Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1844-02-16


lights and filled with gay company attired
in the rich fashion of the olden time. A
large mirror hung opposite me, and as | rails
ed nv ewes | saw reflected on its svery
surface the image of a young girl moving in
the stately mazes of the minuet with hand
some and graceful partner. saw the blush
which manlcd the maden's cheek as her
companions deep, dark eyes, rested upon
her; behcld the quivering. of her lip as she
timidly replied TO the cour,ly batteries which
we're rather breathed than uttered from that
exquisite mouth; marked the trembling of
her hand as it touched his in the evolutions
of the formal dance the very beatings Of
her heart as it bounded against her Jewelled
bodice were visible to me. That maiden
was myself; not lineament was changed E;
it was myself, wearing the same freshness of
of tint and frankness of expression as in the
youthful portrait which hangs in yonder re-
cess differing only in the costume, which was
that in fashion century ago; while he who
was thus awakng inc to consciousness of
passionate existence was the living scmblance
of that nameless picture.
Again that strain Of ransic sounded {; a
mist came before my eyes, and as it cleared
away saw a wide and beautiful landscape.
There were gently swelling hills in the dis
lance, EMBEDDING as il were in their embrace
one of those rich parks which are said to
form so lovely feature in English scenery.
Broad oaks stretched their gnarled branches
over the soft, green turf, and here and there
an an,lered deer was seen bounding across
the lawn-like vendure.
But in the fore ground of the picture was
closely shaded walk where the boughs of the
overarching trees had been carefully interlac-
ed, SO as to exclude every struggling ray of
sunshine. A sweet and tender light, as soft
as moonlight but far warmer in its glow, fill
ed the place, and there in that secluded spot
safe maiden on messy bank. The grace
full form of her partner in the dance was
bending over her in the attitude of protect
ing tenderness, and as she lifted her face con-
fidently towards the eyes which seemed radi-
ant with affection, as she met their glance,
again recognized my own features.
'Once more that faint melody swept by,
again my ewes we're darkened, and the next
scene showed me the arrangements of joy
Gus bridal. A gay company were assem-
bled IN small but beautiful chapel, and, as
if power had been given to my mental vision
to embrace of AFFECTS whether great or small,
could distinctly trace the rich carvings of
the clustered pillars and the grotesque cor.
bells of the groined roof, while the pickering
tints which fell upon the snowy vestments of
the bridal party, from the stained glass win.
dow behind the altar, added gorgeousness to
the scene. As the newly welded pair turn
ed from the shrine, while merry friends press
ed round them with looks of pride ard Joy,
bcheld again the familiar faces which twice
before had met my view.
But the vision faded, the figures vanished,
and cloud seemed to arise, in which only
the noble face of the portrait was visible.
Presently the cloud shifted, as if moved by IA
passing breeze, and my own face, pale, tear
full and sad, looked out from its dim shadow.
Again the cloud closed over her appari,ion,
and thus, folding and unfolding, as we often
see the edges Of a thundercloud in the sky, il
gave out alternate glimpses of the two faces
as it altered its position and its forn.-But a
change gradually came over the countenan-
ces of both; my own became faded and sor-
rowful, while the cold sheer upon those brigh,
lips, keen glitter ofthose soft eyes and an ex-
preston of bitter contempt in the scowl Of
that placid brow, converted its glorious beau
ty into the beauty of 'archangel ruined
Again came that tone OF music, but it was
now dirge-like and mournful as il trembed
upon my ear. The shadow passed away
! and beheld a funeral bier. A rigid form
lay extended upon it, and child of some
ten summers knelt beside the body while he
: sunny curls mingled with the dark locks which
lay SO lifelessly on the brow of the dead
I As the child raised her head to wipe away
her gushing tears beheld the face of the de-
parted, and again did recognize my owl
features. A feeling of irrepressble horro
r crept over me, but was compelled to gaze
while slowly, and as if emerging from thu
: darkness of the distant apartment, came on
the shadowy face of the old portrait, as
! bending over the cold lineaments Of death.
, At this moment you spoke to me, but
could not answer; you touched me, but
q was fixed and almost turned to stone no
could move until the fearful vision had en-
lirely vanished, and then, exhausted and al
S most lifeless, found myself resting in you
: arms, with that cold, calm picture lookin
e quietly down upon me from the WALL
Such was my friends accoun. of this mos
extraordinary fantasy, and without pretend
: ing to trace its source, or to explain the prob
y able cause of such mood of mind, woul
u only add that 1t was followed by a severe "a,
tack Of brain fever. She recovered, how
II ever, and lived several years, but never agai
gave the slightest evidences of any tendenc
to the vague speculalions of which she ha
!" spoken to me though, as afterward learn
u ed, she had vainly endeavored to purchas
: the old portrait, which had been sold, durin
: her illness, to some unknown picture fnar
q cier. pretend not to elucidate the myste
u ry Of her changeful vision, or to define m
own belief IN her fanciiul creed of pre-exis
= ence. 1t is enough for me to know that OF
: dreams, whether they be waking visions {
o nightly slumbering fantasies, often
: Pas like spirits of the past, and speak
= Like sybils of the future"
/. Brooklyn, l.. L.
i MR.. COLMAN'S TOUR.