Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-09-15

seemed to hold conVerSe only Win hilh-
self. Arrived at maturer age, his time
was employed either in perusing the re-
cords of legendary love and deeds of
chyalry, or in wandering alone in the
forest or on tho shore, alike regardless
of the sunshine or the storm. Though |
he mingled not in society, he was not
msanthropo, but his life was with other
times, and he preferred the enjoyment of
his own imaginings in the solitude Of ma
,ure, to the hurry Ct business, the hollow
forms of society, or the pursuits Of lite
rary fame. Though susceptible Of the
most ardent attachment, yet at twenty,
the objects of his regard were purely the
creations Of his own fancy, being unac-
ouainted even with the fair maidens Of
his native town.
Helen Cleayeland was tie beauty of
the whole Island. The perfect symme-
try Of her form, the freshness and boon:
of her check, and the lustro Of her eye,
might compare to advantage even with
the daughters ofthc east; yet she was in
a great measure the child of caprice and
vanity. Indulged in all her inclinations,
her hours of reading had been employed
in q manner similar to those Of Frcde-
rick's, though the same effects had not
followed. 1t had not given her dis
taste for society, for she was the gayest
among the gay; but it led her to ad-
mre only the characters of romance,
and the reserve Of Frederick caused her
to regard him of this number Some
accident caused their meeting, and her
beauty to be observed by him. This
was sufficient, his fertile Imagination
supplying her with all that was lovely in
his sight, and she Immediately became
the object of his most passionate regard.
When they met, which was but seldom,
their conversation was Of the tales Of ad-
venture and daring, with which the chron-
iclers of romance had furnished them.
She usually was awcd by his presence,
as though he were being of another or
der; yet sometimes in the enthusiasm of
her admiration she forgot her fear, and
freely INDUCED in the rapturous flow of
sentiment Their acquaintance being
known, the admiration with which Helen
regarded him, excited the envy Of those
that had aspired to her favour, and some
threatenings escaped, which did ao;,
however, reach his ears. One nia ht,
while walking, they approached the side
of the ,chasm; tho wind blew fcarfully,
and the dashing of the waves between
the rocks presented spectacle truly
sublime and terrific. The deeds Of de-
votion and courage of former days, were
the theme of their discourse. Excited
by their conversation, in moment OF
pleasantly Helen bade him, if he loved
her, leap to the other side. No sooner
had she spoken than he made the attempt
She did not sec him more, for, as his
feet left the rock, she sunk inscnsible te
the earth. When she recovered, she
was alone, and it was sometime ere she
could collect her thoughts, so as to re-
member what had occurred. When thu
dreadful reality burst upon her, she was
frantic with grief-she called aloud fol
Frederick, but her voice was lost in thu
dashing Of the surge; she strained he
eyes to behold his form in the wave.
below, but could only discern the white
foam Of the billow.
Bitterly she lamented the though;less
ness, that permitted the expression whicl
led to the fatal leap. For time, sad
ness clouded her brow; but as her at
tachment was the result of his approx
nation to the heroes Of romance, an,
not Of a conviction Of his worth, her sor
row wore of, and again she mingled witl
the cheerful, and led the dance and sony
as gaily as before she had known O
, Frederick Lamson.
Three years had passed in gaicty an,