The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1850-07-11

coarse robe of vassalage. The princess
herself was clothed in fine cotton, or
namented with the emerald and tur-
quoise. She wore also, when she LETT
the palace, a mantle of gorgeous teath-
er-work, while over her long black
tresses and high, pale forehead waved
the white and graceful plume of the
ostrich.
1t was her custom to walk often, at
evening, upon the roof of the palace,
accompanied by her maidens. The
prospect from thence was singnlarly
beautiful. On the one side lay the city
of Tezcuco, then the first in the en-
pire; on the other, the sparkling waters
Of the lake, s5gay with its light boats
and floating gardens while far down
in the distance appeared the fairy island
of the Lord of Estapalapan, and right
opposite the palaces, the teocallis and
busy streets of the ancient city of
Mexico.
But must hasten to my tale, for the
evening wanes. The time had been
appointed for the marriage of the prince
and princess. Active preparations had
been made throughout the empire, and
on the following day that event was to
take place which had been so long an
ticipated. The palace was scene Of
festivity and joy. The fragrance of
flowers filled the apartments, cooling
fountains were playing in the courts
and gardens, the countenance of the
old emperor beamed with smiles, and
the usual grave and thoughtful expires.
sion of the princely bridegroom had
given place to one of open gladness.-
The sweet bride had sat all day in her
own apartments, surrounded by her
maidens; sometimes sitting in pensive
silence, the lights and shadows passing
by turn over her lovely face, and some
times singing snatches of sweet songs,
with voice so full of melody that they
seemed 10 overflow from her very heart.
So the day at length passed on, and
twilight was deepening into night, when
the prince sought Torquosa, and they
ascended together the palace roof. 1t
was such an evening as this. The
moon shone brightly over the stately
city and the clear waters, while the
royal lovers walked together and talked
Of the glowing future with as much
happiness as If their lot had not been
50 high
The large, bold eyes Of the prince,
that flashed so terrible upon his enc.
mics, were now soffened into love; and
the voice SO high and loud. that If was
hoo ri throughout his hn~s~ ara tho r1a'ass
of battle, was now as low and sweet as
the music of the Castilian .lute. And
we'll might he thus look and speak,
when he gazed upon those features, SO
full of trusting affection and radiant
hope. The cheek of the princess seemed
to glow with brighter and richer
bloom than ever before, and an un.
wonted light and beauty sparkled an
her clear eyes.
"They tell me-" she said, "that thi:
world is one of sorrow; but | have
never found it so. My path has evel
been like that Of yonder moon through
the serene heavens; no clouds have
crossed il, and such the astrologers tel
me il shall be to the end. l believe
them. and rejoice for thy sake. Yes
nv beloved, thy path and mine are ths
same. and while I live it shall neve
be darkened."
aAh! truly" replied the enrapturet
prince. forgetting his philosophy: 81
shall be as thou hast said; while tho'
liyest | shall never know darkness, to
thou shalt be to me perpetual light
While the prince and princess wer'
thus conversing, they did not observe
female tgure, which crouched at a Int
tie distance from them, and hstene'
breathlessly to their words. twas tn
figure of an Aztec slave, who had beeI
taken captive by the prince in war, am
presented to his destined bride. Whel
thew turned TO descend into the palace
she was gone. She had entered thei
presence unperceived, and unperceive
departed. The prince accompanies
Torouosa to her apartments, where the.
separated with a cheerful "good night.
The princess was Immediately SUI
rounded by her attendants, who assist
ed to disrobe her, and she lay dow
upon her couch with light and haI
nv heart. She had sunk into a sol
and pleasant slumber, and her maiden
also were wrapped in profound rePose
when a light and stealthy tread NIGH
have been heard in her chamber, an
the form Of the Aztec slave bent owe
her. With . malignant and enviou
gaze the wretched menial bent her ey
upon that innocent, unconscious face
Torquosa's long, dark tresses fell like
cloud over her delicate bosom, on
glowing cheek rested on . slende
transparent hand, a smile still lingere
on her lips, and over all, like q glow
sunlight, was shed that lofty and seren
expression which marked her Tolte
origin.
SBeautifal and happy" exclaime
the Aztec, abeautiful and happy, roya
and beloved, thou shalt not live. In
prince adore issthy lover-thy hui
band tomorrow. To-morrow![wher
wilt thou be tomorrow No! his pat
shall no longer be illuminated BY thee
So, the astrologers have tofetold tha
thy life shall be always happy, but tho
canst die! Az, die in thy youth, tn
bloom. and bv tho hand OF an alle