Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-04-08
.nlisfellanenus.
PRINCE SIGISMUND.
A TRADITION OFPOLISH HISTORY.
From Gndev,s Lnhy,s Roo
BY MRS. L. +. ELLET.

BY MRS. L. #. ELLET,
A LIGHT was burning dimly in the lofty
turret of the royal palace in the Polish cap
ital-many hundred years ago. The night
was fiercely tempestuous black brooding
masses of clouds were rent continually by
CLEANS of lightning, and the sullen thunders
burst forth ever and anon, while the rain
drove in furious dashes against the case
ments, and the wind caused the solid walls
to tremble. The streets of the city were ST.
lent and deserted. Few would venture out
in so wild a storm-and not many in those
days were shelterless, for the number of in
habitants were not yet dsproportioned to the
dwellings.
Within the turret middle-aged man was
busily at work. The apartment was low and
narrow, and Uttered with astronomical in
struments. Several manuscript volumes, with
worm-eaten bindings, were scattered about ;
and a parchment, covered with heroglyph-
les, lay on the table Oh which the lamp stood.
The man was dressed in a loose robe of serge,
with head uncovered; but a certain dignity
of mien bespoke him no ordinary person.
Such, indeed, he was not; it Basilius
one OF the early monarcns OF roland. His
renown as a warrior was spread over all the
countries of the north, and his reputation
for wisdom and science was yet more wide
" extended. 1t was currently believed that
he was deeply skilled in knowledge of oc-
cult things, and many who would not have
feared to stand before his proves in battle,
dreaded conflict with one whose powers
were supposed to transcend the limits of hui
man sagacity.
The astrologer monarch, as we have said,
was busily occupied. Now he adjusted the
globes, and consulted the hieroglyphics and
one of the worm-eaten volumes; now he
would ascend into sort of observatory and
remain there some moments, although the
raging of the elements without allowed no
favorable opportunity for contemplating the
heavens. The result ofhis calculations SEEM
ed to be anything but satisfactory. A deep
gloom sat upon his noble features, and he
moved about his task mechanically, like one
impelled by some irresistible power, yet sad
dened by every new discovery. When was
it otherwise with the sage since Adam tast-
ed the fruit of knowledge forbidden
A heavy step was heard ascending the
stairs. Basius suddenly ceased from his
work, and stood STILL every feature express
sive of the most intense expectation. The
narrow door opened, and a man entered.
well, Clotald, what tidings? Speak
quickly"
You have a son, my lord"
"The moment of his birth-thou hast il
written down exactlyW
1t is here, my lord y and the attendant
handed piece of writing to the king.
"Thou hast done well, ClotaId Descend
now, and bring me word of the queens
health"
The man obeyed in silence. Basilius re.
sumed his labors After few moments, ar
expression of profound anguish passed ovel
his face his lips worked convulsively; he
let fall the parchment he held, staggered
backward, and with a low groan sank into
seat.
Half an hour might have elapsed after this
when the door was again opened, and Clio
tald once more appeared. This time his face
was pale, and he was GREATNESS with haste
"rhou needst not speak now !" exclaimed
the king, wildly, and starting to his feet. 81
know it ALL know the queen is dying
Clotald placed his hand upon his heart
and bent his head with gesture of grief
Basilus passed him, and descended the stair
with trembling steps
In an apartment furnished with the ut
most magnifcence of those days, surround
ed by attendants, lay the feeble queen, who
having just become mother, was about Il
leave this world Her husband leaned owe
her with looks of despair; her hand wa
closely locked in his, and her CLASSY eye fix
ed on his face There was a deep silence
for all knew that the queens last momen
was approaching, and none dared, even by la
mentation, disturb the solemnity ofthe scene
At length the dying mother, in voic
scarcely articulate, made known her desir
to see her infant. The helpless child wa
brought to the bedside. She signed that
should be placed in the fathers arms; the
smiled, and pointed upward, as if commend
ing the helpless one to paternal care, anc
with that trusting smile upon her lips, expired
Many days passed ere the bereaved MOI
arch would admit even his most favored SCI
want TO his presence At last the Baron Gle
tald was summoned to the royal closet. ii
found his master calm, though pale and char
ged in aspect. 1t seemed as if all the jo
of life was gone, and but its sorrow, the bi
ter fruit of knowledge, remained
Clotald," he began, abruptly, as the ba