The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-10-12
A TALE OF POLAND.


girl was one of those patriotic females en-
rolled as corps to provide food and raj
ment for the valiant suffering sons of degra-
ded Poland. Eighteen years had not kiss
ed her check, yet to her discretion paid
homnge.--The sword of the oppressor had
already drunk the blood of her father, the
vawning gates of Russian Prison had in
tered her only brother, and grief for the
loss of those she SO Justly loved had made
her motherless. Still her spirit dropped not
nor did she bend when the storm passed
over her. She considered il necessary
offering to purchase the emancipation of
her country, aud 6(Iiled each selfish feeling.
need not say she was beautiful but she
was incomparably so.--Virtuc, beauty, aud
the graces, it would seem, had struggled for
The supremncy.-Like guardian angel she
appeared to preside over the destjnies of her
country; and in the hour of danger, she
was ever near, nerving with new energies
the sinking soldiers, by her energies by
whom the weak are mnde strong. ,Iwould,
said she, that the helmet were fitted to
womnn's brow, that nigh, become more
active paricipator in this glorious achieve
msnt, that too, might gather uDfading au-
rels for my country in the struggle that IA
waits her.-Again the providers for prey,
commanded by the fell tyrant, are at our
frontiers. Hitherto God has wrought won
dcrs for US. The most sanguine expecta-
ton of our friends have been more than re-
allied, while our enemies have Witnessed
the destruction of their fondest hopes. Our
wives and daughters determined to share
tho dangers, are already equipped, armed
with faith and hope IN Heaven. They go
forth to administer consolation to the sick
and dying and to bind up their wounds
Let the effort then sweep from the minds of
our foe every expectation of our country's
downfall. Then wrongcd, insuIted Poland,
will be registered among the independent
nations of the earth.
This affecting appeal to the hearts Of the
officers was received, not in the usual man
ner with loud cheers. Every knee was
bent, and every eye raised to heaven, and
harmonously did their voices blend in sup
plca,ing the protecting arm of ofOmnipotence
in behalf Of themselves, their country, and
this hcaven-born spirit yelled in mortality. i
The day dawned, and they were ready
To receive the enemy ; they met, and dread
Gal was the conflict. Often were the Poles (
repulsed, and as often did they gallantly re-
turn to the contest shouting Liberty or
DEATH Their soil was enriched by the
blood of her dearest sons, but the cry of
victory mingled with the songs of the con-
voy that bcckoned them away. The enemy
fed in wild disorder, after protracted strug- !
gle.
Wcaricd with the tolls Of war, the SOL !
diers retired to the camp, nor were their
women less in want of rest. The fair Ade-
lin was alone insensible to fatigue, and MS |
she was wandering about the field of battle,
intent on her errand of mercy. Life, said
she, may still lingor in some of the fallen
aud even in deaths last agony, may point
them to crucitied Saviour Superstitions I
feelings she had none but in the midst of
her humane exertions, her arm was sudden
ly grasped by rufiian, who in the hour of
danger had fled from the enemy's post
This offer he knew would ensure his par
don, and procure for him future favors from
the Russian commander, whose wachword
was 'booiy and beauty and to this monster
did he hasten with this defenccles but III
valuable girl.
During this trial her iortitude was inviu-
chile and the dignity of her manner awed
even those to whom she was presented
The Russian officers ahd assembled under
pretence Of concerning measures To renew
the engagement; but in fact to spend the
night in riot aud dissipation. The COM
mander- in-chicf of his majesty's forces,
struck by the beauty of his captive, ordered
her into confinement; secretly determining
on a private interview, to convince her Of
his power. For this purpose even before
the fumes of the wine had passed away, he
was at the door of her cell. She was kneel-
ing in PRAYER. In behalf of Poland did
she fervently and humbly ask that her cap
tivity might in some mysterious manner aid
her countrymen. She was concluding by
impl0riDg forttude 10 bear the repeated in
suit to her enemies, and by entrenting pro.
lection from the snares of the wicked.
Be mne," said he, and my arm shall
afford that protection YOU will seek in vain
from any other power She arose, saying
i worship neither fronts or brass, nor feet
Of clay my trust is in lsraePs God.'-
Prating fool, your life is in my hands, and
dare you defy met True, you may kill
me, but the chrstun fears no death, and in
that.you will restore me to those sain,ed
parents Of which Russian butchery has de- |
prived me. Go pander for baser mon-
arch, and no longer disturb my devotions.'
Threats and persuasions were alike fruit.
less. There is no deed said she, from
which your nation would shrink; but toy
brother would think lightly Of his life pur-
chased At the expense of lis sisters virtue.