Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-09-11
ALCIBIADEs, BAN1sHMENT:
HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE AND hts DEATH.

At the close of a summers day might have been
seen, many years ago, man walking pensively along
the banks of small stream in Phrygia. His noble
and commanding appearance, well-knit brow, manly
form, dark and piercing eye, stamped him as one OF
Natures noblemen, while his rich and luxurious
dress denoted rank and station. He walked along
seemingly wrapped in thought; sometimes, as Ii 10
rid himself of gloomy feelings quickenIng his pace,
but soon, unable to overcome them, relapslng INTO
his former measured tread. That man was Alclbl-
AIDES, tossed by the tide Of popular ngrati,ude on the
barren and inhospilable shores Of Phryga, driven
into exile by the people whose idol he had been.-
His walk ended at his castle.
The door opened and servant advanced to in
form him that his evening meal was ready. His mas
ter with an impatient gesture of the hand waved him
away, aud slowly followed him.
Alcbiades entered the castle, and was ushered INTO
room of accurate proportions, furnished most COM
forlabiy and aselully. AT the upper end OF the
room was round table, covered with delicate and
delicious food. There were also large vases filled
with water, of crystal clearness, and pieces ol ice
Noated in the water There were also vases OF winei
cooled in the same manner and IN one beautiful gol-
den vase costly wine, most agreeably periumed
Reclining onsasSouch was beautiful woman-
Her ase was iweniy-seven, but one would hardly be-
lieve Judging by her appearance; ha! she had passed
the limits Of youth. The figure was graceful in the
extreme, and white tunc that fell in graceful folds
10 her feet confined at the waist by broad white
sash, bul partially concealed the free but graceful
movements of her rounded figure. Her hair was
adorned by golden grass-hopper. II was an ar
cieni belief among the Greeks that they had COM
mon origin with these insects in her ears were large
gold hoops. fastened by large pearls of uncommon
beauty, and from the back OF her head flowed long
white veil.
This was Timandra, the wife OF Alcibiades. She
was silent as if asleep Alcibades advanced toward
the couch on which she was reclining, took her hand
and pressed it 10 lis lips This aaeclonate greeting
aroused her, and she spoke words of love and vel
come A servant appeared with basins Of water
They washed and annointed themselves, and then re-
clined al their ease preparatory 10 the enjoyment o
lI&y fourth meal
=, moments confused and solemn sound
was Id ssas Of an approaching army. The earth
trembles 2Eat the thought of what was TO ensue
Alcbiadd Ned from his seat, seized his spear and
hastened 10 The door. lie looked and gazed in vain
for the darkness of the night obscured the surround
ing Objects but still lhd eullen sounds grew nearer
aud more near. Alcbia( ss knew not what to think
or do He had no soldiers, and the few trussy fol-
| lowers who remained We're nsufclentlo defend his
castle Acibiades retired TO his room, and there in
voking the aid OF the gods grded himself as if ol
war. While thus occupied he heard g tremendous
shout and at the same instant the room was filled
with flames and smoke. He rushed TO the door,
Timandra, in alright clasped him in her arms. he
sal Timandra, fear not all is we'll" He then rush
ed orward---aames and smoke arrestng has progress
and destroying all that was once beautiful.
AS he appeared at the door, another fierce shou
arose from BODY ol men, armed with spears and
sings, who surrounded The castle Acibiades called
to his servants, and, blahdishing his spear, pierced
the crowd. Soon his weapon was dyed with hdmar
blood javelins fell thick and fast about him. A
first he needed them not. but at last he fell, pierced
with wounds His enemies surrounded him, and he
was soon at rest
The Sparans wished TO carry his body to their
city but Timandla begged SO earnestly for his re-
mains that they consented, moved by her touching
appeals.
Thus died Alcibiades, Of Athens greatest gen.
erals.