Also Read
PART 1
L. 1-5. The clock that is put up on the wall of the castle indicates that it is twelve in the night. The screech of the owls has disturbed the cock which is crowing (with a feeble sound), though it is in a sleepy state.
L. 6-13. Sir Leoline, the rich Baron keeps a watch-dog which has lost its teeth (owing to old age). The dog is chained in its house built under the rock, and unfailingly barks when the clock strikes. It may be fair or foul, sunshine or rain, the dog must howl in response to the strokes of the clock. For each quarter, it will howl once and for full hour twelve times, i.e., sixteen short howls, - not too loud, for one hour. Some people believe that it does so because the dead body of its mistress has been wrapped up in the shroud is visible to the animal.
L. 14-24. Is the night chilly and dark? It is cold but not dark. The grey cloud which covers the sky is so thin that we can see the sky through it. On this night the moon is full but looks very small and dim behind the cloud. The night is chilly, the cloud is grey and it is the month of April when spring has set in.
L. 25-28. What is the lovely Christabel, the darling of her father, doing in the woods at this late hour at a distance from the Castle?
L. 29-32. Last night, she see in a dream the knight to whom she is engaged to be marry. (She has apprehended some calamity to him). That is why she has gone to the woods at night. There she will pray for the well-being of her lover who is far away from her.
L. 31-36. She goes stealthily and silently; she hears low and gentle sighs. With the exception of lichen and mistletoe, there is no other sign of greenness on the oak tree. Under it she kneels and pray.
L. 37-42. The lovely lady Christabel spring up suddenly. She hear the sound of sighing coming from very near. But she is not definite about it. It appear that it is coming from the other side of the big oak tree which has its branches spreading in all directions.
L. 43-52. The night is chilly; all the trees in the forest are denuded of their leaves. Is it (the sigh) the dull and cheerless sound of the wind blowing through the trees? But the breeze is too weak to disturb the curls of hair falling on the cheeks of lovely Christabel. There was not sufficient breeze to move even one red leaf that is left hanging loosely on the topmost branch pointing upwards.
L. 53-57. May Chris Label's heart (which is beating fast on account of fear) calm down. And may Christ and Virgin Mary protect her from harm! She folds her arms beneath her clock and go noiselessly to the other side of the oak. What sight meets her eyes there?
L. 58-70. Christabel see under the oak tree a beautiful maiden dress in white silken robes that shine in the dim moonlight. Her neck is so milky white that her white dress looks pale in comparison with it. Her magnificently beautiful neck and her arms are bare. Her feet are so white that the blue veins in them are easily visible and she is without sandals on. She wear in her hair gems that has glittered here and there. I think that the sight of such a lady, so beautiful and dresses in such brilliant robes, must have been very dreadful. Christabel has prayed in her mind and has asked her who she is.
L. 71-78. In a hollow (ghost-like) and sweet voice the lady Geraldine give the answer which is appropriate to the occasion: "I appeal to you to take pity upon me. I am a distressed lady and am in a sad plight. I am tired and so can hardly talk. Extend your hand and be not afraid of me." Christabel asks her how she has come there, and the lady who has been interrupted in her speech speaks in a faint and sweet voice. Her reply is suitable to the occasion.
L. 79-103. "My name is Geraldine and we are descended from a noble stock. Five men has armed with weapons of war laid hands upon me, a weak and helpless woman and is forcibly gagged my mouth at the point of the bayonet, thus preventing me from raising cries for help. They tied me hand and foot, on a white saddle horse. The five warriors rode white horses at full speed in order to keep close to my horse which ran as swift as the wind. I have a faint recollection that we journeyed also for a few hours at night (besides journeying throughout the day). May God never forgive me if I tell a he! I have not the least idea who those men were nor do I remember how long I have been here, since I was in a state of unconsciousness. One of those five warriors who is the tallest help me get down from the white horse on which I am riding. At that time I was feeling so wearied, both in spirit and in body, that it has appeared I had no life in me. His companions have uttered a few words which has not intelligible to me. The tallest warrior has seated me under this oak tree. He promised on his honour that all of them will come back very soon. I cannot say where they have gone. I fancy that a few minutes ago there fell on my ears the sound of a castle bell ringing. Extends your hand and help me, a miserable lady, run away (from the clutches of the ruffians)."
