The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-06-07


stiffness of death-when 10 sound reached
the ear and
Nature seemed
In silent contemplation to adore
Its maker"
Every object around was bathed by the
silvery light of Cynthia, and looked as fclad
in FURNISHED steel. The stars looked quietly
from their ethereal world, as if watching the
slumberers below. But though so calm and
lovely was the scene that presented itself,
vet there was one 10 whom it was arrayed
in melancholy hues-the timid and gentle
Claude, the neglected wife of Francis LIST
of France.-It is avered by historians that
this chasto and blameless being, possessed
neither the 4" beauty or talents" of her moth
er, Anne Of Brittany; and these deficien-
ces, perhaps, were the secret cause of the
kings indifference for like his dear BROTH
er,"-as he fsmiliarly called him. and
contemporary, Henry VIII, he was gallant,
gay, Lothario." 1t was personal charms,
alone, that could win or retain his affection,
though Claude's moral qualities, ever pre-
served his respect. Though not beau
iful in person, she was passing fair in vir-
tue. 1t is true her eye was not as striking
| ly radiant as many, but there was that ex-
preston, which seemed to reflect the pure
and spotless soul within, scarce tainted by
earthliness. She was Of most gentle and
affectionate nature a creature Of continued
hopes and fears. Such was the being, who,
at her accustomed hour, when all in the
palace were fast locked in sleep, with noise
less foot, had fled to her oratory to unbosom
to her God those pent up feelings, which
the pride Of woman cannot reveal to one
earlhborn, when spurned from the heart
,ha, it clings too. The moon was in the
middle sky, and seemed sieadfastly gazing
on her as it revealed her figure IN the holy
attitude of PRAYER. She was arrayed in a
velvet robe, the erich folds" ofwhich swept
the tesseated floor as she kneeled; a veil
thin and light as the gossamers web, fell over
her head and shoulders; and she looked as
though enveIoped in fleecy cloud of light
She had prostrated herself before an altar,
on which was deep purple cloth, fringed
with gold, corresponding with the hangings
which surrounded the sanctuary, whose
: sornbre hue seemed not inconsistent with
the sacredness ard solemnity Of the apart
ment, or the mood of its mistress. large
missal lay open before her, bound in the
same colored velvet as the hangiDgs, with
heavy clasps Of gold and rubys. One hand
rested on rich cruci6x Of antique work
manship, while her long and glossy ringlets
fell like waves of gold over the other, and
served to entirely conceal the beauty of 1t:
proportions. No sound escaped her lips
, None beheld but him whose commune she
, sought, TO ask but this boon-hcr husbands
/, love and safety. Scarce had she breatheo
: her inmost thoughts to him who heareih N
secret, and invoked his blessing on the
heads Of her household, e'er a deep low
voice, apparently close beside her, spoke
y in sepulcral and warning tones, Lady, th'
love of Francis never will be thine." Hol.
Madonna, preserve me-" exclaimed Claud
' as she crossed herself, and starting from III
a. attitude she had assumed, turned abrupt
: to see whence the voice proceeded, or wha
c person could be gifted with such power a
d to know the secret thoughts Of her bosom
which were far too deep for utterance. Bt
e no form ob,ruded itself upon her view, an
, deep, breathless silence reigned. With tn
# credulty and superstition which marked he
e character, and the age in which she lived
she supposed it to be one Of the swift wing
= ed messengers Of Heaven who brought tn
heartbreaking words to her astounded ea
i and flying from the orstory, confoundeC
e trembling and pale, she burst into the apart
ment Of one Of her maids Of honor--lttl
: needing whom she aroused in her fright.
{, proved to be TIE ONE sacred to the youthft
IF and blooming Anne Boleyn, who, throug
e the mediation Of her former mistress, wa
= transferred 10 the chaste and pious CLAUDE
,e She was created maid Of honor to the fai
Queen of Louis, at the age Of 7 years, au
=. though it was grea, distinction, yet it wa
TO one ,ha, was conferred on many Of hig
$. birth, to give them tina, polish and aPprc
10 priateness Of manner and sentiment" ne
tie ces.ary in their high station. Anne spran
nd from her couch with all the hgh;ness an
ii, e-seefulnes, Of a Hebe, and throwing