New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1852-02-03
DAILY CRESCENT.
OFFICIAL JOURNAL
of THE COUNCIL OF THE SECOND MUNICIPALITY.
From the Illustrated Family Friend.
W0MAN'S MAGNANIMITY; '
OR, HEART TRIALS IN HIGH PLACES.
Sketch Of the Days of William and Mary.
15n fflrs. Eel. Il. Gfbnings.

Sketch Of the Days of William and Mary
asn fflrs. HI. Z. efpptngs.
CHAPTER ".
Oh what tangled web we weave.
When first we practise to deceive. tScott
The Prince of Orange and his favorite Minis
ter Bentick were by themselves, in the privat
apartments of the former Bentick, it is vel
known, was his confidential companion, and, no
not adviser; for thinking the Princes judgmen
superior TO all others, he never presumed to ad
wise. He was the bosom companion of the Prince
his confident, his second-self One to WHOM
every thought of William was impaired, as soor
as conceived; there was no thought Of William
mind that did not find its resting place witt
Bentick, who, though he took greater libertie
with the Prince than any other man would hav,
dared, and spoke with freedom; still it was taker
in the true spirit of friendship Besides, Will
liam owed him a debt of gratitude, which ht
thought whole life of devotion would scarcely
repay.
The Prince, in early life, had been for many
weeks stretched on a bed of pain and suffering
with loathsome and infectious disease; all who
had not suffered the malady fled atfrighted, Ben
tick alone, remained, exposed to the infection
Never for an instant did he leave the sufferer
attending him with the skillfulness of the
'sleech." and the unwearied watchful tender.
ness of woman. lowering around the bel Of
anguish with noiseless step, he suffered no medi-
cine to touch Williams lips but what passed
through his hands. When the patient was pro-
nounced convalescent, then only, did he request
leave of absence, then it was, that, finding ex.
haustel nature could hold out no longer, he took
his bed, and having contracted the disease, his
life was for some time in iminent danger, and
then it wasy he was heard to say-
Whether live or die, am perfectly happy
fJ,al- rolns
been the means of saving the life of the greatest
man in the world -u -.
And thus, had Bentick secured the unvarying
friendship of William to the end of his life.
As we have said, this faithful servant and his
master, were seated in Williams sanctum. A
few books, with number of mathematical in
struments, were scattered about The walls Of
the apartment were hung not with tapestry, but
with antlers, and other trophies of the chase,
for it is known that hunting was his favorite
amusement. The Prince was in one Of his un-
bending moods, and it would seem had been
speaking his mind unreservedly; or rather, pour
ing out his soul to his friend '-4
t"What you say may be true, Bentick; do
appreciate talent. perhaps, more than any other
man; if this were not the case, think you could
tolerate that ofhcious, meddling Scotchman, Bur
net whose blunt familiarity often causes me to
repel him with hauteur and reserve. He is un-
doubtedly man of superior talent and attain
ments. and therefore it is that suffer him to
remain at my court"
&c And Bishop Ken, is he not also man Of
superior attainments;" asked Bentick.
I" Undoubtedly; and for the same reason it
was that invited him hither, and have appoint
ed him Chaplain to the Princess But lately,
he has dived into matters that concern him not,
and if persisted in, shall send him out of my
dominion
''But," said Bentick--in order to divert the
Princes attention from the subject, as he found
his irritability increasing-ss Your Highness was
speaking of female requirements, beauty and
talents
''True, l was saying woman may. with
beauty, sometimes possess talent, goodness, and
all the gentle virtues but the instances are SC
rare, that have never seen one! A handsome
woman may be good and virtuous, if not strong
ly tempted; at least that is my opinion-yours
is different Bentck, and so let it rest But be
assured. where Nature bestows the dangerous
adornment Of beauty, she generally withholds
talent, to render her gifts equal. For my own
part,' continued William, 81 look upon ahand-
some woman as a mere toy, with which we may
trife away an hour or so, but no more. We're
l compelled to make choice between beauty
with little mind, and talented woman without
any beauty, 1 should without hesitation prefer
the latter
Bentick did not reply, and the Prince re-
sumed e.
And to your ear only be it spoken, that the
Lady Catherine Villars, whom you know has
not single personal charm-indeed, to whom
Nature has. played the part of spiteful step
mother-l say that wench, with her brilliant
talents and superior sense, has more attractions
for me than any one else She alone under
stands me; and let me whisper further word
cl,o oil
tion.'s
Bentick hung his head, and putting his hands
before his eyes. sighed, but ventured not word
50 God forbid" said the Prince, 8: that Mary
should ever hear of our mutual attachment !;
she, you know. would feel mortified at the pre-
ference
The favorite could have told that Mary would
not only have been mortified, but deeply grieved :;
he did not say it, but to divert Williams
thoughts from a subject so unpleasant, he asked !:
How did your Highness find the Princess
Mary's health yesterday:"
"The Princess!" said William slightly
abashed for moment-e Oh! ali! true I re-
member me, since you mention it, ! believe I
sent word that would call in the course of the
day"
You did, your Highness.
swell, well, l acknowledge my remssness
though it was owing to accident, and not inten-
tlonal. The truth is, forgot it; but will this
instant repair my negligence, by going to her at
once" And suiting the action to the word. he
arose to pass thither.
{. Will not your highness,' said Bentick, also
rising, 'Spernit me to apprise the Princess of
your visit"
"No, no." he replied &c ] must use dispatch,
as have an engagement"
lie waited moment, with his hand on the
thandle of the door, to hear anything his favor
ite might wish to say; Bentick, however, mere
ly ventured, in a respectful tone, to remark
&c The Princess is very beautiful!''
"Who disputes that, Bentick;" said the
Prince.
e And very loveable"
'sTo those who prize mere personal charms,
she may be; she is mere child, pretty doll,
deficient in all else
"Iour Highness is mistaken quickly replied
Bentick. ''The Princess is a superior charac-
ter, and"
/" Well, WE'LL" interrupted the Prince, impa-
tently; "we can discuss this matter another
tme,'' and he strobe out of the room. Proceed.
ing to Marys apartments, he was informed that
by the advice of her physician, she had gone tt
take an airing.
ssWell, WE'LL" replied William; 'sI am glat
she is well enough; tell her so,' and he strodt
back again. -
CHAPTER V.
Oh woman wronged Gan cherish h,tc
More deep and dark than manhood may.
But when the mocking Of fate
Hath left revenge its chosen way