The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-12-04
SELECTED TALES.
From the Lady's Book.
The Hearts Trial.
TALE or TnE THIRTY YIAks' WAR.
BY Mrs. T.. +. Eliet.
CHAPTER l.

TALE or ThE THIRTY YTAks WAR.
BY Mrs. f. +. Eue..
CHAPTERI.
The first object OF Gustavus Adolphus on his
entrance into Germany, was to make himself
master Of Stettin. the capital OF Pomersnia !;
securing thereby the navigation Of the Oder.
magazine for his army, and way Of retreat
into Sweden. should rcumstances render il
desirable. Bogislaus XIV, Duke OF Pomer-
ania, a weak, superanpuated prince. though
weary OF the expressions Of Imperial Austria,
was afraid 10 provoke her vengeance by an al
lance with the Swedish King and il was only
by threats, mingled with promises OF probe eiion,
that Gustavus at length prevailed on him to o.
pen the gates OF his capital. and to form an al
lance with the Swedss. The treaty. however,
was finally signed by the two sovereigns in per-
son, in presence Of the army and the citizens.
who thronged the space before the city gates,
and welcomed with every semblancs Of joy a
monarch whose invasion was prompted by zeal
for their civil and religious liberties.
Magnificent was the reception, within the
city of the hero Of the north. The streets we're
hung with banners asd gaflands the roofs and
balconies were crowded with fair and noble
danes. splcndidly atired. who threw flowers in
his path {; depuation from the city authorities
y
order towards the castle; while the sound Of
martial instruments, the merry peal of bells,
and the firing Of cannon, mingled with the
shouts Of the soldiers and citizens, attested the
sincerity Of the peoples welcome, however
hollow might be the protestations of friendship
accorded by the prince. Gustavus Adolpbus
at the Dukes invitation took up his abode in
tho castle, while the greater part of his troops
were encamped without the walls.
Leaving the Swedish monarch to the hospi-
taliiss of his princely ally. We follow one Of his
officers, Hepburn by maine, a native OF Bran
deDburg. and captain Of troop Of horse, who
a. the sun was setting, dismountcd at the gate
OF noble mansion near the Ducal palace. A
page, who appeared TO recognise him. opened
the gate. and respectfully answering his inqur-
les. led the way into the house, conducting the
stranger to the door Of a cabinet, where he
signed him to enter, and retiring few PAGES,
took his station with folded arms beside one
of the marble pillars Of the hall.
The young officer entered the apartment as
reveren,aly as if i, had been a sanctuary. At
its farther end, in one Of the cmbrssures Of the
windows, young girl was seated in m attitude
Of deep detection. Her face and figure were
Of rare loveliness, Of the kind peculiar to the
inhabitants Of northern climates. Her com
plexion was dazzlingly fair; the marble pale
ness Of her high forehead relieved by a light
tinge Of crimson in her cheeks, which seemed
called up by some extraordinary emotion, be-
trayed also by the traces Of tears in the chafed
eyelids and dropping lashss, and the beavimes
Of the fair bosom shaded by the siksn folds OF
her dress. Her head reclined upon her hand
and the rich auburn ringlets that fell over her
face, cast on il an additional shade. Hepburn
gaZeda few moments unperceived; but we have
no means Of ascer,aining how long admiration
would have kept him silent. Ths fair girl
looked up-stsrted to her fest-and sprang
eagerly towards him, her whole face crimsoned,
an exclamation oF joyful surprise on her lips.
"Ireue my angel" was the young mans re-
ply as he folded her in his arms. IL was the
meeting of lovers. and all painful tbou ghts were
for an instant forgotten.
Irene was the only daughter OF Herr Winlsf,
the wealthiest merchant in Steitin. Hepburn
had met her several months before when seq,
on affairs Of the king to the court Of Pomeianis {;
they loved each other with the warmth Of
young hearts that as yet bad known no sorrow.
But sn obstacle to their union existed in the
political pre- udices Of the father. who, attach
ed to Austria, hated the Swedes, and had Sc
verely child his daughter for admitting tho am
bas.ador OF Gustavus TO her intimacy. Irene
was resolved 20 bid her lover an eternal fare
veil.
How hard TO say farewel-to rend the bonds
Of affection, when the eyes we love are fixed OF
US in pleading esrnestness, when the voice we
love speaks in tones OF tenderness that bcguile
the soul The maiden's voice faltered as she
pronounced the words that should separate
them.
More sscrsd-uore binding" cried the
young soldier, " IS the vow Of love we have
pledged than the harsh command Of an unicel-
ing man. Yos are mine, Irene 90 with me
to the camp Of Gus,avus the priest shall unite
US at once say-say you will consent TO share
a soldiers fortunes"
Mono !" cried tn. young girl, ~i,hdras-
ing her hand" Mono ] can bear TO part
from you. Hspburn-I cannot bear my fathers
eternal curse ~
why did you say you lsvsd me ?" asked
the youth with reproachfu bitterness.
why did !-Alss that was my fault
my woe ~ answered she. sobbing.
You repeut your vow! II IT be so-then
We must part. indeed"
Before he could complete the sentences. .
heavy step was heard in the hall, and Winlsf
himself opened the door. Irene grew pale as
death. but Hepburn met with equal stsrnpess
the looks that we're fixed on him. Herr Wiz
lsf took his daughter by the hand and drew her
from the side OF the officer Young man."
be said in voice hoarse With suppressed rage.
" ask cot bo~ il sccords with the boasied
honor Of Swedish officer. to steal into tha
home Of = citizen whose rights even your mon
arch would respect. for purpose like yours.
Enough-you are foiled i-Beeons 90 The
young man stirred not step. Winlsf stamped
his foot. and several armed attendants entered
the room bu, Hepburn still stood with his
eye. fIed on the pale aud trembling maiden. as
il resolved his fate should rest only on her de-
eision.
SPEAK. my child" said her father. "spesk.
and bid the foreign misereant depart. fla =
do' falter," he erred furiously. ard letting 90
her hand. TAKE thy choice, then, bet~een
vs-go, IL thou vilt-with yon beggsry soldier
to p.rdition!"
Irene could no, speak. but she elupg 10 her