Saturday morning visitor., 1848-08-12

sions. They met corps of Cossacks, by
far superior in numl er. The nature Of
the ground rendered flight difficult. An
action commenced. Ataiuk fell pierced
by the first bullets Of the enemy. A ter
rible conflict follows the first firing. A.
lamir performs wonders Of bravery TO save
the corpse of The prince; for, like the he,
roes Of the llias, the Circassians never per-
nit their dead companions in arms TO be-
come prey 10 The foe. He succeeds, ai-
:er having killed three Cossacks. Profit
ing by the disorder in which his courage.
has thrown the enemies, he charges his
sleed with double burden, and leaves
with his small retinue. The Cossacks
soon gave up pursuing the warriors of
Caucasus on their dangerous roads un-
known to them; nor would the attempt
have availed, OIL account Of the swifness
Of the Circassian horses.
Alamir sends messenger in advance,
TO announce the calamity TO the princess.
He stops at spring TO chanse the dead
body of tn, chief from blood and dust.---
Ere long the cry of loment is heard. Ev-
ry body hastens TO the path which leads
TO the spring. Women, children, old men,
warriors, break out in wailing. Amidst
the disconsolate crowd stands Eunitzah in
her grief, like young oak struck by light
ming. The women surrounding her can
hardly restrain the outburs,ings of her,
grief. Sobblng, she throws herself on
the corpse of her father, and in tone OF
reproach she exclaims-
"Alamir! Alamir why has thy cour-
age not second time the life OF thy
prince ?"
"Eunitzah," replied the young hero,
'the discharge of the gun is quicker than
steel. Why did the bullet, which killed
thy fathey, not hit me? But have re-
venged my prince, and thou canst wet
with tears his grave"
| Slowly they proceeded to the house,
Every one coutests the honor 10 carry the
mortal remains of Ataink..
The day after the funeral an assembly
of the people is called to decide the fate of
| the lovers. The old men decree, that Eu-
nitzah, agreeably TO the former contract,
be married to the son Of Beekmirzan, and
the young chief be declared prince and
successor of Atajuk. In vain Eunitzah
protests that twas impossible fol her to
have the nuptial song SO soon succeeding
to the dirge. In objection TO her refusal,
the Council represents TO her the necessi-,
ty OF electing new chief, and the fear of
war with the Russians or Mountaineers.
EunitEah yields apparently, and the fe-
rocious Ormiassin exults in joy; he be-
lieves already in the possession of the
most beautiful maiden of the valley, the
rich domain and poa er Of Atsjuk.
The day is appointed, tomorrow the
ancient league of both tribes is 10 be con-
frmed by a new alliance satisfactory 10
all desires and interests The young girls
are busy 10 ornament the dwelling Of Eu-
nitzah with garlands Of flowers. The
young warriors run from place to place,
mingling amorous ditties with the sounds
Of the musical band at their head. Ala.
mir is their leader, and his gaiety surpass-
es the joyousness of all.
The shadows of night interrup, the moi
sy preparations Of ceremony v hich is TO
commence with lhe first rays of new
sun that is to gree; both tribes united thro'
the youthful couple in the holy grove.
According 10 the ancient custom of this
people, the night preceding marriage is to
be spent in devotion and prayer; 10 in
dulge in sleep would be impious. Eunit-
zah dresses in the virginia. robe, and winds
the wreath of innocence in her hair.---.
Next 10 The apartment in which she keeps
lonely vigiis, are her playmates in the f.
nest attire. Every hour Eunitzah makes
her voice heard, and reeites, some verses
OF the hymenial song, which are respond
ed TO by her companions. Then all be-
comes silent again until the next hour
While the choir answers the second time,
Euntzah openS, the door and calls in a.
child that is aifsclionaiely attached 10 her.
She says; Is
"My head burns, / must take the air.
Remain here. cannot 60 so 10 the holy
grove tomorrow. Come, my darling.
take my place, and when my playmates
sing the third verse. answer, Initiating NV
voice., Pay attention to the hour glass. u
Before the first dawn Of morn shall be
back again."
The child, proud Of the confidence sS
her mistress, takes her place, Eunilzah
wraps herself up in her veil, conoeals a,
dagger in the. folds of her garment, ss-
capes through the window, and proceeds
towards the holy grove. a
Dark Is the night its silence Is inter-
rupled BY the nuptial song dying away in
the distance. She has passed most oi the
wOods-the dwellings are out Of eight
the forest receives her. A wide path
brings heFto The hurst dedicated 10 the. q,
cred celebration. Nobody 10 allowed, un-
deE The penalty oi death, 10 enter il ex-
eept on festival days. ~
Il 4 Il is there that she is 10 bsilnised 10 the
detes.ed Prince. She enters the sublime