Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-09-29

DestoWcu SO DTiSnt u SiahCc OF approla-
iion upon his chivalric eXertions, when
last she bound the jewellcd bracelet on
his ann, that it penetrated deep into the
enthusiasts heart. flushing from Man
tua when the first sound Of the war
trump called him to the field, Agostno
lost sight Of the enchanlrcss; but her
spells were around him; he existed in Il
world ofhis own crcation; every thought,
every feeling of his soul was given to
lmi!da, ard with her image pcrpetually
before him, he did not consider how
slight the chances were that he should
retain similar place in the memory Of
one who was the admiration Of all Italy.
While the exile indulged in sad medl-
tation, the silence which had hitherto
surrounded him was broken by approach
ing footsteps; and, issuing from neigh
bouring archway, two cavaliers made
their appearance, wrappedin dark cloaks,
with their plumcd hats drawn over their
faces, and followed by a small company
OF minstrels. The whole band ranged
themselves under the windows Of the Or
SIM palace, and, after IL touching prelude
from the instruments Of his attendants,
one Of the gentlemen sang the loyc-ver-
ses Of u popular poet. His rich deep
voice, the melting tenderness of his
tones, and the passionate energy with
which he breathed forth the eloquent
and persuasive words which accompa-
MED the strain, thrilled hgostino's heart
with alarm. lie saw that he had pow
orlul and perchancc successful rival,
and lie gazcd with strained eyes upon
the lattice, fearing that Imida would ap-
pear, and repay the melody with 4 word
or sign Of appreciation. But his appre-
tensions were not verified: the moon
beams played only on the cold walls Of
the Orsini palace; the jalousics remain
ed closely shut; no delicate hand waved
applause; and not single rose from the
blooming myriads which garlanded the
balcony was detached as n reward for
those harmonious sounds which walked
the gentle echoes Of the night to music.
After second burst Of melody, more
exquisite and witching than the first, the
screnaders departed
Agostino emerged from the recess in
which he had. been cnshrinod, and fol-
lowed their retiring footsteps. The
subordinate minstrels took a different
route from that Of the cavaliers, and
Agostino kept the latter in view. After
passing through one or two streets, they
entered long and dark collonade; no
guiding shadow directed his steps; but
he heard the footballs Of those who pre-
ccdcd him, and advanced in the same d-
rection. 1t was only an echo, however,
that allured him; for, in turning two an
giles, he found himself alone, in the
bright moonlight, standing upon the
banks Of tho Arno. He walked llstlcss-
ly by the side of the stream, now, as
shadowed by the bending willows, like a
flood Of liquid emerald, and now, Whale
rejecting the beams OF the queen OF
night like molten silver. Agosiino's S
path led him close to the laurel hedge of
garden; the wicket stood open, and
scarcely knowing wherefore, he entered
the flowery labyrinth. A long low doric
building stood beneath the empowering
foliage of the lick and acacia; light
streamed from an open window, and the
same song which he had so lately heard
but murmured plaintlvely in a female
voice, and accompanied by lutte ire.
sistably attracted his attention. Hc
stole forward noiselessly over the turf
and secured a situation from which un.
seen he could command view Of the
interior. The minstrel was sitting at &
table, with her lutte in her lap, ana might
from the flowing white drapery, delicate
lineaments, and fair cheek, pale as mon
umcntal marble, her graceful form ant
attitude, have passed for statue of &
weeping Muse, but that her long black
hair waved luxuriantly over her shoulders
and that she paused at intervals and look
cd towards the door, as though in anx.
ious expectation of the arrival of some
too-long absent friend. The melanchol,
expression Of the coun,enance of one Sc
young and lovely, left apparently to pine
IN solitude, interested Agostino's feel.
inss. She was evidently unhappy; ant
although mere beauty would have pos.
sessed lew charms for heart entirely
cngrossed by Imilda, when linked with
sorrow, it awakened q strong sympathy
for the lovely stranger. lie looked up
on her until he thought that the features
were familiar to his eye; yet he could
not recollcct where he had seen them be.
lore. At length rustlng noise was
heard without; the lady sprang from her
seat, threw open pair Of folding doors
which led TO an antcchamber, and flung
herself into the arms Of cavalier, whom,
by the graceful folds of his dark cloak,
ana the piumod hat still shading his face,
agostino knew 10 be one Of the serena
dar Of h..n N