Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1852-10-21
From the Ladies' Companion.
ROMANCE OF ANCIENT HISTORY.
STORY AruENAls.
nj MRS. L. S. SMITH.
(Conclu ~


the dominion of Pulcheria, daughter of Arcadi-
us, and grand daughter of Theodosius the Great.
She was invested with the sovereign power du
ring the minority of her brother, the younger
Theodosius. Although possessing high proud
spirit, she was renowned for the justice and be-
nevolence OF her character, and Athcnals felt,
as she reflected upon what she was about TO un-
dertake, that the Empress might be awakened
to womanly tenderness and pity for one so des-
OlSte and unhappy.
As soon as her design was Formed she pro-
ceeded TO put it in execution. She fortunately
escaped from the house without arouslng sus-
picion, and, with no companion hut her attend
ant, proceeded on the journey. In due season.
and without obstacle, she reached the palace
Then, and not till then, did she pause and hes
State and think fearrully upon the ordeal she
was about TO endure. She had been reared IN
The simplest and plainest manner. She was TO-
taGlv unacuuainted with the forms and rules Of
n court, and dreaded TO pass those lofty portals
that seemed frowningly to forbid her entrance.
But one thought Of her friendless situation called
back her courage and nerved her TO the task
Without difficulty she gained admittance, and,
ere long, was ushercd into the presence OF the
Empress. Nothing could afford better Illus
traton of the industry and simplicity OF the ie-
males Of that day, than the sight which met the
eve of Athenas, as she entered the stately
apartment. A group Of maldens were seated
round the room, all engaged on works OF en-
broidery and in their midst, portioning out their
respective tasks, and occupying herself, from
time TO time, with the same feminine employ
1nent, was the Empress Of the East the proud
ambitious woman who, at the age OF sixteen,
received the lofty title Of Augusta, and welded
the sceptre with some Of the wisdom, and much
of the spirit that characterized her IllustrI0us
progenitor, Theodosius the Great
As soon as Athenais beheld the benevolent
features of the Empress, her fears were dis
PEELED, and advancing with graceful ease she
kneit at her feet. In the kindest manner Pull
ohelia raised the maiden, and Addo her make
known her wishes. That she might attract less
observation, Athenais had arrayed her form III a
plain and humble garb-her eyes were dmmcd
with tears-her features wore the Ianguor OF
wcariness and the gloom of anxiety, yet, despite
these disadvantages, her beauty shone coLspicn-
Gus and charmed the eyes Of bcholdsrs. WIN
a low but firm voice, she said:
Illustrious Sovereign, you see before you, in
the character OF suppliant, an unhappy, dcSil-
tute, and desolate orphan. II one who mas no
inheritance but Sorrow-no friend but Hope,
and no shelter but Heaven can claim your pity,
then, most gracious lady, award that pity TO me.
Driven by unnatural kindred from an unhappy
home, and flying from the prosecutions OF one
who would force me into a union whose u' $
were more fearful than death, come TO plead
with voice and heart, for the boon OF your favor
and protection. | am humble maden-born
reared and educated in retirement, know not
the language of a court, and if my freedom OF
expression offend your ear, pray your Najes-
TVS pardon; but listen, oh, degnto listen kindly
TO my appeal. | know not what words TO use
but feel that the voice Of Pity in your owr
breast will plead eloquently inmy behalf. an
poor and miserable, but beneath my humble gart
beats heart filled with loyal and generous emo
tons. Grant me the boon ask, oh, Sovereign
and the service, the devotion, had almost sale
worship of that heart shall be yours. Shlel'
me with your gracious power, from the loneli
ness and sorrow that oppress my spirit, and III,
will be TOO short to pay the debt Of gratitude
shall thus incur
The voice, the words, the manner OF Athe
nais, all had powerful effect over the Empress
She Immediately soothed the suppllant witt
words of kindness, and gave her many assuran
ces of favor and protection. She mlnstered L
her wants, and sought by every gentle means l.
make her forget the ills which she endured
Every passing moment added TO the interest Sn
had awakened in the breast OF Pulchsri1, and III
latter at length began TO indulge secret thought
oil making her the VIE OF nef OlOlHeI'
Theodosius was at that period about twen
wears of age. Although possessing few OF tn
iuStrious qualities of his grandfather, the eide
Jheodosius, he was youth Of vrtuous hear
and fine endowments of mind, His educaho
had been carefully superintended by his Older
more imperial minded sister, Puloheria, and sl
had also scrupuously instructed him in all 81
the graoes and dignities Of royalty. Tic ";
dceply inbued with the sublime spirit OF thr
tionitv, then fast dispellng the errors Of Pagan
ism from the world, and all his acts were guide
aud governed by its divine preccpts. His mil
ness, his benevolence, and his piety caused hi
60 be respected and beloved BY all who surroun
. ed him.
A short time after heg saiT Supplant's aFriV
az the palace, Pucherla sought an intcrvie
with Theodosias. In tones OF pleasure she a
dressed him:
D NV brslher, have this day seen and 90
yersed with g young Gpecian maiden, who
IN every pert, worthy 20 be Che vile OF Y
future Emperor of Rome. Listen white d
Ecrbe being such aS fancy never pictured
yonr mind. Imagine form of lofty stature a
graceful proportions invested with AL I
Charms of youth, yet merging INFO the rich
beauty of womanhood; brow white and pr
ms the msulled snow FAKE, around which clG
4 Cor locks OF the Soltest feature and sichest 1t
ufianoe; an eve that cloquently expresses eva
ttudsr emotion Of the soui, set darts around st
fires aS flash from Ihe noondSy sun; a enc
where the frsa Sose Of spring SEEMS TO III
nestled long and lovingly, and unte6 IFS resti
nlnce with ttC own daficete and hHaallial hue
moab tt,et Expresses at esaS sWss'hass asa