L. 104-113. When Geraldine has finished speaking, Christabel extends her hand and give comfort to the beautiful lady. She says: "You should have no fear; the services of my dear father are at your disposal. He has a strong cavalry. All the resources of my father — strong horsemen and other friends of his — will be employed to guard you against your enemies and you will be safely escorted back to your noble father's house. Be comforted and have no fear." Saying these words Christabel stands up and both tries to walk fast but (due to tiredness and fear) they can not.
L. 114-122. The gracious Christabel thanks her lucky stars, and in this way continues her speech. "All the members of our family are enjoying peaceful sleep. The hall is as silent as the underground rooms there. My father is keeping had health and it is, therefore, not proper to disturb him. We shall move very noiselessly and stealthily. I beg of you to be so good as to share your bed with me tonight."
L. 123-132. Both crosses the ditch that has been constructed round the Castle Christabel uses the proper key and at once unlocks the door that lay in its middle. In order to make the door stronger, steel has been used on both sides; in the past a regular army drawn up for purposes of war has marched out of this gate. While passing through the threshold of the gate, Geraldine brekes down: possibly through pain; and Christabel uses her full force to lift her who is too heavy a burden (for a delicate girl, like herself).
L. 133-144. Geraldine (who has collapsed) stands up (with the help of Christabel) and begins walking as if her pain has passed away. Being out of the pale of fear and danger, they crosses the compound of the castle, and both of them are exceedingly happy. Christabel speaks these pious words to Geraldine who is walking by her side, "Let us praise the Holy Mother (Virgin Mary) who has saved you from dangers and harms." Geraldine says, "Alas, alas! I am too tired to speak." In this way, being out of the pale of fear and danger, they crosses the court of the castle and they are very happy.
L. 145-153. In the wintry night, when, the moon is shining, the old hitch lay fast asleep outside the kennel. It do not get up, (when the two ladies passes through the court) but in its sleep, it give a growl. The bitch must have some trouble (as it is growling); never before has it given a cry of pain in the presence of its mistress. Perhaps it is the hooting of the young owl; otherwise what else can be responsible for the-bitch’s trouble?
L. 154-168. They passes through the hall and the hall echoes the footsteps, even though they trod as noiselessly and softly as they can. The burning pieces of wood lay flat; their fire is dying and the faggots lay covered with their own white ashes; yet, when Geraldine passes, the extinguished fire blazes into life and there appears a bright flame of fire. With its help Christabel sees the face of Geraldine and a boss of her father's shield, which is hanging in a dark corner of the wall. Nothing else can she see. Christabel request Geraldine to walk softly and noiselessly lest the sound of their footsteps shall disturb her father who seldom enjoys a sound sleep.
L. 169-174. Christabel put off her sandals and walks very quietly, but still the air nearest her leg can hear the sound of their footsteps. She, therefore, grow jealous of it and tries to walk still more noiselessly. In this way they walk softly from one stair to another, sometimes in faint light and sometimes in darkness. When they are passing near Sir Leoline's room, they suspends their breath and walk as noiselessly as death. Now both of them have reached the door of Christabel's bedroom and Geraldine's feet has pressed down the rushes spread on the floor.
L. 175-183. The moon is shining dimly outside the bedroom and yet not a single beam is making its way into it, but the two ladies can see the artistic carving-creation of the artist's brain-decorating the walls of the chamber. The carvings of these strange and beautiful figures are perfectly suitable for a lady's bed-chamber. A lamp is hanging by means of double silver chain which is tied to the feet of an angel.
L. 184-189. The silver lamp is burning giving a faint and dim light. But Christabel will trim the candle in order to make it give brighter light, and this is what she do. She allows the lamp to move to and fro, while Geraldine who is feeling miserable and wretched collapse on the floor of the chamber.
