The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-11-22
THE GREEK MAIDEN.
BY MARY V. SPENCER.

tnc leaves, ana the sea neuVeu up ana
fell lazily. On a bold promontory,
overlooking the Egean, sat Greek
maiden, her eyes now straining across
the distant waters, and now watching
the narrow mountain road which led
up to the summit where she stood. as
If on the lookout for some one, but un-
certain by what way he would ap-
proach. At length her eyes caught
sight ofan alhlectic form bounding up
the rocks, and in the splendid costume
Of his race she recognised her long
looked for lover. ~. = y. ' ".
"You hnve come at last, my li(e,"
she said, in the passionate language Of
the east, embracing him, "never to
leave me again, hope" se.
"WouId God it were so," he an
swered sadly, shut while our native
soil is profaned by the foot of a Turk,
every true Greek must be up and in
arms. Pray heaven, love, that this
scourge may be over soon, and then
we can be happy"
Tears filled the mliden's eyes, but
she knew her lover was inhexible; and
indeed how could she ask him to de-
sert his try's cause, even if he
would consent.
81 have watched for You, day by
day, from this spot, but forget every
anxiety now that you are here. Let
US to the house, for you look weary"
81 am indeed So" was the reply.
sit was through thousand perils |
reached you, for the whole lower coun-
try swarms with the enemy, and | had
more than enc narrow escape"
The maiden started in alarm.
"What if they should track you
here?" she said. with tremulous tones.
"Oh! there is no danger of that"
said her lover, reass ring her. 81 eud-
ed them too adroity, and they are now
looking for me on the other side of the
plain. But let US to the house,
1t was one of those mountain homes
where alone security could be found
during the late struggle OF the Greeks
for freedom; and when the young SOL
der entered its neat walls, he te.t a
sense of security that had been a
stranger to him, in that wild and PIE,
datory warfure. formonths. The fam
lily consisted only Of the aged father
and mother of the maiden; and their
delight to see him was only equalled
by that of the daughter. SO all were
happy; and as they sat around the
evening meal, they forgot for while
even the wrongs OF their country, and
pictured years Of happiness in the fu-
ture yet m store for them.
The sun was Just setting, and the
young Greek and his mistress had walk
ed to the door to see the blue Kgean
smiling under his departing beams,
when suddenly the noise OF Il rock
lumbling head ong, as if dislodged from
some neigh5oring spot and dashing
dow the precipce, attracted the quick
ear of the lover. He looked hurried
Iy around. The head of Il Turk was
just rising above the level Of the rock,
and Immediately TWO OF three other
turbans were seen following him as he
sprang on the little plain where the
dwelling stood.
1--WE are betrayed" he cried, "s2-
cret Yourselves in the house, or seek
some spot for eoncealment. The enc
my are on u.s.
He drew his yatagan as he spoke,
and, at the same instant, the enemy
recognising hun sprang forward with
loud shouts.
'.This way" eagerly said tie maid
en-, "they are too many for you. fIy,
oh! fly" she exclaimed agonlz!ngly, as
he hesitated, "we have u sure place OF
refuge if we can gain it unseen.'
Her lover cast bitter glance at the
foe as he counted their overwhelming
numbers, and then reluctantly yielded
and with quick steps followed his mis-
tress into the house. Ter parents had
already disappeared. Hastening thro'
the back door, she led her lover into a
small grove Of trees, ana in a few
minutes stood before the mouth of a
cave, completely concea' ed from sight
by the thick underwood growing over
it. Here they took refuge.
For halfan hour the fugitives remain
ed in their retreat, though the lion heart
of the young Greek chafed to hear his
enemies SO near, and he unable to
strike blow. At length the sound of
their voices died away. Many min
utes now were suffered to elapse; but
finally the young soldier insisted on his
going forth to see if the enemy had de-
parted. His mistress begged him to
wait longer, and her entreatles for a
while prevailed, but when another hall
hour had elapsed he cautiously left the
cave. a
Al Il