The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1830-04-22
FATE OF A BEAUTIFUL HINDoO.

Tempted 10 indulge in the unusual lux
ury Of walk, ] passed through the vo-
randall, and wandered 70 the small alcovs
which offered a seat, and commanded q
view of the Ghdut, or landing place. near
which tomb. dedicated TO some holy per-
son, alike revered by Hndoo and Mussul-
man, appeared, half embosomsd in trees.
Nothing could be more gorgeous than tho
view. The wide waters of the Canges
seemed formed Of liquid topaz ruby, ame-
thyst, and emerald, as they reflected tho
crimson. purple, and saffron Of the sky, and
the vivid foliage ofthc overhanging groves.
While these rich, deep stains upon tho
face Of heaven were softened by hues too
delicate for the broad mirror below t.
ca,ch-pale pink, lilac, and the iaintest Of
primrose-my "reminiscences OF England
were put 10 fight; for, when this splendid
| array Of colours began to fade, a party Of
natives were seen approaching the Ghaut.
Their finely modelled and erect figures,
and picturesque attire, their handsome feat
ures and graceful movements, render them
ut all times objects of admiration. But
there was one. female who particularly
attracted regard from her extreme beauty.
She possessed those large, soft. melancholy
eyes, so famed in oriental song; and, while
every lineament was moulded with tho
regularity OF the sculptor's chisel, they
were susceptible OF the sweetest and ten
derest expression. A smile played around
the full rich lip; the gen,lest and sottcst
| feminine attributes seemed enshrined in
| one whose features denoted heart inca
pabc Of aught snve utiec,ionate emotions.
She was very young, and her caste,
| though low, from the circumstance Of her
going down publicly to baihc, did not pre-
cluje her from the possession Of wealth.
Every toe was covered with msssy silver
rings; chains of tho same metal were pass
ed across them in a manner which would
cripple an unaccustomed foot; these were
attached TO thick silver anclets, and she
wore numcro bracelets and bengels; a
similar ornament upon her arms, from tho
wrist and above tho elbow. Her neck
was also decorated with several gold and
silver CHAINS, making ,inkling sound as
she walked along. Her surree, a long
piece Of muslin dropery reaching from the
head to the calf of the leg, was folded n
round form OF the utmost symmetry, with
infinite taste, and she carried in her hand
basket Of those white double iessnininc
flowers with which the Hindoo women ara
wont to ndorn their hair, and which are
worn by men ia the chaplets round their
necks.
As tho natives of Bengal 60 into the wa.
ter with exactly the same quantity Of cloth.
ing about them as they wear upon the shore /,
most public places, changing their gar
| 4. al Il ..,l h.. l.
longing to the different villages and sta
tons is generally the busiest und most o
musing scene. Little regarding the other
members Of the group, all my attention wos
directed 10 the beautiful female. watch.
od her wh.le dropping the snrrcc upon her
shoulders; she drew down her long black
trosses, and, stopping, they strcnmed upon
the water in dark luxuriancc. While thus
engaged, perceived what deemed TO la
log of wood, noating towards the bath.
ers, in another instant the lovely Hindoo,
who was outcrmost Of the group, disap.
peare0, and loud shrek from her COM
panions, who rushed with one accord TO tho
bank, announced some fatal catastrophe.
Scarcely knowing wherefore, ! echoed the
cry; the sound Of my voice brought out tho
low, ond they hastened tothe spot. Know
ing nothing Of the language, though wit
ness Of the tragic scene, 1t was some tmo
before ] learned the nature Of tho accident
which had befallen the luckless Hindov;
the violent ges,iculutions and loud lamen,s
Of the survivors announced something
frightful--sho had been seized by an ALI
gator, a creature which ! had mistaken for
o harmless piece OF timber; but had ! been
acquainted with its precise character I was
at too great distance to have given the
alarm. Ono young mnn seemed 10 be par
ticularly affected by this horrid incident;
he conversed for long time very ener-
getically with my host, accompanying his
words with redundancy Of action. Mr..
-, when he Joined me. expressed his re-
gret that he could not do justice by any
translation to tho poetic eloqusnco Of tho
young mans tale. "The unfortunate VIC
,im," said ho, "uppcars to have been the
paragon and pride Of her village; tho only
child Of nged parents; md, to bcigh,en tho
caltm nifty which hos beiallen her, she Was
tomorrow to have become the bride Of q
long bctroihed and deserving man, a so
poy, who has journicd far on furlough, from
his corps, TO claim her hand, and who has
brought with him testimonials Of his good
conduct from his officers, which have filed
the breast Of his relatives and friends with
pride and Joy" Shuddering, turned a.
way from the bright river which nurscd
such fearful monsters in It's brenst BY tho
time we reached the house, the darkness
Of the shrouding night alone was reflected
upon it's broad waters, and then it seemed
indeed to wear the hue fitted for the enrly
tomb Of the young, lovely, and unfortunate
Munna.- --.Mss Roberts.
--p5<x-
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