L. 190-193. Christabel request Geraldine who is feeling tired and distressed to drink the wine which has been prepared by her mother from wild flowers. It possesses miraculous properties and will revive her spirits.
L. 194-203. Geraldine asks if Christabel's mother will take pity on a miserable woman like her (Geraldine). Christabel answers." Alas! She dies at my birth. I have heard the old priest telling that my mother, while dying, said that she will come on my wedding day, at midnight, to hear the castle bells. I wish my dear mother are here!" Geraldine replied. "I too wish so."
L. 204-213. Immediately after uttering the words ('I wish she were here') Geraldine changes her voice and said, "Disappear from this place, you spirit (Christabel's mother's spirit). I possess power that will compel you to vanish." What is it that is troubling the mind of Geraldine? Why is she gazing from one side to the other? Is it because she is looking at the dead spirit of Christabel's mother? And why does she utter the following words in a very faint, ghost-like voice, "Get away, O you woman! During this time Christabel is under my influence. I shall rule her destiny for the time being, though you may be her guardian angel, because now the control over Christabel has been given to me.
L. 214-226. There Christabel kneel by the side of Geraldine in a praying attitude with her beautiful blue eyes raises towards heaven. She says, "I feel very sorry because your mind has been bewildered on account of the bad effects of the most frightful ride (you have with the five warriors)." The lady has wiped the cold drops of perspiration that has appeared on her forehead (due to fear, weakness and tiredness), and have answered in a hollow voice, "I am feeling better." She again drink the cordial wine prepares from wild flowers. She stand up erect from the floor where she has collapsed and her large beautiful eyes begins to glitter. She looks most beautiful; she appears a spirit of the next world, and not of this world.
L. 226-234. The tall lady (Geraldine) stand erect in all her majesty and uttered the following words. "You are the soul of goodness and all the angels who live in upper regions love you for your virtues and you love them. I shall try, as much as lies in my power to reward you for your love and for the good lot that has fallen to me through your instrumentality. But now put off your clothes and retire to bed. As for myself, I shall pray before I go to bed."
L. 235-244. Christabel says, "Be it so" and she undresses herself as ordered by Geraldine. She put off her clothes from her soft body and lay down in the bed. How lovely and beautiful she looks at that time! But so many thoughts of good and evil passes through her brain that she can not get sleep. While she is half-asleep, she gets up from her bed, and supporting herself on her elbow watched what lady Geraldine is about.
L. 245-263. The lady (Geraldine) bends down under the lamp and slowly moves her eyes around. She takes a deep breath like a person who shudders at the sight of danger, and unfastens the girdle from underneath her breasts. Her silken dress and her underwear fell down to the ground, and now her breast and half her side were fully visible. This sight can be better imagined than described. We can see such sights in our dreams; they cannot be put into words. May the heavenly spirits guard Christabel (from the evil influence of Geraldine)! But Geraldine neither speaks nor does she make any movement with her body. Her looks indicate that she is affected with pain and misery. It appears she has half succeeded in her faint and desperate attempt to remove a heavy weight that is oppressing her soul. She looks at Christabel and hesitates going to bed. All of a sudden she realizes that her authority has been challenged. She musters all her courage, summons her pride and contempt and sleeps with Christabel on the same bed and takes her in her arms.
L. 264-278. Woe to the day! Sadly and in a low voice she utters the curse, "this embrace will work such a magic spell upon you that you will lose the power of disclosing the secret of my shame and sorrow. This sign of my disgrace and the mark of my grief will be known to you tomorrow, but your struggle to regain your power of speech will be quite useless. You can never tell the story of my shame and sorrow to anyone. Only one thing is in your power to tell others; how you have heard a low moaning sound in a dark forest, how you find there a bright lady of peerless beauty; how you have brought her home out of love and charity in order to protect her from her enemies and from the cold weather."
