The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1828-05-01
MISCELLANY.
THE ESPOUSAL.

Amongst the few old Provincial church
es, which remain in our land as monuments
of time, when the diversity ofrank prevail.
ed even at the step of the altar, and the
canopy and coronet distinguished to
the eye Of heaven the noble suppliant
from the herd Of Worshippers, one of the
first inipoint Of antiquity, and the very
first in architectural beauty, is King's
Chapel IN Boston.-The outside of this
venerable mass Of granite has never been
perfected 10 its original design, but the
nave is finished exhibition Of Corinthian
beauty, and the huted columns of that rich
order, soar to the vaulted ceiling in pairs
from vast single pedestals which display
their carved mouidings over the quilted
partitions of the seats.
twas an evening just preceding Christ
mas. The church, after it's ancient Gus
tom, was adorned with profusion of ever
greens in every fantastic form Of wreath
or bower, and the massive pillars seemed
encumbered with their verdant drapery.
A few lamps were irregularly placed a
mong the bowers in that part of the gal
lery where the large organ reared its fes-
tooned front. and a party of vocal and in
strnmental amateurs were studying selec-
tions from oratorios preparatory to the fes-
tival Below in the floor Of the church was a
dim twilight, which further on as the strag
Cling rays from the gallery were lost in the
leafy arbors. faded into darkness. Within
tho verge of this gloom were two human
beings-a young man reclining with fold.
ed arms against ono Of those lofty cedars
that marked the extremity Of the centre
aisle. and a person Of more advanced years
resting upon the step to the balustrade of
the deep and shadewy chanael They were
mutual strangers, but a kindred interest
drew their gaze down the long vista ofthe
arched aisle, and charmed theN attention
to that illuminated grove which sent forth
al irregular intervals, the soft warble Of so.
10 and the proud swell Of the chorus An
overfowiag luxury in the feeling Of those
accidental companions, required participa.
ton, and the younger gave utterance to his
MUSINGS" There is an effect in this sol
omn gloom which enhances the charms of
music, and almost establishes belief in
the fables of it's ancient powers. -"Your
feelings, young man." replied the elder
stranger. are derived from the illusions
Of romance and are transitory but my own
interest in this scene of enchantlnent is as
sociated with more lasting emotions; have
been some years on distant voyage this
is the first hour of my return, and my only
child, ignorant Of her fathers presence, is
one ofthese performers" At this momen,
the deep vibrations Of the organ sunk into
stillness,and the breathngs Of a softer sym
phony introduced their choicest solo-s
young and lovely female, with music in hel
very features, stood beneath a canopy o
mingled foliage and flowers, and with tho
enthusiasm Of soul devoted to melody
but chastened and restrained by nader
modesty; she sung the air know that m.
redeemcr th."-"'Tis she, said the ex
ultlng father, "my own Helen Ward
SHOULD know her sweet voice in q choir o
mermaids."--" Captain Ward" said Oh,
youth with start Of surprise, and sur
mounting a slight embarrassment he con
tinued 81 suffer the misfortune Of being
stranger in your sight, yet cannot omi
this opportunity Of making myself know
To you and welcoming return in which
am so deeply interested-my name is Tai
bot" Captain Ward repaid the youn,
mans respectful bowl obtained YOU
letters in Batavia, Mr.. Talbot. and the,
Importance delayed reply which am No
even yet prepared 10 make. But I see th
rehearsal is ended; will you please scquair
Helen Of my arrivIt" The commlssio