Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-02-16

/ movements of the human mind, which il is
impossible to comprehend, but which all at
some times see. sa,.e. f'
Meantime the accused showed himself so
simple, so logical in his perseverance in de-
i mandlng "a senfence--it was with such snl
/. audacious boldncss that he proclaimed his
crime-repeating necessarily that "he did
not repent of it''-that he did not even re-
greet 1.-THE irmness with which he demon
strated it, appeared so much like bravado,
that it was impossible to exhibit the desired
clemency, and he was accordingly condemn
ed to death. pr.
When this sentence was read TO Pierre
he did not even frown. He was earnestly
besought to ask for pardon. lie refused it
positively. r1,aafl H a|
As every one imagined there must be
some mystery at the bottom of all this, it
was resolved to postpone the execution Of
Pierre Pitois for some time, The prisoner
was re-conveyed to the military prison.
and informed that, as a special favor to him,
he would be allowed seventy-two hours to
present his petition for pardon. Pierre
shrugged his shoulders but made no other
answer About the middle of the night
preceding the day fixed on for execution, the
door of Pierre's cell turned softly on its
hinges; sub officer Of the young guard
advanced 10 the side Of the bed Oh which
the prisoner lay, and after having coutem-
plated him for some time he awakened him
Pierre Ptois stretched wide open his eyes,
and gazed round ;-"ah," said he, "the hour
has come-very we'll. ..,..l.l
mo, Pierre" answered the sub officer !;
l sit is not yet the hour, but it will soon
strike"
"And what do you want with me?'
"Pierre, you do not know me, while
know you well. saw you at Ausieritz-
and you bore yourself like a brave man.
From that day, Pierre, have felt for you
lively and sincere esteem. Happening TO
arrive at Strasburg yesterday, | learned both
your crime and your sentence. As the Jail
or is relative, obtained of him permission
10 come in to see and speak TO you, Pierre
The man about to die often regrets that he
has not with him some friend 10 whom he
may open his heart, and impose upon him
some sacred duty TO be discharged Pierre,
if you consent, L will be that friend"
"Thank ye, comrade," said Pierre gruif-
by.
Have you nothing 10 say to me 7"
Nothing" a8 "
"What, not one farewell to your sweet
heart-your poor sister p
Sweetheart and sister never had Ell
Their"
For your father p 49,.
81 hare no father. Two months ago he
died, in my arms" nhe
"For your mother 2"
"For my mother" said Pierre, and his
voice underwent deep and sudden change
"For my mother All, comrade, do not
utter that name. | assure you never hear
It'll never whisper it in my heart--without
being moved to tears; and, at this moment,
it seems to me, if | should speak of her
"WelI, what 2"
81 should tceep, and to weep is unmanly ;
to weep" continued he with increased ear
nestness, when have only few hours to
live, would be cowardly."
"You are too severe, comrade; have,
thank God, as much courage as any man,
and yet | should not be ashamed TO weep in
speaking Of my mother"
you, said Pierre, seizing the hand of the
under officer, ''you are man, you are a
soldier, and you would not blush TO weep p
"In thinking of my mother No GER
tainly not; she is so good, she loves me SO
much, and love her so much, too"
"She loves you! You love her Oh,
then-then will leli YOU every thing. My
soul is full, it must have vent; and however
strange may appear to you the sentiments
which animate me, you will not laugh al
them-I am sure you will not Listen
then, for what am about TO say TO you is
most true Man is happy at the moment Of
death, if there is some heart TO which he
may open his own. You viii hear me kind
: ly, and you will not laguh at met VA
you2"
81 hear you Pierre; the dying man can
excite no feeling but commiseration and
sympathy"
: You must know then" said Pierre THAI
from the hour of my birth, there was never
but one person whom really loved, and
that was my mother; but her, her did
: love with all my mind and my strength
r never man loved human being as / loved
: her. When | was mere child, we com.
: pretended each others looks. To m,
. heart, she was myself; and to her heart,
: was herself have had neither lover moi
y mistress, not even a friend my mother was
every thing to me. Al length, when | wa;
e drafted to the army-when was told that
T must quit her, was in despair, and de
0 clared that even though violence were used
n would not be separated from my mother
alive. Yet with one word, she who was
holy and courageous woman, changed al
y my resolutions
0 pierre" said she to me, "you must 60
: Il wish it to be So"
kneIt before her, and said "mother,
!, will CO."
It "Pierre." added She "you are a 600,