The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1821-07-30

mild resignation, submitted To her fate,
Addressing her husband, Tor the last
time, she exclaimed
"My dear Edward, Heaven can wit
ness it is with unuuerable regret, that | |
depart from this fair world, where have |
found with thee state Of supreme felci |
ty but though am no longer permit
ted to live in those arms, doubt not thy |
faithful Josephine shall still hover round |
thee, and as guardian angel encircie |
thee till we meet again." She had scarce
ly uttered these words when she sunk on
her pillow, and soon fell into a slumber,
from which she awoke no more and
when the clock was striking 9, it was OBJ
served that she had breathed her last
The agonies of Sellner may be more
easily conceived than described during
some days it appeared doubtful whether
he would survive and when, alter con-
hDement of some weeks, he was at length
permitted 10 leave his chamber, the pow
ers of youth seemed paralyzed, his limbs
were enfeebled, his frame emaciated,
and he sunk into state of stupor, from
which he was only to be reused by the
bitterness of grief. To this poignant
anguish succeeded fixed melancholy;
deep sorrow consecraied the memory of
his beloved: her apartment remained
precisely in the state in which it had been
lei' previous to her death on the work
table lay her unfinished task the harp
stood In its accustomed nook, untouched
and silent every night Sellner went in
sort OF pilgrimage TO the sanctuary OF
his love; and taking his flute, brea,hcd
forth. IN deep Plaintive tones, his fervenI
ASPIRATIONS for the cherished shade
lie was thus standing in JUsephine's a
Partment, lost In thought when broad
gieam o. moonlight fell on the open win
dow, and from the neighboring tower the
Waterman proclaimed the ninth hour At
this moment, as if touched by some invi.
sible spirit, the harp was heard 10 respond
to his flute in perfect unison. Thunder
struck at this prodigy, Sellner suspended
his fiute and the harp became silent; he
then began, with deep emotion, Jose.
phine's iavorite air,when the harp resum-
ed It's melodious vibrations, thrilling ilh
ecstacy. AT this confirmation OF his hopes
he sunk on the ground, no longer doubt
ing the presence of the beloved spirit
and whilst he opened his arms 10 clasp
her 10 his breast. he seemed to drink in
the breath of spring, and pale glimmer-
ing light flllted before his eyes. IL know
thee, blessed spirit" exclaimed the be-
widered Sellner, "tnou didst promise &c
hover round my steps, TO encifcle me
with thy immortal love. Thou hast re-
deemed thy word is is thy breath that
giows on my lips; feel myself surround
cd by thy presence" With rapturous
emotion he snatched the flute, and the
harp again responded, but gradually its
tones became softer, till the melodious
murmurs ceased, and all again was silent.
Sellne:'s feeble frame was completely
disordered by these tumultuous emotions;
when he threw himself on his bed il was
only 10 rave deliriousiy OF the harp: az
ter sleepless night he rose only TO anti
cipate the renewal of his emotions with
unspeakabie Impotence he awaited the
return OF evening, when he again repair
ed 10 Josephine's apartment, where as be-
fore, when the clock struck nine the harp
began to play, in concert with the flute,
and prolonged its melodious ACCOMPANY
ment till the tones gradually subsidized to
faint and tremulous vibration, and all
again was silent.
Exhausted by this second trial, it was
with difficulty, that SeIlner touered 10 his
chamber, where the visible alteration in
his appearance excited SO much alarm,
that the physician was again called in,
who with sorrow and dismay, detected
aggravated symptoms of the fever which
had proved SO fatal TO Josephine and so
rapid was its progress that in two days The
patients fate appeared inevitable. Sell.
ner became more composed, and reveal
cd TO the physician the mysterious com
munications, avoving his belief that he
should not survive the approaching eve.
ming. No arguments could remove from
his mind this fatal presage as the day
declined, it gained strength; and he ear
nestly eDtreated, as last request, to be |
conveyed TO JCsephine's apartment. Sell
ner no sooner reached the well known
spot than he gazed with iDefFabe satisfac-
ton on every object endeared by affection
ate remembrance,
The evening hour advanced; he dis |
missed his attendants, the physician alone |
remaining in the apartment. When the |
clock struck nine, Sellner's countensnce
was suddenly illumined, the glow of |
hope and pleasure flushed his wan cheeks.
and he passionately exclaimed" jose
me once more at ,rting, hat !
I NAV oyercoms Tho ,,,,,x, g 1T ,, /