The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1838-01-13

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In short time the rivers were covered
withtboats. Mercury chuckled over the
success of his plan. At length rich Phe-
n9Gian built a vessel, with which he deter
mined 10 cross to neighbouiing country.
All the gods watched the enterprise with
interest, and Neptune with indignation.
The vessel was built, launched, rugged,
manned, and party OF the owners friends
came on board to put forth. 1t was the first
time the sea had ever been pro(aned by
mortal presence. A confused horror per-
! vaded the deep. The mercedes and trilons
shook with fear; the sea monsters rose
from their dark abysses to the surface of the
water and tumbled about in agitation; while
Neptune, calling around him all his force,
whipped up his terrified dolphins and star
tied steeds, determined TO execute venge-
ance on each one of the rash mortals who
dared to intrude into his solemn dominion.
The adventurers put forth. They were
no sooner embarked than the tempest was
loosened--the pillows rolled in liquid
mountains-the wind blewa hurricane
the frail boat was enveloped in foam, and
half-buried beneath the briny deep. Nep-
tune swore great guns. AT length the
clouds cleared away, the laughing, blue
sky appeared, and the waves subsidized.
$50, he!' said Neptune, nearly out of
breath, taking offhs tarpawling hat and
hanging it on one of the corners ofhis cha
riot; ''let them put that in their pipe and
smoke it,"
What was his astonishment on bchol-
ding the bark still noated safely on the bo-
som of the ocean, and that the mariners,
having furled the sails during the gale, were
now unfolding them to the gentle zephyrs
which waited them directly on their
course.
"My eyes" said the frowning god, '.you
don'tsay sol Wen try you another tack,
then! Tritons, neledes, nymphs, attend
those detestable and audacious mortals
come in spite of me; down with the intru-
ders into my kingdom. Each become in
visible, each select your victim, and strike,
with your unseen power, every mothers
son Of them" The unsuspecting fidrtals
advanced; the fatal spirits surrounded the
: vessel the crew and passengers were aban-
doning themselves 10 gaiety; when 10! the
dreadful signal was given; the curse of the
god descended; the strength forsook their
limbs; the blood left their cheeks and lips;
death was in their hearts! The deck was
covered with the bodies of the expiring
wre.ches, when Mercury, who had been
on distant expedition, suddenly perceived
what was going on, darted to Jupiter with
the velocity of light, knelt and prayed for
the deliverance of his proteges
: 4 cannot undo that which my royal
brother has done in his own kingdom, -
said Jupiter
i HCl, On! hltsl MS Hdnu, crleO Mer
curry; "at least spare their lives" Hi,
1 tears moved the omnipotent ruler of al
things.
''Be it so," he said; ''they shall not die
e let theni live!'' And the next moment thc
: winged messenger of heaven was in tht
chariot of the ocean god
: "Oh no! you have come, old Beeswax
have you! but you are little late in tn,
d day." cried Neptune, with grim smile.
n "Belay your jaw" replied Mercury
"know that there is limit even to YOU
d power; they shall not die 1t is the deere
ofJuplter.
;" 81 am satisfied" said Neptune, who ha,
been regarding the agonies of his victims
o 81 am satisfied; let them live; much goo
n may it do them. When they first appear
ed on my free and untrodden Billows,
- thought death was their only doom; but
z; see there is worse penalty. Fool thes
,r wrelches are praying for death to releas