The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1854-10-26
From GleaS0n'S Pictorial
TIE AECHEMEsT.
q Tale of Venice.
BY II. c. PARSONS.

BY II. c. PARSONS.
In dark and narrow street of Venice
IN the early part of the fourteenth century
stood On old and weatherbeaten mansion,
grim and lofty. 1t had been the resi-
dence of Venitian nobleman, but at his
death had been suffered to decay. The
arches had monldercd away, the marble
columns decayed, the fountains no longer
played in the courtyard, the hall was no
longer crowded by armed retainers. 1t
had continued in this state for years,
when, TO the astouishment Of the nei gh-
bcrs, it was announced that the old palace
had found tenant. A middle aged
man, female servant and child had ia
ken possession of it. Strange stories soon
began to circulate concerning them. 1t
was noticed that the man scarcely ever
left the house, and the servant only to
purchase the necessaries of life. Night
after night light sbone in lofty win
dow, and thick smoke passed unceas-
ingly from the chimney. The curiosity
of the neighbors was raised, but could not
be gratifed; the servant was morose and
sulleD, and refused to answer any ques-
tions concerning ber master-and when
accompanied by the child never suffered
il to stray from her side. So they lived,
year after year, until at the time our tale
opens, the man and servant had. become
old, and the child was beautiful woman.
But still the light burnt in the lofty room
still the smoke poured from the chimney,
Let US enter the mysterious room, and
witness sight never seen in our day
Reclining upon couch was an old man,
whose body appeared weak and decrepit,
while his eyes sparkled with lustre that
showed his mind was still active. Before
him was a furnace raised some feet from
the foor so as to be level with his hand.
Omit were crucibles and rctorts. lead, gold
and acids, in fact, all the apparatus then
tbought necessary for the transmutation
of baser metals into gold. The old man
was an alehemist For years be had la.
bored on in an erer ending task till bis
wholebeiug seemed bound Prometbeus like
and from this enthralling spell external
circumstances seemed to have no power
10 raise him. He gazcd iutently at the
mixture be was preparing.
yes, yes he muttered, gold, bright
glittcring gold. will soon be mine. A
few hours and the precious secret, sought
so long and desired SO much, will be in
my power. If fAlpbonzo comes and brings
me the money he has promised all will be
be we'll
The noise made by the opening of hi:
door, at this moment, aroused him. He
lcngcd to see his visitor.
'Ah, Alphonzo,' you have brought the
money. Give it to me that l may cal
Blanca. She will purchase all I wish
Give it to ME, give it to me-
Yes, Gueppo, l have brought the none.
but before give it to you, you mus
hear my terms
well, well, replied the alchemist, i'm
tiently, anything you wish, I will conseD
to it,
BE not too sure of that replied th
other, with laugh; here what | have t
offer, This money | will give to yO'
without security, if you in turn will Civ
to me the hand of your daugbtar, Irene
Never cried the old man startin,
from his couch, never will l see her 81
disgraced. What, wed thee a nameles
rufflan. bravo, man who sells his knif
for goldi Sooner would see her in he
grave. 0, God, how sm ! reduced tha
he should dare to make such an offer!!'
Meanwhile the braTo sat gazing at tn
old man with an unmoyed countenance
No doubt he expected an exhibition o
rage, for raising. be said
well, Gueppo, since the subject dis
pleases you I will say no more ab02t
now. will give you until to-morro'
morning to consider my proposal; if 20
then promise me your daughters hand