The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-02-19

The apartment had been rehearsing a scene with
Paiis, Il Parasite and an actor to the delight of
HIS guests, whose silence or cenSIIre would have
marked them for his hatred.
lie rushed into the apartment followed by
rars IN his hand he carr ed small Tyre. His
i"ce was flushed with wine, heightened by the
exciting scene oil which he had been gazing,
ana as ne raised n full goblet to his lips, he eX-
CANNED III tone of savage mrth, "By the
Gods, 1t is a glorious sight burn, burn, Rome,
aye, to the very last stone. The flames of
Troy flashed not more brightly to the avenging
Greek Pluto and his nuons are abroad TO.
night. Drink, drink, sIrs, TO the havoc of tho
flames"
1t was well understood tina, Nero has been the
cause of THE confagraon for during its prog
ress incendares with torches and combuslibles
were stationed throughout the civ. declaring
they acted by authority.
The guests, one and all rose, fearing 10 dis
pute his will aud pledged the CHASTITY toast in
wine, which they wished We're poison to the
Tyrant. * dead silence prevailed through tho
apartment us they laid down their goblets, but
the pale, compressed lips, and the stern brow
which but Ill repressed its froWn, attested the
feelings which urked beneath a gay convival
demeanor, "And thou, my fair Helen he said
turning to Acte, and pressing her hand to his
lips, by Jnber, thy beauty might destroy q sec
ond Troy The bride of Mcneaus was not fair
er. Psha,' he continued, bursting into n loud
thou wilt not he false to me my Acte.
AT that moment Rufus entered the apart
men, and approaching Nero, whispered, She is
here
'Bravcly done, by JUPITER returned the mon
arch. Ills q night Of triumph to me. Rome
is ashes and mistress won! But the Naza-
rne?'
is in prison. replied Rufus.
There let him rot, returned Nero, cursed
dog! Is it not sufficient he bath won her love?
must he also corrupt, her faith! Drink, drink my
Rufus, thou hast been faithful to me- Tie sol.
der raised the goblet and in silence drank The
death of the Tyrant. Bring her before me,
good Rufus, would see her in my power who
| have so long worshipped. Meherc'le! but
her presence will give Zest to our banquet.
Bring her before me, and mark me, guard her
well. He approached the soldier nearer, aud
whispered, Let not Acte have access to her.
The soldier bowed and withdrew.
Tita Immediately entered accompanied by Ru.
tus and few Of the Prmtorians Her face was
reclined on her breast and completely shaded by
the uXuriant hair whose curs clustered round
IT, Nero flung aside his Tyre, and clasping his
hands gaZcd on her in rapture, n sensual smile
beaning in his eye, and playing in the curve of
his lip. He rushed forward and fell at her feet
He seized her hand, and looked on her. passion
ntcly exclaimed, "T'na, have loved thee long
smile on me, maiden, my throne shall be
cry lt1ePf4 not. nor answered,
they rose from their seats, rang through The ban
4uet hall. 'The Empress! the Empress! was
echoed by all. Nero turned, and he beheId
hem pointing TO he chair. 1t was empty Ac-
e had left the chamber. In moment of intoX
cation he had been betrayed into inconsistency,
md had ordered I'ha before him while Acte was
present.
(To BE CONCLUDED NEXT WEEK(