Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-09-26
AN EXTRACT FROM AN ODD VOLUME

t. adOfn.
AN EXTRACT FROM AN ODD VOLUME
The shades Of evening we've begin
ming to fall, when a little sklff, with eve-
ry sail set, was seen flying across the
Forth. The moment the shallop touched
the opposite shore, youth in the dress
of page, sprung on land, and ran with
the speed OF lightning to the castle of
Dlnnibirslc. His shouts and cries soon
awakened the domcstics, who, fearing
no danger from an unattended youth,
admitted him within the walls, and moved
by the earnestness of his cntrcaties, con-
sented to carry the earl his petition ior
an interview. The request was instant
ly granted, and the youth was marshailed
to the presence OF the earl, who was sit
ting near window which looked out up
on the silver waves OF the Forth which
lay between him and his beloved, on
whom his thoughts rested. Moray held
in his hand faxen ringlet, which, on
the near approach of the page, he Ind
again in his bosom Good youth, said
the earl in a sweet and gentle tone,
syour mission seems one OF haste and ur-
gency. pray that you bring no evil IT,
dings Come you from Hoiyrood9 is
all well there?' 'Nobie Moray replied
the page, stay not to question. Fly,
implOre you-dclay Is manifestation
destruction! Oh, leave this place--seek
safety in the woods, before your destroy
crs come what frenzy is this, boy!
Fly from my castle! Wherefore? What
danger hreatens?' The worst OF dan
gers; revengeful foe armed with pow
cr Las. night Boutwell, broke into the
palace, and attempted to seize the king
1t is said that you also was among them,
and your enemies arc even now on their
way to drag you before the king to an-
swer this charge Let them come, re-
piled Moray proudly. Il will accompa-
ny them and ,indicate my honour -
Hope it notify before it is too late
before Huntly carries fire and sword
through your halls. Merciful Heaven!
they are here, and you are lost Is it
even sol? said the earl; may, then, since
Huntley is sent on this mission, my de-
struction is resolved on Soon were
heard the dashing Of the oars, and the
loud shout Of the Gordons as they ad-
vanced to the assault. At this moment,
Dunbar, the youthful friend Of Moray,
hurried to him" Moray, it is useless
to contend. Fly, l implore you. The
eastern postern is still unguardcd. Es-
cape, conjure you, Farewell" And
wringing his hand, Dunbar resolved to
save his friend by the sacrifice of himself,
rushed into the thickest Of the fight, and
shouting the war cry of the earl, called
out, On, on. brave friends! follow y our
lord, will conquer, or perish" His
noble stratagem had the intended effect
that Of drawing all the assailants to
that side Of the castle in the belief that it
was the earl who led on the small band
which now issued from the gates. With
a yell of mingled hatred and revenge,
the blood thirsty Gordons rushed on
their prey. Then came the fierce en-
counter-the desperate struggle The
clash of weapons was mixed with the
loud cries Of ca Stewart, a Stewart!"
and n Gordon, Gordonm Cut of
from his followers, hcmmed around with
enemies, Dunbar felt that his last hour
was ut hand;-but determined TO sell his
life dear, he dealt such blows as despair
only can give, and performed prodigies
of valor, till Huntly, pressing through
the throng and assailng him from be-
hind, thrust him through with his sword.
i" bastard, you have bascly slain him
on whose face thou darest not Look
May Moray's bitterest curse pursue
thee" As he uttered these words, many
weapons were sheathed in his body, and
the heroic youth expired without groan.
As soon as Dunbar left them, Moray ad-
dressed the page. "Good youth, save
yourself. Take this purse as a small to-
ken o! my gratitude. The rocks on the
east side will afford you concealment till
my foes depart. They seek me only
Fly, then good youth, and let not my
last moments be cmbittered by Witness
ing your destruction" Moray turned
to leave the apartment. The page fell
at his feet and clasped his knees. emo
ray, disdain not to seek safety in fight.
0, hear me, implore you, were it on
ly to vindicate yourself from the asper-
sions ofyour enemies. Let US fly. Oh!
horror, what do seer They have fired
the castle" "It is even So" replied the
earl. "Boy, detain mo not. shall die
as soldier should, sword in hand, amidst
my foes. But escape is yet in your pow
or. If life be deur to you, lose not an
instant" The roar Of the flames, the
crashing Of beams, and the shrieks of
tho Gordons became every moment moro
terrific. "Oh! noble Moray, hear me
yet again, Let us fly. We may yet bo