The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1841-06-15
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THE STRANGER AND THE MAIDEN.
ny MRS. c. L. HENTz.

lhemblIng rays, reflected by shining crystal and
wreathng silver, myriad forms Of beauty and
grace. The music sent forth the moral, gladden.
ing strains and bounding feet keep time to the Joy
Gus melody Evening shades deepened into md
night gloom without, yet still the gay notes were
heard and the unwearied jewellers continued their
| graceful evolUtions
just as the clock struck twelve, stranger enter
| ed the banqueting room, and she passed slowly on
unannounced, and unaccompaned by any guide or
protector, every eye was turned towards her.
sWho she be-? whispered a young girl TO her
partner, drawing closer TO his side.
He answered not; so iniently was lie gazing
the figure which stood in the centre of the
hall, looking calmly and mmoveably on those n.
round Her white robes fell in long sumberous folds
to her feet; her fair shining hair Aoated back from
her face, like leecy clouds, tinged by the moon
beams radiance, and the still depth OF her
eyes shone with mysterious, uniathomable us-
ire.
! 'Wlty nj We gathered here's? asked she OF tho
young maiden, who shrunk back as she glided
near her, with noisclcss step. What mean these
glad strains, and the flowers that decorate your
browse?
The low thrilling melody of the strangers voice
echoed the of that spacious hall,
and the minstrels paused to listen
''Tis a fes,ai eve. answered the trembling maid
ed, and we Save met in joy and mirth, to com-
memorate the era
Why is this night chosen a scene of festivity''
asked the sweet voiced stranger.
1T is Christmas eve, replied the maiden, the
birth night ofour Savior, and it is our custom TO
celebrate it with and dancing
at was celebrated in ancient days. said the
stranger, with splendor and beauty that would
shame the decorations of these walls. While the
shepherds ofChaldea were watching their focks be
meath The starry glories OF midnight, they heard
st aims of more than mortal melody gushing around
them-rolling above them the thrilling Of Invisi-
+ BILE harps, accompanied by celestial voices, all
brea hing one sweet, triumphant anthem-'Glory
to God in the Highest; Earth, peace and good
will to men, While they listened in adorIng won
der, one of the Of Heaven glided from its
Thrones and travelling slowly over the depths of e.
Ither, held its syer lamps over the manager, where
slept the babe Of Bethlehem. Then the wise men
of the East came with their ostly offerings, and
laid them down the feet Of the infant Redeemer.
sAnd where are your giftsi continued she, turning
her STILL shining eyes, from one to the other of the
listening throng; 'whnr have ye brought this night
to lay at your Savior feet in commemoraton of
your gratitude and love? Where is your gold your
frcnkinccnse and myrrh Where the gems of
the hearts treasury; that ye ready to sacrifice
on the altar OF your LordE
| The young maiden whom she had at first address
sed cast one fearful earnest glance on her gay
| companions; then nnbinding the roses from her
brow the jewels from her neck, and drawing from
her fingers each golden ring, where is the al
I tar she cried, shat | may place my offering
there?'
1 Come with me-, said the stranger, 'and I will
lead You where you find more precious gifts
than these; gifts that will retain their beauty when
these ga,Iands shall wlther, and the diamond and
fine gold become dim
4 The maiden took hold of the Strangers hand,
and passed through the hail, which she had so late
iy entered in ihough,less vanity and mrth. Her
companions pressed around her and impeded her
| way.
ooh, stay with us! they exclaimed, and follow
no, the steps Of the stranger; your eyes are dim,
| your cheek is pale, shadows gathering over
your face She may lead you to the chambers of
death
|. Hinder nfe not cried the fair maiden; Il may
not slight the voice that summons Though
walk through the valley Of the shadow of death,
will fear evil
4 A celestial smile beamed on the face Of the
stranger, as the girl uttered these words, and they
dis appeared from the festive hall. Through The
long sweeping shadows Of midnight they glided on
till they came a wretched hovel, through whose
shattered easements the night gust was moaning,
making most melancholy music By the dim Iigh
of taper they beheld'a pale mother, grading her
wasted infant in heI arms, striving to hush its iee
BILE wailngs, looking down with hollow eyes on
the fearful ravages of famine and disease, then
raising them in agony to Heaven, imploring The
widows and the orphans God to have mercy on
q her. - . 70 aa"'u
sLay down your golden offerings here, saind the
stranger, 'and your Savior will accept the gilt.
Have we not read that whatsoever presenteth a
cup Of cold water 10 ope oft least OF his dsci
pies, in his namo. gveth it unto hims'
The maiden wept as she laid her offering in the
widows emaciated hand Again the beauteo"s
stranger smiled.
sThe Of pity sold she, lis the brightest gem
, thou hast brought a"
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