Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-07-23
MISCELLANY.
CANARISSA.
A GRECIAN TALE.

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family to small Island a few miles
from Iydra-He had several children,
among whom was a tender creature Of
sixteen, named Canarissa; he was ex.
ceedingly fond Of her, and spared moth
ing that wealth could purchase, to make
her appear lovely.
At this age she attracted the atten-
ton Of young Turk who came to
Ipsara on business, and it was her mis-
fortune to become passionately fond Of
him. lie sought her hand in marriage,
but was sternIy refused by Colonus,
her father, in whose heart the seeds Of
the Revolution were already planted.
He had long since become weary Of the
Mussulman yoke aud deemed it posi-
BILE that day might arrive when Greece
would be free. His hatred to his OPP
pressors was deep, and he commanded
his daughter to have no more connec-
ton with Wenderumthe Turk, yet fear
ing his injunctions might be disobeyed,
he determined to leave Ipsara few
months, believing that in that time he
could persuade her to forget her child
ish attachment. Previous to their de-
parture, Wenderum sought an opportu-
nifty Of seeing his beloved, when he in
formed her that he should bo at her
new residence in the course of few
days and should then bring her a very
important errand. This declaration fill
ed the innocent bosom Of Canarissa
with apprehensions; she knew the stern,
desperate disposition Of her father, and
trembled for her lovers fate, she en-
treated him not to let his love for her
betray him into any rashnoss that would
| awake her fathers ire, for in that case
they should both fall victims to his VEN
geance. Wenderum promised to be
prudent, but declared he would sooner
die than resign her for life. This as
surance was sweet to Canarissa, but
still her heart foreboded some dreadful
evil She wept till tears denied her
their consolation and then she sat down
in the solitude of her own apartment,
and gave herself up to the power of
gloomy anticipations. Colonus obser-
we'd her grief, and fastened his depart
ufe. As soon as they were established
in their new home, she thought serious
Iy on her lovers promise, and greatly
feared he would attempt its lulilment.
This was a source Of constant anxiety
to her and induced her to flee from So
eiety and seek consolation in solitude.
On fine moonlight evening which
in these regions rs always splendidly
beautiful, Canarissa wandered along the
shores Of the Island, until she reached a
grove Of Olives, when she sat down on
green bank and gave herself up to
those intense thoughts which had for
some time so absolutely occupied her
mind. The water was spread out be-
fore her like vast mirror, rejecting
the pure, starry face Of the sky. On
its bosom was seen here and there a
solitary CaIque from which soft strains
Of music issued. In the distance ap-
peared a high, rocky cape, covered
with scanty verdure, which was never
theless, a grateful relief to the eye in
the bright blaze Of a MONDAY prospect.
A little burque containing a solitary
individual, was now on the waters, and
rapidly, but silently approached the
spot where Canarissa was seated. She
did not perceive it until it had we'll nigh
reached the shore. when with mingled
emotions Of surprise, terror and joy, she
recognised her Turkish lover. In an.
other moment he was holding her TO his
heart, but the darkest forebodings filled
her soul and she cntreated him to de.
part instantly.
"Sweet Canarssa," cried the enrap'
tured youth, "if you love me as YOU
have vowed, you will not hesitate to
leave father, mother, and kindred, fol
my sake" She sighed heavily" Tt
night" he continued, will conve,
you to yonder rocky cape, where al
aged monk has resided for many years
his cell is almost inaccessible, and it i.
considered so desoate a place, that nc
one would think Of seeking you there
meantime will return to the island, con
ceal myself, and my little boat anon.
the thick bushes which in many places
overhaDg tho shores, and watch th'
movements Of tho inhabitants; by thi.
means think l can learn your father
drift and act accordingly. You will b
safe with the monk until I return;
shall convey you to my own country a
soon as affairs will permit" Canariss,
raised a thousand objections, but he
lover overcsme them, and with tears o
bitter anguish, she consented TO his wild
and desperate undertaking. He assist
ed her into the boat and pushed from
the shore. The calmness which reign
ed around them, and the sweet, pensiv,
music stealing over the waters, soothe,
her agonized heart, and a melanchol