Delaware patriot & American watchman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1828-1828, 1828-05-06
Volume L.

pose. sometimes they solved enigmas. and, some"
times, difficult questions being proposed. they
attacked or defended the side they PREFERRED
Sometimes, persons, previously requested, related
stories. entertaining and moral. These exercises
not only stimulated the young people to improve,
but discovered their talents and tempers. What
la pity that a school so useful lasted so short
time 1t contributed to give much elevation OF
soul to the young nobility Of that day, short as
was its duration.
| At last the wished for day arrived. So modest
was Matilda that she had given TO none of her
lovers the slightest mark OF preference. The
Duchess was as ignorant as the loverss but, the
moment for the decision having arrived, she said,
/" daughter name to me the man you choose for my
SUM- after some sweet resistaRce. Matilda. COW
cred with bushes. named Gonzalo de Cardenas.
The mother was surprised because she had not
suspected him to be the favored lover, but, the
choice was so wise, that instantly embracing Ma
tllda, she said, s'you have guessed my wishes."-
All praised the Ieiicacy and dscernment Of Matil-
da, and the Duchess declared the wedding should
be on Christmas dav. This appeared a distant
day to the enamoured and happy Gonzalo, for
| it was two months off.
Gonzalo was, IN truth, youth of extraordinary
merit, aud far superior to his associates. He was
scarcely three and twenty, and was instructed in
all cavalier ought to know. lie made fine verse
es, and to his pen Matilda owed the eulogies most
worthy her charms. lie was graceful and agreeable
but not handsome, frank. generous and cheerful.
All that he did, springing from genuine passions
carried with IL the impress of truth. GonZalo
obtained permission to be absent short time to
make arrangements for receiving at his castle, the
Dutchess and his bride-Matilda parted from her
lover reluctantly.
At this period Spain contended with the Empes
ror for the kingdom Of Naples, which was at last.
conquered for the Infante Don Carlos, afterwards
Charles I'll of Spain. In the Spanish army was
the young Marquis de Varoja, born in Zaragosa
the capital Of Arragon. He was not intended Tor
the army. being an only son, and heir of rich
house. There was not in Spain youth better
made. no Que that so mnch exceiled in all manly
eSercises. and to these advantages he added pro.
found eruditnn. and a knowledge Of the bellies
letters. Though his genius was universal his in
clination was to the military profession. Born
with extraordinary courage, and envying the dam
lger and glory of heroes, he impatient ot the
tranquil life of student, he lead in obedience to
his fathers wishes. and soon as he became his
own master, asked and obtained company in the
army then raising for Italy. In the first campaign
in which he served he 50 distinguished himself by
courage and military talent that his general select
ed him for the most hazardous services. He was
even promoted over the heads of senior officers,
for the colunelcy of his regiment being vacant all
joined in asking it for Villaroja, and he obtained
it. Every day his reputation augmented for in all
the dispatches Of his commander he was honora.
blv mentioned. At last it was known that the
victory which secured Naples TO the lnfante was
principally won by the sagactv and .alor OF Viii
r arain, and that he had arrived in Madrid, bearing
the official letter announcing this success and the
banners he had captured from the enemy.
, (To be continually