The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1855-11-24

wise men, VINO marry rather late, ana
take damsels rather youthful to their
bosoms, became dotingly fond of his
wife, and very properly INDUCED her in
all things. lie was, consequently, cried
up by his subjects in general, and the
ladies in particular, as Il pattern of hus-
bands; and, in the end, from the wonder
full docility with which he submitted to
be reiucd and checked, acquired the en-
viable reputation of Duke Philibcrt, the
wife ridden.
There was only one thing that dis
turbcd the conjugal felicity of this para
gon of husbands-though a considerable
time elaped after his marriage, there
was still no prospect of an heir. The
good duke left no means snntricd to pro-
pitiate heaven. He made VOWS and pill
grimages, he tasted and prayed, but all
TO no purpose. The courticrs were all
astonishcd at the circumstance. They
could not account for it. While the
mcanest peasant in the country had
sturdy brats by the dozens, without put
ting up a prayer; the duke wore himself
to skin and bone with penances and fast
ings, yet seemed farther off from his OBJ
ject than ever.
At length the worthy prince fell dam
gerously i'll, and felt his end approaching.
lie looked sorrowfully and obviously
upon his tender spouse, who hung over
him with tears and sobbings. "Alas.."
said he, "tcars are soon dried from youth
full eyes, and sorrow lies lightly on Il
youthful heart. In a little while thou
wilt forget in the rims of another hus-
band him who loved thee so tendcrly !"
"Ncver! never W cried the duchess.
"Never will cleave to another! Alas,
that my lord should think me capable Of
such Inconsistency"
s'Far be it from me, my dearest wife,"
said he, 'sto control thee through a long
life. A year and day of strict fidelity
will appease my troubled spirit. Prom
Use to remain faithful to my memory for
year and day, and | will die i'll
peace"
The duchess made solemn vow to
that effect, but the uxorious feelings of
the duke were not satisfied. s'Safc
bind, safe fnd," thought he; 50 he made
will bcqucathiny all his domains Oh
condition Of her remaining true to him
for year and Il day after his deccasc;
but should it appear that, within that
time, she had in amy wise lapscd from
her fidelity, the Inheritance should go
to his nephew, the lord of a neighboring
territory.
Having made his will, the good duke
died and was buried. Scarcely was he
in his tomb, when his nephew came to
take possession, thinking as his uncle
had died without issue, the domains
would be devised to him of course. lie
was in furious passion when the will
was produced, and the young widow de-
clared inheritor to the dukcdom. As he
was violent, high-mindcd man, and one
of the sturdiest knights in the land, fears
were entertained that he mi ght attempt
to seize Oh the territories by force. lie
had, however, two bachelor uncles for
bosom counsellors -swaggering, rake
belly old cavaliers, who, having led
loose and riotous lives, pridcd themselves
upon knowing the world and being deep
ly experienced in human nature
"Pritlcc, man be of good chccr,' said
they, "the duchess is Il young and bux-
ON widow. She has buried our brother,
who, God rest his soul! was somewhat
too much given to praying and fasting,
and kept his pretty wife always tied to
his girdlc. She is now like bird from
Il cage. Think you she will keep her
vow! Pooh, pooll-impossible! Take
our words for tive know mankind,
and above all, womaukind. She cannot
hold out for such length of time; it is
not in windowhood we know it, and
that's enough. Keep a sharp lookout
upon the widow, therefore, and within
the twelve months you will catch her
tripping-and then the dukcdom is your
own.
The nephew was pleased with this
counsel, and Immediately placed spies
round the duchess, and bribed several of
her servants to keep watch upon her, so
that she could not take Il single step,
even from one apartment to another,
without being observed. Never was a
young and beautiful widow exposed to
so terrible an ordeal.
The duchess was aware of the watch
thus kept upon her. Though confident
of her own rcctitude, she knew that it
was not enough for woman to he vir-
tuous-she must be above the reach of
SANDER. For the whole term of her pro-
baton, therefore, she proclaimed strict
non-intcrcourse with the other sex. She
had females for cabinet ministers and
chan,berlains, through whom she trans
acted all her public aud private con-
Germs; and it is said that never were the
affairs of the dukedom so adroitly adj
ministercd.
All males were vigorously excluded
from the palace; she never went out OF
its prccints, and whenever she moved
about it's courts and gardens, she sur
rounded herself with body-guard OF
young maidens of honor, commanded by
danes renowned for discretion. She
slept in a bed without curtains, placed
in the centre of a room, illuminated by
innumcrable wax tapers. For ancient
spinstcrs virtuous as Virginia, perfect
dragons of watchfulness, who only slept