Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-03-21

2 IflS was aienS -IfSt appeiIttieS ooioic tiio
Emperor, the day after his arrest -.
1t is Iight--iust u O'Clock. Let US take a
peep into the little cell, with its damp, black,
monldy walls.
Yalens is standing, proudly erect. His
breast. is heaving with its smothered fres.-
There is a curl of Indignation on his lips, and
yet look of pity in. his dark. cleaning eyes.
Bofere him are standing two men of rank
bribed Senators of the Emperor-with smooth,
oily tongues, but black, bloody hearts. They
are trying all their arts to induce him to re-
nounce his faith. H.. za
ssThe Emperor promises. You promotion"
ssThe promotion I desire is neither in the
EnperorIs power to bestow or withold.''
esYou shall be made Governor of one of his
Provinces.''
seA martyrs death is the honor to which
aspire.'' -:
The two Senators gritithei teeth, and look
ed at each other.
2. ssSuch a dealt, becomes a fool,-not man
of rank said one of the Senators.
ssYou viii do me favor to leave me alone,"
said Valens, kindly. ssThelittle time / have
to live, wish to myself.'i
ssYou'u cut figure before the Emperor, to-
morrow,-wont you ?'' said the other Senator,
tauntingly, and with dry laugh.
GAS God wills"
'sCome, come now renounce the cursed
faith. Here-worship hiis ~ said the first
Senator. whningly, and, at the same time, un-
folding !, small plaster image from his robe,
set it before him.
Yalens could scarce restrain hisindignation.
He east look of scorn at the image; and then
fixing his flashing ayes on the Senators, said
s:Begone L pity you-I forgive you;' and
turning aside, bowed his head against the
damp, black wall, and thought of Jesus.
Giles fol- said one of the Senators, as
they groped their way from the cell, along the
dark. narrow, vauited passage, to the door of
the Tower.
ssIt's pity said the other; 'sbut he de-
serves il, and the Emperor's orders shall be
obeyed."
eyes certqinly;' said the other.
As they reached the door, they spoke few.
words in low voice, to four rutfian-looking
soldiers, who stood directly inside the passage.
and whose countenances glowed demoniacly
in the dim glare Of the lamp which one of
them held in his hand.
ssSee that you execute his orders exactly >"
said one of the Senators.
s.Without finching, too - said the other.
.Yes-sartialy,'' growled the soldiers, as
the two senators closed the door behind them,
and went their way.
Horrid! The blood is streaming from his
hands, and down over his neck and shoulders.
The thumbs and cars are completely severed,
and lie in the corner Of the cell. The four
soldiers had 'obeyed orders-done their work
speedily and lcaH half an hour ago
Poor Yalens! The old, oily lamp is burn
ing dimly in the cell. The air of the place is
filled with a damp, -sickening stencil. There
is no kind, plying hand to staunch the blood,
and bind up the fresh wounds, no loving Va
lencia, to bend her light, graceful form over
him,--to minister with her softsready hands,
to smooth back the black curling hair from
the broad, sweaty forehead, or bathe the throb-
bing temples. seos ~ @
Mono; bat see!-the poor man, has torn
broad strip from the skirt of,his robe, and,
it tightly around his wounded head. 1t is
done and the blood has ceased TO flow. Other
strips are torn off, and with these he is care
fully tying up his hands, so that the strips
several times cross the lacerated stumpS and
although the blood is gradually widening its
circle on the outside of the folds, yet it is not
flowing so freely.
All! Valencia; couldst thou sce,-didSt
thou know. Happy thing, that we were not
made with omnipresence! And thou, Verti-
tia couldst thou now see that poor, dear, low
ing father! But thine own trials are full
enough for heart and flesh. ssF s.ed3 Sc
But. see again Valens is on his knees
His eyes are up-Iifted. His hands are stretch
ed out towards heaven. His face is pale and
spotted with blood but there is a bright, joy
Gus smile playing over his features. Visions
of glory are passing before him. Fiducia's
light, transparent form is at his side, and her
tender, loving arms encircle his neck. Angels
are nlinistering unto him; and Jesus with q
crown of thorns on his head, is TRANSPORTED
before him ;sand the joyons exclamation has
iist fallen fromlthe lips of tValens: Gar3q yag
-7 s.I rejoice, thatI am counted worthy to suf-
fer for thy sake - ,,fs srsa .,,-e
On the morrow, Valens was a second time
brought before the Emperor. If any thing,
the hall of the court was more densely hlled,
and the sprinkling Of Senators and nobility
greater. eEe1 .He go - - ssa
The Emperor has an uneasy, anxious look ;
but in the giances of his gray, bleary eyes
there is more fendish cruelty visible. In
fact. there might be read in his looks q nations