The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1854-06-09
MISCELLAN E0 Us.
LOVE AND sELF.LOvE

II was during the very brightest days OF
the republic OF Venice, when her power
was in its prime, together with the arts
which have made her, like every Italian
state, celebrated all over The woTld-ior It.
ally has produced in poetry and painting,
aud in the humber walk OF musicl cOmpo-
siion, the greatest, OF the worlds marvels-
that Paolo Zustana was charged by the
Marquis di Bembo 10 paint several pictures
to adorn his gallery. Paolo had come from
Rome nj the reques, OF the Marquis. who
had receiveda n very favorable accoLnt Of
the young artist-he was but thirty. Paolo
was handsome, of middle height, dark, and
pale he had deep black eyes, small
mouth. finely traced moustlche, shor;
curling beard. aud forehead Of remarka.
bic intellectually. There was a slight saw.
ageness in his manner, a brief sharp way OF
speaking, reslessness i'll his eye, which
did not increase the number ui his friends.
But when men knew him better, and were
admitted into his inlimacy-a very rare oc-
cuuence-,hey loved him.
Then, he was generous-hearied and no.
bile his time, his purse, his al, ice, were
all at their service. But his whole soul was
in his ART. Night and day, day aud night,
he seemed 10 think OF nothing but his paint.
ing. In Rome he had been looked upon as
mad, for in the day he was mol content with
remaining close nj work i'll his masters STU
dio, bu, at night he Invariably shu, himself
up in an old halfruined house, in the out
skiris. where none OF his friends were ever
invited, and where no man ever pene,ra-
ted, aud no woman, save an old nurse. who
had known him from a child /, was be-
lieved, with considerable plausibli,y, tha,
the ar,is, had n picture ia hand, and ,ha, he
passed his nights even IN study. He rarely
| iell his relrea, before midday and generally
returned 10 his hermitage early, alier cas-.
ual visi, TO his lodging, though he could
no, occasionally refuse being present a,
large parties given by his patrons. -l.,.t 81 a..
On arriving al Venice he resumed his for-
mer mode oflife. He had an apartment, at
the Palace Bembo he took his meals there,
but at nighttill, when there was no grand
reception, he wrapped himselfin his cloak
pu, OH his mask, aud drawing MS sword.
hill close 10 his hand. wen, forth. He took
a gondola until he reached certain narrow
street, aud then, gliding down that, he dis
. appeared In The gloom caused by the Lofty
houses. No one noticed much this mode O
life he did his duty, he was polite, affable
. and respectful to his patron; he was gallant
10 the ladies', bui nothing more. He did
not make the slishtes, effort 10 win the az
ieclions Of those around him. Now all hi:
passed in general wi,hou, much observa
lion. HH| -H.t Be- a.- '-rH, aU1 p. 'r'
SILL, there was one person whom ihi,
willness and ecceniricity OF characier---al
thai has u stamp OF originality is called ec
ceutric-caused 10 feel deep in,eres, in
him. .-.,L o. '...... b. T.'. -r.,I O. .
The marquis had n aughier, who, q
sixteen, had been married, from interested
motives, TO the old uncle OF the Doge, aoW
dead. Clorinda was q beautiful widow o
sixteen, who, rich, independent, OF deter
mined aud ihouybiful character, had made
up her mind ~ marry second time, not, ie
please relations, bu, herself. FROM the
iirs, she noticed PaolJ iavorahly; he re
ceived her friendly advances respectfully
but eoidly, and rarely stopped his work tc
conyerse. She asked for lessons 10 improve
her slight knowledge Of painting he gave
them freely, but wilhou, ever adding sin.
gle worc 10 the necessary observations ol
the interview. He seemed absoI bed in his
art. .-. --tr = f.-E .. ..H.-.s
4 One day Clorinda stood behind him she
had been watching him with patient aiien
ton for an hour; she now came and took
up her quarters in the gallery all day, with
her allendan, girl, reading or painting. Pa.
olo had not spoken one VOID dutirg tha,
hour. Suddenly Clorinda rose and uttered
the exclamation: .lJysu9d .sHi1,- e,a ~.
! |" How beautiful % ,,ii l..,,,,, .,,
!. ais il not, Signora" o, .,sl;., ,...,, -
Most beautiful, she returned, aston.
lished both ut the artists manner, and the
enthusiasm with whiehhe alluded TO ohisowu
creation. .ii, 81. r. suisif ,a,ys,, -,
al am honored by your approval" said
Paoio, laying down his palette and folding
his arms TO gaze at ,he spiciurs--a Cupid
and Psyche-wilh actual rapture. u ,sG
| !. II was The face OF the woman-ot the gitl,
l,imidly impassioned and tender, 6lling tho