The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1826-12-14
rRATERNAL MAGNANIMITY.

Two brothers, Barons Won Wamp,
had both formed an attachment to a dis
tinguished young lady of Wethr, with
out knowledge of each others passion.
1t was equally strong in both: for IN
both il was first passion. Unconscious
of their mutual danger, each gave full
rein to this affection, neither being a.
ware of the dreadful truth, that he had
a beloved brother for his rival. They
made an early declaration of their love /;
and had even proceeded to make fur
ther arrangements before an unexpected
occurrence brought the secret 10 light.
The attachment of both had reached
its highest pitch--that state of elevation
both of the heart and Imagination, which
has produced So many fatal consequent
ccS, and which renders even any idea of
the sacrifice of the object of affection,
almost impossible. fhe lady, deeply
sensible of their painful situation, hesi-
ated how to decide : rather than in1ict
the agony Of disappointed passion,
and disturb the fraternal harmony sub
sisting between them, she generously re-
lerred tho whole affair to themselves.
At length, having achieved an heroic
conquest in this doubtful struggle be-
tween duty aud passion, conquest SO
easily decided upon by philosophical
and moral writer's in their closets, and
so seldom practised III real life, the ell
der addressed his younger brother as fol-
lows:
/ am aware ofyour affection, strong
as my own, alas for the same lady of
our love, shall observe nothing in re-
gard to priority ofage. wish you 10
remain here, while go upon my travels,
and do my utmostto FORGET her Should
| succeed, brother, she will then become
thine and may Heaven prosper your
love'i Should |, however, uot succeed
in my object, doubtnot you will act as
| have done, and Try what absence will
effect
His brother assented and bidding
farewell, the elder Instantly left Ger
many for Holland, but the image of the
beloved girl followed hun every where.
Banished from the only happy and de-
Iighlful scenes which he had once sought
with her, to which his fancy always re-
cured, and IN which he seemed only TO
breathe and live, the unhappy young
man, like plant torn from is native soil,
from the warmer breezes aud more IN
vigorating beams of IFS eastern cline,
pinned and sickened in the new atmos-
pierre to which he was consigned. lie
reached amsterdam, but it was in des-
pair; a violent fever attacked HIM, and
he was pronounced in danger Of his
life. Still the picture Of his lost love
haunted his drlirious Dreams the only
chance he had of recovery was in tn
possession Of the lovely original herself.
The physicians despaired Of his recoy-
cry, until upon its being mentioned that
he might live to behold her once more,
from that moment he was gradually re-
stored to health. Like a walking skel-
eton, the picture Of utter wretchedness,
he again appeared in his native place.
He tottered across the threshold of his
unforgotten girl, and again pressed his
brothers. hand - You see brother, |
am returned. Alas what my heart fore
bodied has come TO pass yet, as llea-
ven is my judge, | could do no more
lie sunk, almost lileless, i'll the poor
girls arms.
The younger brother now became no
less determined to try the effect of alb
sence, and was ready prepared within
a few weeks for his tour.
Brother said he, you bore your
grief as far as Holland | will endea-
your to Danish myself yet farther. Do
not, however lead her to the altar until
you hear from me. | will write. Our
fraternal regard will admir- of no strong
er bond; our word is enough. Should |
be more fortunate than you, in Gods
name let her be thine and may he forey-
or bless your union Should |, however,
return, then Heaven alone may decide
between US two. Farewell but keep
this sealed packet; open il not, until |
shall be far away. am going to Bata-
via With these words he sprang into
the chase.
Half distracted, the two beings whom
he had left gazed after him, aud we're
little more to be envied than the BAN
ished man, for he had passed his broth.
er, whom he had left, in greatness of
soul. With equal power did love for
the woman whom he had recovered, and
regret for the brother, whom he has
lost, appear to strive for mastery in his
breast. The noise OF the carriage, as it
died away in the distance seemed TO
cleave his heart i'll twain. He recover
ed, however with the utmost care and
attention. The young lady--but no !;
that will be best shown by the result
The sealed packet was opened. II
contained full and particular descrp-
ton of the whole of his German posses