Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1841-04-10
THE STRANGER AND THE MAIDEN.
BY MRS. CAROLINE LEE HENTz.

Joyous melody. Evening shades deepened int
midnight gloom without. yet still the gay note
were heard, aud the unwearied reveiiers contIn
ued their graceful cvolutions
Just as the clock struck twelve, stranger Ell
tered the banquettng room, and as she passed
slowly on unannounced and unaccomoanled BY
my guide or protector, every eye was turned to
wards her.
sWho can she be2' whispered a young girl tt
her partner, drawing closer 10 his SIDE.
He answered not, inteniy was he gazing or
the figure, which now stood in the centre Of the
hall looking calmly and unmoved on those around
Her white robes fell in long and slum5crous fold:
TO her feet: her fair shining hair hoated back
from her C,ce. like neecy Clouds tinged by the
mponbcam's radiance, and The st depths of her
azure eyes shonc with mysterious "nfathoma
able lnstrc.
'Why are VIC On ,hercd hcre?' askea sho of the
Young maiden, who SHRINK back as she gliied
near her, with aoiscicss step. 'What mean ,hes
glad strains, aud the flowers that decorate your
brows?'
The low thrilling melody of the strangers voice
echoed to the remotest corners OF that spacious
hall, and the minstrels paused to listen.
s'rls fesiaI evc,' answered the trembling
maiden, and have met in jny and mirih to
commemorate the era.
'Why is this nigh, chosen scene Of fes,ivi-
typ asked the sweet toned stranger.
at is Chistmas evc,' replied the maiden. 'ihe
birth night OF our Saviour, and it is custom
TO celebrate il with music and dancing.
1T was once celebrated in ancient days. said
the stranger, with spendor and beauty that
would shame the decora tons Of these walls. While
the shepherds OF Chaldea were watching their
focks beneath the starry glories of midnight, they
heard the strains Of more than mortal melody
gushing around them rolling above thcm-,he
thrilling of invisible harps, accompanied by ceics
tial voices, all breathing one sweet triumphant
anthem Glory 10 God, in the Highest; on EARTH
peace and good will to men, While they listen
cd in adernlng wonder one of the stars of Heaven
glIicd from Iis throne, and irav Cling slowly
The depths of ether, held ifs silver lamp over the
manager where slept the haho of Bethlehem
Then the wise ncn cf The Ers came with their
add laid ,ffcs.. dvn at tho teet at
the infant Rcdecmer. Aud where your gifts?
continued she, turning her still shining eyes from
one the other of tho ,hrong, what have We
brought this night to lay at your Savour's feet in
COMMUNICATION OF your gratitude and love?
Who're Is your gold, vonr lrankincensc and Lnyrrh?
Where arc The gems from tho hearts treasury,
that &c ready to sacrifice on the altar of your
LordY
The Young maiden whom she had first address
ed, cast one fearful. earnest glance on her gay
companions; then unbindiny the roses from her
brow. the j.weIs from her neck, and drawing
from her fingers each golden ring.-'Where is
the altar she cried, that may place my offerin :
there?
lead YOU where Won can fad more precious gifts
than ihesc-gi(ts that will retain their beauty
when the garland shall wI,her, and the diamond
and fine gold become dim
The maiden took hold of the strangers hand,
and passed through tho hall, winch she had so
lately entered in ,houGhtless vanity ADD mrth
Her companions pressed round her and impedcd
her way.
oh, stay with usr they exclaimed, 'and follow
not the steps Of the stranger; your eyes dim.
vour cheeks pale, shadows are gathering over
your face. She may lead You TO the chambers
OF Death
Hinder me no. cried the fair maiden; Il NAV
not slight the voice that summons me-Though
| walk through the valley OF the shadow Of dcath
| will fear ~ evil
A celestial smile beamed on the face of the
stranger The voung girl uttered these words,
and they disappeared from the festal hail.
Through the long sweeping shadows Of midni ght
they glided on, till they came to n wre,ched how.
cl through whose shattered easements the nigh
gust was moaning. making most mex nchov mu-
Sc. BY Tho dim ligh, OF taper ihcv bcheld a
pale mother. grading her wasted infant in her
arms, striving to hash its feeble wailings, looking
down with hollow owes on the fearful ravaues Of
famine and disease. then raising them in agony
q Heavcn.mplariug tho widows and the orphans
GoO TO hive mercy on her.
Lay down your golden offerings here said
the stranger, and your Saviour will accept the
gut. Have VIC not read that whosoeve err presen-
teth cup OF cold water one OF the lens, of his
disciples, IN his name, gveh It unto him?''
The maiden wep', she laid her Offering in
the widows emancipated hand Again the beau
teous stranger smiled
The tear of pity said she, is the brioh,es,
gem thou has, brought
She led her forth INTO the darkness once moro
and held such swee, and heavenly discourse. thu,
the heart Of the maiden melt ed within her bosom,
They came to a dwelling whence strains OF SOL
emn music issued. and rs the light strcamed from
the arching windows. was reflected with ghostly
Iustre ON marble tomb stones without
They breathe forth n requiem for the dead
said the stranger; and she entered the gate through
willows that wept over the path. The music
ceased and the low. deep voice of prayer ascen-
oed through the silence of the night. The mai
cen kneis on the threshold, for she felt tina, she
was not worthy TO enter the temple She hardly