The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-01-30
RHODE -IsLAND REPUBLICAN.
SELECTED TALES.
THE MERCHANTS DAUGHTER AMI
THE JUDGE.
BY CAPTAIN MARRYAT.

IL was the land OF poetry and song
the land peopled with the memories of the
mighty pnst-the land over which the
shadows of long renown rested mere
glowlngly than present glory. II was
beautiful ltalv the air, like a sweet odour,
was 10 the senses rs soft thoughts are Ia
the mind, or tender feelings to the heart,
breathing serenity aud peace. That swee,
air swept ba!inily over the worn brow Of an
invalid, giving to the pallid hue of hls
countenance the first faint dawn Of return
ing health. ... ... ...
The eye Of the invalid was fixed on the
dark characters of a book in cumbrous
binding and massive clasps, which the Rox-
bursh Club would now consider an nvalus-
Bile black-letter and s0 absorbed was he
III its perusal, that he heard not the ap-
proaching steps of visiters, until the sourd
Of their greetings reused him from hi.
mediations.
"The saints have you in their keeping !"
said his elder visiter, n man whose brow
bore traces of age, though time had dealt
leniently with him.
"The dear Madonna bless you !" ejacu-
lated his other visiier, young girl with the
NV P"'S ''"i oHu
the classic contour of Italy.
The invalid bowed his head TO eac of
these salutaiions.
"And now" said the merchant. for
such was the elder yisitpr, that your
wounds are healing, and your strength
returning, may we not inquire of your kin
and country 7"
A slight flush passed over the pale face
of The sick man; he vas silent for mo-
mrnt, AS If communIng with himself, aud
then replied, Z" ] am of England, and a SOL
dier, albeit of tie lowest rank"
"Of England :" hastily responded the
merchant, "of England of heroic Eng
lind He crossed himself devoutly, and
started back as If afraid of contaminaIion.
al may not deny hou,e aud country,
replied the soldier, mildly. ...t
But shall incur the church's censure
for harboring thee! :" exclaimed the mer-
chant; f" thou knowest not what pains and
.pcnalties may be mine for doing thee this
service -
Then let me FORTH" replied the soldier /;
you have been to me the good Samaritan,
and ! would not requite you evil let me
go on my way, and may the blessing of
heaven br upon you in the hour of your
own need 80
"Nny, nav, said not SO. Thou hast
not yet strength for the travel, aud besides,
England was once one of the brightest jew
els in our holy fathers crown, and she
might rcconcile herself agHin but l fear
me she will not, for your mnster, Henry, is
n violent, hot-bISoded man, and lie hath
4.
Know you not that your land is under in
terdict, and that l, rs II true son of holy
mother church, ought not now to be chang
ing words with thee y
Even So" replied the solder, "but
there are many that think the kings grace
hardly dealt by"
"The shephered knoweth best how to
keep his fold" replied the merchant, has
tily " but you are the kings soldier; you
take his pray, you eat his bread, aud doubt
less ought to hope the best for him, and
even so do /. I would that lie might re-
peut and humble himself, and then our no.
ly father would again receive him into the
fold; but, now | bethink me, thou vert
repdipg; what were thy siudiesi"
The brow of the soldier clouded-he
hesitaied moment; but then gathering
up his resolution, replied, sin the din Of
the battle this book was my breastplnte. in
the hour of sickness my best balm" and he
laid the open volume before the merchant.
Holy Saint !" exclaimed the merchant
crossing himself, and drawing bnck as he
beheld the volume which his church had
closed against the layman. Thou ur a.
mong the here,icks who bring down curse
upon thy land Nay, thy sojourn here may
bring down maledict,ons upon me and mine J
upon my house and home But thou
shalt forth. I will not hsrbor thee will
deliver thee over to the church, that she may
cha''en thee Away from him, my child !!
away from him -
lhe soldier sat sad and solitary, watch
ing the dying light of the sun, rs he passed
maJes'icsily On to shine in other lands.
One ray rested on the thoughtful brow of
the lonely man as he sat brscinp up his
courage to meet the perilous future. A, he
thus amused, sof voice broke upon hi,
reyerie.
"You are thinking Of your own far off
home," said the Italian girl {: {" how wish
that all love had but one home--it is
grief to have so msny homes ]"
There 10 such home" replied the
soldier.
"Ah !" replied Emilia bot they say
tina; hrr~iics come no, there, Promise