The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-11-02
MISCELLANEOUS.
THE PASS OF DEATH.
SCENE FROM AN UNPUBLISHED VOLUME.

he ThoC Of DEAl IL.
SCENE FROM AN UNPUBLISHED VOLUME.
We will camp here Tonight" said the
leader, /" our tent shall be the canopy Of hea-
ven y The band were stretched out upon
the rock, some fell asleep weary with fatigue,
others were examining their arms, and some
were circled in groups, listening to the adyen-
lures of some of the company. Do you
think" said one of sinewy arm to crowd
about him, . that | am stranger to these
mountains 2" | could tell you tale which
would make your life blood curdle in your
veins, yes, my own but courses slowly as
think Of H." Brave Saveli, exclaimed several
voices, give us the story. well them" con-
tinuedhe, "'twas twelve years since, resolved
to scale the passes Of these Alps and find the
object Of my desires. had the misfortune
when young to form strong attachment for
beautiful lady Of Geneva. She possessed
every accomplishment which the age could
confer, She received my attentions, told
her Of my affection, and she assured me Of
her own in return. We were promised in
marriage, the day was appointed for our happy
union | looked forward to the hour which
would forever unite me to my loved Isabel
was then lieutenant in the army of Swift
zerland. Her father was wealthy, and as
soon as he heard of my attentions, he forbid
my entering his house. We, however. found
places Of meeting, and the time and place was
appointed when we should meet and leave Ge-
neva Tor the country, and unite ourselves for
ever! Her father was informed by an accused
spy OF our meeting, and he, enraged, resolved
to thwart our designs went, at the day and
place appointed, but found not Isabel! What
could this mean | was sure Of her con-
stancy! Naught but the determinations Of
cruel father could have kept her at home
soon learned from the lips OF a faithful friend
that her father, upon the day previous, had
entered his carriage with her, and proceeded
to the borders Of the Alps, and there placed
her under the protection of one of the monks
who was to conduct her to monastery Of the
mountains! There she was ordered to remain
until the army of Switzerland should pass into
Italy. resolved to leave the army, obtained
passport, and leave of absence for two
months, and determined to find Isabel, or die
in the attempt Well armed, and with this
very steel which now wear, left Geneva,
found the direction which the monk had taken
up the Alps and followed on For nine days
| climbed these sleeps, when at length an old
grey building, which proved to be a monastery,
appeared before me. found the gate and
knocked for entrance. Who's there % ex-
claimed an old monk advancing. "A stranger,
said |, and my name is Savel "No stran-
gers are admitted here" said the inmate, i" and
as for your name no matter p "By the holy
saints y exclaimed, 81 will enter or never
leave this gate till every glacier meIts from the
peaks of yon high hilIsn' Hush gentle
stranger, swear not by the saints lest you
rouse the spirit of our holy virgin mother from
the tomb" replied the voice within. Butt
will enter, though your gates, instead of wood,
were brass, and guarded by the dogs of hell,
with all their hundred eyesw Mean you
no harm, Saveli," said the old man calmly
Fear not" replied, will not harm hair
of all thy head give me entrance, and all is
well !" Here the monk advanced and unbar-
red the gate. ''Come in" said he, scruinis-
ing with anxious look my arms. DO you
wish to see the Abbot Of this conventl'' 81
do, and inmates tool" said |, following his
footsteps. was conducted into dark room,
the windows were shaded with black Grape
A solitary lamp burned in the centre, and re-
vealed the dim outlines of few pictures
which seemed to represent some Of their holy
ceremonies. The monk left me- | was
alone! | had no security of my life, but this
sword, and resolved to sell it dearly if neces-
sary. | was without friend TO assist me, if
the object of my desire was within these walls,
and was refused entrance, how could exc
cute my purposes! again trusted to my
sword, which has never since deserted me, dc.
termined to see every inmate Of the convent,
or perish in the attempt. The Abbot entered.
Stranger said he. shave you a message 7"
81 have" was my reply, " and it is most i'm
portant'" ~ ask, yes, demand to see each
and every inmate of this buding!'' "You
demand" said he frowniDg, :" such thing was
never heard of before this day." "Yes, de-
mand," said /, " and now swear by the
shades Of all the dead, call every inmate of
this convent within this hall, or this bright
steel shall leap red hot in vengeance, and rive
you to the earth!' "Spare, oh spare me
stranger y said the old grey sire kneeling, and
casting upward a supplicating eye, "by the
holy virgin mother ! entreat you spare, and
your request shall be granted" |" Swcar! :"
exclaimed | in avoice Of thunder, !" Swear
that shall see each inmate of these walls !"
II swear by all the souls Of the departed ="
answered he clasping his hands. Then
rise, 90 summon them.
The abbot rose and left me, and soon the
bell pealed its solemn knell like muffle-
drum OF death. One by one, the inmates en-
-.