Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1853-07-30
Written for the Evening Star.
Written Tor The Evening Star.
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OR, THE THRACIAN WRESTLER.
BY HERMAN II. HEATH.
CONTINUED.
e : : : 3. ! i
CHAPTER TX.
THE NUPTIALS.
BY HERMAN II. HEATH.

Iuc udv VI lHe fHl dCldu uupllalS Opcll-
ed brightly on the world. Around the
palace of Ormcrous was busy bustling
and hurrying tread all the livelong day
Messengers on fleet steeds were sent forth
to break the news Of Nlaxinin's and Vol
untina's nuptials to all the surrounding
country, and to invite the people thence
Great preparations were made for the
evening ceremony. The palace itself
was gaily decked with flowers, and dane
ing girls, and bards, and musicians were
brought in numbers. And as the heralds
secured the hills about, SO flockcd to-
gethcr from Them, all their wild inhabi-
tantS.
With AiaXimin, the day passed awayin
rehearsing 10 his old associates his bold
exploits in arms, and the honors he had
won; they listening with attentive ears to
his tales, TO Them most wontlerfli. Ono
old man, whom Maximin had always
loved, and who, too, had watched over
him when he WAS young, seemed most in
terested. He was a venerated old Thra-
clan, with long, white flowing locks, and
gray, unshaven beard.
Il see not that thou hast so much
changed in thy nature, either, good Max
imin. Too many when the honors gather,
grow proud, and do forget the lowly ones
they left within the vale of humble life"
True, father Homcdus; for | have
learned that all mankind are men; that
mortal is but human. But for my pow
erful arm, and huge, overbearing breast,
| had still been thy companion tending
to the hocks beside this river or Oh yon-
der mountain top as when Twas youth"
But MIaximin, do, nevertheless, per-
ceive, that thy head is carried higher now,
and thy look is sterner now, than either
were of yorc-doth thy ambition too, in
crease z"
Good father, Homedus, replied Max
imin, ga warrior and captain needs
must look his valor and his authority.
A stern heart, thou knowest | possessed
ever. Hast not thou often restrained me,
when but boy when tanning, courage
ously, the wild stced; and rememberest
thou, not, when once, followed a Thra-
clan mountaineer, though boy, even over
this wide river to the opposite shore to
avenge a blow he dealt me. Surely,
man wears not always the visage of the
boy. As to ambition, Homedus, there
be those at Rome who yet shall feel my
power"
''Now, this like in thee, MaXimin;
this spirit in thee shines brightly, and
augurs good to thy greatness. I've watch
ed thy star, I've noted well it's rising and
it's setting.
tn1l hot - Nf oI1
millions, in nights dark-studded concave
was my cherished one %
"Ah, did We not know, Maximin, that
Voluntina otttimes came to me to talk
about thee-her absent lover? Twas
she who babe me read her star to her. and
told me it was also thine. But this |
could ever read, without her words.
"MysteriouS old man; is it true that
thou mans fate can'st gather from the
stars If so, what fortune, good or i'll;
hast read for me? Come tell me now"
"Thy nuptial eve, as now it is APP
preaching, foretold to Voluntina.'
''Indeed and what in the future dost
thou mark for me 2" asked Maximin, inn
patiently.
''Much depends upon thyself," an
swered the old man. ''Thy star is one
of fiery color, like unto that of Mars.
Blood lies in thy track, and enemies lurk
by the way; but these thou art fated to
overcome, and high above them destined
to plant thy feet. -
All, is it so assure me this, and thou
my exalted grandeur too shalt SHARE" ex-
claimed the hero.
"What l have told thee, not all the
soothsayers of the East can confute," an
swered the old man, as he lay his chin
upon his staff.
Then are my aspirations high; and
my ambitious spirit mounts to spheres