L. 279-291. What a lovely sight to see the Lady Christabel kneel, in the moon-lit night, to offer her gentle prayers under the old oak tree where these falling shadows cast by mossy branches of tree that has shed their leaves! She is kneeling with her delicate hands folded. Sometimes she has placed them on her breast. Now as her breast rose and fell (due to her breathing), her hands also rose and fell. Feelings of joy and sorrow are reflected in her face. Her face look fair rather than pale and her blue eyes bright rather than clear, as from each eye a tear seems to fall down.
L. 292-301. It is a matter of grief that, though the eyes of Christabel are open, she is dreaming frightful and horrible dreams. I think the nature of those dreams is so frightful that words cannot describe it. This is a matter of great sorrow and shame. Can this be the same lady who has knelt under the old oak tree? And look! the lady who is the author of all these evils, who embraces Christabel (like a mother embarrassing her child) in her arms, appears to be enjoying a quiet and gentle sleep.
L. 302-310. O Geraldine! The evening star has set and the morning star has risen since you embraces the lovely Christabel (your embrace is like a prison-house). O Geraldine for one hour you can have Christabel under your complete sway and you could work your will upon her. At that time the birds and streamlets are still. But now they are again feeling jubilant and their cry, "tu whoo" is heard from the tower of the castle, from the wood and from the rocks and barren mountain sides.
L. 311-318. Look there! the spell cast upon Christabel having broken, she is waking up from the state of deep sleep in which she has lain so far. Her body grows less rigid; her face becomes sad and gentle; the soft eyelids shut; and Christabel sheds big drops of tears that make her eye-lashes bright. In the midst of these tears she also smiles very often, just as small children do at the sight of sudden light in the darkness.
L. 319-331. Like a young and beautiful hermitess who lives in a forest and has spend her life in the meditation of God, Christabel at one time weeps and at another time smiles. And if she moves restlessly (if she moves about her legs in a restless manner), it is because part of the blood (that is now free to circulate in her body) comes back, to her feet and produces a tightening sensation. Christabel is now surely dreaming a sweet dream. Who knows that it may be the spirit of her mother who is always trying to protect her from evil harm? Christabel knows this moral and spiritual truth that whatever may happen, in joy or sorrow, the saints will come to man's help if they are called upon, because the divine spirit looks after the moral good of till creatures.
PART II
L. 332-337. The remark, that the sound of the bell ring each morning to call to prayers takes us back to the world of death, is first made by the Baron, Sir Leoline, when (one morning) he get up and find his wife dead. He will continue to make this remark each morning till his dying day.
L. 338-344. For this reason has started the custom which comes to acquire the force of law. It becomes a part of the duty of the sexton of the parish church always to ring punctually the heavy bell at dawn and to say forty-five short prayers between every two strokes of the bell. It is intended to serve as a reminder to all that they must prepare for death towards which they are heading every moment. The bell is rung so loud that none living in the area from Bratha Head to Wyndermere can help hearing it.
L. 345-349. Bracy the minstrel says: "Let the church bell go on ringing and let the sleepy sexton say prayers slowly and sleepily, because the number of such people is large as will suitably fill up the interval of time between every two strokes of the bell."
L. 350-359. There live imprisoned in Langdale Pike, Witch's Lair and Dungeon-ghyll the ghosts of three wicked sextons. They are bound with the ropes of rocks and the bells of air and they reply, one after the other, to the warning knell has sounded by the sexton, thereby reminding the living sextons that their hour of death is fast approaching. And very often when the bells have stopped ringing one, two and three, the devil being offended by the matin-bell, ridicules the sad sound by a joyous peal from the valley of Borodale.
L. 360-369. The air is motionless and we can hear the loud and joyous sound of the peal of bells through fog and cloud. As Geraldine hears the merry peal she sheds her fear and leaves the bed with a light heart. She puts on white silken clothes and arranges her hair in a lovely style. Feeling fully confident that her charm has begun working, she asks Christabel to get up, saying, "Are you still asleep, O gentle lady Christabel? I am sure you have enjoyed a sound sleep."
L. 370-376. And Christabel gets up and see the same lady who has slept with her, or we shall rather say, who has been rescued by her under the old oak tree. Geraldine now looks lovelier than before because the sound sleep she has enjoyed during the night has refreshed her.
