The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-02-07

Gilbert, we are atlOat on the broad blue
sea, sailing towards thy home, thou will.
bless me and love me-wil, thou not I"
The merchant kissed the malden's
hand. and promised 10 meet her on the
Strand at the appointed hour. And he
did not fail-bus long he walked the lone.
ly shore and no light footed Zarina came
fitting through the deep night shadows
and stealing to his side. North, south,
east and west he looked--but all in vain.
The nigh, was clear, the winds whisper
ed low, little waves slid up the shining
shore and seemed to invite him to sail
away over them TO the great seas beyond
but the stars overhead twinkled so mer-
rily and winked so knowingly tina, he had
almost fancied they had betrayed the story
OF his and Zarina's love and intended
flight At length he heard quick. light
step, and sprang forward with joyful
cry. Alas it was not Zarina, but her
faithful nurse, Safe. who came to tell him
that Zarina's love had been discovered.
that her kinsman had confined her in
strong, guarded tower. and that he must
gold and gems. with promise that as
soon as possible she would make her es-
cape and come to him in London.
There really was nothing for Gilbert
Beckett to do but to accept Zarina's casket
OF jewels and follow her advice so, after
sending her many loving farewell mes
sages by Safe he went.
He had prosperous voyage and reach.
ed London in safety, where he gave his
friends a joyful surprise, for they had CIV
en- him up Tor dead.
Year after year went by, and he saw
nothing. heard nothing, Of his noble Sar-
think OF her very sorrowtully and tenderly
as of one dead. But Zarina lived, and
lived for bin whom she loved and who
had laugh, her TO love God. For years
she was kept imprisoned in that lonely
| guarded tower near the sea-where she
could only put her sorrow into mournful
songs. and sigh her love out on to the
winds tina, blew toward England, and gaze
up at the bright, kindly stars and pray for
Gilbert. But one night, while the guard
slept, the brave Zarina stole out on the
parapet, and leaped down many leet to the
ground below. She soon sprang up un-
harmed and made her way TO the strand,
when she took passage on foreign yes.
sell for Stamboul. Now, all the English
that this poor girl remembered were the
words "Gilbert" and London" These
4 she said in sad, pleading, inquiring tones
to every one she met-but nobody under.
stood what she meant by them.
From StambouI she went on her weary
wandering way, from port to pert and
city 10 city. til. she had iourneyed through
many Strange countries repeating every
where these two words of English-bul
all in vain, for though everybody had
heard Of London, none knew Gilbert
Yet the people were very kind and gave
her food and shelter, out of pity for hel
sad iace and in return for the sweet songs
which she sung.
At length after many months Of lonely
and toilsome wandering she reached Eng
land, and found herself amds, the basy
hurrying throngs of London. She gazed
about her bewildered and almost despair
ing at finding it so large place-it woult
be so much harder TO find him. Yet still
patiently snd wearily up and down thu
long streets she went-through marke
place and square-past churches and pal
aces, singing her rnournful songs. speak
ing softly and more and more sadly til,
one beloved word-"Gilbert."
One evening as Gilbert Beckett tn
rich merchant, sat a, the banquet table il
his splendid London house, entertaining
Y q gay company of rich and noble guests
q. servant brought him word that beauti
:, full Saracen maiden, pale and sorrowfu
: looking, stood in the square without, sing
! ing sad songs ard repeating his nam
i over and over. In q moment Gilbel
/. thought of his beloved Zarina. and spring
$ ting up from the table he rushed out of hi
: brilliant hall into the street where poo
n Zarina stood, with her long. dark hair g!is
d teniug with the chill night dew, and he
It sweet face looking very white and .earf'
J. in the moonlight.
He knew her at a glance, though sh
y was sadly changed from the fair youn
" girl he had left in the gardens Of Nal
e moud, as gay hearted as the birds an
1t as blooming as the flowers. He calle
J. her name-he caught her in his arms
II and the next time she spoke the dear wor
--.sGilber,," she murmured it against hi
q heart, while his lips pressed her cheek
n and his eyes dropped happy loving tear
>, upon her brow.
z He took her into his princely hous'
'i and it became her home from that hour
d She was baptized and took the Christia
8 name OF Matilda---but Gilbert alway
n called her "Zarina,'' for he said that b
3 loved that best.
10 The faithful lovers were married an
'r lived together for many years, happ.
d honored and beloved. Their oldest Sol
Thomas Beckett, was powerful and r
J. nowned archbishop in the reign OF Hem
IA the Second.
= And so ends the true story Of tho En-
IS lish Merchant and Saracen Lady.
is EcLIPsEs IN THE, YEAR 1855.-The
n. will be this year four Eclipses, two OF Il
n, Sun and two of the moon.
The First-A total Eclipse of,he Moo
er May lst at 10 O'Clock, SO minutes in Il
a evening. visible.
or The Second-A partial Eclipse OF Il
" Sun. Nav 18th, at 9 o'clock,9 minutes