Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-03-28

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arm, while the bright, blue skies spread over
them in unsurpassed loveliness, and their
| charmed, sparkling eyes watched, with pa
rents exulting pride. the sports and gamoois
| of their three little ones. o! how glad was
| his heart, and what emotions of JOY went
swelling through his breastl
s.Here, papa o. how pretty, papap ex-
claimed Fiducia ss she bounded out into the
walk from behind cluster of vines, with a
| bunch of flowers in her hand, and her black,
glossy ringlets flying in the breeze ;-''here,
papa l gathered these for you. o amt they
nice ?''
Valcns stretched out his hand to receive
them; it struck against the wall of his cell; /;
he awoke.
ssOh l,oh ~ he exclaimed it's a dream
Alas all dream - and he turned round with
a moan, and burst into tears.
Poor man! These fond dreams of other
days were quickly sped, and they pierced his
heart with sadness. There was a strange re-
bound of the soul and his feelings rushed
madley to the extreme of gloom and despon-
dency. He wept and wept. He could not
help it. He struggled hard and resolutely
with himself. He tried to think of other joys,
and happier days to come. But there was the
vision-his dearest Valencia leaning on his
arm, and his children sporting joyously around
him, and he could not Danish, nor withdraw
his thoughts from it.
But around him were the thick gloomy walls
of the cell, and death, in some horrible form,
before him on tomorrow. And he sank down
down into deep, black depths. Doubts and
fears came crowding thick and fast upon him.
The light faded away. His joys all fled. His
cell became as a dark, dismal dungeon of des-
pair and out of the horrid depths he cried:
81 bow! l renounce my faith - and he
rolled over on his back with a loud, despairing
groad.
ssAh my noble friend, what is that thou
sayest ?'' said a low, deep, trembling voice.
Valens started, opened his eyes, and looked
up. j. tall form leaned over him, wrapped in
a long, loose, flowing gown. One Of the folds
was thrown over the head, and hung down like
veil over the face.
'SWhat is that thou sayest ~ again said the
tall, disguised form, with deep, heavy sigh.
cart thou a man ?'' said Valens trembling
", and raised himself partly up.
'.Thy old friend - and Prytheus fell on his
knees at his side, and embraced him in his
arms.
They both wept-wept sore.
s.Oh what shall do I'vc been tempted
tried. Alas my heart and my flesh were
about to fail me - said Valens, weeping bit
terly.
'.Cast thyself upon everlasting arms - said
Prythcus.
"Oh that vision that dream of the home
of my bright and sunny days - sighed Valens.
''Ah! my noble friend, think of your home
in the bright, starry skies; think of that eter-
nal city-of those golden streets-of that un-
fading crown +; yea, bethink thysef tonight of
thy children in honor, glory, and Immortality;
and how soon, too, we'll all mingle our songs
and halelujah's together there, in sweet, un-
broken harmony forevcr!''
''Yes, yes;" sighed Yalens; s.true, true %
land coudst thou,-Ol couldst thou deny
that dear, blessed Jesus who bought you with
his blood and for a few days of bitter anguish,
barter away the life to come 20
There was silence. Nothing was heard but
the groanings and intercessions of the holy
man.
ssNever! never - at length exclaimed Va
lens, vehemeutly s<no, dear, blessed Jesus
| never will deny thee I'll die in the faith.
o my worthy, old friend, God has directed
thy steps hither tonight. Blessed be his holy
name.''
eyes, praise him-bless him; cast thyself
! -
"It's all we'll again all peace and joy :"
and YalenS threw his arms around the neck of
his old friend.
The door of the cell quickly closed; and,
in a moment, Prytheus was hurrying cautious
| ly up along the dark, narrow streets.
He had learned the condition of Valens,-
| of his death on tomorrow; and he had resolv-
| ed to see and embrace him once more, at the
| peril of his life. The guard: supposing him
some one sent by the Emperor, had conducted
| him to the door of his cell, asking no ques-
| tions.
North at some distance from the Forum,
stood an Amphitheatre. This building
| of vast dimensions, oval-shaped, and designed
for the shows of gladiators and wild beasts
These latter were kept in dens around the CEN
tire or arena and elevated above WHICH, the
seats for the spectators rose in circular rows
or tiers, rising gradually back to the walls
! On one side, a sort of box or platform, elevat-
| ed above the seats, projected, and covered
with canopy OF state, and otherwise adorned.
This was designed for the Emperor, nagis-
/ trates, and few select senators. A magnif-
] cent portieo, supported by arches, surrounded