The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1832-09-04

they conspired together. obtained the
uncnncelIed bond, and left the d duped
Amalech without resource.
Basil certainly had some compunc-
tious feelings, but the heartless Mon
tague badc him remember that Amalech h
was Jew and hereto and that as
good catholics, they were performing a
duty in prosecuting him by every means
in their power.
Amalech did not sit down quietly un.
der his loss, but took every opportunity
of demonstrating with Basil upon the
cruelty and ingratitude Of his conduct,
and perhaps Basil would have listened
to him had not Montague invariably been
at hand tc smother his quaIms of con-
science in hiA caustic derision.
1t was on one occasion Of this kind
when Amalech's intreaties were only
answered by the bittcrest scorn and the
most cutting sarcasms, that the Jew,
stune by Basils ungenerous conduct,
solemnly vowed to be avenged, and alb
ruptly quilted the scoffing galIamts with
a look that effectually chilled their forced
merriment.
A tavern, however, was at hand, and
thither they sought for refuge from every
obstructive feeling of care.
In the height of their debauch, Gilbert
D'Orlais, Basil's rival, chanced to enter.
The most overstrained courtesy was in
variably observed by both !, and the fumes
ofgenerous wine having now exhilarated
tho spirits of Basil, he was more than
usually cordial.
At late hour they Quilted the tavern,
only to repair to an adjacent gambling
house I; for Gilbert, with careless, play
fol sort of daring, had challenged Basil
to the hazardous contest. He appeared
Mt first inclined to wave the offer but his
evil genius, Montague, vowed his dear
friend should play with any man, and
and the too plant disposition of Basil,
yielded. As they were on the point of
entering the temple Of chance, Basil
who was in the rear, felt some one pull
him slightly by the cloak, and turning
round, he beheId Amalech. The Jew
was about to address hi n, when the in
ebriated Basil set up loud laugh, and
called to his companions that they might
|
sporting with the money lender. But
the intended butt Of their rude jests had
vanished.
Ono hour afterwards beheld the weak
and irresolute Basil the pale victim o.
despair.
He was utterly ruined. His rival ha{
stripped linn of every mark he possess
ed in the world and his dear frient
Montague had left him to his gIoomi
reflections. II
The next day Basil was the inmate d
a cell in Ludgate, at that time priso
for debtors. Hope now seemed for evf
banished from his breast.
The nccursed Jew cried he |; ais tit
demon that hath worked this evil chance.
He vowed vengeance and he hath takev
it. Farewell, Beatrice, and farewell
| life fore life is nothing worth deprived
of thy smiles. Oh how will my riya
triumph in the ruin he hath made. Tha
Jew and he have conspired to. .overwheIH
me, and am lost = And the though
that Gilbert D'Orlais would win hb
mistress, solely by his own indiscretior,
almost drove him to distraction.
4 In two days there was tn be a grand
fcte given by Beatrice's father. Baisils
absence Of course could not be excused,
or passed unobserved, and he had nb
doubt but that his rival would take ad-
vantage of so favorable an opportunity
to misrepresent him and improve his
own views. His creditors were deaf u
his promises and solicitations, aud his
friend Montague was no where to be
found at this crisis, when advice and at
sistnnce would have been mos. valuable.
! The morning Of the intended fate ar
rived, Basil, heartless and desponding,
was sitting, brooding over his luckless
fate, when a slight noise at the. iron
grating of his cell caused him to turn
his head in that direction.
The swarthy features of Amalech
met his sight; and Basil imagined that
he saw bitter smile ofpleasure iIluminc
the Hebrews countenance.
i Come in said he, in hollow and
despairing voice-'come in, my suspic
ions are now veri6ed-come in, Jew,
and feast upon the misery thou hast
wrought. What further vengeance dost
thou seek heartless monster =
AmaIech stood before the detected,
Basil, gazed steadfastly upon him, with
a calm and unruffled brow christian =
cried he, ia stern and solemn voice,
thou hast wronged me without provo
cation,--I held out my hand to
thee. in the time Of need--I raised thee
up-and thou didst smi,e me. Return
ing evi for good; can then wonder
that christian who thus openly des-