L. 377-386. While Geraldine speak, her looks and her demeanor shows such profound gratitude (to Christabel for the good turn she has done to Geraldine) that is seemed that the tight vests tied round her breasts got tighter on account of (a strong emotion experienced by her) as evidenced by her swelling bosom. Christabel says, "Surely I have sinned (in suspecting Geraldine). Now I offer prayers to God so that everything may turn out well." Then she welcomes the stately lady Geraldine in low, stammering but sweet words, but her mind is so much confused that she can not decide whether Geraldine is as good as she looks to be or whether she is an evil spirit as her vivid dreams has painted her to be.
L. 387-396. So Christabel leave the bed hastily and quickly dresses herself up and prays to Jesus Christ - He who has suffered a painful death on the cross - to forgive her the sins she has committed unconsciously. Thereafter, she look beautiful Geraldine straightway to her father. Sir Leoline. The charming Christabel and the tell Geraldine both are now walking into the hall and passing many attendants and household officials, have entered the Baron's drawing room.
L. 397-402. The Baron stand up and while he embraces his gentle daughter, Christabel, his look fell upon Geraldine and his heart is filled with a pleasant surprise. He accords her such a warm reception as befitted the beautiful lady of the status of Geraldine.
L. 403-407. Geraldine relates her story and when she give her father's name, 'Lord Roland de Vaux of Tryermaine' why did Sir Leoline grows pale and why did he repeat over again the name of Roland in a low voice?
L. 408-413. Alas! Sir Roland and Sir Leoline are very intimate friends in their young days. But, evil-minded persons who are in the habit of carrying tales and backbiting misrepresent facts and distort truths, thereby creating bad blood and misunderstandings among true and sincere friends. True and steadfast friendship cannot exist on the earth; it is to be found in heaven only. Human life is full of sorrows and disappointments and young men are vain. One who falls out with his dearest friends is driven to madness.
L. 414-423. I think a thing like this happens to the two friends, Sir Leoline and Sir Roland. The bosom friends employs contemptuous and insulting language to each other. They fall out and never make up in life. A terrible void is created in their hearts but neither find another true and have devoted friend to fill up that gap, with the result that both feel broken and experiences an acute mental agony. They now lives apart from each other, bearing the marks of sorrow and regret. They are like two rocks which has previously stood united, but which are now separates by the violent action of some natural agent, so that a cheerless and unbridgable gulf of enmity and hate has existed between them.
L. 424-426. But I think that neither heat nor cold nor peals of thunder shall completely wipe off the memory of that which has once existed (i.e., the friendship that has existed between the two Barons).
L. 427-430. For a short time Sir Leoline keeps looking intently at the face of the young and beautiful Geraldine and the remembrance of Sir Roland, the friend of his youthful days, come to his mind.
L. 431-437. Sir Leoline then forgets that he is an aged man. His noble heart is filled with anger and indignation and he swear by the wounds of Jesus Christ who has suffered while he is being crucified. He will announce it throughout the land by the sound of trumpets and according to the established traditions of heraldry that those knights who has disgraced Geraldine are most wicked and dishonourable fellows.
L. 438-443. If they (those knights who has disgraced Geraldine) denies the charge levelled against them let those cowardly rascals enter the lists against him on a day fixed by his herald, when he will expel their foul souls from their human bodies.
L. 444-446. He speak these words and his eyes become blood-shot because the beautiful lady in whom he has recognised the beautiful daughter of his friend (Sir Roland) has been mercilessly abducted.
L. 447-456. Sir Leoline now moves to tears and he embraces Geraldine affectionately. She also allows him to do so willingly and joyously. She remains in his embrace for a little longer time. When Christabel sees this (her father embraces Geraldine who is feeling very happy), a spell is cast upon her. Her soul is seized with fear; she once more feels the horror touch (of Geraldine) and once more passes through the agonising pain (due to her contact with the wicked Geraldine). She shrank back with fear, she has shivered, and sees that vision again. I feel grief-stricken at the thought that a noble and pure-minded lady like Christabel shall be destined to see such horrible sights.
