Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1843-09-23


ems! it opens-these eyes gaze on me with
celestial expression--this forehead, what
purity o adorable virgin"
Sebastian, lost in his rapturous and
boundless enthusiasm, forgot the hours
that were gliding swiftly away, and his
threatened punishment. The youthful ar
list, before his picture, saw nothing besides
the angelic face of the blessed Mary, who
seemed to smile upon him with mingled
look of appreciation and love-
Suddenly he awoke from his revery. He
heard slight noise as of persons advancing
behind him, and, turning quickly round,
beheld all the pupils and his master at their
head. lie did not dream for moment Of
attempting to justify himself With the
palette in one hand and a brush in the
other, he dropped his head upon his breast,
and awaited in silence the punishment
which he was convinced he had so rashly
provoked.
For several minutes the most profound
silence pervaded the company; for, if Sc.
bastian stood petrfied with fear before
them, because he was taken in the very
act, so were also the maestro Murillo and
his pupils equally petrifed with astonish-
ment at what they beheld. Murillo beck
oned to the young men, who could scarcely
restrain the outbursts of their admiration,
to be SILENT advanced towards Sebastian,
concealing his emotions beneath stern,
cold gaze, cast his eyes first upon his trem-
bling slave and then upon the beautiful head
of the Madonna, and asked him
"Who is your master, Sebastian
"You, senor,' replied the boy, in an al
most inaudible tone.
Your master of painting, | mean Sc
bastian?"
"None other than yourself, scnor, said
the terrified boy.
ii have never given you any Instruction.
said Murillo, amazed.
"You have instructed others in my pres
, encc, senior, and could not avoid learning"
replied the BOY, who began to take courage
&, at the kind and gentle voice of his mas
1 ter
"And you not only heard my instruc-
; tons, by Saint James of ComposteIla! but
= you have profted by Them rejoined the
great painter, whose admiration betrayed
itself against his inclination. Gentlemen"
! said he, addressing himself to his pupils,
"what shall be done with this boy; does he
merit punishment
. At the word punishment, Sebastian al
, most lost his consciousness; he raised his
eyes timidy and imPIoringly towards his
master.
t mo punishment, scnor," exclaimed the
: Young men simultaneously "but re-
l ward"
"How shall he be rewarded" demanded
c Murillo.
n Sebastian began once more to breathe.
, with at least ten ducats," said Mendez
! ooh! fifteen would not be too much said
e Fernandez.
=. "Give him new suit for the .fctc of the
/ blessed Virgin" said Gonzales.
e Speak, Sebastian" said MuriIlo, looking
at his slave, whose countenance manifested
:; no signs of joy at the proposed rewards
y, "speak. my good boy, do none of these
5 things accord with your tastes! am SC
delighted with these proofs of your &c
d MUS, these bold outlines, this exquisite col
curing in fine, with your beautiful Madon
5 ma, that | will grant you whatever you may
S desire--anything. Speak-make known
= your wishes. swear it, in the presence
g of these gentlemen. By the ghost of m!
e departed father, whatsoever you ask o
e me, in my power to bestow, that shall yo'
C receive"
"Ah, my master, if only dared"
= Sebastian fell upon both knees befor
S! his master, seized his hands, and one Nigh
l. have seen by his halfopened lips, mig
" have read in his large dark eyes, bcam;n
u. with expression, one consuming though
he which his timidity alone prevented hi
TT from disclosing.
ri "Why do you not ask for gold!" viii
| pered Mendez.
Il "Ask for a suit of fine Clothes suggeste
fc another.
W. BEG TO be admitted among the numbt
US of his pupils added third.
no A ulean, of inv hriuhtened the eve {