The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-06-13
A VISIT TO THE CELLS.
From the French.

From the French
Two strangers of distinction paid visit
shortly after their arrival in Ferrara, to the hospi-
tai or r1ther prison, of St.Anne in which the I'M
hapgy victims are confined. The elder of the
two was bald, and bent by years, and in his
features might be discerned a singular mixture
of simplicity and shrewdness, OF dignity and good
nature His keen eye seemed to read the very soul
of tho rude stern taller who acted their guide,
and to anticipate his answers before they w ere
delivered. His companion was gentleman not
yet advanced in life, whose perlumed locks were
covered by a slll1en cap glittering with jewels
short mantle of scarlet velvet, richly embroi-
dered, hung on his shoulders, and displayed a
doublet lined with erTnine, on which reposed a
triple chain of massive gold Bisteft hand clad in
richly-fringed silkengloverestedo on the pomml
of his long sword, and the clinl ofhis silver spurs
broke sharply on the silence OF the long corridor
in which they were walking.
eeStephen de la Boete," said the elder gen
tleman, in French, 'Ethis jailer seems to be as
stupid he is hdeous, and assurediy he can learn
us nothing about the place or its inmates. 1t is
a pity, for much matter for reflection might be
found here" He had hardly spoken when a
young Italian approached them, and offered to
become their guide through the cells.
EsThe offer is too polite one to be rejected,
either by the Seigneur de Montaigne or myself,
replied La Boetie.
StrozzD forit was no other than hey led them
LnfOuRna long HdLeIy3 dliu Mo just dllu iSSAAii5
observations, clothed in optic and imaginative
language gave an additional interest to the melan
choly scenes before them. The three visiters were
making sad reflections ON the wreck of intellect
and the weakness of mans nature, when they were
interrupted by the hoarse crealfng ofan iron door
beside them man crept carefully out of his cell,
covered with rags, and bent by suffering more
than Dy age He looked fearfully around, him and
in spite Of his wretchedness, there an air of
dignity on his pale and haggard features.
He advanced mysteriously towards the stran-
gers, and producing letter, said in low and
solemn tones If you are Christians. convey this
letter to the Princess Leonora d'Este."
Boetie exchanged smile with Montague and
Strozzi, ami took e. letter, to humour the in
sanity Of the unhappy being.
&C You think me mad" he continued, and
confound me with the degraded wretches among
whom my lot is cast? Alas | hardly know
myself how have kept my senses through all the
tortures have had to suffer. Hurried from
brilliant court to noisone dungeon, torn from my
dreams of glory, love and friendship, to groan
away seven years alone, or among lnaniacs and
tormenters, cursing bitterly my fatal gilt OF ge-
Hius and the glory of my namc-where IS the
man whose brain could endure all this? In the
name of the blessed Virgin" he cried, clasPing
Montaigne's knees, and bathing them with his
tears, Gin mercy put an end to TINS terrible
existence! Tell Leonora how groan In anguish,
and she will hasten to deliver me-but you
hesitate, YOU are afraid of her brother. Ay, you
NAV well fear him. for his vengeance IS hercc and
deadly Well, then tell Alonzo, tell the prince
ofMantua, tell the friend of my youth the worthy
Cardinal Cinthio, that am here, under false
name and" All at once, the hoarse voice,
of the taller was heard and mis- heavy step on
the stone floor. The unhappy man paused and
trembled and then ran in terror to hide in his
dungeon, the door of which his rareless keeper
shut upon him, without inter-upting the can
z0nettd he was hummlng
seThe madness of this man, said the young
man, Ssconsists in believing that he is loved by
great lady Sometimes be sleeps in tears the
letters which he fancies she has sent him, some
times he raves about festivals poets as!d princes
sometimes he sings, and scratches his verses on
the walls of his cell, whenever the keeper allows
him light, which he does sometimes, for his
insanity is by no means viole Mt. 1t lis rather a
profound melancholy, gloomy, perpetual sad
ness. His verses, are always devoted to the
imaginary object of his passion, and am sure the
letter he has given you is full of a lovers COM
plants and protestations."
SIT is even SOP said Montaigne, when he had
realit, Gle writes to the princess of Ferrara,
as though the august Leonora was actually in
love with him! He speaks of the nightly meet
ings she has vouchsafed him and does not doubt
but that she will hasten to deliver him as soon as
she krsws he is here. Poor human natureo he
added, with sigh, "from what have seen here,
might be drawn strong argument in support OF
that bold saving of Pliny's that nothing is more
yainglorious and more contemplate than man."
While they were talking together, confused
noise was heard in the prison, and few minutes
after, Cardinal Cinthio, whom Montaigne had
at court the evening before, entered, followed
by the prior Antonio Mosti. The Cardinals face
was flushed with anger, and his motions were
quick and eager. The prior took the huge bunch
OF keys which the iailer wore at his belt and
opened the door which lad just closed on the
maniac OF whom the strangers were speaking =
Cinthio flung himself, weeping bitterly, into the
arms of thepoor prisoner, who gazed at him with
air of dull and doubtful joy. sob, my friendp
cried the cardinal, his sobs would
allow him to speak, overt thou to be restored to
me in this staten then turning to the visiters, ia
transport of Indignation, he exclaimed, ssStfan-
gers, see how tire duke Of Ferrara rewards gc-
MUS! Tell your, countryInen, tell the whole
world, that torquato Tasso has languished for Sc
ven years in this vile dungeon, while Europe was
lamenting his death! Come, my noble friend
come" he added, ,isslet US fly from this and o.
cruelty; Rome has laurels and triumphs in store
for youD ISL a
After they left the prison, Montaigne, a little
confused at the mistake he had made, wa silent
fora few minutes; then, turning to Strozzi
thanked him aifectionately for his kindness in
acting as their guide. CHOW is this? do you
mean to go away without worshiping rnc'" ask
hi ' IN s surprise. ssDull mortal continued
Strozzi, eshave net my sublime genius, which
has called forth your admiration, and the gift Of
ea ues pc S e S, have no these revealed TO you
ymysterioas nature? ID own ON your kneesp
he cried in fury, catch ng Montagnic by the
throat, ssdown on your knees, impions wretch,
and worship me, or Twill strangle you on the
spotn ~
Beetle andthe iailer soonreseued their friend
from his md anto yonist, nd while the latter