The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-11-18

PART FIRST-Continusd
In costly elegance, within her homo,
A large assorted library could be found
Composed of many a valued, ponderous tome,
And modern works, all finely bound;
Medallions, manuscripts, and coins from Rome,
Were also in profuson scattered round
But as tho family did not tire themselves
With reading the books stsid on the shelves
Save when Verona gained an hour of leisure,
Which she improved in reading volumes there;
1t was to her more delightful pleasure
Than all her sisters entertainments rare;
Each chosen book became to her a treasure
BY which for future life she could prepare
And thus to all the household unbeknown,
She read and thought and studied there alone.
XLvIII.
At thirteen she was placed beneath tho tutor,
Who was trihng coxcomb and conceted
lie named her, sneoringly, " My Lady Pewter"
Discovering tho manner she was treated
To all she said would angry dispute her,
Although his patience often she ontreated;
And the man who Juas favor courted,
With special pains Nerona $ taus reported.
His heart was pierced with Julia's witching eyes
For she WAS like most beauties, a ooquette-
So he one day announced, 'twxt bows and signs,
That he give the book of some great poet
To his most perfect scholar, as prize,
And hoped the others would not feel regret,
If one (glancing at julia did receive,
What he with great felicity should give
On Julia's cheek the roses boomed anew,
The sparkes lomcd within her brilliant eye;
And whispered she within herself otis true
I'll win that prize; he plainly means that
Shall triumph" Minerva moro ambitious grew.
Verona thought, az have no hope TO try"
Two other girls who studied with the misses
Behind tho tutors back, throw at him kisses
Weeks pass away, and on the day appear
A troop of friends, who there had boen invited
For they had curiosity to hear
How the young ladies all recited
Julia did not betray the slightest fear,
And seemed unusually delighted;
For she had heard now praises from tho tdtor,
Who know precisely what to say to suit hor
First Julia sung and played on the piano,
And these she fourishsd on a wondrous crash on
Then sweetly lsped a poem from Rousseau,
Which she announced had always been her passion
Meanwhile taking especial care to show
Herself and dress which was in latest fashion.
And next succeeding short intermisron,
Minerva read lengthy composition.
my pupils now review the tutor said.
"And she who perfectly through all replies,
Shall of the class DO hencoforth called the head.
Moreover will receive the promised prise
A handsome volume, bound in gilt and red
And 40 wen now commence the exercise.
Friends to excuse Verona, You will please,
Az she is quite inferior to these
Verona bushod, and dropped her eyes with shame,
And liquid pearls ndown her bosom trioklod;
The girls, who thought it added TO their fame
Gasod round the company, politely toklsd
And Julia whispered II have thought the same
The child deserves to be severely picked
But one gentleman and stranger guest,
Did plying look, and laughed not with ths rest
LV.
They soon began. concise the tale to tollJ
Each answer with the teIt agreeing.
And suddenly seemed quite another being.
Minerva missed, her countsnance fell
She wept, although tho guests we're seeing.
Anon, two other pupils failed Likewise,
Until but two contended for the prize.
Twas julia and Verona then alone,
And Julia smiled, proudly defiant;
But whom the answering turn came next her own,
She Lost: the tutor ooughed-snd mono were Rant
Then next Verona won and, on the throne,
Received the works Of William Cullen Bryant:
"Iu crown our noble Queen F" the stranger said.
Thou placed q laurel wreath upon her bead.
LvII
"'Ti, all so strange IL surely is a dream"
She murmurcd low, and tainted in her place.
The girls, as usual, then began to scream,
Forgetting all their former airs OF grace
While like Q serpent's eyes did Julias CLEAN,
And angry bushes mounted to har face.
But none assisted, save the stranger guest,
Who laid her dropping head upon his breast
LVIIL
A" He's handsome as q prince" Minerva thought,
Remembering her defeat with new regret
Then, masking all chasrin, she Willy brought
Unto Verona, her own vinsgrettei
Thus the attention Of the stranger sought,
And smiled as she his appreciation met
Revive, dear child" she said unto her sister
N -. las c.nd lar