Psalms_ cxl. 4.
The fatal hour had come; the sun showed but half his disk above the horizon. The guards were doubled throughout Munkholm castle; before each door paced fierce, silent sentinels. The noises of the town seemed louder and more confused than usual as they ascended to the dark towers of the fortress, itself a prey to strange excitement. The mournful sound of muffled drums was heard in every courtyard; now and again cannon growled; the heavy bell in the donjon tolled slowly, with sullen, measured strokes; and from every direction boats loaded with people hastened toward the fearful rock.