Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1842-11-11
BY VIM. e. RYTH e II.



'repute both far and near. Proceeding tow
ards an adjacent grove, he was met by some
fof his acquaintances, who on his showing
lthe weapon, Immediately began to try 1t with
him in all the movements of the art of fen
scing, in which the Inhabitants of Ferarro
were remarkably expert, 1t so happened
that the favorite Of the duke passed that
way, and Joined in the amusement. Muzio
'reqarded him as his secret enemy, since he
was enamored of the fair Fiordiligi, whose
heart Muzio possessed, but without the APP
probation of her parents, who for many years
preferred the wealthy aud powerful courtier
for son-n-law, and who, though they would
not compel their child TO give him expecta-
tons that his love would be returned, explic-
/ itly declared to the beau;cous Fiordliui, that
passion for Muzio would be utterly hope
less. When Ergasto, the favorite, who
could not but be aware that it was owing to
Muzio that his addresses produced no effect
on Fiordilig, perceived his rival end his as
sociates engaged in trying the sword, which,
as it brightly glistened in the sun, approached
too near cypress branch, and became en-
tangled among its twigs, he also drew his
weapon and having bent it first one way,
then the other, to show its temper he made
cut at a myrtle, the detached blossoms of
which fell upon the point of Muzio's blade.
lie then called the others to witness whcth-
er that sword with which victory and glory
had already acquired was not far better than
his rivals With sparkling eyes, and an
apparent desire to transfuse the spirit Of his
jealousy into his sword, Ergasto began to
strike sharply at that of Muzo, who uncer-
tain whether it was intended in Jest or ear
nest, became more and more ruffied The
4 sparks of hatred and enmity which seemed
4 10 shoot forth from Ergastos weapon, at
n length kindled similar feelings in the breast
of Muzio. Compelled to defend himself, he
began by degrees to return the attack both
grew warmer and warmer, though neither
I uttered single word As little did Muzio's
a,tonished friends know what to think ofthe
Z scene before them the whole transaction
was so quiet and so rapid, that they had
i scarcely time to consider whether they ought
4 10 interfere, or only to serve as witnesses TO
4 Muzio while he took satisfaction for the sud-
q den affront which he had received. The
blood of the two adversaries were soon in
famed to the highest degree; they piled
their flashing weapons with increased rapid
~, till purple torrent burst from the heart
\ of ErgasIo, and the fatal blade dropped from
the ice-cold hand of Muzio!
At the first moment, fortune seemed to
have favored Muzio OH this event, since he
4 had undesignedly, and on the contrary by
4 compulsion ridden himself forever of hos
s. tile rival, and had nothing more to fear from
that quarter. This hattering prospect soor
I -. L..
y that this circumstance was likely to rob him
of that happiness which it had Just before
4 appeared to secure Was it TO be supposed
& that the Duke of Ferraro could be persuaded
q of Muzio's innocence Would he not OF
the other hand, exert all his power to avengC
the death of his favorite A dungeon ev
identity threatened to separate him from hi
beloved Fiordiligi. 'Hav exclaimed Mu
a zio, with anguish, Il now perceive that thu
q cypress branch in which my sword was en-
tangled, denounced death TO my passion, ant
the detached myrtle blossom which tremblc,
q on this steel, indicated this inevitable part
ing. Perhaps never shall behold Fiordllig
4 more perhaps she is already lost to me foI
4 ever 1t is not Ergasto's friends alone tina
will lament his death keenly do | alread
deplore the event
Muzio's friends besough him to cease hi
q lamentations, and to turn his thoughts to tn
means of safety. They advised him to fle
without delay, while they would report tina
4 he had been MORALLY wounded by Ergasto
that, tortured with burning thirst, he had dc
sired them to conduct him TO the neighbol
ing bank of the Pc that, while attcmptin
TO drink, he had fallen into the river, iu:
then swollen by heavy rains, and been ca
red away by the impetuosity of the curren
y All of them agreed that this would be tn
best method of screening Muzio from pro
ecution, and that, in case the duke shoul
be unexpectedly disposed to clemency,
would be easy to devise some romantic ST
ry to account for his preservation and n
appearance, and to open to him again. undo
the most fortunate circumstances, the gat'
of Ferraro and the house Of his mistress.
There was no time for consideration; Il
hour approached at which the inhabitants
Ferraro were accustomed to walk abroad i
TO this grove the moon already appeare
and gentle breeze waved the dark follas
of the trees, tinted with the roseate hues
"a evening. Muzio took but moment for I
uectlon ne was uuueciueu "het"c' " 'oa
Fordlligi in uncertainty respecting his lat
is not hopelessness of ITSELF thought h
"a species of death? | am now dead as
were, for Fiordllgi. But true love kno'
no death true love stands the test of Il
most agonizing trials If Fiordiligi shI
find consolation for my reported death b
fore can apprise her that yet live, al
live for her, then will her love be unwort
Of mine, and the eyes of both will be OPP
To onr mutual delusion oh that forth