Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1837-09-09

PORTRAIT REAL DEsPorIsM, vs.. THE UNcos
QUERABLE SPIRIT OF CHRIsTIANITr.-In the year
loO2 the king of Fingo, determined to abolish christi
anity in his domnions made the mostrgorous research
es Tor those who had embraced it. Taquenda, Japan
esq., distinguished by his virtue, his rank and his for
tune was christian, and had the noble courage TO
spare the ntormers the trouble Of denouncing him he
publicly confessed his faith and the governor of the
province received order TO have him beheaded. The
governor loved Taquenda and tried all the which
esteem and compassion could suggest, TO him, re-
curing OF him no than equiroea sign OF res
pect Tor their idols but Taquenda equally insens
bic to his seductions his friendship and his menaces
Finally asa dernier resort the governor determined to
speak to Taquenda in presence of his mother and his
wife This latter named Agnes, was of the extra
ordinary beauty and was known that Taquenda enter
tanned for her the tender and lively affection. The
governor shut up with these three persons, addressed
ms speech first to the mother of Taqucnda.
Madam, said he, must render account to the
KING my master, of your sons disposition, of whom
require no more than exterior complaisancesome tr
Hing demonstration of respect for religion Let
him, whilst he retains his faith within his own breast
submit but in appearance. This is all demand and
he is dear to YOU let your love dictate such saluary
advice as lis danger calls for. All without doubt he
IS dear to me-, replied she. Yes dearer than my
life, as long he disgrace not his by any baseness
but OF my affection this, and this oaly, be the
price, Here the governor inerrupting her, said, ire
fleet madam, that this obstnacy terminate in his
DEATH and that you yourself will be the witness
and accomplice of it, Then, said she, shall have
but one wish left namsly, mngle my blood with his,
and TO participate glory which envy And you,
madam, said the governor turning himself the wife
of Taquenda, will you entertain this barbarous inex-
ibityP At these words. Agnes, judging from the Sc
verify of the governors couutenance that her husband
was about to be DEATH incapable of other answer
threw herself into her husbands arms as if to bid him
| tacit eternal adieu.
Thence falling his knees and displaying the long
flowing tresses of her hair she presented him pair OF
scissors and said, off this ornament no longer of
any to me for. should be refused the happiness
OF following you swear, at your feet by your virtues
and by my affection, 10 the of my life
that just and benefcent God that supreme being who
is about to crown with glory, immortal himself, the
sacrifice which you about make OF your short and
fragile existence! AS she finished these words, Pa
quends sensiby affected mixed his tears with those of
his viruous spouse and refused accept the sacrifice
which she wished TO make Of her tresses; but Agnes
conjured him ardently them that he finally
consented.
The governor, seeing Taguenda his wife, and his mo-
ther equally sofened judged that il crisis avora-
BILE TO his avowed object Of saving them and reore
renewed his solicitations; but he presently knew by
the tranquil and firm resistance of Taquenda that sen.
sibity had softened his heart than courage
had fortified it. Taquenda conducted TO execution
his wife and mother accompanying him. Before receiv
ing the mortal stroke, he embraced them tendery, and
delivered his head to the exscuoner with tranquility
and resignation equaed emily by his invincble fort.
tude. The next day the wife and mother ofts usris
Gus martyr condemned DEATH and submitted to
their suerings with that heroism of which Tarauenda
had given them the example.