Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1853-07-09
\ Gbrilling 6kcttl).
sILAs; OR, THE COMBAT.
BY A. DUMAS.

BY a. DUMAS. rIatHAH fta
The gladia,ors had Just made their exit;
tumult regned throughout The circus, and
the fencers were succeeded by those who
were to be exposed 10 the wild beasts. They
were all Christians SO that all the hatred
was transferred 10 them, and al ~''m-
pathy to the animals. Meanwhile, i at
ever was the impatience of the crowd, they
were forced to wait until the slaves had
drawn their rakes over the sands Of the cir
Gus; but this operation was fastened by
the furious vociferations fom eve;y part of
the ampitheatre. At length the slaves
withdrew, the arena was for moment
empty, and the multitude were all expec-
tat;on. A door then opened, and all al
tention was turned towards the new VIC
Tins about 10 make their appearance.
A female entered, clad in white robe
and covered with white veil. She was
led 10 one Of the posts, 10 which she was
bound by cord round her waist. One of
the slaves then tore off her veil, when the
spectators beheld figure perfect in beauty,
and though pale, yet resigned. A length
ened murmur was audible. Notwithstand-
ing her title of Christian, the maiden at
first view had engaged the minds of this
crowd so impressively, and with such a
change, that all eyes were riveted upon
her. A parallel door now opened, and
young man entered. 1t was customary
thus to expose to the beasts Christian Of
each sex, giving to the man all the means
Of defence, from desire to retard not ouy
Int bot ~
was permitted to select either a mother,
lover or a sister--ihus giving 10 son,
lover or brother, fresh courage to prolong
a combat which the Christians almost al
ways refused for martyrdom, though they
knew that if they triumphed over the
three first animals that were let loose upon
them, they should be saved
In effect, though this man, at first sight
OF whom il was easy 10 recognize vigor
and suppleness, was followed by two slaves,
one bearing for him a sword and two
javelins, the other leading Numidian
courser-he did not appear at all disposed
to allow the people spectacle OF the
struggle that awaited him. He advanced
slowly TO the circus, cast around him look
| d
with his hand that the horse aud arms were
useless, he raised his eyes towards Heaven,
fell upon his knees and offered up prayer.
AT this instant the people, deceived in
their expectations, began to threaten aud
below, excaiming, "It is combat no: a
martyrdom, that we come TO see" And
now the cry was heard "To the cross to
the cross" In comparing punishment
with punishment he preferred this, though
the suffering might be more protlacted. A
ray Of inefable Joy shone in the eyes o.
the young man, who extended his arms ia
token OF thanktulness, happy that he wa,
about to die the same death by which The
Redeemer made his apotheosis. At thi
moment he heard behind him sigh Sc
deep that he turned himself.
"Silas Silas!" murmered the maiden.
"Actee." exclaimed the youth as h,
fastened towards her.
"Silas, have pity on me-" said Aciee.-
"Soon as observed you, hope sprang N
in ny heart. You are courageous ant
strong, Injured to combats with the inhabi
tants of the desert. Peradventure, il yor
fight, you may save US both"
f ''And the martyrdom?" interrupted Silas
"And the pain !" said Actee, letting ial
her head upon her breast. "Alas 4
not like thee, born in holy city; am
maiden OF Corinth. have never hear
the words Of life from the mouth Of Hir
for whom we are to die. Brought up il
the religion OF my ancestors, my faith an
creed are new. The word 'martyrdon
was unknown 10 me until yesterday. Pei
haps might have courage for myself but
Slas, il l were forced to see you die th
slow and cruel death"
"Enouhgh--I will fight" exclaime
Silas. 81 ain sure 10 find, though late, th
JOY with which you charm me this day
Then making a sign Of command TO ii
slaves-"My horse, sword and avelins
said he with the voice and gesture Of a
# Emperor.
The multitude clapped their hands, pc
:, ceiving that they were soon to witness on
v OF those Herculean struggles which cou
not fail to arouse sensations rendered obtu
ic by the ordinary combais.
8 Silas quickly approached the horse.
= I was, like him, son OF Arabia. The tv
compatriots recognised each other. I'll
il. man addressed the courser in strange la
|, guage, but, as if the animal understood Il
words, he neighed an answer. Silas tot
n from the back and mouth of his companic
=, the saddle and bride which the Roma
I" had imposed as badges of slavery, and Il
e. child of the deset bourd d Joyous arou
F. the liberaior. 'la@ 1-t
E Meanwhile, Silas, in his turn, freed hi
oil self from every incumbrance, and, wra
u ping his rcd cloak about his lefl arm, so
in his tunic and turban; girded on
- sword, seized his javelins, called his cha
y. ger, who obeyei with the docility of
he gazelle, and, vaul,ing upon his back,
'r. made, while bending over his neck a
'ct without any help for directing him tn
10 his knees and voice, three circuits arou
the post where Actee was bound, in
- manner of Perseus when defending A
8. dromeda, the pride OF the Arab outrivalli
iv the humility Of the Christian.
Al this moment folding-door oper
below the Podium, and bull Of Cordo
ity goaded by slaves, entered believing l
the circus but he had hardly taken t
Steps ere, by reason of the strong lie
-, terrified at the view of the spectators ;
the shouis-of the multitude, he bent