Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-10-11
CHAPTER ".

CHAPTER ".
Two-thirds of Rome is in ashes. Six thou
sand citizens are buried beneath the smoking
ruins Here and there through the burnt dis
tricts, solitary individuals, or the remnants OF
family, are seen wandering about in inconso-
liable grief, or quarrving into thc chared anu
blackened masses, III search Of the reuains OF
children friends.
Along the dingy, smoky streets, crowds are
pushing their way, Wild and frantic, muttering
suppressed curses upon themselves and rulers
while detachments of soldiers move along
in gloomy. sullen silence.
The fcw remaining temples are still crowd
ed with infatuated multitudes, seeking, by
their numerous and costly offerings, to appease
the. anger OF their Gods. Some are wildly
beating their breasts. and decorating their bod
les; while women with dissheyeled hair and
frantic gestures, are uttcring the most doleful
and piteous lameniations.
The Campus Martius, and the banks OF the
T;ber for miles on either side, present the most
heart-rcnding and appalling spectacle. Thou
sands have assembled here with their families,
and such OF their effects as they had been able
to preserve from the flames. Many entire
| ly destitute of either food or clothing. Pa
rents are seated detected and gloomy on the
| earth, while their children are fretting and
crying around them. There is no sympathy,
| one for another. Each seems overwhelmed
| with the extent Of his own losses, or the suf-
| ferings Of himself and family.
So great calamity, indeed, had seldom, if
ever before, bcfalen q city. few days ago,
Rome stood in all her unrivaled splendor-
with her magnificent temples, gorgeous pala-
ccs, inmcnce amphitheaters, triunlphal arch
es, and beautiful gardens-the wonder Of the
world, and the pride and boast OF her nation
| Now, the gay and voluptuous metropolis lies
! in ashes or blackencd pies-while her two or
! three millions OF inhabitants, in CONSERVATION
and dispair, gaze upon her ruins.
The country for mlles around is filled with
| smoke and the sun, shorn Of its rays, has 4
blood-likc appearance-thus increasing the su-
pcrstitious fears Of the people, and strength
| cning the popular excitement.
Directly over the city dense black cloud OF
smoke has been hanging for several days. AT
length, vivid flashes of lightning are beginning
to play along its shaggy edges, and now and
then stream across its dark and portentous
surface, followed by peals Of loud and terrific
thunder.
Such was the state Of things in Rome, and
the omnious aspect Of the heavens, on the
night to which the following incidents refer
As usual when alone, Prytheus seated
and his thoughts busted about the future A
present, however, nc found it difficult to ex
clude altogether from his mind the scenes o
distress and misery which lay that momen
around him. He could not but think, anc
think, too, with an intense anguish of soul, o
, the desolatons of his city, and the sorrow
that were rendng the hearts of thousands.
But though there was sadness in his counte
nance, yet there was nothing of dispair. o.
, the contrary, there was more of firmncss in hi
featurcs-such as betokens resolution t
, brave all dangers, and endure all trials. An
such purpose, as one of q dispised and per
secuted sect, he had early formed-that com
what light, he would be awed by no man
threats, perver ted by 10 batteries of tn
world, however seducing, from that sublim
faith and those sacred principles, which, by III
) blessing of God, he had been led to embrace
a few large drops of rain--precursors OF tn
torrent about TO be poured forth--were fallin
I heavily on the sloped roof, and leafy vine
which clustered thickly around his antiqu
. abode. Startled at this unusual noise he ha
. raised himself up erect in his seat, and was lis
r tening with an air of surprise, when Vaien:
! pale, and almost breathless. hastily entered
His fears had caused him to walk rapidly, an
1 never before had he visited his old frien
with heart so sad and depressed.
g After few hasty and incohcrent salute
@ tions, they both sat for some time withou
, speaking, too sorrowful, or each waiting, Del
haps on the other TO break the sad and pair
! full silence.
Sometimes, they were both gazing thoughi
, fully at the fioor-then at one another-thcI
= as if listening to the pouring, dashing torren,
of rain, and the loud, startling peals of thunde
+, which shook the earth, and made the old wal
around them tremble.
GA greater storm than that threatens us
{ fires, more fearful than have laid our city
, ashes, have been kindled;'' at length sal
Valens, with deep, heavy sigh.
t Prytheus, ignorant of the doings without fo
the last few days, looked surprised at Valen'
not being able 10 comprehend his meaning.
, -eThe fires of persecution are kindled; an
ere the light of tomorrow the bodies Of