The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-08-28


illness Of her complexion-with the white
drapery, in which she was clothed, contrast
ed beautifully with the cold grey stone and
yellow linchens of the ancient cross and Ia
BILE of stone.
As she thus stood and gazed, she heard a
voice not far distant say Lady 7 in low
and gentle Tone Those were days. how
ever, in which danger was SO frequently
close 10 the domestic hearth, that prepara-
lion was ever the part of manly courage, APP
prehension natural part of womanly weak
ness.
Mary Of Mantua started suddenly back, and
looked round with fear, but the same voice
repeated. Lady, be not alarmed. II is a friend
who would inform you of matter touching your
safety
At the same time, from behind the ruined
column Of what had once been small chapel
attached to the walls, came forth stranger
with a slow step, as il afraid, by any sudden
movement, of soaring the fair girl away. The
wall was still between themit is true but the
stranger held his giddy footing easily on the
top Of The high bank, and the wall was there
not breast high.
Mary Of Mantua drew back she turned one
tirnid glance towards the monastery--t was
within sight; the people, who were slowly
preparing the carriage, were within call the
stranger was alone, too. But that was not
all; there was an open candor in his look, a
nobility in his countenance that struck and
won upon her. He was in the prime Of youth,
with warm glowing cheek and bright eye
The full arching lips, parted in somewhat Of
smile AT her apprehensions, and there was
cheerful glance in his eye that spoke Of
bright free spirit. Above the ordinary height
tall and graceful, though his features were
like some that she had seen before; his per-
son and complexion were any thing but Italian,
and had he not spoken the language without
the slightest accent, she might have taken him
for some Of the followers Of the house Of Aus
tria. The whole, however, was extremely
pleasing, and though still somewhat alarmed,
she at length vcntured to ask what were his
wishes.
Be not afraid, Ladyp he answered, in a
low sweet-toned voice, i come to save you
from danger, not to place you in it. Approach
little nearer, for must speak low. and must
not be seen by any one but you
i She took step nearer TO the place where
he stood; still looking upon him as tmid
fawn looks at those who would draw il 10 eat
bread out Of their hand.
Listen ? he said; listen, Mary Of Man
tua, for what have to say imports you much
to know--and | have short time to sayi
Your hand is prize, for which three Princes
now will strive. First, Vincenzo, Duke of
i Mantua.'
Heaven forbid I cried Mary, in a tone Of
4 fear; can you mean my uncle 2
i Even SO = answered the stranger: but
hear me out, fair maid, for the time is short.
The next is one you know well, Ferrand,
Prince Of Guastel'a.'
Il know him not = cried Mary, with look
of horror. Once, only once, have seen his
dark and lowering face, but ! have heard
enough to make me abhor the ground that
bears him.
The stranger made no comment, but went
on The third is Charles, Duke of Rhetel.'
An alien to our race, and son Of my ia
theirs enemy exclaimed Mary.
4 The stranger smiled, apparently well pleas
ed.
These are three Princess he said but
| what say you, Lady, if simple gentleman, of
noble birth, and of some renown-aganst
these three Princes, fate, fortunes, and all the
world to boot--were to enter the lists for that
/ fair hand 2
He we're bold mani answered Mary,
with deep blush.
Thank God he is abold man. replied the
stranger but to my more pressing task, for
see the carriage il nearly ready. The Prince
Of GuasteIla is now within the territory of
! Mantua he knows that this night you eater
the city. Ifyou 60 by the ordinary road, you
will fall into his hands, and nothing but a mi
racle can save you from his power. When
you come into the vineyard Of Pcrriotti, JUST
4 opposite the castle Of Frederick dl Sassa, or
der the driver to turn down the lett hand road
and follow it to the city. And shall be near
at hand, if needful but it were better, far bet
ter, to avoid than to encounter evil
ooh! better, Ear better = echoed Mary but
oh gentle stranger, do not leave me. If you
have power, give me protection against that
daring man.
Il will not be far from thee, fairest and
brightest replied the stranger, but have ]
not said, that am without power in the land.
i What this hand can do shall be done in your
defence, and if ii be needful to pour out the
last drop OF my hearts blood, it shall be stalk
ed as freely as gamblers ducat. A few
faithful servants will not finch from their poor
master in the hour of need and if you are
saved from the hazard, my guerdon shall be
one kiss Of that fair hand. Shall it not be so =
oh, you might claim far better boon than
TINT cried Mary, eagerly.
| We'll, then it shall be so,' he said zone
kiss Of those sweet lips! But now, bethink
you, lady, how will you meet your uncle! II,
as sure am he will, he offers, contrary to
Gods law, to make his brothers child his
wife, be wise, and drive not his passionate
mind to frenzy. He has wife still living
but the bonds between them the plant church
is now about to sever. BE cautious; show
no harsh repugnance. Tell him that you can
hear no such words so long as he is priest,