Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1852-10-21

lCatlOn WIN Inc wisdom ana learning Ol sage;
4 heart where every generous and kind emotion
has found home; vlr,ue that has been tried in
he fiery ordeal of woe, and found pure as the
shining ore that energies from the severest test,
without spot and without Flemish; character,
in short, my brother, which, like the sunbeam
of Heaven, must shed universal brightness and
gladness around
Theodosius had listened with looks OF won
dering delight TO his sisters glowing description
of the young Grecian, and when she closed, he
said:
'You have, indeed, dear Pulcheria, described
a wondrous being-such an one as only the
brightest day-dreams have ever imaged TO my
soul, and my spirit pines TO behold her. But if
she is all you so brightly picture, she is surely
capable Of feeling an elevated and noble attach
ment-a love founded on pure and divine prn-
ciples. Such love have long sighed TO ava
a true and sincere affection have |
ardcntly wished TO inspire. But, surrounded
by a host of admiring friends and followers, who
applaud and ilatter and offer me the servile ho-
mage Of interested hearts, | still vainly seek
and pine for that unaloyed affection which all
desire TO obtain. The attentions, the praises,
the aduations which are paid TO my rank, and
not TO myself, and satisfy me not; as the droop
ing flower thrsts for the dew, my soul thirsts
for the language Of truth for the words of pure
and sincere esteem. Ir | could WOO this young
maiden as a lowy and humble individual, might
| not win a love that the favored of fortune sell
dom possess, and that kings often sigh for in
vain?" ?"
Pulchera approves her brothers sentiments,
and assures him that his desire can be gratiicd.
They arrange that he is to gaze unseen upon the
fair stranger, and then unknown, seek TO win
her love. Concealed behind the drapery III his
sisters apartment, he awaits the entrance of
Athenas, who has been summoned to the pres
encc Of Pulcheria With what delight he be-
holds her radiant face and listens TO her silvery
voice! His ardent Imagination finds the org-
nal fairer, if possible than the picture his sis
ter had so vividy drawn, and his youthful heart
beats rapidly beneath the touch of Love. He can
scarcely await the fitting season for the interview,
and longs lmpatiently for the appointed hour.
As Ec led quiet and secluded life, it was Ca
sy for ThcodoSuS TO practice the innocent de-
ception which he had planned and in humble
garb he was introduced TO Athenais as one OF
the tutors of the young Emperor. Pulcheria
daily devised excuses for an interview between
the young pair, and by that means the lover had
u" necessary opportunities TO carry on his plan.
Every one who approached Athenas was in
structcd in the secret, and commanded not TO
divulge it, thus she had not the most remote
suspicion of the truth. Feeling none Of the III
midity which would have characterized her in
tercourse with him. had she dreamed of his rank,
and grateful for his respectful attentions, Athe-
nais soon extended TO the young tutor her con-
fdencc and regard. 1t was not long ere warm
er sentiment sprung up in her heart and lent a
new charm TO her life Then indeed, all things
s,,iliDg o,l, spal hN-p on tlS .
wings Of JOY.
/ Athenais became daily greater favorite with
the Empress, and, receiving from her constantly
the most uncquiYocal marks of regard, she
ceased 10 feel her dependant situation, and BAN
shed from her mind all thoughts Of care. She
was grateful and happy--Her heart, like a sum
mer bird, warbled forth necessarily the music
of delight. She was surrounded by every com
fort and luxury of life; she loved and was be-
loved! What contrast with her erlrend
less condition. With what happy dreams anr
anticipationS she looked forward TO the future
One day, while indulging this pleasant frame o
mind, she received a message from the Empres'
bidding her TO an interview. With light stcl
and lighter heart, she entered the presence Q
her hcneractor.
We'll, my bird Of beauty said Pucheria, 'ar
thou not happy in thy new bow
The naidcn's face was radiant with the sun
shine of the soul, as she replied
Not even in the days of innocent childhood
when wandered by the shores of my own blu
sea, OF deckel my brow with the flowers of m
dear native plains, did my heart revel more glad
ly in the JOY Gus sense Of existence. | am II
longer a friendleSs houseless exile; for thor
dear lady, hast supplied the place of country
kindred, and home. What can / do TO sery
theG?' .