Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-02-20


tain sight Of the fair Julia, hated him
as they did the prince Of darkness. -
Never had a suiter ventured to intrude
his person within old Logical's premises,
since he broke his ivory cane over the
Uranium of young gentleman in claret
inexpressibles, who had called after a
party to inquire for the daughter. The
rascal cried the iniuriated parent, 'the
rascal wore quizzlng glass, no man OF
sense or property wears a quIzzing
glass, therefore he must be pennyles
puppyn
Alter this melancholy catastrophe, no
beaux hazarded an Eruption into quarters
winch were guarded by dragon SO out
rageous. Julia Logical pined aud fad
ed; why, | pretend not to say, but it
surely was not for the deprivation that
had been inflicted upon her in the exclu
sion of her admirer am quite sure Of
coun,enance from my fair readers, when
| assert, that could not have been the
cause. Her father appeared to grow
tatter and redder, and more argumen-
tative every day; and with his incrcas-
ing size the venom of his disposition to-
wards the young men of his day deep
ened IN bitterness. lie would only al
low his daughter to walk in the garden
pertaining TO his house, and not even
there, unless accompanied by himself or
her mother.
1t was during a fine afternoon in
| September, that the whole family were
collected in an arbour at the lower part
OF one of the shady walks, enjoying the
repose and beauty Of an autumnaI eve
ming, when a figure was seen advancing
down the avenue preceded by servant.
The domestic in submissive tone, all
nounced woman who proiessed to have
skill in fortune telling.
a iortuneteller!' roared Old Logi-
cal.
"A fortunetellern echoed Mrs. Logi-
cal
"A fortuneteller!' sighed Julia.
'Fortunetellers are cheats resumed
the master, 'thiS woman is iortunetel-
Ter; therefore, turn her OUT 'Bui dear
father said Julia, Il never had my for
tune told, and 1 am so curious; do let
me speak to her for a few moments:.'-
'Turn her out;' shouted the tender par
ent. 'But father, who can tell but she
may know where your silver knec-buck-
les are, that have been missing so long.
Fortuetellers know every thing; tins
woman is ior,uneteller, therefore, In
terest and argu ment never tailed to touch
the heart of the opposer, and permission
was conceded that the gypsy should ad-
vance and be heard.
The form, gesture and appearance of
the stranger, were in strict accordance |
with my ideas of being supernaturalIy |
gifted. Her original statue must have
been six feet; but age, and her habuuul
bending to the ea,th in search Of weeds !
and roots, had nearly reduced her to an
Interchangeable encurvation. Her outward |
garment was robe, rather than gown, |
OF dsrk cloth, thrown carelessly, though |
not ungracelully around her, and bound !
about the waist with the dried skin of a |
serpent. This mantle entire ly concealed |
her figure. The face ofthis remarkable |
object was imbrowned by toll and expos
ure, and the singular briliancy Of her
large black eyes, contrasted strangely |
with her STOPPING figure and gray hairs,
which denoted one whose race was near
ly finished.
She advanced slowly towards the fam
Ily party, stopping occasionally to pluck I
weed or flower; and as she came
near, murmured the following incanta-
ton to the plants as she gathered them:
Weed, and root, and bud of power,
When the bright dew gems the trees
Ye shall yield, at midnight hour,
Hidden charms and mysteries:
Then shall be unrolled the leaf
Then disclosed the mystic page
Tales of joy,-anf tales of grief =
The doom Of youth the fate Of age.
Old Logical was somewhat startled,
as the sybll placed herself directly before
him, fixed and her dazzling eyes on bis,
seemingly awaiting his commands.
VERY well, my good woman, very
well; thought might make some in.
quiry Of you, but 1t is Of no consequence;
you may 60, good woman, you may
60"
The debater was completely awed.-
The object of his address paid no atten-
ton to the permission Tor her departure,
but turning slowly to Julia addressed her
nearly in these words
Follow me where none may listen,
Where yon sparkling fountains glisten;
Maiden fair, if thou wouldst borrow
knowledge of thy joy or SORROW
II despair's cold hand shall press thee,
Or the smiles Of fortune bless thee.
The fair Girl immediotelv aroso and