The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-05-06
THE PARRICIDE PUNISHED,


The following very singular adventure is related
a fact in French work entitled Ma NOnUcHe Bib
HOtheque SOcete and said to have happened in
of the Provinces in France. 1t is related in letter
to friend.
The nuptials Of MademOiselIe Vildac were cee-
brated yesterday TO which. neighbor, custom
and good manners required my attendance. You
are acquainted with NJ de Vidac he has counte-
ance which never pleased me his eyes have often
wild and suspicious glare, something that has al
ways given me disagreeable sensations, for which
could in no way account. l could not help obser-
wing yesterday, that in the midst of Joy and revery
he parook not of the pleasure far from being pene
trated with the happiness of his son and daugh-
ter, the delight of Others seemed TO him secret tor.
ment.
! The feast was held at his ancient castle and
when the hour of rest arrived was conducted To n
chamber Immediately under the Old Tower at the
north end. l had just fallen into my first sleep,
when l was awakened and alarmed by heavy kind
of noise overhead. l listened, and heard very dis
tincty the footsteps of some one slowly descending
and dragging chains that canked upon the stairs :;
the noise approached and presently the chamber
door was opened, the clanking of the chains re-
doubled, and he who bore them went towards the
chimney. There were few embers half extinguish-
ed these he scraped together, and said in sepul
chral voice. Alas how long it is since have seen
fire!' own, my friend, was terrified | seized
my sword, locked between my curtains, and saw by
the glimmer of the embers wi,hered old man, half
naked, with bald head and white beard. He
put his trembling hands to the wood, which began
to blaze, and afterwards turned towards the
door by which he entered, fixed his eyes upon the
floor as, if he beheld something most dreadful and
exclaimed with agony My God my God ~
( My emotion caused my curtain TO make noise,
and he turned affrighted. Who is there r. said he
% Is there any in that bed = EYES," replied
- and who are youl Contending passions would
not for while suffer him to speak: at last he
swered /" am the most miserable of men. This Is
perhaps more than ought to say: but it is SO long,
man being, that cannot resist Fear nothing; come
towards the fire; listen to my sorrows; and for a
moment soften my sutferings!"
! My fear gave place to pity l sat down by him.
My condescension and my feelings moved him he
took my hand, bathed it with his tears, and said
g Generous man let desire you first to satisfy
my curiosity. Tell me why you lodge in this cham
her, where nobody has lodged before for so many
years and what means the rcjoicings have heard I
What extraordinary thing has happened to-day in
the castle Z"
When had informed him of the marriage of Viii
dac's daughter, he lifted up his hands to heaven
Has Nildac daughter and is she married. Al
mighty God grant she may be happy grant she
may never know guilt " e. You see, you speak to
right have ] to complain Should | call man or
tiger crueli y What ~ exclaimed ! with aston
lshment, "NiIdac your son Vdac the monster !
shut yom from the sight ofman load you with chains
And lives there such wretch =
Behold said he, Z" the power, the detestable
power of riches. The hard and pitiess heart of my
unhappy son is impenetrable every tender senti-
ment nscnsibe to love and friendship, he is always
deaf to the cries of nature and to enjoy my lands
has hung these eating irons me.
II lie went one day to visit neigbboring young
nobleman, who had lately lost his father he saw
him encrcled by vassals, and occupied in receiving
their homage and their rents. The sight made
shocking impression upon the imagination of Vildac
which had long been haunted by strong desire to
ENJOY hs future parmony. observed at bls return
IA degree of ofthonghfuness and gloom about him that
was unusual. Five DAYS afterwards, was seized
during the night, carried off naked, and lodged in
tls tower. l know not by what means Nildac spread
The report of my death but guessed by the tolling
of the bells and funeral dirges, solemn than
Tor inferior persons, they were performed for my
inerment. The idea horrid; and ] entreaied
most earnestly to be permitted to speak for moment
70 my son, but in vain those who brought me my
! food, no doubt, supposed me a criminal condemned
- perish IN prison. Ii is now twenty years since
was first confined here. l perceived this morning
hat my door was not secured, aud waited till night
profit by the accident: yet do wish to escape
bat the little liberty of few yards is much TO a
prisoner"
No" cried ], you shall quit that disbonoroble
habitation. Heaven has destined me to be your de-
rcrcr, defender, supporter and guide. Every body
sleeps; now is the time let us begonc J"
" II mus, no, be-" said he, after moments sic
iencc.
Solitude has changed my ideas and my prn-
ciplcs. Happiness is but opinion. Now that
am Injured to suffering, why should fly from my
ate What is there for to wish in this world !
The die is thrown, and this tower must be my
tomb !"
! surely vow dream" answered I, lie, us not