Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-10-25
ALEXANDER AND SEPTIMUS.

Athens, even long after the decline oil the Ro-
man empire, still continued the seat OF learning,
politeness, and wisdom. The emperors and ge-
nerals who, in these periods Of approaching ig-
norance, still felt passion for science, from
time TO tme added to its buildings, or increased
It's professorships. Theodore, the Ostrogoth,
was Of the number; he repaired those schools
which barbari,y had suffered to fall into decay,
and continued those pensions to men Of learn
ing, which aparicious governors had monopo-
lized to themselves.
In this CITY, and about this period, Alexander
and Septimus were fellow students together.-
The one the most subtle reasoner in the Ly-
ceum; the other the most eloquent speaker In
the academic grove. Mutual admiration soon
begat acquaintance, and similtude OF dlspo-
sition made them perfect friends Their for
tunes were nearly equal, their studies the same,
and they were natives of the two most celebrat-
ed cities in the world; for Alcander was OF A
thens, Septimus came from Rome.
In this mutual harmony they lived for some
time together, when Alexander, alter passing the
first part of his life in the Incidence Of Philoso-
phy, thought at length of entering The busy
world; and, asa step previous to this, placed
his affections on Hypatia, lady of exquisite
beauty. Hypatia showed no dislike 10 his adj
dresses. The day Of their intended nuptials was
fixed, the previous ceremonies were performed,
and nothing now remained but her being con-
Quoted in triumph to the apartment OF the In
tended bridegroom.
An exnla,ion in his own happiness, or his
being unable to enjoy any happiness without
making his friend Septlmus partner, prevail
ed upon him 10 introduce his mistress 10 his
fellow student, which he did with the gaiely of
a man who found himself equally happy in love
and friendship. But this was an interview ia
tai to the peace of both. Septimus no sooner
saw her than he was smitwith an involuntary
passion He used every effort, but in vain, TO
suppress desires at once inprudent and unjust.
He retired to his apartment, in inexpressible a.
gonv: and the emotions Of his mind in a short
time became so strong that they brought on
fever, which the physicians Judged incurabe.
During this illness, Alexander watched him
with all the anxiety Of fondness and brought
his mistress TO Join in those Offices offrlendship.
The sagacity of the physicians, by this means,
soon discovered the cause OF their patients Ill
ness; and Alexander, being appraised OF their dis
coyery. al length extorted confession from the
reluctant dying lover.
Ii would but delay the narrative, 10 describe
the conflict between love and friendship, in the
breas, of Alexander on this occasion; ii is enough
10 say that the AlEenians were. at this time ar
rived at such rc6nements in morals, that every
virtue was carried TO excess. In short, forget
ful of his own felicity, he gave up his intended
bride, in all her charms, to the young Roman.
They were married privately by his connivance;
and this unlocked for change Of fortune,
wrought an unexpected change in the cons'i,u-
ton OF the now happy Septimus. In few days
he was perfectly recovered, and set out with
his fair partner for Rome Here, by the exer-
ton of those talents of which he was SO emf
nently possessed, he in few years arrived at
the highest dignitaries oftne state, and was con-
sti,u,ed the city Judge, or praetor.
Meanwhile Alexander not only felt the pain
of being separated from his friend and mistress,
but prosecution was also commenced against
him by the relations of Hypatia, for basely CIV
ing her up as was suggested for money. Nei-
Their his innocence Of the crime laid TO his
charge, nor his eloquence in his own defence,
was able to withstand the influence Of power
full party.
He was cast and condemned to pay an enor-
nous sum. Unable to raise so large sum at
the time appointed, his possessions were con-
fscateG, and himself slript of the habit of free