Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-06-05

present.
The Arch-hicreus signed again; tn
torch was applied 70 the robes. and quicl
and lurid up sprung tho flames. Al ths
same moment tho curtain WINS swept bacl
aud the light flashed upon the arms of ths
Greek soldiers.
Draw forward the infidel!" cried thu
Arch-hicrcus, and he was obeycd.
"Now!" cried clear sweet voice from
amid the soldiers; and at tho word they
sprang from the ranks and dashed toward
the FIRE. In an instant the priests who held
Cleon were stretched upon the floor, stunn-
ed; the torch bearer was struck down; the
cords upon the young mans arms were
cut, and he was borne to the door.
Betrayed" said the Arch-hierciis. and
for moment amazemcnt deprived him of
the power Of motion. The next, however
he sprnng TO his feet; seized the sacriHcial
axe, and sent it crushing through helm and
brain of the nearest soldiers. Then the
knives of the priests and swords Of the
soldiery were drawn. But before another
blow could be struck, there arose shout.
"The Shrine is on the fire!"
And it was SO. The burning garments
had been scattered about; the flames had
been communicated TO the amphoroe Of
gums, and to the long dried and tindcr-like
relics hung upon the shrine. When the
combatants turned to look, they saw the
quick vivid tongues Of fame ascending
rapidly, winding amid the rich tracery Of
the carved-work, and soaring momently
higher and higher. 1t was useless 10 at
tempt quenching the conAagration, and
each thought but of saving himself. When
they reached the outside, the flames were
bursting from the caves. All! it was a
strange and an awful sight. The sentinels
upon the walls began the cry of "fre!"-
The trumpet sounded "to arms" from the
gusernatorial palace; and as the soldiers
issued from its gates, each shouted "fre!"
And the thousands within the city started
afirghted from their dreams, hastily DOM
ed their clothes and issued from THAR homes
to swell the tide of the human ocean, that
poured through the streets pealing with its
countless voices, "ire''
Soon, in the great square before the tenn
pie, they were gathered; mute with awe
as they watched the mighty element exul-
ting in its work of devastation, wreathing
round pillar aud capitol; glaring from with
in the temple through the gatcless door
ways; splitting the white marble of the
stately walls; and sending up its dim smoke
cnamelled with pointed tongues of fame,
to the sky.
And over all spread the calm heaven
with its solemn stars. Then the roof
swayed and the cracking Of its mighty tim
bers rose above the roar Of the fire. Fier-
Ger and liercer it grew, and the quivering
ofthat great roof was like the qvivcring Of
town shaken by an earthquake Onemo-
ment it trembled-and then with crash
that shook the city it fell forever. One soar
of the triumphant fire, one mighty spread
ing ofits flaming banner one fountain-burst
of sparks that made the very stars seem
pale, and then it smouldcred.
And the smoke hung over the ruins like
a pail. As with one mind the multitude,
except some twenty who stood together,
fell PROSTATE TO the earth. From those
still erect came a shout, "Laudamus!" and
one voice cried aloud in stern irony, GREAT
Is DIANA OF ErHEsUs!