Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-12-20

disguise, and was in the very act of ti!rusting
him through with his sword, when two of his
guard, happening in. rescued him from the
hands of the wild, maddened youth. In the
confusion, however, he had managed to es-
cape ; and the most vigilant efforts of the En-
peror had hitherto failed in his apprehension.
y few months, however, after this attempt
on the Emperor's life, his reason returned,
and he was entirely recovered. He had left
Rome, with the intention of travelling abroad !;
but meeting with some Christian friends soon
after he had set out, he became acquainted
with the sublime and glorious truths of their
faith, renounced the Pagan superstition, and
embraced the gospel. For some reason, he
re-traced his steps, and returned again to
Rome; but, unfortunately, he was arrested,
on the streets the night after his arrival.
He was recognized by the Emperor; and
whether Christian or not, his fate was sealed
from that moment. OF this, the young man
was fully conscious; and though his noble
spirit was reused, yet lie calmly submitted to
the death which he seen awaited him; but not
till he had predicted, with prophetic certainty,
the Emperor's miserable doom. And as he
was hurriedly dragged to the door, the blood
streaming from his mouth, many of the spec
tators were not only affected to tears, but q
sort Of suppressed murmer passed round the
vast assemblage, like the low, sepulchral mur-
mur OF the ocean, drifted upon each success
siye wave, or borne aiar inland By some fitful
gust Of air. And it had a deep, solemn, hor-
rid meaning in it; and happy had it been for
the Emperor, had he Needed this low, rum
bling volcano Of mind, ere its molten torrents
were poured forth. But the cup Of his ini-
guilty was not yet full.
After his rencounter with the young man,
the Emperor seemed reused, and had the rest
of to the flames with scarce a question at all ;
and IN short time. a solitary one only
remained.
This was female, and evidently quite
young. She had sat all the time closely veit-
ed and no one, as yet, had seen her face, or
had been able to divine who she vas.
The night was far advanced. The lights
were burning dimly in the hall. The specta-
tors, many of them growing weary, had left !;
while those who still remain, though mostly
indignant at the Nazarenes. could scarce help
wishing for this remaining one better fate
than had bcfallen her companions.
It is necessary here to state, that an hour
before this, man had entered the hall, evil
IDENTITY in disguise. lie had walked quite for
ward to the throne, and had stood, silent and
motionless, leaning against one Of the lofty
marble columns. His entrance, had not been
altogether unnoticed by the Emperor; and
several times he had cast his eyes upon him
with sort Of distrustful, suspicious stare.
"Rise!'' said the Emperor.
The female was instantly upon her feet
Every eye il the assembly was anxiously fix
ed upon her; and there was a breathless 81
lence.
For moment, the Emperor seemed confu.
scd, and endcavored to compose himself by
various shiftings Of his body, and adjustment,
of his robe.
s.Tour face - at length ne demanded, in
low, hesitating voice.
Drawing a white, delicate, trembling hanC
from underneath the ample folds of a rich
costly dress, she quickly threw her veil aside
discovering to the gaze Of the Emperor, fact
Of noble and commanding beauty, with pai
| of large, dark, round eyes, and long, gloss!
curls OF black hair, falling down over the side
of the face and shoulders, in ample profusion
/ The cheeks were full, but pale the lips wer,
compressed and white as marbles the large
| darzeycs were fixed upon the Emperor, bu
( with moro of kindness and benevolence thai
+ fear or indignation in their steady gaze Will
/ oil -
sudden sorrow, increasing, however, rathc
/ than diminishing the strength of her facina
ting charms.
In the mean time, the man leaning agains
the marble column, had shifted his position
SO as to catch full view of the females face
He gazed a moment-then returned agai
to his former position, and with difficulty seem
ed to support himself.
ga Nazarene % demanded the Emperor.
81 confess said she, in a firm, unhesita
ting voice.
s.Who are you ?'' he inquired, in his bes
squealling voice, after having wantonly eye
! her few moments.
81 shall not tell - was the decided reply.
/ esThe dogs aint you afraid of death 7''
<sNo''
eeHow comes that ?''
ssThrough the death and sufferings OF or
Jesus
ssWho ?''
cone king Jesus"
esAh! ha land where does he hold h
court % shouted the Emperor, sneeringly