L. 457-462. Christabel once more sees in a vision, the same cold bosom (of Geraldine) as she has previously seen while she has been sleeping in her arms and inhales her breath with a hissing sound. At this, Sir Leoline turns his face like a wild man (to discover the true cause of the sound). But he can see there nothing except his own dear daughter with her eyes uplifted in a prayerful attitude.
L. 463-469. The vision of the (cold) touch (of Geraldine's bosom), and of her father's embrace has vanished. In its place a happy vision fall upon her soul. (This is the vision of her dead mother). This sacred vision is like the first vision that has soothe her feelings as she lay within Geraldine's arms. This fills her heart with ecstasy and brings bright smiles to her lips.
L. 469-474. The Baron once again feels surprised and he asks Christabel what troubles her. His gentle daughter replies: "All will yet be well" I guess that she is powerless to give out anything else, because the spell is very powerful.
L. 475-482. Sir Leoline things Geraldine to be a heavenly being (so ravishingly beautiful she is). She wear such sad and charming looks that she creates the impression that she is very sorry having (unintentionally) offended the gentle and sweet Christabel. She entreats the Baron very humbly that she may at once be send home to her father's palace.
L. 483-492. Leoline answers "I say on my honour that you shall not go in this way. O ! Bracy the bard, you are given the duty (of conveying the message to Lord Roland). As you go, take with you your harp which produces sweet and loud music, two horses with grand ornamental harnesses, the harp bearer whom you love most, (and see that you have learned your songs well). Both of you should be dressed in a dignified manner. Go speedily over the mountains instead of taking the regular road, lest you should be stopped on your way by wandering people (who might compel you to give them your sweet music)."
L. 493-497. When the happy musician (Bracy) has crossed the river Irthing, he hurriedly passes through Knorren Moor and Halegarth wood and reaches Sir Roland's Castle that stands facing the barren moorlands of Scotland.
L. 498-504. Bard Bracy! Your horses are swift and you must ride up to Sir Roland's mansion with the sweet music of your harp sounding louder than the echoing hoofs of your horses. Give loud and repeat calls to Sir Roland saying that beautiful Geraldine is safe and secure in Langdale Hall and that Leoline sends his compliments to him through you.
L. 505-518. Leoline asks you (Sir Roland) to come with all despatch with your large retinue to take home your lovely daughter. In order to meet you on the way, he will come, attend his countless servants and soldiers, riding at a galloping speed, his breathless horses foaming at their mouths. I swear by my honour that I shall apologise to him for the contemptuous and haughty language employed by me. Many years have rolls by since that cursed day (when we fell out and parted as enemies), but during these years I have not come across a friend as sincere and has devoted as Sir Roland.
L. 519-530. Geraldine fell down on her knees, grasp Sir Leoline's feet in her arms, raises her face towards heaven and her eyes fills with tears. Bracy replies in broken accents, greeting everybody in the hall in his gracious manner, "Father of Christabel! The words that you have uttered are sweeter than the notes produced by my harp. Yet I beseech you to grant me one favour. I may kindly be permitted to postpone my journey, as I have dreamt a strange dream. In my sleep I have seen a vision which warns me against an evil spirit and I take a vow not to set out on my journey till I have purged the wood of that is wicked spirit by my loud music."
L. 531-540. For in my vision I have seen that a lovely and gentle creature (in the form of a dove) whom you love dearly and who is called by the name of Christabel. Sir Leoline! I have seen the dove flapping its wings (in the attempt to fly away) and uttering fearful sounds of pain and distress among the green herbs in the forest. When I have seen her there alone in that state, I wonder what can trouble her as I can see there nothing except the grass and the green herbs that grows under the old oak tree.
L. 541-547. It seems to me that in my dream I have seen in search of the wicked spirit that may be lurking there. I have been also anxious to know what troubles the bird that is flapping its wings with fear and lay on the ground in an agitated manner. I have gone and have looked closely but I can find no cause for the cries of anguish that she (Christabel) is uttering. Even then I bend low, for the sake of her dear mother to take the dove in my arms.
