The Columbian fountain., 1845-11-04
THE DEAN OF SANTIAGO, AND DON
" ILLAN,* OF TOLEDO. t@

Il
many transmutations, and to appear embo-
died under different forms; but the inform
ing spirit which captivates our attention, is
the same, whatever shape they assume,
whatever language they speak tale may
often be traced through every nation Of Eur
rope, till we lose it among the wild tradi-
tons Of the North, or the romantic lore Of
the East
If partiality to a favorite author does not
bias our judgment, the story Of the Dean of
Santiago, which we subjoin, in free trans
lation from the Spanish Of Prince Don Juan
! Manuel, is one Of the finest specimens OF
this species of compositions But we must
defer making any observations on It's pecu-
liar character till our readers have the story
itself before them. 4aa .
It was but short hour before noon when
the Dean Of Santiago alighted from his mule
at the door Of Don Han, the celebrated ma
gician Of Toledo. The house, according to
Old tradition, stood on the brink Of the per
pendicular rock, which, now crowned with
the .alcazar, rises to fearful height over
the Tagus.f A maid Of Moorish blood led
the dean to retired apartment, where Don
lillian was reading. The natural politeness
Of Castillian had rather been improved
than impaired by the studies Of the Toledan
sage, who exhibited nothing either in his
dress or person that might induce suspi-
cion of his dealing with the mysterious pow
ers Of darkness. 81 heartily greet your
reverence" said Don Illan to the dean,
ssand feel highly honoured by this visit.
Whatever be the object of it, let me beg you
will defer stating it till have made you quite
at home in this house. hear my house
keeper making ready the MONDAY meal.
That maid, sir, will show you the. room
which has been prepared for you; and when
you have brushed off the dust Of the jour
ney, you shall find canonical capon steam
ing hot upon the board." /" t.
The dinner which soon followed, was just
what pampered Spanish canon would wish
it--abundant, nutritive, and delicate" N o,
no,' said Don Illan, when the soup and a
bumper of Tinto had recruited the deans
spirits, and he saw him making an attempt
to break the object Of 'llis visit, sn3
please your reverence while at dinner. Let
lus enjoy our meal at present; and when we
have discussed the ola, the capon, and a
bottle Of Yepes, it will be time enough to
turn to the cares of life"
The ecclesiastic's full face had never
beamed with more glee at the collation. on
Christmas eve, when, by the indulgence OF
the church, the fast is broken at sunset in
stead of continuing through the night, than
it did now under the influence of Don Ju-
lian's good humour and heart-cheering wine.
Still it was evident that some vehement and
nngovernable wish had taken possession of
his mind, breaking out now and then in
some hurried motion, some gulping up of a
full glass of wine without stopping to relish
the favour, and fifty other symptoms of abb
sence and impatience, which at such a dis
tance from the cathedral could not be attri-
buted to the afternoon bell. The time came
at length of rising from table, and in spite of
Don Julian's pressing request to have an
other bottle, the dean, with certain dignity
of manner, led his good-natured host to the
recess Of an oriel window, looking upon the
river" Allow me, dear Don Julian" he
said, g to open my heart to you, for even
your hospitality must fail to make me COM
pletely happy till have obtained the boon
which came to ask. know that no man
ever possessed greater power than you over
the invisible agents of the universe. | die
to become an adept in that wonderful sci
ence, and if you will receive me for your
pupil, there is nothing should think of suf-
ficient worth to repay your friendship"
ssGood sir" replied Don Julian, 81 should
be extremely 10th to offend you; but permit
me to say, that in spite of the knowledge of
causes and effects which have acquired, all
that my experience teaches me of the heart
of man is not only vague and indistinct, but
for the most part unfavorable. only guess,
cannot read their thoughts, nor pry into
the recesses of their minds. As for your
self, am sure you are rising man, and
likely to obtain the first dignities Of the
church. But whether, when you find your
self in, places of high honour and patronage,
You will remember the humble parsonage Of
whom you now ask hazardous and inn
portant service, it is impossible for me to as
certain.n
.Nay, nay,' exclaimed the dean, I" but !
know myself, if yom do not, Don Julian.
Generosity and friendship (sincc you force
me to speak in my own praise) have been
the delight Of my soul even from childhood.
Doubt not, my dear friend, (for by that name
7 ,v;sh Won would allow me TO call yOJ,)