Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1837-09-15
felt that her last hour was approaching.
and, with calm resignation, awaited her


T, fate.
"Dear Edward" said she TO her hus.
band folding h,m in a last embrace. "with
deep regret do leave this fair earth
where have enjoyed so much happiness
with you but although may no longer
be happy n your arms, yet shall Josepha's
faithful spirit hover about the object OF
it's earthly affections. until we meet again
above" Then sinking back upon her pill.
low, she fell asleep in death 1t was the
ninth hour of the evening. What SelDer
suffered Is beyond the power of words 10
express. The blow Frustrated his health.
aud long he w,es'led with the destroying
angel. When at length he arose from
his sick-bed, all the strength and elss,ici
ly of his youth was gone. he was con'in-
ualIy lost IN sad revercs, and was cvident-
ly fast fading away. A profound me|an.
cboly had succeeded the whence of des-
pnlr, and n silent sorrow consecra'ed the
memory of the loved lost. lie had left
Josepha's apartment just as it was before
her death. Her work still laid upon the
table, and her harp remained untouched
in its accustomed place. Taking his flute
Selner every evening made pilgrimage
to this sanctuary Of his loves, and leaning
against the window us in happier times
brea,hed in plaintve'lones his aspirations
for the spirit ofthc departed. On one
occasion he was standing thus in Josepha's
chomber--a clear moon sbone through the
window, and Waterman upon the tower
Of the nelghborlng castle was claiming
the ninth honr--whcn suddenly the harp,
as if touched BY some invisible spirit, pour.
cd forth the most thrilling tones in harmo-
,y with those of the hn'e. In he con'u.
SION Of his surprise he ceased TO PLAY, and
10 ! the harp also became silent. Recov.
cring his possession. he trembIngiy
commenced Josepba's iavori'e air, and
again the melodlous tones of the harp
blended in sweet response. Sinking to the
earth in pnroxysm of joy, and spreading
ont his arms to enclrcle the beloved shade,
he felt breath as of warm vernal air up.
on his lips while a pale and glimmernc
light seemed to fit before him. Glowing
with ecs'acv, he cried II recognise thee,
blessed shade ofmy Jos epha Thou dldst
promise tina, thy faithful spirit should how
err abou, me; thou hast kept thy word
feel thy breath on my lips" In state
Of indescribablc eXullation he seized his
flute again, and again the answering tones
of the harp were heard, but constantly
fainter and fainter, until their whisperinns
were lost in expiring harmonies. Selncrs
vital powers were fully excited by he
spirl'.greetng of this evening he threw
himself res:lessy upon his bed, and in all
his ieverlSh dreams the sweet whlspcrings
of the harp were continually head. lie
awokc late, wearied and exhausted bv the
phau'asies of the Digh,-hc felt that his
whole being was strangely affected, and
became strongly impressed that his DISCO
luton was approaching. With impatient
longing he awaited the return Of evening.
and with confident hope again repaired to
Josephas chamber. BY the aid of the
flute, he had succeeded in luIIing himself in
to state OF dreamy reposc, when the
ninth hour had struck. Hardly bad the
last stroke of the clock ceased to vibra,e,
when the harp began It's soft and low res
ponscs to the fln'o, its tones gradually in
creasing in strength. until they swelled in
to the most full and perfect harmony
When the flute became silent. the spirit.
tone ceased; The pale, trcmuIous hight
again fitted about him, and IN his beat,
i'ude he could only cXclalm "Joscpha.
Josepha !! take, ON take me TO your faith
lul bosom ~
This time, also, the spirit took its depar.
ture in low and murmuring tones. which
were gradually lost IN Inaudlble vibrations.
Sellner to,iercd back to his room, still
more affected than on the previous evening.
His 'nllhul servant was shocked at his
masters appearance. and IN defiance of his
prohibition hnstcned for he physician, who
happened TO be one Of Sclncr's most in,i-
mate friends. The physician found him in
n high fever, with symptoms similar to
those of Josepha, but much more decided.
The fever increased through the night, do
ring which he continually raved OF Josepha
and the harp. In the morning he was
more composed; the struggle was past.
end he felt that his release was near. lie
disclosed to his friend the occurrences of
the two evenings, and no arguments could
shake his belief in their realty. As the
evening approached, he gradually grew
more feeble, and at last, with trembling
voice. entreated to be conveyed to Jospha's
apartment. His wish was gratticd. He
glanced about the room with sweet sercni
tv. greeted with silent tears every object
which reminded him of Josepha, and spoke
with a calm but firm conviction, of the
ninth hour as that of his death. As the
decisive moment approached, he took
leave of his friends, and requested all save
his physician. to retire. They were left
alone the ninth hour slruck-SeIlner's
pale features lighted up with n supcrna,n-
raj glow" oscpha!" he cried, "Josepha I!
greet me once more, on my departure, tina,
may feel thy presence and overcome death
with thy love!" Immediately the harp
strings Tesounded witt loud and triumph