Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1842-09-23
TIE MAGIC MIRROR.

/, was at the close of fine autqmnal day
and the shades Of evening were beginning
TO gather over the city Of Florence, when d
low quick rap was heard at the door Of Cor
neIius Agrippa, and shortly ailerward
stranger was introduced into the apartment
in which the Philosopher was setting at his
studies.
The stranger although finely formed, and
of courteous dcmcanor, had certain indie
fneable air Of mystery about him, which OK
cited awe, if indeed it had not a repcllcnl
effect. His years it was difficult TO guess,
for the marks Of youth and aye were hen-
dcd in his features in a most cXtraor dinary
manner. There was not iurrow in his
cheek, nor a wrinkle on his brow, and his
large black eye beamcd with all the brillan-
cy and vivacity of youth but his stately fig
IRE was best, apparently beneal! the weight
ofycars: his haT, although thick and clus-
tering, was grey: and though lis voice was
feeble and trenlulous, yet lis tones were of
the most ravishing and soul searching mclo-
dy. His costume was that of Floreniuc
gentleman; he held staff like that of a
palmer in his hand, and silken sash, IN
scribcd with oriental characters, was bound
around his waist. His face was deadly pale,
but every feature Of it was sineularly beau
tilul, and IFS expression was that of profound
wisdom, mingled with poignant sorrow.
pardon me, learned SIR said he address
ing the philosopher but your fame has lrav-
elled into all lands, and has reached all ears
and ! cou!d not leave the fair city Of Flor
encc without seeking an interview with one
who is its greatest boast and ornament
'You are right welcome, sir, returned
Agrippa but fear that your trouble ano
curiosity will be but i'll repaid. am simp.
ly one who, instead Of devo,ing my days, "A.
do the wise, to the requirement of wealll
aud honor, have passed long years in pain
full and improbable study in endeavorins
to unravel the secrets of Nature, and ini,ia
ting myself in the mysteries of the occult sci
cnces.'
'Talkes, thou of long years y echoed thu
stranger, and melancholy smile played ov
or his features. 'Thou who hast scarcel
seen fourscore since thou leit'st thy cradle
and for whom the quiet grave is now wait
ing, eager to clasp thee in her shcllerin
arms was among the tombs to-day, til
still and solemn tombs saw them smilin
III tuc DcdiIIo VI octtiIIS sun. w ncH
was a boy, used to wish to be like that sun
his career was long, so bright, so glorious
But tonight thought iii is better to slumbe
among these tombs than to be like him.
Tonight he sank behind the hills, apparent
~ to repose, but Tomorrow he must rene,
his course, and run the same dull and uuva
red but toilsome and unqulet race. Their
is no grave for him and the night an
morning dews are the tears that he sheds o,
er his tyranous destiny
Asrippa was deep observer and admire
OF x,,rnd nature, and o! all her phenomen
and had often gazed upon the scene whic
The Stranger described, but the feelings an
ideas which it awakened in the mind of Il
latter were so different from any thing whit
he had himself experienced, that he cou
not help, for season, gazing upon him
speeches. wonder. His guest, howev
speedily resumed the discourse.
But trouble you, trouble YOU: tn,
to my purpose in making you this visit.
have heard strange tales of wondrous Mi
ror, which Your potent art has enabled y,
TO construct, in which whosoever looks m;
"a the distant, or the dead, on whom he
ous again to fix his gaze. MY eyes s.
W. in this outward visible world viii
\ pleas'ng to their sight, the grave h