Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-06-17
miscellaneous.
THE CARNIVAL.
OR THE MOCK MARRIAGE.
by JULES JANIN


IT was the gay season of the Carnival
The streets of Vienna thronged with mot
ley professions, and music and the merry
laugh and voice of pleasure were substitu-
ted for the hum of commerce, the serious
tones of business, and the brow of care
The city had put on its holiday suit, and
mirth and revelry reigned from hall to hov-
ell. Night came, and the streets were filled
with maskers on their way to various places
of amusement. The gorgeous hall of the
hotel de fEmpereur was lighted up with the
slpendor of noon, and its carriages and GALE
ches ofthe elite; and graceful and stately wo-
men in masks, and noble appearing men in
rich costumes, alighted from them and as
cended the broad stair to the hall, to which
they were directed by the sounds of music
and revelry, that gaily reached the ear
Beside the door stood marshals to receive
the swords of the gentleman, at the same
time, according to the usual regulations,
commanding each as he passed to lift his
or her mask, the object of the first being to
prevent blood shedding in chance quarrel =;
that of the latter to see that no improper
person entered.
"Nay, Sieur Marshal, thou shalt not have
my sword, nor, by mine honor, will lift a
mask at any mans bidding.
These were the words spoken by tall
but evidently youthful masker, representing
Venetian cavalier. The elegant and grace
full costume displayed his fine person to ad
vantage; whilst his lofty and naughty car
riage gave an air of truth to the assumed
character, for never did cavalier of Ven
ice carry himself with nobler bearing. He
wore a slender rapier at his side, ant
his face was closely concealed in blacl
silk visor. A snowy plume depending
from from his velvet cap swept his left shoul
der, from which his scarlet mantle, silvere'
with embroidered flowers, fell gracefully a
low as his breast. On his arm hung grace
full female figure, slight form, but ofprou
carriage. She wore the costume of a nobl
Venetian lady, and was masked in a half VI
sor of silk, which left exposed a chin an
neck of the most exquisite beauty.
The voice of the cavalier, as he answer
ed the marshal, was arrogant and defyin(
The corridor without was thronged wit
maskers, waiting to enter, and regardin
with surprise and curiosity this extraordin;
ny scene.
"Nay, then, monsieur" replied the ma
shall, placing his sword across the entranc'
"thou shalt not pass"
81 will not be stayed by servitor of til
hall Stand aside, marshal !" said the ca'
alier fercely, and he drew his sword al
struck down the weapon that opposed hin
Ho; Les gems d'armes Ho! Il
guard p shouted the marshal, which was r
peated by the crowd without.
Arretez cous, monsieur" challenged
second marshal within the door, placing Il
point of his sword at his breast.
But the bold cavalier struck it aside, ar
passing into the hall mingled with the thror
of maskers before he could be arrested, al
when the gems darmes arrived, he was n
discovered with the strictest search
Half an hour elapsed, and monk of Il
Capuchin order came to the door and app
ed for admittance. His cowl was down al
his features invisible.
"Lift your cowl, good father :" ask
the marshal.
"Nay-the rule applies not to me Mas
only are ordered to be lifted" answered
Capuchin."
But dost thou not call the cowl a mas
1t surely is, or thou art a true monk, a
as such can have no business here"