The independent. (Harrisonburg, La.) 1853-18??, 1853-11-23
ISABELLA or CASTLE.

mn be as fecOe0 OF the rlSo anu Pro8fDes VI
principles. however interesting as a narration
|ofevents, it IS yet, when viewed more gene
ray, marked by an almost interrupted mo-
n&ony. When we see ages and generations
succeeding each other in silent rotation, with
tlh same exhibitions of vice and infirmity,
or reflections are anything but f1atterng to
Ale character Of our race. The picture In
tHs view. is indeed dark one; and were we
Mt able to rest upon an occasional bright
spt, we should be wearied with the gloomy
smeness. Here and there, however, we may
Contemplate noble instances Of exalted worth
! aid contrasting these with their too generally
Prevailing opposites, our feelings grow warm
With admiration.
IT is in this state Of mind that we emerge
finn tales of tumult and oppression, to dwell
u,on the character of Isabella, Queen Of Cas-
tie. Her reign is an oasis in the desert of
tie past, and displays, i'll strong light, the
h,ppy influence OF great ability guided by the
|dctates of nature and morality. Her strength
10. mind and amiableness Of disposition are
doubtless to be attributed, in great degree,
Itt the circumstances of her early life. As
Sic was not born to the expectation Of SOW
eeignty, her education was adapted to a
nbre humble station and in the seclusion Of
t1syate life, her mind was imbued with the
}Secepts Of religion, and enlightened by the
15hdy Of general literature. Thus removed
fpm the enervating influence of court, she
new up graceful and vigorous in person,
Nth great mental activity and warmth Of
feeling.
| At length, however, with no exertion on
Tier part. we find her raised to the throne of
CASTLE. In this exalted station, her energy
aid purity of character were fully displayed,
and have descended to posterity, an example
t. princes, the admiration of ALL Her polit-
liei career was marked by the reformation of
morals and the revival Of learning. The
laws, which by the strong had been trampled
,pon with IMMUNITY, and over the weak had
ben instruments of oppression, were restored
Ito lust and energetic action. The union Of
lie two crowns Of CASTLE and Arragon at this
p,riod. and the expulsion Of the Moors, are
GENTS well known. The latter was among
{ lie results of the national prosperity. Do
nestle foes were her first objects Of concern
and these being conquered, foreign enemies
we're easily overcome. The state OF society
III CASTLE, previous to her reign, was mos
4 dplorable. The court was scene OF shame
kss proAigacy, and the nobility were distin
elished for nothing but contempt Of author
| IN and the immortality Of their lives, while
tie people were abject and vicious +.
But instead Of grieving over the evils o.
{ the times in silent inactivity, with character
|istic skill and ability she commenced th'
work Of reform. Faction so long triumphant
was suppressed agriculture and manufac
ltires revived. Inshort, the country, assuming
h new aspect, became prosperous and happy
but with all this good, was there no EVIL
Alas, for human frailty even in the charac
tor Of this noble princess, we are not to lool
Tor perfection. It cannot be concealed tina
linsome points she erred-that in certain act
i country. Yet even these, when we conside
1 the ignorance and prejudice Of the age, ar
| ne without palIiatives. u nos = ~
( Intolerance and bigotry were not peculiar
Ito her and il. in other instances. the,
had proceeded from as pure a heart, as sin
I ere ssmotive, we should be inclined to cas-,
lulpu III the silent shades of forgetfulness
i bat hel piety was undnsembled, the whole
/ curse Of her life bears ample testimony
4 "a by the dogma Of her faith, she va:
|ttbght that it was right to commit the keep
sIi4gof her conscience into the hands Of anoth.
lit Thus was her penetrating judgment de.
ltFoned, while she consented 10 the Danish.
4 Ient Of the unfortunate Jew. ffssso' isgiaIs!i
/ 4Yhe gentleness Of her disposition Welded
Apsx~