Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-04-07

stern reply of the tyrant.
NAY, father!'
'Let them die saw you not that the serf
rebelIed.'
NAY, he did but protect his life.'
And wherefore should he dare save his
life, when my officer of the guard was pleas
ed to take it,
'Nay-fa,her see how the poor people
fall before the weapons of the fierce guards.
And look they press up to fill the gap, and
with their hearts place a barrier between thy
vengeance and its victim
Therefore should they die! =
Spare him-spare them-fathcr, for my
sake bid them hold! Shall Eylla plead in
vain?'
'Axcala, call off your guards. Their in
science is enough punished
The lovely princess fell upon his neck and
gratefully kissed him, and in strange affec-
ton he returned it, and then s,ernly babe the
procession move on. But Eylla-for Curl
osity to gaze on "a man for whom so many
gave their lives, had led her to seek him out
in the crowd-did not pass on, ere she re-
ceived from the dark eyes of a handsome
youth a look of grateful homage and acknowl-
edgement-for the genlleness of the princess
drew her as near TO the hearts of her subjects
as the sternness of her father removed him
from them-so Montezuma felt it was no in
suit for his gaze, low as he was, to meet that
OF the princess, and to thank her for her in
terposition. But the mischief done by that
glance, is incalculable. The princess rode
on, but from that moment forgot the process
sion-her father-every thing but the face
of the youth for whom she had interposcd.
Her bosom at first was filled with curiosity to
know who he could be for whom men cast
away their lives; and then her thoughts ran
upon his lofty aspect and noble bearing
dwelt upon his fine eyes and beautiful fea-
lures. But the more she thought, the more
bewildered she grew, till at length recalled
TO herself by the approach of the procession
at the temple, she hung her head in confu-
sion, and concealed the blush of shame that
crimsoned her cheek with the silken folds of
her vesture.
That night the lovely princess Eylla sat
in her gorgeous chamber. Her slaves, in
rich dresses, knecled at a distance with their
hands laid across their bosoms~, silently watch
ing the least sign of her will or gesture of
command. 1t was moonlight, and the silve-
ny flood poured in at the open lattice by
which she sat, and falling upon her fair fore
head gave it the wilderness of Paris marble,
with the soft lustre of the pearl. One snowy
hand, half in the moonlight, half in shade,
sustained her cheek. She was buried in deep
thought, and ever and anon, her snowy bo-
som would heave and fall, and from her Just
parted lips a low sigh escaped. All at once,
she rose to her feet, and at the same instant
her slaves flew and Frustrated themselves
around her.
'Ophiel, remain with me !; the rest of you
retire to your couches. need your attend
ance no longer, till the dawn
Slowly, with their faces turned towards
her, the submissive slaves retired-and the
princess was left alone with her confdant.
'Ophiel!
'Your highness,' answered the lovely Pc
ruvian slave, still kneeling at the feet of her
mistress.
You have heard that several men were
slain to-day, as we passed through the city
towards the temple?'
NAY, your hIghness, l did not. But as
scarce a day goes by without bloodshed, |
doubt not that this day has had its share re-
piled the slave, with a mixture of irony and
sorrow in her manner.
Hist, minion. 1t is my fathers unhappy
disposition. Yet he loves me-
so does the lion of Peru; yes, the tiger
of Yucatan loves his wllelp.'
slave done, Ophiel,' said the princess,
with some sternness. She then added with
kindness, { l have detained thee to serve me
with thy ready wits and well-tried faithful.
ness.-Listen
The slave bent her head reverentlv ant
gratefully upon her bosom, and silently await.
ed the communication of the will of her mis-.
tess.
'There was some commotion to-day
among the populace, caused by an attemp
of The officer of the emperor's guard to scizt
a youth who inadvertently, and from too ca
ger curiosity to witness the procession, tllrus
himself forward before the others. l heart
him called Montezuma. Know YOU such
one by name in the city, and his degree? p
WAS he tall and kindly in his port, you
highness?'
He looked majesty himself. Such, me
thinks as a prince of the sun should appear
WAS he youthful wilhal?'
Scarce the down had darkened his lip
and the scissors had never yet touched hi
!. flowing locks of jet
did he smile like the sun in May !; an,
was his eye like a diamond set in jet upon
ground of pearl, flashing fire and speakln
intelligence p
1.-The same ,Ophiel. Thou hast seen him
maiden!'
Was he naughty, yet his haughtiness blen
: with the modesty, lessening his degree, an
while he looked, If he looked on thee, di
!, his eyes, while they gazed, seemed to plea
! thy forgiveness for the deed as they commit
, ted it?'
Thou hast painted him TO the very sem
S blance, chit said the princess, laughing an
blushing, as she detected a smile lurking j
] the dimpled mouth of her conidant.
5 After taking one or two turns through tn
apartment, size stopped and turned 10 tn
2 fair Peruvian, in whose cast down yet know
: inc look. she detected tho knowladgo of wb.