The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-06-09

sought 10 ocCtltt buNl HiifABli huO Ctnclcs
and bis courage and confidence in himself
and in his destiny seemed suddenly to re-
vise. why should | die Of this stroke?'
said he: am then so very eldi That dog
which lies there looking at me out Of the
corner, and which was ripped up by the
stag-he is yet worse than | am: he is not
possessed Of all the appliances and means
for the recovery Of health with which am
surrounded: none pray for him. And yet
they say he will recover. Well, then, 1
too will recover! swear by the blessed
Virgin iciu. 1t is the want of air and Of
nourishment which is killing me: it is this
confinement to my couch which turns my
brain. | will rise and take turn in the
gallery, or breathe the fresh air; OF else |
shall 90, ! think, into the town, and show
myself to the people--not as miserable
invalid, but in my hood and doublet OF
crimson silk, lined with ermine; OF, better
still. my rich dress Of cloth Of gold: it can
not be much worn, for / only used it once;
yes, the day ! went TO meet the lord high
constable. Let it be brought TO me direct
ly; and order my horse to be saddled; let
him. too, be richly csparisoned with his
Persian embroidered housings. You, my
good friends, can come along with ms, and
in case should need little support, will
lend helping hand. Come, let Us lose no
time.' -es.a .s --
Those whom he thus addressed took all
these vain words for passing deliTiun; but
with q movement Of impeIuous haste he
threw Off his bedclothes, and sprung from
his couch. The faithful greyhound, per.
ceiving this unexpected movement, raised
himself, not without effort, from bis bed, and
haslened with feeble steps towards his mas
Ter. But weak az were tho demonstrations
Of Joy which the poor animal could al this
moment show. even they were too much for
the exhausted frame Of the sufferer: he STUN.
bled. and sunk fainting on the floor. The
monk gently lifted him 10 his couch, whilst
tie unconscious offender was driven rudely
10 bis bed. When the patient recovered
from his swoon, he peevishly exclaimed. 1t
was that accused greyhound which tripped
me up; but will make another attempt
you must not stir! cried the physician
in tone Of command which kept him pas.
sive as child; whilst, as he locked on all
around, and saw CONSERVATION and dismay
in every countenance, a psng Of anguish
shot across bis heart, for he felt that the "a.
tai hour was ar hand.
II ever man feared death, il was be who
now lay on that bed of anguish. The very
word was so hateful to him, that he had
long forbidden it should be uttered ia his
presence. And yet, for the sake OF his
souls safety, he did not wish to allow this
dreadful hour to come upon him unswares.
He therefore signed to the man with the
inkhorn to approach him, and bend over hi:
couch. The latter obeyed; anf the sufferer
gasping for breath, feebly whispered in hi:
ear, My faithful servant, il is possible thai
this illness may end badly for me; but do
not wish that the news should be conveyed
to ME in any other way than that on which
we have already agreed; and fin a few
weeks--in few days-perhaps-I should
be in danger of--may God avert such ar
evil he added, interrupting hinself-'re
member only to say those few words
"Speak but litlle!" that will suffice
Whilst he thus whispered his wishes ia
his conhdant, the physician was engaged in
conversation with the bald.headed man
whom we before noticed standing in the
corner. This latter now approached the
sick mans couch; and as the restless sui.
ferer turned from his friend, he beheld this
pale and sinister countenance bending over
his pillow, and heard this voice, more harsh
than sorowlul, saying to him, almost with
out preamble, Neither prayers nor RENE.
dies can longer avail you sught; you must
prepare yourself to die in holy manner,
as all good Christians should do. The
event is inevitable. and probably near at
hand. 1t is 10 me painful duty to an.
nounce it to you. as it is doubtless to you a
painful task to- The dying man, with a
shudder, turned in his bed. His eyes wer.
haggard; his lips compressed with rage; and
he darted upon the speaker such look oil
concentrated fury and despair, that he
caused him to pause in his speech. A mo-
ment Of awful silence ensued, which the
sufferer was the first TO break. T..
Il am not yet said be, fallen so low as
you seem TO think. Besides, had only
two moments to live, hers am the master,
and can still punish whatsoever has dared
to disobey me, and to dispute my will.
Yes, ! swear il, on my souls salvation,
amongst those now present, it is not | who
shall be first 20 diep As he thus spoke, he
rs sed to his lips a small silver whistle
which hung suspended near bis bed. The
monk laid bis hand upon his arm. and said
in q voice which was still firm, though ex.
Pressiye Of deep emotion, And God! the
Almighty God! do you forget that soon, very
soon. you may be standing before Himl'
God will grant me absolution, father,
and so will you; for it is an act of Justice
which | am about to accomplish. This
man has many crime to answer for
Sinner replied the monk in tone Of
deep esrnestness, it is God alone who has
right 10 be swift in executing His iudg.
mentsl The justice Of man should be slow,
Tor he is blind and liable to err. Retract
what you have said; if moi, neither from God
nor from me can you hope to receive abso.
lutionp sr - fa
The dying man listened in gloomy ST.
lence; and after a moment of reflection, re-
piled in a voice which was more subdued
than before. but which yet betrayed ill.sup.
pressed passion, And this oath, on which