Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-06-23
NEW SERIES WDho sa7NOo @aAA

of punctillious court-bur to obey him, and
bury him alive, would be downright regicide! In
the midst of this fearful dilemma rumor reach.
ed the court, Of the female minstrel who was
turning the brains of all Anda'usia. The queen
despatched missions in all haste to summon her
to ST lldefonso, where the court at that time re-
sided. Within few days, as the queen with
her maids of honor, was walking in those stately
gardens, intended. with their avenues, and ter
races. and fountains, to eclipse the glories of
Versailles, the far-famed minstrel was conducted
into her presence. The imperial Ellzabetta gaz.
ed with surprze at the youthful and unpretend-
ing appearance of the little being that had set
the world madding. She was in her picturesque
Andalusian dress; her silver lutte was in her
| hand, and she stood with modest and downcast
eyes, but with simplicity and freshness of beau
| ~ that still bespoke her the Rose OF the AL.
hambra.' As usual she was accompanied by the
ever.vigant Fredeganda, who gave the whole
history of her parentage and descent to the in.
curing queen. If the stately EIizabetta had
been interested by the appearance of Jacln-
ia, she was still more pleased when she learnt
that she was of meritorious though impoverish-
ed line, and that her father had brayey fallen IN
the service of the crown. IL thy powers equal
their renown,' said she, and thou canst cast
forth this evil spirit that possesses thy sovereign,
thy fortunes shall henceforth by my care, and
honors aud wealth attend thee Impatient to
make trial of her skill she led the way at once
to the apartment Of the moudy monarch. ia
cinta followed, with downcast eyes. through lilies
of guards and crowds of courtiers.
They arrived at length at agreat chamber hung
in black. The windows were closed to exclude
the light of day: number of yellow wax tapers
in Spl a uuh iluhf-
dimy revealed the figures OF mutes in mourning
dresses, and courtiers who sided about with noise
less step and wO. BECOME vlsage. On the midst OF
funeral bed or bier. his hands folded on his
breast, and the tip OF his nose just visible, lay
extended this would be-monarch. The queen en-.
tered the chamber in silence, and pointing TO
footstool in an obscure corner, beckUned To ia
cin.a TO SIT down and commence. AT hrst she
touched her lutte with fatering hand, but gather
ING confidence and animation as she proceeded,
drew forth such soft ;eriel harmony, that all pre-
sent could scarce believe 1t mortal. AS to the
monarch, who had aIread, considered himself in
the world of spirits, he set it down for some an.
celical melody, or the music of the spheres. BY
degrees the theme was varied, and the voice Of
the minstrel accompanied the instrument. She
poured forth one of the legendary ballads, treat.
inc of the ancient glores Of tie Alhambra, and
the achievements of the MOors. Her whole soul
entered into the theme. for with the recolectioDs
of the Alhambra was associated the story of love.
! The funeral chamber rescunded with the anlmat-
lng strain. 1t entered the gloomy heart OF the
monarch. He raised his head and gazed around:
he sat up in his couch; his eye began to kindle;
at length. eaplng upon the floor, he called for
sword and buckIer. The triumph OF music, or
rather of the enchanted lutte, was complete; the
demon of melancholy was cast forth, and. as It
were, dead man brought to life. Ihe windows
| Of the apartment were thrown open; the glorious
effuIgance of Spanish sunshine burst into the late
luxurious chamber; all, yes all sought the lovely
enohantress; but the lutte had fallen from her
hand. she had sunk upon the earth. and the next
moment was clasped to the bosom of Ruyze de
! Alarcon. The nuptiaIs of the happy couple were
shortly after celebrated with great splendnr: out
hold hear the reader ask, how did RuyZ de
Alarcon account FOR his long neglect!
Or! that was all owing 10 the opposition of
nroud. prarmaical old father; besides, young
| people who really like one another soon come TO
! an amicable understanding, and bury all past
grievances when once they meet. Bat how was
the proud Draumatica old father reconclled to the
match: On! his scruples were easily overcome
by word or two from the queen, especially as
IDENTITIES and rewards we're showcred upon The
blooming iavortc of royalty. Besides, the Lutte
= of Jacnta. you know, possessed magic power:
and could control the most stubborn head anu
hardest breast. And What came Of the enchant.
ed Lutte? Oh! that is the most curious matter OF
al! and plainly proves the truth of all this story.
That I,ta remained for some time in the family,
hnt was purloined and carried oft. as vas suPPos-
cd nv the great singer Farranelli, IN pure Jea'
Iousy. At his death it passed into other hands
in Iialy. who were ignorant Of its mystic powers,
and melting down the silver, transferred the
strings to an old Cremona fiddle. The strings
stiIl retain something Of their magic virtues. A
word in The readers ear, but let it 60 no further
that fiddle is now bewitching the whole world
it is the fiddle Of Paganlnl.'