The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1837-10-14

ance of their scheme, the aspiring senator
withdre W; while the priest, drawing aside
a veil, entered an inner apartment, and
the shades of night cnveloped the capital O.
the world.
The multitudious noises of the gay me-
uopois had subsided-the twilight had
passed away, and the moon shone bright
ly in the cloudless frrhament-'twas mid
night
Each pillar reared its graceful capital
distinct in the silvery flood which illumin-
ed the earth with nearly the brilliancy of
sunshine, save where its rays were caught
and reflected back by the pale marble
which rose in tasteful intercolu mination,
around the princely mansion Of Arme-
MUS.
One object only gave animation to the
scene, and even he appeared scarcely llv-
ing, for in the darkness of deep shadow
he stood as if transfxed and made no mo-
ton; save now and then the hand, which
was laid upon his breast, would contract,
as if with nervous action.
Another figure is added to the scene
she glides on tip-toe, and rapidly flies to
meet the youth; she throws herself into
his arms-his lips meet hers-the sudden
transport Of delight--the impassioned EN-
brace declares them to be lovers.
Stealing noiselessly into the deeper
shade of an adjacent wall, they are con-
cealed from every eye save that of Him
who cannot look upon such love, so pure,
so fervid, and so disinterested, but with
pity on the sad fate which separated
them:
"Agricola, love-" wispered the maid,
shave fingered too long from thee! thou
wilt forgive me; it was to avoid detection
that tarried."
The youth seized her tapering fin
gers in his own and pressed them to his
| bosom.
"No, love- he cried, pressing her
hands to his lips, and bathing them in the
sea of agony which was rushing from his
eyes. "No, alas, thou hadst not fingered
long enough; would that thou hadst never
comet
"Say not SO, Agricola. Wherefore
dost thou weep thus!" she inquired, sooth-
ingly:
Because" he replied, ''this is the last
time that we meet, Sylvia, and may not
consecrate it by tear as one of fond re-
membrance!"
"The last, Agricola!' sobbed the tender
girl. "Oh name it not, we never will part
again.
'Alas! what wouldst thou?"
"Live with thee; die with thee; Sylvia
would be thy wife"
"No, nor exclaimed the youth, as a
pang of grief darted through his soul, ''no
Sylvia, it may not be-"
"Then," said she reprovingly, "thou
dost not love ne, or thou wouldst not cast
me Off"
'Love you!" cried he, sit is that love
well, too"
"Then why not listen to my prayer!'
"Alas! it is that love too deeply
"No," cried the girl. ''no, Agricola
didst thou love like me; like me, adore
thou wouldst cast aside these fears
"Fears" repeated the youth, dropping
his hand and flashing L fire from his eye
which Illuminated the space about them
''Gears, Sylvia! thou dost not know me
to me fear is stranger. IT'S not tina
which influences me; but recollect, girl
Agricola is a slaver
The momentary sternness which he hac
assumed did not, however, damp the ar
dour of the girl; it seemed to render hin
still dearer to her. She placed her fragil,
arm about his manly ne7k, and in tone o
gentle repfoach. 'Rebuke me not my love
she said, "thou knowest Agricolais a slave
Sylvia would share bondage with him
Her love should make his slavery sweeteI
far than freedom"
'Desist, | pray thee" responded the