The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1849-07-14

preached the scaffold at the same space,
both mounted the scallold together, only
Costanza mounted by the side ofthe
priest, and AntonIello by the execution
er's. When they were on the platform
he would have darted to Costanza's side,
but the exrcutioner held him back,
while the prizes treta ined ostanza. Then
the notary unfolded parchment to
read its contents, it was the marriage
contract betweed Antoniello Carracciolo
and Costanza MaselIi; a contract by
which the loble lord gave his wife not
only his name and titles, but all his es-
tates.
Although the square was crowded
with persons; although this crowd exten
ded to the neighboring streets; although
each window was blocked with heads;
although the houses bore living roof;
there was such dead silence that not a
word was lost. But when the notary
had finished, they rent the air with their
cheers, they began to understand that,
notwithstanding the disparity of rank,
the regent had forced the count to re-
store the honor he had taken from the
poor peasant girl.
The marriage rites began; the priest
asked each for their consent, and each
inleliglbly pronounced the solemn yes
Then the nan Of God gave Antoniello
the nuptial ring, and he placed it on Cos
tanza's finger. They again knelt before
the priest, and he blessed them. The
spectators wept as they witnessed this
strange scene: when, all at once, the
same priest terminated the nuptial bene
diction by. the prayers for the dying.
At this change the crowd shuddered
with horror, fol it felt that terrible
catastrophe would close this exciting
drama.
Antoniello, like the Others was igno-
rant ofhis approaching fate; he cast ter
rifed glance around him, but ere he
could defend himself, they had tied his
hands, and had forced him to kneel be-
fore the block. Costsnza would have
chung to his side, but the priest separa-
ted them and placed his cross between
them. Antoniello saw that all was over
that his last hour had come, and that he
had but to meet it firmly He raised
his head said short prayer, and turn
ing to his weeping WIFE
we shall meet in heaven he cried,
and then placed his head on the block.
AT the same instant the executioner's
sw ord glistened in the..alr, and the crowd
recoiled with cry of horror, for Car
racciolo's head, which the executloner
had severed from his body at one blow,
had bounded from the block to the pave
ment, and fell at the feet OF those nearest
the scaffold.
The religious communities now came
to the scaFold; one ofmon, the other Of
women. The first laid claim to the
corpse the others carried away the sense
less Costanza. The crowd followed
their steps; in a short time the square
was empty, there was nothing left but
the CORY machine; an attestation Of the
reality of what had happened; a proof
to the Neapolitans that it was not a
dream.
When the square was empty, the man
who had come 10 witness the execution,
again appeared, followed by his guards,
but this time they conducted him to the
Duchess palace instead Of the Vacaria.
They preceded him through the same
apartments as before, and led him to the
same oralory. He found the regent in
the same place standing by the prize Dieu
with her hand on the gospels.
sWell.' asked Isabella, havc kept
my oath?'
sMost religiously madam the stranger
sNow, are you ready to keep yours!'
4 am ready
sWhere is the man whose he ad was to
be the price!'
Il am he, madam
knew it, said Isabella.
sThen,' he continues: swhat does your
highness require from me-
THAT you should be father to the Or
phan protector to the widow
sHow madam exclaimed Rocco.
Il can neither give justice MOI extend
by halves replied the regent,
then turning to The soldiers, this man is
free to go where he will; let him co.
she said, and then she re-entered the
public apartments with firm and assur-
ed step-the step of queen.
Costanza returned to Calabria with her
brother, for her poor mother required
her care. Rocco del Pizzo accompanied
1er, but on her mothers early death she
to Naples, and entering the con
vent which had already received her,
,ndowed it with her husbands immense
wealth.
Rocco followed her to Naples; but the
lay that she took the veil he seemed to
EEL his presence was no longer necessa-
y to her, and Disappeared; no one knew