L. 548-553. When behold! I have seen a bright green snake encircling the wings and the neck of the dove. It looks as green as the grass on which it lay ready to attack its victim. It lay with its head bent low near tlie head of the dove. As the dove struggles for release, the snake also rises and falls with it and as the bird stretches its neck, so does the serpent.
L. 554-563. I have got up. It has been twelve o'clock in the night, as the castle clock is stricking the midnight hour. But though I can not get sleep, the dream I have dreamt will not vanish from my mind's eye. It shall ever haunt me and I can not blot it out of the book of my memory. That is the reason why I take a vow this morning that I will beat this desolate wood singing hymns and playing upon the harp so that it may be purged of any evil spirit lurking there.
L. 564-571. While Bracy is relating his dream, the Baron hears him half-attentively. He (rather feel amused) and smiles. There is an expression of love and wonder in his face and turning to Geraldine he says in the most refined and cultured language. "Sweet Geraldine and beautiful dove (daughter) of Lord Roland (have no fear, because) your father and I will kill the snake with weapons which are stronger than Bracy's harp and his hymns."
L. 572-582. As the Baron utters the words (given before), he kisses Geraldine on the forehead and she behave as a maiden shall. She looks downward with her large shining eyes, blushed, makes a charming bow and turns aside from him (Sir Lcoline). Then gently collects the folds of her dress, arranging them as before on her right arm, she lays her head low upon her breast and cast an oblique look at Christabel. May Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary protect her against Geraldine's evil influence!
L. 583-596. The eyes of a snake are very small and while casting a dull and unsteady gleam they blink (half shut and half open). Geraldine's eyes withdraws into their socket and become as small as the eyes of a serpent. She casts an oblique look at Christabel more out of fear than out of ill-will.
The charm is wrought in the twinkling of an eye and then the supernatural sight vanishes. But Christabel is spell-bound. She feels giddy; her feet totters and she is about to fall down on the ground; she visibly trembles with fear and give out hissing sounds. Geraldine once more turns round to the Baron and eagerly looks at him with her large shining eyes in which there is celestial light. At that time her face is wearing an expression of wonder and grief (because of the hissing sound) and she looks like a person who stand in need of sympathy and comfort.
L. 597-606. How bad! Her brain is confused and upset. She cannot think. She can see nothing except one vision (the dreadful vision of the serpent-woman). I am at a loss to understand as to why Christabel, who is pure and innocent, shall be completely hypnotised by the (hateful and ugly) look of the serpent-woman whose eyes has shrunken into their sockets. Again, I cannot explain as to why Christabel is so deeply influenced by that vision that she can see nothing but that, or why she shall helplessly reproduce Geraldine's look of treacherous hate.
L. 607-612. Christabel stands for some time in this state of utter bewilderment and perplexity. She falls under the hypnotic influence of Geraldine and become almost unconscious, still having the same oblique look of treacherous and malicious hate (as she has seen in the eyes of the witch). She is forced by some mighty and irresistible supernatural power to show sympathy for the witch in the very presence of her father, although she is unconscious of what she is doing. It is some compelling force that bring to her the same malicious and fiendish look of hate so far as the innocent blue eyes of Christabel can have a look full of fierce hate and deceit.
L. 613-620. When the spell is broken, Christabel waits for some time and pray inwardly. When she kneel before the Baron and say, "I appeal to you in the name of my mother to send Geraldine away," she can say no thing more, because being overpowered by the powerful magic, she can not reveal what she know about Geraldine.
L. 621-634. Why is it that the Baron has become pale and haggard? There lies at his feet his only child, who is the joy and pride of his life, who is so beautiful, so pure, so gentle, to give birth to whom the Baroness die. Remember the Throes your wife suffered at the time Christabel has been born, and for their sake do not think evil of the child. When your wife has been lying on deathbed, she has prayed only for you and your daughter. She has prayed that her daughter to bear whom she has given up her own life might grow up to be a source of joy and pride to her father. That prayer lessens the acute pain of child-birth, and will you do injury to your only child by thinking evil of her?