Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1846-07-15
Z q Z, will VII DO whatI can" replied the peas

e5.5tls
q will do what can" replied the peas
ant.
Then Massacio (such was the name of
the peasant) took a hedgebill which hung
at his girdle, and cutting branch of tree
strong enough to bear a man-ssListen,
huntsman,'' said he, $40 what am about
70 oaay to- you. = will let down this branch
into the pit. will fasten it against the
sides, and hold it with my hands; and by
pulling yourself out by it, you may get
free from your prison.'
"Good," answered Vitalis, task me any,
thing you will, and it shall be granted
81 ask for nothing" said the peasant,
"but am going to be married, and you
may give what you like to my BRIDE"
So saying Massacio let down the branch
he soon felt it heavy, and the moment af.
ter, monkey leaped merrily out of the
pit. He had fallen like Vitalis, and seiz-
ed quickly upon the branch of Massacio.
''lt was the devil, surely, that spoke to me
from the pitt" said Massacio, running away
in alright.
"Do you abandon me, then?' cried vi
tails, in lamentable accent; ssMy friend,
my dear friend, for the love of the Lore.
for the love Of your mistress, draw me out
of this; ! beg, | implore you; | will give
her weddinggifts, will enrich you. | am
the Lord Vitalis, rich Venetian; do not
let me die of hunger in this horrible pitt
Massacio was touched by these prayers.
lie returned to the pit-let down another
branch, and lion jumped out, making the
woods echo with a roar ofdelight
"Oh, certainly, certainly it was the devil
heard" said Massacio, and fled away a.
gain; but stopping short, after few PAGES,
ne heard again the piercing cries Of vi.
tails.
"Oh God! oh God!" cried he, 'sto die Of
hunger in pit. Will no one then come
to my help? Whoever you may be, i'm.
plore you return; let me not die, when you
can save me. will give you house, anc
field. and cows, and gold, all that you can
ask for; save me, save me only. ''sse-7
Massacio, thus implored, could not hell
returning. He let down the branch, and
serpent, Kissing joyously, sprang out of the
pit. Massacio fell on his knees, half dead
with fear, and repeated all the prayers he
could think of to drive away the demon.
He was brought to himself by hearing the
cries of despair which Vitalis uttered.
'Will no one help me?" said he, "at
then must | die? 0 God! O God!' and he
wept and sobbed in heart-breaking man
ner. .- Ga. ~.
"lt is certainly the voice of man, fol
all that" said Massacio. ~
"Oh, if you are still there" said Vitalis
Sin the name of all that is dear to you save
me, that may die at least at home and no
in this horrible pit. can say no more
my voice is exhausted. Shall I give yo,
my palace at Venice, my possessions, my
honor? | give them all; and may die if.
forfeit my word. Life, life only; save only
my life" ~ So.
| Massacio could not resist such prayers
and mingled with such promises. He le
down the branch again, which Vitalis in
stantly seizing extricated himself, and ut
tering cry Of joy he, tainted in the arm.
of Massacio.
Massacio sustained and assisted him, ant
brought him to himself; then, giving hin
his arm, ''let u.s." said he, 'quit this forest,
but Vitalis could hardly walk-he was ex
hausted with hunger.
"Eat this piece of Bread" said Massa
clio, and he gave him some, which he tool
out of. his wallet.
a"My benefactor, my saviour, my GOO
angel, !" said Vitalis, show can | ever sui
ficiently recompense you!"
You have promised me marriage por
ton for my bride, and your palace at We
nice for myself said Massacio. But vi
tails now began to regain his strength.
"Yes, certainly, will give portion tt
your wife, my dear Massacio, and will
make you the richest peasant of your will
age. Where do you live?"
"At Capalatta in the forest; but woult
; willingly quit my village to establish mysel
at@venice, in the palace you have promised
me-" '5
4 "Here we are out of the forest" sale
! Vitalis, 81 know my road now; thank you
Massacio." ~ q n
"But when shall come for my palace
and the portion of my intendedp inquired
the peasant. h'f "
Vitalis went to Venice, and Massacio L
Capalatta, where he related his adventure
to his mistress, telling her what rich
portion shewasto have, and what fine
palace she was to live in. ga
]. The nextd day early he set out for Venice
and asked for the palace Of the Signor vi
tails went straight to it, and told the do
mestics that he should come shortly with
| his mistress, in a fine carriage, to take pos
session Of the palace which the .Signor vi
tails had promisedto give him. Massaccie
appeared 10 those who heard him mac, ,ane
I -lVitalis was told there was q, peasant Il -.