Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-09-03


take might have been made in the no.
roscope, or that the astrologer might
have overlooked some sign which made
it conditional; and in unison with the
latter idea he determined to erect a
strong building where during this year
in which his doom was 10 be consul
mated, Walter might remain in SOL
itude. He accordingly gave directions
for raising a single tower, peculiarly
formed to prevent ingress, except by
permission Of its inhabitants. The
purpose of the building, however he
kept secret; and his neighbours after
various strange conjecture, gave it the
name OF Cooks Folly Walter HIM
self vas kept entirely ignorant on the
subject, and all his inquiries were an
swered with tears. At length the tow
err was completed, & furnished with all
things necessary for convenience and
comfort: and on the eve Of Walters
completing MS goth year, Sir Maurice
showed him the gipsy's scroll, and in
treated him to make use of the retreat
prepared for him till the year expired.
Walter at first treated the matter light
ly, laughed at the prophecy, and de-
clared he would not lose a years liber-
" if all the a%strologcrs in the world
were to croak their ridiculous phrophc-
cies against him. Seeing however his
father so earnestly bent on the matter,
his resolution began to give way, and
at length he consented to the arrange
ment. At 6 the following morning,
therefore, Walter entered the tower,
which he fastened within as strongly
as iron bars would admit, and which
was secured outside in a manner
! equally firm. He took possession Of
his voluntary prison with melancholy
feelings, rather occasioned by the loss
of present pleasure, than the fta' Of
future pain. He sighed as he looked
upon the wide domain before him. and
thought how sad it would be to hear
the Joyous horn summoning his COM
panions to the chase and find himself
prevented from attending it; to hear
the winter wind bowling around his
tower, and rushing between the rocks
beneath him, and miss the cheerful
song and merry jest, which were wont
to make even the blast a merry sound.
Certainly his time passed as pleasantly
as circumstances permitted. He drew
up in a basket, at his meal hours, eve
~ luxury which the season produced.
His father and sisters daily c%onvcrscd
with him from below, for a consider
able time; and the morris dancers olten
raised his laughter by their grolesquc
movements. Weeks and months pas
sed, and Walter still was well and cheer
full. His own and his sisters hopes
grew more lively, but Sir Maurice's
anxiety increased. The day drew near
which was to restore his son to his
arms in confident security, or to fulfill
the prediction which left him without
an heir to his name and honors.
On the proceeding afternoon Wal
ter continually endeavoured to cheer
his parent, by speaking OF what he
would do on the morrow, desired his
sisters to send round to all their friends
that he might stretch his limbs once
more in the merry dance and continued
to talk Of the future with such conf
dence, that even Sir Maurice caught a
spark of hope from the fiery spirit OF
the youth. AS the night drew on, and
the sisters were about to leave him,
promising 10 wake him at six, by a
song, in answer to the usual inquiry II
he wanted any thing more that night,
"%nothinr," said he; "and yet the night
feels chilly, and l have little fuel left,
send me one more faggot." This was
sent him, and as he drew it up, "Ihls,'
said he, sis the last time l shall have
to dip for my wants, like old women
for their water, thank God! for it is
wearisome work for the arm" Sir
Maurice still fingered under the win
dow in conversation with his son, who
at last complained Of being cold and
drowsy. "Mark,' said he as he closed
the window, "mark, father, mars, the
star which rules my fate, looks smiling
to night-all will be we'll" Sir Mau-
rice looked up-a dark cloud spot sud-
denly covered the planet, and he shud-
dered at the omen.
The anxious father could not leave
the place. Sleep, he knew, it was IN
vain to court, and he therefore deter
mined 10 remain on the spot.-lbe re-
Elections that occupied his mlrd were
continually varied: at one time he pam
ted to himself the proud career OF MS
high spirited boy, known and admired
among the mighty Of his time; a mo
mept after he saw the prediction veri
fed, and the child Of his love lying n
the tomb. Who can conceive his feei
, ings, as hour dragged after hour wh,'e
he walked 10 and fro, watching the
blaze of the fire in the tower, asst ma
zed and sunk again, now pacing 'h'