Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1855-06-27
nlisfellallcous.
THE FAMILY OF PIS0.
A TALE OF PERSECUTION IN ROME.
BY LIZZIE LINDEN.

1t was night IN the eternal city. Dark
clouds hung lowering above, and the pale.
cold beams of the moon now and then
cleaned through the darkness, shedding
a glinmering light upon the gorgeous
temples aud triumphal arches, or per-
chance tipping the SUBMITS of Rome's
playing on the sepulcbres of her noble
dead with a false aud clammy radiance
As the shadows deepencd the silence
became more dread, and the few who
walked the streets gradually decreased
till only the venerable Antonius and his
daughter remained Gently did the arm
of Nina support her aged sire, and care
fully did she guide his steps along the
rugged Appian way, speaking cheering
words to revive his dropping spirits,
though her heart was filled with anguish.
and the tears which she in vain endeavored
to suppress, flowed freely down her fair
face. Yet with self control which
none but Roman maiden can command,
she subdued her emotion and strove to
quiet the anxious fears of beloved
parent, though she added to her own
Dearest Nina. what means this dread
full stiffness that broods around Ny eyes
are dim and my sight is wasted, but this
awe-inspiring gloom touches my heart
strings, and fearful forebo2ings throw
their shadows forward upon the page of
Memory. as she records the names of
martyrs yet to suffer. Methinks now |
see my own enrolled among the number.
| fear not death yet Heaven grant the
bloody scene may not occur
My father, thou art i'll the night air
suits not thy feeble frame and thou art
weary. Rest thee awhile on these steps
and the gentle Nina drew from her
shoulders the heavy mantle which
protected her slight form from the chill
air. and wrapped it around her father
God bless the child. for thy affectionate
care [ know that in the kindness of they
heart thou hast made this sacrifice, but
indeed, I cannot accept the gift [ have
no need of the cloak and thou must wear
it. because it is the wish of thy parent"
Il obey thy command, for never shall 1t
! be said that Nina disobeyed her father,
though it might pain her heart sometimes
to fulfil his requirements.
/ "Thou hast ever been dutiful to me my
daughter, and thou wilt one day be
rewarded for it-But where are we ?
Have we reached home"
"Nay, father, this is only the temple of
Mars, and there is yet some distance to
walk.
Let us arise then, and 60 on our way.
4 1t is not well for US te be out longer. |
feel that danger is near, and the very
wind seems to come fresh from the graves
of slauch tered Christians Daughter, the
tyrant has his work of death yet to
accomplish, and l tremble for thee but
put thy trust in the God of thy father,
and he will never forsake thee
The heart of Nina was full bat she
checked her rising emotion, and offered a
silent prayer for strength, should the
hour of trial come.
aAre we almost there 2" said Antonius
with trembling accents
.sYes. father, | can just see the top OF
the old Palatine above the theatre. But
what light is that 1t grows brighter and
brighter The circus Maximus is on FIRE
Our own little dwelling will soon DC
wrapt in flames Oh, my sister my cIn
dear Nerea.
The Lord preserve her" murdered
the old man Nina, dearest Nina
!, dearest Nina, hasten and bring her
. hither"
''Wilt thon remain here till [ return 2
Yes, child, my limbs are feeble and /
; J need rest; therefore | stay but my
heart shall go with thee"
The affectionate daughter, after having