Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1836-11-17

maadens IN the land, who were amoi-
tious of sharing ducal crown. The
court was soon crowded with beauties
Of ali styles and compilations. from
among whom he chose one In the car
Hest budding Of her charms, and ac-
knowledged by all the gentlemen 10 be
unparalleled for grace or loveiness.-
The coortiers exiolled the duke to the
skies for making such choice. and
considered il another proof Of bis great
wisdom. The duke, said they, is
waxing q little too old: the damsel.
ca the other hand, is little too young;
if one is lacking in years, the other Ia.
superabundance; thus a want on one
side is balanced by an excess on the
other. and the rcsult is well assorted
marriage
The duke, as il often the case with
wise men who marry rather late, and
take damsels rather youthful 10 their
bosoms. became doatingly fond of his
wife, and INDUCED her in all things
He was. consequently. cried up by his
subjects in general. and by the ladies
10 particular. as . pattern for husbands /;
and in she end. from the wonderful do
cility with which he submitted TO he
refined and checked. acquired the anna
BILE and enviable appellaiion of Duke
Philhbert the wife ridden.
There was only one thing that dis
turbed the conjugal felicity OF this pa
ragon Of husbands: though a consider
able time elapsed after his marriage, he
still remained without any prospect OF
an heir. The good duke left no means
untried to propitiate Heaven; he made
vows and pilgrimsges, he tasted and
be prayed, but all to no purpose. The
courtiers were all astonisbed at the cir.
cumstance-they could not account
for il. While the meanest peasant in
the country had sturdy brats by dozens.
WITHOUT putting up prayer. the duke
wore himself to skin and bones with
penances and HASTINGS, yet seemed far
Their of from his object than ever.
Atlengih the worthy prince fell dan.
gerously i'll. and felt his end approach.
ing. He looked with sorrowfuI eyes
upon his young and tender spouse,
who hung over him with tears and
sobbings. Alas! said he, tears are
soon dried from youthful eyes, and
sorrow lies lightly on a youthful heart.
In little while ! shall be no more,
aud in the arms Of another husband
thou wilt forget him who has loved
thee SO tenderly.'
Never! neverP cried the duchess.
Never will l cleave 10 another! Alas,
that my lord should think me capable
Of such inconsistency
The worthy and wife-ndden duke
was soothed by her assurances, for he
could not endure the thoughts Of Civ.
ing her up even after he should be
dead. Still he wished to have some
pledge Of her enduring constancy.
Far be IL from me. my dearest wife,
said he, to control thee through a Ions
life. A year and a day Of strict fideli.
~ will appease my troubled spirit
Promise to remain faithful to my me.
mory for year and q day, and ! will
die in peace
The duchess made q solemn vow "a
that effect. The uxOrious feelings Of
the duke were not yet satisfied. Safe
bind, safe bind. thought he, so he made
will, IN which be bequeathed to hei
ell his domains. on condition Of her re.
naming true to him for a year and a
day after his decease; but. should il ap,
pear that, within that time, she had ia
any wise lspsed from her fidelity, tbs
inheritance should go to his nephew
the lord ola neighboTing territory.
! Having made his will, the good duke
died and was buried. Scarcely was hs
10 his tomb. when his nephew came e
take possession, thinking, as his uncle
had died without issue. that the domsini
would be devised TO him of course
he was in furious passion, however
when the will was produced. and ihs
young widow was declared inheritor o.
the dukedom. As he was q violent
high-minded man, and one Of the stur.
diest knights in the land, fears wer,
entertained that be might attempt e
seize on territories by force. He had
however, tive bachelor unclcs for bosom
eounsellors. These we're two swag
gering Takeheliy old cavaliers, VII,
having led loose and Tiotous lives, prid
ed themselves upon knowing the world
and being deeply experienced in human
nature. They took their nephew aside
'Prithee. man. said they, be Of good
cheer. The duichess is young and
buxom widow. She has iasi bassed
our brother, who. God rest his soul
was someWhat too much given 10 pray.
ing and fasting. and kept bis pretty
wife always tied to bis girdle. She 4
now like bird from a cage. Think
you she wiii keep her vowi Impossi.
bic : Take our words for tive know
mankind, and, above all. gomanl md
She cannot bold out for such a length
Of time, IL u not IN wOmanhood--it /.
not in Widoe hoOd---we know a. sad
that's enough. Keep sharp look -oui
upon lbt widow, therefore. snJ y ihin
The tgelvemonth you will catch be-
tripping-aad then the duke3om is youi
lOWn.'
The nephew Vas pleased with thi,
counsel, and inmedisteiy placed spies
roool H. 1okrho.o mnd hrsbed soeersl