The Litchfield County post. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1826-1829, 1826-11-07

couch, Though Splenolo Ohel W CoueCms
myself with bivouack in the open air.
had wandered about till it grew late (; the
streets were silent, and almost deserted !;
and after intimating my Intention 10
brother officer, wrapped myself IN my
watch-coat, and fatigued both in body ana
mind. extended myself on the steps OF a
convent a hard couch, but preferable 10
the one had rejected. The porch shell
tered me from the night dew, and l had
often rested worse--tho marsby damp earth
ba;nU not unfrequently the soldiers pillow,
his covering only the inclement sky. This
spot was freefr both evils, and believ-
ed that might sink into slumber /; but it
was not so; for my fancy was busy in re-
visiting far distant scenes. L thought.ot
this happy circle, to which my return was
so uncertain; thought of many moment
of past happiness--ofth thee, Emma-of home
-of all Even in idea | retraced the
hour of parting; saw every eye moisten-
ed with tear, and thy cheek, Emma, tur-
ned pale as I bid thee farewell. These
reflections entirely banished sleep, and it
was in vain that courted her soothing in
fluence.
The bright beams Of declining moon
now illumined every object, and the meas
ured step of the sentinels as they relieved
night watches, was the only sound that
broke upon the ear. Again closed my
eyes, but. it was in vain every object a
round me, even the spot where l lay, was
fraught with interesting occurrences; the
step that supported my uneasy head had
been often descended by many holy foot,
fastening to join the pageants of the saints
on festival, to form part in the process
sion of some victim of bigotry and super
stition. or Join the cruel and miscalled de-
yotional PROFESSIONS of the Auta de Fe.
But these pageants, these professions, were
now no more: the lofty and spacious edi-
flee lat whose gate reposed) was now
deserted: the moon beams rested on the
blackened stones, scathed with the des-
tructiye death-shot which had been level
led against it; the French had stripped
the interior Of its splendid. decorations ;
the shrine of the Virgin, the crosier of the
Priest, the consecrated images of worship,
.formed. of the most precious metals, and
frequently ornamented with gems, all had
vanished before the rapacity of the inva-
ding army. But, though the votaries OF
religion had been scared from their peace
FIJI retreats, though nuns and friars had
been forced to mingle with the common
mass of the, People, with many other en-
croachments on religion, that might have
been as well spared, yet the terrors and
cruelties of the inquisltion were now re-
pressed, and the same tyranny that had
laid waste kingdom, had likewise been
the original cause of emancipating humid
reds of suffering victims from long captiv-
ity and dreaded tortures, and had caused
the light of heaven to visit eyes which had
long since closed on the hope of earthly
freedom.
Oace more I was trying to sleep, when
footsteps approaching awakened my atten-
ton. I raised myself on my elbow, and
observed, in the uncertain moonshine, the
tall figure of man, in the uniform of a
French Hulan his step was one of forced
speed, and he was supported Unusual
sight y on the arm OF. a woman, who alrea-
dy burthened by the weight of child, see
med unequal to the task. They advanced
slowly forward. and when within few pa
ces of my retreat, f" A little further, Pier
re-" said she, and we shall gain the out
posts. Take courage! If sentinel should
see us, he will let US pass; he will take pity
on wife endeavouring to prolong the
life Of her husband; and we'll thou know
est, Pierre, thou scanst die easier in my
arms" These affecting expressions AVA
kened every feeling Of sympathy in my
breast bent forward anxious to catch
every word, and glimpse of countenances,
which hoped land was not disappointed
to find interesting.
The unfortunate Pierre, if may guess
from the bandages around his forehead
and arm, hand been severely wounded in
the late action; death-like stiffness rem
dered every feature CHASTITY !; his eyes were
glazed aud almost fixed; yet, what they
retained of expression, spoke of his affec-
ton for t'le partner of his bosom, the sha-
rer Of all his Affections, and they seemed
to have been many; his ashy and CULVER
ing lip vainly tried to murmur an answer,
and he could only press her hand, and thai
but feebly. The poor woman spoke not ;
but could read in her wan and anxious
countenance, that the little hope she had
entertained was fast fading away; her once
lively dark eyes restedwith intense earnest
ness onthe face of her husband, nor could
the caresses of her child lure him one mo-
ment from the mournful contemplation !;